Geelong Indy - 31st July 2026

July 31, 2026

Retiree rate cut rejected Retirement village residents and advocates are raising their voices following the City of Geelong’s decision not to introduce a differential rating system for their properties in its 2026-27 budget.

In April, Fairer Differential Rates campaigners presented four petitions with hundreds of signatures requesting council reduce retirement village residents’ rates by up to 33 per cent.

Petitioners argued retirement village residents, many in their 80s and 90s, already paid for infrastructure maintenance through annual fees charged by their village and used public infrastructure such as roads far less.

They cited the precedent set by other Victorian councils who had introduced a differential rating system, including Brimbank City, Frankston City, Knox City and Mornington Peninsula.

However, the budget accepted by the council in June included no change to the rating structure.

In a response to the campaigners’ submissions, City officers stated the council could not afford to reduce retirement village residents’ rates without raising the rates of other categories, creating “inequity for other ratepayers, including older residents who choose to remain in their home”.

Fairer Differential Rates representative and Abervale Retirement Village residents and fi nance committees member Christine Kilsby said retirement village residents had been paying disproportionately high council rates for years.

“We believe it is time for the City of Greater Geelong to follow the lead of those councils that have already introduced a fairer differential rating system,” she said.

“We have sent a letter and a formal submission to local members of parliament. Several have acknowledged our concerns, encouraged us to continue pursuing the campaign, and wished us every success.

“Our next step will be to address the September council meeting, where each of the eight retirement villages intends to submit a question to council.”

We should always be asking how our policies impact people with the least capacity to absorb rising costs - Emma Sinclair In a letter to the campaign, the City’s executive director of corporate services Troy Edwards acknowledged retirement village residents’ concerns, suggesting a meeting in mid-August to “better understand” their position and “explore the matter further”.

Councillor Emma Sinclair engaged with residents from six retirement villages prior to the council’s budget decision and said she had been “incredibly impressed” by their campaign.

“One of the things I’ve taken away from these conversations is a greater appreciation of the fi nancial pressures facing pensioners on fi xed incomes,” she said.

“As a council, we should always be asking how our policies impact people with the least capacity to absorb rising costs. It’s an important equity conversation and one I will continue to have with my colleagues.”

(Ivan Kemp) 567578_27

By Matt Hewson

Kiahna and Joeys fly high St Joseph’s soared high and so did Kiahna Fallon (pictured) to defeat South Barwon in a top-three Geelong Netball League clash on Saturday 25 July.

Fallon crossed to Joeys last season after playing all her junior netball at South Barwon and the youngster will play a crucial role with her VNL Geelong Cougars commitments finished for the season.

St Joseph’s has won more games than any other side this season with 11 victories, but sit second on the ladder

Introducing Dr Mahwash Masood to our practice

on match ratio, having played two more matches than top side Newtown & Chilwell.

Despite the loss, South Barwon is in third spot on the ladder with two and a half wins ahead of fourth placed St Mary’s.

With five rounds remaining in the home and away season, the race to the finals is on.

Full story, page 27 with pictures (page 26) and scoreboards (page 23) rounding off our GNL coverage.

Happy Dental 116 Shannon Ave, Geelong West VIC 3218 Ph: 03 5229 6668 www.happydental.com.au

Dr Neha Raman

Dr Sai Archana Marri

Please call or book online.

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Tension as Barker returns

By Jena Carr Surf Coast Shire’s latest council meeting saw the return of Paul Barker, a month after he stormed out of council chambers.

The Torquay Ward councillor attended council’s 28 July meeting despite tensions remaining between himself and other councillors after he abruptly left halfway through the 23 June meeting due to a disagreement over points of order.

Cr Barker stayed at the July meeting until it was closed to the public and left before councillors planned to discuss a confidential item.

“Council meetings over past years showed councillors being warned when they criticised council spending or incomplete costings,” he said.

“I’m not attending private briefings because sustained government problems

over many years have left me feeling unsafe in closed council environments.”

Mayor Libby Stapleton addressed the chamber ahead of agenda discussions and said councillors had a responsibility to ensure contributions were consistent and accurate to council obligations.

“We all come to the chamber with different perspectives, and robust debate is a healthy and essential part of local democracy,” she said.

“Points of order should be raised respectfully and in good faith...to ensure the matter can be heard and addressed appropriately.

“Our community expects us to test ideas, challenge one another respectfully, and make decisions based on correct information.

“Our governance rules are not simply about meeting procedure, as they

provide the framework for respectful debate, informed decision-making, and maintaining public confidence in local government.”

Even though he did not walk out of council chambers this month, Cr Barker did not hold back on his frustrations for council throughout the meeting.

“I minimise my engagement in this hostile environment...and I’ll be a minority vote, so it doesn’t really matter,” he said.

“I pine for a council where officers cease giving someone who failed Year 10 English cause for spelling and grammatical concerns.

“Council should not develop a habit of treating small emissions as acceptable, and many large governance failures begin as small details that nobody bothered to question.”

Torquay Ward councillor Paul Barker returned to council a month after storming out of the meeting. (Ivan Kemp) 248886_16

Recruitment begins for members to join grants panel

The wonder returns in 2026

Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival is back this September. (Supplied)

Geelong’s premier annual event for children has been announced for 2026.

Founded and produced by Geelong Arts Centre (GAC), Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival will return for its fourth instalment from 14 to 24 September.

While the full program has not yet been released, a number of events have been announced already including stage shows such as Room on the Broom, Emma Memma and Erth’s Dinosaurs.

For children who prefer the hands-on approach, interactive events such as the Wolfgang in the Stars Circus Workshop and free events Slow Star Village and

Experts Radio Lab have also been announced.

The Big Wonder Weekend street festival will be back for the second year on 19 and 20 September, bringing together roving performers and fun flavours for little food explorers, while the 78th Wonder Schools Showcase will spotlight emerging young performers from around the region.

GAC chief executive and creative director Rhys Holden said the event was one of the most exciting and important events on the Geelong calendar.

“We love opening a door for kids and their families to creative experiences,”

he said. “The festival brings together art, creativity and exploration for families, while transforming spaces across our city.

It’s always inspiring to see children and their adults light up at unexpected live performances, interactive experiences or imaginative play.

“We’re thrilled to once again throw open our doors, and the doors to the city, to a festival filled with wonder and can’t wait to share the full program with you soon.”

Visit geelongwonderchildrensfest. com.au to start planning your Geelong Wonder Children’s Festival experience now.

Greater Geelong residents are being encouraged to join the City of Greater Geelong’s Community Grants Assessment Panel.

Panel members help to assess grant applications and ensure funding is directed to projects that deliver positive outcomes.

The grants program supports local projects, programs, activities and events and the independent panel is responsible for a process that is fair, transparent and community focused.

Up to eight panel members are sought for a three-year commitment.

“Panel members bring valuable skills, experiences and local perspectives that help identify projects which will have the most significant impact across Greater Geelong,” mayor Stretch Kontelj said.

“By independently assessing applications, the panel helps ensure grant funding supports initiatives that strengthen community connections and deliver social, cultural and environmental benefits.”

If you have the relevant skills and experience in community development, volunteer organisations, the arts, environment, or events industries, and financial and project management, the City wants you to apply.

“Serving on the Community Grants Assessment Panel is a unique chance to contribute to decisions that help local projects, programs and events thrive,” finance portfolio chair Cr Andrew Katos said.

“I encourage interested community members to apply and bring their valuable knowledge and insights to this important role.”

To learn more about the role or to submit an EOI, visit geelong.link/PanelEOI and expressions of interest close at 11.59pm on Wednesday 19 August.

Golden Plains pop-up sessions to promote community engagement A series of pop-up sessions will be held across the Golden Plains to help strengthen communication and community engagement across the region.

Golden Plains Shire Council has invited community feedback on the development of its new Communication and Engagement Strategy 2026-2030.

Mayor Owen Sharkey said the strategy would guide how council communicated with residents, connected with communities 2 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

and created opportunities for meaningful participation in decision-making over the next four years.

“This feedback will help us ensure our approach is transparent, effective, and reflects the needs of our community,” he said.

“People connect with council in different ways and at different times, whether it’s through a local project, a council service, or an issue that matters to them.

“We want to hear from as many people

as possible about what’s working well, what could be improved, and how they would like to receive information from council.

“We’re also keen to understand the community’s expectations around engagement, when people simply want to be kept informed, and when they would like opportunities to have a greater say in council decisions.”

Community pop-up sessions will be held on Friday 31 July at Golden Plains Mobile

Library’s Cape Clear, Haddon, Linton, and Smythesdale stops, and Saturday 1 August at Golden Plains Farmers’ Market and Bannockburn Football and Netball Club.

Sessions will also be held at Golden Plains Mobile Library’s Meredith, Dereel, and Rokewood stops on 13 August, and Smythesdale Country Market on 15 August.

Visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ consultations for information and to provide feedback on the strategy by 6 September.

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Council special zone push Geelong council has intensified its calls for the next Victorian government to implement a special economic zone (SEZ) in the heart of the city.

As the November state election looms, the council and Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj have proposed a five-year pilot program that would stimulate development in the CBD by fast-tracking planning approvals and slashing land tax, stamp duty and other fees and charges.

The proposed special economic zone would, according to a council statement, “unlock housing and business development, and help restore confidence, interest and investment in central Geelong and the

greater region by extension”.

The idea of a special economic zone was first mooted at a City of Greater Geelong forum in March last year.

Mayor Kontelj quickly adopted the idea, with the concept included as one of the City’s priority projects in January ahead of this year’s state election and raised ahead of the federal budget in May. With 16 approved developments in Central Geelong on hold due to market conditions, Mayor Kontelj said Greater Geelong was uniquely positioned to embrace the trial due to the city’s history of innovation and reinvention.

“We’ve led through manufacturing,

education, health, technology and clean energy, and now we have an opportunity to lead Australia once again,” Mayor Kontelj said. “A special economic zone could go a long way towards driving the private investment and economic development we desperately need.

“We have vacant and under-utilised land in central Geelong that’s ready to go, and we need to incentivise development.”

Councillor Trent Sullivan, the City’s economic development portfolio chair, said the council would also reduce rates, services and administration fees and streamline planning processes as part of the proposed pilot.

Colour lifts spirits, improves mental health

By Jena Carr Geelong’s sporting clubs can help support mental health among their younger members by hosting a Game Changers Colour Run. Read the Play’s youth-led and co-designed Game Changers Leadership Team program will encourage sporting clubs across the region to host a Colour Run to support mental health amongst 14 to 20-year-olds.

St Joseph’s Football Netball Club member Bella Gilham (20) said the Game Changers Leadership Team designed initiatives to help improve young people’s mental health awareness.

“The inspiration behind the Colour Run was to have something fun and colourful for people to participate in,” she said.

“It’s quite important to have a safe space for a young person to go and express themselves with who they are, no matter if they’re there for the social side or the sport they’re playing.”

Geelong Amateur Football Netball Club member Eva Hammond (14) said the initiative would help make a positive impact on mental health in youth sporting clubs.

“It was a great chance to help people my age and put out an initiative that would help with mental health awareness, so I decided to put my hand up and give it a shot,” she said.

“It’s about bringing awareness to all ages regardless of whether they’re in football or netball and is aimed to be really diverse so that we could encourage everyone to get involved.”

Visit readtheplay-colourrun.netlify.app for more information or to host a Colour Run.

Game Changers Leadership Team’s Eva Hammond and Bella Gilham encourage Geelong sporting clubs to host a Colour Run. (Ivan Kemp) 568393_09

“Many of these measures wouldn’t cost governments anything in the short term because they would unlock projects that simply aren’t proceeding today. Over time, increased development and economic activity would generate greater revenue while creating more homes and jobs.”

Mayor Kontelj said he would like to work with both federal and state governments to “develop a solution for Geelong that could be replicated in other key growth cities”.

“If we can bring all levels of government together, we have a real opportunity to create a national model for housing delivery, CBD revitalisation and regional economic growth,” he said.

Restoring dignity across Geelong There is a call-out for volunteers ahead of a new mobile shower truck coming to Geelong soon to support people experiencing homelessness and hardship.

One Voice Australia will launch the shower service in the coming weeks to deliver free hot showers and hygiene products to people in need.

Founder and chief executive Josh Wilkins said the service provided a “fully safe and enclosed space” with two private shower cubicles, fresh towels, hygiene products and hot water available through the truck.

“It will mean heaps for the homeless community as there’s not really access to hot showers in Geelong,” he said. “It’s a safe, secure, and dignifying space, and it’s just like having a shower at home, so...that if anyone needs a shower, then they come have a shower.

“A lot of people who are experiencing homelessness don’t like going to the swimming pools as they are then stereotyped and stigmatised as people look down upon them.”

Mr Wilkins said there was a “massive need” for the shower service.

“There’s a lot more people experiencing homelessness out there, and it’s just changing really quickly... so, a shower means a lot in so many ways,” he said. “We’re fi nding the face of homelessness is changing, so we’re noticing that there are families who are sleeping in cars or single mums with kids in tents.”

By Matt Hewson Geelong council has adopted an update to the heritage design guidelines in its municipal planning scheme.

The Greater Geelong Heritage Design Guidelines 2026, which will replace those developed and implemented in 1997 pending ministerial approval, are intended to preserve buildings of historical significance while facilitating development.

The new guidelines were exhibited to the public for a month earlier in the year but drew no objections from the community.

Councillor Rowan Story said the lack of submissions from the public demonstrated the guidelines were “viewed as clear, user-friendly and a valuable resource for property owners, designers and developers”.

“Greater Geelong’s built heritage contributes to local character, identity,

tourism, economic activity and community pride,” he said.

“It is important to protect and enhance our heritage through appropriate heritage design guidance.”

Cr Story said the updated guidelines were necessary as the last 30 years had seen an increased focus on accessibility of buildings and sustainable design.

“The first Harry Potter book was released in 1997, and things have changed a little since then,” he said.

“One example is that solar panels were a very new concept in 1997, but are now a common addition to buildings.

“The Heritage Advisory Committee, the National Trust and the broader community supported the development of the guidelines, recognising the value of consistent and practical guidance for managing change in heritage places.”

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Update to heritage guidelines

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Page turns on partnership

By Matt Hewson Geelong council has committed to support the transition of its library services to a new company limited by guarantee that maintains a shared service with other regional councils and the Geelong Regional Library Corporation (GRLC).

The change, mandated to occur before July 2031 by Victorian government’s Local Government Act 2020, will see the library network continue to deliver its services with little to no expected disruption.

Analysis and review by both the City of Greater Geelong and GRLC, the council has backed the fi rst of three options for

future library services operating models.

The other two options were withdrawing the City from GRLC and establishing a fully in-house service for Geelong only, or withdrawing and continuing to provide shared services with regional councils.

While the City’s report noted all three models would have “broadly fi nancially comparable” outcomes over the next decade, councillor and GRLC deputy chair Elise Wilkinson said the chosen model reduced the risks and provided a “more predictable, less disruptive path”.

“The five member councils have worked together successfully for decades now,” she said.

“Libraries are one of the best examples of councils working together effectively to deliver benefits across the region.

“We maintain our regional collaboration, preserve relationships and shared knowledge and create a stronger voice when seeking state and federal support funding while also opening up options for other fi nancial avenues as a new entity.

“A regional model provides a scale and capability needed to continue evolving library services as community expectations change.”

Councillor Trent Sullivan said the transition was an opportunity to strengthen the network’s governance, transparency,

accountability and strategic alignment.

“Over the last 10 years we have spent over $172 million into our library services and infrastructure,” he said.

“Th is gives us the opportunity…to show that the Geelong community is getting the most it can for those dollars. It also enables us to have direct control over the hours and funding allocation to the buildings within our municipality.

“We have some amazing membership numbers, some of the highest in the state…so making sure that we have the proper structures to protect the incredible amount of funding that we put into this for the community is vitally important.”

Helping start conversations about death

Islamic Society of Geelong vice president Yasir Ismat is looking forward to this Saturday’s Community Festival.

(Ivan Kemp) 568250_04

Event celebrates Geelong’s rich diversity

By Jena Carr Community members from all cultural backgrounds in Geelong can come together to celebrate diversity during a free event.

The Islamic Society of Geelong will host activities, cultural performances, food stalls, and a variety of children’s activities during its Community Festival on Saturday 1 August.

Vice president Yasir Ismat said the festival aimed to strengthen community connections through a fun and family-friendly atmosphere.

“It is an open festival for all the communities in Geelong, not just specific to the Islamic community,” he said.

“It’s a celebration of the diversity of culture, while bringing the community together, just to have a fun and relaxed day with a range of activities.

“We are hoping that people from all cultures and backgrounds come together on the day...and this event will be a good opportunity for people to get to know each other.”

Mr Ismat said he was looking forward to seeing people come together regardless of

their cultural background.

“We are a diverse community in Geelong, as there are so many different cultures here in the region,” he said.

“I just want to see people happy, smiling, relaxing, and enjoying the event while interacting and making new friends.”

Henna, face painting, balloon twisting, and a jumping castle will also be available during the free festival.

The Community Festival will be held at Norlane ARC from 10.30am to 3.30pm on Saturday, with the event open to everyone across the Geelong community.

Talking about death is not always easy, which is why a local organisation is hosting an event to get the conversation started.

Not-for-profit charity Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine will host a free information session covering a range of end-of-life topics as part of the Dying to Know Day national campaign.

Experts from Barwon Community Legal, Barwon Health, Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine and Geelong Cemeteries Trust will speak on the importance of discussing topics such as funeral options and legal matters before it’s too late.

Dying to Know Day, established in 2013, is a national day of action aimed at normalising conversations about death, dying and grief and encouraging people to prepare for the inevitable with a sense of purpose rather than fear.

“Open conversations about death and dying helps reduce the fear and stigma around death, helping us to live and die well,” Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine chair Rob Grundel said.

“At Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine, we believe that no one should face death, dying, grief or loss alone.

“By encouraging open conversations, sharing knowledge and supporting our community, we help people prepare with confidence, compassion and dignity.“ The information session will be held at Springdale Neighbourhood Centre, Drysdale on Monday 10 August from 2pm to 4pm. Email vol. coord@chob.org.au or call 0499 775 275 to register.

Have your say on how events can help the Surf Coast community

By Jena Carr Surf Coast’s residents can have their say on how events can continue to attract visitors and connect communities.

Surf Coast Shire Council endorsed the draft Events Policy for public consultation during its 28 July meeting, which seeks to guide how council supports, assesses and manages events.

Councillor Leon Walker said the region hosted hundreds of events each year, ranging from internationally “recognised 4 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

events and massive participation offerings”.

“Council supports and recognises the important role that events play in connecting communities and supporting economic outcomes,” he said.

“The events calendar for the Surf Coast is significant for Victoria, connecting communities, creating environments, encouraging and engaging with activities, and sustaining businesses.

“The events policy exists to provide a framework for guiding how events are

supported, assessed, and managed, ensuring they align with council objectives and community expectations.”

Cr Walker said the updated policy would outline the principles, scope and purpose for facilitating the delivery of significant events.

“Depending on the nature and scale of the event, they potentially deliver significant economic, environmental, social, and cultural benefits to the region,” he said.

“For our community vision of leaving

the Surf Coast better than we found it, it would be great if their legacy for large events or a community foundation resource would be a great outcome for inclusion policy for our communities.”

The policy aims to improve clarity and outline the scope of the management of events across the Surf Coast Shire.

Community members can provide feedback on the draft Events Policy at yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ draft-events-policy by 27 August.

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Celebrating individuality

By Jena Carr Geelong’s new Rainbow Rack will help members of the gender-diverse community fully express themselves in a welcoming environment.

Geelong Rainbow launched the paywhat-you-can and gender-affirming service close to two weeks ago for trans, gender-diverse, non-binary and queer individuals to find clothing and items that aligned with their authentic selves.

President Parker Rettke said they couldn’t wait to start showing members of the LGBTQIA+ community through the space.

“We took it upon ourselves to create

something that was going to be, not just a retail experience, but a support service as well,” they said.

“Being able to affirm your gender externally is such an important part of transition, but also of being a queer person and finding your identity.

“A space like this that is private, safe, and gender affirming is a great place for people who might not feel comfortable in traditional retail settings.”

Rettke said the year-round initiative removed financial barriers while ensuring visitors could explore fashion and gender-affirming wardrobe items.

“Services like this help to support those who are curious about exploring them-

Parker Rettke with items from Geelong’s new Rainbow Rack. (Ivan Kemp) 568287_02

selves without judgement,” they said.

“This provides personal attention, open-mindedness, and an open ear for people to talk about their journey and

who they want to become.”

Rainbow Rack is available strictly by appointment on Geelong Rainbow’s website.

Pollocksford Road Bridge repairs ready for next steps

By Jena Carr Repairs will soon begin at the Pollocksford Road Bridge with a contractor identified to cover the asset’s design and construction.

Surf Coast Shire Council, which will manage the Gnawarre bridge works, decided during its 28 July meeting to award a contract amount of $2,092,601 to Duratec for repairs.

Councillor Adrian Schonfelder said

council would work with the contractor to develop a project timeline.

“I’m very fond of the Pollocksford Road Bridge, and patience is a virtue, so I’m looking forward to the bridge being restored and reopened,” he said.

“The bridge is a majestic structure, and an incredible asset, so...I sympathise with people who live locally, including myself, who have to travel further.

“It wasn’t maintained in the past, and

now we need to deal with the present situation and hope that, as far as traffic movements on the bridge, they can be appropriately managed.”

Pollocksford Road Bridge is a shared asset between Surf Coast Shire and Golden Plains Shire councils, with the costs shared equally.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Owen Sharkey said that working together with Surf Coast Shire Council helped deliver a

positive outcome for both local government areas.

“We’re looking forward to seeing work commence and moving closer to the day when this significant bridge can safely reopen to local traffic,” he said.

“The community has been eager to see progress on the Pollocksford Road Bridge, and I’m pleased that we’re now moving into the next phase of the project.”

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Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 5

FRIDAY FEATURE

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Laura Wilson has previously had to have surgeries to remove food that got stuck in her throat. (Ivan Kemp) 568148_08

Laura shines a light on EoE Geelong will light up pink and purple next week to mark National Eosinophilic Week. Jena Carr spoke with Waurn Ponds’ Laura Wilson about her experience living with an eosinophil-associated illness.

U

p until two years ago, Laura Wilson thought that having food constantly getting stuck in her throat was normal.

The Waurn Ponds mother of two young kids has had issues with food for as long as she can remember, but doctors couldn’t tell her why.

“There were plenty of episodes that I can recall of food getting stuck in my throat,” Laura said.

“I’d go to a friend’s house or out to dinner somewhere, and food would get stuck in my throat, so you would have to bang it down or spit it out, and it was just a nightmare.

“When I was 16, I had a piece of chicken stuck in my throat, known medically as a food bolus (a small ball of chewed food mixed with saliva), and needed to have surgery to get it out.

“I had some investigation done into what may have caused it, but I never got an answer as to what it was.

“Even after a couple of scans, there was no answer, so I just kept on going with knowing that there was something wrong with me but not knowing what.”

It wasn’t until Laura was 36 years old that she fi nally received an answer for what she was going through.

“I ended up getting a piece of lamb stuck in my throat, and I had to go back to the hospital,” she said.

“I went to the emergency department and had to have surgery again, but that’s when doctors told me that what I was going through could be an actual condition.

“I did the surgery, had biopsies done, and started on steroids, which has all been a total game changer, and I started to be able to basically eat normally again.”

Laura was diagnosed with eosinophilic 6 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

oesophagitis (EoE) two years ago. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder caused by the build up of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in the oesophagus.

Receiving the diagnosis had a big impact on Laura’s life as it has allowed the now 38-year-old to function normally.

“I don’t even have to think about how I’m eating now, which is what everyone else does, and it’s nice just to feel normal,” she said. “Even having two small kids, because I didn’t know what normal was, I’d start to introduce foods with them, but I was worried about giving my kids solid food.

“I can now go out and do activities with my kids or see my friends without having to worry about whether or not food will get stuck in my throat.”

EoE is often caused by allergic reactions to specific foods or environmental allergens, but the tests to determine the exact reason can be lengthy.

“Maybe in 10 years there’ll be more research done, and there’ll be an easier way to fi nd out what it is that people with EoE are actually allergic to,” Laura said.

“There are a lot of steps involved because you’ve got to do a strict elimination and have scopes done, so it’s not as simple as a skin pin-prick test (a medical method to identify allergic sensitivities).

“The other thing is that some of the triggers can be environmental, so I strongly suspect I have some environmental allergies, as a cheap candle could set me off with heartburn, for instance.”

National Eosinophilic Week will be held next week (2 to 8 August) to raise awareness for eosinophil-associated diseases (EADs).

EADs occur when eosinophils build up in parts of the body, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

There are probably people in the community currently that don’t know that they have the condition and how much it’s impacting their life - Laura Wilson Laura said National Eosinophilic Week was an opportunity to help raise awareness of EADs and encourage more medical research.

“These conditions exist, but a lot of people didn’t really know anything about it them more than 10 years ago,” she said.

“There are probably people in the community currently that don’t know that they have the condition and how much it’s impacting their life.”

Geelong’s Catenary Lights along the Malop Street and Moorabool Street intersection will illuminate pink and purple during National Eosinophilic Week,

with the colours representing eosinophils.

The lights are part of the #EOSLightUp campaign by ausEE, a national support and patient advocacy organisation for people affected by EADs. “We’re incredibly grateful to every landmark, council and organisation taking part in #EOSLightUp,” ausEE chief executive and founder Sarah Gray said.

“Their support is helping raise awareness of EADs across Australia and New Zealand and reminding people living with these conditions that they are not alone.”

Ms Gray said that for many people living with an EAD, like Laura, the journey towards a diagnosis could take years.

“Even after diagnosis, many people still feel isolated because these conditions are not well understood,” she said.

“National Eosinophilic Week is about improving understanding of EADs through awareness, evidence-based education and research.

“Every donation helps support medical research that aims to improve our understanding of these conditions and inform future advances in diagnosis and treatment.”

National Eosinophilic Week will conclude with ausEE’s annual Top 8 Challenge on Saturday 8 August to better support medical research into the condition.

The challenge will encourage people to remove the top eight allergenic foods from their diet for one day, including milk, wheat, egg, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish and shellfish.

Visit eosaware.com for more information about National Eosinophilic Week, to participate in the Top 8 Challenge or to access free educational resources.

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Hockey pitch out of bounds

By Jena Carr Dogs will no longer be allowed on the new hockey pitch at Torquay’s Banyul-Warri Fields to protect the facility’s intended use for organised sport.

Surf Coast Shire Council adopted the change to the Surf Coast Shire Dog Regulations during its 28 July meeting, ensuring the hockey pitch is a designated prohibited dog area.

Councillor Liz Pattison said the change to the regulation would help protect the pitch’s synthetic playing surface from damage while maintaining its ongoing functionality.

“Sometimes these smaller policy changes reduce confusion and improve compliance because everybody understands the rules more clearly,” she said.

“Dogs will be prohibited from the synthetic hockey surface, and that’s about protecting the significant investment and asset we have in the hockey pitch.”

The regulation change will mean that dogs will be prevented from entering or occupying the hockey pitch’s playing surface at all times.

Cr Mike Bodsworth said appropriate dog controls were needed to protect the new hockey pitch as the facility was not

designated under regulations despite opening in December last year.

“It’s important that we press on and make sure these changes are in place and can be enforced,” he said.

“There were gaps in the regulations that proved unhelpful for people with dogs and officers trying to make sure people comply with dog regulations, so that needed to be cleaned up.”

The Surf Coast Shire Dog Regulations were designed to enable the community to safely enjoy parks, beaches and other public areas through the designation of on-leash, off-leash, time-share and

prohibited dog areas.

The dog control regulations apply to designated areas across the region in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994 and went through extensive community consultation when updated in 2007.

The amendment to prohibit dogs on the hockey pitch was identified through council’s consultation on the 2026–29 Domestic Animal Management Plan.

Additional regulatory signage will be installed at the hockey pitch, and dog regulation maps will be updated to inform people of the changes.

Registrations open for detox event Surf Coast’s community should get in early and secure their spots for this year’s Detox Your Home Torquay.

Torquay Works Depot will host the annual state government event, providing residents a safe and easy way to dispose of unwanted household chemicals.

Surf Coast Shire councillor Joel Grist said the event gave people the opportunity to remove old chemicals from their home while helping protect the environment, and that places were expected to fi ll up fast.

“Th is is always a popular event, and it regularly books out, so get in early,” he said.

“Many of us have unwanted or expired chemicals tucked away in the shed, garage or under the sink.

“Detox Your Home makes it easy to get rid of these items safely, keeping them out of landfi ll and protecting waterways

and environment.”

The event has collected more than 14.5 tonnes of hazardous household chemicals during the last five years, including 2315kg at last year’s event.

People will be able to drop off household cleaning supplies, garden chemicals, and garage products, including machine oil and brake fluid, during the event.

Paint, cosmetics and oils, including cooking oils, will no longer be accepted at the event, with people encouraged to dispose of paints free of charge at the new Paintback facility at the Anglesea Transfer Station.

The Detox Your Home event will be held from 9am to 1pm on 22 August, with registrations required to attend.

Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Detox for more information and to book a spot.

Coming Soon!

Visitors to the Surf Coast Arts Trail will be able to participate in workshops and watch artist demonstrations. (Bobby Dazzler Photography)

Arts trail back for 16th year Hundreds of artists will have their works on display as the Surf Coast Arts Trail returns for its 16th year.

Venues across the Surf Coast will showcase a variety of art from 300 artists during the trail from Saturday 1 August to Sunday 2 August.

Mayor Libby Stapleton said the trail would have something for everyone, providing an opportunity for residents and visitors to meet and talk with the region’s artists.

“We expect this year’s edition to be another wonderful showcase and celebration of the immense creative talent across our shire,” she said.

“The event is well established as a favourite on our Surf Coast Shire calendar, and has become a significant driver for our creative and visitor economies.

“People can immerse in their own journeys of discovery visiting studios, galleries and community spaces right across the shire, enjoying the famously warm trail atmosphere.

“About 50 per cent of trail visitors each year travel from outside our shire, and during the past two events participating artists have collectively sold works totalling $420,000.”

Join us at our Exclusive Early Bird Tours Aspire Early Education, Forrest Green and Warralily

Artworks across a range of different medium will be on display during the Surf Coast Arts Trail. (Bobby Dazzler Photography)

People will also be able to purchase artwork, watch demonstrations and participate in workshops during the art trail’s opening hours from 10am to 4pm.

This year’s event will feature a new Arts Trail After Hours guide of performing arts and entertainment activities available after studios and galleries have closed.

Visit Surf Coast Arts Trail’s website for more information about the artists and venues welcoming visitors this weekend, and surfcoastevents.com.au for the Arts Trail After Hours guide.

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Two friends rally with Sven Bellarine Community Health nurse Beryl Downey will embark on a journey from Adelaide through the Outback in a car that might not even make it to her destination.

Beryl and long-time friend Liz Loft are setting off on the Shitbox Rally from Adelaide to Darwin from 14 to 22 August to raise funds for cancer research and Beryl’s reason for taking part couldn’t be simpler.

“Just about everyone you speak to has been touched by cancer in some way,” she said.

“I have had close family members and friends affected. It’s such a prevalent disease in its many forms and takes a huge emotional and fi nancial toll on sufferers and their families, not to mention the health services that care for them.”

The universe has missed out on some cracking human beings simply because we didn’t know then what we know now - Beryl Downey Participants in the rally must travel in a car that is worth less than $1500, but Beryl and Liz have had help from their sons with some mechanical tuition.

They named their team the Namaste Navigators in honour of their yoga classes together and named their 1992 Volvo sedan ’Sven’.

“So far I have assisted in a timing belt replacement, but I think brain surgery would be easier, removed a thermostat… and removed and replaced an idle control valve so Sven runs much more smoothly now,” Beryl said.

Along the way, the pair will stop overnight in remote Outback communities and camp under star-fi lled skies.

Despite being rally rookies, Beryl has full faith in Sven’s ability to go the distance.

“Sven is a dream,” she said.

“He’s like sitting in a very comfy lounge chair inside a brick. But you know the old saying, ‘they’re boxy but they’re good’ well Liz and I certainly hope so.”

After 40 years of nursing, Beryl said the hardships of the road are a small price to pay for a cause this important.

“I have looked after so many people over that time that are no longer with us,” she said.

“They have suffered, their families and friends have been devastated, and the universe has missed out on some cracking human beings simply because we didn’t know then what we know now.”

The two friends are bracing for a few bumps in the road but say that’s all part of the fun.

“I’m expecting some challenges along the way but that’s okay - we’re here to have some fun and raise as much money as we can, and if we suffer for it then it’s well earnt,” Beryl said.

“Bit concerned about what some of the toilet situations might be like though.”

Beryl and Liz initially wanted to raise $5000, but they have smashed that and are now hoping for $15,000.

As we went to print, the total had surpassed $12,500. You can donate by visiting bit.ly/3TsAkAw Bellarine Community Health nurse Beryl Downey and long-time friend Liz Loft are setting off on the Shitbox Rally from Adelaide to Darwin.

(Michael Chambers)

Torquay road swept away to make way for aquatic centre

By Jena Carr A portion of a Torquay road will be discontinued to allow for the continuing construction of the Wurdi Baierr Aquatic and Recreation Centre (WBARC).

Surf Coast Shire Council decided to discontinue the 12.5 square metre portion of Kuwarrk Lane during its 28 July meeting.

Councillor Phoebe Crockett said service infrastructure locations, detailed car parking and road designs have resulted in the Wadawurrung Way and Kuwarrk Lane connection points.

“The decision affects public rights as

the road is a public space, so it’s a matter of refining a formal council decision,” she said. “Wadawurrung Way will now connect Kawark Lane with the Surf Coast Highway, so this 12.5 square metre portion of road will no longer be required for road infrastructure.

“I’m satisfied that the road is no longer reasonably required for public purposes as public notice was advertised about the intention to discontinue the road and no submissions were received.”

The stage 1 design plans for WBARC were endorsed in August 2023 and include an indoor 25-metre pool, indoor program pool,

gym, allied health suites, and car parking area.

The plans also included a new Wadawurrung Way connection point from Surf Coast Highway, leading to the portion of road along Kuwarrk Lane determined to be no longer required.

Cr Paul Barker said he did not have a problem with discontinuing the road itself, but there needed to be more transparency around costs.

“The relevant services have been consulted, and no public submissions were received, so I’m not opposed to the physical outcome,” he said.

“The cost will be funded through the aquatic centre’s budget, but it doesn’t state the cost or whether the budget already contains a specific allowance.”

Chief executive Robyn Seymour later confi rmed that costs associated with the discontinuance would be close to $2500, which included staff time and work with state government agencies.

Council approved to commence an engagement process and invite submissions about discontinuing the road during its 24 March meeting, with no submissions received from the community.

Nightlife program to boost safety A new program aimed at creating a more welcoming and safe Little Malop Street precinct has launched.

The City of Greater Geelong’s new Nighttime Vibrancy Program has brought together 29 members from across hospitality, business, arts, education, design and government as part of a community of practice aimed at finding solutions to a range of issues for the precinct.

The community of practice will include four sessions facilitated by industry experts, the first of which was held last week.

Participants, who were selected after an expression of interest process, can also apply for grants of up to $30,000 “to support infrastructure improvements, creative installations, activations, events and other initiatives”, according to a City statement.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the program was an important step in creating 8 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

a safer and more vibrant city.

“Geelong’s nighttime precinct has enormous potential, and this program is about working together to make it more welcoming, inclusive and lively for everyone,” he said.

“By bringing together the people who know this precinct best, we can test practical ideas, learn what works and build on that success to strengthen central Geelong after dark.”

Professor Nicole Kalms is a leading gender and place expert from Monash University’s XYX Lab and a collaborator on the program.

“This community of practice brings together people who understand that meaningful change happens through collaboration,” she said. “By sharing knowledge, evidence and lived experience, we can create more equitable outcomes across our cities and communities.”

Little Malop Street during this year’s ROAM Geelong. (Supplied)

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Support to reduce fire risk Schools across Greater Geelong and the Bellarine can better protect themselves from bushfire risk thanks to state government funding.

Five school communities across the region will receive Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program grants to clear vegetation around buildings ahead of the bushfire season.

Premier Ben Carroll said funding was allocated to schools identified on the Bushfire At-Risk Register, which identifies educational services at the highest risk of bushfires.

“We’re not just protecting school

communities this bushfire season; we’re giving them ongoing support for years to come,” he said. “It’s never too early to prepare for bushfire season, so labor is stepping in to protect school communities well before bushfire season begins.”

Funding will be provided to Point Lonsdale Primary School ($26,330.52), Wallington Primary School ($24,604.35), Anakie Primary School ($20,633.84), Northern Bay P-12 College ($19,569.64), and Belmont High School ($16,740.59).

Bellbrae Primary School in the Surf Coast region will also receive $29,603.74 through the Bushfire Preparedness

Vegetation Program.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said regular vegetation works ensured school communities and buildings would be safer in the event of a bushfire.

“This funding is supporting schools across the Bellarine to prepare for bushfire season by investing in practical measures that reduce risk and protect school communities,” she said.

Member for Lara Ella George said it was great to see the state government protecting regional schools thanks to funding for vegetation clearance and ongoing support.

“This funding will help schools manage

bushfire risk and keep local students, teachers and families safer,” she said.

Minister for Emergency Services Vicki Ward said Bushfire Planning and Design experts would give schools a unique Vegetation Management Plan to ensure community safety in the future.

“This funding gives peri-urban and regional families peace of mind that their local school is prepared for bushfire season well before it begins,” she said.

Schools will receive ongoing support, with two visits by an accredited Bushfire Planning and Design expert every three years.

Production that will rock you Local production company What’s On? has announced its new show for early 2027.

Headed by husband and wife duo Paul and Lyndell Watson, the company will present fan favourite musical We Will Rock You, written by Ben Elton and celebrating the music of iconic rock band Queen at Costa Hall on 26 and 27 February next year.

Set 300 years in the future in a world where live music is banned and individuality is a crime, We Will Rock You follows a group of rebellious bohemians who fight to bring rock and roll back to the people.

Featuring a live band and an 80-voice rock choir, We Will Rock You will also use What’s On’s pro-am model, giving young, emerging local actors the chance to perform alongside seasoned professionals in a full-scale production.

Paul Watson, who will direct the show,

said the show was about “far more than just presenting a musical”.

“It’s about community, creativity and connection,” he said. “By combining professional performers with passionate local artists, we feel we’re creating opportunities that simply might not exist anywhere else in regional Australia.

“Our pro-am model…gives audiences a production that rivals metropolitan theatre while simultaneously investing in Geelong’s growing creative community.”

What’s On? also announced creative team members Nathan Firmin (musical direction) and Venessa Paech (choreography) and leading cast member Chelsea Gibb, who will play the ruthless Killer Queen.

Tickets are available at geelongartscentre. org.au for Geelong Arts Centre members and go on sale to the public on 3 August.

Lyndall Watson, Chelsea Gibb and Paul Watson at the We Will Rock You announcement this week.

(Ivan Kemp) 567990_05

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ENTERTAINMENT

Hazlehurst brings powerful solo performance Take a trip One of Australia’s most beloved actors comes to Geelong this August in what critics have described as a “masterclass in the power of theatre”.

Noni Hazlehurst will perform in one-woman play The Lark at Geelong Arts Centre (GAC) from 12 to 15 August in a role written specifically for her.

The work follows Rose Grey, a 75-year-old publican whose life has been defi ned by her small inner-city pub The Lark.

As The Lark faces demolition, Rose must come to terms with her past before it overwhelms her.

The work reunites Hazlehurst with internationally renowned playwright Daniel Keene and award-winning director Matt Scholten, with whom she last worked on the critically acclaimed 2024 production of Mother, another one-woman show.

“The opportunity to work with Daniel

and Matt creating Mother was a rare privilege and a joy,” Hazlehurst said.

“To have the chance to collaborate again on The Lark is a miracle. No actor could ask for more.”

GAC chief executive and creative director Rhys Holden expressed his excitement at seeing the work come to Geelong.

“For more than five decades, Noni Hazlehurst has captivated generations of Australians through an extraordinary career across stage, screen and television,” he said.

“We’re thrilled to welcome The Lark to Geelong, giving audiences the chance to experience this acclaimed production and an unforgettable performance from one of Australia’s most celebrated actors.”

Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for more information.

back in time

By Matt Hewson

Noni Hazlehurst stars in The Lark. (Supplied)

The music of London’s early 1700s comes to life this August when six of Australia’s fi nest chamber musicians converge on the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels.

Convened by ensemble leader and baroque recorder player Nicholas Dinopoulos – more regularly an opera and concert singer, conductor and artistic director – the London Calling concert will take concert goers back to the world of early 18th century London.

London chamber music was thriving at that time due to the influx of European immigrant musicians and composers, bringing French, Italian and German influences to the coffeehouses, private salons and theatres of the day.

Dinopolous said the concert would be “a form of musical time travel”, taking the audience back to a city that served as a “musical melting pot” and a “magnet for composers from all over Europe”.

“In this program we have a number of these composers, ranging from Johann Christoph Peppusch and his contemporaries Johann Ernst Galliard, William Babell and Gottfried Keller,” he said.

“These are examples of these famed composers’ most intimate chamber music. We know that people at the time gathered in one another’s homes…for concerts and soirees, and at the interval at the theatre at the time there were also short pieces played to provide additional entertainment between the acts of the opera.

“Th is program represents both of these components…everything from extroverted allegros to soulful adagios. And what I love about this music is the fresh inventiveness that these composers brought to these established forms.”

London Calling is at the Basilica on Friday 14 August. Visit trybooking.com/au/event/1566237 for more information.

The Kite Machine: Kane Sherriff, Levi Anderson and Liam Brennan. (Supplied)

Geelong rockers unite

By Matt Hewson Punters will be treated to a bevy of some of Geelong’s best known and much loved rock bands next weekend.

Local live music showcase Pack Rats will feature savvy rockers The Kite Machine, Stay Gold Battle of the Bands 2026 winners Blyss, pop-punk legends Ivy Black and post-hardcore band Silverlake bringing all flavours of rock to the Barwon Club bandroom on Friday 7 August.

The Kite Machine frontman Levi Anderson said he was excited to play as part of the local lineup at the venue that was “like a home for pretty much every band that’s come up in Geelong”.

“If I had to handpick a lineup of some of the best local bands doing this kind of

thing, I’d be leaning on these guys,” he said.

“As far as a night of rock and roll in the Barwon Club in Geelong, it can’t really get much better in my opinion.”

Formed by Anderson in 2011 under a different name, the band was originally an outlet for his more acoustic original music.

A name change, a transition to an electric, prog-influenced style and some personnel changes later, The Kite Machine solidified as the current trio of Anderson, Kane Sherriff (drums) and Liam Brennan (bass) in 2019.

Since then, they have released their self-titled debut album, hit number one status on Triple J’s Unearthed charts, received more than one million streams for both their songs Charlotte and Sinister

10 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

Sound, toured the east coast and had their music played on major sport broadcasts including the NFL, Big Bash, F1 Grand Prix and Bathurst.

Anderson said he wasn’t sure how they had cracked the international sport realm – “it was a pretty exciting moment for us” – but the trio was fi rmly focused on enjoying playing live music together.

“We all have a pretty similar sense of humour…but I’d say from a creative point of view we all work slightly differently, so that helps shape everything,” he said.

“We don’t get into arguments, but we can push backwards and forwards on certain ideas. And generally, I think that means the fi nal idea ends up being a better version of what it could have been.”

Visit barwonclub.com.au/gig-guide for more information.

Nicholas Dinopoulos and ensemble present London Calling this August.

(Supplied)

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Vic Open dates announced Australia’s most unique golf tournament will return to Barwon Heads in January.

Held at 13th Beach Golf Links, the 2027 Vic Open will mark the 70th anniversary of the men’s championship and the 20th edition of the women’s event from 21 to 24 January.

Since 2012, the event has featured both the men’s and women’s tournaments running concurrently at 13th Beach, with equal prize money for both championships.

The Vic Open was the first event of its kind to feature the dual-gender format, which has been adopted by other tournaments around the world including the ISPS Handa World Invitational in Northern Ireland, the Scandinavian Mixed and the Jordan Mixed Open.

Golf Australia chief executive James Sutherland said the event had become one of the most unique and popular events on the golfing calendar.

“We’re thrilled to be returning to 13th Beach Golf Links again in 2027,” he said.

“To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the men’s championship, and the 20th staging of the women’s event, at a venue that has become synonymous with the modern Vic Open makes next year’s tournament even more special.

“One of the things that makes the Vic Open so special is the atmosphere around the course and the fun vibe. Fans are able to get up close to the players, and it creates an experience that is welcoming and enjoyable for families, casual fans and avid golfers alike.”

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the Victorian government was proud to support the event through its Regional Events Fund.

“The Victorian Open not only provides an up-close, world class sporting event but boosts our region’s economy and showcases the Bellarine to the world,” she said.

2026 men’s Vic Open winner Cameron John walks off the first tee at 13th Beach. (Ivan Kemp) 521169_20

Making communities across Golden Plains stronger Golden Plains Shire community groups and organisations can apply for funding to deliver vital projects, activities and programs across the region.

Applications for council’s Community Strengthening Grants will open from Saturday 1 August for grants of up to $7000.

Mayor Owen Sharkey said grants were available across three categories including Environment and Sustainability, Healthy Connected Community, and Community Inclusion.

“By investing in community-led initiatives, we’re helping residents and local groups strengthen connections, build skills and create vibrant, inclusive communities where everyone can contribute and thrive,” he said.

“These grants help bring our community to life by supporting local groups and organisations to deliver projects, programs and activities that create opportunities for people to connect, participate and make a positive impact.”

Council’s Community Grants team will be available to support community groups through the grant application process.

Grant applications will close at 2pm on 31 August, with $50,000 of funding available for this year’s program.

Nine projects received funding through last year’s grant program, including $7000 grants for Turtle Bend Committee, Friends of the Woady Landcare, Ross Creek Landcare Group, Golden Pens-Write Side Up

and Skateboarding Victoria.

Grants were also awarded to Inverleigh Primary School ($6226), Dolphins Basketball Club ($3774), Rokewood Community Hub ($3000), and Teesdale Cricket Club ($2000) during last year’s program.

Visit Golden Plains Shire Council’s website or contact council’s Community Development and Grants Officer on 5220 7111 or at communitygrants@gplains.vic. gov.au for more information about this year’s program.

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Mauboy sings up a storm ARIA award winning music queen Jessica Mauboy gave a free pop-up concert at Queenscliff Ferry Terminal as the final stop of the Always Live Victorian Vibes tour. Supported by local rising star NORA and alt-rock band Cloud Control, the event drew hundreds on Saturday 25 July and @rcstills provided these pictures.

Jessica Mauboy thrilled the crowd. (Pictures: @rcstills)

Cloud Control hits the stage.

Cloud Control perform.

Bellarine Secondary College Year 12 student NORA impressed with her version of Valerie.

12 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

The Guide HOME AND AWAY Seven, Monday, 7pm

PICK OF THE WEEK W

Having taken the term “cliffhanger” quite literally ahead head of the show’s Commonwealth Games break, Home And Away returns turns tonight he balance after with Levi’s (Tristan Gorey, pictured) life hanging in the ash (Nicholas his dramatic plunge from a remote clifftop. Now Cash h Cartwright) are Cartwright) and Mali (Kyle Shilling, pictured left with n easy task facing a race against time to save their mate. Not an ral hours’ when there is no phone reception and help is several walk away. Meanwhile, back in Summer Bay, Dana (Ally Harris) and Sonny (Ryan Bown) face the fallout from her failed ailed marriage proposal, and a newcomer (Angus McColl)l) with a connection to Marilyn (Emily Symons) causes a bit of fuss.

GRANTCHESTER ABC TV, Saturday, 7.30pm

THE BLOCK Nine, Sunday, 7pm

All good things must come to an end, and so it is with British crime-solvingvicar-and-cop series Grantchester, which begins its 11th and final season.

Each of our main characters is at their own crossroads as we find them in the summer of 1963.

Vicar Alphy (Rishi Nair, pictured) reconnects with his estranged mum; Geordie (Robson Greene) is weighing up a promotion; Leonard (Al Weaver) discovers he has a paternal side; and there’s a life-changing event on the cards for Miss Scott (Melissa Johns). You can also expect plenty of mysteries to solve along the way as things start winding up in this village that’s never been as quiet as it looks.

After mixed results in Daylesford last year, you might have expected The Block to play it safe… perhaps returning to a lucrative former location.

But instead, a seachange to Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula is on the cards for 2026. Tucked away between the bush and the bay, the upmarket coastal suburb boasts enticing water views, which will hopefully have a calming influence on the contestants as they face one of the most challenging design briefs yet (quiet luxury), and contend with all living together in one share house for the duration of the 12-week build. In Sunday’s y’s premiere, host Scott Cam and foreman Dan welcome the new teams to site, e, where five massive house frames and endless possibilities await.

THE TRAITORS AUSTRALIA 10, Tuesday, 7.30pm 7.3

In the wake of wild wildly a successful UK and US versions, th this real cut-throat reality competition ha has been brought back to life for Aus Australian w audiences, with iconic Big Brot Brother host Gretel Killeen overseeing murder the murd and mayh mayhem. survived Having su various TV franchises (R Real Housewives, Dra Drag Race, The Bachelor, Love Islan Island and more), the 22 contestant contestants might think they’re ready for anything. any But when Killeen selects a h handful to become her duplicitous Traitors, T everyone becomes a susp suspect.

Surely the smart money is on Australian Survivorr alum alums Shane Gould, Kirby Bentley, Be Henry Nicholson and AJ A Antonios to outwit, ou outlast and outplay the others? others Dressed to kill:

Gretel Killeen hosts The Traitors Australia Austral .

nt Eliza.

Sea change: Scott Cam welcomes a new cast of ‘Blockheads’ to Mount

Friday, July 31 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News.

10.00 Compass. (PG, R) 10.30 Stuff The British Stole. (Final, PG, R) 11.00 Race Around The World. (M, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 1.50 Treasure & Dirt. (Maln, R) 3.00 Race Around The World. (PG, R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries.

(PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.05 For The Love Of Dogs.

(PGa, R) 10.05 Canada’s National Parks. (PGa, R) 11.05 America’s Great Trails. (PGal, R) 12.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Queens That Changed The World.

(PG, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.00 Garma Festival 2026 Opening Ceremony. 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise.

9.30 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon.

1.00 Your Money & Your Life. (PG) 1.30 The Great Outdoors. (R) 2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 7: Highlights.

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Marry Me In Yosemite. (2022, G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.00 [MELB] Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 WIN News.

6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Bold. (PG, R) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.20 MasterChef Aust. (PG, R) 11.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

(PG, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens. Monty Don travels along the Rhine River.

8.30 Saint-Pierre. (Mav) An archaeologist is found dead at a dig site.

9.15 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.

9.45 Would I Lie To You? 10.20 ABC Late News.

10.35 New Zealand Spy. (PG, R) 11.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (Ma, R) 11.45 Rage New Music.

(MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

A special episode spotlighting the season’s best contenders.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Mastermind Australia.

'JOBM 5IF TFNJ ÙOBM XJOOFST face off in the Grand Final.

8.35 WWII With Tom Hanks.

(Premiere, PGaw) Tom Hanks narrates an exploration of World War II. 10.20 SBS World News Late.

10.50 The King. (MA15+a) 11.45 Breaking Point. (MA15+a, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Evening.

7.55 Football. AFL. Round 21.

Fremantle v Western Bulldogs.

From Optus Stadium, Perth.

11.10 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Overnight.

2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Pre-dawn.

4.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Early morning.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 22. Melbourne Storm v Canterbury Bulldogs. From AAMI Park, Melbourne.

9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.45 MOVIE: Rush Hour.

(1998, Mlv, R) Jackie Chan.

12.40 Resident Alien. (Malv, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia.

(R) A family is feeling cramped in their home.

8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

9.30 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.

10.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 12.55pm Talking Tom Heroes. 1.20 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 The Makery. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets.

7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.50 Steven Universe. 9.40 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 10.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.40 CBC The National. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 France 24 English News. 10.30 Front Up 2001. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Fanny: The Right To Rock. 2.15 The Mormons Are Coming. 3.25 Bamay. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Inside The Huddle. 6.35 Over The Black Dot. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 Big Fat Quiz Of Telly 2026. 9.20 History’s Greatest Mysteries.

10.10 The UnBelievable. 11.00 The Expanse.

12.35am Vikings: The Rise And Fall. 2.25 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country.

2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 Feel Good Road Trips. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 The Americas. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Bargain Hunt.

12.30am The Great Australian Doorstep.

1.00 Under The Hammer. 1.30 Room For Improvement. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Animal Rescue. 3.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Poirot. 1.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: One Million Years B.C. (1966, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Find My Country House Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: No Time To Die. (2021, M) 11.45 Poirot. 12.40am Antiques Roadshow. 1.10 $SFÚP 1.40 MOVIE: One Million Years B.C. (1966, PG) 3.30 My Favorite Martian. 4.00 Gideon’s Way. 5.00 The Travelling Auctioneers.

6am Shopping. 7.00 GCBC. 7.30 Farm To Fork. 8.00 Ent. Tonight. 8.30 Bold. 9.00 Family Feud. 10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

10.30 Becker. 11.00 Frasier. Noon Lingo.

1.00 Friends. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker. 5.00 Big Bang.

6.00 Friends. (PG, R) 8.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 10.00 Becker. (PG, R) 10.30 Frasier. (PGa, R) 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Shopping. 5.30 Joseph Prince.

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. Noon MOVIE: Jedda. (1955, PG) 1.35 Stompem Ground 2022: Footprince. 2.00 Island Echoes.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Going Places. 4.00 Garma Festival 2026 Opening Ceremony. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.35 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 MOVIE: Yolngu Boy. (2001, M) 9.20 MOVIE: Last Cab To Darwin. (2015, M) 11.30 Garma Festival 2026 Opening Ceremony. 1am Barunga Festival.

2.00 On The Road. 3.00 On The Road. 4.00 On The Road. 5.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PGa, Tamil) 10.40 Dog Day Afternoon. (1975, Malv) 12.55pm All Quiet On The Western Front. (1979, PGav) 3.45 Where The Wild Things Are. (2009, PGahv) 5.40 Paperback Hero. (1999, PGalsv) 7.30 Spy Game. (2001, Mlv) 9.50 Unforgiven.

(2013, MA15+v, Japanese) 12.20am The Assassination Of Jesse James. (2007, MA15+v) 3.15 Blindspotting. (2018, MA15+lv) 5.00 Where The Wild Things Are. (2009, PGahv)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Storage Wars. 1.00 American Pickers. 2.00 Pawn Stars. 3.00 Timbersports. 3.30 Tougher In Alaska. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 AFL: Friday Night Countdown.

7.55 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Evening. 8.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Night. 10.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Late. 11.10 MOVIE: The Forever Purge.

(2021, MA15+) 1.20am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Bewitched.

11.30 My Way. 11.45 Snackmasters. 2.30pm Baywatch. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince. (2009, M) 10.30 MOVIE: Birds Of Prey. (2020, MA15+) 12.30am Arrow. 2.10 Arrow: Hitting The Bullseye. 3.00 Formula E: Driver. 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic.

4.30 Bubble’s Hotel. 4.50 LEGO Friends: The Next Chapter. 5.10 Hop. 5.30 Beyblade Burst: Quad Drive.

6am Shopping. 8.00 Days Of Our Lives. 8.45 The Young And The Restless. 9.30 Living Room. 10.30 Building The Dream. 11.30 The Bold And The Beautiful. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless.

1.30 JAG. 3.30 Bull.

4.30 JAG. (PGv, R) 6.30 Bull. (PGa, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 10.20 Bull. (PGa, R) 11.15 JAG. (PGv, R) 1.15am Home Shopping.

CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat (a) Adult themes (d) Drug references (h) Horror (s) Sex references (l) Language (m) Medical procedures (n) Nudity (v) Violence.

VIC

Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 13

Saturday, August 1 SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 Football. VFL. Werribee v Footscray.

3.00 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia.

(Final, R) 3.45 Griff’s Canadian Adventure. (R) 4.35 Kitchen Cabinet. (R) 5.05 Australian Story. (R) 5.35 Landline. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 For The Love Of Dogs.

(PGa, R) 10.00 The World From Above.

(PG) 11.00 BBC News At Ten. 11.30 France 24. 12.00 Garma Festival 2026 On The Ground. 3.00 WorldWatch. 4.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix. Portsmouth.

H’lights. 5.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.30 Churchill’s Bid To Abolish Britain.

6.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: Morning. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Phar Lap Race Day. Jockey Celebration Day. Qld Cricket Foundation Charity Raceday.

3.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 8: H’lights. 5.00 News.

5.30 Border Security. (PG, R)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination WA. (R) 12.30 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 1.30 MOVIE: Rocky III. (1982, PGv, R) 3.30 LEGO Masters Bricktacular. (Final, PG, R) 5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Key Ingredient. (R) 11.00 Everyday Gourmet.

(R) 11.30 GCBC. (R) 11.50 MasterChef Aust. (PG, R) 1.00 Pooches At Play.

(Return, PG) 1.30 Country House Facelift. (Premiere) 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) 2.30 Millionaire Hot Seat.

(PG, R) 3.00 The Finish Line. (R) 4.00 Lingo. (R) 5.00 News.

6.05 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kel wins a retailers award.

6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Grantchester. (Return, M) A drive-in fundraiser turns deadly.

8.15 Father Brown. (Mv, R) Father Brown investigates when a medieval murder is committed at a battle re-enactment.

9.05 Doc Martin. (PG, R) Louisa JT TIPDLFE XIFO TIF ÙOET IFS GBUIFS making a cup of tea in their kitchen.

9.50 Believe Me. (Mals, R) Laila’s assault claim is dismissed by police.

10.35 Little Disasters. (Mdls, R) Police and Social Services investigate jointly.

11.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) Continuous music programming.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Dan Snow’s Odyssey.

Dan Snow embarks on a trek inspired by Homer’s Odyssey.

8.50 Breakaway Femmes: The Forgotten Tour De France. (Ml, R) A look at the women’s Tour de France.

10.35 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 11.45 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 1. Lausanne UP -BVTBOOF LN ÚBU stage. From Switzerland.

2.15 Those Who Stayed. (Ml, R) 3.40 Hitler And The Reichstag Fire. (Mav, R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 9: Evening.

8.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 9: Night. From Glasgow, Scotland. Hosted by Bruce McAvaney, Matt Shirvington, Emma Freedman, Mel McLaughlin, Jason Richardson, Johanna Griggs, Matt White, Rebecca Maddern, Trent Copeland and Lizzie Jelfs.

10.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 9: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 9: Overnight.

2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 9: Pre-dawn.

4.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 9: Early morning.

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 MOVIE: Legally Blonde 2: Red, White And Blonde.

(2003, PGl, R) A lawyer juggles her commitments. Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Jennifer Coolidge.

9.30 MOVIE: New Year’s Eve. (2011, Ml, R) Intertwining stories of couples and singles set on New Year’s Eve in New York. Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, Ashton Kutcher.

11.50 Wild Cards. (Mv, R) 12.40 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 1.30 Next Stop. (PG, R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGa) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia.

(PGa, R) Follow the staff at the Animal 8FMGBSF -FBHVF BT JU USJFT UP ÙOE UIF SJHIU ÙU GPS 8PMÙF UIF XPMGIPVOE 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia.

A couple are divided as to whether a renovation to open their living spaces will transform their home.

9.50 Airport 24/7. (PGad, R) The airport faces a blackout and a plane has to turn back shortly after take-off with a reported faulty engine.

10.50 Ambulance Australia. (Madl, R) A man claims to have jumped off Brisbane’s Story Bridge and the team races against time to save his life.

11.50 FBI. (Mav, R) An explosion rocks a Brooklyn apartment complex.

1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.

Religious program.

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 2.30pm The Makery. 2.45 Wiggle. 3.00 Play School.

3.25 Octonauts: Arctic Adv. 4.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 5.15 Lu And The Bally Bunch.

5.40 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (Return) 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Jnr. 9.45 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.05pm The Real Stories Of Basketball. 1.55 Cryptoland. 2.25 If You Are The One. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 Mastermind Aust. 6.30 Record-Breaking Waterparks. 7.30 Record-Breaking Fighter Jets. 8.30 Icons Unearthed: Harrison Ford.

9.20 MOVIE: Blade Runner. (1982, MA15+) 11.25 Hudson & Rex. (Return) 12.15am WWE Legends. 1.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 1.30 Feel Good Road Trips. 2.00 Escape To The Country. 3.00 Horse Racing. Phar Lap Race Day. Jockey Celebration Day. Qld Cricket Foundation Charity Raceday. 5.00 Dog Patrol. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Dragons v Roosters. 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Canberra Raiders v North Qld Cowboys. 5.10 MOVIE: Silver Bears. (1978, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Lethal Weapon 2. (1989, M) 9.45 MOVIE: Cold Sweat. (1970, M) 11.40 MOVIE: Villain.

(1971, MA15+) 1.40am Late Programs.

6am GCBC. 7.00 Bold. 9.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. 11.00 Everyday Gourmet With Justine 4DIPÙFME 11.30 Ridiculousness.

1.00 Friends. (PG, R) 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 10.30 The Montreal Comedy Festival. (Mls, R) 11.30 Ridiculousness. (PGal, R) 1am Home Shopping.

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. Noon Garma Festival 2026 On The Ground. 3.00 Tales From Zambia. 4.00 Over The Black Dot. 4.30 Faboriginal. 5.00 Murder In Big Horn. 6.00 Home, Land & Sea. 6.40 The Other Side.

7.30 Alone Australia. 8.40 MOVIE: Dark Age. (1987, MA15+) 10.20 Rock Prophet: Link Wray. Midnight Garma Festival 2026 On The Ground. 3.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.35pm The Prestige. (2006, Mav) 3.00 The Blockhouse.

(1973, PGalsv) 4.40 Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner. (1967, PGal) 6.40 Bridge To Terabithia. (2007, ahv) 8.30 Solace. (2015, MA15+asv) 10.25 Disobedience. (2018, s) 12.30am Unforgiven. (2013, MA15+v, Japanese) 3.00 The Boy And The Heron.

(2023, PGalv) 5.15 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Rides Down Under: Aussie Truckers. 3.00 Motor Racing.

Night Thunder. High Limits World Tour. Night Grand Final. Replay. 4.00 American Resto.

5.00 Counting Cars. 5.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 9: Fringe. 7.00 Pawn Stars. 7.30 MOVIE: Godzilla. (1998, PG) 10.20 MOVIE: Battle: Los Angeles.

(2011, M) 12.45am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.50pm Premier League Stories. 1.25 Motor Racing. Formula E World C’ship. Tokyo ePrix. 2.35 Motor Racing. Formula E World C’ship. Tokyo ePrix.

3.45 Adam Hills Foot Fault. 5.05 MOVIE: Rams. (2020, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: The Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers. (2002, M) 11.05 The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power.

12.15am Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 9.00 Reel Action. 9.30 So Help Me Todd. 12.30pm The Living Room.

2.30 JAG. (PGv, R) 4.30 Reel Action.

5.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 5.30 JAG. (PGdlv, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 10.20 Numb3rs. (Ma, R) 12.15am JAG. 2.15 Home Shopping.

12881757-AF27-26

ABC TV (2)

Sunday, August 2 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Insiders.

10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week.

(R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline.

1.30 Monty Don’s Rhineland Gardens.

(R) 2.30 Race Around The World. (M, R) 3.30 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 5.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 DD India News Hour. 10.00 PBS News Compass Points. 10.30 PBS Washington Week.

11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes.

H’lights. 12.00 Garma Festival 2026.

3.00 Garma Bunggul 2026. 4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.30 WWII Women On The Frontline. (PGa, R)

6.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 9: Morning. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 1.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Day 9: H’lights. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show. 3.00 Football. AFL. Gold Coast Suns v Melbourne. From People First Stadium, Qld.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 GolfBarons.

(PG, R) 1.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 2.00 For The Love Of Pets.

(PGm, R) 3.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGam, R) 4.00 Ski Rescue Down Under. (PGl) 5.00 News. 5.30 Postcards. (PG)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Cook With Luke. (R) 9.30 GCBC. (R) 10.00 Good Food Everyday. (PGa, R) 10.40 MasterChef Aust. (PG, R) 1.00 The Dog Hospital With Graeme Hall. (PGm, R) 2.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 2.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) 3.00 The Finish Line. (R) 4.00 Lingo. (R) 5.00 News.

6.30 Compass: The Way We Care.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Race Around The World.

(Ma) Elliot heads to Monaco.

8.30 Treasure & Dirt. (Mal) Nell gets into a tight spot and is leveraged

by Phelan. Ivan has a strange encounter with The Third Row. 9.30 Believe Me. (Malv) Worboys JT ÙOBMMZ DBVHIU BOE DPOWJDUFE 10.20 Grantchester. (M, R) 11.05 Father Brown. (Mv, R) A medieval murder is committed.

11.55 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.40 Poh’s Kitchen On The Road. (R) 3.10 Doc Martin. (PGa, R) 4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Alexander The Great: Legendary Conqueror: The Making Of A Hero. (Premiere) 8.25 Las Vegas And The American Dream.

9.25 Castle Secrets. (Mav, R) 10.20 Kennedy: The World At War (1940-1946) (PG, R) 11.10 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 11.45 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 2.

2.15 Framed. (Ml, R) 3.45 Hitler And The Reichstag Fire. (PGav, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 WorldWatch.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 The Voice. (Return, PGal) 8.40 Farmer Wants A Wife. (Final, PGal) 10.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 10: Late.

12.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 10: Overnight.

2.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 10: Pre-dawn.

3.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 The Block. (Return, PGl) 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 The First 48: The Abnormals. (Mav) 11.10 Black Widow: The Consequences Of Bigamy. (Mal) 12.00 Murder In The 21st: All In The Family. (Mv) 12.50 For The Love Of Pets. (PGm, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 CampByMe. 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

7.00 MasterChef Australia. (PG) The judges are challenged to cook head-to-head, before teaming up to take on the top three contestants.

8.15 Watson. (Mav) The fellows are taken hostage by a man with a bomb strapped to his DIFTU XIP JT EFTQFSBUF UP ÙOE a cure for his daughter.

9.15 FBI. (Mav) The team uncovers a deeper conspiracy after a journalist is shot while interviewing a prime minister.

12.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted

by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.50pm Talking Tom Heroes. 4.25 Little J And Big Cuz. 4.50 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.15 Zog And The Flying Doctors. 5.40 Super Monsters.

6.05 PJ Masks. 6.25 Emerald. 7.05 Let’s Go Bananas! 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 The Lady Grace Mysteries. 8.10 Epic Adventures With Bertie Gregory. 8.50 Animal Park. 10.20 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm France 24. 1.00 Motorcycle Racing. Aust ProMX C’ship. 4.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 5.00 WorldWatch.

5.55 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 MOVIE: Commando. (1985) 10.10 Hudson & Rex. 11.00 Under The Bridge. 12.40am Sex Tape Italy. 1.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Your Money & Your Life. 1.00 The Master. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Better Homes.

3.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.30 My Greek Odyssey. 5.30 Australia’s Best Backyards.

6.00 Escape To The Country. 7.05 Dog Patrol. 7.30 The Coroner. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Landscapers. 11.30 The Coroner. 12.30am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. NZ Warriors v Titans. 3.15 Rugby League. NRL. Tigers v Eels. 6.00 Getaway. 6.30 Poirot.

7.30 David Attenborough’s Asia. 8.40 Paramedics. 9.40 Emergency. 10.40 Major Crimes. 11.40 Midsomer Murders. 1.40am Late Programs.

6.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. (R) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Lingo. (R) 12.30 Friends. (PG, R) 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 8.20 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 8.45 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 10.30 Ridiculousness. (PGa, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Inside The Huddle. Noon Garma Festival 2026. 3.00 Garma Bunggul 2026. 4.00 Sunnies. 4.20 Rock Prophet: Link Wray. 6.00 Bamay.

6.40 Tales From Zambia. 7.30 Earth Oven.

8.30 MOVIE: Angry Inuk. (2016, PG) 10.00 MOVIE: Get On The Bus. (1996, M) 12.15am Garma Festival 2026. 3.15 Garma Bunggul 2026. 4.15 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.55 Bergman Island. (2021, Malnsv) 2pm Where The Wild Things Are. (2009, PGahv) 3.55 Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PGa) 6.10 The Family Man. (2000, PGals) 8.30 Willy’s Wonderland.

(2021, MA15+hv) 10.10 John Wick. (2014, MA15+v) 12.05am Solace. (2015, MA15+asv) 2.00 Disobedience. (2018, MA15+s) 4.05 One Of A Kind. (2023, Mlvw)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Fishy Business. 2.30 Fish’n Mates. 3.00 American Resto. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 10: Fringe. 7.00 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 10: Evening. 8.30 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Day 10: Night.

10.00 MOVIE: In The Line Of Fire. (1993, M) 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 LEGO Masters Aust Vs World. 2.15pm The Toys That Built The World. 3.15 Rugby League.

NRL Women’s Premiership. Eels v Knights.

5.00 Cards And Collectables Australia. 5.30 MOVIE: The Lego Batman Movie. (2017, PG) 7.30 TBA. 11.55 Bel-Air. (Premiere) 1.55am The Summit. 3.25 World’s Greatest Transportation Marvels. 4.30 Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 7.30 Leading The Way. 8.00 Building The Dream. 10.00 So Help Me Todd.

11.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 11.30 So Help Me Todd. 1.30pm The Living Room.

3.30 JAG. (PGdlv, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 10.20 Boston Blue. (Mv, R) 11.20 Numb3rs. (Msv, R) 1.15am JAG. 3.15 Home Shopping.

14 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

Monday, August 3 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 10.45 Father Brown. (Mv, R) 11.30 Nigella At My Table. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.00 Race Around The World. (Ma, R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 Cycling.

Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 2.30 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 3.05 Jeopardy! 3.30 Letters And Numbers.

(R) 4.00 Mastermind Aust. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes.

H’lights. 5.30 Garma Festival 2026 In Review.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon.

1.00 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase.

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 2.00 Pointless.

(PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.20 MasterChef Aust. (PG, R) 11.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 TBA. 1.00 News. 2.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story. Australians tell personal stories.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.25 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser.

9.40 If You’re Listening. (R) Presented by Matt Bevan.

10.10 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.40 ABC Late News.

10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (PG, R) 11.55 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 2.45 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.45 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Scandinavia With Simon Reeve. (PG, R) 8.40 24 Hours In Emergency: State Of The Nation. (Mal) 9.35 Alone Australia. (Ml, R) Two canoes take to the freezing lake.

10.45 SBS World News Late.

11.15 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 11.45 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 3. Genève to Poligny. 156.5km hilly stage.

From Switzerland and France.

2.15 While The Men Are Away. (MA15+s, R) 3.15 Before We Die. (Mlv, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away.

7.30 The Voice. (PG) The blind auditions continue.

8.50 Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. A recap of all the golden moments for Australia, including the great moments and stories of the athletes in Glasgow.

10.20 The Agenda Setters.

(R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

11.20 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League. An expert panel tackles the biggest rugby league topics.

12.20 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R) 1.20 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl) The teams work on their guest bedrooms. &OOTY #LASSIÚED (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

9.40 Players. (Ml) Three of the AFL’s biggest stars talk about all UIF OFXT PO BOE PGG UIF ÙFME 10.40 9News Late.

11.10 100% Footy. (Mal) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 MasterChef Australia. (PG) Amateur cooks take to the kitchen to impress judges Andy Allen, 1PI -JOH :FPX 4PÙB -FWJO BOE Jean-Christophe Novelli.

9.10 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week.

10.10 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.

11.10 The Big Bang Theory.

(PGs, R) Leonard’s mother visits.

12.00 10 News+. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School: Let The Music Play. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.35 Hard Quiz Kids. 10.05 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1pm Inside The Huddle. 1.30 Over The Black Dot. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights.

3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes.

H’lights. 4.10 WorldWatch. 6.10 Mysteries From Above. 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.15 The UnBelievable. 10.05 The Americans. 11.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. Noon Better Homes.

1.00 My Greek Odyssey. 2.00 Weekender.

2.30 Auction Squad. 3.30 Harry’s Practice.

4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes.

5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 A Touch Of Frost. 10.50 Escape To The Country. 11.50 Doc Martin. 12.50am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon David Attenborough’s Asia.

1.00 Midsomer Murders. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Count Of Monte-Cristo. (1975, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 The Madame Blanc Mysteries. 9.40 TBA. 10.40 Love Rat. 11.40 The First 48. 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Ent. Tonight.

8.30 Bold. 9.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

10.30 Becker. 11.00 Frasier. Noon Lingo.

1.00 Friends. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker. 5.00 Big Bang.

6.00 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker.

10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Shopping.

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Nganampa Anwernekenhe. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.35 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Garma Festival 2026 In Review. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Living Black. 9.15 One Mind, One Heart.

10.45 Garma Festival 2026 In Review. 11.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon That Good Night. (2017, Ma) 1.45 The Man Who Knew *OÙOJUZ 1(B 3.45 The Silver Brumby.

(1993, PG) 5.30 The Grass Harp. (1995, PGal) 7.30 Strangeness. (2022, Malns, Italian) 9.30 Two Tickets To Greece. (2022, Mdlnv) 11.35 The Humbling. (2014, Malsv) 1.35am John Wick. (2014, MA15+v) 3.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Perth Super 440.

H’lights. 3.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Perth Super 440. H’lights. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 Aussie Gold Hunters.

9.30 Gem Hunters Down Under. 10.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Jeopardy!

UK. 12.30pm Parental Guidance. 3.30 Baywatch. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 Seinfeld.

8.30 MOVIE: Shazam! (2019, M) 11.05 Seinfeld. 12.05am The 100. 12.55 Winter House. (Final) 1.45 Below Deck. 2.35 Jeopardy! UK. 3.30 Big Rigs Of Oz. 4.00 Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 8.00 Days Of Our Lives. 8.45 The Young And The Restless. 9.30 Living Room. 10.30 Building The Dream. 11.30 Bold. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 JAG. 3.30 Bull. 4.30 JAG. 6.30 Bull.

7.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) 10.20 Bull. (PGav, R) 11.15 JAG. 1.15am Shopping.

12888337-MS31-26

Tuesday, August 4 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Kitchen Cabinet. (R) 11.00 Lucy Worsley’s Victorian Murder Club. (Final, PGa, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Grantchester. (M, R) 1.55 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.25 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 2.55 Race Around The World. (Ma, R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries.

(PGv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 12.00 Cycling.

Tour de France Femmes. H’lights.

1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Queens That Changed The World. (PGav, R) 3.00 The Cook Up. (R) 3.35 Jeopardy! 4.00 Letters And Numbers. (R) 4.30 North American Fan Feasts. (R) 5.00 Cycling.

Tour de France Femmes. H’lights.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon.

1.00 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase.

4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

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

(PGl, R) 1.00 Space Invaders. (PGa, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00 [MELB] Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Bold. (PG, R) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 MasterChef Aust. (PG, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 TBA. 1.00 News. 2.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

(PG, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Foreign Correspondent.

8.30 Kitchen Cabinet.

9.05 The Assembly: Jimmy Barnes. (PGa, R) 9.50 Compass: The Way We Care. (R) 10.20 ABC Late News.

10.35 The Business. (R) 10.50 Four Corners. (R) 11.45 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mv, R) 12.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 2.45 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.45 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.35 Portugal With Michael Portillo. (PG, R) 8.30 Insight.

9.30 Dateline: Let’s Talk About Sex, Habibi.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy. (PG, R) 11.20 Guillaume’s Paris. (PGl, R) 11.50 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 4.

2.15 While The Men Are Away. (MA15+s, R) 3.20 Before We Die. (Malv, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 5.00 WorldWatch.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away.

7.30 The Voice. (PG) Chair-turning performances reignite old rivalries.

8.45 Madonna & Graham. (Ma) Graham Norton sits down with Madonna for a rare, candid DPOWFSTBUJPO SFÚFDUJOH PO IFS MJGF 10.00 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (Ml) Gordon Ramsay heads to Houston.

11.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) 12.00 Happy’s Place. (PGal) 12.30 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl) The teams struggle with the new site hours.

8.40 Banjo And Ro’s Grand Island Hotel. (Premiere, PG) Presented

by Banjo Beale and Ro Christopher. &OOTY #LASSIÚED (Ml) 10.55 9News Late.

11.25 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGal) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.10 GolfBarons. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Building Ideas. (PG, R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 The Traitors Australia. (Return, PGl) Hosted by Gretel Killeen.

9.00 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was.

10.00 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.

11.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) Penny and Amy attend a faculty party.

12.00 10 News+. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 4.05pm Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Young Sheldon. 8.25 Young Sheldon. 8.45 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”.

9.55 BattleBots. 10.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.35pm Homicide.

1.30 Sports Gone Wrong. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling.

Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.10 Mysteries From Above.

7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnBelievable. 10.10 The Americans. 11.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country.

2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 The Amazing Homemakers. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt.

7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.30 Inspector Morse.

10.50 Escape To The Country. 11.50 Hornby: A Model Empire. 12.50am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Death In Paradise. 1.00 TBA. 2.00 The Madame Blanc Mysteries.

3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Twice Round The Daffodils. (1962, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 10.40 Rizzoli & Isles. 11.40 Poirot. 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. 10.30 Becker. 11.00 Frasier.

Noon Lingo. 1.00 Friends. 3.00 Frasier.

4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker. 5.00 Big Bang. 6.00 Friends. 7.30 The Traitors Australia. (Return) 9.00 The Big Bang Theory.

10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Shopping.

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm One Mind, One Heart. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.35 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.30 The Point. 8.00 The Jury. 9.00 MOVIE: The Place Beyond The Pines. (2012, MA15+) 11.35 Waiting For Harry. 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.25pm Monsieur Verdoux. (1947, PGa) 3.40 What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PGa) 5.30 Bye Bye Birdie. (1963, PGa) 7.35 When In Rome.

(2024, Mals, Danish, English, Italian, Swedish) 9.30 Golden Years. (2016, Mds) 11.15 La Chimera. (2023, Ml) 1.40am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Aussie Gold Hunters. 2.30 Gem Hunters Down Under. 3.30 Duck Dynasty.

4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars.

5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars.

7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 Outback Wreckers. (Premiere) 9.30 Outback Truckers.

10.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under.

11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.40 The Summit.

2.30pm Baywatch. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Wonder Woman 1984. (2020, M) 11.30 Seinfeld. Midnight The 100. 12.55 Watch What Happens Live: Winter House Reunion.

1.45 Below Deck. 2.35 Parental Guidance.

4.00 Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 8.00 Days Of Our Lives. 8.45 The Young And The Restless. 9.30 Living Room. 10.30 Building The Dream. 11.30 Bold. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 JAG. 3.30 Bull. 4.30 JAG. 6.30 Bull.

7.30 The Traitors Australia. (Return, PGl) 9.00 NCIS. (M, R) 10.50 Bull. 11.45 JAG. 1.45am Shopping.

Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 15

Wednesday, August 5 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 10.55 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.25 Back Roads.

(PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club.

1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Delivery. (R) 2.55 Race Around The World. (PG, R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 BBC News At Ten. 10.30 France 24. 11.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes.

H’lights. 12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch.

2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling.

Tour de France Femmes. H’lights.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon.

1.00 Clarkson’s Who Wants To Be A Millionaire UK. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

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

(PGl, R) 1.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PGam, R) 2.00 Pointless.

(PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 TBA. 1.00 News. 2.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

(PG, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) 8.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) Hosted by comedian Adam Hills.

9.00 New Zealand Spy. (Mv) Michael follows a lead to a Marlborough vineyard.

9.25 Race Around The World.

(Ma, R) Elliot heads to Monaco.

10.30 ABC Late News.

10.45 The Business. (R) 11.00 Treasure & Dirt. (Mal, R) 12.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 12.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.45 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.30 Alone Australia. (Ml) One participant attempts to change the game.

8.40 Titanic Sinks Tonight. (Ma) Titanic battles the freezing Atlantic.

9.45 Six Four. (Mv) 10.40 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 5. Mâcon to Belleville-en-Beaujolais. 140km hilly stage. From France.

2.15 While The Men Are Away. (MA15+s, R) 3.20 Before We Die. (MA15+v, R) 4.15 Bamay: Bundjalung – Northern NSW Pt 2. (PG, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGl, R) Hosted by Lee Mack.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Takes a lighter look at all things AFL. 5NÚLTERED (PG) Hamish McLachlan sits down with key football stars and personalities to reveal their stories.

10.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) 11.00 The Fall And Rise Of Reggie Dinkins. (PGals) 11.30 Stumble. (PGals) 12.00 Everything I Know About Love. (MA15+ls) 1.00 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl) 8.40 The F Ward. (Premiere, MA15+lm) A group of interns is sent to the underfunded Pines Hospital JO 4ZEOFZ GPS POF ÙOBM DIBODF to complete their medical training.

9.40 To Be Advised.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 The Teacher: Body In The Lake. (Premiere, MA15+als) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl) Twenty-one players band together to win a share of up to $250,000 through deception, lies and betrayal.

9.00 Boston Blue. (Ma) Lena’s pursuit of justice forces Danny into an unexpected role reversal.

Sarah faces a personal dilemma.

10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.

11.00 The Cheap Seats. (Mal, R) Presented by Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald.

12.00 10 News+. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School: Let The Music Play. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.40 Ninjago.

8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon.

8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.30 The Piano.

10.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Sports Gone Wrong. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.10 Mysteries From Above.

7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnBelievable. 10.10 The Americans. 11.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens.

2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Hornby: A Model Empire. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Foyle’s War. 11.00 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. Midnight Bargain Hunt.

1.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon New Tricks. 1.10 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow.

3.40 MOVIE: At The Earth’s Core. (1976, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 As Time Goes By. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 Rizzoli & Isles. 11.40 Poirot. 12.40am Antiques Roadshow. 1.10 $SFÚP 1.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Ent. Tonight.

8.30 Bold. 9.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. 10.30 Becker. 11.00 Frasier. Noon Big Bang.

1.00 Friends. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker. 5.00 Big Bang.

6.00 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker.

10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Shopping.

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 12.35pm MOVIE: Regard Noir. (2021, PG) 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.35 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.35 News. 6.05 Bamay. 6.45 Waterworld Africa. 7.35 Breaking Wild. 8.30 Bull Riding.

PBR Aust. 9.30 Over The Black Dot. 10.00 Inside The Huddle. 10.30 MOVIE: Restless River. (2019, M) 12.15am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm The Silver Brumby. (1993, PG) 2.00 The Grass Harp.

(1995, PGal) 4.00 A King In New York. (1957, PGa) 5.55 The Lady And The Highwayman.

(1989, PGasv) 7.40 The Great Escaper.

(2023, Mal) 9.30 The Beautiful Summer.

(2023, MA15+ns, French, Italian) 11.35 How To Get Ahead In Advertising. (1989) 1.25am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 3.30 Duck Dynasty. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.00 Soccer. Calcio Italiano Tournament. AC Milan v Inter Milan. 11.00 Caught On Dashcam. Midnight Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Way. 11.45 The Summit. 2.30pm Baywatch.

3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 Seinfeld.

8.30 MOVIE: Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice. (2016, M) 11.30 Seinfeld. 12.30am Legacies. (Return) 1.20 Below Deck. 2.10 Parental Guidance. 3.30 4VSÙOH "VTU 4.00 Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 8.00 Days Of Our Lives.

8.45 The Young And The Restless. 9.30 Living Room. 10.30 Building The Dream.

11.30 Bold. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Bondi Rescue. 2.00 The Traitors Australia. 3.30 Bull. 4.30 JAG. 6.30 Bull.

7.30 NCIS. (Msv, R) 10.20 Bull. 11.15 JAG. 1.15am Shopping.

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12887184-KF30-26

Thursday, August 6 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.00 New Zealand Spy. (Mv, R) 11.25 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Believe Me. (Malv, R) 1.45 Back Roads.

(R) 2.15 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.00 Race Around The World. (M, R) 4.00 Frankie Drake. (PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Cycling.

Tour de France Femmes. H’lights.

12.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes.

H’lights. 1.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 The Royals: A History Of Scandals. (PG, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling.

Tour de France Femmes. H’lights.

6.00 Sunrise.

9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon.

1.00 Beat The Chasers UK. (R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.15 Getaway. (PG, R) 1.45 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 WIN News.

6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 TBA. 1.00 News. 2.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

(PG, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Back Roads: Coonamble, NSW. (PG) 8.30 Grand Designs: Wirral Revisit. Kevin McCloud revisits a project from 2015.

9.15 Treasure & Dirt. (Mal, R) 10.20 ABC Late News.

10.35 The Business. (R) 10.50 Frankie Drake Mysteries. (PG, R) 11.35 Long Lost Family.

12.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.45 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.35 Spain With Michael Portillo. (PG) 8.30 Eva Longoria: Searching For France. (PGav) 9.20 Say Nothing.

10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 Guillaume’s Paris. (R) 11.45 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. Stage 6. Montbrison to Tournon-sur-Rhône. 153.4km hilly stage. From France.

2.15 While The Men Are Away. (Mdsv, R) 3.15 Before We Die. (Mal, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 WorldWatch.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 22. Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show.

Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the match.

11.00 Kick Ons. A preview of the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 Australia’s Most Dangerous Prisoners. (MA15+alv, R) Explores life behind bars.

12.30 Mr Robot. (MA15+adlsv, R) A hacker is recruited by a anarchist.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 RBT. (Ml, R) A look at police random breath test patrols.

8.30 Emergency. (Mm, R) Dr Tinnie Chang’s patient has severe injuries.

9.30 A+E After Dark. (Mlm, R) A diabetic patient vomits violently.

10.30 Chicago Med. (MA15+am) 11.20 9News Late.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer.

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG) Hosted by Rebecca Gibney.

7.30 NCIS: Sydney. (Ma) A US Navy pilot goes missing at a UFO hotspot.

8.30 NCIS. (Final, Mv) One year after a deadly coffee shop bombing, a new explosion proves the attack wasn’t the work of a lone wolf.

9.30 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.

10.30 The Big Bang Theory. (Ms, R) 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS VICELAND (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 3.25pm Wiggle.

4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Batwheels.

7.40 Ninjago. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 10.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Sports Gone Wrong. 2.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 3.00 Cycling. Tour de France Femmes. H’lights. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.10 Mysteries From Above.

7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 History’s Greatest Mysteries. 9.20 The UnBelievable. 10.10 Alone Australia. 11.20 The Americans. 12.15am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’s Practice.

4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Karen Pirie.

10.30 Genius: Einstein. 11.30 Father Brown.

12.30am Bargain Hunt. 1.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon As Time Goes By. 1.00 Midsomer Murders. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Carry On Cowboy. (1965, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Titans v North Qld Cowboys. 9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.40 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 12.40am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Ent. Tonight.

8.30 Bold. 9.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. 10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

10.30 Becker. 11.00 Frasier. Noon Lingo.

1.00 Friends. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker. 5.00 Big Bang. 6.00 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Cheap Seats.

11.00 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Shopping.

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 12.55pm Over The Black Dot. 1.25 Inside The Huddle. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.35 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Te Ao With Moana. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Waterworld Africa. 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Frame By Frame. (Final) 9.40 MOVIE: Samson And Delilah. (2009, M) 11.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.10pm What We Did On Our Holiday. (2014, PGa) 3.00 Time Bandits. (1981, PGahv) 5.10 Fried Green Tomatoes. (1991, PGalsvw) 7.35 My Sailor, My Love. (2022, PGa) 9.30 Roman Holiday.

(1953, PGalv) 11.40 The Way Back. (2010, Mal) 2.15am The Beautiful Summer. (2023, MA15+ns, French, Italian) 4.15 How To Get Ahead In Advertising. (1989)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Highway Patrol. 2.30 The Force: BTL. 3.30 Duck Dynasty. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Highway Patrol Special. 8.30 Air Crash Inv. 9.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop. 10.30 MOVIE: Resident Evil: Apocalypse.

(2004, M) 12.30am Storage Wars. 1.00 American Resto. 1.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.35 Jeopardy!

Australia. 12.35pm Cards And Collectables Australia. 1.05 The Summit. 2.30 Baywatch.

3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 Seinfeld.

8.30 TBA. 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight Rugby Heaven. 12.50 Legacies. 1.40 Below Deck.

2.30 The Summit. 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic. 4.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.45 The Young And The Restless. 9.30 Living Room. 10.30 Building The Dream. 11.30 Bold. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 Bondi Rescue. 2.00 The Traitors Australia. 3.30 Bull. 4.30 JAG. 6.30 Bull. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. 9.25 Boston Blue. 10.20 Blue Bloods. 11.15 JAG. 1.15am Shopping.

16 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

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Potholes explained

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All material is copyright to Geelong Independent Pty Ltd. Responsibility for election comment is accepted by Paul Thomas.

All significant errors will be corrected as quickly as possible. Distribution numbers, areas and coverage are estimates only. For our terms and conditions please visit geelongindy.com.au

Roads and potholes are among the most common issues residents raise with council, and understandably so.

Hitting a pothole is frustrating, and everyone wants to know when it will be fi xed.

City of Greater Geelong manages more than 2300km of local roads, and keeping that network safe and serviceable is a significant task.

But the good news is that our crews repair potholes every day.

In 2025, council repaired more than 8600 potholes across the municipality.

On average, our crews repair about 7700 potholes every year. That’s roughly 640 a month.

While potholes can develop at any time, we tend to see more during winter and spring when increased rainwater penetrates cracks in road surfaces.

As traffic travels over these weakened areas, the surface can break away and form a pothole.

One question we are often asked is why some potholes seem to remain unrepaired for longer than others.

The answer is that repairs are prioritised according to safety risk.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj.

Most repairs are completed within approximately nine days of being reported or identified, with higher-risk defects and those on busier roads prioritised first.

Factors such as the size and severity of the defect, traffic volume and the potential risk to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians all help determine how urgently a repair is required.

Many people assume council only learns about potholes when residents report them.

While community reports are incredibly valuable, they’re just one part of the picture.

Our teams undertake scheduled road inspections throughout the year, and field crews regularly identify defects while carrying out other maintenance activities.

These proactive checks help us find and address issues across the network before they become larger problems.

That said, resident reports remain one of the most effective ways for us to identify new hazards quickly.

If you spot a pothole or another road defect, I encourage you to be our eyes and

BUSINESS IN F

ears and report it directly to council through our website, customer service team on 5272 5272 or the City of Greater Geelong app.

Reporting through council channels ensures the request reaches the right team as quickly as possible for assessment and action.

Another common source of confusion is who manages which road.

While council maintains local roads throughout Greater Geelong, arterial roads are the responsibility of the Victorian government through the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP). Council is not authorised to undertake maintenance on DTP-managed roads.

If you’re unsure who manages a particular road, visit our ‘Roads and responsible authorities’ webpage at geelong.link/ RoadAuthorities. The webpage also has a link to an interactive map of DTP roads.

To report a road hazard on DTP-managed road, phone 131170. However, if you’re still in doubt, report the issue to us and we’ll help direct it to the appropriate authority if required.

Maintaining safe roads is a shared effort.

Whether a pothole is identified during one of our inspections or reported by a resident, every notification helps us keep our road network functioning smoothly and safely.

If you see a pothole, please let us know.

Together, we can help ensure roads across Greater Geelong remain safe for everyone who uses them.

CUS

12759077-JV11-25

GEELONGINDY.COM.AU

COMMENT

Geelong beekeepers lead the way For many people, bees are simply part of the garden, but a tiny parasite, the Varroa mite (Varroa destructor), is now one of the greatest threats ever faced by Australian beekeeping.

After spreading across much of eastern Australia, Varroa has now been detected in the Greater Geelong region, including Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Torquay, Inverleigh and Bannockburn.

While its arrival was inevitable, winter has provided local beekeepers with a valuable opportunity to prepare before spring brings rapid bee and mite population growth.

Varroa attacks honey bees and, if left unmanaged, can destroy entire colonies.

Overseas, most feral bee populations have collapsed within a few years of the mite becoming established, meaning many wild colonies around Geelong could soon disappear.

The good news is that beekeepers can protect their hives. Regular inspections, alcohol washes, sticky mats and integrated pest management all play an important role in keeping colonies healthy and productive.

Geelong Beekeepers Club is helping lead the local response through education, guest speakers, training and practical support. Members include hobbyists, commercial beekeepers and former apiary officers who are sharing their expertise to help local beekeepers adapt.

If you keep bees, now is the time to act. Learn how to monitor for Varroa, understand your treatment options and connect with other beekeepers.

Geelong Beekeepers Club meets on the third Friday of each month at the Geelong Masonic Hall in Belmont.

For more information visit gbkc.au or the Victorian Varroa surveillance map at bees.agriculture.vic.gov.au

Varroa, the deadly pest of honey bees, is now in Geelong and surrounding areas!

The Geelong Beekeepers Club has put in place various strategies and resources to help beekeepers deal with the deadly mite.

If you keep bees, please either join the club or at least reach out to us so we can help you ensure your bees survive. https://GBKC.AU

Geelong Beekeepers Club meets in Belmont on the third Friday of the month. (Jurg Schutz)

12889669-CV31-26

Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 17

COMMUNITY

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

Book fair Thousands of second-hand books. Rotary Club of Geelong West, Geelong West Town Hall, 31 July to 2 August. Adult books $2, children’s $1.

Ballroom dance Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 1 August, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper. Music: Ben. Sunday 2 August, 2-4.30pm, $5. Music: Kevin. Bring small plate to share.

0400 500 402

Cherished Pets’ Dr Alicia Kennedy (pictured) speaks about her recent overseas study tour for improving the lives of people and their pets.

Portarlington Senior Citizens Club, Monday 10 August, 1-3pm. RSVP stayinginportarlington@gmail.com 0409 790 050

Dragons Abreast Geelong help each other sing in Welsh and English.

0413 406 433, welshladieschoir.com.au

Hot Shots

Mondays for club meeting and dinner.

Michael, 0430 022 446, membershiplaralions@gmail.com

Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club coaching for ages 5 to 12. Equipment provided. Three sessions from 4-5.30pm at WHUTC and at Bell Post Hill tennis courts.

Evie, 0409 433 772, evieryan296@gmail.com

Rostrum

Chess clubs

Builds confident public speakers, each Monday evening.

Andrew, 0408 369 446, Jan, 0407 296 958

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)

PlayLinks Music and art playgroup where babies, toddlers and preschoolers learn together with their parent/carer. Wednesdays St Thomas Aquinas Primary School, Norlane.

Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential. info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

Waurn Ponds Combined Probus Fourth Wednesday of the month, 10am.

Maximum 100 members. probussouthpacific.org/microsites/waurn

Lions Club of Geelong Meets 1st & 3rd Monday of each month.

Contact below for venues and times. geelong.vic@lions.org.au, 0408 599 962 Women’s four-part harmony singing. All ages encouraged. Rehearsals Mondays 6.45pm at Herne Hill. contact@geelongharmony.com.au, 0406 666 737

Geelong Welsh Ladies Choir Small ladies choir who require no knowledge of the Welsh language. Meet Wednesdays 7pm at St Luke’s, Highton to

One hour arts lectures and presentation, Newcomb Hall, Wednesdays monthly, 10.15am.

Sharron, 0439 328199, geelong@adfas.org.au

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

Gary, 0400 862 727

GROW Australia Community organisation offering practical steps and peer support to help recover and maintain mental health through free face to face and online groups. Mondays 7pm, 195 Ormond Road, East Geelong; Fridays 12.45pm, Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights. grow.org.au, 1800 558 268

Chess Group Chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome.

Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com, 0406 199 457

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

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly Tuesday: 1pm snooker, chess, indoor bowls Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 1.30pm, Chord Club jam session 4pm Thursday: social afternoon, cards 500 1pm Friday: art classes 9am, social art group 1pm.

Fortnightly 1st & 3rd Monday: CWA, 2pm Paschal, 0426 889 456 Wednesday: Book club, 10.30am Paul, 0425 110 792 5255 2996, groveseniors101@gmail.com

Grovedale Seniors Indoor bowls Monday 1-3pm; gentle exercise Tuesday 9-9.45am; cards (Euchre) Tuesday 1-3pm; bingo Thursday 1-3pm.

Grovedale Community Hub, 45 Heyers Road.

Julie, 0419 549 521

Leopold Book Club Meets second Tuesday of the month at 6.30pm in Leopold. Very friendly group, new members welcome.

Shirley, 0488 055 969

Church Drysdale Day VIEW

Ballroom dance weekly, Leopold Hall 7.30-10.30pm. Admission $8 includes supper. Old time, New Vogue and Latin. CDs

by Kevin and Tre. Russ, 5250 1937

Fourth Friday of each month at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.

Margaret, 0431 636 090

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

All welcome.

Table tennis

Hamlyn Heights Combined Probus

All seniors welcome for a social game.

Vines Road Community Centre, Hamlyn Heights, Wednesdays 12.30-2.30pm.

Allen, 0433 883 116

Meets second Thursday of the month, 10am, 200 McCurdy Road, Fyansford.

Noel, 0425 706 339

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] Arvo tea dance every Thursday, Belmont Pavilion, 2-4pm, $5 entry.

Val, 5251 3529

Esoteric coffee meetups Leopold VIEW

Belmont Combined Probus First Monday of the month, 10am, Belmont Bowls Club, 36 Reynolds Road, Belmont.

New members and visitors welcome.

Sue, 0409 945 011, probusclubofbelmont@outlook.com

Barwon Valley Belmont Probus First Thursday of month, 10.30am, Waurn Ponds Hotel.

Membership officer, 0407 333 263, bobstafford@ozemail.com.au

Lectures Geelong Harmony Chorus

Arts National-Geelong

Second Thursday of the month,10am, The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale.

Anne, 0425 356 973

Dancer’s Club Geelong

Grovedale East Ladies Probus Fourth Monday of each month, 9.30am, Belmont RSL. Sally Nelson, 0402 450 610

The Combined Probus Club of Belmont Central meets 10.30am on the second Wednesday of each month at Waurn Ponds Hotel. Visitors welcome.

Publicity officer, 0417 555 547

Talk

Meets third Saturday of each month 10.30am-3.30pm, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road. Visitors welcome. $6 includes time to sit and sew, morning tea and guest speaker. info@geelongpatch.org.au

Scouting memorabilia, open third Sunday of the month (not September or January), 56 Russell Street, Newtown, 10am-3pm, entry by donation. Groups by appointment.

0419 591 432, geelong.heritage@scoutsvictoria.com.au

Combined Probus Belmont Central

Country Heartbeat Allstars every Friday 7-10pm, White Eagle House Polish Club, Fellmongers Road Breakwater. Walkups welcome. Proceeds to Sunny Days Rescue & Rehab.

Dawn, 0417 148 493 Entry by donation. Open to the public.

Discover the area’s past. Open Sundays, 10.30am-12.30pm, closed August.

Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale. bellarinehistory.org

Geelong Patchwork & Quilter’s Guild

Geelong Scout Heritage Centre

Live music

Grovedale Marshall Probus

Music and fun for preschoolers during term time at the Welcome Centre, St Mark’s, Vicarage Road, Leopold, Thursdays at 9.15-11am. $5 per family per week.

Text: 0461 582 618 for bookings

Lara Lions Club

all over greater Geelong - see which one is right for you.

Les, 0428 466 446

Bellarine Historical Society

Mainly Music

Dragon boating for breast cancer survivors, Saturdays 12.30pm, Geelong Canoe Club, Marnock Road, Highton. Free come and try.

Traci, 0417 301 226, Facebook Dragons Abreast Geelong - Juggernauts

Walking-netball also played. Umpire training available.

Maureen, 0429 397 015

Join Adfas Geelong Inc. for illustrated lectures by art historian Matthew Martin, formerly curator of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Sports Badminton: Corio Leisuretime Centre, Mondays 12.30-2.30pm. Beginners welcome.

Netball: YMCA Riversdale Road, Monday & Wednesday mornings, Thursday nights.

18 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

Second Tuesday of each month, Leopold Sportsmans Club, 10.30am. leopold.viewclub@gmail com

Writers’ group The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, first Sunday of the month, 2-4pm. New members welcome. dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

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

Text name/details, 0400 542 522

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

Geelong Evening VIEW Third Monday of the month, 6pm, Waurn Ponds Hotel. geelongeveningview@gmail.com

Laughter Club Geelong Saturdays, 9am, Eastern Beach in front of the swimming enclosure. 30-minutes free laughter yoga done standing or seated.

0418 521 265

Lions Club International Enjoy meeting great people and help out your community at the same time. Clubs

Newcomb Probus Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary & Ormond Roads.

Gary, 0407 320 735

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

Rhonda, 0437 241 345

GEELONGINDY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

Danielle Woodhouse with Chilli. 568239

Yasin Khawari and Amir Ahmadi.

Cait Burgoyne and Trude Ellingsen.

Andrea Cross, Tazmin Kip and Lana de Lorenzi.

Out and about in the city

Sanna Meer.

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp ventured to Little Malop Street in the Geelong CBD on Tuesday 28 July to see who was out and about.

Rosa Mujati and Stella Benson.

Anna Debenham and Melissa Hellard.

Sarah McLarty with her daughter Esther.

Shaoni Cai and Sheryll Robinson.

Sarah Heard and Alex Wright.

Jessica Loftus and Shayla Gili.

Jaimie Douglas and daughter Polly.

Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 19

SECTION

GEELONGINDY.COM.AU

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PLUMBING Blocked Drains/CCTV Water Leaks Gas Repairs Hot Water Repairs Toilet Repairs & More!

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20 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

MOBILITY VEHICLES

4x4 single cab tray, excellent mechanical condition, genuine.

110,000 kilometers, pull bar, and chassis, SEP-942.

New paint 8 months ago. new interior and excellent condition, in shed all of its life and all original.

Ideal for farmer/collector.

Collector looking for front & top loading automatics. 45 years & older.

Brands like Simpson, Hoover, Bendix, Frigidaire, Wilkins Servis, Westinghouse, English Electric,Pope Norge & Astor.

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Motoring

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It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

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General section of Network Classifieds.

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

easy

3 8 9 5 2 8 4 9 5 3 5 2 4 7 4 3 1 8 1 8 2 5 2 3 7 8 6 8 7 4 3 medium

6 8 2 4

6 9 3

8 7

DOWN

Drench (4) Whatever the risks may be (2,3,5) Dabbler (7) Worry (7) Aesthetically pleasing (8) Inexpensive (5) Writer of verse (4) Optical instrument (10) US motorway system (10) Domestic animals (4) Educate (5) Speed (8) Permitted (7) Word made from the letters of another (7) Cut off from the sea (10) Shoot (4)

10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 23 26 27 28 29

No. 300

Graceful bird (4) Awe (9) Person who uses violence for political aims (9) Overdrafts (5) Options (7) Show amusement (5) Suffering from insomnia (9) Tidings (4) Colourful team shooting sport (9) Make reprisals (9) Removed from power (9) Act of refreshing (7) UK singer Lily – (5) Early form of Sanskrit (5) Cousin of the oyster (4) Self-satisfied (4)

1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 24 25

DECODER

No. 332

7

7

7

1 3

8 4 9

ACROSS 1 3

8 2 1 7

3 8 2 9

QUICK CROSSWORD

7

7

7 4 3

5

7

2

3

9

4

5

6

7

8

9

10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26

T V

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1 7 6 3 8 9 5 2 4 5 8 4 6 2 7 9 3 1 3 2 9 5 1 4 8 6 7 8 3 5 2 6 1 4 7 9 7 4 2 9 3 5 6 1 8 6 9 1 4 7 8 2 5 3 9 1 7 8 5 2 3 4 6 4 5 3 1 9 6 7 8 2 2 6 8 7 4 3 1 9 5

1 3 9 5 4 2 8 7 6 8 2 4 3 7 6 1 5 9 7 5 6 8 1 9 3 2 4 4 6 1 7 3 5 9 8 2 3 8 5 2 9 4 6 1 7 2 9 7 6 8 1 4 3 5 9 7 8 4 2 3 5 6 1 6 1 2 9 5 8 7 4 3 5 4 3 1 6 7 2 9 8

9-LETTER WORD 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'.

I

Today’s Aim: 12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent

O

B

R

W

R G

N

boor, boring, born, boron, borrow, BORROWING, brig, bring, brio, brow, brown, giro, grin, grow, grown, iron, noir, ring, robin, robing, rowing, worn, wring, wrong

COOEE DOLES DRIFT DRIVE EASES EATEN ELITE ERODE FELON FLOCK IDEAL IRATE LOOSE LURID MOPED NAKED NOSES OGRES OPERA OUTDO OUTER PRUNE

4 LETTERS DATA DEAD DUMP HALO LIST NAIL REDO SLID TROD WIST 5 LETTERS ADMIT ADORE ALTOS APTER ASSET CHEAP CLAPS

PUREE REALM RESIN RIPEN ROOFS SEEDY SHIFT SPEND SPLAT SPORE STOOP SUITE SWIPE TARTS TEMPT TOTES TREES TREND TRUER

6 LETTERS CLASSY INDENT KNIFED RESALE SPRANG TACKLE 7 LETTERS FORFEIT KELPIES LEAKAGE REACTOR SCHEMES TIPTOES

8 LETTERS APPALLED DESOLATE DISCLOSE PROFILED 10 LETTERS PACEMAKERS PERCEPTION

31-07-26

No. 407 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

S P I T E C O R E D A L O N G R I N S E F O Y E R

2 1 6 8 5 4 9 3 7 8 4 7 3 1 9 6 2 5 3 9 5 2 7 6 4 8 1 4 8 9 7 3 1 5 6 2 5 2 3 6 4 8 1 7 9 7 6 1 5 9 2 8 4 3 9 3 8 4 2 5 7 1 6 6 5 2 1 8 7 3 9 4 1 7 4 9 6 3 2 5 8

R

No. 300

S P L A T

1

G S

Y

1

I R G H T V

O

7

7

21

F

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A

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I

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

S

O

hard

5x5

15

medium

L F C A P M J

easy

Y N U W D X Q K E Z B O S

5 4 3 3 9 6 5 9 8 4 8 7 6 5 9 6 2 4 3 3 1 6 2 1 7 7 9 6

3 LETTERS ADO AMP ASH ASK DEW DUO ERA EVE FED HES HUE LEE LIP LOG ONE OVA RED RPM SOS TOP VIA WAR

14

hard

WORDFIT

QUICK QUIZ

1

A person with the condition anodontia was born without what body part?

2

What liquid is typically used inside disposable lighters?

3

What is the name of Spotify’s personalised end-of-year listening summary?

4

5

Which Muse of Greek myth shares their name with a rural town in Queensland?

NFL’s Bengals are based in which US city: Baltimore, Cincinnati or Detroit?

6

Name the capital city of Andorra.

7

To whom does Hamlet deliver his ‘Alas, poor Yorick’ speech?

8

What was the first name of the Austrian composer Haydn?

9

Australian musician James Keogh (pictured) performs under what name?

10 What does PVC stand for?

ANSWERS: 1. Teeth 2. Butane 3. Spotify Wrapped 4. Calliope 5. Cincinnati 6. Andorra la Vella 7. His friend Horatio 8. Franz 9. Vance Joy 10. Polyvinyl chloride

No. 300

S T O O P N A K E D T A R T S P R U N E O P E R A A D O R E O U T E R S P L A T C O O E E C H E A P A S K F E D R E D E R O D E S L I D C L A S S Y R P M L E E H E S A D M I T R E S A L E H A L O P R O F I L E D D U M P L O G R E A C T O R T I P T O E S E V E N A I L D I S C L O S E R E D O K N I F E D E A S E S V I A S O S A M P S P R A N G T R O D A S S E T H U E D E W F L O C K W A R I D E A L E L I T E I R A T E F E L O N S U I T E R I P E N T E M P T T O T E S S P E N D

SUDOKU

Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 21

MOTOR

Hyundai’s first build in China

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Koreans don’t get to drive the Hyundai Elexio.

They get the Kia equivalent instead – the EV5.

Built in China, it’s the fi rst Hyundai to be manufactured outside of South Korea, no doubt in an endeavour to reduce costs and make the car more competitive.

Elexio sits between the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5 in terms of size, but is quite different in design, with a tall boxy body.

It’s a made-up name, created especially for the five-seat EV and means nothing in particular – in fact it has been renamed Eo for the Chinese market.

Styling The styling brings to mind the third generation Kia Soul, particularly those Z-shaped rear pillars and tailgate.

The eye-catching headlights incorporate eight crystal cubes, supposedly a nod to the lucky number 8 in Chinese culture.

There’s just the one grade so far, the front-wheel drive Elite priced from $59,990 driveaway.

A range-opening, entry grade is expected to be added before the end of the second quarter – that’s car-speak for a cheaper one.

Elexio, we’re told, is a family-focused, perfectly sized EV that is packed with smart features, showcasing a futuristic style inside and out with a sleek, minimalist layout.

Generous interior space combines with intuitive convenience and driver assistance technology to provide a practical and desirable all-electric SUV. “As the fi rst vehicle exported from our Beijing Hyundai joint venture, it demonstrates how we are leveraging our global manufacturing capabilities to deliver exceptional value to customers,” Hyundai chief executive José Muñoz said.

That may be so, but the size and placement of the large infotainment screen is confronting.

The long, skinny 27-inch screen stretches from the centre of the dash away from the driver, terminating in front of the passenger.

How this can be described as ‘practical’ is eminently debatable. It does, however, facilitate the operation of several arcade-style games that can consume the entire screen when opened.

That said they can be played only when the car is stationary and presumably in Park.

After a few minutes the kids quickly lost interest.

The bone-coloured upholstery in our test vehicle is not what we’d call family friendly either.

Sitting at the base of the windscreen, a new-generation, projector-based head-up display replaces a conventional instrument cluster.

With a 30,000:1 high contrast ratio, readability should be exceptional in any lighting conditions.

But like the head-up displays of other manufacturers it is almost totally invisible to anyone who wears polarised sunglasses.

When are they going to recognise and address this issue (or is the problem that it cannot be fi xed)?

Elite features the usual assortment of features, including dual-zone climate air, partial leather trim, power-adjust driver and passenger front seats that are both heated and cooled, plus a heated leather steering wheel.

There’s also automatic parking using the smart key, auto high beam, LED lights front and rear, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, auto lights and wipers, auto dimming rear-view mirror,

Hyundai Elexio is practical enough, even for an EV, but performance is middle of the road. (Pictures: Supplied)

front, side and rear parking sensors and a power operated tailgate – but oddly no sign of a sunroof.

Elexio is covered by a seven-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty, with eightyear/160,000km cover for the high-voltage battery.

Infotainment Elexio introduces Connect-C based on the full Android Automotive Operating System.

Infotainment consists of the aforementioned 27-inch 4K screen, together with Bluetooth, voice recognition, navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, wired and wireless CarPlay and Android Auto.

Surprisingly, however, audio is supplied by an unbranded six-speaker sound system.

There are also two wireless charging pads and five USB-C ports (three in front), Bluelink connected car services with five-year complimentary access, plus over-the-air updates.

A Smart Scene system underpins convenience and comfort with rapid heating/cooling, camping, carwash and baby rest modes.

A 240 volt three-pin power outlet is located in the luggage area for powering external equipment.

Safety Elexio has been awarded a full five stars for crash safety by the ANCAP organisation, based on testing of the closely-related Kia EV5.

There’s a total of nine airbags, with rear side thorax airbags and a centre airbag that gives added protection to front seat occupants in side impact crashes.

A comprehensive suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) includes second-generation Collision-avoidance Assist 2, Highway Driving Assist 2 and Lane Following Assist 2 technologies.

There’s also Autonomous emergency braking (Car-to-Car, Vulnerable Road User and Junction and Crossing, and Backover) as well as a lane support system with lane keep assist, lane departure warning and emergency lane keeping, blind-spot collision avoidance-assist, and an advanced speed assistance system with a speed sign recognition.

Powertrain Elexio is powered by a single electric motor with 160kW of power and 310Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels via

22 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

a single-speed reduction gear transmission (the electrical equivalent of a CVT).

excitement that we have come to associate with EVs, especially Looks: 7 accelerating away from the lights.

Performance: 7 At the same time, it is Driving targeted at families, so this is Safety: 8 Built on Hyundai’s dedicated understandable.

Thirst: 7.5 400-volt E-GMP platform, the The screen features a Practicality: 8 five-seat, front-wheel drive EV rearranged version of the panels tips the scales at a hefty 2105kg. found in other Hyundai models.

Comfort: 7 It measures 4615mm long, Instead of climate control, a Tech: 7.5 1875mm wide and stands small 5.0-inch section is devoted Value: 7 1673mm high, with a 2750mm to driver information and is wheelbase. located within easy sight at the Overall: 7.4 Luggage capacity is 506 litres, end closest to the driver. expanding to 1540 litres with the rear A 12.3-inch middle section is occupied seats folded.

by Android Auto when it is active while A tyre repair kit is provided in the event another 12.3-inch section furthest from of a puncture. the driver handles the entertainment – at Build quality is fi rst rate, but the least that’s the way it looks. ambience feels overly functional and Just about everything is controlled utilitarian. from the screen, which can be challenging Running your hands over the cabin when you’re in a hurry or simply on the surfaces reveals some hard plastics, move. but thanks to clever design – nothing is It supports hidden voice-activated directly in line of sight. tools like horoscopes, calculator, unit Although the lower console area converter, currency exchange, date/time provides plenty of storage for loose items, in other cities, and fl ight status checks. two cupholders and two phone chargers Using what is known as NFC technology, dominate the upper area, leaving little the car can be opened and started using a space for much at all. mobile phone, in the same way that one Th is is Hyundai’s fi rst BEV to use can pay for things with a phone. lithium iron phosphate (LFP) rather than There’s no tailgate release in the cabin, Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) but you can ask Google to ‘open tailgate’ – technology, with a largish 88.1 kWh but not close it. battery pack.

The sound system, though unbranded With energy consumption cited at 18.2 as noted previously, delivers quite good kWh per 100km, range for the Elite grade sound. with 20-inch wheels is a claimed 546km.

In a minor glitch, the tyre pressure A heat pump reduces the amount of monitoring system reported there was a energy required by the air conditioning, problem with one of the tyres the entire helping to extend the range. time we had the car.

Charging at a rate of up to 150kW using But the system showed all tyres with a a DC fast charger takes 38 minutes from 10 pressure of 34 psi and a visual inspection to 80 percent (that’s 70 percent or 382km). revealed none of the tyres appeared to be AC charging at a rate of up to 11kW with low. three-phase wall charger takes 10 hours Rated at 18.2 kWh, we clocked up from zero to 100 percent (15 hours with between 14.9 and 16.7 kWh/100km standard single phase). over the course of the week and almost Like other Hyundais, the ride and 300km of mixed driving, with the trip handling have been tuned for Australian computer showing a long-term average of road conditions.

18.2kWh/100km after more than 2600km.

Th is one rides on 20-inch wheels, with 255/45 profi le Kumho Ecsta rubber, Summing up Not sure what it is about the Hyundai sacrificing 16km of range.

The ride is on the fi rm side, but infi nitely Elexio, but we didn’t warm to this model.

The ice cube headlights are pretty cool preferable to some of the soggy fortune and the car is certainly practical enough, cookies we get to drive.

Eco, Normal, Snow and Sport drive even for an EV. Performance is middle of the road but modes are provided, along with paddles to modulate the effects of regenerative that’s okay for a family-focused wagon, it just lacks some character – some Soul braking.

While the Elexio goes well, it lacks the perhaps.

RATINGS

SPORT

Around the grounds Around the courts

Results, goal kickers and best players from Geelong, Geelong & District, and Bellarine Football League matches played on Saturday 25 July.

GEELONG Colac 3.4(22), 7.4(46), 11.7(73), 13.7(85) Leopold 1.3(9), 6.6(42), 7.9(51), 9.10(64) Goals: Colac - L. Hillman 5, T. Buchanan 2, K. Spokes 2, J. Simpkin, J. Fish, L. Gorwell, C. Seuren. Leopold - H. Morphet 2, D. Brislane 2, M. Burgess, M. Williams, N. Ash, Best: Colac - J. Skinner, J. Walters, K. Spokes, L. Hillman, Z. Zdybel, J. McCormack.

Leopold - K. Bumpstead, M. Thompson, A. Enever, W. Sheahan, C. Alexander, N. Ash.

Portarlington - M. Ruiter, M. Herlihy, P. Eastman, T. Miles, M. Turnbull, N. Lane.

GEELONG & DISTRICT Winchelsea 4.5(29), 5.5(35), 8.8(56), 10.11(71) East Geelong 0.1(1), 6.3(39), 7.5(47), 9.6(60) Goals: Winchelsea - C. Primmer 3, F. Parish 2, J. Gould 2, S. Adams, I. Parish, R. Williams. East Geelong - C. Ezard 4, J. Doyle 2, S. Purdy, W. Hough, G. Munari.

Best: Winchelsea - J. Huff, F. Parish, R. Williams, A. Walsh, R. Baulch, I. Parish.

East Geelong - J. Payne, B. Payne, J. McIntyre, C. Ezard, A. Mulvahil, J. McLean.

St Mary’s 1.5(11), 7.7(49), 8.12(60), 12.18(90) Bell Park 3.2(20), 3.3(21), 6.5(41), 6.10(46) Goals: St Mary’s - P. Dowling 3, J. Garner 2, L. Peck 2, B. Ham, J. Travaglini, H. Cook, O. Flynn, J. Willson. Bell Park - M. Mahady 2, L. Stefanovski, F. Hoey, O. Bridgewater, T. Pidgeon.

Best: St Mary’s - J. Garner, L. Peck, B. Ham, H. Segrave, F. Hughes, J. Sanders. Bell Park - I. Wareham, J. Bermingham, T. Pidgeon, Z. Lamb, M. Jones, S. Bensted.

Newtown & Chilwell 11.4(70), 20.9(129), 30.13(133), 37.15(237) North Shore 1.1(7), 3.3(21), 3.3(21), 5.5(35) Goals: Newtown & Chilwell - T. McMillan 6, J. Modola 5, C. Fopiani 5, H. Codd 5, M. Dodos 4, A. Wojcinski 2, N. Caracella 2, L. Nash 2, A. Souflas, B. Sutterby, N. Harris. North Shore - H. Purcell 2, J. Sammut-Miljevic, L. Hayes, C. Johns.

Best: Newtown & Chilwell - T. McMillan, A. Souflas, B. Sutterby, C. Byrne, H. Codd. North Shore - N. Mitzithras, J. Purcell, D. Gudasic, L. House, C. Johns, J. Sammut-Miljevic.

St Albans 3.2(20), 9.6(60), 11.8(74), 15.9(99) Geelong West Giants 1.0(6), 3.0(18), 3.3(21), 5.4(34) Goals: St Albans - T. Higgins 6, B. Brogden 2, J. Russell 2, F. Keck, J. Stephenson, M. McKenzie, H. Cockerell. Geelong West Giants - M. Moorse, A. Stelma, N. Duyker, D. Cole, L. Wittman.

Best: St Albans - J. Russell, H. Dickson, T. Higgins, B. McDonald, E. Mantas, B. Hodgson. Geelong West Giants - A. Stelma, T. Handley, E. Rowe, R. Meddings, M. Kelly, X. Shaw.

South Barwon 2.3(15), 6.6(42), 10.8(68), 12.14(86) St Joseph’s 3.0(18), 6.0(36), 8.2(50), 11.5(71) Goals: South Barwon - Z. Stevens 4, A. Boseley 3, L. Noble 2, T. White, O. Pollock, G. Richardson. St Joseph’s - M. Chafer 3, J. Jovanovic 3, J. Gow 2, A. Chamberlain, P. De Grandi, L. Kershaw.

Best: South Barwon - B. Kellett, Z. Stevens, T. Bartlett, L. Noble, F. Fort, M. Mawson.

St Joseph’s - L. Kershaw, M. Chafer, C. Mitchell, J. Gow, A. Humphrey, E. McCoy. BELLARINE Barwon Heads 5.2(32), 10.(65), 11.6(72), 16.10(106) Anglesea 3.4(22), 8.7(55), 13.12(90), 14.17(101) Goals: Barwon Heads - M. Jensen 5, J. Whybrow 4, C. Ward 3, D. Graham 2, L. Davis, D. McMahon. Anglesea - W. Batson 3, N. McGregor-Dawson 2, J. Hogan 2, A. Gras, J. Carr, L. Smith, J. Walters, H. Ling, J. King, D. Everett.

Best: Barwon Heads - H. Hyland, L. Blacket, J. Whybrow, C. Donohue, M. Jensen, K. Hinchcliffe. Anglesea - N. McGregor-Dawson, J. Fulton, J. Hogan, H. Ling, W. Batson, S. Leeds.

Damien Hewson congratulates Indi Parish after the sealer for Winchelsea against East Geelong.

(Ivan Kemp) 567567_29

Drysdale 5.4(34), 9.7(61), 14.10(94), 21.12(136) Ocean Grove 3.1(19), 6.2(38), 10.4(64), 12.5(77) Goals: Drysdale - O. Castro 6, M. McGuire 5, D. Foley 2, B. Fennell 2, J. Watson 2, J. Robbins, J. Hargreaves, F. Chirgwin, J. Jenkins. Ocean Grove - L. Waldron 3, J. Paterson 3, W. Cunningham, J. Thomson, N. Down, H. Cashin, J. Lange, J. Kneebone.

Best: Drysdale - L. Dalgleish, M. McGuire, B. Fennell, J. Jenkins, O. Castro, M. Lindsey.

Ocean Grove - H. Cashin, J. Lange, L. Joyce, H. Walsh, R. Bongart, J. Kneebone.

Queenscliff 0.4(4), 2.11(23), 7.13(55), 11.17(93) Geelong Amateur 3.4(22), 7.4(46), 8.4(52), 8.6(54) Goals: Queenscliff - I. Grant 2, K. Keenan 2, J. McHenry 2, J. Monahan 2, S. Bowtell, J. Rush, J. Cincotta. Geelong Amateur J. Sheahan 2, S. Lloyd 2, R. Mattner, B. Barnett, M. Day, H. Kershaw.

Best: Queenscliff - C. Whitley, N. Rippon, S. Kalbfell, H. Gower, B. Jones, L. Kidd.

Geelong Amateur - M. Day, B. Barnett, H. Goddard, T. Gribble, J. Hickey, H. Orr. Newcomb 8.5(53), 9.10(64), 14.14(98), 16.15(111) Modewarre 0.1(1), 1.4(10), 3.5(23), 6.7(43) Goals: Newcomb - T. Webster 5, J. Duke 3, B. Ritchie 3, D. Johnstone 2, C. Harvey, J. Watson, J. Smith. Modewarre - C. Farrell 2, T. Worpel 2, T. Hornsey, O. Butler.

Best: Newcomb - L. Wagener, M. Andrews, D. Johnstone, C. Ogle, F. Anscombe, R. Hollins. Modewarre - C. Farrell, M. Fenton, O. Hocking, J. Hutley.

Torquay 6.3(39), 10.5(65), 14.10(94), 18.10(118) Portarlington 1.2(8), 3.3(21), 5.4(34), 10.6(66) Goals: Torquay - L. Cook 6, J. Wylie 4, S. Ham 2, T. Smith 2, J. Dawson 2, W. Montebello, M. Boag. Portarlington - M. Turnbull 4, H. Eddy 2, S. Greenhough, S. Scott, L. Hart, M. Herlihy.

Best: Torquay - T. Smith, B. McNamara, M. Boag, L. Cook, H. McGowan, J. Darke.

Corio 6.2(38), 7.7(49), 14.12(96), 22.14(146) Geelong West Giants 0.4(4), 4.6(30), 6.7(43), 8.9(57) Goals: Corio - H. Burns 7, M. Jelenic 3, D. Waldron 2, J. Blackney 2, H. Carr, C. Gibson, T. McMahon, C. Shoebridge, A. Taylor, M. Harrison, J. Evans, D. Cefai. Geelong West Giants - S. Goddard 4, B. Greaves 2, D. Pollard, B. Mitchell.

Best: Corio - M. Jelenic, H. Burns, D. Waldron, D. Cefai, C. Gibson, J. Blackney.

Geelong West Giants - J. Jans, B. Greaves, S. Goddard, B. Black, M. Leamer, Z. Rowarth.

Bell Post Hill 3.3(21), 3.6(24), 5.10(40), 9.14(68) Bannockburn 1.2(8), 4.5(29), 6.7(43), 8.10(58) Goals: Bell Post Hill - N. Costello 4, D. Godwin, D. Handley, T. Barton, J. Saunders, E. Coffey. Bannockburn - F. Wilson 2, B. Harding 2, A. Mahoney, D. Giddings, B. Kelly, R. Maibaum.

Best: Bell Post Hill - D. Godwin, Z. Jones, S. Quinn, C. Bacely, H. Verschuren, D. Handley. Bannockburn - A. Beardsell, T. Sadler, C. Jervies, J. Brauman, T. Bath, R. Maibaum.

Inverleigh 5.3(33), 9.8(62), 18.13(121), 25.19(169) Anakie 1.2(8), 4.3(27), 6.3(39), 7.8(50) Goals: Inverleigh - M. Dickson 6, N. Mayes 5, J. Miles 4, J. Bacon 4, S. Cations 2, D. Peel, H. Bauer, A. Donohue, J. Viney. Anakie - L. Dahlhaus 4, S. McLachlan, J. Mawson, N. Hau. Best: Inverleigh - L. Wilson, N. Mayes, J. Viney, L. Haberfield, J. Miles, B. Collins.

Anakie - L. Dahlhaus, B. Gerrard, N. Hau, M. Rhodes.

Werribee Centrals 2.5(17), 2.9(21), 8.16(64), 11.23(89) Thomson 4.3(27), 6.5(41), 9.7(61), 10.9(69) Goals: Werribee Centrals - C. Saliba 3, J. MacDonald 2, M. Culliver 2, B. Houlihan 2, A. Stone, B. Carlton. Thomson - J. Camm 5, G. Wilson 3, S. Jacka, J. Blair.

Best: Werribee Centrals - M. Culliver, A. Stone, T. Camilleri, L. Kalos, B. Houlihan, P. Daley. Thomson - J. Camm, Z. Rochow-O’Toole, R. Dixon, G. Wilson, S. Jacka, P. McGennisken.

North Geelong 4.7(31), 12.9(81), 12.13(85), 15.15(105) Belmont Lions 3.2(20), 6.5(41), 10.7(67), 13.12(90) Goals: North Geelong - J. Bertucci 4, C. Vaughan 4, O. Riccardi 3, J. Jewell, C. Pasque, T. Tseros, M. Habib. Belmont Lions - A. Wylie 4, B. Evans 2, B. Mahoney 2, C. Anderson 2, M. Dyster, S. Gunther, A. Darken.

Best: North Geelong - C. Farrell, C. Vaughan, J. Jewell, O. Riccardi, J. Bertucci.

Belmont Lions - A. Wylie, L. Slorach, D. Johnston, S. Gunther, J. Steel, M. Murdoch.

Results and best players from Geelong & District, Geelong, and Bellarine Netball League matches played on Saturday 25 July.

GEELONG & DISTRICT Corio 67 def Geelong West Giants Best: Corio - Stephanie Cockerell, Sarah Kasparian, Holly Ross. Geelong West Giants - Kathryn Eastman, Tori Hogan, Bronte Weigl.

Inverleigh 69 def Anakie 33 Best: Inverleigh - Leah Blake, Adelaide Annand, Claudia Callagher.

Anakie - Z. Webb, Alice Egberts, Kyra Ballantyne.

Bannockburn 61 def Bell Post Hill 36 Best: Bannockburn - Alyce Willie, Jade Merry, Lila Morris. Bell Post Hill - Alex Smith, Jorja Caruso, A. Hooper.

Belmont Lions 41 def North Geelong 31 Best: Belmont Lions - Molly Gribble, Sophie Allison, Jorden Nichols. North Geelong - Cody Dixon, Keira Marsh, Marney McRandall.

Winchelsea 37 def East Geelong 31 Best: Winchelsea - Meg Royal, Liv Barber, Grace Pullen. East Geelong - Claudia Cook, Molly Neeson, Stephanie Boyce.

Thomson 52 def Werribee Centrals 29 Best: Thomson Alexandra Drake, Shae Rowbottom, Majar Hikuroa-Betham. Werribee Centrals - Alual Garang, Steph Kearney, Julia Nash.

GEELONG Bell Park 48 def St Mary’s 43 Best: Bell Park - Charlotte Morey, Louise Shaw, Zoe Shaw. St Mary’s Eliza Brown, Renee Garing, Hannah FitzGerald.

Colac 57 def Leopold 54 Best: Colac - Mary Place, Louella Tomlinson, Monika Hammond.

Leopold - Amelia Holland, Natalie Heagney, Anna Smith.

St Joseph’s 60 def South Barwon 50 Best: St Joseph’s - Ella Closter, Georgette Paatsch, Tegan Philip.

South Barwon - Lara Taylor, Michelle Svetnik, Eloise Maddox.

Geelong West Giants 62 def St Albans 54 Best: Geelong West Giants - Eloise Ritchie, Rachel Palmer-Brennan, Alahria Smith. St Albans - Ruby Wilson, Amy Cook, Georgia Stoate.

BELLARINE Geelong Amateur 60 def Queenscliff 47 Best: Geelong Amateur - Courtney Coutts, Eliza Oxley, Georgia Duncan.

Queenscliff - Caitie Kennedy, Alex Booker, Phoebe Knox.

Barwon Heads 62 def Anglesea 34 Best: Barwon Heads - Racquel Scott, Issey Armstrong, Jordan Maher.

Anglesea - Isabella Drenovac, Lulu Higgins, Eliza Abbott.

Torquay 55 def Portarlington 45 Best: Torquay - Kate Schippers, Kiralee Collings, Evie Hughes.

Portarlington - Madeline Casey, Mikayla Mevissen, Isabella Marsh.

Ocean Grove 55 def Drysdale 52 Best: Ocean Grove - Julia Mitchell, Zanna Woods, Georgia Ryan.

Drysdale - Mia Fallon, Isla Cuddy, Ella Ogier.

Newcomb 62 def Modewarre 44 Best: Modewarre - Laney Mcfadyen, Bonnie Everett, Hayley Toull.

Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 23

SPORT

Venom recruits star duo Geelong Venom has signed 211cm-tall Chinese star Han Xu for the upcoming WNBL season.

The New York Liberty centre joins the Venom after a season with Perth Lynx along with fellow Chinese forward/guard Wanglai Zhang with both players signing one-year deals.

Han Xu is the second-tallest player in WNBA history and is a three-time WCBA MVP, a two-time WCBA champion, and a WNBA Commissioner’s Cup winner.

On the international stage, she helped China to a silver medal at the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, earning a place in the tournament’s All-Star Five, before being named MVP of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Asia Cup. “I’ve played against Australian teams before, including a season with Perth, and I know how passionate this league’s fans are and how much the competition has grown,” Han Xu said. “I’m looking forward to bringing everything I’ve built over my career

Chinese star Han Xu will play with Geelong Venom along side Wanglai Zhang (right) this season.

(Pictures: Supplied)

– from China to the WNBA – into this team, and pushing for something special with my new teammates this year.”

Wanglai Zhang was named MVP in the Chinese 3x3 league championship in 2023 and starred at this year’s FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup.

Section 1 boys heating up after round 11 LOCAL TENNIS Donna Schoenmaekers Saturday Winter competition entered round 11 on the weekend and Section 1 Boys are setting up for a strong run home for the finals.

Ocean Grove are sitting 10 games outside the four, but with none of the top two teams in their final three matches, with some good wins, they still stand a good chance to sneak into finals.

They helped their chances this week, reversing their round 4 loss to Surfcoast Jan Juc. Rem Cairncross and Sunny Bugeja got the away team out of the blocks winning 6-0, 6-1, but Surfcoast levelled the sets with Jake Pearson and Ben Rogers getting up 6-2, 6-1.

Cairncross and Bugeja teamed up to take the first doubles 6-3 with Marcus Bent and Matilda Gent holding on to get to a tiebreak. While they lost the set to Pearson and Rogers, it was enough to give Ocean Grove the win by four games.

Grovedale pulled a little closer to earning a double chance with their match against eighth placed Wandana Heights. While the set score was one-sided, just a couple of points could have resulted in a completely different outcome.

Oscar Wang and Eli Egan had good wins 6-1, 6-3 while Emily Carr was taken to a tiebreak. Lewis Myers was the shining light for Wandana, taking the third singles 6-1.

Geelong Lawn White’s Tarun Makonahalli won his singles match. (Supplied)

In the doubles Carr and Egan teamed well to take a 6-1 win, while Wandana were on the wrong side of another tie-break with Isaiah Patel and Wang eventual winners.

Grovedale gaining the win 5-1, and now

within one point of second.

Geelong Lawn Black hosted club rivals White, and White, currently sitting in fourth, were keen to not repeat their round 4 loss, and maintain their finals chances.

In both round 4 and this week, White proved stronger in the singles with Will Ryan, Tarun Makonahalli and Billy Rayson all winning – 7-6, 6-1, 6-2.

Nihal Nagra was the one singles winner for Black, and teamed with Aria Williamson to take the first doubles, but White eked out the 4-2 win with Rayson and Makonahalli getting up 6-4 in the second doubles. The result leaves White in fourth, but with a tough run home.

The final match of the round was a battle of ladder leaders Highton and Geelong Lawn Green with two points separating the teams. Highton were keen to repeat their strong performance in their previous meeting, holding Green to just 11 games.

Ilan Im put Highton on the board winning the first singles 6-2, but Henry Betts countered for Green 6-2 in the second.

Highton pulled ahead with Seb Varszeghy and Andre Ficca getting up 7-5, 6-3, to give them the upper hand leading into the doubles.

Varszeghy and Ficca sealed the win for Highton in the second doubles, but Green’s Kevin Perea and Betts managed to hold on in the first to win in a tie-break – the final result 4-2, extending Highton’s lead at the top to six points, but a much improved result for Geelong Lawn.

Cougars down, but not out of premiership race after semi loss

By Justin Flynn Geelong Cougars Under 23s lost their grand final qualifier on Wednesday 29 July, but are still in the race for the premiership.

North East Blaze, which finished the home and away season in third spot, defeated the Cougars 58 to 48 at State Netball Centre and will meet the winner of Geelong vs City West Falcons in the grand final.

The Falcons defeated Melbourne University Lightning with University going out in straight sets after finishing second on the ladder.

The Cougars led by three at the last break, but were only able to find the net five times in the final term while the Blaze opened the quarter with nine consecutive goals.

Eliza Dunell and Piper Stephens then clawed back four of the next five goals for Geelong to cut the deficit to three with five minutes left, but star shooter Olivia Cawthray stepped up and carried the Blaze through to the grand final.

Cawthray rarely missed, scoring 47 goals from 50 attempts.

The Cougars were well served by Mia Aitken, who had a great contest with Cawthray, wing defence Zoey Shaw, who made repeated intercepts, and Monique Parker, who was terrific at goal attack.

The Cougars will play City West Falcons in the preliminary final at State Netball Centre, Parkville, on Wednesday 5 August for the right to play the Blaze in the grand final.

24 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

Mimi Lockwood looks to get the ball moving while goal defence Mia Aitken stands guard and wing defence Zoey Shaw looks to provide an option.

(Tara Murray)

Zhang said joining the Venom meant stepping out of her comfort zone, trying a new brand of basketball, and taking on a fresh challenge.

“I’m really looking forward to soaking up the basketball vibe in Geelong – such a big sports town,” she said.

“Huge thanks to all my fans for sticking with me. No idea what’s ahead, but I’m going to keep loving the game and take it one step at a time. Can’t wait to get settled in, learn the system, and go to battle with my new teammates.”

Venom head coach Cheryl Chambers said Han Xu is currently one of the most dominant post players in the world.

“She’s a WNBA veteran, a multiple-time WCBA MVP, and reigning WNBL Defensive Player of the Year – her shot-blocking and rebounding are genuinely elite,” she said.

“Adding that size and experience to our roster gives this team a real edge, and we can’t wait to see what she brings to the club this year.”

Centurions bounce back after recent dip in form Werribee Centrals started to show some of the form that has it sitting on top of the Geelong & District Football League ladder.

After winning their first 11 games, the Centurions had lost their last three, but bounced back against a vastly improved Thomson on Saturday 25 July with a 20-point win.

Centurions’ coach Rhyce Prismall said it was nice to just get back on the winners list.

“The first loss was a tight one and we played two and half quarters of footy and lost by a kick,” he said. “It was pretty evident that we had players out and our depth was tested a little bit.

“Fairness to North Geelong and Bannockburn they were good against us but we were poor and well beaten. Having lost three in a row we just had to find a way to win.”

Prismall said his side got some players back on the weekend and could have as many as six more available against Belmont Lions.

Josh Camm was the star for Thomson with five goals while skipper Jordan Camm was best and Griffen Wilson bagged three majors.

Centrals remain on top of the ladder, percentage ahead of Winchelsea.

Primsall said Winchelsea had the easier run home and expected the Blues to claim the minor premiership.

Six goals from Mason Dickson, five from Nathan Mayes and four each to Jarvis Miles and Jarrod Bacon gave Inverleigh a massive 119-point win against Anakie. Western Bulldogs 2016 premiership star Luke Dahlhaus booted four of Anakie’s seven goals.

Hayden Burns bagged seven goals for Corio in an 89-point triumph against Geelong West Giants. Stuart Goddard was superb for the Giants with four goals.

North Geelong sounded an ominous warning with a 15-point win against Belmont Lions in a high-quality game.

The Pies welcomed back Osca Riccardi from an ankle injury that kept him out for more than two months. Cooper Vaughan and Jorden Bertucci each snagged four for the Magpies while Andy Wylie did the same for the Lions.

See page 27 for a full report of Winchelsea’s win against East Geelong.

SPORT

Cassidy Parish receives a handball on the run. 567567_13

Andrew Steele marks strongly. 567567_21

Winch gives East the blues Matthew Kasparian and Jack Terrill in a ruck contest. 567567_08

Winchelsea defeated East Geelong by 11 points in a massive GDFL clash at Richmond Oval on Saturday 25 July. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there to capture the last half of the see-sawing game between 2nd and 3rd on the ladder.

Jordan Huff takes possession in defence. 567567_32

Jude Payne clears from half-back. 567567_06

Finlay Parish kicked two goals for the Blues. 567567_20

Ben Crombie kicks forward. 567567_05

Lachie Carver takes a nice mark. 567567_23

Jordan Gould kicks a goal to put Winchelsea ahead. 567567_24

John McIntyre handballs forward. 567567_25

Caleb Ezard kicked four goals for the Eagles. 567567_09

Rory Baulch breaks clear for the Blues. 567567_14

Jake McLean kicks East Geelong into attack. 567567_11

Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 25

SPORT

Isla Carver passes to the circle. 567578_15

Kiahna Fallon passes out of defence.

Indi Madden looks for a way through.

567578_14

Georgia Corbett takes control. 567578_02 Ellen Doyle top scored for South Barwon with 41 goals. 567578_22 Olivia Cameron with the ball. 567578_20

Lara Taylor looks for a way out of defence.

567578_16

Meg Threlfall shoots off a pass. 567578_30

Tegan Philip throws a pass. 567578_28

Eloise Maddox looks down court. 567578_32

Joeys in control all game St Joseph’s defeated South Barwon by 10 goals to consolidate a spot in the Geelong Netball League top three at McDonald Reserve on Saturday 25 July. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there and took these pictures.

Ella Closter (44 goals) finds space on her own under the basket. 567578_03

26 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 31 July, 2026

Georgette Paatsch fires off a pass. 567578_13

SPORT

Winch’s nine-game streak

By Justin Flynn With three losses from its first six games, Winchelsea coach Ben Moloney said a mindset change to narrow the gap between his side’s best and worst was the main reason for a nine-game winning streak.

Moloney used a statistic to identify his side’s inconsistency with Winch conceding 170 points across two hours of play while scoring just 17.

Outside of those two hours, the Blues had outscored their opposition.

“The three games that we lost, we probably had a quarter and a bit each game of footy where we dropped off,” Moloney said.

“We talked about falling off a cliff with our form, but we were then able to regain control a bit and get back in the game.

Since then we’ve made a real emphasis of not dropping off that cliff…as long as you’re not just completely out of the game.”

While Moloney said it was unrealistic to play at a high standard 100 per cent of the time, narrowing the gap had played a huge role in nine consecutive wins that has Winch as arguably the Geelong & District Football League premiership favourite.

“It showed when we had the drop off that we weren’t playing as good as what we could, but when we were playing our best footy it was better than everyone and I think the last nine weeks have shown that,” he said.

“Just a bit of belief and a bit of a shift in our mindset that our best was good enough. We just needed to play it for long enough.”

In the past five games, the Blues defeated reigning premiers North Geelong by 58 points, previously unbeaten Werribee Centrals by two points, Belmont Lions by two, an in-form Bell Post Hill by 48 and knocked off East Geelong on Saturday by 11.

Moloney said the “old Winchelsea” would not have won all those games, whereas the “new Winchelsea” emerged when East Geelong led by two points at the 12-minute mark of the final term with the aid of the breeze.

Jordan Gould goaled from a set shot at the 22-minute mark and Indi Parish pushed the margin out to 11 with the clock showing 26 minutes gone with Winch holding on for a 10.11(71) to 9.6(60) win.

Indi Parish kicks the sealer for Winchelsea against East Geelong. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 567567_28

“The old Winch, we probably would have copped that and ended up being beaten or rolled over late,” Moloney said.

“But the group we’ve got now is showing a heap of character and a lot of maturity, which is great to see.”

Winchelsea faces an Inverleigh side that is playing for its season on Saturday before finishing off the home and away season with games it should win against Corio and Geelong West Giants. Win and the Blues not only assure themselves of playing finals, a top-three spot is a near certainty.

“I know Inverleigh will be doing everything they can to beat us.,” Moloney said.

“They’ve sort of hit some form lately and they seem to just front up and bring everything they can. It’s not a rivalry, but there’s normally some venom in those games.

“It’s always pretty physical, but we just have to keep winning. If we can win this game, that really sets us up to be in a great spot.

“And they’re probably the same, so they’ll be doing whatever they can to win and we’ll be doing the same.”

Winchelsea coach Ben Moloney checks the board at three-quarter time. 567567_16

No rest for St Joseph’s despite week off in finals lead-up

By Justin Flynn There will be no rest for St Joseph’s as it enters a round 16 bye after knocking off fellow top-three sides Newtown & Chilwell and South Barwon in consecutive weeks.

Joeys’ coach Tracy Howard plans to push her players through the week off before they tackle the final four games of the home and away season.

After a league bye on 4 July and a scheduled bye the week after, Howard said her players should be rested enough to hit the next fortnight with a full training load.

“No rest now,” she said.

“We’ve sort of not had a great draw. We had two weeks off in a row, so with holidays and our bye, the girls have gone away, so (it will be) full-on training this week as well.

“They will do another session, it might be just a run session on Saturday so, no, we still work hard to make sure that we’re doing our double sessions.”

Joeys defeated reigning premiers Newtown & Chilwell by four goals in round 14 and then took care of South Barwon by 10 in round 15 on Saturday 25 July.

With skipper Elli Leydin back in the team after a back injury kept her sidelined for more than a month, Joeys held the Swans at

St Joseph’s captain Elli Leydin was back in the side after a layoff with a back injury. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 567578_08

bay for most of the match before finishing strongly to win 60 to 50 at McDonald Reserve.

“Elli is always a good game changer in there,” Howard said.

“She played a bit of a different role, stepping back into that wing attack role and Larni (Howard) going to centre. Larni played more wing defence last year so for a centre being that tall, she just turns over a lot of ball for us.

“It made a better decision to put Larni through the centre and then we’ve got Elli and Tegan (Philip) on the goal third line, which is pretty unbeatable and then Elli to back both of them up.”

Howard was pleased her side finished strongly against South Barwon.

“One of our biggest focuses is we reset after every quarter,” she said.

“Regardless of score or momentum or anything like that, we always go back in the next quarter and just reset ourselves. I know very well from experience, you can actually win a game on one quarter of netball.

“We know that we have to lock in for four quarters and don’t ease off. We actually have to push harder every quarter and they do that really well.”

Fionnuala McKeagney-Stubbs played the first half on star South Barwon goaler Ellen Doyle and Georgette Paatsch had her for the second half. Doyle still managed 41 goals from 48 attempts,’ but Howard was full of praise for both defenders.

“It was just nice to have that little bit of a mix with Fionn in there,” Howard said.

“She plays a little bit differently so we were just trying to mix it up a little bit to see where the shutdown could come and Fionn got a lot of tips and taps on the ball. Georgette just was awesome when she stepped back in against Ellen.

“She (Paatsch) knows her a little bit better to play on and then push Fionn out (to goal defence), which was really good as well

St Joseph’s coach Tracy Howard talks to her players. 567578_24

and then we could drop Ki (Kiahna Fallon) over to that wing defence role.

“Ellen’s still a gun. She’s very hard to play on.”

At the other end of the court, youngster Ella Closter has scored 486 goals this season as well as juggling VNL commitments with Western Warriors, where Howard is coach.

“I’ve had Ella Under 17 states and she plays in my 23 squad for Warriors so she gets me at two sessions with VNL and also at Joeys,” Howard said.

“I’ve been working with Ella for the last two years so her move out of Ballarat was really good and just having Tegan (Philip) as that voice and someone who can give her that advice on court is absolutely phenomenal.”

Friday, 31 July, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 27

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