Grubbers taste big win
A big mark at the top of the goalsquare by Willow Crapp (pictured) as her Under 17 teammates at Ocean Grove enjoyed a big win on Sunday 7 June.
Facing off against Peninsula Sharks at Portarlington, Willow booted three goals in the Grubbers’ Martin team win 15.14(104) to 1.1(7), although the young Sharks were not overawed and fought it out to the very end.
Tilly Dooling played her 50th game for Ocean Grove when she lined up for the club’s other Under 17 team, Ocean Grove Martin. Tilly’s team defeated St Joseph’s 13.6(84) to 2.1(13).
Ocean Grove Tisdale had a good win in the Under 14s, defeating Geelong Amateur 20.20(140) to no score.
Ocean Grove Lamb went down to St Joseph’s in the other Under 14 game, 2.2(14) to 5.5(35).
For more Ivan Kemp pictures from the Grubbers vs Sharks game, see page 26.
Locals honoured
The Bellarine Peninsula was well represented in this year’s King’s birthday honourslistannouncedon8June.
Among them is Ocean Grove’s Katrina Antony, who has dedicated countless hours to surf lifesaving in high-risk coastalenvironments.
Ms Antony was awarded an Emergency Services Medal (ESM) in the General Division and has provided 20 years of continuous frontline and emergency management service to Life Saving Victoria,contributingacrossregionaland metropolitanVictoriasince2005.
Still an active lifesaver with more than 1700 patrol hours, she has consistently combined operational leadership with direct service in high-risk coastal environments. Her service spans four clubs and multiple regions, reflecting
sustained commitment to community safety.
Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club secretaryLibbySampsonreceivedaPublic Service Medal for outstanding public service in leading land management reformsinVictoria.
MsSampson,wholivesinWilliamstown, but has a property and regularly stays in Ocean Grove, is credited with history-making public land management reforms that have protected some of the state’s most iconic landscapes, including the Birrarung (Yarra River) and the Great OceanRoadcoast,parksandenvirons.
There were five Bellarine Peninsula recipients of the Medal of the Order of Australia(OAM)intheGeneralDivision.
Barwon Heads’ Rodney Bush was recognisedforservicetobasketballandto
the community. At a local level, Mr Bush has served as director, referee advisor and is a life member of Geelong United. He continues to serve the Rotary Club of OceanGrove.
Pamela Davis has served the Drysdale communitywithdistinctionwithat Drysdale Sub-Branch RSL, Drysdale Football Netball Club; Drysdale Primary School,UncleBobsClubBellarineBranch and Meals on Wheels. She was awarded the Adrian Mannix OAM Community Service Award for the Springdale/ Bellarinecommunityin2014. LeopoldisluckytohaveKeithPettigrew. He is actively involved with the Leopold War Memorial Committee, is a life memberofLeopoldFootballNetballClub and in 2017 received the Alan J. Holding Community Service Award of Lions Club
LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1988
ofLeopold.
Diana Sawyer of Point Lonsdale has given plenty of service to Queenscliffe HistoricalMuseum,FriendsoftheGeelong Botanic Gardens, Epilepsy Foundation (Formerly the Epilepsy Foundation of Victoria) and the Uniting Church and wroteThePointLonsdaleStory(2021)and numerousotherpublications.
ThelateDavidThorpeofPointLonsdale was foundation chair of Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research, Lions Club of Queenscliff Point Lonsdale secretary, guest speaker for Cancer Australia and wasawardedtheMelvinJonesFellowship and Barry J Palmer Fellow by Lions Australia.
For more on the King’s birthday awards recipients, see page 3.
Trethowan Avenue
Villa Launch
Deborah Cheetham Village
1 Vision Court, Ocean Grove Saturday 27 June, 2pm
Visit rymanhealthcare.com.au/events or call us on 1800 314 425 to book your place.
You’re invited to be among the first to explore our brand-new villas.
Tour two of our brand-new display villas
Explore the latest plans for Trethowan Avenue Hear directly from residents about life in the village
Chat with our friendly team and have your questions answered Coffee van and refreshments available throughout the event
Guests will have access to exclusive offers available on the day.
Honoured to be recognised
A mental health researcher and two surf lifesaving stalwarts were among those who received King’s Birthday Honours.
Professor Michael Berk (OAM)
One of the world’s pre-eminent mental health researchers, Geelong resident ProfessorMichaelBerk,hasbeenappointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) as part of the King’s Birthday honours for his distinguished service to epidemiology, preventative medicine, mental health and tertiaryeducation.
TheSouthAfrican-bornAustraliancame to Geelong in 2001 when he was offered the role of inaugural chair of Psychiatry at Barwon Health and the Geelong Clinic throughMelbourneUniversity.
Sincethenhehasbecomeco-founderand director of Deakin University’s Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT) and head of its Centre of Research Excellence for the Development of Innovative Therapies for PsychiatricDisorders.
His once small team has grown to number more than 400, and Prof Berk has authoredmorethan1600researchpapers.
“My quest has always been, how do you develop better treatments for conditions for which we don’t always have the best possibletreatments?”hesaid.
“If you can come up with something that helps other people, that improves the lives of other people, I think that’s existentially meaningful. And it’s a total privilege to be abletodothiskindofwork.”
Prof Berk said while coming to Geelong may have been seen as a professional gamble, the region had been more
Libby Sampson (PSM)
OceanGroveSurfLifeSavingClubsecretary
Libby Sampson has been awarded the Public Service Medal (PSM) in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for outstanding public service in leading land management reformsinVictoria.
MsSampson,whoilivesinWilliamstown, but has a property and regularly stays in Ocean Grove, is credited with history-making public land management reforms that have protected some of the state’s most iconic landscapes, including the Birrarung (Yarra River) and the Great OceanRoadcoast,parksandenvirons.
As a result of her reforms, these landscapes were recognised in legislation for the first time as living and integrated natural entities. Ms Sampson’s reforms also introduced management frameworks that balanced environmental protection, cultural recognition, community interests andeconomicactivity.
Ms Sampson’s work has always featured astrongcommitmenttoself-determination and genuine partnership with Traditional Owners. She championed legislative recognition of the intrinsic connection of Traditional Owners to Country, resulting in
he said. “When I arrived in Geelong, it was in the process of transitioning from an industrial past into a post-industrial future. And as it’s turned out…the two biggest employers in Geelong are now Deakin University and Barwon Health, my twoemployers.
“And so completely by accident, it turned out to be the perfect place to start a biomedicalresearchcareer.
“And I’ve been very fortunate, both Barwon Health and Deakin University havebeenabrilliantenablingenvironment formetodoresearchandtobuildacareer.”
Prof Berk and his team have had a significantimpactonthewaymentalhealth treatment is understood and implemented aroundtheworldoverthepast25years.
In2024hetoldtheIndependent“research is the ultimate team sport”, a sentiment he echoedthisweek.
“You absolutely can do nothing on your own...and I’m privileged to have a truly amazing group of people that I work with,” hesaid.
“Deakin University and Barwon Health have been a phenomenally supportive and enabling environment that have allowed us to do stuff that I think would have been muchhardertodoelsewhere.
supportivethanhecouldhaveimagined.
“The metaphor I use is surfing; you want to catch a wave just as it’s about to break,”
Katrina Antony (ESM)
Aftermorethantwodecadesofcontinuous frontline and emergency management service, an Ocean Grove woman has been honoured with an Emergency Service Medal(ESM).
Katrina Antony first started her work with Life Saving Victoria (LSV) when she joined the Portland Surf Life Saving Club in 2005 and has since tallied up more than 1700patrolhoursacrossmultipleregions.
Ms Antony is currently a patrolling member of Ocean Grove’s LSV club, where she lives, and is still a member of Portland and Mildura’s clubs, along with holding seniorleadershiproleswithLSV.
“Ocean Grove is a big club, but it is still a family club right from nippers through to patrols,soitisagreatclub,”shesaid.
“I’ve patrolled at a lot of beaches throughout Victoria, and lifesaving gives me a great opportunity to travel, not just within regional Victoria, but also nationallyaswell.”
Ms Antony has led complex and multi-agency emergency responses across her service, including a multi-day
Victoria’sfirstactswithbilingualpreambles andenduringgovernancearrangements.
A highly regarded systems thinker, Ms Sampson has designed robust, evidence-based frameworks to support sound analysis, decision-making and delivery.
Shehasalsoledcomplexadvisorybodies, taskforcesandreferencegroups,navigating competing interests, tight timeframes and public scrutiny with integrity and a collaborativeapproach.
Her leadership of extensive public consultation processes and coordination of expert technical advice resulted in reforms were inclusive, durable and widely supported.
Ms Sampson’s contribution has delivered lasting environmental, cultural, social and economic benefits for Victoria and established new benchmarks for public land management that will benefit current andfuturegenerations.
“Wejusthappenedtoplunkourselveson the wave just as it was about to break, and it’sbrokenveryfavorablyforus.”
search and recovery operation at Cape BridgewaterinJanuary2015.
She was also involved in the response to the April 2019 Port Campbell tragedy that saw the death of two lifesavers and the 2022 Victorian floods to support affected communities.
“A lot of times we can go through our surf lifesaving lives or careers without an incident,”shesaid. “But,formeandothers whohaverespondedtoincidents,it’sreally important to ensure that we stop, pause andthenplan...whatyou’regoingtodoand whattherisksare.”
Ms Antony received an ESM in the General Division on 8 June as part of the King’s birthday honours list for her leadership and service in high-risk coastal environments.
“I was really taken by surprise and...I’m very honoured to receive this award, but it’snotgoingtochangeanything,”shesaid.
“I will still be standing between those red and yellow flags every summer, and it’s all about keeping people safe on our beaches.”
Professor Michael Berk has been awarded an AO this King’s Birthday. (Supplied)
Elizabeth Sampson has been awarded the Public Service Medal in the King’s Birthday Honours. (Supplied)
Katrina Antony has received an Emergency Service Medal. (Life Saving Victoria)
Completing a circle of care
Amy MacDonald and her son Freddie are the face of Barwon Health Foundation’s Circle of Care collective. The Geelong mother speaks with Jena Carr about her journey with Freddie following his premature birth.
BornprematurewithDownsyndrome, the birth of Amy MacDonald’s son was anything but smooth sailing for thefirst-timemum.
Amy,fromGeelong,gavebirthtoFreddie by emergency C-section at 32 weeks into herpregnancyinDecember2024.
“Inoneofthescansthatwehadataround 28 weeks, his long bones (a hard and dense bone like the femur) were measuring small,whichcanbeasoftmarkerforDown syndrome, but all of the other tests came backaslowrisk,”Amysaid.
“When he was born, additional testing confirmed what doctors suspected, which was a Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) diagnosis.
“Freddie had some issues with his kidneys, which he needed surgery to correctbeforewecouldbringhimhome.
“We went on a bit of a journey before we could get him home with lots of tests and specialists, and...he spent nine weeks in hospital, including six weeks in Geelong andthreeinMelbourne.
Now 18-months-old, Freddie is living a veryhappyandhealthylifewithhisfamily.
“Everyone with Down syndrome will have a different experience, but thankfully for Freddie, he has been quite healthy,” Amysaid.
“The biggest thing for him is that he’s quite small, so on a typical growth chart Freddie sits well below the typical height, and it means that he may have to work hardertolearnhowtowalkandtalk.
“Some children are born with a heart defect,butFreddiedoesn’thavethat,which is great, so his condition is something that we’lllearnmoreaboutashegrows.
“He’s been really well as he’s growing and doing all of the things he should be doingasatoddler.
“Freddie is very happy and loves other people, so when we’re out and about, anyone who walks by Freddie will get a smile and a wave, and he’s really curious aswell.”
Amy, 38, said that Freddie made her and herhusbandTrent“betterpeople”.
“Lifecanabsolutelybefilledwithjoyand love, and it will stretch you in the best way possible,”shesaid.
“It is okay to feel upset and scared when you get that initial diagnosis, but with that comes this amazing supportive community.
“Whenthediagnosiswasgiventous,the doctor explained at the time that, when any child is born, all you can hope for is that they’re going to be the best that they canbe.
“Your job as their parent is to help them grow and flourish, so we just hold on to the fact that Freddie will be Freddie and we’re there to support him to be the best that he canbe.”
Amy and Freddie are the face of Barwon Health Foundation’s Circle of Care collective to help bring the Barwon Women’sandChildren’sfacilitytoGeelong.
The collective will support the Barwon Women’s and Children’s Appeal in helping shape the future of healthcare across GreaterGeelong.
“We spent six weeks in the special care nursery, and the impact that the nursery had on us will stay with us forever,” Amy said.
“I can never thank the Barwon Health team enough for the love and support that they gave, not only to Freddie, but to our family.
“The team celebrated every win we had with Freddie. We cried together, and they felt the hard days with us, as...when you’re there 12 hours a day for six weeks straight, yougettoknowthewholeteam.
Life can absolutely be filled with joy and love, and it will stretch you in the best way possible
- Amy MacDonald
y t
“If we can do anything to support the new hospital, then I’m more than happy to give our time and share the impact that theyhadonus.
“The new Barwon Women’s and Children’s will ensure families like mine can stay close to their babies while receiving the specialised care that can makeallthedifference.”
Amy also shares Freddie’s journey with Down syndrome on an Instagram page titled A Friend Like Freddie, which aims to provide information and support for other families going through a similar experience.
“Connection with other people is the most important thing you can find,” she said.
“When we received Freddie’s diagnosis, the first thing I did was look for other families that were going through the same thing we were, and I was looking for real experiences, but I struggled to find Australianpagesonline.
“We’re all human, and we just want to connect with other people for support and reassurance.
“So, I started up the Instagram page to sharewithpeoplethatlifecanbebeautiful inandamongstthechaos.”
Visit barwonhealthfoundation.org. au/circle-of-care for more information or to donate through Barwon Health Foundation’sCircleofCare.
People can also follow along with Freddie’s journey at A Friend Like Freddie onInstagram.
MacDonald gave birth to Freddie at 32 weeks into her pregnancy,
Amy and Trent MacDonald with son Freddie. (Ivan Kemp) 557938_06
Amy MacDonald at the Geelong Waterfront with her son Freddie. (Ivan Kemp) 557938_01
Amy
he spent nine weeks in hospital following his birth. (Pictures: Supplied)
Music festival makes first announcement
Get ready Geelong – the countdown to the Queenscliff Music Festival (QMF) has begunfor2026.
Organisers announced the festival’s first wave of artists late last week, describing the lineup as “a love letter to Australian music”.
The headline acts span decades, featuring current Triple J darlings Baker Boy and Lime Cordiale, established artists Kate Miller-Heidke, Meg Mac and Mia Dyson and legends of Aussie rock Peter Garrett&theAlterEgosandGeelong’sown MagicDirt.
This first artist announcement promises to continue that tradition, with artists
New tiny house launched
A community pilot project is showing how tinyhousescanhaveabigimpact.
A new tiny home was launched in Portarlington this month by local builder RobertPatterson,demonstratingasolution for both home owners and those facing homelessness, especially women aged 55 and over. A social and climate advocate as well as a builder for more than 20 years, Mr Patterson designed and built the tiny housefromconcepttocompletion.
The real challenge, he noted, was coordinating more than 30 people from the engineer and building surveyor to the many trades involved over a 12-week build onanexistingprivateproperty.
“Building on a small site is complex and noteasytoachieve,”MrPattersonsaid.
“I hope...this project becomes the foundation for a pilot project of three Tiny Homes on one block delivered in partnership between community and government. Because, ultimately, it is the community, like the Cloverdale Community Centre that truly understands theurgencyandhumanimpactofourlocal housingcrisis.”
Cloverdale Community Centre chief executiveLizBonnersaidherorganisation hopedtobeabletouseitsbuildingtraining space in North Geelong to produce pre-cut framesfortinyhouses.
“Older women, especially, are at risk of homelessnessingreaternumbersthanever before,”shesaid.“Thehopeisthatforthese fairly low risk tenants, these structures could pop up in people’s backyards and therecouldbeamutualbenefit.Peopleare housed, and maybe homeowners can have a triple income. Housing should not be a privilege, it should be a human right, and we’requitepassionateaboutthat.”
representing a wide range of genres and performancestyles.
Blending Americana, blues, folk and rock,LismoreoutfitHussyHickshavebeen touring the world for the better part of two decades, performing at festivals across the US, Europe and Australia and releasing morethanadozenalbums,EPsandDVDs.
Frankston’s finest garage pop/rock four-piece The Gnomes bring their Fab Four-influenced, hook-laden brand of songwriting to Queenscliff for the second successive year, while Zindzi & the Zillionaires will deliver R&B and hip-hop forthewholefamily.
“We’re incredibly excited to share the
first wave of artists joining us at the 2026 Queenscliff Music Festival,” festival director Claire Stickland said. “This year’s lineup reflects everything we love about QMF – celebrated Australian artists, exciting new discoveries and a program designed to bring people together through unforgettable live music and shared experiences.”
Visit qmf.net.au for the full announcement.
Queenscliff Music Festival has announced its first batch of artists for 2026, including indie duo Lime Cordiale. (Supplied)
Portarlington’s new tiny house.
Cloverdale Community Centre CEO Liz Bonner at the launch of the tiny house. (Pictures: Supplied)
Pavilion unveiling
By Cr Elise Wilkinson
I’m thrilled to be heading to Collendina Reserve this weekend for the official opening of the upgraded pavilion and parkingareas.
The completion of these works is a fantastic outcome for Ocean Grove and demonstrates what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to supportgrowingcommunities.
Collendina Reserve now offers modern facilities that better support local sporting clubs,volunteers,familiesandvisitors.
This project was made possible through a strong partnership across all levels of government, funded by $991,000 from the City of Greater Geelong, $642,000 from the Victorian government, and $580,000 from theAustraliangovernment.
The project includes significant improvements to pedestrian and vehicle access, with a formalised entry and exit road, an expanded car park including an accessible parking space, a new turnaround area and a pathway around theoval.
Just as importantly, the pavilion has undergone a major transformation. The upgrade includes new player amenities, universal toilets, an upgraded kitchen and expandedsocialspace,aswellasacovered spectatorviewingplatform.
These improvements will be enjoyed by the Ocean Grove Cobras Football Club, Collendina Cricket Club and the wider communityformanyyearstocome.
As our community continues to grow, it is important that all our local sporting facilitiesarekeepingpace.
I am delighted to also see progress continuing on other projects across the Bellarine.
At Wallington Reserve, construction of thenewAllAbilitiesPavilionisnowaround 70percentcomplete.
The project will deliver changerooms, accessible amenities, a first aid room, new kitchen and bar, and improved pathways and social spaces, helping create a more welcoming and inclusive facility for everyone.
At Ocean Grove Memorial Recreation Reserve, work is also progressing on pavilion upgrades following the completionofnewsportslightinglastyear.
The project will deliver female-friendly amenities, a new umpire changeroom and improved storage, with construction on trackforcompletionlaterthisyear.
As the community begins to enjoy these facilities,ourattentionturnstowhatcomes next.
For Council, this means advocating for our 2026 Priority Projects and seeking significantinvestmentfromgovernmentto helpbringthemtolife.
For me, this includes championing community infrastructure projects that will make a difference for Connewarre wardresidents.
The redevelopment of the Barwon Heads Village Park Pavilion will provide modern, inclusive facilities for local sporting clubs, helping more people participate and creatingastrongercommunityhub.
Similarly, a dedicated soccer precinct at Devlins Road Recreation Reserve will ease pressure on existing facilities and support the continued growth of sport across the region.
We’realsoadvocatingforamuch-needed fenceddogparkontheBellarinePeninsula, providing a safe and welcoming space for people and their dogs to connect, exercise andenjoytheoutdoors.
With an election year ahead, you’ll be hearing more about Council’s Priority Projects as we continue calling on candidates to support the investment neededtokeepourcommunitygrowing.
Finally, have you got something on your mind, a question or some feedback? Come and have a chat with me at my monthly communitydrop-insessions.
On Tuesday 16th June I’ll be at the Barwon Heads Arts Hub between 9am and 10.30am, followed by Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre between 11am and 12.30pm.
Please come and share your thoughts on whatwouldmakeourregionanevenbetter placetolive.
Towns compete for awards
Ocean Grove and Portarlington are in the running for prestigious tourism awards, with community members asked to help the towns secure gold.
region is well and truly on the map as a popular destination for visitors.”
Victorian Tourism Industry Council’s (VTIC) Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards identified Ocean Grove as a finalist in the population over 5000 category and Portarlington as a finalist in the population between 1500 and 5000 category.
TourismGeelongBellarinespokesperson Jarred Parsons said that, if the towns win the top spot in their categories, it will help elevate their reputation by highlighting the distinctive character and tourism experiences within the area.
Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the awards shone a spotlight on outstanding regional destinations, with the winners decided in part by popular vote.
“Iencourageeveryonetocasttheirvotes to help us bring home gold this year,” he said.
“Having two of our wonderful towns listed as finalists in these prestigious awards sends a strong message that our
“Your vote will help support the local businesses that make Portarlington and Ocean Grove so wonderful to live in and visit,” he said.
“Recognition through these awards would bring our region into focus and help our coastal communities continue to thrive year-round.”
ThisyearmarksthefirsttimethatOcean Grove has contested the awards, with Portarlington returning for a second year afteritclaimedthebronzemedallastyear.
People can cast their votes on the VTIC website before 5pm on 26 June.
Connewarre ward councillor Elise Wilkinson.
Ocean Grove. (Louisa Jones) 227906_15
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Protect your workers with Manual handling basics. Register for the FREE workshop today.
Fun times at Celtic Fest
Portarlington again hosted its popular National Celtic Festival over the long weekend and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went along on Sunday 7 June to take these pictures.
Geelong Scottish Dance members. 556366_06
Anneke and Daniel Gilbert with their son Leo. 556366_03
Heavy games competitor, Leo, in competition. 556366_02
Antonia Green and Eldritch Forest. 556366_05
Bellbrae dancers with Claymore. 556366_11
Rich Davies and the Low band. 556366_12
Homebru performing live. 556366_01
Jess Sercombe and Hannah Morrissey. 556366_04
Getting ready to toss the caber, Sean Poole, Matthew Batt, Craig Harrison, Matthew Ramsey and Shane Carstairs. 556366_08
Heath and Lydia Joyce with their children. 556366_07
Adrian McEniery, John Cutler, Rorie Lamaro and Malcolm Bruce. 556366_09
David Sinclair and Katherine McPherson. 556366_10
Opening the door to a celebration of Philippine culture
The Geelong community can enjoy Filipino culture, music, and friendship during a Philippine Independence Day Celebration.
The Filipino Australian Friendship Association of Geelong (FAFAG) will host activities, games, entertainment, and food at the Sunday 14 June event.
FAFAG executive committee member Fritzie Punsalang said that at the heart of the free event was “celebrating the growing presence of the Filipino culture in Geelong”.
“Dancing, singing and entertainment are always a wonderful window into a country’s culture and sentiment,” she said.
Regional alliance calls for clearer coastal rules
G21GeelongRegionalAllianceiscallingon the state government to introduce clearer rulestomanageandprotectcoastalareas.
The alliance of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast, Colac Otway, Golden Plains and Queenscliffe councils will appeal for a statewide coastal vegetation management framework.
G21 chair Jason Schram said coastal areas were increasingly affected by self-seeded vegetation, with unchecked growth reducing view lines, limiting access and diminishing character.
“We need clearer guidance to strike the right balance between environmental protection and community use,” he said.
“We all value our coastal environment and the role vegetation plays, but right now, councils areconstrainedin howthey manage it.
“We need a consistent, practical approach that protects the environment while maintaining access, safety and the views that define our coastline.”
Queenscliff Foreshore near the ferry terminal and front beach was among the affected areas identified by G21, with vegetation progressively obscuring historically open coastal views.
Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Donnie Grigau said investment in better coastal vegetation management will help protect visitor experiences and support businesses that rely on tourism.
“We are asking for policy settings that recognise environmental protection, public safety, access and coastal amenity as equally important outcomes,” he said.
“By giving councils clearer rules around the management of self-seeded vegetation, the state can help protect some of Victoria’s most iconic coastal landscapesatlittleornoadditionalcostto taxpayers.”
“Most Filipino kids living in Australia were either born here or have not been to the Philippines in long time, so it’s a great opportunity for them to get to know their culture a little bit better.
“When that sort of stimulus surrounds you, it really helps you feel connected to your roots.
“Filipinos are known to be hospitable people, and we open our homes to everyone,sothisisourwayofopeningour little home here in Geelong to everyone.”
Ms Punsalang said the event honoured Independence Day of the Philippines, a national holiday held on 12 June in the Philippines commemorating the country’s independence from Spanish
colonial rule.
“ThedaycommemoratesthePhilippines being a nation standing on its own feet while having choice and control over the policies and future of the country,” she said.
The event will be held from 11am to 4pm on Sunday at the FAFAG Clubhouse (28 The Boulevard, Norlane) and feature performances from the Filipiniana Dance Ensemble and Parallax Dance Company.
Filipiniana Dance Ensemble and Parallax Dance Company members Isabel Pekin, Jamie Upward, Page Punsalang, Aegi Dongon (rear), Tilly Paepke-Burns (seated), Michael Ardona and River Punsalang. (Ivan Kemp) 558042_03
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra
Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Donnie Grigau.
Play has universal themes
By Matt Hewson
Frank Lotito has directed award-winning internationalfilms,workedwithAmerican film stars and produced numerous TV showsandfilms,includingoneheco-wrote andstarredin,BigMamma’sBoy.
But now Lotito, who grew up part of a vibrant Italian community in Brunswick, has returned to where it all began with a new theatre work that has already sold out runsinMelbourne,SydneyandAdelaide.
The Italian Divorce tells the story of Pino (Davide Mollica), who goes back to live with his parents after being kicked out by hiswife.
Predictably, Pino is offered guilt by his mother, well-intentioned but outdated advice from his father and ‘healing’ ouzo fromDimitritheneighbour.
Asnapshotofthemessinessbutultimate importance of tight-knit Italian families, the play has been hailed as both hilarious and heart-warming by critics since its premiereinAugustlastyear.
In addition to writing and directing The Italian Divorce, Lotito also performs the role of Bruno, Pino’s Papa, a character he said was modelled closely on his own father.
“Mydadwasaninspirationtoeverything I’ve done, because I used to work with him as a kid and hear him talk about life, hard work, being a husband…basically, Bruno is my dad,” he said. “Bruno does everything for his family. He just wants his
familytobehappy,butatthesametimehe doesn’t quite understand why his son and daughter-in-lawareseparating.
“Sohe’stryinghisbesttokeepittogether and help them through it. Growing up, my parents were never really publicly affectionate…but we show what happens behind closed doors and I think audiences reallyresonatewiththat.”
Thesonofhard-workingItalianmigrants, Lotito had no particular aspirations to
Finding authenticity in song
By Matt Hewson
Emerging singer-songwriter Rose (aka Chloe) Miller has been singing since she couldtalk.
But at age 27, after taking an extended break from performing, she has rediscovered and embraced her love for makingmusic.
“I’m that person who’s always humming orsingingtothemselves,”Millersaid.
“I’ve always done singing lessons all throughprimaryschool,I’vealwaysjoined the choir, and when I was in high school I joined the school band – Sophisticated Swing it was called. That’s when I really discovered that I loved playing with a band. So many people in the same flow at the same time, that presence on stage, having people around you…I really found comfortinthat.”
Miller grew up in Winchelsea and went to Trinity College in Colac, and after high school she decided to focus on a career in earlychildhoodeducation.
“I stopped doing music for a while, just working full-time, working on my career, thatsortofthing,”shesaid.
“Music for me has always been my emotional regulation tool. So, I went back to study music a couple of years ago and rediscoveredmypassion.”
Miller completed her diploma and advanced diploma in music performance at Oxygen College throughout 2024 and 2025.
At Oxygen Miller found the musicians whonowmakeupherband,alsorecording herdebutEPHeyDarlin’therelastyear.
A blend of folk and rock with a hint of country, Miller’s original music sounds quintessentially Australian, especially as shesingswithhernaturalaccent.
“I’mreally,reallystokedwiththeEP,”she said.
“Three of the four songs I’d written years before, so they’ve developed a lot more musically in that time. To hear them come togetherprofessionally,I’msoproud.”
Rose Miller is performing solo at the Portarlington Grand Hotel on Thursday 18 June.
Rose Miller brings her blend of folk, rock and country to the Portarlington Grand Hotel.
(Patrick Callow)
Lotitoworkedintheatre,addedstand-up to his arsenal, then moved into television andfilm.
“I knew pretty early on that I was more interested in what was happening behind thescenes,behindthecamera,”hesaid.
“So I learned my craft on set, asking questions, watching people, eventually becomingpartofthecrewandmovinginto producinganddirecting.”
be an actor. Lotito said as a waiter in his mid-20s, performing “bit me in the arse andIneverlookedback”.
“Iwasworkinginafamilyrestaurantand I got discovered; I was one of those waiters that thought they were a comedian and a producerwhowasdoingastageshowatthe timethoughtIwasprettyfunny,”hesaid.
“Iauditionedfortheshowhewasputting together, got the part, and that was it for me.”
Since his early days of performing Lotito has worked on shows with a migrant theme, often looking at Italian family and community life through the all-too-Australian lens of comedy that is both self-deprecating and celebratory.
“When we were kids, I was embarrassed about my culture…but as you get older, you learn to respect where we comefrom,”hesaid.
“And yes, this play is based on Italian-Australian culture, but we’ve had people from so many backgrounds that really loved the show and resonated withit.
“It doesn’t matter where you come from, we’reallAustralian.”
The Italian Divorce is at Geelong Arts Centre on Saturday 20 June. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets and moreinformation.
Country rock stars back on the road again
Australia’s favourite country rockers are headed to Geelong this month as part of a nationaltour.
The Wolfe Brothers called time on an 18-month hiatus earlier this year, kicking off a nation-wide tour to celebrate the release of their ARIA Australian chart numberonealbumAustralianMade.
The Tasmanian-based siblings first appeared on Australia’s Got Talent in 2012 and have since become the nation’s most awardedcountryrockgroupever.
ThereleaseofAustralianMadeinAugust lastyearsawthemearnfiveGoldenGuitars at the 2026 Australian Country Music
Awards in Tamworth, including Album of the Year, Group of the Year and Heritage SongoftheYear.
Tom Wolfe said their latest album lived uptoitsname.
“The Australian Made concept really came from looking around at our lives and thepeoplewegrewupwith,”hesaid.
“It’s a reflection of where we are from, the stories, the landscapes, the proud communitiesandthespiritofAustralia.
“We wanted to make a record that felt honest, a record we would be proud of, withoutoverthinkingit.”
The national tour, which began in
Toowoomba in April and concludes at the Gympie Muster in late August, will see themperform29showsacrossthecountry, including a show at Geelong’s Gateway HotelonFriday19June.
Nick Wolfe said the band was excited to tour again with their new show and new album.
“Those couple of hours on stage is where wefeelmostalive,”hesaid.
“We don’t take for granted that most people never get to experience playing to a crowd that has lived the songs you have written and sings them back to you. There isnogreaterfeeling”.
The Wolfe Brothers come to Geelong as part of their 29-date national tour. (Supplied)
Papa Bruno (Frank Lotito) addresses his family in The Italian Divorce. (Ben Swinnerton)
Inset: Actor and director Frank Lotitio. (Supplied)
Drama as bullets dodged
I have returned from my road trip in one piece,luckilyforme.
I say luckily because when I visited Bemm River in East Gippsland on my way home I was sitting on a farm fence in a spot called Polly’s Garden when someone startedshootingashotguninmydirection.
Iscrambledoffthefence,hidundersome shrubs,andthencrawledoutofthebushas the shots rang out and then sounded like theywerecomingfromfurtheraway.
When I reached the caravan park I rang Orbost police, who told me that several peoplehadreportedthegunshotsandthey were on their way to investigate. That was the last I heard of the gunshots and the police. Birdwatching is no longer the safe occupationthatIthoughtitwas.
Prior to this incident I had a fine time driving along the east coast of Australia. I stopped in Deception Bay, Lennox Head, Mandelong, Penrith, Mossy Point and Bermagui. In Deception Bay I was looking on the mangroves for mangrove honeyeaters, which were spotted the day before. I saw honeyeaters, but unfortunately they were noisy miners. Instead I saw a small flock of Australian or gull-billedterns.
At Lennox Head I ventured to Flat Rock in Ballina to look at terns and spotted one common tern. I was surprised to see
one at this time of the year as they are a nonbreeding migrant to Australia from the northern hemisphere, but immature or young birds have been known to overwinterinAustralia.
In Lennox Head it poured constantly for mostofthetimeIwasthere,somyonevisit to Flat Rock was my only birdwatching for theweek.
I stayed on a farm in Mandelong, which islocatednearGosfordontheNSWCentral
Jen’s glossy black cockatoos at Mandelong, and below, male spotted quail-thrush near Penrith (left) and female spotted quail-thrush near the
Ihadagreattimedespitethewetweather, and spotted some lovely birds including a striped honeyeater (a lifer for me), a Cocos booby (a booby that has flown to Lake Macquarie from the east and central Pacific Islands), wonga pigeons and glossy black cockatoos. The cockatoos were in a bare tree when I woke up one (unusually sunny)morning.
I next stayed at Penrith, at the base of
SPONSORED CONTENT
Australian businesses urged to seize AI opportunity
Artificial intelligence is already helping Australian businesses improve customer service, lift productivity and support workers, but leaders say success depends on building confidence in how the technology is used.
At CommBank’s Accelerate AI event in Sydney, CEOs and founders said AI was moving from experimentation to practical use, with benefits emerging across retail, technology and professional services.
Bunnings is one example. Earlier this year, the retailer launched Buddy, an AI shopping assistant that helped 25,000 customers with DIY projects in a single week. It has also rolled out an AI chatbot for 50,000 staff across 400 stores nationwide.
Chief customer officer Rachael McVitty said Bunnings had taken a simple approach to building trust: customers always know when they are interacting with AI, the tool uses verified information, and people can still speak to a team member when needed.
At Canva, co-founder Cliff Obrecht gave ChatGPT an unorthodox test shortly after it launched: plan a global camel delivery service, including logistics, routing and turnaround times.
The model produced a complete operational
plan, despite the abstract challenge Obrecht expected would break the technology. At that moment, he knew what needed doing.
“If we weren’t going to disrupt ourselves, we were going to be disrupted,” he said of Canva’s approach to implementing AI into its operations.
While speakers pointed to growing use of AI across Australia, some noted the technology remains in its infancy.
“If the ultimate measure is impact, we are less than one per cent of the way in,” Seek founder and technology investor Paul Bassat said.
But that doesn’t mean people should wait for the technology to mature before adopting it.
“If you don’t adopt AI, almost certainly you will lose market share. And ultimately, you will go out of business.”
Read the full story at CommBank Newsroom. https://www.commbank.com.au/articles/newsroom/2026/05/australias-ai-moment-opportunity-in-front-of-us.html?utm_ term=External&utm_medium=Native&utm_ source=Star&utm_campaign=weekone&utm_ content=accelerate
the Blue Mountains. I was trying to spot the only bird that is endemic to NSW and not found anywhere else, namely the rockwarbler.Iluckedoutmainlybecauseit wasfreezingandwetinthehills.
My friends Kylie and Haley and I saw a male and female spotted quail-thrush, whichwasalsoaliferforallofus.
This bird is a ground dweller that does fly and is found in dry forest floors digging around for insects in leaf litter. These birds were very pretty as they walked along the forest floor and we were lucky to manage a fewphotos.
We were looking for owls in the Blue Mountains as a few days earlier a powerful owl had perched all day in a tree outside a shop in Katoomba, but alas this beautiful birdhadmovedon.
I took a day trip to the Blue Mountains BotanicalGarden,whichIlovedlastyearin the spring, but it was very quiet in regards tobirdsinthewinter.
I spotted several eastern yellow robins and many superb fairy wrens at Eurobodalla Regional Botanical Garden just south of Batemans Bay, which was established five years ago and shortly after they opened a raging bushfire destroyed the gardens so they were closed for quite some time before reopening. The bush around the gardens has regenerated very well.
Bermagui was its usual wonderful self, however the rain was persistent and my cameraremainedinitscaseformostofthe time. I saw an immature white-bellied sea eagle as well as a buff-banded rail on the golfcourse.
My last nighttime spot was Bemm River andI’mnevergoingbackthereagain.
CommBank Accelerate AI: Mel Silva, Vice President and Managing Director, Google ANZ; Dr Nicole Gillespie, Chair of Trust and Professor of Management, University of Melbourne; Rachael McVitty, Chief Customer Officer, Bunnings; and Stephanie Crowe, Head Australian Cyber Security Centre
Canva CEO Cliff Obrecht at Accelerate AI 2026.
Coast.
Blue Mountains.
CELEBRATING SENIORS
‘Lifesaver’ in home care
Live life to the fullest in the comfort of yourownhomewithJustBetterCare.
Sofia Harris said the specialist home-aged and disability care support service was a “lifesaver” and that there were many things her support workers helped her with that other services wouldn’t.
“They assist with things that I can’t manage to get done on my own anymore suchasdomesticassistanceandshopping. Theyreallystrivetodotheirbesttosatisfy mycareneeds,”shesaid.
“The people are really wonderful, and nothingisevertoomuchtrouble.Thestaff are very approachable, my case manager
is always there to listen, and I know I can reachoutifIneedanything”
“HavingassistancefromJustBetterCare has given me the independence to keep going. Sometimes there are things I need downthestreetwhereit’shardtogoonmy own, so having someone along with me is agreattosupportme.”
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.
When to consider aged care
As more Australians choose to age at home,familiesareincreasinglyturningto technology to help keep their loved ones safe,independentandconnected.
Modern monitoring systems can do far more than traditional personal alarms. Smart sensors and wearable devices can detect falls, monitor daily routines, provide medication reminders, and alert family members if something appears out oftheordinary.
These innovations offer valuable peace of mind and can help older people remain at home for longer. From ambient radar sensors and AI-powered routine monitoring to smart watches and voice-activated home assistants, families now have more options than ever to supportageingathome.
While technology can be helpful, it is not always the complete solution. As care needs change, many families find that additionalsupportisneededtoensurethe safety,wellbeing,andsocialconnectionof theirlovedone.
Residential aged care can provide around-the-clock support, personalised care, nutritious meals, lifestyle programs, and opportunities for meaningful social engagement that technology alone cannot replace. For many families, the decision comes when they realise a loved one would benefit from greater support, companionship,andpeaceofmind.
AtHomestyleAgedCare,weunderstand that every family’s journey is different. Homestyle’s homes across Geelong provide a welcoming environment where residents can enjoy quality care, meaningful connections, and a genuine senseofcommunity.
For families considering future care options, Homestyle Aged Care offers homes in Grovedale, Leopold and Ocean Grove.
To learn more about available care and accommodation options, phone 1300 104 663 or visit homestyleagedcare.com.au
CELEBRATING SENIORS
Estate planning: what you should know from the experts
Estate planning can be daunting. If you are not sure where to start, the following are some things to think about.
Your will: You can only give away assets you own personally. This does not include assets held jointly with another person, assets in a family trust, or superannuation benefits(unlesspaidtoyourestate).
Who will be your executor? The role includes arranging your funeral, identifyingassetsandliabilities,obtaining a grant of probate of your will, calling in assets, paying debts, finalising your tax affairs and distributing your estate in accordancewithyourwill.
Who will you name as the beneficiaries? You can make gifts of specific assets or sums of money and then specify who will receivetheresidueofyourestateafteryour funeral, debts and taxes have been paid. Your residuary estate can be distributed between family members, friends or charitiesinanyproportionsyouchoose.
If there is a beneficiary with a disability or other vulnerability, your will can provide for the establishment of a trust for theirbenefitandprotection.
The law allows certain eligible persons to challenge your will if they believe that you failed to provide for their proper maintenance and support. There are strategies available to reduce the risk of a challenge,ortheimpactofachallenge.
How does superannuation fit into your estateplanning? Superannuation benefits can be paid directly to a dependant (generally being your spouse, a child or a person in an interdependency relationship withyou),oralternativelytoyourestate.
You can give the trustee of your superannuation fund directions about
how to pay your superannuation benefits by making a binding death benefit nomination (sometimes called a BDBN). You can only nominate a dependant or yourestateasabeneficiary.
A BDBN which names relatives such as a parent or sibling, or a friend, is invalid unless that person is considered a ‘dependant’undertherules.
If you do not have a valid BDBN when youdie,thetrusteeofyoursuperannuation fund will decide how your superannuation benefits are paid, which may not be consistent with your wishes and may lead todisputesbetweeneligiblebeneficiaries.
What if you can’t make decisions for yourself any longer? Loss of decision-making capacity can occur through illness, injury, dementia, or even being overseas when urgent decisions are required.Byputtingtherightdocumentsin
place, you ensure your affairs are handled by people you choose, rather than leaving thosedecisionstoagovernmenttribunal.
InVictoria,thethreemostcommonlegal documents for substitute decision-making are:
•Enduring Power of Attorney for financial andpersonalmatters;
•Appointment of Medical Treatment DecisionMaker;and
•Nomination of Restrictive Practices DecisionMaker.
What happens without powers of attorney? No one, not even family, has an automatic right to make decisions for you. Instead, someone must apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) to be appointed as your administrator for financial matters or guardianforpersonalmatters. This process can be stressful, costly,
and time-consuming, and may result in someone you would not have chosen being appointed. In some cases, VCAT appoints the public trustee or another professional trusteeratherthanafamilymember.
Have your circumstances changed? If you already have a will and powers of attorney, but your personal or financial circumstances have changed, you should reviewyourexistingdocuments.
Takeactionnow: Makingacomprehensive estate plan ensures your wishes are respected and your affairs are properly managed. Harwood Andrews can guide you through the process and help protect yourfuture.
Foradvice,contactourWills&Estates teamon03-52255250oremail wills@ha.legal
Let Harwood Andrews take the stress out of estate planning. (Supplied)
Providing life through blood
By Jena Carr
With more than 250 blood and plasma donations under his belt, a Geelong man is encouraging more people to roll up their sleeves.
Andrew Corbett is the Lifeblood Team Champion for the Australian Taxation Office Geelong Lifeblood Team and made his 263rd donation on 10 June during National Blood Donor Week (8 to 14 June).
For these kids, and anyone who receives a donation, it’s more than blood; it’s life
- Andrew Corbett
Mr Corbett said that donating blood and plasmawasnormalforhimashehasbeena donor since he was 18.
“I did initially give blood for the first 50 donations, which at the time I believe was about every three months,” he said.
“It took me about 12 years, maybe 15 years, of doing blood donations before I was asked about donating plasma.
“I was told of the benefits of what they could use plasma for, and that they needed plasma, so I was able to donate every two weeks.”
MrCorbettsaidheencouragedeverybody who could donate blood or plasma to “just do it” and that it was an “easy thing” to do.
“There is always a need for various blood products, whether it be platelets, blood or plasma,” he said.
CELEBRATING SENIORS
“It’s not a matter of how many you can do, just to do what you can do and...I’d encourage anybody to come along.
“Peoplecanbealittlebitnervous,andI’ve seen that mindset change once they get to the Lifeblood Geelong Donor Centre, as it’s a very friendly environment.
“The staff at the blood bank are really great, and they’re really friendly and understanding if anybody has any sort of anxieties about the process.”
Lifeblood Donor Engagement and Experience executive director Cath Stone said more than 75,000 donations were needed every year to save the lives of Australian children.
“For these kids, and anyone who receives a donation, it’s more than blood; it’s life,” she said.
“Blood donation is the reason life-saving treatments are possible and gives families hope in some of their hardest moments.
“Whether you’re a first-time donor or a regular donor, every donation helps ensure hospitals have the blood products children and other patients need.”
Every person who donates blood by 19 July will be wrapped in a vibrant and limited-edition bandage designed by artist David Booth and inspired by drawings from children at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
People can visit lifeblood.com.au, call 13 14 95 or use the Lifeblood app to book an appointment to donate.
What you see is what you get.
Our village offers a truly beautiful setting, characterised by open spaces, fresh coastal air, and the nearby presence of the ocean. The Breeze Retirement Village is nestled amongst Point Estate bordering beautiful waterways and a short distance from our wonderful beaches. It allows for us to preserve the close-knit, welcoming atmosphere that makes our community special. Whether you’re a local or considering a move to a coastal lifestyle, you’ll find a genuine sense of connection here.
Enjoy the financial freedom to travel, explore, and truly enjoy your next chapter, knowing your home and community are taken care of. Forget extra gym memberships or entertainment fees. Stay active with our fully equipped gym, affordable group exercise classes, swimming pool, and bowling green. Or unwind in the private cinema, library, and cosy lounges all included in your new lifestyle.
There’s nothing we love more than seeing our residents truly enjoy this next chapter—and it’s easy to see why. With pristine beaches, scenic coastal walking tracks, renowned wineries, and the very best of the Bellarine Peninsula right on your doorstep, life at The Breeze Point Lonsdale offers a relaxed, connected and enriching way of living.
Geelong’s Andrew Corbett has made his 263rd blood/plasma donation at the Lifeblood Geelong Donor Centre. (Ivan Kemp) 558752_06
FROM THE ARCHIVES
9 years ago
7 to 20 June, 2017
The forced closure of Barwon Heads Library would have a significant impact on Ocean Grove according to Save Barwon Heads Community Library memberKarenFirth.
Ms Firth said if the library was forced to close as per City of Greater Geelong’s ruling, it would overwhelm the facility in Ocean Grove as well as leaving hundreds of people in Barwon Heads withoutacommunitylibrary.
6 years ago 17 to 30 June, 2020
Works to improve safety at a notorious Ocean Grove intersection will begin in August.
Traffic lights will be installed at the Orton Street and Presidents Avenue intersection which almost claimed the life of 18-year-old motorcyclist Tyler Peace,afteracollisionwithacarinApril 2018.
3 years ago 16 to 29 June, 2023
Bellarine MP Alison Marchant has accused the City of Greater Geelong of being“readyforaphotoopportunity”at theopeningoftheBoronggookDrysdale Library when it knew it would not be abletofunditsoperationalcosts.
The new library was opened on May 5 just days after the city announced its 2023-24 budget, which exposed a shortfall in operational funding of the region’slibraries.
1 year ago 13 to 26 June, 2025
Dr David Iser has only lived in Barwon Heads for the past four years, but it is alreadytheplaceheconsidershome. A general practitioner for more than 40years,DrIserwasawardedtheMedal of the Order of Australia as part of this year’s King’s Birthday Honours for servicetomedicine.
Winter celebration at BAC
Theatre 3triple2’s heartwarming celebration of the darkest depths of winter isbackforits19thyear.
For nearly two decades the local theatre company has presented Winter Solstice, giving community members the chance to enjoyashowcaseoflocaltalent,livemusic, mulled wine and open fires to chase away thewinterblues.
The annual event features two original one-act plays from local writers and actors tobrightenuptheshortestdayoftheyear.
Unravel by Jade Kemp traces a mother’s journeyfromtheclinicalassessmentofher daughter to the profound realisation that her own lifelong experiences mirror those ofherchild.
Acquisition by Jack Price draws on the spirit of iconic Aussie film The Castle to deliver a witty, quintessentially Australian comedy about one family’s experience of compulsorylandacquisitioninanoutback town, albeit with an unexpected twist in thetail.
WinterSolsticecoordinatorKimRochow said the two plays would both touch audiences.
“Though they’re very different, they’re both thought-provoking stories, so people willdefinitelylaugh,andtheymaycry,”she said.
“Our plays are always written by local playwrights and have not been performed before…weprideourselvesonbeingareally welcoming theatre group that encourages newtalent.”
Ms Rochow said the Winter Solstice eventwasalwaysajoyfuloccasion.
“The theme is ‘winter warmer’, because it’ll warm the heart; people can have a lovely glass of mulled wine, stand around the open fires and catch up with friends who come out to the event,” she said.
Winter Solstice is at the Bellarine Arts Centre (Potato Shed) on June 19 and 20. Visitbellarineartscentre.com.aufortickets andmoreinformation.
BUSINESS IN F CUS
Warm your heart at Theatre 3triple2’s Winter Solstice.
Winter shopping in Ocean Grove
Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to The Terrace in Ocean Grove on an unusually mild winter’s day on Wednesday 10 June to see who was shopping local.
Kiri O’Connor and Nips. 558668_07
Rick Scarce. 558668_05
Angela White. 558668_04
Ros Gibson. 558668_06
Tracey and Shaun Evans. 558668_03
Candice Mulligan. 558668_01
Lena Johnstone and Mandy Connor. 558668_02
Winter dining on the Bellarine Peninsula is a warm delight
When winter settles over the Bellarine Peninsula, the region swaps its bustling summer beach vibe for something altogethermoremagical.
Roaring open fires, moody coastal views, and hearty slow-cooked local produce fill the region to provide the communitywithwarmth.
Dining out here during the cooler months isn’t just about the food; it’s aboutfindingacosysanctuaryfromthe briskSouthernOceanwinds.
For those seeking the ultimate comfort food experience, the peninsula’s historic pubs and winery restaurantstrulyshine.
Establishments like the Bellarine Estate or Jack Rabbit Vineyard offer panoramic views of a dramatic and stormy Port Phillip Bay, paired perfectly with a glass of cool-climateShirazorPinotNoir.
Inside, the atmosphere is thick with the aroma of wood-fired pizzas, slow-roasted lamb,andrichreductionsauces.
If you prefer a side of heritage with your meal,thehistorictownsofQueenscliffand PointLonsdaledeliverinspades.
Cosy cafes and restored grand hotels serve up steaming bowls of local seafood chowder, featuring the morning’s catch from the surrounding waters. It’s the kind ofcomfortthatbegsyoutolingerlongafter theplatesarecleared.
Further along the coast, the food hub of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads offers a morecontemporarywinterescape.
Here, trendy bistros and sophisticated wine bars focus heavily on a farm-to-table philosophy.
Menus shift weekly to highlight root vegetables, truffles, and robust braises sourced straight from the surrounding
LEURA PARK ESTATE
Artisan wines without compromise
• Sensational setting
• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare
• Live Music Sundays
• Wine Tastings
• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm
1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au
12606035-SN21-23
volcanicsoilsoftheSurfCoastand
volcanic soils of the Surf Coast and hinterland.
Beyond the main dining rooms, the Bellarine’s winter charm extends to its hiddengemsandartisanproducers.
Tucked away in the hinterland, rustic farm gates and boutique distilleries offer a morehands-onculinaryretreat.
You can spend an afternoon sampling locally crafted gins infused with native botanicals beside a crackling potbelly stove, or duck into a roadside providore for freshly baked sourdough and regional cheeses.
Listening to the rain tap against the glass helps you realise that the Bellarine’s best-kept secret is just how spectacular foodtasteswhenthetemperaturedrops.
Stepping out along the Bellarine in winterrewardstheadventurousdiner,and as night falls, the peninsula’s coastal strip transforms into a quiet haven of twinkling lights.
Without the summer crowds, the service is unhurried, the spaces are intimate, and the focus shifts entirely too long and lazy lunchesthatwarmyoufromtheinsideout.
FLYING BRICK CIDER CO
Funky, Fabulous, Fun.
• Landmark Bellarine venue
• Innovative space
• Delicious food
• 100% naturally crafted ciders
• Luxurious grounds & vineyard
• OPEN 7 Days 11am-5pm 1251 Bellarine Hwy, Wallington 03 5250 6577 flyingbrickciderco.com.au
12606701-KG21-23
JACK RABBIT VINEYARD
• Iconic Bellarine winery
• Unrivalled panoramic views
• Contemporary a la carte
• Sophisticated wines
• Lunch / Wine Tastings
• OPEN 7 Days
85 McAdams Lane, Bellarine 03 5251 2223 jackrabbitvineyard.com.au
12606706-RR21-23
THE RANGE
@CURLEWIS
Finesse your form or just for fun.
• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks
• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages
• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails
• OPEN 7 days
1201 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis Ph 5251 1111 curlewisgolf.com.au
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 Voice Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
Bellarine Historical Society
Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. Sundays 10.30am-12.30pm. Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale. bellarinehistory.org
Ocean Grove Day VIEW
Meets second Wednesday of the month at 360Q, Queenscliff, 10.30am for 11am. oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 13 June, 7.30-10.30pm, free includes supper. Music: Kevin. A small plate to share for both events is appreciated. 0400 500 402
Mindfulness group
Gentle mindfulness for stress reduction by a certified practitioner. Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, Thursdays, 4-5.30pm. Monthly meeting Belmont Library, 163 High Street, Saturday 13 June, 11am-noon.
Belinda, 0483 799 552
Leopold Library
Tuesdays 2pm: Digital drop in for basic tech needs.
Free school holiday programs. All ages, all interests.
4201 0675, or grlc.vic.gov.au
Portarlington playgroup
Experience play in an unstructured, relaxed environment. Large indoor space with toilets and baby change facilities. Suits 0-4 years. Free to attend. Wednesdays 10-11.30am, Parks Hall Portarlington.
Ocean Grove Library
Wednesday 17 June, 2-3pm: book chat Mondays 10.30-11.30am: preschool story time
Tuesdays 4-5pm: youth collective (ages 12-18) Wednesdays 9.30-10am: toddler time Thursdays 11.30-11.50am: baby time Thursdays 3.45-4.45pm: after-school program
Bellarine Presbyterian Church Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove
Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.
Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, or secretary Neil Mansfield, 0405 064 976
The Big Read
Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace. Paul, 0425 110 792
Barefoot bowls
Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday. 5258 1150
Live music
Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10 entry all welcome.
Ocean Grove Soft Tennis
Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30-3.30pm. No experience necessary. Just a desire to keep fit and have fun. Megan, 0439 317 344
CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove
Meets the first and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585
Bellarine Women’s Workshop
Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.
Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome. Shirley, 0488 055 969
Chess clubs
For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards. Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)
Scottish country dancing classes
GOG Scottish Country Dance classes
7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and flat shoes. Barbara, 0419 511 781
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Weekly Tuesday: 1pm snooker, chess, indoor bowls
Ocean Grove Snooker Club
Avenue Avengers are a snooker team who play for Ocean Grove Snooker Club. The club, which has 12 teams, has been playing for 49 years. Matches are highly competitive but played in great spirit, with refreshments and supper at the end. This year’s 50th season is highly anticipated and celebrations are being planned. Avenue Avengers are looking to bolster numbers. 0448 391 366
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
Carpet bowls
Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold, Wednesday and Friday, 1-3.15pm. Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea. 0400 500 402
Springs TOWN
Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. $5 per session, $54 annual fee. Bev, 0421 636 830
Bellarine TOWN
Bellarine TOWN Club meets Wednesdays, noon-2pm at Ocean Grove Community Centre, 1 John Dory Drive. Affordable, supportive group for those trying to lose weight. 0478 615 683
Drysdale Day VIEW
Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month.
Margaret, 0431 636 090
Ocean Grove Evening VIEW
Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. Supporting disadvantaged children through education. oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com
Leopold VIEW
Second Tuesday of each month, Leopold Sportsmans’ Club, 10.30am. leopold.viewclub@gmail com
Drysdale Ladies Probus Club
Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club. Raelene, 4244 0376
Afternoon tea dance
Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] hosts an afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at Belmont Park Pavilion. Entry: $5. 5251 3529
CWA Drysdale
Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members. Jenni, 0452 258 333
Writers’ group
The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, on the first Sunday of the month 2-4pm. New members welcome. dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au
Mainly Music
Music and fun for preschoolers during term time at the Welcome Centre, St Mark’s, Vicarage Road, Leopold, Thursdays 9.15-11am. $5 per family per week. Text: 0461 582 618 for bookings
Out & about at the beach
Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Ocean Grove main beach on Wednesday 10 June to see who was out and about.
Christian and Anita Cinel and daughter Gwen. 558725_10
Sarah Quinn and Sam Morgan. 558725_08
Sam Owen with Lollie. 558725_11
Bev Soulsby.
Above: Charmaine Cowan, Jodie Young, Karianne Berry and Ailish Bourke. 558725_05 Right: Mandy Stirrut out for a run. 558725_12
Gus Angleton enjoys a coffee. 558725_01
Mark and Irene Boyd with Buddy. 558725_09
John Steel with Floss and Maggie. 558725_03
Robyn Smith and Lisa Phelps with Will and Sophia. 558725_04
To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every
from
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.
1 Raincoat (coll) (3)
3 Wrongfully entered (10)
Ratify (7) 11 Landed properties (7) 12 State of existing in reality (9) 13 Oodles (4) 15 Florida city, Fort – (10) 17 Small island (4)
Car (4)
20 Scents (10) 23 Prefix meaning water (4) 25 Gloomy (9) 27 Spider-Man villain (7) 28 Highest mountain (7) 29 Simple (10) 30 Organ used to hear (3)
1 The feast of St Michael (10) 2 Compile (9) 4 What’s left (9)
Ill-reputed (5)
Glossy fabric (5)
Elan (4)
Harangue (6)
Informal bulletin (10) 16 ToyStory’s Buzz – (9)
18 Desecration (9)
21 Tallied (6)
22 Farm animals (6)
24 File (5)
25 Schnoz (coll) (5)
26 Measure (4)
Today’s Aim:
15 words: Good 22 words: Very good 30 words: Excellent
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”. S N G P I I E D S
3 LETTERS
1 Michelle Yeoh (pictued) won a Best Actress Academy Award for which 2022 film?
2 Which landlocked country in Eastern Europe translates to English as ‘White Russia’?
3 In the food industry, what does UPF stand for?
4 Which iconic Australian landmark is playfully known as ‘Nuns in a Scrum’?
5 Which aptly named flower symbolises remembrance? 6 In Greek mythology, how many labours did Hercules endure?
7 The Buddhist temple Angkor Wat is located in which country?
8 What animal is responsible for the must human deaths each year?
9 Which British prime minister survived an IRA assassination plot in 1984?
10 Melbourne hosted which major global exhibition event in 1880?
ANTENNAS KendallAntennaServices0404019781
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Epichealth
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Epichealth
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OceanGroveOceanPlaza42460300
OceanGroveAcupuncture& ChineseMedicine0432961910
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BellarineEyecare52561295
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PHYSIOTHERAPY
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SouthernPlumbingServices 0419390222
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GeelongSecurityDoors52562985
SEWING MACHINE
SERVICING
HeightsSewingCentre52293558
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YOGA STUDIO
LotusYogaStudio0432067978
Best value plug-in electric
By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Inwhatisamajormilestone,monthlysales figuresreleasedbytheFederalChamberof Automotive Industries have shown that, in February,ChinabecameAustralia’slargest sourceofnewvehiclesovertakingJapanfor thefirsttimesince1998.
The data also showed four Chinese brands now sit in the top ten positions led by BYD, now the sixth biggest seller, ahead ofGWM(7th),Chery(9th)andMG(10th).
Almost half of BYD sales are of its four-model Sealion SUV range, with either fullyelectricorplug-inhybriddrivetrains.
The most recent arrival, and our review here,istheBYDSealion5.At4.7metresit’s around the same size as Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson but unlike them,it’saplug-inhybrid(PHEV).
Marginally larger than the Sealion 5 is the Sealion 6, also a five-seat PHEV, but withtheoptionofasecondmotor,therefore AWD. The Sealion 7 is slightly larger again, still with five seats but EV only with single or dual motors. Top of the range is the Sealion 8, a seven-seat premium PHEV peoplemover.
The Sealion 5 PHEV comes in two variants.Theheadlineactistheentry-level Essential which, with a price of $33,990 plus on-roads, is currently the cheapest plug-in hybrid vehicle on the Australian market.
The other variant, Premium, which comes with a larger battery and extra features is priced at $37,990 plus onroad costs.
Styling Design of the Sealion 5 is relatively conservativeincomparisontootherrecent BYD offerings. It’s a relatively old-style boxywagonwithamildlyslopingroofline.
The front features what BYD calls a ‘Dragon Face’ design dominated by a wide boldgrilleflankedbyrecessedthree-beam LED headlights and daytime running lights.
Above the grille is a full-width satin metallicbarwithanintegratedBYDlogo.
Bothvariantsget18-inchdual-tonealloy wheels.
The rear features a full-width LED taillight strip and an integrated roof spoiler.
Sealion 5 Premium adds a panoramic sunroof, roof rails, one-touch powered tailgate, heated and powered folding side mirrorsandauto-dimminginteriormirror.
There are four colour options: Aurora White, Cosmos Black, Atlantis Grey and HarbourGrey.
Interior
Synthetic leather seats with orange stitchingarestandard.Thechunkysteering wheel also gets the same finish. The driver andfrontpassengerbothgetpoweredseats with the driver’s also adding heating and ventilation.
Both models get a 8.8-inch digital instrumentpanel.Essentialhasa10.1-inch infotainment screen compared to the 12.8-inchscreeninthePremium.The resolution is sharp and clear on both screensbutareletdownseriouslybyavery smalltypeface.
The centre console has a cylindrical gear selector. It’s in piano black with the gear selection difficult to read in bright sunlight. The start/stop button start sits below it with a number of physical buttons oneitherside.
There’s a large storage box as well as someextraspacebelowtheconsole. Premiumaddsawirelessphonecharger.
The 2.7-metre wheelbase together with the underfloor battery location provides excellentrearseatspace.
There are large, easily adjustable air
ventsbothatthefrontandrear.
Boot space is 463 litres with the rear seatbacks in place, 1410 litres with them folded. There’s some partitioned storage space beneath the boot floor but no spare wheel, just the rarely reliable puncture repairkit.
Powertrains
Both Sealion 5 variants combine a 1.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine with a choice of two BYD Blade LithiumIronPhosphate(LFP)batteries.
The Essential’s battery has a 12.9 kWh capacity and a claimed 71km EV driving range. The Premium’s 18.3 kWh battery extendsthatrangeto100km.
However, these numbers come from the outdated NEDC testing method. Using the more real world WLTP system range drops toabout62kmand86km.
Power and torque from the engine are a modest72kWand122Nm.
During low-to-medium speed driving andwhenasurgeofaccelerationisneeded, both the engine and battery supply power tothedrivemotorinparallel.
Transmission is through BYD’s DM-I Super Hybrid system where the engine charges the battery and, most of the time, themotorpowersthevehicle.
Sealion5hasatowingcapacityof750kg, bothbrakedandunbraked.
Safety
Sealion5hasyettoundergoANCAPtesting but has a similar range of safety features as the Sealion 6 and 7 models which have gained five-star ratings so should achieve thesame.
Active safety features include front
comfortable driving experience. The transition from electric to hybrid and back is barely noticeable and can be operated manually through a small switch on the centreconsole.
We were able to take the Sealion 5 over a couple of our favourite rural drives including plenty of hills, hollows and bends. As with most mid-sized SUV’s it doesn’t have any sporting pretensions but handlingissafewithlittlebodyroll.
Suspension is relatively firm but not at theexpenseofcomfort.
RATINGS
Looks: 7/10
Performance: 8/10
Safety: 7/10
While there are the latest safety and convenience features that are now commonplace in the latest vehicles, many use physical controls rather than through thescreens.Thosethatdoareeasytolocate and rather than the usual beeps and bongs most of the alerts are by voice and we found that the only feature we bothered turning off was thelanecorrection.
Thirst: 9/10
Practicality: 7/10
Comfort: 7/10
Tech: 7/10
Value: 9/10
and rear collision warning, electronic brake force distribution, lane-keep assist and lane-change warning, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and an intelligent high beamsystem.
Infotainment
Premier gets a nine-speaker HD sound systemcomparedtothesix-speakersystem inthePremium.
Other features are shared including satellitenavigation,wirelessAppleCarPlay andAndroidAuto,voicecontrols,frontand rear USB-A and USB-C ports, DAB radio and4Gcloudservices.
The BYD app provides a range of connected services including pre-setting climate control, unlocking and locking the doors, opening the sunroof, monitoring of charge levels and system functions, checking tyre pressures and Over The Air (OTA)updates.
Driving
Fellow Boomers often find getting into and out of vehicles challenging so we were delighted to be able to slide into the front seatoftheSealion5withminimaleffort.
External visibility is excellent all round withalargewindscreenandsidewindows.
Likewise, the rear windscreen is large with low-slung headrests. Kids will appreciate the low sills on the rear windows.
Sealion5isarelativelyheavyfamilySUV so,whileithastheusualsharpacceleration that we expect from a battery powered vehicleit’smoresedatethanpureEVs.
Once underway the Super Hybrid drivetrain provides a smooth and
BYD claims a combined driving range of 1001km with the Essential and 1030km from the Premium. Like the claimed electric only ranges quoted earlier these are based on the older NEDC test method. On the more realistic WLTP method these drop to around800km.
Both variants only come with an AC charging port, with the Essential grade able to achieve maximum battery charge inaroundfourhours,thePremiumwithits largercapacitybatterynearsixhours.
A Vehicle to Load (V2L) function is standard, enabling the onboard battery to be used as a power source for external appliances,lightingorcamping.
Plug-in hybrids make a lot of sense, combining the economy of an EV but without the stress of being stranded away fromachargingpoint.
Regular readers can skip the next bit because each time we review a PHEV we need to explain how the manufacturers come up with extremely low fuel consumption numbers. In the case of the Sealion 5 Premium that we tested its around1.3litresper100km.
Such a number can only be achieved by starting with a fully-charged battery and driving until, when battery power drops below 25 percent, the vehicle switches to hybrid mode for the remainder of the 100 km trip To continue to achieve that 1.3 L/100km it will now be necessary to stop and fully recharge the battery. Without DC charging this isn’t an option so recharging on long-distance trips will typically be at overnight stays.
To its credit BYD does quote the fuel consumption after the battery drops out as 4.5 L/100km. Perfectly respectable usage foratypicalhybridSUVofsimilarsize.
Summary
Plug-in hybrid vehicles are still relatively rare in Australia. Indeed, during our week-long test of the Sealion 5, we often found ourselves having to explain the technologytofellowroadusers.
While its combination of EV economy without the risk of being stranded makes perfect sense, the price surcharge of previous PHEVs above conventional petrol and hybrids kept budget-conscious buyers away.
That barrier disappears with the price of Sealion 5 sitting around and even below those of well-established mid-sized non-PHEVSUVs.
The lack of DC, or even fast AC, charging is disappointing but owners will no doubt build their routines around these limitations.
BYDlookstobeonarealwinnerhere.
BYD looks to be on a real winner with its Sealion 5. (Pictures: Supplied)
Action around the courts
Scores and best players from the round of Bellarine Netball League senior and junior matches on Saturday 6 June.
A GRADE
Geelong Amateur 50 def Portarlington 40
Best:GeelongAmateur-AlexDuck,Isabella Baker, Keisha Guilmartin. Portarlington - Isabella Marsh, Georgia Howell, Laura Robinson.
Torquay 62 def Modewarre 38
Best: Torquay - Taylor Mitvalsky, Sophie Ritchie-Crichton, Ariana Luamanu. Modewarre - Clodagh Newton, Laney Mcfadyen,HannahRichards.
Newcomb 43 def Barwon Heads 42
Best: Barwon Heads - Krystal Baker, Issey Armstrong,JordanMaher.
Ocean Grove 61 def Surf Coast 36
Best: Ocean Grove - Georgia Ryan, Zanna Punshon,PerriJones.
Drysdale 52 def Anglesea 34
B GRADE
Modewarre 46 def Torquay 38
Best: Modewarre - Keeley Cox, Shahna Broadbent, Annabelle Fitzgerald. TorquayLeniGilbert,SkylerLilly,JessicaGeary.
Geelong Amateur 50 def Portarlington 34
Best: Portarlington - Chloe Zahl, Jamison Camilleri,EllaYoung.
Barwon Heads 49 def Newcomb 39
Best: Barwon Heads - Polly Douglas, Amy Mahar,OliviaFree.
Ocean Grove 51 def Surf Coast 31
Drysdale 46 def Anglesea 43
C GRADE
Drysdale 36 def Anglesea 24
Best:Drysdale-KalaniFoot,KaylaGriffiths, Lilly Kitchen. Anglesea - Kelsey Bews, Kate Stone,MaddyKing.
Barwon Heads 29 def Newcomb 27
Best: Barwon Heads - Ruby Redford, Ella Armstrong, Danielle Macaulay. Newcomb - Zoe Monkmann, Georgia Heyne, Elliana vanGalen.
Portarlington 34 def Geelong Amateur 33
Best: Geelong Amateur - Maeve Hogan, Tiaha Holdsworth, Zarli Williams. Portarlington - Marlee Hildebrand-Bull, TaylaArnold,PhoebeZahl.
Torquay 36 def Modewarre 24
Best: Torquay - Sophie Delahoy, Mia Murphy, Ashlee Job. Modewarre - Sharni Thebes,MaddisonQuilliam.
Ocean Grove 54 def Surf Coast 26
D GRADE
Barwon Heads 39 def Newcomb 13
Best: Barwon Heads - Emily Turcato, Meg
Around the grounds
Scores, goalkickers and best players from Bellarine Football League on Saturday 6 June.
BELLARINE FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Drysdale 2.3(15), 6.6(42), 10.9(69), 15.11(101)
Anglesea 4.3(27), 9.6(60), 13.9(87), 15.9(99)
Goals: Drysdale - J. Hargreaves 4, O. Castro4,S.Willatt3,J.Watson2,J.Preece, L.Dalgleish.Anglesea-A.Gras4,J.Keras, J. Baker, N. Collins, J. Jaska, J. Walters, M. Virgona, H. Ling, A. Braaksma, J. Hogan, D.Everett.
Ferguson,ZahraWalker.
Drysdale 30 def Anglesea 25
Best: Drysdale - Michelle Monaghan, Mel Hildebrand, Rebecca Blair. Anglesea - Tara Peel,IsobelMcGowan,EmmaSmith.
Geelong Amateur 31 def Portarlington 21
Best: Geelong Amateur - Molly McGrath, KateFagan,KassidyWerner.PortarlingtonLaurenBoard,EbonySmith,MiaKiely.
Torquay 26 def Modewarre 15
Best: Torquay - Tess Mahar, Jordyn Brown, Andriana Oliver. Modewarre - Georgina Cameron,HannahRounds,JazlynJoseph.
Ocean Grove 31 def Surf Coast 27
Best: Ocean Grove - Mikala Martin, Tina Birch,MayaHamilton.
E GRADE
Anglesea 17 def Drysdale 12
Best: Anglesea - Tiahna Delaney, Hayley Kerr. Drysdale - Naomi Ruggles, Jessie Creece,AvaChapman.
Newcomb 29 def Barwon Heads 23
Best: Barwon Heads - Eloise Jenkins, Ruby Lo,GraceBull.
Geelong Amateur 37 def Portarlington 23
Best: Geelong Amateur - Henrietta Sargeant, Rebekah Edwards, Jarrah Cameron. Portarlington - Makayla Conn, LorelleChapman,AlannahElers.
Ocean Grove 35 def Surf Coast 29
Best: Ocean Grove - Maggie Lee, Charlise Duckett,AnnikaWillis.
19 & UNDER
Drysdale 37 def Anglesea 17
Best: Drysdale - Leah McPherson, Maya Perez Pages, Ella Samuelson. AngleseaErica Robertson, Paige Markovic, Layla Qoon.
Best: Drysdale - L. Nelis, J. Breust, J. Preece,J.Jenkins,J.Hargreaves,S.Willatt. Anglesea - N. McGregor-Dawson, I. Hardman,J.Walters,J.Keras,J.Hogan.
Barwon Heads 5.3(33), 8.6(54), 14.10(94), 19.14(128)
Newcomb 3.2(20), 6.6(42), 9.11(65), 13.12(90)
Goals: Barwon Heads - J. Henderson 5, J. Whybrow 4, H. Hyland 2, J. Stevens 2, A. Ford 2, C. Ward, L. Vella, M. Jensen, M. Cornell.Newcomb-T.Webster3,J.Watson 2, C. Harvey, F. Anscombe, L. Wagener, L. Justin, B. Ritchie, C. Ogle, R. Hollins, J. Drought,B.D’Arcy. Best: Barwon Heads - C. Hurst, M. Philp, C.Donohue,K.Smith,L.Davis,M.Jensen. Newcomb - L. Wagener, B. Clark, T. Webster,L.Justin,D.Johnstone,C.Ogle.
Geelong Amateur 6.5(41), 9.10(64), 11.14(86), 19.15(129) Portarlington 1.2(8), 5.7(37), 8.11(59), 11.12(78)
Goals: Geelong Amateur - S. Lloyd 9, M. Day 5, B. Barnett 2, H. Kershaw, R. Ferguson, J. Tardio. Portarlington - K.
Barwon Heads 48 def Newcomb 16
Best: Barwon Heads - Indiana Kitchin, Zali Linton,OliviaFree.
Portarlington 47 def Geelong Amateur 36
Best: Portarlington - Tamika Wall, Isabel Gee, Phoebe Zahl. Geelong Amateur - Jaida Raco,SiennaO’Neill,ArabellaClarke. Torquay 44 def Modewarre 26
Best: Torquay - Sian Hughes, Bella Te Paa, IndianaLong.Modewarre-JasmineAdams, ZaliStiles,HayleyToull.
Ocean Grove 68 def Surf Coast 9
17 & UNDER DIVISION 1
Drysdale 20 def Anglesea 11
Best: Drysdale - Amber Pallero, Heidi Creece, Lucy Veenvliet. AngleseaRuby Gooday, Scarlotte Benney, Louise Bodsworth.
Geelong Amateur 32 def Portarlington 24
Best: Geelong Amateur - Scarlett Clarke, Ginny Brough, Macey Dow. PortarlingtonEmiliaEvans,JaydaDonegan-Brasier.
Torquay 49 def Modewarre 12
Best: Torquay - Ava Carson, Mackinley Bragge,LuellaWhite.
Ocean Grove 37 def Surf Coast 22
17 & UNDER DIVISION 2
Drysdale 42 def Anglesea 13
Best: Drysdale - Monica Lord, Jessie Sharman, Tahlia Davis. Anglesea - Scarlett Johnstone,LaylaKenny,RubyClarke.
Geelong Amateur 24 def Portarlington 3
Best: Geelong Amateur - Molly Crawford, Eloise Hart, Zoe Till. PortarlingtonAddisonSpark,AylaWinspear,MiaKiely.
Torquay 34 def Modewarre 13
Best: Torquay - Ella Martin-Alcaide, Mahli Kimberley, Sophie Vagg. ModewarreTahliaMaugeri,IslaStokes,PaigeRayward.
Ocean Grove 36 def Surf Coast 9
15 & UNDER DIVISION 1
Drysdale 37 def Anglesea 15
Best: Drysdale - Lucy Brown, Ruby Humphrey, Leilani King. Anglesea - Emily Suzuki,MiaWilkinson,FrancesScanlan.
Geelong Amateur 30 def Portarlington 29
Best: Geelong Amateur - Pippa Dow, Freya Wilkinson, Ava Fitzclarence. Portarlington - Phoebe Taylor, Evie Davis, Amelia Harrington.
Torquay 51 def Modewarre 9
Best: Torquay - Wren Rahilly, Maeve Timms, Harper Edwards. ModewarreLexi Kattwinkel, Olivia Maugeri, Arabella
Pickard 3, B. Williamson 2, S. Scott 2, S. McDonald2,H.Eddy,J.Baldi. Best: GeelongAmateur-H.Orr,X.Muhor, M. Day, D. Weigl, L. Cogan, S. Lloyd. Portarlington - S. Scott, M. Turnbull, K. Pickard, B. Williamson, T. Panuccio, P. Eastman.
Ocean Grove 8.2(50), 11.3(69), 18.4(112), 21.6(132)
McKenna.
Ocean Grove 30 def Surf Coast 17
15 & UNDER DIVISION 2
Drysdale 34 def Anglesea 13
Best: Drysdale - Scarlett Blythe, Indiannah Brown, Harper Richardson. AngleseaPippaRiddell,LolaPesenti,IslaHislop.
Geelong Amateur 36 def Portarlington 8
Best: Geelong Amateur - Olive Logan, Emerson McMaster, Ruby Miller. Portarlington - Peyton Finch, Billie Solomko,RubyGray.
Torquay 52 def Modewarre 3
Best:Torquay-ElsieEccles,LailaRobertson, Myla Stapleton. Modewarre - Alice O’Connor,DarceeDunoon,RubyBethune. Barwon Heads 23 def Newcomb 14
Best: Barwon Heads - Reese Liston, Maeve Condon, Isla Chappell. Newcomb - Heidi Brown,AshlanVahland,MatildaPilven. Ocean Grove 31 def Surf Coast 8
13 & UNDER DIVISION 1
Drysdale 42 def Anglesea 4
Best: Drysdale - Indiannah Brown, Thea Carter, Layla Creece. Anglesea - Violet Gittings,PennyGray,PoppyLewtas. Portarlington 22 def Geelong Amateur 15 Best: Portarlington - Phoebe Taylor, Tate Scutchings, Isabel McCabe. Geelong Amateur - Grace Fennell, Dana Sanders, ElkieKnox-Gray.
Torquay 29 def Modewarre 14
Best: Torquay - Milla Iannazzo, Matilda Ward, Ada Torsi. Modewarre - Meg Rogers, PippaRogers,LilyGraham.
Ocean Grove 38 def Surf Coast 15
13 & UNDER DIVISION 2
Drysdale 9 def Anglesea 6
Best: Drysdale - Isabella Drever, Myah McKinnis, Alex Green. Anglesea - Clancy Gilliver,EttaLedden,OliviaThompson. Geelong Amateur 24 def Portarlington 7 Best: Geelong Amateur - Nyrie Nuttall, IsabelleRoss,MichaelaDesai.Portarlington -SophieHayes,RubyGainger,EllaWalsh. Torquay 33 def Modewarre 3 Best: Torquay - Ivy McCarthy, Eadie Carty, SophieCooke.
Newcomb 17 def Barwon Heads 15 Best: Newcomb - Elizabeth Gulino, Zoe Hrkac, Pippa Monaghan. Barwon Heads - Maya Welsh, Olivia Cheel, Goldie Nuzum.
Ocean Grove 25 def Surf Coast 11
Surf Coast 3.4(22), 9.8(62), 14.9(93), 18.14(122)
Goals: Ocean Grove - L. Waldron 5, J. Paterson 4, T. Ruck 2, J. Lange, H. Walsh, B. Hayward, R. Devlin, K. Reilly, B. Coote, L. Morrow, J. Thomson. Surf CoastL. Cartelli 4, T. Stephen 3, T. Walliss 3, M. Wright 2, E. Waldron 2, H. Gravener, Z. Warne.
Best: OceanGrove-L.Morrow,L.Waldron, J.Paterson,J.Thomson,H.Walsh,J.Lange. Surf Coast - Z. Warne, M. Wright, E. Waldron,L.Cartelli,P.Smith,M.Hovey.
Torquay 5.7(37), 9.12(66), 12.17(89), 17.19(121) Modewarre 4.0(24), 7.1(43), 10.3(63), 11.6(72)
Goals: Torquay - T. Smith 3, H. Trigg 3, N. Turner 2, V. Rahilly 2, A. Hanley 2, C. Montebello, T. Diamond, T. Boak, B. Henderson, L. Diamond. Modewarre - J. Motton 3, T. Hornsey 3, S. Morter 2, C. Joseph2,S.Hutley.
Best: Torquay - W. Montebello, M. Boag, V. Rahilly, N. Turner, T. Smith, J. Darke. Modewarre - O. Cooke, O. Hocking, M. Mckim,P.Fitzgerald,F.Royal,S.Morter.
Georgia Ryan passes to Zanna Punshon during the Ocean Grove vs Surf Coast match. (Ivan Kemp)
Tynan Smith kicks one of his three goals for Torquay against Modewarre. (Ivan Kemp) 557875_09
Grinter Reserve confirmed
Newcomb’s Grinter Reserve will host the next two Dow Bellarine Football Netball League grand finals.
Three of the past four grand finals have been held at Grinter Reserve with the venue also named to host the preliminary finals.
“The Newcomb Power Football Netball Club is proud to have been chosen to host the final two weeks of finals for the next two seasons,” club president Matt Farrow said.
“Being centrally located for all clubs and with the capacity to host significant crowds, we believe it provides a great option for the BFNL.
“This decision will also allow us to work with council and state stakeholders on potential small upgrades to further support the delivery of a fantastic event for our league.”
The BFNL preliminary finals are on Saturday 12 September with the grand finals on Saturday 19 September.
AFL Barwon also announced that Portarlington Recreation Reserve will host the first and second week of the finals series.
The qualifying finals are set for Saturday 29 August and the elimination finals on Sunday 30 August. The second semi-finals
are on Saturday 5 September with the first semi-finals on Sunday 6 September.
AFL Barwon has confirmed Lara Recreation Reserve as the venue for the Epworth senior and junior female football grand finals on Sunday 30 August, with matches played across multiple grounds.
The Kempe junior male grand finals will be held at St Joseph’s Football Netball Club’s Herne Hill Reserve across Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September, utilising both ovals.
Venues for the opening weeks of the female football finals series and the junior male finals series are yet to be announced.
Tuesday Tennis Geelong women’s champions crowned
The sun was out for Tuesday Women’s grand final day on 10 June and it played out as hoped, in good spirits and great conditions. ThebestresultwastoTuesdaynewcomers St Leonards in Section 3.
While the players are no strangers to Tennis Geelong competition, it was their first seasonofwomen’scompandtheteamgelled well, dropping just one match for the season. Wandana Heights struggled in both home and away matches and couldn’t come up with a winning strategy in the final going down 6-0 to the now premiers Shannon and Susan Ballagh, Kierra Grossman and Rachel Knez.
While Wandana licked their wounds in S3, it was a different story for their women in S7. The minor premiers were keen to keep their undefeated status intact, in their match against Leopold Gold. Gold had a slow start to the season before eventually finishing third, and a tight win last week to keep their run going. Things were looking good for Leopold with Nevenka Suban and Margot Kleindienst winning the first set 6-2, but Catharina Juffermans and Inge Garvey kept the match level, also winning 6-2.
Wandana pushed ahead through the middle posting two wins with Juffermans teaming with Kirstie Rosman to get up 6-2 while Garvey and Sonja Mol took a tie-break. Kleindienst teamed with Jean Lonsdale to take the sixth for Leopold, but with Rosman and Garvey winning the fifth 6-2, Wandana were crowned champions.
Moolap and Portarlington were only one point different at the end of home and away with Moolap finishing minor premiers in Section 6, despite Port winning both encounters during the season. Moolap, however, pulled it together in the first semi to progress and did it again this week to claim the premiership 5-1. Port will be ruing the result with Belinda Atkins, teaming up with Sheree Holdsworth in the first, and Mel Eedy in the sixth, resulting in two tie-break wins although Moolap made the scoreline more lopsided than the tennis belied. Dolores Barrow and Marilyn Wyllie also chipped in to help the team across the line.
The biggest turnaround was from Eastern Districts in Section 4 when they faced Drysdale. The team was none from three going into the match, including a 5-1 loss in the first semi.
Megan Koolen and Mandy McManus were keen to have the streak continue for Drysdale winning the first set 7-5, but
Madison and Shelley Gioffre blasted out of the blocks winning 6-0 for Districts in the second. Districts took heed from the second set and followed up with wins in the third and fourth 6-2, 6-1 to put them ahead going into the remaining two sets.
Things got tense when McManus and Helen Glavocih wrapped up the sixth 6-3, but Delwyn Foster and Kylie Cameron held Drysdale out in the fifth claiming the set 7-5 to take the win.
AireysInletwerehopingtoleveltheirhead to head with Barwon Heads in Section 2 with the minor premiers holding a 2-1 lead going into the final. The teams split the first two sets, but the Heads hit their straps through the middle with Tracey Roderick and Emma Webb getting up 6-2 in the third, and Rhonda Sutas and Tracy Lazarus 6-1 in the fourth.
Janette Dangerfield and Sam Stevenson kept Aireys in it, winning the fifth 7-6, but Webb and Tania White rounded out the match with a 6-3 win to finish the match 4-2
to the Heads.
Nails were bitten in the Section 5 match, with swings to both Clifton Springs Blue and Ocean Grove. The Grove took an early lead winning the first two sets with both pairs –Melissa Fisher and Dallas Cronwright, and Vanessa Armstrong and Karen Singer getting up 6-4.
The Springs hit back with Sarka Vajbar and Sarah Winship getting the third 6-4 while Fiona Macaulay and Beverley Draper took the fourth 6-2. With only two games in it, Macaulay and Winship were not to be denied, blasting a 6-0 win in the sixth giving the Springs an unassailable lead despite Fisher and Singer getting through in a tiebreak in the fifth. The Springs won by seven games.
Long-time rivals Moriac and Surfcoast Bellbrae faced off again in Section 1, and as it always is, it was another classic finish. The teams were tied with Fiona Blood and Bridget Laird getting the first 6-1 for Moriac, but Marg Leigh and Miyo Fallshaw did the same in the second for Bellbrae.
Kristie Walters and Jacqui Duxson got a slimleadforBellbraewinning6-1whileLaird and Charlotte Wilson levelled the sets for Moriac winning 6-3. It was a two game lead to Bellbrae, and at the end that was pivotal.
The teams battled hard in the remaining sets with Laird winning her third for the day with Kerrie Fatone 6-3, but with Walters and Leigh getting up 6-4, Bellbrae stayed one game ahead, to take the match.
An awesome day of tennis from all participants, who will look forward to the winter season starting 14 July.
Big loss spurs a ‘shellshocked’ Torquay on to bigger and better wins
By Justin Flynn
Torquay was left “a bit shellshocked” after a 54-point round 7 loss to Geelong Amateur according to coach Dom Gleeson, but it certainly didn’t dent the Tigers’ confidence.
In fact it probably made them more determined. Since that game, Torquay has beaten Barwon Heads by 30 points, Drysdale by 35 and on Saturday June 6, disposed of Modewarre by 49.
In all three games, the Tigers were able to not only withstand challenges from their opponents, but run out the game strongly.
“We sort of kicked into gear as a team,” Gleeson said.
“Every team we’ve played against since are in the running to go deep in finals, so it’s quite pleasing.
“By no stretch, I don’t think we’re playing our best footy just yet. Nor have we put our best team on paper, but we’re slowly getting there.”
When Jordan Motton goaled in the sixth minute of the final term on Saturday, it put Modda to within 19 points, but the Tigers booted the final five goals of the game.
Key forwards Hugh Trigg and Tynan
Smith kicked three goals each. Smith has 32 majors this season while first-year Tiger Trigg has 22 after playing in defence the first few rounds.
“They’re starting to really build and be aware of one another’s strengths,” Gleeson said. “They’re getting to the stage where they’re probably being a little selfless. They should probably get a little bit more selfish in front of goal. But they’re creating a wonderful culture down there in our forward line.
“We’ve been really pleased with Triggy
with starting him down back just to help him learn our blueprint from the defence side and he’s gone forward and played deep and been a wonderful focal point and a handful for the opposition.”
Among Torquay’s best on the weekend weretwoyoungsters,formerGeelongFalcon Will Montebello and Van Rahilly, who is still in the Coates Talent League program.
“He (Montebello) is an exceptionally talented young kid who is a forward - no question about that,” Gleeson said.
“Somegoodjuniorcoachingthathe’shad in the past at Under 18 level has flung him back late in quarters just to settle the tide a bit. We saw some things that we liked when he did that and we’re looking for a backman at some stage.
“We’re trying to develop another Benny McNamara and I know that sounds silly because he’s such an exceptional footballer, but we need another one like him.
“Ben’s not going to be around forever, but he’s been phenomenal with his education of Will.”
In between Falcons commitments, Rahilly has had two games at Torquay and was used as a small forward against Barwon
Heads, but went into the midfield late.
“We started him in the midfield this week with his speed and ability to get himself out of trouble and I know he’s working on his defensive side of his game, which was really pleasing to watch,” Gleeson said.
Round 10 produced some of the highest scoring in the Bellarine Football League for some time. The lowest team total was Modewarre’s 72 and the average points scored per game was 213.
“I think it’s absolutely more attacking,” Gleeson said. “I know we’ve certainly gone that way and everyone we’ve played against, it does become a bit of a shootout. I think defence is probably the hardest side of the game to teach and offence is maybe the easiest, but it’s becoming a very attacking brand of footy and I think scores are being kicked mainly from turnovers.
“Twelve years ago when I first started, you could earmark a couple of games where you’drestplayers,butatthemoment,you’ve got to be at the top of your game.
“I do encourage people to come and watch. It’s fast moving footy, exciting and it’s come a long way and I think it’s some good footy to watch.”
Newcomb’s Grinter Reserve will host the Bellarine Football Netball League grand finals for at least the next two years. (Ivan Kemp)
TWS2 Premiers Barwon Heads: Tania White, Tracie Roderick, Jenny Inkster, Rhonda Sutas,Emma Webb, Tracey Lazarus.
Will Montebello was Torquay’s best against Modewarre and is having a fine season.
(Ivan Kemp) 557875_27
TWS1 Premiers Surfcoast Bellbrae: Jayne Steel, Colleen Battye, Marg Leigh, Kristie Walters,Jacqui Duxson, Di Williams, Milo Fallshaw.
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
Grubbers halt the Suns’ run
Ocean Grove halted Surf Coast Suns’ run of four consecutive wins with a 25-goal victory at Banyul-Warri Fields, Torquay, on Saturday 6 June and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to take these pictures.
Emma Jones stretches out down the wing. 557872_06
Zanna Punshon cuts through the circle. 557872_16
Gemma Bell takes the ball out wide. 557872_20
Kaitlyn Black takes possession in defence. 557872_41
Elisa Hall (32 goals) pulls in a one-hander. 557872_19
Amy Sutherland in defence. 557872_27
Above: Bridgette Vos takes the ball in the circle. 557872_32 Below: Rhiannon Williams with the ball. 557872_33
Amy Kennedy races forward. 557872_39
Gemma Stevenuiter offloads the ball. 557872_07
Katrina Kasparian leads well to accept a pass. 557872_02
Casey Carroll takes possession for Surf Coast. 557872_09
Grubbers too good for Sharks
Ocean Grove defeated Peninsula Sharks in Under 17 Division 3 footy at Portarlington on Sunday 7 June and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to see some of the action.
Tia Smith brings the ball out of defence. 557868_19
Jessica Lonergan looks downfield. 557868_14
Elise Hanks kicks a goal for Ocean Grove. 557868_21
Maddison Pitfield kicks to the goal square. 557868_23
Willow Crapp kicked three goals for the Grubbers. 557868_24
Phoebe Punchard sends Grove into attack. 557868_03
Above: Isabelle Pigdon sends the Shakrs forward. 557868_07 Left: Chloe Teijeiro runs through the centre. 557868_06
Eva Wallis finds some space. 557868_09
Emma Robinson kicks under pressure. 557868_11
Alison Robinson gets a kick away. 557868_16
Olivia Cox clears the ball. 557868_20
Shootout ends in Grove victory
By Justin Flynn
After a few seasons of struggling to hit the scoreboard, Ocean Grove welcomed a good old-fashioned shootout against Surf Coast on Saturday 6 June according to coach Dave Farrell.
In a see-sawing tussle at Banyul-Warri Fields, Torquay, the Grubbers withstood several huge challenges from the fledgling Suns to win a high-scoring encounter, 21.6(132) to 17.15(117).
Prior to Saturday’s clash, Ocean Grove had averaged 57 points per game since the start of the 2025 season and had passed 100 just once - against Anglesea in round 11 last year.
“It definitely wasn’t the sort of game we expected to turn into a shootout, but after a couple of seasons where scoring has been a challenge at times, it was pleasing to see a number of players get rewarded on the scoreboard,” Farrell said.
“Credit to Surf Coast as well. When the ball hit the ground around stoppages and inside 50 they looked dangerous all day and kept testing us. When we felt we’d done enough to put them away they kept on coming.”
An eight-goal first term saw Grove lead by 28 points at the first break, but the Suns hit back in the second with six unanswered goals to lead by 11 points at the 21-minute mark. The Grubbers steadied into the breeze with the final three majors of the half to take a seven point buffer into the sheds.
“I thought the end of the second quarter was important,” Farrell said.
“They had a fair bit of momentum, but our ability to respond and kick a couple ourselves meant we went into half-time in a much better position mentally than if we’d simply hung on.”
The Suns drew level early in the third term, but then Grove responded with key forwards Lorne Waldron and James Paterson taking control.
A 37-point lead at the 25-minute mark was reward for hard work, but Surf Coast
wasn’t finished with. Dangerous forwards Luke Cartelli and Tommy Stephen stepped up and the Suns were suddenly 19 points in arrears at the last break with the wind at their backs in the last.
Mitch Wright snagged the opening two goals of the quarter and Grove’s lead was cut to two points at the 18-minute mark and the momentum was with the home side.
“The third and early last quarter showed how competitive the game was,” Farrell said.
Grubbers starting to resemble a settled side
By Justin Flynn
Faced with the unknown of a first-ever game against a Surf Coast side that was riding on a four-game winning streak, Ocean Grove produced one of its best performances of the season in round 10 on Saturday 6 June.
The Grubbers prevailed 61 to 36 at Banyul-Warri Fields, Torquay, to stay in touch with the top three and are starting to field a more settled side, something that coach Mel Holmes hopes will continue in the second half of the season.
Former Collingwood Super Netball defender Kaitlyn Black suited up for Grove. With regular defenders Amanda O’Malley and Julia Mitchell unavailable, Black, who is friends with Grove goaler Zanna Punshon, was able to fill in, although it is likely to be a one-off appearance.
When O’Malley and Mitchell rejoin the side, Ocean Grove will start to resemble the
side that Holmes wants to put onto the court each week.
“As of next week, we should start to be a more consistent team,” she said.
“I’ve honestly not had one training or one game yet with the whole team. It feels like it’s slowly building and I guess you can’t do that until you’ve got everyone together.
“We should be more settled, re-energised and ready to take on the second half of the season.”
It was the first time the two sides had played each other in an A Grade match and Holmes said she wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The Suns were coming off an impressive month with four consecutive wins.
“I knew a couple (of players) from each area of the court, but not completely because (playing coach) Casey (Carroll) and I played together for seven or eight years at Bell Post Hill. So I knew a few, but it was good to have a look and although I wasn’t
sure what to expect going in, it was pleasing to win.”
The win has Ocean Grove in fourth place on the ladder, sandwiched between Queenscliff (third) and Portarlington (fifth) by percentage. The Suns are sixth, two games out of the top five.
GEELONG Amateur had to work hard against Portarlington to stay unbeaten. The 50 to 40 win has Ammos a game clear on top with Alex Duck (defence) and Isabella Baker (attack) playing well on each wing. Isabella Marsh was also good at wing defence for Port while Georgia Howell starred in defence.
TORQUAY is outright second on the ladder and defeated Modewarre 62 to 38 with Taylor Mitvalsky playing well at wing defence and then goal defence and Sophie Ritchie-Crichton shooting 39 goals. Captain Clodagh Newton had a great game for Modda in midcourt.
“We had control, then they came hard with momentum and the breeze. What pleased me most was that when they got within a kick, the group didn’t panic. They reset, got back to doing the basics well and found a way to win the key moments late.”
Ben Coote goaled, Lachie Morrow followed and Jack Thomson put the margin back out to 20 points in the 28th minute and Grove held on to win by 15 points.
Last year’s Under 18 captain Morrow was outstanding after battling ankle and knee issues.
“He’s been building towards that sort of performance and had a big impact around the ball and forward of centre,” Farrell said.
“Hugo Walsh also had a really strong game. We tweaked a couple of things with his role and asked a bit more of him going into the middle for a stage but more than anything it is his work rate and willingness to compete that is becoming a hallmark of his game.”
DRYSDALE kept its slim finals hopes flickering with a two-point win against Anglesea. Lachlan Nelis was prolific in the midfield, James Breust showed he has plenty of good footy ahead and Oliver Castro booted four goals to make it eight from his first two senior games.
BARWON Heads was led by five goals to Jack Henderson and four to Jake Whybrow in a 38-point win at home against Newcomb.
SAM Lloyd booted nine goals and Mitch Day five as Geelong Amateur prevailed by 51 points against Portarlington.
TORQUAY outlasted Modewarre by 49 points. See the story on page 24.
NEWCOMB overcame a narrow deficit at each change to defeat Barwon Heads 43 to 42 in a thriller. Carly Sanders scored the winning goal with 23 seconds on the clock and ended with 37 from 43 attempts. Krystal Baker was busy in attack for the Seagulls.
DRYSDALE kept its finals hopes flickering with a 52 to 34 win against Anglesea. Isla Cuddy was a sharpshooter for the Hawks with 35 goals from 38 shots.
Lachie Morrow (pictured in round 8) was best for Ocean Grove. (Ivan Kemp)
Georgia Ryan was best for Ocean Grove with a busy game in midcourt. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 557872_05
