Geelong Indy - 6th March 2026

FREEDIGITALEDITION

Red

and Yellow Day

The Geelong community donned red and yellow this week to celebrate the region’s volunteer surf lifesavers.

Surf Life Saving Australia held its first-ever Red and Yellow Day on 4 March to recognise the volunteers who give their time to help keep the community safe.

During the day, members of the public were encouraged to wear red and yellow, donate to the Red and Yellow Day Appeal, share vital water safety messages, or join their local surf lifesaving club.

Lani Strahan and her dad Simon (pictured) volunteer their time with Torquay Surf Life Saving Club and was among the many surf lifesavers celebrated on the day.

Despite the best efforts of volunteer lifesavers and paid lifeguards, 18 people have drowned in Victoria since the beginning of summer, while this is down on record numbers in previous seasons, one drowning is one too many.

Turn to page 12 for the full story.

Bank merger vote

By Matt Hewson

Geelong’s own customer-owned banking institution is one step closer to effecting a merger with one of Australia’s fastest-growingbanks.

Geelong Bank and Hume Bank have announced they received approval from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) last week to take their proposed merger to a vote of Geelong Bankmembers.

The two customer-owned banks signed a memorandum of understanding to explore a merger in August last year, with the boards of both institutions endorsing themergerinNovember.

If the merger meets with members’

approvalitwouldcreateoneofthelargest regional customer-owned banks in the country,with$2.4binassets,16branches, more than 60,000 customers and about 200staff

Geelong Bank chief executive Graham Fryer said the merger was a strategic decision to secure the sustainability andstrengthofcustomer-ownedbanking in the Geelong region for decades to come.

“This is an exciting step for the future of Geelong Bank and its members. In Hume Bank we have found another customer-ownedbankwithdeepregional rootsandafocusoncommunityimpact.

“I’m thrilled we have received APRA approval - we now look forward to taking

the proposed merger with Hume Bank to ourmembersfortheirendorsement.

“The merger will provide considerable benefits to Geelong Bank members includingaccesstothefullsuiteofHume Bank’s products, covering everything from business accounts to insurance and credit cards. Geelong Bank members will form a meaningful part of the merged entity and the Geelong Bank name, branchandstaffwillberetained.”

Hume Bank chief executive Stephen Capello said the most significant benefit ofthemergerwastheopportunitytobuild a stronger, future-ready foundation for bothbanks.

“This merger brings together two successful, values-aligned

customer-owned banks to create a stronger platform for our members. Greater scale and resilience will allow us to invest more in technology, product innovation and capability, delivering an even better banking experience, now and intothefuture.

“Hume Bank and Geelong Bank share a deep commitment to community. Together, we will be stronger, more sustainableandbetterpositionedtomake a meaningful difference for our members andtheregionalcommunitiesweserve.”

Geelong Bank will provide members with an information booklet, with voting to begin immediately and the outcome to be announced at a special general meetingon19March.

Bus review begins

By Matt Hewson

The state government has opened dialogue with the community about what they want from bus services in the wider Geelong region.

Labor’s community consultation to inform a review of the region’s bus network is open from this week until Saturday 12 April online and via pop-up sessions around the region.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said as Geelong continued to grow, the public transport needed to grow with it.

“People need to get where they want to go, and this is a real opportunity for the Greater Geelong community to shape what comes next,” she said.

“I encourage people to have their say during this public consultation”

Minister for public and active transport

Gabrielle Williams said regional communities “deserve bus services that keep up with how they live, work and travel today”

“This is about listening to locals and building a bus network that works better for Geelong and the Bellarine,” she said.

The review follows weeks of public calls from students, families and school leaders for the Victorian government to increase the capacity of local school bus services.

St Joseph’s College principal Tony Paatsch also highlighted the dangers associated with students standing in bus aisles due to high demand.

“We’ve got a 72-seater bus allocated as one of the primary Ocean Grove buses, and it can only seat around 50,” he said.

“So there are 25-plus students standing in the aisle as it travels down the Bellarine Highway.

“While that’s legal, we don’t believe that’s

safe.”

GeelongmayorStretchKonteljalsowrote to minister for public transport Gabrielle Williams last month, citing “consistent” and “increasingly urgent” concerns about overcrowding and capacity shortfalls.

Labor also announced on Friday that new bus services to Avalon Airport will be available starting this month.

From Sunday 15 March, a new route between Lara Station and Avalon will connect workers and passengers directly to the Geelong line seven days a week.

“Avalon’s growth has been extraordinary, and this bus service makes sure local families can access the jobs and travel options being created right here in our backyard,” member for Lara Ella George said.

Visit engage.vic.gov.au/geelong-bus for full details about the Geelong bus review from Tuesday 3 March.

Chryslers make a return to Corio Bay

Chryslers by the Bay will return to Geelong for a great day of classic cars while fundraising for a good cause.

Bay City Chrysler Car Club will host the static car show on Sunday 8 March to help raise money for the Wheel4MND charity.

President David McNamara said people could expect to see close to 200 cars on display during the car show.

“On the day of the show, everyone comes in, parks their cars, and walks around while looking at all the cars,” he

said.

“In a way, it’s a bit of nostalgia for some of the older folks, because they can see some of the cars that either they grew up with or their parents drove.”

Mr McNamara said he was always

“amazed at what people have in their garages” and that he hoped everyone had a good day.

“I have a 1973 Dodge Challenger, which I call my toy, and it’s a great car to drive around in, and it’s a bit of fun to drive,” he said.

Aquatic centre stage 2 works underway

Stage2worksontheNorthBellarineAquatic Centre redevelopment have begun, but the publicwillstillnotbeabletoaccessthefacility until later in the year.

Theredevelopmentwillincludea25-metre indoor pool with eight lanes and access ramp; warm-water pool with access ramp; accessible change rooms; first-aid room; gym and group fitness rooms; foyer, reception, administration and office; cafe with seating; landscaping and pathways; extended car park with accessible spaces; and refurbishment of the entry pavilion.

City of Greater Geelong has rerouted access to the 50-metre outdoor pool through an alternate entrance.

The outdoor pool is open until mid- to late April, but will close until mid-October until the redevelopment is completed.

Council, state, federal and community representatives toured construction activities last week.

“Construction is an exciting milestone for our community, as we see this project come to life and deliver a fully accessible, year-round aquatic facility for Bellarine residents,”MemberforBellarineAlisonMarchant said.

“I can’t wait to see the community come together and make the most of these incredible new indoor spaces.”

Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker MP said locals across the Bellarine were excited to see construction of the stage two facility well underway.

Stage 2 is funded by the federal government ($20 million under the Priority Community Infrastructure Program), state government ($20 million) and City of Greater Geelong (up to $300,000).

Calling the curious

Geelong’s peak tourism body has launched a new campaign intended to entice the “unexpected moments, makers and experiences on offer” in the region.

Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine’s (TGGB) new Curious is Calling launched last week at an industry event at The Royal in Queenscliff, and will continue to roll out in the coming weeks.

According to Tourism Research Australia, from December 2020 to December 2024, domestic visitors to Geelong and the Bellarine increased by 20 per cent, nearly 5 per cent more than the rest of Victoria.

The new campaign attempts to capitalise that growth by capturing “the curiosity of intrastate and interstate travellers through scroll-stopping digital assets that tap into the sense of exploration and discovery”.

“Geelong and The Bellarine continues to be a surprising and memorable destination, with one-of-a-kind activities and experiences you won’t find anywhere else,” TGGB executive director Tracy Carter said.

“This campaign tickles the curiosity in us all to look a little closer to uncover that there is much more to this region than what first glances might suggest.”

“I’m looking forward to everyone having a good day and seeing how much we can raise for the charity...and the love people put into their cars.

“You always see people walking around with smiles on their faces, looking at the old cars, and everyone puts in anefforttomakesuretheircarsareintiptop shape.”

Chryslers by the Bay Car Show will be held from 7.30am to 3.30pm at Geelong Baptist College, with spectator entry by a gold coin donation.

“Curious is Calling will serve as our always-on marketing campaign over the next few years, driving brand awareness and encouraging visitation, stays and spend in Geelong and The Bellarine.”

TGGB is delivering the campaign in partnership with Melbourne-based Balance Agency.

Balance Agency’s David Gullotti said the intent was to “create a campaign that felt like the region itself: unexpected, layered and full of discovery and curiosity.”

David McNamara, Colin Hacking and Frank Versace are looking forward to Chryslers by the Bay. (Ivan Kemp) 537589_05

River rowing action

By Jena Carr

The pinnacle of schoolgirl rowing will return to the Barwon River for three days of thrilling competition and camaraderie.

Thousands of girls from across the state will compete in Year 9, Year 10 and Open age group racing during the Head of the School Girls Regatta next week.

Committee president Alison Henricus said she was looking forward to seeing the races unfold each day from 13 to 15 March.

“It’s going to be another great event this year, so we’ve got over 3000 athletes competing, and it will be over three days on the Barwon River,” she said.

“We’vegot41differentevents,andwe’ve got over 40 Victorian schools represented at the regatta, so it’s really significant with such a cross-section of schools involved.”

Ms Henricus said the regatta was more than a sporting event, but rather a celebration of athletic excellence, teamwork and school spirit.

“Rowing develops so many life skills around organisation, resilience, and the capacity to push yourself both physically and in terms of training hours,” she said.

“For the majority of crews racing, this is essentially the highlight of their season andwhatthey’veworkedtowardsthrough months of training.

“Results are one aspect, but the premise of our regatta is that overall experience, participation, getting out there, and just putting your best performance forward.”

The Head of the School Girls Regatta races are open to the community to watch for free and will be live-streamed on Rowing Victoria’s website.

Surf Coast plan on track mid-year

Surf Coast Shire Council is delivering strong progress during the half-year mark of its Council Plan, with six initiatives already completed.

The Council Plan 2025-2029 set the strategic direction and outlined how council would deliver the community’s 10-Year Community Vision.

Mayor Libby Stapleton said the half-year report covered council’s performance to 31 January this year and identified 43 key initiatives for 2025-26, with six completed, 33 on track and four being monitored.

“Public health and wellbeing remain central to our work, with the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan formally integrated into the Council Plan,” she said.

“Sixmonthsintotheplanandalmost 90 per cent of our Year 1 initiatives are progressing as planned or completed, and we are already seeing tangible benefits flowing to our community.

“Our Council Plan isn’t a document that’s just filed away on a shelf; it guides most of what we do, and these Action Plan progress reports will help keep us on track and accountable over its four-year life span.”

Completed initiatives included delivery of the Community Grants Program and Surf Coast Arts Trail, SocialInfrastructurePlanfinalisation, new synthetic Torquay hockey field construction, Service Review Policy development and Anglesea community plan development.

Kardinia College Eliza Jenkins won her quarter final in the senior division 1 single sculls during last year’s regatta. (Ivan Kemp) 465176_06

Bounce into sport festival

By Jena Carr

GMHBA Stadium will open to the public, allowing people to explore the various sports available across Greater Geelong during a free community event.

The Festival of Sport will bring together more than 30 sports and activities at Kardinia Park for the festival’s sixth year on Friday 6 March.

Kardinia Park community strategy and projects manager Kirsten Blake said people would be able to try a range of sports, including football, soccer, cricket and tennis.

(Supplied)

Geelong gets jazzy

By Matt Hewson

Geelong’s first jazz and blues festival in 40 years is set to kick off on 14 and 15 March.

With 40 artists performing in five central Geelong venues across two days, the Geelong Jazz and Blues Festival brings together international trailblazers, Australia’s best jazz and blues exponents and local emerging talent.

Festival founder and secretary Felix Blatt said the festival, which is completely fundedbyticketsalesandprivatesponsors, was all about the Geelong community, which included audiences, venue owners and performers.

“Little Malop Street business owners are just clamouring for it; the city needs it,” he said.

“We have a street band that will be on SaturdayandSundaythatwillbecalledthe Northside Collective, which is some people from Corio, North Geelong, including Wayne Jury.

“The community wants it, we’re supporting community bands…It’s all about bringing a bit of life into the town.”

In addition to emerging local talent such as the Jazz Apprentices, the Pearly Reds Blues Band, the festival will feature legendary South African drummer Brian Abrahams and his Afrospace Interchange and Indonesian-born pianist Ade Ish. Other well-known performers include blues legend Fiona Boyes, John Scurry’s acclaimed band Reverse Swing, bassist/ vocalistSweetFelicia,virtuosicimprovisers Checkerboard Lounge and the Bellarine’s own ukulele queen Sarah Carroll.

Australian jazz master Bob Sedergreen will also perform at a special concert on Saturday night at the Courthouse, joined by bassist Clive Harrison and drummer Mark Voogd.

Visit geelongjazzandblues.com.au for tickets and more information.

“I like the idea of having the stadium open, a bit like an open day, and people can have an opportunity they wouldn’t normally have,” she said.

“People can expect lots of different opportunities to get hands-on and try something new...and there are over 30 different things to try and do.

“I’m really looking forward to opening up the oval again to our community, as it’s a really unique experience to be able to get on the playing field of GMHBA Stadium.

“They’ll actually be on there before the Geelong Cats have their first match of the year, so it’s a really unique experience...

and we also have lots of activities for all ages and abilities.

“We have a lot of adapted sports represented at the festival too, like parallel sports where people can have a go at some wheelchair rugby or basketball.”

Festival of Sport at Kardinia Park will be held from 5pm to 8pm, with entertainment and food trucks also available during the event in Djilang Plaza and throughout the precinct.

More than 30 activators will showcase their sports at this year’s Festival of Sport at Kardinia Park. (Supplied)

Australian Jazz Hall of Famer Bob Sedergreen will feature at the Geelong Jazz and Blues Festival.

Fort sale opposition

By Jena Carr

The Queenscliff community is continuing to fight against the potential sale of Fort Queenscliff, with many residents forming a human barricade around the heritage facility.

Senator Sarah Henderson held a protest with community members on 1 March against the federal government’s proposed sale of Fort Queenscliff and other defence facilities across Geelong, including Swan Island golf course, Newland Barracks and a Newtown Air Force cadets training facility.

“This decision, without any consultation, shows contempt for our heritage, our region and Australia’s defence capability,” Senator Henderson said.

“Fort Queenscliff is one of Victoria’s most important historic sites and one of

the largest and best preserved forts in the country.”

Queenscliff Community Association president David Connoley said Fort Queenscliff“shouldn’tbecomeapoliticalfootball”

“It’s not a house or an apartment sale; this is 160 years of heritage, so...I’m sure it’s going to be a long saga,” he said.

“Because Swan Bay and the fort are Commonwealth heritage listed, that imposes a whole set of legislative restrictions on future uses of the sites.

“We’d like to know the extent of the heritage listing, what that entails for any potential future buyer and whether the government is obligated to actually fix the buildings so that they are saleable.”

A Department of Defence spokesperson said a Defence Estate Audit found that the Fort did not meet contemporary operation-

al and capability requirements as it was “large, ageing and unsustainable”

“Defence will engage key historical organisations and community groups to best preserve and honour our military history as part of the divestment process,” they said.

A spokesperson for deputy prime minister and defence minister Richard Marles said the decision to divest 67 sites was a “hard decision” to make, but the “right thing to do in the national interest”

“Many defence sites have served Australians proudly, hold great sentimental value, and are a reminder of our past sacrifices and achievements,” they said.

“The Defence Estate Audit made clear that to maintain buildings that are not fit-for-purpose and not being used for their original intention, will cost in excess of $2 billion over the next 25 years.”

Mayor’s brother chosen to be his deputy

Eddy Kontelj has been elected as City of Greater Geelong’s deputy mayor to serve alongside older brother and mayor Stretch Kontelj until at least November.

Eddy Kontelj defeated councillor Elise Wilkinson in a vote on Tuesday 3 March following the resignation of Ron Nelson. He will serve as deputy until November when council will vote on both the mayor and deputy mayor positions.

The Hamlyn Heights Ward councillor has served as a councillor for almost 15 years during two stints from March 2010

to April 2016 and from November 2017 to now.

“Tothecommunity,thankyoufortrusting in me since 2010,” Eddy Kontelj said.

“To represent you at council in this chamber is one of the greatest honours of my life. It’s not something I take lightly. I am extremely proud and will do the best possible job for the community.

“I certainly feel like today I’m in the strongest position I’ve ever been in to take on deputy mayor, both in capacity and capability.

“In those almost 15 years I’ve held almost every portfolio that we have. I’ve worked closely with nine deputy mayors andeightmayors.I’dliketothinkI’vebeen asignificantcontributorandI’velearneda lot about civic leadership in that time.”

Eddy Kontelj chairs the Arts & Culture, Hospitality&LiveEntertainmentportfolio and the Sports & Recreation portfolio. He represents council on the Geelong Major Events Delegated Committee, the Planning Committee, the Submissions Review Panel and the Geelong Art Gallery board.

Reduced fees an incentive for keeping cats indoors 24/7

Having failed to introduce blanket 24-hour cat curfew last year, Geelong council has changed tack.

Focusing on the carrot rather than the stick, the City of Greater Geelong is offering cat owners a discount of at least 50 per cent on pet registration if they commit to containing their feline friends.

The move to increase cat containment aligns with the Victorian cat management strategy, which notes that indoor contained cats generally have longer lifespans, suffer less disease and trauma from traffic collisions and cost less in vet bills.

Increased cat containment also leads to less public nuisance and a reduced impact on native wildlife, as well as lowering the pressure on local animal shelters.

While the complete containment option is voluntary, the existing dusk-to-

dawn curfew will remain in effect for all cats.

Anthony Basford, Executive Director City Life said cat owners would spot changes to their annual notices from this month onward.

“Registration is an important part of protecting cats and ensuring that lost pets are reunited with their owners, while keepingthemsafelycontainedhelpsthem have healthier lives,” he said.

“We know community members want the best for their cats and our containment incentive and free year of registration offer go towards helping to support responsible ownership.

“Increased registration fees reflect rising fees from the Victorian Government and the growing costs of our services, such as responding to nuisance cat com-

Pick up a stick and give hockey a go

Young field hockey enthusiasts will get the chance to try out the dynamic sport in Geelong this month.

Geelong Saints Hockey Club is encouraging youngsters to pick up a stick and have a go at three four sessions through the Stick with Hockey program.

Itfeaturessessionswithdedicatedcoachesinafriendlyandsupportiveenvironment.

The club received a City of Greater Geelong community grant to run the sessions, with hockey sticks and shinpads available to borrow so there are no upfront costs.

Saints president Sam Climpson said the grant was to support inclusion, health and wellbeinginthecommunity,sotheclubwas keen to remove any barriers for kids having a go at hockey.

“We want to run the sessions with zero upfront costs for parents and carers, so there’s no registration costs and we’re supplying equipment, coaches and food afterwards,” he said.

“The kids might find they love hockey and join us for the winter season. Or they might just want to try it for the four weeks.”

Mr Climpson said the club had appointedtwodedicatedcoachesfromthewomen’s senior teams to run the sessions.

“We would like to see more girls having a go at hockey and these sessions are the perfect time to try,” he said.

plaints, trapping and reunification.”

Councillor Chris Burson, chair of the council’s safety, graffiti and regulation portfolio, said the ‘paws indoors, fees down’ commitment recognised the positive role responsible owners played in reducing roaming behaviour.

“Indoor cats live safer and healthier lives and the savings on registration are an added bonus,” he said.

“Owners of roaming cats face 400 per cent higher vet bills compared to contained cats because of attacks from other cats and dogs, accidents with cars and mishaps on the street.

“In fact, fractures caused by road accidents are one of the top five reasons cats attendthevet,withanaveragebillof$836.”

Visit geelong.link/registerapet for more information on pet registration.

MrClimpsonsaiditwasagreattimetobe involved in hockey with the redevelopment of Stead Park and the new pitch opening at Torquay.

“We’re expecting to see increasing interest in hockey and we’re keen to help Hockey Geelong reach its goal of 1200 participants,” Mr Climpson said.

“Hockey can be a lifelong sport and juniors is a great place to start.”

The sessions are at Geelong Hockey Centre, Stead Park, from 5pm to 6pm on Wednesday March 11, 18 and 25 with one session held on 4 March before the Independent went to print.

RSVP to saints.recruitment@hotmail. com for catering or more information.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj (left) and new deputy mayor Eddy Kontelj. (supplied)

Audrey Beckley loves hockey at Geelong Saints. (supplied)

Heading to Moomba Festival or the F1 Grand Prix?

Victoria’s Big Build works continue across the state with road disruptions on Clyde Road and the Eastern and Princes freeways. These works could impact your travel into Melbourne to attend the F1 Grand Prix or Moomba Festival.

Eastern Fwy citybound lanes between Doncaster Rd and Bulleen Rd split into two sections with reduced speeds

Until late 2026

Point Cook Rd entry ramp to Princes Fwy closed Geelong-bound

Early March

Avoid delays and check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

Clyde Rd reduced to one lane in both directions between Enterprise Ave and Princes Fwy

Until mid 2026

BERWICK

Bulleen DONCASTER

Empowering young voices

By Matt Hewson

Girls from nearly 20 schools across country Victoria gathered to launch the Be Bold Be Heard program this week at GMHBA Stadium.

North Geelong Secondary College assistant principal and program co-founder Brad Headlam said the program focused on empowering students to “design and make change in their own school or community context”

“We support them in developing their own voices by giving them an action plan, coaching them and advising them,” he said.

“Over the course of four forums, we bring their capacity to collaborate and engage to a new level, then they go back to their schools and keep the changes occurring.”

That ethos of empowering the students found expression in the structure of the program itself. Mr Headlam said original-

ly he had clear ideas on the program’s design, but from the beginning the students themselves set the agenda.

“I had certain data I wanted to change in our school, but it was actually the girls who took the direction and we went from there,” he said.

“And most of the stuff I wanted to happen - girls speaking up in classrooms and being involved in their own learning pathways - has happened indirectly over time.”

Former participant and current Be Bold Be Heard committee member Annabelle Lane graduated last year as Geelong High School captain.

She said her journey through the program had helped her “be myself, be authentic, be bold and brave”

“When I was younger I was always thinking about everything that could go wrong…but this program showed me obstacles are meant to teach you lessons that will push you to be the person you’re meant to be,” she said.

Water storage levels continue to drop across the region

The region’s water management company has called on community members to rethink their water usage at home.

Barwon Water encouraged people to “make every drop count” to help reduce water demand and protect water storage levels during dry periods.

At the end of 2025 Geelong’s water storage was at the lowest recorded level at that time of year since 2009.

Since then, levels have since fallen even further to just 39.5 per cent on 23 February.

The drop mirrors conditions around the state, with average water storage levels in Victoria about 17 per cent lower than they were in February last year.

Barwon Water managing director Shaun Cumming encouraged households and businesses to use water wisely and consider the collective impact that small actions can make.

and

“Everything that makes our region a great place to live and visit, depends on a healthy, safe and reliable water supply,” Mr Cumming said.

“We can all make a difference by making simple changes, such as taking shorter showers, washing clothes and dishes with full loads, and not watering the garden in the heat of the day.

“While we continue to invest in increasing the capacity of our system, small actions in our households all add up and help keep our water storages sustainable. If we each do a little, collectively we can achieve a lot.” Visit barwonwater.vic.gov.au/pwsr for more information on the permanent water saving rules in place in the Barwon region and barwonwater.vic.gov.au/saving-water for water saving rebates, programs and tips.

Keynote speaker Annabelle Lane and Be Bold Be Heard vice-president Maddie Solly, who is also a teacher at North Geelong High School. (Ivan Kemp) 538130_06

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

SCAN ME

CITYNEWS

Come along to a listening post and have your say.

HELP SHAPE GEELONG'S FUTURE

Last chance to register for our 2026–27 Budget Community Panel, with applications closing Sunday 8 March.The panel will bring together a diverse group of residents to provide considered input as part of our new, earlier budget development process. You can also share your thoughts at councillor listening posts being held across the region, including this Saturday from 11.00am–1.00pm at Corio Village Shopping Centre and this Sunday from 10.00am–2.00pm at Lara Market.

To join the panel, view all listening post locations or complete the online survey, visit geelong.link/2026-27Budget

GEAR UP FOR RIDE2SCHOOL DAY

We’re encouraging students, parents and school communities across our region to get ready for National Ride2School Day on Friday 20 March.

Run nationwide by Bicycle Network, the Ride2School program helps schools inspire more students to ride, walk, scoot or skate as part of their daily trip to and from school.

We’re proud to support active travel and the many benefits it brings — healthier kids, safer streets and stronger school communities. Find simple tips and helpful resources to get started at geelong.link/SchoolActiveTravel

TRAFFIC CHANGES

AFL Round 1 Geelong v Fremantle

•Saturday 14 March

•Road closure - Moorabool Street from 3.15pm–4.30pm and 6.30pm–7.15pm.

Additional changed traffic conditions will be in place for the game.

Event info: geelong.link/AFL-R1

Head of the Schoolgirls Rowing Regatta

•Friday 13 – Sunday 15 March

•Road closure - Barrabool Road (eastbound towards Moorabool Street) between Quarry Close and High Street.

•Limited parking along Barwon River and surrounding areas.

•Changed traffic conditions in the areas surrounding the Barwon River - Bob Morell Reserve, Belmont Park Reserve, Barwon Terrace, Latrobe Terrace.

Event info: geelong.link/HOSGRegatta

GEELONG MAJOR EVENTS COMMITTEE

We’re seeking applications from people with experience relevant to the events, arts or sports sectors to fill three external committee member positions, for a four-year term commencing July 2026 and expiring May 2030. The committee works to support the growth of existing events and proactively search for and acquire new events for the region. The committee meets bi-monthly, positions are voluntary.

Visit geelong.link/GME for more information or to apply by 5.00pm Friday 27 March.

SIGN UP FOR CITY NEWS

Keep up to date by subscribing to our digital version and receive your copy straight to your inbox.

Register now: geelong.link/CityNews

INDOORS, FEES

Sign the indoor cat confinement commitment and receive at least 50 per cent off your cat’s registration renewal.

Q: How many breeding pairs of the endangered Hooded Plover (Hoodie) do we have on the Bellarine?

a)10

b) 14

c)36

A: See base of page

There are only 750 Hoodies left in Victoria, so our local breeding pairs are so important. Do your bit to help them survive, keep your dogs on leash on beaches where signed. More info: geelong.link/HoodedPloverBreeding

DID YOU KNOW?

We have free Vape Prevention resources, designed by local young people, and created to support their peers. Visit: geelong.link/YouthVapePrevention

Photo: Glenn Ehmke

A new lease on life

When mother of four Lynda separated from her partner 10 years ago she had no idea of the challenges that lay ahead.

At the time Lynda, then 54, was working full-time in disability services and receiving the disability support pension due to lifelong cerebral palsy.

“I could work, disability was paying good money, so I could support myself,” she said.

“I was quite okay for a while, but then the pain(fromcerebralpalsy)justgottoomuch and I couldn’t work anymore.

“When I stopped working I was paying $250 a week in rent, but not long after they put the rent up to $270. I knew that would be an ongoing issue; rent goes up.

“Then I sold the property I had owned with my ex-partner and I had some money. But when you stop work, you don’t get anymore money; I needed to secure my future.”

In 2024, Lynda made a decision to protect her future, her independence and her mental health; she entered retirement living at 62 years of age, buying a unit at a retirement village in Marshall.

Lyndasaidithadbeenadifficultdecision to make, but one that was made easier due to the fact her 90-year-old mother was living there.

“Because I’ve got cerebral palsy, I needed somewhere that was flat and accessible, and the unit had to be safe,” she said.

“When one of the units here became available I thought I’d just better take it. There aren’t a lot of places in Geelong with affordable one-bedroom units.

Mercy Place Retirement Village manager Sally Doodt said stories like Lynda’s were becoming more and more common among women in their 50s and early 60s.

“Most of the recent move-ins that I’ve

done have been single women,” she said.

“They might have been separated, or in a rental situation where they don’t think that they will ever be able to afford to buy a house again or work off a mortgage.

“Because of the rental crisis, people are now turning to retirement villages at a younger age than we’ve seen previously. Now there are many more people aged between 55 and 65; before that people movinginwereusuallybetween75and85.”

Lynda said she thought more people

should consider moving into aged care “earlier than later”.

“It gets a lot harder as you get older…so the earlier you get in, the better,” she said.

“I feel so much more at peace knowing my kids won’t have to worry about where I’ll end up. I’m not a burden and I’ve built a community here. I’m talking to more people now than I ever did when I was working. It keeps my mental health good, and we laugh every day.”

Marles heralds howitzers

Anti-war protesters gathered outside deputy prime minister and member for Corio Richard Marles’ office just days after he attended Hanwha Defence’s Avalon manufacturing facility.

Mr Marles joined minister for industry and advanced manufacturing Colin Brooks and state member for Lara Ella George to witness the first AS9 Huntsman self-propelled howitzers roll off the production line at Avalon on Thursday 26 February.

The vehicles were manufactured as part of the Australian Army’s $1 billion LAND 8116 project at the Hanwha Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence (H-ACE). Alongside the state government’s $10 million Victorian Land Systems Fund

and Supply Chain Uplift program, which helps small and medium businesses join Hanwha Defence’s supply chain, the program will create more than 1000 direct jobs, according to Labor.

“This milestone cements Victoria’s position at the centre of Australia’s defence manufacturing capability, supporting highly skilled jobs, strengthening sovereign capability and driving long-term economic growth,” Mr Brooks said.

“Built right here in Victoria, these vehicles showcase the strength of Victoria’s advanced manufacturing industry, the expertise of our skilled workforce and the significant economic benefits of world-class production.”

On 1 March, protesters rallied outside Mr Marles’ Brougham Street electoral office, decrying Australia’s support of the US-Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend.

The rally was organised by peace organisation The Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN), which put out a statement on Monday.

IPAN chairperson Annette Brownlie called on prime minister Anthony Albanese to “unequivocally condemn” the recent bombing in Iran, in particular a strike that killed over 100 people, mostly children, at a school.

“This shocking loss of innocent life is a brutal escalation of an already illegal conflict and demands immediate

and forceful condemnation from the Australian government”, Ms Brownlie said.

“Australia’s complicity through the Pine Gap surveillance base, which provides intelligence gathering, targeting data for United States strikes, and missile defence, makes a clear and independent stance from our government even more urgent.

“We also call on the Australian government to condemn the Israeli bombing of Beirut which reportedly killed 31 people and injured 149.

“Attacking Iran is not a path to peace or stability, but a recipe for wider regional conflict and we call on the Australian government to clearly distance itself from this reckless course of action.”

Bellarine Agricultural Show pays tribute to working dogs

By Matt Hewson

The Bellarine Agricultural Show returns this Sunday 8 March for its 32nd instalment and this year it’s all about man’s best friend.

With the theme of All Things Working Dogs, the 2026 show, held at Portarlington Recreation Reserve, will feature the dog high jump competition, working cattle dog displays and the Howling Huskys sled dog demonstration team.

But canine attractions are only one part of the show’s celebration of regional life, according to committee member Andrea Clements.

“There’s something for everyone,

regardless of your age or stage,” she said.

“Beingaregionalshow,it’sgotthatlovely feel to it. We’ve got the kids trail, we’ve got the animals. There’s woodchopping, amazing demonstrators that show how to do all manner of handcrafts, for example.

“And when you’re ready to sit down, you can kick back on a hay bale, enjoy some music and have something to eat. You can watch the CFA demonstrate what they do, there are exhibitions - photography, artwork - so there really is something for everyone.”

Ms Clements is not just a committee member; she is also a volunteer, a judge for the handcraft sections and, as a local business owner, a sponsor of the show.

She said felt support from the entire Bellarine community.

“People from right across the Bellarine enter their goods, we’ve got the most amazing sponsors that are really quite diverse from across Geelong and the Bellarine,” she said. “It’s a very vibrant community of amazing people…I love that people are so strongly involved at all different levels of the show. It’s one of the things that makes a country show work.”

Visit bellarineshow.com.au for tickets and more information.

Lynda hasn’t looked back since moving in to a retirement village two years ago. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 538472_01 Inset: Linda with retirement village manager Sally Doodt. 538472_06

There’s fun for everyone at the Bellarine Show this weekend. (Trung Truong/Fat Fox Gallery)

Reimagining Lennon’s life

In a world of war, tension and uncertainty, local entertainer and historian Colin Mockett is “very proud” of his latest show.

Imagine, meticulously researched by Mockett and performed by him and accomplished guitarist Adam Parsons, traces the journey of Beatle John Lennon from carefree young rock and roll star to the searching soul who became an advocate for world peace - and penned what has been lauded as the most influential song of the 20th century.

“We start with a song, one song, which is Imagine,” Mockett said.

“In 1999 the BBC held a worldwide poll

over the internet to come up with a list of the best things of the 20th century; the best sportsman, best leader, the best artist, the best image.

“And we start with that list. And among these, a hands-down winner, not the least bit controversial, was the best song of the 20th century, which was Imagine.

“One of the early songs Lennon wrote was another ‘imagine’ one, ‘Imagine I’m in love with you’ (I’ll Get You). He wrote that when he was in his 20s, so we take that as the next song after Imagine, and then we trace the journey that he took to mature into writing the best song of the 20th century.”

Having researched, developed and performed more than 100 of these music history deep dives over the past 21 years, Mockett believes this latest show is one of his most pertinent to the world we live in.

“He was trying to bring peace to an American war in Asia,” he said. “We could do with a John Lennon now trying to bring peace to three different conflicts; two in the Middle East and one in Ukraine.”

Imagine is at the Bellarine Arts Centre (formerly the Potato Shed) on Tuesday 10 March. Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/ bellarineartscentre for tickets and

information.

Alt-rockers ready to launch at iconic Geelong venue

As for many up and coming bands around the region, the story of Bigfoot Sighting revolves around the Barwon Club band room.

So much so, the band’s vocalist and sometimes guitarist Joel Fletcher described the venue as “the centre of my universe”.

The alternative rock band is poised to launch their first EP Tape One at the iconic Geelong venue, an event that brings them full circle.

“We played our first gig there, so it’s really nicetohavethebookendsofTapeOnebeing (thatand)theEPreleaseattheBarwonClub as well,” Fletcher said.

Referringtothemselvesas“OceanGrove’s onlyexport”ontheirSpotifypage,theseeds of the band were planted in high school.

Four of the five members attended

KardiniaInternationalCollege,wherethree of them - Fletcher, guitarist Zach Parker and bassist Max Humphrey - played in the school’s band program together.

“There are these designated classes, so we were playing in the training band, woodwindandbrassinstruments,”Fletcher said.

“And then at lunchtime we’d go and play funny covers of Coldplay songs, stuff like that.”

After graduating in 2023, the trio stayed friends, and almost inevitably the idea of forming a band was thrown about.

Not long after the trio ran into an old friend at a service station - drummer Felix Walsh - and all of a sudden three became four.

“Then we started gigging, and I realised

that I’m probably not cut out for playing guitar and singing at the same time on stage,” Fletcher said.

“We were friends with (guitarist) Alfie (Mason), so we got him to sign on.”

The result is a alt-rock outfit that blends garage, emo, shoegaze and folk; as the band put it, “if it can be played alone in the dark on an acoustic guitar, it can be played by a five-piece band with cranked amps and stacked pedalboards”.

“It’satoughone…IfIhadtoputoursound into a sentence, I probably couldn’t, but we’reabigfanofwhinywhiteboys,Iguess,” Fletcher said.

“If we could sound like a band from 1994, that would be mission: success.”

Bigfoot Sighting launch Tape One at the Barwon Club on Friday 13 March.

To all those Unsinkable Guys out there –

You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the life jacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions.

But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men.

Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

RETHINK TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER UNSINKABLE GUY

Bellarine band Bigfoot Sighting launch their first EP next weekend. (Supplied)

more

Adam Parsons and Colin Mockett performing an earlier Beatles show. (Supplied)

We have a fantastically diverse bunch of humans who have volunteered their time to learn and watch the beaches for nothing in return - Dave MacGregor

Diving in to help save lives

Surflifesavingvolunteersareasdiverse asthebeachestheypatrol,buttheyall share a love for their communities.

Lani Strahan, 13, comes from a family of surf lifesavers and follows in the footsteps of her grandfather, father and uncle in patrolling with Torquay Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC).

“It’s good to be around people while... learning all the rescue skills, and it’s great to be on the go if anyone needs anything,” Lani said.

“You get to learn so much, not just about the water, but also about yourself and the different things you can do that you might not otherwise do on a daily basis.

“When you’re down here (on the beach), you want everyone to feel safe in the water, and if they need anything, they can always reach out, and we can be there with all the safety skills to rescue them.”

Lani has been part of the club since she joined the Nippers beach education program for children aged 5 to 14 and hopes to become a professional lifeguard in the future.

“It’s good to learn different things, like wherethewavesaregoingorwheretherips are and everything like that,” she said.

“There’s been one case where I’ve been a supporter in a rescue and I had to make sure that I was ready if extra help was needed.

“There was just a lot of water motion that day and a fair bit of swell, so we were just looking out across the water when we realised someone needed help.

“One of the other club members went out to save the person in trouble, while I was down by the water with a board, ready to go in case they did need extra help.

“So, it is just about making sure we’re all focusedandwatchingoutforanyone,sowe are trained to make sure we put the flags in certain spots, and if there are any rips, we know exactly where they are.”

Her dad Simon said he was proud to see Lani grow up with important water and surf lifesaving skills.

“When you live down by the ocean, you just want your kids to be comfortable and confident around the water,” he said.

“Starting on a lifesaver journey is a really good one because the skills you can get out of it can be transferred anywhere.

“My dad did CPR at a conference and saved someone’s life, so it just shows how transferable the skills are to any sort of environment you’re in.

“It’s fantastic now to look at the next generation coming through...and it’s certainly a great way for kids to be knowledgeable about things like rips and wave types.

“Most of the surf clubs around Australia are built on a family environment, with volunteers really wanting to give back and make sure everyone stays safe.”

Dave MacGregor, 47, began volunteering as a lifesaver with Ocean Grove SLSC when he moved to the region close to seven years ago.

“OceanGroveisalovelycommunity,and Iwantedtocontributetothatandvolunteer my time,” he said.

“I had two younger kids at the time, and I wanted to show them that you could do things without needing anything in return.”

Dave said volunteers were an important part of the club, with members ranging from young to old.

“The community within the club itself has been inviting, and it’s an extended family of mine now,” he said.

“It’s pretty amazing that we have a fantastically diverse bunch of humans who have volunteered their time to learn and watch the beaches for nothing in return.

“There are also so many different avenues that people can take to volunteer their time, and it makes you want to do more as well.

“Where I thought my path would lead when I started has been a completely different path, and the opportunity to grow in the club is there.

“I’m quite a big part of the club now as I’m not just a patroller, but I also coach Nippers,I’mthebuildingandmaintenance manager of the club, I’m a trainer, and I’m

also on a response team.”

Dave encourages anyone considering volunteering with their local SLSC to “take that step” and that he had enjoyed it.

“Sometimes things don’t happen in the water, and a lot of the time incidents happen out of the water,” he said.

“The patrolling season is quite short, but volunteers are living in the community and making the region safer throughout the year, not just on the beach.

“They are still capable of attending a situation at a shopping centre, car park, or within a business, as they are rescue-ready throughout the year.

“Any path that you want to take with surf lifesaving, there’s always help to get you there, and it’s so rewarding...and I don’t know of anyone who’s regretted it.

“It’s truly amazing what the club does and how the community can benefit, and I’m very proud to say that I’m a patrolling member of Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club.”

Surf Life Saving Australia held the first-ever Red and Yellow Day on 4 March to recognise the volunteers who give their time freely to keep the community safe in and around the water.

Life Saving Victoria chief executive Cath Greaves said it was a day where people were encouraged to wear red and yellow, donate to the Red and Yellow Day Appeal, share vital water-safety messages, or join their local club.

“Red and Yellow Day is a terrific opportunity for us all to show our gratitude and support, and I encourage everyone to get involved,” she said.

“Our volunteer lifesavers show outstanding dedication, skill and selflessness in giving their time and energy so Victorians and visitors can enjoy our waterways safely.”

The community is encouraged to remain vigilant around the water and help prevent tragic incidents by checking conditions before heading out into the water and swimming at patrolled locations.

Volunteer surf lifesavers across the country were celebrated this week during the first-ever Red and Yellow Day. Jena Carr speaks with volunteer surf lifesavers from Torquay and Ocean Grove about the role and why they encourage others to get involved.

Dave MacGregor is a volunteer surf lifesaver with Ocean Grove SLSC. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 538178_01

Lani Strahan is a third generation surf lifesaver at Torquay SLSC. 538088_07

International Women’s

Women leading the way at Destination Accessible

Destination Accessible is a women-led, social purpose for-profit business delivering accessible accommodation and disability support services across the GeelongandBellarineregions.

Formorethantwodecadesithasgrown from a boutique coastal accommodation providerintoaregionalleaderininclusive housing, supported independent living, and respite and emergency accommodation.

Today, the business plays a key role in advancinginclusivetourism,disability access, crisis accommodation support and gender-equitable leadership through purpose-built accessible homes, strong community partnerships and a values-drivenworkforce.

GuidedbyalocalCEO,COOandsenior team,DestinationAccessibleoperateswith a clear purpose: to provide high-quality, accessible homes and services while contributingtoasafer,moreinclusivelocal economy. Their leadership blends lived experience, professional expertise and deep community connection, a hallmark ofstrongregionalenterprise.

Women at the centre of leadership and growth: A defining feature of Destination Accessible is its all-women leadership team, shaping the business with a trauma-informed, collaborative and transparent approach. Their model of gender-equitable leadership is embedded across operations, decision making and workforce culture. This leadership approach demonstrates how women in business are driving innovation, building capability and strengthening local employmentinregionalVictoria.

Partnering for impact: Destination Accessible is not a DFV provider, however, as a social purpose business, it plays an important supportive role in the broader ecosystem. The team works closely with DFV organisations, disability advocates, educational institutions and local community organisations. These partnerships focus on improving access, safety and stability for people with disability who may face additional barriers. Through its purpose built accessible homes and short-term accommodation options, the business provides infrastructure that community partners can rely on when supporting individuals andfamilies.

Raising standards in the disability sector: Through its work across the region, Destination Accessible sees first-hand the importance of strong safeguards,consistentqualityandgreater accountability within the disability sector. The business advocates for clearer expectations of provider capability, stronger regulatory oversight, consistent and enforceable best practice standards, and improved protection for people with disability at risk of violence, neglect or exploitation. This advocacy reflects DestinationAccessible’scommitmenttoa systemwheresafety,rightsanddignityare protectedforall.

CelebratingInternationalWomen’sDay:

ThisInternationalWomen’sDay,onSunday 8March,DestinationAccessiblestandsas a powerful example of how women-led, social-purpose businesses strengthen regionaleconomieswhiledrivinginclusion andcommunitywellbeing. They are creating accessible, purpose-builthomes;deliveringdisability support services through a skilled local workforce; modelling gender-equitable leadership; partnering with organisations to improve community safety and access; andcontributingtoafairer,moreinclusive region.

DestinationAccessibledemonstratesthe impact women leaders can achieve when businesssuccessandsocialpurposework handinhand.

Chris Smith, Melonie Sheehan, Libby Darcy and Sharon King from Destination Accessible. (Ivan Kemp) 537471_07

International Women’s Day March 8

Women across the Bellarine are making a big impact

By Alison Marchant, Member for Bellarine

As the first Victorian parliament to achieve genderparity,wearedeliveringpoliciesand initiativesthatreflectthediverseneedsand interestsofourcommunity.

With women making up more than 50 percent of our cabinet, their leadership is shaping the changes we are driving, ensuring that women’s voices are at the forefrontofdecision-making.

Every day, I meet incredible women who give back to our community, volunteering theirtimeandenergytomaketheBellarine the best it can be. I also meet passionate businesswomen who have taken the leap to start their own ventures, building success from the ground up and strengthening our localeconomy.

Last year, the Minister for Small Business visited the Bellarine and participated in a roundtable discussion focused on women in small business across the region. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from local business owners about the challenges they face and to explore how the state government,throughBusinessVictoria,can bettersupportthemandtheirbusinesses.

The conversation covered a number of important areas, including red tape reform, workforce and skills development, finance and mentoring, technology, business growth, and the experiences of women in business.

I would like to sincerely thank Marie-Claire from Q-train, Leanne from Jericho Pottery, Amanda from Gemaxis, MelfromDucksNuts,BiancafromBellarine Tan and Glam and Nexus Excavation, Mira from St Leonards Hairdressing and Alyssa

from Bellarine Wholefoods, who took time out of their busy schedules to meet with the ministerandI.

A very big thank you also to Sarah from Bellarine Smokehouse and Providore in Drysdaleforprovidingabeautifulvenuefor theevent.

These are just a few of the incredible women on the Bellarine who are outstanding business leaders, creating opportunities, delivering quality local services, and contributing to our region’s prosperity. Their innovation, resilience and determination continue to inspire the next generation of women and girls considering careersinbusinessandleadership.

It has also been fantastic to see the Small Business Bus travelling across our region and throughout Victoria, bringing free, expert advice directly to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs. From business planning and cashflow managementtomarketing,complianceand staffing, this tailored support ensures local businesses can access practical guidance at nocost.

I am immensely proud to be part of a government that champions women and is paving the way for a brighter, more equal futureforeveryone.

This International Women’s Day, I celebrate the many women who make our Bellarine community stronger. Each year, I see more women and girls stepping into leadership roles across community organisations, emergency services, schools and workplaces, and I am confident this momentumwillcontinuetogrow.

Together,wearecreatingasafer,healthier andmoreequalfutureforall. A roundtable discussion

TheVictorianStateGovernmentisdeliveringpractical,everydaysupporttohelpfamilies managecost-of-livingpressures.

Virtual Women’s Health Clinic

Free online advice and support for women’s health issues.

Free Breakfasts in Schools

Expanding the School Breakfast Club to every Victorian Government school.

School Support Programs

Support covering the cost of school camps, excursions, sporting uniforms and membership fees.

Power Saving Bonus

$100 for eligible concession card holders to ease cost of living pressures, closing 31st March 2026 Free Pads and Tampons Available in government schools and public spaces including libraries in Drysdale, Leopold and Queenscliff.

TAFE Courses

to training for priority courses to build skills and career opportunities. Virtual Emergency Department (VVED) Free, online access to emergency healthcare from home.

highlighted the immense impact of women on the Bellarine. (Supplied)

International Women’s Day (IWD) has a long and powerful history in Australia, reflecting more than a century of activism, reform and progress toward gender equality.

The origins of International Women’s Day lie in the global labour and women’s suffrage movements of the early 20th century. The first official International Women’s Day was held in 1911 following a proposal by German activist Clara Zetkin at an international socialist conference in 1910. In Australia, the day was first marked in 1928 in Sydney, organised by the Militant Women’s Movement. Early rallies demanded equal pay, an eight-hour day for shop girls, paid leave and an end to unemployment for women.

Australia was already considered progressive in some respects — white Australian women gained the right to vote and stand for federal parliament in 1902 (although Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women were excluded until 1962). However, despite these early gains, women continued to face entrenched inequality in pay, employment, education and political representation. International Women’s Day became a focal point for calling out these injustices.

Through the 1930s and 1940s, IWD gatheringsinAustraliafocusedonworkers’ rights and peace movements, particularly during the world wars. In the 1960s and 1970s,thedaytookonrenewedenergywith theriseofsecond-wavefeminism.Activists campaigned for equal pay, reproductive rights, access to childcare and protection from discrimination. In 1969, Australian women won equal pay for equal work in principle, followed by the landmark 1972

equal pay case that extended this to work of equal value.

The 1970s also marked a turning point internationally when the United Nations officially recognised International Women’s Day in 1975, during International Women’s Year. This global endorsement helped broaden the day beyond labour activism, embedding it in mainstream

institutions, government and corporate Australia.

Today, International Women’s Day in Australia is observed annually on March 8 and has evolved into both a celebration and a call to action. Events range from grassroots rallies and community breakfasts to major corporate conferences and awards ceremonies. Organisations

such as UN Women Australia play a significant role in promoting annual themes that highlight issues including gender-based violence, economic inequality and women’s leadership.

TheimportanceofInternationalWomen’s Day in Australia remains clear. Despite decades of reform, gender inequality persists. The national gender pay gap, while narrowing, continues to favour men. Womenremainunderrepresentedinsenior leadership roles across business, politics and many industries. Rates of domestic and family violence remain a national crisis,disproportionatelyaffectingwomen.

IWD provides an opportunity to reflect on progress made while acknowledging the work still to be done. It also creates space to recognise the achievements of Australian women across all fields — from politics and science to sport and the arts — and to elevate the voices of First Nations women, migrant women and women from diverse backgrounds whose contributions have historically been overlooked.

In recent years, International Women’s Day in Australia has increasingly emphasised intersectionality — recognising that gender inequality intersects with race, disability, sexuality and socioeconomic status. This broader understanding reflects a more inclusive and contemporary feminist movement.

More than a commemorative date, International Women’s Day in Australia is a reminder that rights were won through sustainedactivismandmustbecontinually defended. It honours the legacy of those who marched before, while inspiring new generations to push for a more equal and just society.

By Western Victoria MP Bev McArthur

institutionsandcompeteontheworldstage. Our daughters must grow up expecting education, opportunity and equality before the law, not fearing repression or silence. Those rights only endure when

Around the

millions of women still live under systems that deny them autonomy and dignity. We must never drift backwards through complacency or political timidity.

On this International Women’s Day, I reaffirm an unwavering commitment to protect

defend women’s spaces, as well as ensuring that every girl in Victoria grows up confident that her rights are secure.

Kristy’s

A transformation in home care services is underway, led by the dedicated efforts of Kristy Kayler-Thomson and her team at NurseNextDoorGeelong.

With a commitment to making lives better, Kristy and her team are redefining the standards of care, ensuring that individuals receive personalised support inthecomfortoftheirownhomes.

A dedicated registered nurse with a decade of experience at Geelong Hospital, Kirsty’s passion for accessible home care was profoundly influenced by her father’s battle with multiple sclerosis, where she witnessed firsthand the significance of choice and independence in one’s well-being.

This personal insight ignited her determination to make home care more accessible and tailored to individual needs, enabling older Australians and those living with disabilities to remain connected with family, friends, and their communityforaslongastheychoose.

Recognisingagapinpost-hospitalisation support, Kristy seized the opportunity to launch Nurse Next Door Home Care Services in Geelong. Her vision was clear: to provide compassionate, high-quality support that empowers individuals to live fulfillinglivesontheirownterms.

Since its inception, what began with a single client has flourished into a thriving network of care. The Nurse Next Door Geelongteamconsistsofover35dedicated professionals,includingregisterednurses, enrolled nurses, caregivers, and a care designer.

Kristy meticulously matches caregivers to clients based on individual needs and personalities,

fostering meaningful connections built on trust and mutual respect. This personalised approach ensures that clients receive not just professional care but also the emotional support they need.

Nurse Next Door Geelong offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to cater to a wide array of needs, including dementia and Alzheimer’s care, Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), nursing care and companionship. These services are available 24/7, with no

long-termcontracts,ensuringflexibilityto meeteachclient’suniquerequirements.

Central to Nurse Next Door’s approach is the ‘Happier Ageing’ philosophy, which Kristy passionately integrates into every aspectofcarebyasking,“Whatdidyouuse tolovedoingthatyounolongerdo?”

Theteamencouragesclientstoreconnect with past interests, hobbies, and passions, focusing on possibility and fostering an environment where clients can thrive, remainconnectedtotheirlovedones,and continue participating in activities they

enjoy,enhancingtheiroverallwell-being.

As Nurse Next Door continues to grow in the community, the impact of their Happier Ageing approach is clear. Kristy and her team aren’t just delivering care; they’re nurturing lives and bringing back thethingsthatmakelifeworthliving.

If you or someone you know needs care, Nurse Next Door Home Care Services are open 24/7. Simply call 1300 100 247 or visit nursenextdoor.com.au for more information.

Nurse Next Door’s Kristy Kayler-Thomson and her team are redefining the standards of care. (Supplied)

International Women’s Day March 8 #GiveToGain

Fostering positive equality and fairer outcomes for all

By Libby Coker, Member for Corangamite

Whenwomendowell,wealldowell.

When women are represented in government, policies are better designed andtheyimprovelives.

They respond to the real and often complexchallengeswomenface:balancing workandcaringresponsibilities,navigating health systems, building financial security, andensuringsafetyathome.

Over the past three decades, deliberate action to improve women’s representation hasreshapedourparliamentsandreshaped policy.

When more women are in decision-makingroles,issuesoncesidelined become central. Paid parental leave has expanded to 26 weeks and now includes superannuation, recognising that time spent caring should not result in long-term financialdisadvantage.

Paidfamilyanddomesticviolenceleaveis nowaworkplaceright.

Women’s health conditions, such as endometriosis, historically under-recognised and underfunded, are finally receiving sustained national attention.

Thesereformsarenotabstract.Theymake atangibledifferenceinpeople’sdailylives.

We are seeing the results of sustained effort. According to the 2025 World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report, Australia has reached its highest everglobalrankingforgenderequality,now 13thintheworld.

This reflects improvements across political empowerment, economic participationandeducation.

Such milestones matter not simply as symbols, but because they help deliver faireroutcomesforeveryone. But national progress must be matched locally.

Here in our region, passionate women are driving change at the grassroots level. I am proud to support Women in Local Democracy, known as WILD, a group

working to improve gender representation acrossourcouncils.Theirgoalofachieving genderparitybythe2028localgovernment electionsisambitiousandnecessary.

Localgovernmentshapesourdailylives, from childcare centres and community safety to planning, recreation spaces and communityservices.

Ensuring women’s voices are equally

representedinthosechambersstrengthens our democracy and leads to better decisions.

Everywomanwhostandsmakesiteasier for the next woman to imagine herself there.

Because when women have opportunity to lead, outcomes improve, communities thrive,andprogressbecomesinevitable.

Member for Corangamite Libby Coker. (Supplied)

The Guide

BLUE MURDER MOTEL

ABC TV, Saturday, 7.30pm

McLeod’sDaughtersco-stars

Brett Tucker and Michala Banas (both pictured) reunite for this Kiwi murder mystery with a kooky twist. Recently retired from the Sydney homicide squad for reasons they’re not willing to discuss, married couple Vinny (Banas) and Cole (Tucker) head across the ditch for a fresh start, buying a rundown retro motel in a seaside town near Auckland. It’s not quite the dream they had in mind though – the plumbing’s a disaster, the sign is permanently askew… and there’s a dead body in one of the rooms. When a rookie local copper (Tangata Pai) arrives at the crime scene wearing boardies and thongs, it’s not long before Vinny finds herself drawn back to the thrill of the hunt, against Cole’s better judgement.

Friday, March 6

ABC TV (2)

PICK OF THE WEEK

HOME AND AWAY

Seven, Monday, 7pm

It’s been a decade since beloved fan favourites Ricky (Bonnie Sveen) and Brax (Stephen Peacocke) drove off into the sunset to find their happily ever after. However, as any soap opera aficionado knows all too well, the past always has a way of returning to haunt the present. Leaving behind the chaos of tumultuous Summer Bay, the couple have made a new life for themselves with their son Casey (Austin Cutcliffe) on a remote cattle station deep in the West Australian outback. Unfortunately, their peaceful existence comes under threat when Brax is forced to choose between his family’s hard-fought safety and his long-held loyalty to notorious surf gang the River Boys.

Trouble brewing: Ricky (Bonnie Sveen) and Brax (Stephen Peacocke).

SBS (3)

DOG PARK

ABC TV, Sunday, 8.30pm

Viewers tuning into this Melbourne-made “comedy” expecting to watch Fiskset in an off-leash dog park might have been surprised to find that the six-part ABC series isn’t exactly a barrel of laughs. Rather, it’s a sometimes-sad, sometimes-serendipitous drama with a wry sense of humour. As season one comes to an end, Sunday’s finale is full of surprises. Typically grouchy Roland (Leon Ford) and pooch Beattie are on top of the world after welcoming Mia (Florence Gladwin) back home from the US. The teen even joins them at the park for Samantha (Celia Pacquola, pictured with Ford) and Steve’s (Nick Boshier) champagne wedding breakfast, an occasion that gives Roland food for thought.

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Australia’s Wild Odyssey. (Final, R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 2.00 Dog Park. (Ml, R) 2.30 In Limbo. (Mal, R) 2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) 7.00 ABC News.

Tammy Huynh visits acolourful slice ofMalta. (PGa) Professor T isout ofprison. (PG,R) Hosted byAlex Lee. (R) (M,R) (M,R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.25 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.15 Paddington Station 24/7. (PGa, R) 11.05 The Toy Hospital. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 12.55 PBS News. 1.55 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Marseille: Birth Of A Megapolis. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

12.00 Smother. (Mls, R) 1.45 Rage New Music. (MA15+dhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv) (R)

6.30 SBS World News. Ernie Dingo. (PG) The World. Takes alook back atthe2011 Fukushima disaster. (Ml,R) Explores

11.10 Sisi. (PGa) 12.05 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+v, R) 2.00 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R) 3.50 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.45 Andy’s Global Adventures. 12.35pm Ben And Holly. 1.30 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.30 Wiggle. 4.10 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.35 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.35 My Adventures With Superman. 8.55 BattleBots. 9.45 Gladiators UK. 10.40 Late Programs. (22)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Going Places. Noon Wilfred Buck. 1.45 First Horse. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 MOVIE: The Adventures Of Sharkboy And Lavagirl. (2005) 9.20 MOVIE: First Sunday. (2008, PG) 11.00 Nula. 11.30 Ochre And Ink. Stompem Ground 2022: Pigram Brothers. 1.00 The Real Stories Of Basketball. 2.00 On The Road. 3.00 On The Road. 4.00 On The Road. 5.00 Bamay. 5.30 Late Programs. NITV (34)

Morning Programs. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 France 24 English News. 10.30 The Movie Show. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 Patriot Brains. 2.35 Where Are You Really From? 3.10 WorldWatch. 5.10 From North Korea, With Love. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 The Future. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: Hustlers. (2019) 10.30 Cycling. UCI Track World Cup. 12.15am Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 1.05 Travel Man. 1.45 Night Bloomers. 2.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Killer Condo. (2022,Mav,R) (PG,R)

6.00 Seven News.

(Return) Alead-up tothe Friday night AFL match. AFL. Opening Round. Gold Coast Suns vGeelong. From People First Stadium, Queensland.

Post-game discussion and interviews. Alook atthe weekend’s best racing. 12.30 Dare Me. (MA15+asv) Addy and Colette feel the heat. (PG,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) (R)

(62, 72)

Morning Programs. 8.00

Minute. 9.00

Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Our Town. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Australia’s Best Drives. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes. 8.00 Escape To The Country. 11.00 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. Escape To The Country. 1.00 Bargain Hunt. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Medical Emergency. 3.00 Better Homes. 5.30 Under The Hammer.

7MATE (64, 73) (32)

6am Morning Programs. 8.10 Discovering Film. 9.00 Agatha Christie’s Crooked House. (2017, PGals) 11.05 In A Land That No Longer Exists. (2022, Mns, German) 1pm Marinette. (2023, Malsv) 2.50 The Movie Show. 3.25 Tokyo Story. (1953, PGa, Japanese) 6.00 The Remains Of The Day. (1993, PGa) 8.30 Black Swan. (2010, MA15+asv) 10.30 The Whale. (2022, Madls) 12.45am Gravity. (2013, Mal) 2.25 Misery. (1990, MA15+v) 4.25 The Longest Week. (2014, Mas)

MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT Nine, Tuesday, 7.30pm

Rolling green hills, tranquil bird song and luxurious accommodation – it might sound relaxing but there’s no surer way to ensure chaos and conflict among MarriedatFirst Sightparticipants than the series’ infamous Retreat Week. Like a days-long dinner party, the couples are encouraged to mingle, gain a fresh perspective and find out if their connections really work outside the four walls of their Sydney apartments. This year, it’s a bad joke that has sent the experiment into meltdown –with the fallout isolating Rachel and Steven from the rest of the group. At the final drinks night, Bec (pictured) is caught at the centre of all the drama as the lingering tensions reach an explosive conclusion.

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Romantic Rewrite. (2022, PGa, R) Kristina Cole Geddes, Russell Quinn. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. (PG)

5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG,R) 5.30 WIN News. 6.00 Entertainment Tonight. (R) 6.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. (PG, R) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R)

(PGa,R) Formula1. Australian Grand Prix.

6.00 9News.

(Premiere,PGd) 8.30 MOVIE: London Has Fallen. (2016,MA15+lv,R) Terrorists attack world leaders inLondon. Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart. 10.30 MOVIE: (2001,MA15+lv,R) 12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.20 Innovation Nation. (R) 1.30 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Home Shopping. 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R) 6.00 10 News+. (R) (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. (Premiere) Jamie Oliver cooks meatballs. (R) Professionals Tom and Erin know it’s time tomake adecision ontheir current Queenslander. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R) (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

(81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Filthy Garden SOS. 1.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 3.00 Explore TV. 3.30 Antiques Roadshow. 4.00 MOVIE: Miss Robin Hood. (1952) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Airport Security: USA. (Premiere) 8.30 MOVIE: London Has Fallen. (2016, MA15+) 10.30 MOVIE: Exit Wounds. (2001, MA15+) 12.30am Antiques Roadshow. 1.00 1.30 MOVIE: Miss Robin Hood. (1952) 3.00 Danger Man. 4.00 Filthy Garden SOS. 5.00 Late Programs.

(82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 11.05 Rugby Heaven. 12.05pm Big Rigs Of Oz. 12.35 9Honey Hacks. 12.50 Parental Guidance. 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Journey To The Centre Of The Earth. (2008, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: Horrible Bosses. (2011, MA15+) 11.30 Seinfeld. 12.30am Psychic Kids. 1.25 Love Island UK. 2.25 Big Rigs Of Oz. 2.55 Rugby Sevens. SVNS Series Perth. H’lights. 4.00 Barbie It Takes Two. 4.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Mountain Men. 12.30pm American Pickers. 1.30 Pawn Stars. 2.30 Kick Ons. 3.00 Timbersports. STIHL Timbersports. World C’ship. 3.30 American Resto. 4.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Arvo. 6.20 Women’s Test Cricket: Tea Break. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Late arvo. 9.00 Women’s Test Cricket: Dinner Break. 9.20 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Evening session. MOVIE: The Forever Purge. (2021, MA15+) 2.10 American Resto. 2.40 Late Programs.

(52, 11)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

Saturday, March 7

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 News. 12.30 In The Room. (Ml, R) 1.25

Professor T. (PGa, R) 2.15 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.15 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 The ABC Of... (PGl, R) 4.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? (PGa, R) 5.00 Nick Cave And Warren Ellis At Hanging Rock. (PG, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)

6.00 Kath & Kim. (PGals,R)

Kimplays itcool with Brett.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R) Hosted byTom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. Alook atthe top stories ofthe day.

7.30 Blue Murder Motel. (Premiere,PG) Follows two married Australian detectives.

8.20 Top End Bub. (Premiere,PG)

Acouple’s perfect Adelaide life isinterrupted when afamily tragedy strikes and they’re forced toreturn toDarwin.

8.50 Death In Paradise. (Mv,R) Commissioner Selwyn Patterson isshot while celebrating50 years ofpolice service atthe yacht club.

9.50 This England. (M,R) Looks atBritain during COVID-19. 10.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 World Wide Nate: African Adventures. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Sailing. SailGP Sydney. Round3. Highlights. 3.00 Stories From The Cities. (PG) 3.30 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Light Years: Olive Cotton. (R) 5.30 Emilie Schindler: Woman In The Shadow.

6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Neil And Martin’s Bon Voyage. (Final) Theguys reach

8.25 Travels With Agatha Christie And Sir David Suchet: New Zealand. (R) SirDavid Suchet heads toNew Zealand.

9.20 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey: Dilruk Jayasinha. (PGa,R) Shaun Micallef heads toSri Lanka. 10.25 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour. Strade Bianche Women. 12.20 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Strade Bianche Men. From Tuscany, Italy. 3.15 El Immortal: Gangs Of Madrid. (MA15+av, R) 4.15 Going Places With Ernie Dingo. (PGl, R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.30 Superworm. 4.30 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.05 The Gruffalo’s Child. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr. 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.05 Mr Bean: The Animated Series. 9.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.10pm Nula. 1.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 2.30 Over The Black Dot. 3.00 The Colleano Heart. 4.30 Off Country. 5.00 First Australians. 6.00 Haututu Hunters. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: 2001: A Space Odyssey. (1968) 10.55 Bob Marley: Uprising Live. 1am Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. 12.15pm Hoarders. 2.50 Bamay. 3.10 Heroines. 3.45 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mastermind Aust. 6.45 The Food That Built The World. 7.35 Engineering From Above. 8.30 MOVIE: Peppermint. (2018) 10.20 Cycling. UCI Track World Cup. 12.30am Forged In Fire. 1.20 Travel Man. 1.50 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm Mass. (2021, Mal) 2.20 The Movie Show. 2.55 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PGa) 4.50 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 6.35 Robot Dreams. (2023, PGav) 8.30 Braveheart. (1995, MA15+v) 11.50 Bang Gang (A Modern Love Story) (2015, MA15+adlns, French) 1.35am Black Swan. (2010, MA15+asv) 3.30 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. TheAgency Randwick Guineas Day and Super Saturday. 5.00 Seven News At5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG,R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted byJohanna Griggs. 8.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia vIndia. Day2. Late afternoon session. From the WACA Ground, Perth. 9.00 Women’s Test Cricket: Dinner Break. Takes alook atthe day ofplay sofar inthe women’s Test match between Australia and India. 9.20 Cricket. Women’s Test. Australia vIndia. Day2. Evening session. From the WACA Ground, Perth. 12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day1. Highlights. 1.00 Devils. (MA15+av,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Tales Of Aluna. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

Programs. Noon Australia’s Best Drives. 12.30 This Rugged Coast. 1.30 Better Homes. 4.00 Wildlife ER. 5.00 Horse Racing. The Agency Randwick Guineas Day and Super Saturday. 6.00 Luxury Escapes: World’s Best Holidays. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. Night Thunder. High Limits World Tour. Night Grand Final. 4.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Arvo. 6.20 Women’s Test Cricket: Tea Break. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Late arvo. 8.00 MOVIE: I, Robot. (2004, M) 10.20 Late Programs.

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Open For Inspection. 12.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony. From Verona Arena, Italy. 3.00 Explore TV. 3.30 Epic Builds. 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five. 5.30 Getaway. (PG) 6.00 Tough Tested. (R) 7.00 Reel Action. (R) 7.30 Escape Fishing With ET. (R)

6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Space Invaders. (PGa) Theteam helps aman drowning ingrief and clutter.

8.30 MOVIE: Father Of The Bride. (1991,G,R) Afather stresses after learning his only daughter isto six months. Steve Martin, Diane Keaton, Kimberly Williams. 10.40 MOVIE: Moonstruck. (1987,PGal,R) Cher. 12.35 Epic Builds. (R)

1.30 Open For Inspection. (R)

2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa)

2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Ice Hockey. NHL. Dallas Stars vColorado Avalanche. 2.40 Explore. 3.00 MOVIE: The Scarlet Blade. (1963, PG) 4.45 MOVIE: Red River. (1948) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 MOVIE: Under Siege 2. (1995, MA15+) 10.40 MOVIE: Rocky. (1976, PG) 1.05am MOVIE: Sweeney 2. (1978, M) 3.20 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 6.30pm Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 1. (2010, M) 10.25 MOVIE: Three Thousand Years Of Longing. (2022, M) 12.35am Prodigal Son. (Premiere) 2.15 MOVIE: Just A Farmer. (2024, M) 4.20 4.50 Barney’s World. 5.10 Booba. 5.30 Hop.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGad,R) Aloving deaf couple try tobreak through acavoodle’s separation anxiety.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. After years ofimpasse, anintervention isnecessary for aHunters Hill couple. 8.40 The Graham Norton Show. (Ml,R) byguests Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt and Matthew McConaughey. 9.50 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TVfanatics open uptheir living rooms toreveal their reactions topopular and topical TV shows. 11.00 Matlock. (R) Olympia and Matty each put together their own collateral for Julian, hoping toregain his trust after hemakes ashocking discovery. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

Sunday, March 8

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

(8, 9) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 Muster Dogs. (PG, R) 3.30 The Piano UK. (R) 4.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (PGl, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 12.00 Cycling. ProVelo Super League. Round4. Harbour City GP. 4.00 PBS News Compass Points. 4.30 PBS Washington Week. 4.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 5.00 Rehabilitating. (PGa, R) 5.20 The Granny Grommets. (PG, R) 5.30 Women Of WWII: The Untold Stories. (Premiere)

6.30 Compass.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Muster Dogs. (Final,PG)

8.30 Dog Park. (Final,Ml) It’s the day ofSamantha and Steve’s wedding. 9.00 This England. (Final,MA15+l) Thecountry continues tocope with COVID.

10.05 Blue Murder Motel. (PG,R)

10.55 Top End Bub. (PG,R)

11.20 MOVIE: Partisan. (2015,MA15+v,R)

1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.00 Dream Gardens. (R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Pompeii: Life In The City With Dan Snow. (Premiere) DanSnow and Kate Lister explore Pompeii. 9.15 Ancient Empires. (MA15+v,R) Looks atthe story ofCleopatra, the enigmatic Egyptian queen considered tobe history’s ultimate femme fatale. 10.55 Roberta Flack. (PGa,R) Alook atthe life ofRoberta Flack. 12.25 Jackie And Lee: A Tale Of Two Sisters. (Ma,R) 1.20 Cycling. UCIWorld Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage1. 3.20 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS News Horizons.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.55pm Odd Squad. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Isadora Moon. 5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 Knee High Spies. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The Inbestigators. 8.00 Meet The Hedgehogs. 8.45 Amazing Animal Friends. 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Heroines. 3.00 Making Waves: Extraordinary Women. 3.30 WorldWatch. 4.30 PBS News Compass Points. 5.10 Smoke And Steel: Secrets Of The Modern World. 6.05 The Architecture The Railways Built. 7.00 Cycling. UCI Track World Cup. 10.55 House Of Blak: Miss First Nation. 11.25 Late Programs.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. (Return) 2.30 Jabba’s Movies. (PGav, R) 3.00 Border Security: Int. (PG, R) 3.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. (R) 4.30 Weekender. (R) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: International. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Opening Round. St Kilda vCollingwood. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews. 11.00 The Hunters: Murder Highway. (Mav,R) Alook atthe Murder Highway. 12.30 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round2. Melbourne Supersprint. Day2. Highlights. 1.00 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG,R) Presented byDr Harry Cooper. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Medical Emergency. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Harry’s Practice. 3.00 The Amazing Homemakers. 4.15 The Yorkshire Vet. 5.15 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 6.15 Escape To The Country. 7.15 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Miss Scarlet And The Duke. 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (Return, PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day1. 2.00 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 3.00 Take Me Home. (PG, R) 4.00 David Attenborough’s Dynasties II. (PGa, R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Postcards. (PG)

6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Married At First Sight. (PGls) 8.45 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians. 9.45 9News Late.

10.15 Hunting Bundy: Chase For The Devil: Rocky Mountain Murder Spree. (MA15+asv)

11.15 The First48: Into Thin Air/ Love And Lies. (Mav,R) 12.05 Wild Cards. (Mv,R) 1.00 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGm, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Soccer. English Premier League. Arsenal vChelsea. 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Dolphins vSouth Sydney Rabbitohs. 6.00 Getaway. 6.30 7.30 Planet Earth III. 8.40 Paramedics. 9.40 Emergency. 10.40 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 1. Replay. 11.40 Midsomer Murders. 1.40am Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Mass For You At Home. 6.30 Key Of David. (PGa) 7.00 Joseph Prince: New Creation Church. 7.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 8.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.30 Motor Racing. Formula1. Australian Grand Prix. Day3. 5.00 10 News.

6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage ofthe day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard. 7.00 Soccer. AFC2026 Women’s Asian Cup. Group stage. Australia vKorea Republic. 10.30 Gold Wars Downunder. (Premiere,Ml) Follows three hardcore mining teams.

11.30 MOVIE: The Lost City. (2022,Masv,R) Aromance novelist gets kidnapped. Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum. 1.45 10 News+. (R) Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 2.10 Law & Order: SVU. (Mv,R) Agent Sykes struggles tocope. 3.00 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Red’s Fishing Adventures. 2.30 Hook, Line And Sinker. 3.00 Pawn Stars. 4.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Arvo. 6.20 Tea Break. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Late arvo. 9.00 Dinner Break. 9.20 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Evening session. Midnight Late Programs.

(82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 12.40pm The Winter Guest. (1997, Mal) 2.40 Time Bandits. (1981, PGahv) 4.45 Mosley. (2019, PGav) 6.35 Meek’s Cutoff. (2010, PGav) 8.30 The Hurt Locker. (2008, MA15+av) 10.50 Million Dollar Baby. (2004, Malv)

6am Morning Programs. 6.10pm TBA. 7.30 MOVIE: Rush Hour. (1998, M) 9.30 MOVIE: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. (1989, M) 11.30 Gotham. 12.25am Arrow. 2.05 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. Qatar 1812 km. H’lights. 3.05 Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. 6 Hours Of Imola. H’lights. 4.10 Late Programs.

Monday, March 9

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Blue Murder Motel. (PG, R) 11.00 Top End Bub. (PG, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00

Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 2.30 Brush With Fame. (R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story. Australians tell personal stories.

8.30 ABC National Forum. (Premiere) Hosted byDavid Speers. 9.35 Media Watch. (PG) Presented byLinton Besser.

9.50 Planet America.

10.20 Foreign Correspondent. (R)

10.55 ABC Late News.

11.10 The Business. (R) 11.25 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 11.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6am Morning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00

PBS News Compass Points. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Irish Road

Trip With Miriam Margolyes. (Ml, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Vietnam: The Birth Of A Nation. (Premiere, PGa) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Inside The Tower Of London. (Return) 8.30 8 Out Of10 Cats Does Countdown. (M) Game show. Hosted byJimmy Carr. 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. (M) Hosted byGreg Davies. 10.05 SBS World News Late. 10.35 Other People’s Money. (Ml) 11.30 The Old Man. (MA15+v, R) 12.40 Kate And Larapinta. 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 2. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm Daniel Tiger’s. 2.45 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas And Friends. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.20 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Gladiators UK. 9.35 Kids BBQ Championship. 10.15 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Turn Up Respect. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent.

6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.25 MOVIE: The Proposition. (2005, MA15+) 11.15 Murder In Big Horn. 12.10am Late Programs.

6am Morning

Programs. 1.35pm Heroines. 2.05 Over The Black Dot. 2.35 Stories From The Cities. 3.05 WorldWatch. 4.00 PBS News Compass Points. 4.30 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 MOVIE: The Count Of Monte Cristo. (2002) 11.05 Hudson & Rex. (Return) 11.55 Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm Discovering Film. 1.05 Mr. Holmes. (2015, PGa) 3.05 Dean Spanley. (2008, PG) 4.55 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PGasv, French) 6.40 The Lady Vanishes. (1938, PGv) 8.30 The Great Gatsby. (2013) 11.10 The Lives Of Others. (2006, MA15+s, German) 1.35am Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas,R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Brax and Ricky are back. 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted byRicki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie. 9.10 9-1-1. (Mamv) Following with his decision and how ithas affected the team. 10.10 The Agenda Setters. (Return) Anexpert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics. 11.10 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. (Premiere) 12.10 Conviction. (MA15+a,R) 1.10 Travel Oz. (PG,R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

Programs. 1pm Australia: The Story Of Us. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 This Rugged Coast. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 A Touch Of Frost. 10.50 Ambulance: Code Red. 11.50 Doc Martin. 12.50am Bargain Hunt. 1.50 Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Supercars. Melbourne Supersprint. H’lights. 4.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Arvo. 6.20 Women’s Test Cricket: Tea Break. 7.00 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Late arvo. 9.00 Women’s Test Cricket: Dinner Break. 9.20 Cricket. Women’s Test. Aust vIndia. Evening session. Midnight Late Programs.

NINE (8, 9)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00

Married At First Sight. (PGls, R) 1.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day2. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. 2.30 9News Presents: Moomba Parade. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Thecouples goon the annual retreat. (Return,Ml)

Ateam offooty experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

10.00 Players. (Return,Ml) Alook atall the AFL news.

11.00 9News Late.

11.30 Sight Unseen. (Mav)

12.30 100% Footy. (Return,Mal)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs.

1.10pm Shakespeare And Hathaway. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: The Duke Wore Jeans. (1958) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. (Return) 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 10.40 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 2. Replay. 12.10am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Heat. (2013, MA15+) 10.50 Seinfeld. 11.50 The 100. 12.45am Love Island UK. 1.45 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. (Return) 3.30 Late Programs.

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30

6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented byDavid Genat. 9.00 Matlock. Julian accompanies Matty tosurveil the ex-wife ofa Wellbrexa executive while Hunter assists ona manslaughter case. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

Tuesday, March 10

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Todd Sampson’s Why? (M, R) 11.30 If You’re Listening: Black Swans. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Death In Paradise. (Mv, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.05 The Toy Hospital. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Irish Road Trip With Miriam Margolyes. (PGa, R) 3.00 Trail Towns. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Vietnam: The Birth Of A Nation. (PGa) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. 8.30 Todd Sampson’s Why? Alien Church. (Ml) 9.00 If You’re Listening: Black Swans. (R) 9.35 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli. (Ml,R) 10.05 Compass. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 ABC National Forum. (R) 12.05 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.25 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 1.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament Question Time. 3.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Great Continental Railway Journeys. (PGav,R) 8.30 Insight. Presented byKumi Taguchi. 9.30 Dateline: Nepal’s Gen Z Uprising. 10.00 Rock Legends. (PGa,R) 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Exit. (Mals, R) 11.55 The Carnival. (MA15+l, R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 3. 3.15 Safe Home. (Malv, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Thomas And Friends. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.20 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Steve Backshall Vs The Vertical Mile. 9.25 Meet The Hedgehogs. 10.10 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas.

(6, 7)

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas,R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Tane makes ahuge decision. 7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted byRicki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie.

9.10 Doc. (Ma) AtJake’s father’s funeral, grief helps clarify his feelings for Amy.

10.10 Ambulance: Code Red. (Mav) Follows the work ofan ambulance service.

11.10 The Agenda Setters. (R) Anexpert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

12.10 Dirty John. (Premiere,MA15+v)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day3. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl, R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. (Final) 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 2.30

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Theretreat continues. 9.00 The Hunting Wives. (MA15+dlsvv) Margo has asurprise for Sophie. Callie’s jealousy grows, asdoes Jill’s concerns over Brad and Abby. (Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

11.10 9News Late.

11.40 Next Stop. (PG) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG,R) 1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Our State On A Plate. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented byDavid Genat. 8.40 NCIS. (Mv) McGee iskidnapped while promoting the latest book inhis crime series. 9.40 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage oflocal, national and international news, aswell asthe latest sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R) 11.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG)

12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 Homicide. 2.35 Kars & Stars. 3.05 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May: Our Man In... Japan. 9.30 Into The Void: Life, Death And Heavy Metal. (Premiere) 11.20 Brassic. 1.10am WWE Legends. 2.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Australian Idol. 1.30 Home In WA. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Northern Lights. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Death In Paradise. 1.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Two Way Stretch. (1960) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 10.40 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 3. Replay. 12.10am Late Programs.

7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6am Morning Programs. 12.35pm

10.15 And So It Goes. (2014, Ms) Midnight Secretary. (2002, MA15+as) 2.00 The Lives Of Others. (2006, MA15+s, German) 4.25 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 Cape Carnage: Killer Catch. (Premiere) 9.30 Outback Truckers. 10.30 Railroad Australia. 11.30 Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 LEGO Masters: Grand Masters Of The Galaxy. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: 22 Jump Street. (2014, MA15+) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.45 The 100. 12.40am Love Island UK. 1.40 Late Programs.

Wednesday, March 11

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 My Unique B&B. (R) 10.20 Paddington Station 24/7. (R) 11.10 The Toy Hospital. (PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 ABC National Forum. (R) 11.00 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.30 Back Roads. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Parliament. 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG,R)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Tonight At The Museum. (PGa) Hosted byAlex Lee. 8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (PG) Asatirical news program.

9.00 Dog Park. (Final,Ml,R) It’s the day ofSamantha and Steve’s wedding. 9.30 QI. (PG) Hosted bySandi Toksvig. 10.00 Planet America. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R)

11.05 You Can’t Ask That. (Ma,R) 11.40 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 12.25 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.15 Parliament Question Time. 2.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Vietnam: The Birth Of A Nation. (PGav) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Sandi Toksvig’s Great Riviera Rail Trip: Marseille To Saint-Tropez. (Premiere) 8.25 Lost Grail With Alice Roberts. (PG) Professor Alice Roberts continues her Grail quest. 9.25 Prisoner951. (M) Nazanin isalive

10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Face To Face. (Mals) 11.50 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malv) 12.45 MOVIE: Cold Water. (2023, PGa) Bruce Spence, Deborah Kennedy. 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 4. 3.15 Mastermind Australia. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Thomas And Friends. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.20 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.55 Adv Time. 9.40 We Bare Bears. 9.55 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.20 Late Programs.

NITV (34)

6am Morning

Programs. 12.15pm DW The Day. 12.45 WWE Rivals. 2.35 The Swiping Game. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Adam Hills: The Last Leg. 9.20 Icons Unearthed: James Bond. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Dark Side Of The Ring. 1.55 Tales From The Territories. 2.50 Late Programs.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGas,R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Abigail and Mali are atodds.

7.30 Australian Idol. (PG) Hosted byRicki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, with judges Amy Shark, Kyle Sandilands and Marcia Hines.

9.10 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take alighter look atall things AFL. (Return) Hosted byHamish McLachlan.

10.40 The Agenda Setters. Anexpert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics. 11.40 Australia: Now And Then. (Ma,R) Hosted byShane Jacobson. 12.40 The Act. (MA15+ans,R)

2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6am Morning

Programs. Noon Australian Idol. 1.30 Home In WA. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Air Crash Inv. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Late Programs.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day4. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Married At First Sight. (Mls) Thecouples attend another dinner party.

9.00 Naked City: HITMEN. (MA15+dlvv) With Carl Williams’ empire atits peak, the walls begin toclose inaround him.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 Wild Cards. (MA15+v) Ellis makes ashocking discovery.

11.30 A Remarkable Place To Die. (Mlv,R)

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG,R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Australian Survivor: Redemption. (PGl) Presented byDavid Genat. 9.00 Elsbeth. (PGa) Apop star’s purchase ofa failing convent turns divine real estate into amurder scene. Teddy digs into Alec Bloom’s past. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 11.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 Extraordinary Animals. 8.30 Pro Bull Riding: USA. 9.30 Over The Black Dot. 10.00 Inside The Huddle. (Premiere) 10.30 MOVIE: Searchers. (2016, MA15+) 12.10am Late Programs.

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

6am Morning Programs. 12.20pm Oskars Kleid. (2022, Mal, German, Spanish) 2.15 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PGasv, French) 4.00 The Lady Vanishes. (1938, PGv) 5.50 Callie & Son. (1981) 8.30 Dangerous Liaisons. (1988, Masv) 10.40 Beau Is Afraid. (2023, MA15+alnsv) 2am Michael Clayton. (2007, MA15+l) 4.05 Late Programs.

SIGNUP NOW!

Thursday, March 12

ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Tonight At The Museum. (PGa, R) 10.30 The Weekly. (Ml, R) 10.55 Creative Types. (PG, R) 11.30 QI. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Bergerac. (Final, Mlv, R) 2.00 Parliament. 2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Make Up: A Glamorous History. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 MOVIE: Los Hermanos: The Brothers. (2021, PG) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Vietnam: The Birth Of A Nation. (Final, PGav) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Back Roads. (PG)

8.30 Creative Types With Virginia Trioli: Hugo Weaving. (PG) Virginia Trioli meets Hugo Weaving. 9.00 Muster Dogs. (Final,PG,R)

10.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.20 Sister Boniface Mysteries. (PGa, R) 12.05 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.55 Parliament Question Time. (R) 1.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 4.55 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. (PG) 8.30 The Hospital: In The Deep End. (Ma) Theteam returns tothe frontline atSt Vincent’s. 9.35 A Spy Among Friends. Elliott and Lily trail anervous powerbroker. 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 In Memoriam. (Malsv) 12.00 The Hollow. (MA15+v, R) 1.05 Dirty Bird. (R) 1.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Paris-Nice Race. Stage 5. 3.15 Silent Road. (Madsv, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 4.40 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Thomas And Friends. 4.15 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.20 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.35 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.20 Ultimate Vets. 9.50 Animal Park. 10.35 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Live PD Presents: PD Cam. Midnight Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon New Tricks. 1.00 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: I Believe In You. (1952, PG) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Keeping Up Appearances. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day 4. Replay. 12.10am Late Programs.

9GO! (82, 93)

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Inception. (2010, M) 11.35 Seinfeld. 12.35am Love Island UK. 1.45 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 3.30 Nanny. 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic. 4.30 Wild Manes. 4.50 Late Programs.

SEVEN (6, 7)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round1. Carlton vRichmond. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking alook back atall the action from the match. 11.00 Kick Ons. Apreview ofthe upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 To Be Advised.

1.10 Damnation. (MA15+asv,R) Afarmers’ strike takes adangerous twist.

2.30 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

7TWO (62, 72)

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 RBT. (Ml,R) Follows the activities ofpolice units.

8.30 RPA: Jane’s Jugular. (PGm,R) Amum oftwo hopes doctors can help her with amysterious condition that has been limiting her life.

9.30 A+E After Dark. (Mlm,R) Anurse treats an11-year-old girl.

10.30 The Equalizer. (Mav) 11.20 9News Late.

11.50 Next Stop. (PG) 12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.10 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Home Shopping.

4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)

4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (81, 92)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm DW The Day. 12.40 The Movie Show. 1.55 Insight. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Alone. 6.15 Curse Of Oak Island. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 United Gangs Of America. (Return) 10.20 The UnXplained. 11.10 Brassic. 1am Couples Therapy. 2.10 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Australian Idol. 1.30 Home In WA. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Father Brown. 12.30am Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 3pm Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Great St Trinian’s Train Robbery. (1966) 5.30 Yorkshire Auction House. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Broncos vEels. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.40 Late Programs.

2.30pm

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Seinfeld. 12.30pm Golf. Women’s Aust Open. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: The Matrix. (1999, M) 11.15 Seinfeld. 12.15am Rugby Heaven. 1.15 Love Island UK. 2.10 The Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City. 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic. 4.30 Mia & Codie. 4.50

Pawn

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 Married At First Sight. (Mls, R) 1.30 Paralympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Day5. From Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm

6.00 10 News+. Hosted byDenham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted byGrant Denyer. 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted byRebecca Gibney. 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows.

8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (PGs) Graham Norton isjoined onthe couch byAnthony McPartlin, Declan Donnelly, Joe Keery, Claire Foy and Tinie Tempah. 9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage ofnews, sport and weather. 10.40 10 News+. (R) 11.10 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

TEN (5, 10) NINE

A perfect week in paradise

By Lucy Waldron

THE moment the Save the Date landed in the mailbox, I knew this wasn’t going to be just another wedding, it was going to be an adventure. Printed in simple, bold letters was the location: Koh Tao, Thailand.

A destination wedding. A celebration in paradise.

For my cousin Jamie and his partner Hope, this was more than just a ceremony. It was a chance to bring together family and friends from the US, Argentina, and Australia for a week on a tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand, a place where time felt slower and joy came easily.

I imagined warm breezes, barefoot evenings, and the sound of the ocean in the background. And from the moment we arrived, Koh Tao delivered exactly that, andso much more.

Our first taste of island life came, quite literally, in a Thai cooking class. Hosted by Thai Cooking with Joy, we learned how a handful of humble ingredients could create flavours that lingered long after the plates were cleared.

The star of the class? Spring rolls. What looked simple turned into a hilarious test of rolling skills. Surrounded by the scent of sizzling garlic and an ocean view stretching to the horizon, it became one of those rare moments you want to bottle up forever.

The festivities officially kicked off with a welcome party. We’d spent the afternoon carefullyperfectinghairandmakeup,only to climb into the island’s version of a taxi: the back of a Ute.

Within minutes, curls unravelled, makeup melted, and any illusions of glamour were left on the roadside.

But it didn’t matter. Everyone arrived equally windswept, and somehow, that made it perfect. Under warm air and soft lights, conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and the night blurred into something quietly beautiful.

If the welcome party broke the ice, the Queens Cabaret melted it entirely. Drag queenslitupthestagewithsequins,power ballads,andpurejoy,acelebrationofmusic andqueerexpressionthathadeveryoneon their feet.

It became one of the week’s most talked-about moments. If you ever visit Koh Tao, add this to your must-do list. The next day brought calm seas and slow magic. We boarded a boat and drifted

around the island’s reefs, snorkelling through crystal-clear water. Koh Tao, meaning “Turtle Island,” lived up to its name, we spotted a turtle gliding lazily beneath us, unbothered by its human audience.

There were also three baby blacktip reef sharks, darting through coral gardens as schoolsofcolourfulfishswirledaroundus.

Then came the big day. The wedding opened with a downpour, the kind that makes the world hold its breath. And just minutes before Hope walked down the aisle, the rain eased and the sun spilled across the shore.

With the ocean as a backdrop and loved ones gathered close, Jamie and Hope said,

“I do.” It felt cinematic, like the island itself had conspired to set the scene.

“Having our wedding celebrations on Koh Tao was a dream come true,” Hope said.

“Duetoourfamiliesbeingfromdifferent countries, we decided to invite 60 of our closest friends and family to our favourite little island in Thailand.

“Seeing everyone we love explore and enjoy Koh Tao was so special, and I am so grateful that everyone made the long journeyto Thailand to be with us.”

For Hope and Jamie, the week was overwhelming in the best way possible.

“When you looked around and realised all these amazing people are here

because of Jaime and I, we felt so loved and supported and were so happy to see everyone relaxed and on holiday mode,” Hope said.

The celebration stretched long into the night, shoes abandoned, music loud, laughter louder. The next day was slow and sun-drenched, spent lazing on a nearby island, letting the hours stretch like soft linen.

But Thailand had one last plot twist. A storm rolled in just as we left the island, turning our little boat ride into something straight out of an action movie.

Waves crashed, the wind howled, and we clung to the sides, laughing through the chaos. By the time we reached land, we weresoaked,windswept,andgrinninglike fools.

Leaving Koh Tao was unexpectedly emotional. Teary hugs, promises to meet again, that quiet ache that comes from sayinggoodbyetosomethingtrulyspecial.

A wedding had brought us together, but the island gave us so much more, shared adventures, new friendships, and the kind of memories that only happen when you’re far from home and fully in the moment.

Koh Tao, you were paradise.

Jamie and Hope Morley walked down the isle grinning ear-to-ear. (Supplied)

The spring rolls we made at Thai Cooking with Joy. (Lucy Waldron: 511543)

SPAIN & PORTUGAL DISCOVERY

Barcelona to Lisbon or vice versa

Discover Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital, known for its colourful streets and neighbourhoods. Immerse yourself with visits to Seville, Málaga and the Alhambra Palace.

8 DAYS • 3 COUNTRIES • 6 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • NOV 2026; FEB, APR-JUN, SEP-DEC 2027; JAN-JUN, SEP 2028

From $5,095pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $6,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

SPAIN, PORTUGAL & THE MEDITERRANEAN

Lisbon to Rome or vice versa

Circumnavigate the Iberian Peninsula, calling at Andalusian gems. Visit Barcelona and the Sagrada Familía.

15 DAYS • 6 COUNTRIES • 11 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • NOV 2026; JAN-JUN, SEP-DEC 2027; JAN-JUN, SEP 2028

From $8,495pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $10,295pp in Penthouse Veranda

GRAND MEDITERRANEAN

Istanbul to Lisbon or vice versa

Embark on a grand voyage across the Mediterranean to visit iconic cities and uncover the heritage of civilisations. Trace the French Riviera and circumnavigate Italy’s boot.

36 DAYS

AUG 2028

From $33,295pp in Veranda Stateroom

From $40,795pp in Penthouse Veranda

No kids, voted world’s best

Private veranda stateroom

Nordic spa facilities

Shore excursions

Choice of 8 dining options

Wi-Fi & gratuities

Wine & beer served with lunch & dinner

24-hour room service

Newest small ship fleet

DUBROVNIK, CROATIA

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Retirement bliss on the Bellarine and Mornington peninsulas

If you’ve been thinking about your next chapter, there’s never been a better time to explore what coastal retirement living can offer.

TheBellarinePeninsulaandMornington Peninsula retirement living villages have united to make comparing your options simple, inspiring and enjoyable.

Across two stunning regions and 23 beautiful villages, you’re invited to experience retirement living just 90 minutes from Melbourne’s CBD. EachvillageissetamongsomeofVictoria’s most sought-after coastal destinations, offering the perfect blend of relaxed seaside charm and vibrant community connection.

Combined Bellarine & Mornington Peninsula retirement villages open day:bmpopenday.com.au

Twodedicatedopendayeventsgiveyouthe opportunity to explore each peninsula’s unique lifestyle.

Friday 20 March – Bellarine Peninsula: Visit eight of the best villages and discover a relaxed coastal atmosphere surrounded by beaches, wineries and welcoming local communities.

Saturday 21 March – Mornington Peninsula: Explore 15 exceptional villages showcasing the best of peninsula living, from scenic coastal outlooks to beautifully landscaped communities.

On both days, participating villages will open their display homes for inspection, giving you the chance to step inside, meet residents and speak with friendly staff. A range of activities will be available, along with exclusive special offers for visitors on the day, making it the perfect opportunity

to ask questions and truly picture yourself living there.

Makeitaday-oraweekendaway

Why not turn your visit into more than just a tour? Both peninsulas are renowned for their breathtaking scenery, boutique

shopping, cafes, restaurants, wineries and local attractions.

Whether you enjoy long coastal walks, gourmet food experiences or simply soaking up the sea air, you’ll quickly see why these regions are considered among the finest lifestyle destinations near

Melbourne, Geelong and coastal beaches. Planning your personalised tour is easy. Visit bmpopenday.com.au to explore participating villages and map out your ideal itinerary. Your coastal retirement begins here, relaxed, connected and full of possibility.

The ‘angels’ in healthcare

Trust the “angels” of healthcare to live the way you want with Just Better Care.

Rosalie Endrei said the specialist home-aged and disability care support service provided many services to help her and her husband, Les, age gracefully in the comfort of their home.

“We have been able to get lots of support for Les through Vision Australia via Les’s Home Care Package,” she said.

with have that special care for us and I hate to think about where we’d be without them.” Les said Just Better Care was an excellent resource and helped him with his mental and physical health.

“You’ve got the charm of a new organisation, and they have people looking to make things better...and I think that it is wonderful to have so many angels working here,” he said.

“Les has macular degeneration (an eye disease that causes vision loss). Just Better Care paid for this little gadget called a MyEye Pro and it works very well.

“We found that everyone here is just lovely. Everyone that we’ve been in contact

To start your Just Better Care journey, call 03 5222 1518, email mailge@justbettercare. com or visit the caring team at their office at Level 1 114a Mt Pleasant Road in Belmont. Visit justbettercare.com/Geelong for more information

Jack Rabbit Winery is a must-visit destination on the Bellarine Peninsula to soak up the spectacular views and menu. (Supplied)

Just Better Care clients Les and Rosalie Endrei. (Ivan Kemp) 402348_17

Pako Festa shines again

Pako Festa put on another wonderful display of our diverse culture and Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Pakington Street, Geelong West, on Saturday 28 February for all the fun, colour and friendship.

Pepa and Eva Ruiz representing Spain. 534286_03

Sara and Anastasia representing Serbia. 534286_05

Left: Representing the Caribbean community of Geelong. 534286_68 Above: Hungary. 534286_52 Below: Afghanistan. 34286_37 Vietnam. 534286_55

Left: Serbia. 534286_24 Above: Laos. 534286_58

534286_73

Indonesia. 534286_13

Lithuania. 534286_16

Croatia. 534286_17

Representing the Sikh community. 534286_26

Nepal. 534286_30

Above: Slovenia. 534286_33 Right: Philippines. 534286_36

Japan. 534286_39

Poland. 534286_54

Laos. 534286_59

Caribbean flair. 534286_69

Representing the Hazara community. 534286_76

Ukraine. 534286_74

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday. Due to the ever increasing entries coming in each week for our Community Calendar page, we have enough to fill almost three pages. This means your entry will not appear each week. We will do our best to rotate them fairly. If you have an existing entry that no longer operates, please let us know so we can remove it. Your patience and understanding is welcome for this FREE service. The calendar in its entirety with every entry is posted every Saturday at 9am at geelongindy.com.au

Bellarine Repair Cafe

Volunteer repairers fix your items, such as clothes, toys, furniture, electrical goods and electronic items. Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 1 John Dory Drive, Sunday 15 March, 12.30-3.30pm. repaircafebellarine.org.au

Book sale

Uniting Grovedale book sale, Uniting Grovedale, 272 Torquay Road, 6 & 7 March, 10am-2pm. All books $1, children’s books 50 cents.

Austrian Club

Autumn cabaret, schnitzels, strudels, drinks, featuring Tony Rebeiro & the Bureau, Sunday 15 March, noon-5pm, 240 Plantation Road, Corio. Tickets $20, nonmembers $15. Irmela, 0435 995 200

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 7 March, 7.30-10.30pm. Admission $10 includes supper. Music: Ben. 0400 500 402

Geelong Day VIEW

First Monday monthly from 11am at Shell Club, 76 Purnell Road, Corio. geelongdayview@gmail.com

Community kitchen

Do you enjoy cooking or want to learn cooking and budgeting skills with a small group of like-minded people in your community? Are you interested in volunteering to facilitate a Community Kitchen? healthycommunities@barwonhealth.org. au Croquet

Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend. 0428 740 591

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens

101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Weekly Tuesday: 1pm snooker, chess, indoor bowls Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 1.30pm, Chord Club jam session 4pm Thursday: social afternoon, cards 500 1pm Friday: art classes 9am, social art group 1pm.

Fortnightly

1st & 3rd Monday: CWA, 2pm Paschal, 0426 889 456

Wednesday: Book club, 10.30am Paul, 0425 110 792 5255 2996, or groveseniors101@gmail. com

Leopold Book Club

Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm in Leopold. Very friendly group, new members welcome. Shirley, 0488 055 969 Church

Aberdeen Street Baptist Church, each Sunday 10am to worship, sing and enjoy traditional hymns followed by morning tea. All welcome.

Hamlyn Heights Combined Probus Meets second Thursday of the month, 10am, 200 McCurdy Road, Fyansford. Noel, 0425 706 339

Esoteric coffee meetups

For mature 18+ interested in the supernatural/occult paranormal experiences tarot cards, Anton La Vey, NDE, for fortnightly/coffee and chat catch-ups in northern Geelong/Geelong

Chess Group chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome. Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com or 0406 199 457

area. Bookings limited. Text name/details, 0400 542 522

Combined Probus Belmont Central The Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central meets at 10.30am on the second Wednesday of each month at Waurn Ponds Hotel. Visitors welcome. Publicity officer, 0417 555 547

Geelong Central Probus Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, Geelong RSL. geelcentprob@gmail.com

Newcomb Probus

Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary & Ormond Roads. Gary, 0407 320 735

Music for preschoolers

Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms. Rhonda, 0437 241 345

Rostrum meets Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday. Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958

Highton Seniors

Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Road, Highton. Elma, 0411 065 524

Australian Multicultural Support Services

Social Support Groups for communities from different multicultural backgrounds for seniors over 65. Meals, activities and fun. White Eagle House, Breakwater. 10am-2.30pm Fridays. 9689 9170, amcservices.org.au, or info@amcservices.org.au

Cards Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid. griddlepop@hotmail.com

Games

Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Tuesdays 2-5pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided. Dinah, 0418 547 753

Geelong Historical Society Inc. Guest speaker first Wednesday of each

month, 7.30pm, Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence Street, Geelong West. Harry, 0473 807 944, geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au

Stamps

Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm first Saturday of the month (excluding January) at Virginia Todd Community Hall, 9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West, and 12.30pm third Monday of the month (excluding December) at Belmont Pavillion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont. Julie, 0438 270 549

Scrabble club

Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool & McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome. Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm. Shirley 0488 055 969

Sing Australia Geelong Choir Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed. Mary, 0419 278 456

Mindfulness & meditation U3A 9.30am and 12.30pm Wednesdays, Cobbin Farm, Grove Road, Grovedale. Jean, 5264 7484

Lions Club of Geelong Breakfast Inc

Inviting anyone interested in having fun and serving others to meet on the first Tuesday of each month at 8am, Eastern Hub (behind East Geelong Cemetery), followed by breakfast. Dinner event third Thursday of each month in Geelong. ajd53m@yahoo.com

Scribes Writers Group

South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members to refine their skills. geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com or 5243 8388

Kids’ church Group lessons for children aged 3-6, 7-10 and 10+, St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 171a Latrobe Terrace, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term, 10.30-11.30am. Suzie, 0402 963 855, or Althea, 0403 005 449

Geelong Dragon Boat Club Paddle at Barwon River. Training

Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am. Free one-month trial. revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons

Ballroom dancing Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4pm. Val, 5251 3529

Mainly Music for Preschoolers Sessions of music and movement for preschoolers, St Barnabas and St Paul’s Church, 105 Wilsons Road, Newcomb. Every Thursday during term time 10-11.30am. Wendy, 0461 582 618

Combined Probus Club of Highton Meets third Thursday of each month, South Barwon Football & Netball clubrooms, McDonald Reserve, Reynolds Road, Belmont, 10am. Sandra, 0427 348 260

Zonta Club of Geelong Meets monthly for dinner first Wednesday of the month between February and December at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start. RSVP essential. zontageelong.org.au or zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au

Geelong Prostate Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont. Bill, 0414 524 155 or info@geelongpsg.net

Geelong ballroom dancing Saturdays 7.30-10.15pm, corner Bayview Parade and Carey Street, Hamlyn Heights. Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate. 5278 9740 or geelongballroomdc.com.au

Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm. geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au

Alcoholics (and other addicts) For Christ 12 Steps Group Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at Belmont-Highton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont. 0420 910 763

Children’s play group For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with parent/carer. Free play, story time, and music. Wednesdays 10-11.30am in school term, St John’s Highton, 269 Roslyn Road, Highton. office@stjohnshighton.org.au or 0433 191 890

Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club Hot Shots for beginners, Creamery Road, Bell Post Hill, Monday afternoons, 4.15pm or 4.45pm sessions. Bruce, 0402 135 313

Belmont Seniors

Players wanted to play 500 each Monday 12.30pm. Belmont Senior Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. 5241 1776

Geelong Vietnam Veterans Coffee and chat, 31 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-3pm. Fortnightly lunch at various locations. Meetings second Monday of each month. Gary, 0400 862 727

Welcome mat

Belmont Uniting Church every Friday from 10am-1pm. Games, lunch and friendship. Fay, 0409 361 414

All smiles in the surf

It was smiles on dials at Ocean Grove main beach on Sunday 1 March as the Disabled Surfers Association gave allabilities people the chance to catch a wave. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was to share in the magic.

Left: Shaun and Kathryn Pegg with their daughter Maddisyn. 534658_07

Centre: Rick Saunders celebrates his surf with his volunteer crew. 534658_08 Right: Sam Castro comes out of the surf. 534658_01

Above: Alexander Dillon rides a wave. 534658_11 Below: Nick Maher cruises to shore. 534658_13

Georgia Siddall and Savannah Hobbs. 534658_06

Pauline Butler with her son Christopher. 534658_09

Alexander Dillon celebrates his medal with his dad and crew. 534658_12

Goran and Monica Nenadovic with their daughter Lily. 534658_14

Jude enjoys his ride. 534658_03

Jude with his mother and sister. 534658_05

Sam Castro celebrates with his crew. 534658_02

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

Rummaged (9)

Debris (6)

Interval (6)

Scent (5)

Waterway (5)

Great Barrier – (4)

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

18 words: Good 27 words: Very good 36 words: Excellent

N I T S E U J

3 LETTERS

BERRY BLUED BREAK

4 LETTERS AXIS DREW EBBS ERRS GRID LOFT SMOG SODA TEAS WEEP

5 LETTERS AFOOT AILED ARIAS ASSET AWAKE BALED BELLS

1 The French name for bite-sized confectionary, 'petit four', translates to what?

2 Alexis Bledel and Lauren Graham (pictured) co-starred in which US comedy-drama series?

3 Released in 1969, The Edible Woman is the debut novel of which Canadian author?

4 True or false: the unicorn is the national animal of Scotland?

5 Toum is a staple condiment of Lebanese cuisine; what is its star ingredient?

6 What colour are the flowers of a wisteria plant?

7 Located between Asia and Africa, the Suez Canal connects which two seas?

8 Performed in 1997 as a tribute to Diana, Princess of Wales, Elton John’s Candle in the Wind was originally written for whom?

9 In what year did colour TV come to Australia?

10 Which French Impressionist painter is well-known for painting ballet dancers?

Toyota at a ‘Cross’ roads

By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring

With the automotive industry increasingly switchingontoelectricpower,gettinginto a new Corolla was like putting on a comfy cardigan.

Not that the Toyota favourite that has been around since 1966 was at all moth-eatenandhadseenbetterdays.

Far from it, the latest iteration, the Corolla Cross SUV, unlike back in the day, does not run on fossil fuel (petrol) alone. With the latest Toyota hybrid system on hand, there are a few electrons whizzing downthewirehere,too.

The ‘Cross’ is Toyota’s way of giving its world best seller a genuine lift with added ground clearance, plus larger cabin with more occupant and cargo space, and the choiceofpetrolorhybridpower.

There are three model grades – GX, GXL and Atmos – make up the range, with the entry-level GX, in front-wheel drive only, coming to market at $36,480, plus on road costs, with the GXL and Atmos to be had with front- or all-wheel drive for an extra $3000, or about $40,000 and $54,000, drive away.

Sitting between the C-HR and RAV4 in terms of size, the Cross utilises the same platform as the C-HR and Corolla. On test wastheGXLfront-wheeldrivemodel.

Under the bonnet, the Corolla Cross benefits from the best of both worlds, hybrid electric vehicles combine the power of petrol a 2-litre petrol engine with the efficiency of electric motors. While the motor directly powers the wheels, the petrol engine automatically turns on to support heavy acceleration and

high-speedcruising.

Toyota answers the question of the reliability of hybrid technology with a 10-yearunlimitedkilometrehybridbattery warranty from the date of the first delivery andcappedpriceservicingcostof$250per service for up to five years or 75,000km, whichevercomesfirst.

Styling

A fresh look across the range incorporates a newly-designed grille, LED headlamps

QUALITY CAR SERVICING

and17-inchalloywheels.

The GX is distinguished on the outside by LED head and tail-lights, automatic highbeam,daytimerunninglights,heated and auto retractable door mirrors and a shark-finantenna.

Interior

Inside, GX grades come standard with automatic climate control, a 7.0-inch digital multi-information display, electric park brake, smart entry and start, fabric seats, 60:40 split-folding rear seats and a luggagecover.

The addition of a wireless phone charger and heated and ventilated front seats add furthertocomfortandconvenience.

The GXL gains combination leather-accented and fabric upholstery, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, electro chromatic rearview mirror, dual-zone climate control and two extra USB-C ports in the rear of the centre console.Bootspaceisgenerousat425litres withseatbacksup.

Infotainment

A large multimedia display is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both wireless and with voice recognition as standard. Plus, with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, music, podcasts and audiobooksarealwayseasilyaccessible.

The upgraded multimedia system features a larger 10.5-inch touchscreen display and gains satellite navigation as standard, with extra safety features including a panoramic view monitor and parkingsupportbrake.

Building on the infotainment system, the Corolla Cross features the most comprehensiveToyotaConnectedServices of any Toyota model to date, using a data communication module inside the vehicle andthemyToyotaConnectsmartphoneapp to provide real-time remote information andconvenienceforowners.

Through the myToyota Connect app, owners can undertake such things as remotely check the status of the doors and lights, access information such as the vehicle’s last known location and recent trips,orstarttheengineorclimatecontrol.

With the myToyota Connect app there’s remoteaccesstokeyvehiclefunctionsona compatible smartphone. Features include remote start, vehicle locator, access to vehicle information, and the ability to set driver profiles – all designed to give you greatervisibilityandcontrol,whereveryou are.

Toyota Connected Services makes use of the Corolla Cross’s inbuilt communication

device, designed to connect you with help in an emergency or a serious accident. It canevenhelppolicetrackastolencar.

Engines/transmissions

The 2.0-litre petrol engine is responsible for driving the front wheels only. The engine is often used to charge the battery, which is controlled automatically, while regenerativebrakingoccurswhencoasting or applying the brake pedal. Power use can be monitored through the driver’s instrumentdisplay.

Safety

Toyota SafetySense is one reason for the Corolla Cross earning a five-star ANCAP rating.Eightairbagssurroundingthecabin interior help keep driver and passengers safeintheeventofaseriousaccident.

A pre-collision system uses the vehicle’s built-in camera or radar and is designed to alert when a frontal collision is likely and help avoid, or reduce, the severity of a collision Lane-trace assist observes road markings and can make adjustments to help the car maintain its position by applying extra steering support and sounding an audible alert, while helping a merge by regulating speed against the vehicles ahead. This helps make lane changes smooth and helps reduce the risk ofcollisionswithslowervehicles.

Driving

The Toyota hybrid system is definitely in control here, with full electric power full onatlowspeedorwhenthevehiclereaches acertainspeed.Shiftsbetweenthetwoare slick and almost silent. Toyota puts fuel economy at 4.3 litres per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle. Best fuel economyontestwas3.9litresper100km.

As is the norm with a Toyota, the Corolla Cross carries itself with the assuredness we have come to expect, even on some of Australia’s weather-worn surfaces, steering provides direct, positive feedback to the driver and safety tech continues to beontopoftheoddunscheduledincident. Audible alerts are restrained, unlike some foistedonunwarydrivers.

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Toyota Corolla Cross has a quiet petrol/electric hybrid system. (Pictures: Supplied)

Finals underway for juniors

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Nine of the 27 Tennis Geelong Junior Pennant grades began finals on Saturday 28 February.

In the Premier sections, things went the way of the favourites, with all four home teams taking the win.

Ocean Grove were pushed to a live doubles by Surfcoast Jan Juc but got over the line 8-3 in the boys while Drysdale did the same in the girls 8-4, despite Grovedale Black finishing ahead on sets.

Hamlyn Park ended Barwon Heads season in the Boys elimination final with a clean sweep of rubbers while Geelong Lawn took both singles to win the day in the girls before going down in the doubles to Grovedale Yellow.

Boys 1 was the closest section of the day with Geelong Lawn taking an early lead over minor premiers Lara, winning three of the four singles before Lara won both doubles 6-1 and 7-5 leaving them just one game short and into a prelim against Ocean Grove, who had to go to a deciding set against Grovedale before prevailing 6-4 in the seventh.

Wandana Heights and Western Heights Uniting also had a tight tussle in Girls 1 with the teams tied on sets and Wandana ahead by one game after the singles.

Western Heights took the first doubles 6-4, leaving Wandana needing to win the set 7-5 to prevail. Wandana eventually took the set in a tie-break, pushing the match into a seventh set, which saw Wandana come out winners 6-2.

The elimination final was a different story with Ocean Grove Blue proving much too good for Grovedale with a 6-0 clean sweep.

Boys 3 was the closest section at the end of home and away with only three points separating the four teams, and the finals were just as close.

Minor premiers Ocean Grove were tied on sets with Highton Blue after the singles, with a two-game lead to Highton.

Highton took the first doubles 6-3 to go ahead while the second doubles was a battle with the Grove eventually winning

7-5, but it wasn’t enough and will face Geelong Lawn in the prelim. Lawn gave themselves a great chance, winning three of the four singles against Waurn Ponds and despite the Ponds winning the second doubles 6-4, Lawn’s

winning the next five sets.

They will face Barwon Heads Blue after Surfcoast Torquay Blue almost took a clean sweep against them, with only a tie-break loss in the first doubles.

Grovedale’s one success was in Boys 6 where they kept their season alive by beating Barwon Heads. The teams were level on sets after the singles, but Grovedale’s doubles prowess saw them take both sets for a 4-2 win.

They will face Wandana Heights who had atough5-1losstoWesternHeightsUniting.

Point Lonsdale had a winning day in Boys 8 with the White team advancing to the decider with their win over Clifton Springs, and the Blue team getting over Inverleigh to avoid elimination.

White won three of the four singles and a doubles to progress while Inverleigh will be wondering what could have been, winning 29 games but only one set. Three tie-breaks went the way of Lonnie to put them through to the next round.

6-1 win in the first sealed it and kept their finals run alive.

Grovedale’s poor luck continued in the Girls 4 elimination final against Clifton Springs. Grovedale won the first singles, but from there the Springs took control,

Green Ball 8 produced two upsets. Minor premiers Teesdale won the first singles against All Saints, but the away team took control to advance, winning 5-1. St Mary’s only dropped the fourth singles against Barwon Heads to go through to the prelim. With the Labour Day long weekend, play will resume on 14 March.

East Belmont and North Geelong to meet in A Grade final

North Geelong won its way through to the Geelong Cricket Association women’s

A Grade grand final and will play East Belmont on Sunday 8 March.

With rain interrupting play in the semi-final against Geelong City, the Magpies were set a modified target of 98 from 24 overs after City made 5/125. North Geelong reached the target from the second ball of the 21st over.

East Belmont was too strong for Barwon Heads in the other semi-final and it promises to be a huge match to decide the premiership at South Barwon’s Lawn Addicts Oval.

GRAND FINALS

Sunday 8 March, 1pm

A Grade: East Belmont vs North Geelong at Lawn Addicts Oval, South Barwon Reserve, Belmont

B Grade: Anglesea vs Queenscliff at Queens Park No 1, Highton

C Grade: Bannockburn vs Torquay at Reynolds Oval, South Barwon Reserve, Belmont

D Grade: Thomson vs Armstrong Creek at Queens Park No 2, Highton

E Grade: Little River vs North Geelong at South Barwon Reserve No 5, Belmont

F Grade: Bell Park vs Jan Juc at South Barwon Reserve No 3, Belmont

G Grade: Geelong City vs East Belmont at South Barwon Reserve No 4, Belmont

SEMI-FINALS

Sunday 1 March

A Grade

East Belmont 2/98 (I. Fenner 41no, L. Tubb 28no, C. Walker 19) def Barwon Heads 97 (S. Don 23, B. Farey 2/4, C. Walker 2/6, A. Grinter 2/12) North Geelong 7/99 (I. Hanna-Phillips 32, B. Duff 19, P. Agg 2/14, I. Storrar 2/19) def Geelong City 5/125 (P. Agg 50no, E. Moloney 20, N. Millard 3/32) on DLS format, NG target 98 from 24 overs

B Grade

Queenscliff 5/100 (M. Bennett 32, H. Chalkley 30, V. King 3/25) def Barrabool 99 (J. Neil 25, A. Birrell 3/29, A. Frankpitt 2/8, J. Fletcher 2/13, S. Birrell 2/26)

Anglesea 5/119 (R. McCue 44no, J. Cartin 2/21) def Marshall 64 (C. Adelia 3/18, J. Lister 2/11, M. Connell 2/16)

C Grade

Torquay 4/121 (A. Oliver 40, P. Zotti 28no, E. French 25) def East Belmont 6/104 (N. Sheppard 23, P. Zotti 2/25)

Bannockburn 1/140 (B. Mitchell 51ret, L. Stephens 30) def Waurn Ponds Deakin 4/102 (C. Haynes 31no, C. Cashin 24, P.

McCormack 22, B. Mitchell 2/16) on DLS format, WPD target 113 off 16 overs

D Grade

Thomson 2/75 (C. Anderson 23ret, A. Kelly 23ret) def Grovedale 6/74 (F. Moran 18) Armstrong Creek 4/91 (C. Burnett 30ret,

L. Thistlewaite 2/16) def Geelong West 2/89 (K. Horne 23, C. Kearney 19ret)

E Grade

Little River 4/78 (P. Sharp 25no, C. McKinlay 23no, C. Harwood 2/11) def Lethbridge 8/76 (K. Templeton 2/14, S. Whitfield 2/14) North Geelong 6/115 (H. Wray 31ret, M. Caruana 29) def St Peters 8/59 (A. Liddle 19, M. Caruana 2/10)

F Grade Bell Park 2/176 (M. Gerdtz 32ret, L. Marino 30ret, A. Aldridge 30ret, L. Neville 21) def Manifold Heights 69 (S. Williamson 21, A. Dowie 2/10, A. Aldridge 2/10, E. Bradley 2/12) Jan Juc 3/143 (C. Boxer 31ret, S. Huxtable 30ret, D. Murry 19no) def Wallington 8/65 (M. Annand 17, B. Withers 2/4)

G Grade

Geelong City 3/158 (K. Lambert 31ret, C. Vos 30ret, L. Fapani 23, K. O’Donnell 19, G. Pritchard 2/33) def Bell Park 3/127 (J. Taylor 33ret, K. Pearce 30ret) East Belmont 2/116 (S. Kennedy 30ret, F. Timberlake 25no, A. Kennedy 22) def Little River 7/115 (T. Kemp 30ret, I. Ryan 22, G. Templeton 21, E. Taylor 2/13, S. Kennedy 2/15, S. Neale 2/23)

Geelong City’s Poppy Agg (pictured in last year’s Marg Jennings Cup) starred in the A Grade semi-final with 50 not out and two wickets. (File picture/Ljubica Vrankovic)

Saturday Junior Pennant Drysdale: Ava Gleeson and Georgina Palmateer. (Pictures: Supplied)

Grovedale’s Johan Lee, Lucas Andrews, Tejasveer Singh and Roy Earls.

Coutas get another crack

Queenscliff earned another crack at Ocean Grove in this Sunday’s Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant grand final with a commanding win against Drysdale in the preliminary final on Saturday 28 February. The Coutas were too strong, winning 96 shots to 52 and minor premiers the Grovers will hold few fears for the side from the borough.

Queenscliff won both home and away season encounters and went down in an epic semi-final with Ocean Grove winning by two shots.

Mitchell Hocking’s rink had the biggest win of the afternoon, prevailing by 29 shots.

Ocean Grove also has teams in the Division 1, 2, 3 and 7 deciders. City of GeelongandTorquayeach have threesides competing across the 10 divisions.

PRELIMINARY FINALS

Saturday 28 February

Players name in order of skip, lead, second, third.

Premier Pennant: Queenscliff 96 def Drysdale 52: R. Butler, W. Visser, A. Green, R. Cameron 21 def M. Lawrence, M. Johnson, M. Jeffs, B. Howie 13; S. Sullivan, R. McGovern, B. Gladman, S. Monahan 17 tied with M. Godbolt, M. Rees, J. Fry, L. Lawrence 17; M. Hocking, C. Heard, J. Mahoney, J. Reilly 35 def J. Monahan, M. Neicho, M. Campbell, A. James 6; B. Russell, M. Speed, W. Macleod, N. Dixon 23 def A. Rees, M. Hommelhoff, A. Keranen, L. Donohue 16.

Division 1: City of Geelong 95 def St

Leonards 61: J. Shell, N. Robinson, S. Ashby, M. Nitchie 32 def T. Long, M. Maddox, L. Connors, G. Lund 12; N. Craven, H. Boult, K. Gooley, L. Harvey 17 def by M. Kennedy, R. Beattie, P. Garlick, A. Doyle 20; D. Vogele, G. Lane, N. Trease-Gordon, D. Wombell 21 def H. Dahler, F. Aston, D. Barnett, R. Michael 14; S. Tillson, R. Sutherland, S. Somerton, R. Gray 25 def A. Hills, J. Doyle, B. Auld, B. Culph 15.

Skips named from Division 2 onwards. Division 2: Belmont 78 def Anglesea 73: A. Gemmill 19 def by K. Hogan 21; S. Abrahmsen 28 def P. Austin 10; J. Reed 11 def by L. Wilson 25; R. Stephens 20 def M. Stone 17.

Division 3: Ocean Grove 90 def

Queenscliff 84: G. King 31 def G. Butler 12; L. Kirk 14 def by G. Nicholson 28; M. Allen

25 def G. Warren 22; P. Patterson 20 def by B. Close 22.

Division 4: Geelong RSL 82 def Highton 71: W. Smith 32 def A. Cotterill 5; J. Southern 19 def J. More 15; N. Vivian 17 def by G. Duncan 26; B. Jennings 14 def by J. Haydon 25.

Division 5: Barwon Heads 75 def Leopold 66: A. Prosser 15 def by D. Gordon 21; G. Hood 22 def K. Barker 12; I. Duthie 22 def R. Morrow 16; A. Duthie 16 def by M. Wray 17.

Division 6: Torquay 70 def Clifton Springs 61: J. Pryor 16 def F. Hesterman 11; G. Williams 22 def B. Stockley 11; M. Slater 17 def by H. Lush 19; D. Burns 15 def by J. Burt 20.

Division 7: Anglesea 66 def Leopold 64: L. McConchie 11 def by R. Cloke 24; C. Bird 16 def J. Potter 13; A. Stephen 19 def S. Hall

15; W. Smith 20 def A. Kerley 12.

Division 8: Torquay 84 def Ocean Grove 68: B. Ryan 19 tied with J. Robertson 19; P. Phillips 18 def by P. Barker 22; R. Tapping 21 def M. Turnley 17; P. Loeliger 26 def L. Berryman 10.

Division 9: Bell Post Hill 72 def Norlane 54: G. Lamb 27 def N. Watson 10; D. Hodges 16 def by T. Waters 29; A. Barrett 29 def D. O’Connell 15.

Division 10: City of Geelong 46 def Torquay 37: G. Madley 21 def S. Macgugan 17; S. Tillson 25 def V. Balestra 20.

GRAND FINALS

Sunday 8 March, 1pm

Premier Pennant: Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff at Belmont

Division 1: Ocean Grove vs City of Geelong at Belmont

Saturday 7 March, 1pm

Division 2: Ocean Grove vs Belmont at Geelong Eastern Park

Division 3: City of Geelong vs Ocean Grove at Eastern Park

Division 4: Norlane vs Geelong RSL at Ocean Grove

Division 5: Torquay vs Barwon Heads at Leopold

Division 6: Geelong vs Torquay at Highton

Division 7: Ocean Grove vs Anglesea at Bareena

Division 8: Drysdale vs Torquay at Highton

Division 9: Point Lonsdale vs Bell Post Hill at Ocean Grove

Division 10: Geelong RSL vs City of Geelong at Ocean Grove

All-Grove final as midweek bowls gears up for grand finish

Both Ocean Grove sides will meet each in the grand final of the Geelong Bowls Region Midweek Division 1 on Tuesday 10 March.

Ocean Grove’s Division 2 side will play Queenscliff with both finals at Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club. The other grand final at Drysdale is the Division 4 decider with Ocean Grove taking on Bareena. Eastern Park also has four teams competing across 10 divisions - Divisions 3, 7, 9 and 10.

GRAND FINALS

Tuesday 10 March, 10am

Division 1: Ocean Grove (1) vs Ocean Grove (2) at Drysdale

Division 2: Ocean Grove vs Queenscliff at Drysdale

Division 3: Eastern Park vs Portarlington at Belmont

Division 4: Bareena vs Ocean Grove at Drysdale

Division 5: Anglesea vs Geelong at Leopold Sportsmans Club

Division 6: St Leonards vs Torquay at Belmont

Division 7: Eastern Park vs Torquay at Belmont

Division 8: Norlane vs St Leonards at Leopold Sportsmans Club

Division 9: Eastern Park vs Bannockburn at Highton

Division 10: Barwon Heads vs Eastern Park at Highton

PRELIMINARY

Tuesday 3 March

FINALS

Players name in order of skip, lead, second, third.

Division 1: Ocean Grove (2) 62 def St Leonards 54: A. Callow, G. King, J. Curran, S. Collins 24 def H. Dahler, J. Doyle, P. Garlick, R. Michael 14; B. Smith, M. Jacobs, G. Brookes, P. Patterson 20 def by T. Long, M. Maddox, G. Lund, M. Kennedy 22; S. Avery, I. Donald, B. Dee, J. Dwyer 18 tied

with R. Emerson, D. Roberts, B. Culph, T. Doyle 18.

Division 2: Queenscliff 82 def Highton

46: G. Nicholson, J. Shiell, L. Graham, B. Gladman 27 def P. Monk, P. Stribley, J. Muelblok, M. Lyne 16; B. Close, M. Ridgway, D. Warren, M. Winton 28 def B. Lombardi, C. Milligan, V. Stone, S. Griffiths 12.

Skips named from Division 3 onwards.

Division 3: Portarlington 57 def Anglesea

53: B. Hirth 22 tied with B. Coyle 22; D. Dunlop 20 def K. Hogan 14; B. Lockyer 15

def by L. Wilson 16.

Division 4: Ocean Grove 64 def St

Leonards 51: R. Wilkinson 20 def D. Barnett 18; L. Stonehouse 19 def B. Padgham 18; D. Stonehouse 25 def B. Millichamp 15.

Division 5: Geelong 53 def Ocean Grove

50: J. McKean 16 tied with B. Poole 16; J. McDonnell 18 tied with R. Foley 18; F. Wheat 19 def H. Allan 16.

Division 6: Torquay 63 def Barwon Heads

54: M. Wake 18 def S. Woodman 12; P. Phillips 16 def by A. Duthie 29; L. Avent 29

def S. Hicks 13.

Division 7: Torquay 58 def Ocean

46: G. Robinson 21 def D.

9; R. Hannan 11 def by D. Mackay 24.

Division 8: St Leonards 44 def Geelong 30: G. Tame 28 def V.

Grove

Clark

Steel 15; W. Barnes 16 def D. Joseph 15.

Division 9: Bannockburn 44 def Portarlington 41: L. Baxter 21 def by R. King 26; J. Damjanovic 23 def M. King 15.

Division 10: Eastern Park 45 def Norlane

42: B. Haines 15 def by T. Waters 23; E. Green 30 def N. Watson 19.

Left: Sue Collins bowls into the head for Ocean Grove (2) against City of Geelong in the semi-final. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 536155_23

Right: Gary King is first away for Ocean Grove in the semi-final. 536155_19

Left: Drysdale’s John Fry watches his line during the preliminary final. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 534294_20 Right: Steve Sullivan in action for Queenscliff in the prelim. 534294_23

Queenscliff into the decider

Queenscliff is into the Geelong Bowls Region Premier Pennant grand final against Ocean Grove on Sunday after defeating Drysdale in the prelim on Saturday 28 February. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Leopold Sportsmans Club to it unfold.

Matthew Campbell plays the backhand for Drysdale. 534294_03

Ashley Rees scampers off down the rink. 534294_32

Riley Cameron concentrates. 534294_13

Queenscliff’s Ray Butler skipped his team to a 21-13 win. 534294_15

Richie McGovern leads off for Queenscliff. 534294_17

Mark Godbolt bowls with his rink having a 17-17 tie with Steve Sullivan’s. 534294_24

Bryant Howie plays for position. 534294_14

Maya Rees in action for Drysdale. 534294_18

Aaron James follows his bowl. 534294_05

Mitchell Hocking is pleased with this bowl as he leads his team to a big win. 534294_08

Jackson Reilly consolidates the head. 534294_06

John Monahan looks to save the end. 534294_07

Finals looming for local cricket

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp ventured to Highton Reserve, Belmont, for the Highton vs Bell Park GCA2 clash and to Ocean Grove Memorial Oval to see Collendina take on Ocean Grove in BPCA A2 Grade on Saturday 28 February. With one week to go before finals, the Heat, Dragons and Grubbers are assured of playing finals while the Cobras need to win to guarantee a spot.

Left: Fionn Neeson bowls his leggies for Highton. 534288_01 Right: Bell Park’s Liam Hutchison drives down the ground for four. 534288_07

Nikhil Deep Pottabathini is bowled by Isaac Bird for a defiant 60. 534288_04

Jayden Ettridge drives square of the wicket. 534288_08

Brady Somers gets off the mark with a single. 534288_18

Isaac Bird took 3/20 and is not out on 71 for Highton. 534288_26

Baljinder Singh Brar cuts for Ocean Grove. 534292_13

Jacob Taylor pulls this delivery to the boundary. 534292_18

Above: Jacob Gasior took 3/43 off 15 overs for Collendina. 534292_08 Below: Stan Grazotis took 3/26 runs off 22 overs for Collendina. 534292_14

Richard Brown attempts a stumping, but Baljinder Singh Brar’s foot is grounded. 534292_11

Corey Buxton hits on the up. 534292_15

Highton turns up the heat

By Justin Flynn

It’s not often that a top of the table clash just before finals turns into a lopsided contest, but Highton has already inflicted Bell Park’s first loss of the season and the game is only half finished.

Highton will now finish on top of the Geelong Cricket Association Division 2 ladder after an extraordinary day’s play at McDonald Reserve on Saturday 28 February.

Heat skipper Nathan McCoach won the toss and sent the Dragons in and it paid off with seamer Chris Young (4/17), spinner Isaac Bird (3/20) and paceman Darcy Elliott (2/19) running amok.

Only star all-rounder Nikhil Deep Pottabathini offered resistance for Bell Park with a classy 60 from 78 deliveries.

“It was a bit of a crazy day, to be honest,” McCoach said.

“Everything just seemed to go our way… we kind of had a day out and they probably had the opposite. They’re a pretty experienced team and going undefeated throughout the whole season, it was very, very surprising, but we were very pleased with the results.”

Highton then waltzed past Bell Park’s small total to end day one at 3/213 and in a position of complete control.

New Zealand import Bird is on 71 while James Gillard made 65. Bird has made 558 runs and taken 27 wickets this season while Zac Wills has compiled 561 runs and Gillard 488, giving the Heat some serious batting power.

“I think we have three that have scored over 500 runs, or close to it, so we’re not relying on one or two players,” McCoach said.

“And there are others who can make runs as well. We also have some guys in the twos who play a role and are in good form, so

we’re never short of options.”

When asked what his plans were for day two this Saturday, McCoach said he was uncertain. With the minor premiership sewn up, Highton doesn’t need to win outright so giving his middle and lower order a hit might be the best plan.

“We’ll probably play them in the first week of the finals, and this was the first time we’d played them (this season),” he said.

“Our lower order hasn’t had much of a hit so it might be good for them to try and spend some time out there.”

McCoach said the return of Elliott after a lengthy hamstring injury was good for his side.

“He’s had injuries and I think this was his second game back,” he said.

“He got a hat-trick last week and he’s put in a heap of work to get himself right. It’s good to see him out there.”

Bird’s first season at the club has been bountiful. The Kiwi all-rounder spends half the year playing in Ireland.

“This is his first season with us and he’s a class above,” McCoach said.

“To make the amount of runs he has and to take the number of wickets, he’s been fantastic for us.”

LEOPOLD’S bid for a finals spot is well on track after a strong showing against Alexander Thomson. With less than a point

separating Leopold (3rd, 51.28 points), Bell Post Hill (4th, 51.14) and Geelong City (5th, 50.58) going into the final day of the home and away season, one side will miss out. Seamer Declan Gibson (5/25) and spinner Hayden Butterworth (3/20) combined to have the Vikings all out for 113 with Zach Mevissen resisting the onslaught with a well-made 45 from 67 deliveries. In reply, Leopold is 5/108 with Sam Mitchell on 34 and outright points and a certain finals spot is a possibility.

BELL Post Hill is in control against Geelong West after making 9/274. Contributions from Ben Muir (66), Tim Hughes (56), Jason Grozdanovski (52) and Will Iles (44) gave the Panthers a big score to defend while new-ball pair Charlie George-Eldrigde and Rajasekhar Reddy Lankireddy each took three wickets for Geelong West.

GEELONG City faces a tough run chase against Torquay to stay in contention. Torquay was all out for 205 with Finlay Carter run out on 98 after going for a quick single, but Lachie Emmett threw down the stumps from mid-off with Carter just short of his ground. Paceman James Leather took four wickets for the Sharks, who must bat well this Saturday.

Final-day thriller for BPCA as finals spots still unknown

By Justin Flynn

Collendina’s hopes of playing in a Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association semi-final now rest with its batters after the bowling attack delivered on day one of the final round of the season.

The Cobras can wrap up a finals spot if they defeat Ocean Grove and they bowled the top side out for 143, albeit on a painfully slow ground at Memorial Reserve on Saturday 28 February.

Collendina spinner Jacob Gasior said the outfield was slow, but his side still performed well.

“It’s one of the slowest I’ve seen this year,” he said.

“We bowled alright as well, but it doesn’t help the batting side. I think we’re on top.

“They’re a pretty good batting side so when you keep them to under 200, even though it’s slow and small square, we’re pretty happy. It’s still that awkward score where a few quick wickets and you just never know.

It’s not like we’re chasing 70 or 80. We still have to make them and someone’s still going to have to step up and do the job.”

Three bowlers shouldered the workload for the Cobras, sending down 63 of the 73 overs for the day. Corey Walter (3/40 from 26 overs), left-arm spinner Stan Grazotis (3/26 from 22) and Gasior (3/43 from 15) operated for most of the afternoon while Dan Roddis batted well for Grove making 43 from 101 deliveries.

Gasior said with Grazotis and Walter not conceding many runs, it allowed him some freedom to be a bit more attacking.

“I’m not that sort of bowler,” he said.

“I’m more throw it up in the slot. I might get hit for a few more, so when there’s pres-

sure on at the other end constantly, it makes my life a lot easier.

“There’s quite a few guys that didn’t get a bowl that have been bowling really well lately. It’s just getting to that pointy end of the season and we thought the slower types would benefit us more. It was a tactic on the slow ground.”

While Collendina will rely on Walter and Grazotis again this week, but with the bat, Harrisyn Wingrave found form last round with an unbeaten 70.

“I feel like he’s been just on the verge,” Gasior said.

“He started the season off pretty well, and then just lost a bit of confidence in the middle there and hopefully that (innings) brings it back because he’s got the game.

“He’s still learning his own game and how not to go out early, but once he’s set, he looks really good.”

Collendina can still make the finals with a loss providing Wallington defeats Winchelsea while Ocean Grove will finish top with a

win and probably stay there on percentage even with a loss.

PORTARLINGTON holds the upper hand against St Leonards after making 230 all out with Joel De Bono (81) and Paul McGrath (49) getting runs. James Burns (4/53 from 21.2 overs) steamed in all day for the Saints while Seb Harrison and Brian White took three wickets each. The winner will play finals providing Winchelsea loses to Wallington. The Saints could lose and make it on percentage if they aren’t bowled out for a low total and Winch must lose.

WINCHELSEA on the other hand will need to defeat Wallington and hope one of St Leonards or Collendina loses. The Kookaburras were all out for 140 on day one with Jarrod Groves making 63 while Dane Wise-Graham took 4/26 for the Wallabies. In reply, Wallington is 1/27 and cannot slip any lower than second.

NEWCOMB posted 162 all out against Surf Coast with Shane Healey making 66 and Suns pair Akashvir Singh and Blake Robinson each taking five wickets. Surf Coast had six overs to negotiate before stumps and wiped off four runs from the target without losing a wicket.

Isaac Bird took 3/20 and ended the day on 71 not out to steer Highton to a day one first-innings win. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 534288_15

Zac Wills contributed 26 to Highton’s total of 2/213. 534288_19

Jacob Gasior took 3/43 for Collendina against Ocean Grove. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 534292_01

Ocean Grove’s Jacob Taylor makes it home for a quick single as Richard Brown whips off the bails. 534292_22