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Cyclists jump to it

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove’s much anticipated ride centre was officially opened on Saturday 2 August after years of campaigning by the community’syouth.

Located at Kingston Park in Ocean Grove the idea for the centre started in 2020 during the pandemic following the removal of makeshift jumps at Woodlands Reserveforsafetyreasons.

It was agreed to find an alternative location within Ocean Grove for a ride centre and Kingston Park was found to be themostsuitable.

Ocean Grove Bike Park committee member Ryan Dodson said the ride centre hadbeensixyearsinthemaking.

“It was actually really nice to be at the

opening and just overhear conversations from different locals and parents saying how amazing it is and how often they’re goingtobethere,”hesaid.

“It is truly an amazing asset to the town. We couldn’t be more stoked with how it’s finished. We started petitioning to council (and at first) all we really wanted was to leave the humps alone or give us a truckload of dirt and it’s just snowballed intowhatwe’vegotnow.

“It’s one of the best, if not the best, bike parksinAustralia.”

The grand opening kicked off with a demonstration from pro riders and also featured musical performances and a barbecue.

The $3.5 million centre includes tracks forallskilllevels,apumptrack,jumpsand

a sheltered viewing area overlooking the course.

“It really has been a whole community effort, with local schools, businesses, families,kidsandcouncilallplayingapart in getting it to where it is today,” Ocean Grove Bike Park committee member Jo Mansellsaid.

“Seeing the excitement around the openingandtheparkalreadyfullofpeople has been pretty amazing and it’s honestly exceededanythingweexpected.

“We’re so excited to finally see it being usedthewaywealwayshopeditwouldbe.

“We’d just encourage everyone to look after it and treat it with respect, so it stays a great place for the whole community to enjoyforyearstocome.”

MrDodsonsaidthecurrentOceanGrove

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED SINCE 1988

Bike Park committee wants to hand over thereinstothosewhowillusethefacility.

“We feel a better committee could be formed by really enthusiastic, passionate ridersinthearea,”hesaid.

“There’s a lot of potential for events and competitions at the site. There’s potential for coaching. There’s a whole lot of things thatcouldhappenatthesitenow,butwe’re not the best committee to run that from thispointforward.It’sbetterdonebyreally enthusiastic riders rather than parents of kids.”

Contact Ocean Grove Bike Park on Facebookformoreinformation.

See page 19 for more pictures from the opening day.

Ocean Grove District Ride Centre is ofﬁcially opened to the public at Kingston Park. (Ivan Kemp)

Flood plan at next stage

Updatedfloodmodellingforareasaround Ocean Grove has been released and residentsarebeingaskedtohelpshapethe next stage of the Ocean Grove Stormwater Study.

City of Greater Geelong will run community engagement for stage 2 of the study from 17 August to 11.59 pm on 13 September and will build on earlier feedback from 2021 when locals were asked to identify flood-prone areas and sharetheirownexperiences.

The information helped guide detailed flood modelling of the Ocean Grove catchment, which includes Ocean Grove, Wallington, Marcus Hill and parts of PointLonsdale.

Local lifesaver recognised

“Local knowledge is incredibly valuable,” Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Konteljsaid.

“People who live and work in the Ocean Grove catchment know how water moves through their streets, their neighbourhoodsandtheirproperties.

“Their feedback will help us verify the modelling and make sure the study is as accurateandusefulaspossible.”

The City will host three one-hour information sessions at Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, where residents canspeakwiththeprojectteam.

Connewarre Ward councillor Elise

Wilkinson encouraged residents to take part.

“This study will guide how we manage flood risk and stormwater in Ocean Grove foryearstocome,”shesaid.

“If you’ve experienced flooding, or you simply want to understand the modelling better, these sessions are a greatchancetolearnmoreandshareyour experiences.”

Stage 3 of the study will begin in early 2027, with a draft report to be released for communityconsultation.

Attendance numbers will be limited to allow time for meaningful conversations, and registration is required. Visit

By Matt Hewson

A Point Lonsdale surf lifesaver is one of 29 Victorians to receive National Medal honours recognising their service to lifesaving.

Huw Joyce, 30, received the honour for his 15 years of voluntary service to Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC).

The son of club life member Alan Joyce, Mr Joyce first participated in the nippersprogramatsevenyearsold.

“Myfatherfirstgotmeintoitasaform ofwatersafety,tomakesureIknewhow to spot a rip, swim safely at the beach andmakefriends,”hesaid.

After completing nippers, Mr Joyce completed his surf rescue certificate and bronze medallion, then a number of other awards including rescue boats, firstaidandresuscitation.

He has served the club as junior club captain, patrol captain and first aid officer and taken part in numerous surf rescue and first aid incidents, including a major multi-agency rescue last year when 18 swimmers and kayakers were sweptouttosea.

Mr Joyce has also mentored “close to a thousand” young lifesavers on patrol andthroughcoursetraining.

“I like passing on what I’ve learnt and conveying that on to the younger members,”hesaid.

“I reckon it’s great, supporting them, stepping back and allowing the younger ones to manage a patrol of 20, seeing how they manage it and instructing courses.”

LSV chief executive Cath Greaves congratulated Huw the other recipients oftheNationalMedal.

“We are immensely proud of the contribution our volunteer lifesavers make, giving their time, talent and energy freely to keep our community safeinthewater,”shesaid.

People, pets and wellbeing the focus of forum

By Jena Carr

Older residents in Portarlington can learn more about their region’s people, pets and community wellbeing during an upcomingforum.

Staying in Portarlington (SIP) will host theforumonMonday10August,featuring presentations by Cherished Pets chief executive Dr Alicia Kennedy and Housing for the Aged Action Group participation and early intervention worker Rebecca Cook.

SIP president Jenny Wills said people wouldhaveanopportunityto“getonboard withkeyissueswithinthecommunity”.

“Our intent is about building better communities, and we thought it was important to have a look at what’s happeningintermsofthose,”shesaid.

“Dr Alicia Kennedy has recently been overseaswithherChurchillFellowship,so we’rekeentolearnaboutwhatshelearned duringhertrip.

“Rebecca Cook is focusing on the issue ofhousingandhomelessness,withpeople able to hear about what’s happening around the issue of housing, which is reallyproblematicthesedays.”

MsWillssaidtheforumaimedtoinform older residents of services available in their community, with time available for questions.

“There is a disruption in people’s lives when, mainly around rental housing, someone has to move but doesn’t know wheretogoorwhathappenstotheirpets,” shesaid.

“This forum is a very informal and relaxed way of chatting about what people’s interests are, what they’ve learned and what they could do in the future.”

The forum will run from 1 to 3pm at the Portarlington Senior Citizens Club Rooms, and people must email stayinginportarlington@gmail.com to registertheirattendance.

yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/OGFS to register, view the modelled flood extent, and provide feedback at yoursay. geelongaustralia.com.au/OGFS

Information sessions at Ocean Grove NeighborhoodHouse: Monday 31 August, 10.30am to 11.30am (registrations close 5pm Thursday 27 August)

Thursday 3 September, 5.30pm to 6.30pm (registrations close 5pm Monday 31 August) Monday 7 September, 6.30pm to 7.30pm (registrations close 5pm Thursday 3 September)

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 KnowDaynationalcampaign.

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’stoolate.

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 ofpurposeratherthanfear.

“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 BellarinechairRobGrundelsaid.

“At Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine, we believe that no one should facedeath,dying,grieforlossalone.

“By encouraging open conversations, sharing knowledge and supporting our community, we help people prepare with confidence,compassionanddignity.”

The information session will be held at Springdale Neighbourhood Centre, DrysdaleonMonday10Augustfrom2pm to 4pm. Email vol.coord@chob.org.au or call0499775275toregister.

Lifesaver Huw Joyce has been recognised with the National Medal. (Ivan Kemp) 570306_08

Natasha leads by example

This month Natasha Chandler will attend a five-day leadership program in Melbourne as part of the City of Greater Geelong’s EmpowerHER Leadership scholarships. She spoke to Matt Hewson about growing up in Geelong, finding her voice and becoming a community leader.

Geelong woman Natasha Chandler is, in her own words, “a bit busy”.

Following up the master’s degree in sociology she obtained from King’s College in London, Natasha is currently studying her Juris Doctor, or graduate-entry professional law degree, at the University of Melbourne.

Shealsoworksattheuniversity’sFaculty ofMedicine,DentistryandHealthSciences withintheOfficeoftheDeaninIndigenous development, supporting initiatives that strengthen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation and success in the medical field.

That combination of study and work is already quite the hectic schedule. But somehow, Natasha makes time for a wide range of community leadership and advocacy activities as well.

She is a member of two Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West bodies, the Lived and Living Experience Advisory Group, and the Sexual and Reproductive Community of Practice.

The advisory group advocates for more equitable, culturally safe and responsive approaches to women’s health and wellbeing in our region, while the community of practice focuses on improving sexual and reproductive health outcomes for women.

She is also a contributor to the Royal Women’s Senior Aboriginal Advisory Committee Meeting, a member of Newcastle University’s National Female InfertilityAdvisoryGroup,apanelmember forWestminsterTalkingTherapiesandpart of the NHS Diagnostic Reform Committee for Endometriosis.

A bit busy, indeed.

Natasha, now 36, said even as a child she hadalwaysbeenanadvocateforthosewho were being treated unfairly.

“I’ve always wanted inclusive spaces, I remember doing school speeches about gay marriage, marriage equality,” she said.

“I remember always wanting to push for social progress, I think that was always my nature.

“And I think I’ve refined that skill a little bit.Insteadofadvocatinglikea15yearold, I do it by inviting people to reflect, inviting them into the space and trying to do it that way.”

The time, energy and effort Natasha has put into making an impact in her community has recently been recognised by the City of Greater Geelong by awardingheranEmpowerHERLeadership

scholarship, a municipal initiative aimed at supporting emerging community leaders.

Natasha is one of three Geelong women to receive the scholarship this year, which was originally planned for two recipients.

The large number of high-calibre expressions of interest saw that expanded to three.

As part of the program, Natasha and her fellow scholarship recipients will travel to Melbourne this month for a five-day Igniting Leadership program designed to equip emerging leaders with tools to build strong leadership foundations, navigate change, inspire others and develop their interpersonal skills.

Natasha said she was “so excited” to participate in the program.

“I am at the infancy stages of my

leadership journey and getting an opportunity to learn some of the skills that they’re going to teach us is really going to make a huge difference to my career trajectory,” she said.

“It’s going to be immensely capacity building, I’m looking forward to networking…we got a list of the participants,soI’vealreadyaddedthemall on LinkedIn. I’m really looking forward to it.”

Describingherownleadershipapproach ascollaborative,Natashasaidshehopedto nurture that natural style.

“I like to lead from behind, and I like to see everybody fulfil their potential,” she said.

“I recognise that there are extroverted people who process out loud, they like to take up space and perhaps dominate the space in some cases.

“And then there’s introverted people who process internally, and perhaps they need a little bit of extra time to come to a conclusion or to put their idea forward or they need to be encouraged to do so.

of situations where I wish I had stronger skills to be able to navigate those tough conversations a little better,” she said.

Natasha said she believed many women stepping into leadership roles experienced similar situations.

“I’m an intersectional feminist, so I would say yes, women are navigating a space that orbits power structures, one of them being sex,” she said.

“Working within the patriarchy, we’re trying to find ways to navigate that. Sometimes there’s resistance to women in powerpositions,andIthinkalotofwomen have difficulty in those situations but we are making progress towards equality.”

Having grown up in Geelong and experiencing what she called “the best childhood”, Natasha hopes to be able to use her studies in law to one day serve her community further through local politics.

“I love learning about the law; I think it’s incredibly useful, it’s an important foundation to be able to understand the lawsothatwecandeconstructittomakeit fairer for others,” she said.

“But in workspaces, there is opportunity forbothpeopletooperate,andjustbecause one is outgoing and one is shy doesn’t meanthattheideasareanybetterorworse off either way. So I think that it’s important togiveeverybodyanopportunitytospeak.

“I think that the quietest person in the room might have the best idea and it’s important to give them the time and the space to be able to put their ideas forward or to lead in their particular way.”

Natasha said she also hoped the Igniting Leadership program would help her build new skills to work with people who were resistanttoworkinginateamenvironment and develop her confidence in confronting situations.

“I’ve come across individuals who are perhaps a bit ‘type A’...as I said, I’m in my infancystages,sotherehavebeenacouple

“I’m doing an internship with Barwon Community Legal Service, which is just around the corner from where I live, as part of the NDIS internship. It’s a subject that we can do at law school and I’m super excited to see how I can make an impact in access to justice, both within the disability space and the Indigenous space.

“I’ve recently been selected as a participant in the 2026 Pathway to Politics forWomenprogram…andI’mlearningalot about the different levels of government.

“MaybeinfiveyearsImightbeinaplace to run as a councillor, I don’t know. And if not local politics, then I would like to do some more work within the women’s health space to create better systems to serve women’s needs and maybe lobby government regarding endometriosis care.”

Local leader and community advocate Natasha Chandler. (Ivan Kemp) 569565_03

Local leader and community advocate Natasha Chandler. (Ivan Kemp) 569565_06

Natasha Chandler with fellow EmpowerHER Leadership scholarship recipients Cecile and Kylie. (Supplied)

Local musician sings for Vietnam vets

By Matt Hewson

A local songwriter has been invited to perform at the State Shrine of RemembranceinMelbourneforthisyear’s 60thanniversaryoftheBattleofLongTan.

Ocean Grove’s Vin Healy will play two of his original songs, The Mist of Long Tan and The Long Tan Cross, at the Vietnam Veterans’ Day Commemoration on Tuesday18Augusttoanexpectedcrowdof thousands of veterans and members of the public.

Mr Healy will be accompanied by esteemed Geelong multi-instrumentalist Matiss Schubert, who has collaborated

Unusual ﬁnd on Point Lonsdale beach

By Matt Hewson

PointLonsdalelocalsweresurprised tofindahugeoceanfishstrandedon aPointLonsdalebeach.

The three-metre-long Mola mola, or ocean sunfish, was spotted by residentsoffthecoastonSundayand found dead on the beach the next day.

Local resident Carole O’Neill said she was “amazed” to see the large, odd-lookingspecimenonherregular beachwalk.

“I’m interested in nature, but I didn’t know much about the sunfish until I Googled it; they’re usually rightdowninthedepthsoftheocean, notlyingonthebeach,”shesaid.

“Another lady told me she saw it thedaybefore,strugglinginthearea where we all saw it, and she said it lookedsickandsluggisheventhen.”

The enormous ocean sunfish, described by the Smithsonian as “whimsical and goofy”, is one of the largest ray-finned fish in the world, resemblingafishheadwithoutatail.

Deakin Centre for Marine Science director Professor Tim Dempster said while ocean sunfish strandings were uncommon, such events were notunprecedented.

“If you look back through time, you’ll see a number of sunfish washing up year to year, everywhere across the east coast and southern Australia,”hesaid.

“They typically tend to be out in the pelagic waters off the coast, but they do go anywhere that’s marine. I’ve seen them only 500 metres or a kilometre from the coast in certain places.”

ProfDempstersaidcitizenscientist

An Heremans had been contacted by a researcher from the Auckland Museum requesting a sample of the fish after posting pictures of it on websiteiNaturalist.

on the arrangement and recording of his music.

Having performed at the local commemoration for a number of years at theinvitationoftheGeelongsubbranchof the Vietnam Veterans Association and at international Anzac Day events in France and Papua New Guinea, Mr Healy said playingattheMelbournecommemoration was“ahugehonour”.

“It’s a great privilege to perform…(and) sharemystorytellingandsongsduringthe commemoration,” he said. “I really look forward to performing at the State Shrine andsupportingVietnamvets.”

Mr Healy first began exploring the

wartimestoriesofAustralianswhenhewas askedtoperformatKardiniaInternational College’s2008AnzacDayceremony,where hewasateacher.

“It’sapassionthat’sgrown…probablyone thing that motivates me to keep writing in thisspaceisnotjustforournextgeneration to learn about the sacrifice of the past, but alsotolearnfromhistory’spage,”hesaid.

“Today, more than ever, we need level-headed, even leaders with a mandate forworldpeace.”

The state commemoration will be streamed at shrine.org.au/vietnamveterans-day-commemoration from 10.30amto11.30amonTuesday18August.

Every answer matters

If you know where you’ll be on Census night, Tuesday 11 August, you can complete the form for your household as soon as you get your instructions. Complete online, on paper or with help from us.

census.abs.gov.au

Locals discovered a huge sunﬁsh beached at Point Lonsdale. (An Heremans)

Vin Healy and Matiss Schubert. (Ivan Kemp) 569984_04

Number one for cruelty

GreaterGeelonghasthehighestnumberof animal cruelty reports for the fifth year in a row, despite numbers dropping from last year.

RSPCA Victoria’s annual Animal Cruelty Report for the 2025/26 financial year identified Greater Geelong as the highest-ranked local government area (LGA) for the most reports of alleged animalcrueltytotheinspectorate.

Greater Geelong, which incorporates Ocean Grove, recorded 436 total reports for the recent financial year, with 124 fewer reports than the previous year’s totalof560.

The 2025/26 total marked Greater

Geelong’sfifthconsecutiveyearinthetop spot, with eight more reports than Casey, the second highest-ranked LGA for Total CrueltyReports.

RSPCA Victoria South West Region inspectorate team leader Shannon Walsh said there were 2411 cruelty reports received from the region in the last 12 months.

“We know times are tough, and many people love their animals but are struggling to provide even the basics,” he said.

“This year’s data shows underweight animals, horse welfare issues and hoarding situations continue to be

Vikki’s art brightens up club wall

Artist Vikki Turton has turned a blank wall into a vibrant mural for all to see at DrysdaleBowlingandCroquetClub.

Vikki was invited by Drysdale Croquet Club’s committee to produce the mural andsheleaptattheopportunitytoexpress herlovefortheclubanditsmembers. Themural,locatedinthecroquetsection of the club, depicts two croquet players shootingforhoops.

The murals have a personal connection. Her husband James is in one and herself in the other. Another mural within the club precinct, also completed by Vikki, represents her parents Paul and Annette McGregor,whoinvitedthecoupletotojoin theclubmanyyearsago.

VikkihasanexhibitondisplayinthePro Hart Outback Art Prize in Broken Hill and hasreachedthefinaliststage.

In Vikki’s words, “themes of balance, restoration, joy and the celebration of life areencodedinthelandscapesIdepict”.

Vikki, who commenced her artistic studies in the early 1990s with a Bachelor of Creative Arts in Queensland, has completed many commissioned pieces, exhibited in galleries across the country and enjoys working as a visitor experience officeratGeelongGallery.

Bunnings Leopold donated the paint for themural.

Artist Vikki Turton with her mural at Drysdale Bowling and Croquet Club. (Supplied)

ongoingtrendsforourteam.

“Community support is so important; if you find yourself in a situation where you cannotaffordtoprovidebasiccare,please seekhelpbeforeitbecomesamuchbigger problem.

“We rely on the community to report animalcrueltyorneglect,andtheanimals inyourareaneedyoutobetheirvoice.”

Greater Geelong was also the 12th highest LGA for Animals Seized or Surrendered, with 60 animals reported in thedata.

“This job is hard enough, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who has reported animal cruelty this year,” she said.

“Despite the number of cruelty reports reducing, we’ve seen a nearly 19 per cent increase in the number of animals seized by or surrendered to our inspectorate.a

“ManyofVictoria’spetownersarefacing financial hardship and mental health challenges, as well as drought in some areas, and this has directly affected their pets.”

Chief inspector Michelle Green said GreaterGeelongwasoneoffiveLGAswith more than 300 reports of animal cruelty and among 15 LGAs where more than 50 animalswereremoved.

Retiree rate cut rejected

By Matt Hewson

highcouncilratesforyears.

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 2026-27budget.

In April, Fairer Differential Rates campaigners presented four petitions withhundredsofsignaturesrequesting council reduce retirement village residents’ratesbyupto33percent.

“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,”shesaid.

“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.

Petitionersarguedretirementvillage 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 Victoriancouncilswhohadintroduced a differential rating system, including Brimbank City, Frankston City, Knox CityandMorningtonPeninsula.

“Our next step will be to address the September council meeting, where each of the eight retirement villagesintendstosubmitaquestionto council.”

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 “explorethematterfurther”.

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

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.

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 whochoosetoremainintheirhome”.

Fairer Differential Rates representative and Abervale Retirement Village residents and financecommitteesmemberChristine Kilsbysaidretirementvillageresidents had been paying disproportionately

“One of the things I’ve taken away from these conversations is a greater appreciation of the financial pressures facing pensioners on fixed incomes,” shesaid.

“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 conversationandoneIwillcontinueto havewithmycolleagues.”

Two friends rally with Sven

Bellarine Community Health nurse Beryl Downey will embark on a journey from AdelaidethroughtheOutbackinacarthat 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.

The universe has missed out on some cracking human beings simply because we didn’t know then what we know now - Beryl Downey

“I have had close family members and friends affected. It’s such a prevalent diseaseinitsmanyformsandtakesahuge emotional and financial toll on sufferers and their families, not to mention the health services that care for them.”

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 overnightinremoteOutbackcommunities and camp under star-filled 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 universehasmissedoutonsomecracking 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 thewaybutthat’sokay-we’reheretohave 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

Housing emerges as Australia’s biggest economic challenge

Australia’s economic growth is expected to slow as lower house price growth weighs on consumer spending and broader economic activity, with CommBank economists saying housing is now expected to be a bigger drag on the economy than higher oil prices.

Speaking on the latest episode of the CommBank View: Economics & Markets podcast, CommBank Head of Australian Economics Belinda Allen said the shape of Australia’s slowdown had changed over recent months.

“We’ve certainly seen a shift in what’s going to cause the Australian economy to slow,” Allen said.

“We still think that’s going to happen, but it’s really the housing market that’s going to create that slowdown in the Australian economy, rather than higher oil prices.”

The slowdown in home price growth that emerged in late 2025 has now spread across Australia’s housing market, with weaker conditions for sellers evident in most major capitals.

Allen said higher interest rates and policy changes had weighed on sentiment and prices.

“That combination of factors has seen the housing market pull back, and we’ve seen in past cycles that does impact the consumer through what economists call the wealth effect,” she said.

Falling home values typically make households feel less financially secure, encouraging them to save more and spend less. Allen said

that dynamic was now expected to be a key drag on economic growth throughout 2026.

Consumer spending is also showing signs of moderation.

Allen said CBA’s internal data suggested endof-financial-year sales activity had softened compared with the same period last year.

“There are signs that consumers are pulling back,” she said.

While household savings remain relatively healthy overall, Allen said weak sentiment and softer home prices were likely to keep consumers cautious through the remainder of the year.

Commonwealth Bank forecasts Australia’s economic growth will slow from 2.5 per cent in late 2025 to 1.5 per cent by late 2026, before improving to about 2 per cent by late 2027.

Despite the housing-led slowdown, Allen

said data centre development to fuel AI compute investment was creating important longer-term opportunities for the Australian economy. She cautioned that growth would be constrained by energy availability, water use and the time required to build new facilities, and that while it would help Australia’s economy, it was not going to fully make up for the slowdown in the consumer sector.

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)

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World-class facility

By Cr Elise Wilkinson

You might have noticed a buzz around Ocean Grove this week, accompanied by an uptick in traffic around Kingston Park.

That’s because council’s long-awaited $3.5 million Ocean Grove District Ride Centre is officially open, much to the delight of mountain bike and BMX riders of all ages.

It was great to see hundreds turn up to last Saturday’s launch to try out the brand-new tracks and jumps.

It’s been a long time coming and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone’s patience through the consultation, design and construction.

This facility wouldn’t exist without passionate advocacy from the young peopleofOceanGroveandBarwonHeads.

Their efforts highlighted that there was no safe ride centre on the Bellarine, with Grinter Reserve in Newcomb, The Hill Mountain Bike Park in Newtown and the soon to be upgraded jumps park in Waurn Ponds being their only other options.

We thank these young people for their persistenceincallingforthismuch-needed centre, along with the Ocean Grove Bike Park Committee and Community Reference Group.

Council listened to their feedback and is proud to have fully funded the world-class Ocean Grove District Ride Centre.

There really is nothing like it on the east coast of Australia, with something for every rider, from beginner to pro.

We have five jump lines, featuring rollers, berms, tabletops, hip jumps and a wall ride, and the asphalt pump track,

designed to encourage rider progression, meansthatskatersandscooterridersdon’t miss out either.

Best of all, the ride centre is within easy riding distance for most people in Ocean Grove.

So anyone can get on their bike, skateboard or scooter and ride, skate and scoot on down.

A reminder, though, that the tracks weren’t designed for powered bikes and scooters.

Using an e-bike, a similarly modified bikeorapoweredscooterputsotherriders and spectators in danger and has the potential to cause damage to the surface, which means closures for repairs.

It’s up to all of us to help keep this new facility safe and in great condition for everyone.

If you spot any issues at the centre, let the City know via geelongcity.vic.gov.au/ contact or phone 03 5272 5272.

The centre also boasts start mound shelters, seating, bike racks and a central landscaped space with indigenous plants for spectators, gatherings and riders to rest.

And it was built with sustainability in mind, using more than 14,000 tonnes of recycled concrete from the former Alcoa site at Point Henry, which would have otherwise gone to landfill.

Visitors from outside our municipality have been champing at the bit for this facility to open too so they can make a day or weekend trip to Ocean Grove out of it.

Our region’s accommodation providers, hospitality venues, retail outlets and tourism operators will all win from this visitation.

Aswe’dhoped,thehealthandwellbeing benefits of this centre are already on display, and it’s great to see young (and older!) people putting their devices away to get outdoors, push themselves physically and make new friends.

Whether you come to ride, watch or soak up the atmosphere, I’m sure you’ll leave with the same sense of pride in what ourcommunitycanachievefromworking together.

Fairy terns, or maybe not?

I have had two trips to Western Treatment Plant (WTP).

One drive was on a very windy and wet day and the birds were hiding, but I saw a few small terns flying at Western Lagoons. I think they were fairy terns because the black on the head stopped at the eyes (in little terns the black extends to the bill beyond the eyes).

Thebirdsalsolackedthedarkareaonthe end of the bill that is present in little terns, however, I could be very wrong and I’m happy to be corrected.

I spent the day at WTP with my birding friend Kylie from Sydney, who had a list of birds that she wanted to see, including the elusive black falcon, red-kneed dotterel, black-tailed native hen, and banded stilt. We saw none of these birds.

We did see three orange-bellied parrots, which was great. These birds camouflaged so well in the vegetation that I wouldn’t have seen them if Kylie hadn’t known the area. Orange-bellied parrots are critically endangered and there have been a few years of captive breeding to try and boost numbers, so it is always great to see these birds.

I spent another day at Aireys Inlet as Kylie was keen to see blue-winged parrots, rufous bristlebirds and flame robins.

We saw six flame robins at Wallington when I did my Birds on Farms Survey and wespottedblue-wingedParrotsatTorquay, and then a few bristlebirds in the bush behind the lighthouse at Aireys. It was a very successful day.

I received an email from Jennie, who moved to Ocean Grove nearly two years ago from Melbourne. Jennie has enjoyed lots of varieties of birds in Melbourne but noted that there are a few additional ones around the Bellarine. I

Jennie said there is a rainbow lorikeet and a scaly-breasted lorikeet that have been regular visitors as a pair for over a year. When Jennie’s husband first spotted them,hethoughtthescalyonewasayoung bird but none of its colours have altered. Victoria’s scaly-breasted lorikeets are thought to be cage escapees. Around the Bellarine they tend to mate with rainbow lorikeets and this produces unusual looking hybrids.

On a recent walk around the Bluff at Barwon Heads, Jennie and her husband spotted a couple of young looking hooded plovers.

I received an email from Andrew, who went to the mouth of Thompson Creek at Breamlea and saw four hooded ploverstwo adults (one banded with identification letters of LB) and two sub-adults with white-speckled hoods. It looks like two of the birds were moulting into adult plumage.

IreceivedanemailfromKevinandAnne Maree, who caught two pied currawongs having a chat in their very small garden. KevintookaphotowithhisiPhonethrough the tinted window of his house.

Andrew’s hooded plover at Breamlea.

Pied currawongs in Kevin’s garden.

Above: Jennie’s hooded plover at the Bluff, Barwon Heads (left), and scaly-breasted lorikeet at Ocean Grove.

Left: Jen’s fairy tern at Western Treatment Plant.

Cr Elise Wilkinson provides a history of the track at the opening of the Ocean Grove District Ride Centre. (Ivan kemp)

Cartier, London Necklace 1934, special order. Cartier Collection © Cartier. Photo: Nils Herrmann (background) Image: Studio Sabine Marcelis

CELEBRATING SENIORS

For older Australians, quality time can strengthen connections.

The best Father’s Day gift

Father’s Day is a chance to celebrate the fathers, grandfathers and father figures who have shaped our lives.

But when it comes to choosing a gift for an older loved one, many families find themselves asking: What do you buy someone who already has everything?

At Homestyle Aged Care, we often see that the most meaningful gifts aren’t the onesthatcomewrappedinpaper.They’re the moments shared together.

A visit over a cup of coffee, a family barbecue, a favourite takeaway meal or an afternoon watching the football can mean far more than another item on a shelf. For older Australians, quality time can strengthen connections, create new memories, and bring joy to everyday life.

Experiences can also make wonderful gifts. A trip to a local museum, a movie, a sportingeventorevenatraditionalbarber

shop visit can provide something to look forward to and memories to cherish. For thosewhoenjoyhobbies,consideraboard game,indoorgardeningkit,birdfeederor magazine subscription.

Practical gifts can also make everyday life more comfortable. Cosy slippers, a warm jumper, a large-display clock, or an organiser for everyday essentials are thoughtful options that combine comfort with convenience.

Whatever you choose this Father’s Day, remember that your presence is often the greatest gift of all.

If you or your loved one are looking for aged care in Ocean Grove, Leopold or Grovedale, our admissions team can discuss your individual situation and advise onthemany optionsavailable.

Call us on 1300 104 663 or visit our website at homestyleagedcare.com.au

Plan to protect your legacy

Many people spend a lifetime building a home, growing their savings and supportingtheirfamily.

Making sure those assets are protected and passed on according to their wishes requiresmorethansimplyhavingawill.

While a will is an essential part of estate planning, it is often only one piece of the puzzle. A comprehensive estate plan may also include powers of attorney, superannuation binding death benefit nominations and strategies to protect beneficiariesandfamilywealth.

For seniors, estate planning involves important decisions about who will manage financial and personal matters if you can no longer do so, who will administer your estate, and how assets should be distributed. These issues can become particularly important in blended families or where a beneficiary requires additional support or

protection.

Coulter Legal’s Wills, Estates & Succession Planning team helps clients create personalised estate plans tailored to their circumstances, goals and family needs. Whether you need your first will, updated powers of attorney or advice about testamentary trusts and succession planning, Coulter Legal’s experienced lawyerscanguideyouthroughtheprocess.

Having an up-to-date estate plan provides peace of mind and can help reduce uncertainty and stress for loved onesatanalreadydifficulttime.

Coulter Legal has offices in Barwon Heads, Geelong, Melbourne, Torquay, MorningtonandRobe.

To arrange a consultation, call (03) 5273 5211orvisitcoulterlegal.com.au

Estateplanningisnotjustaboutplanning for the future. It’s about protecting the peopleandlegacythatmattermost.

Coulter Legal senior associate Lauren Solomonson and director Stefan Manche.

CELEBRATING SENIORS

Learning from our clients

Providingthebestsupporttopeoplewithin their homes is a message that Just Better Care’sstaffliveby.

Support worker Sara Furness said Just BetterCaretreateditsstaffandclientswith the utmost respect as one of Australia’s largest providers of in-home aged care and disabilitysupportservices.

“Every one of our clients are absolutely amazingindividuals.Ilearneverydayfrom themthroughconversations,”shesaid.

“Our care allows our clients to keep their independence and enables them to stay home. It also allows them to be

self-supported in a way, but when it becomesnecessary,we’retheretohelp.

“Just Better Care means supporting people within their home space and creating an environment where they feel comfortable.”

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

Ask this lifestyle question

When considering a retirement village, priceisonlypartoftheequation.

The real question is: which village offers thebestvalueforthelifestyleyouwant?

At The Breeze Point Lonsdale, value goes well beyond the purchase price. It is reflected in the quality of your home, the lifestyle you enjoy, and the confidence that comes from living in a professionally managedcommunity.

Our premium homes and thoughtfully designed amenities are created for people ready to embrace a rewarding new chapter. Enjoy beautifully maintained surroundings, take part in community activities, or simply spend time with neighbourswhobecomefriends.TheBreeze offerstheperfectbalanceofindependence, connection and convenience, while keeping you close to family and familiar localnetworks.

The Breeze is backed by a family-owned

Australian group with more than 40 years of experience in retirement living and aged care. That experience provides stability, ongoing investment and a strong understanding of what matters most in retirement:quality,security,independence andpeaceofmind.

Residents also benefit from Victoria’s strengthenedretirementvillagelegislation, whichoffersgreaterconsumerprotections, improved transparency around fees and contracts, and stronger dispute resolution processes, giving added confidence throughoutyourretirementjourney.

Choosing a retirement village is one of life’s most important decisions. When comparing your options, look beyond the headline price and consider the lifestyle, community, support and long-term securityonoffer.

AtTheBreezePointLonsdale,webelieve theanswerisclear.

The Breeze Retirement Living

What you see is what you get.

Our village offers a truly beautiful setting, characterised by open spaces, fresh coastal air, and the nearby presence of the ocean. The Breeze Retirement Village is nestled amongst Point Estate bordering beautiful waterways and a short distance from our wonderful beaches. It allows for us to preserve the close-knit, welcoming atmosphere that makes our community special. Whether you’re a local or considering a move to a coastal lifestyle, you’ll find a genuine sense of

the private cinema, library, and cosy lounges all included in your new lifestyle. There’s nothing we love more than seeing our residents truly enjoy this next chapter—and it’s easy to see why. With pristine beaches, scenic coastal walking tracks, renowned wineries, and the very best of the Bellarine Peninsula right on your doorstep, life at The Breeze Point Lonsdale offers a relaxed, connected and enriching way of living.

Small

Everyday Convenience

The answer is clear at The Breeze Point Lonsdale.

Come and look

A gift that lasts a lifetime

Looking for a gift that truly makes a difference?

A professionally prepared will is one of the most thoughtful and practical gifts you can give, providing peace of mind for todayandcertaintyforthefuture.

Many families help their parents prepare or update their wills, ensuring their wishes are documented and making things easier for loved ones. It’s also a good time to prepare Powers of Attorney forfuturefinancial,personalandmedical decisions.

A will also makes a meaningful gift for adult children, particularly after a major life event such as buying a first home, getting married, welcoming a baby, starting a business or experiencing a separation.Thesemilestonesoftenchange a person’s circumstances and make it the perfecttimetoputanestateplaninplace.

At Taylor Legal, we believe estate planning should be affordable and accessible. Our professionally prepared online wills start from just $290. Unlike many online will providers, we don’t simply prepare your documents and send them to you. We arrange for your will to be professionally signed and witnessed and securely store the original in our deeds system at no additional cost, giving you confidence that your documents are protected and readily available when needed. We also offer tailored appointmentswithourexperiencedestate planning lawyers for more personalised advice.

Whetherit’sforabirthdayorChristmas or simply because you care, a will is a gift that provides lasting security, certainty andpeaceofmind.

Contact

Olivia Hill is one of Taylor Legal’s lawyers and predominantly works in Wills and Deceased Estates. (Supplied)

Get to know your local MP

Getting to know Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

MyfamilywouldtellyouIrarelyswitchoff from work.

The truth is, I probably don’t as much as I should, but I genuinely love what I do.

When I do get a chance to stop, I love getting outside fishing, trying a new recipe in the kitchen, or getting my hands dirty with pottery – a hobby I’ve recently taken up.

Honestly,I’veneverfeltlikea‘politician’.

I’m Alison – a wife, a mum, a former teacher and someone who loves this community. I believe in kindness, hard work, and listening to people.

IfIcanhelpredefinewhatpeopleexpect from a politician, then I’d be pretty happy with that.

Every conversation, every opportunity to help someone with a problem or improve our community, reminds me why I put myhand up inthe firstplace–to make positive change.

Life at home is rarely quiet with two teenagers, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Like many of us, I’ve experienced difficult moments in life that have changed me forever. In 2008, my husband andIexperiencedtheheartbreakoflosing our child, who was born sleeping. It was a moment that defined my ‘before and after’, showing me the resilience we carry within, and the importance of making the most of opportunities.

The Bellarine is home. I grew up in Leopold when it was still a small rural

town and a place where neighbours looked out for each other.

Hard work was a value learned from my family’s farming background and later through the campaign to ban fracking in Victoria, I saw the power of community.

Bringing farmers, environmentalists and local residents together, protecting the place they loved, was a defining moment.

Politics wasn’t a career I planned, but whether I’m meeting a local organisation, advocating for better schools and healthcare, it’s all driven by the same belief that first took root growing up here: communities are strongest when people come together.

It’s a privilege to play a part in helping theBellarinecontinuetobethebestplace to live.

Alison Marchant, Member for Bellarine Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant.

Heartfelt tale with a positive ending from author Scheiner

Christine Scheiner is this month’s Bellarine Writing Competition winner with a heartfelt story about a 200-year-old gum tree’s existence.

Topic 5 is your last chance to win a place in the final this year and win $1000. Again a disappointing number of entries, only 13, for what I admit was a difficult topic. But this time the quality of the stories and writing was very good.

Christine Scheiner was the winner for the third time. Highly recommended were Jenn Eddy with an unusual approach to the topic and a humorous use of President Trump, and Eileen Jenkins using the title, 2025, to describe a controlled repressive future life. It was pleasing to receive entries from school pupils. - Alan Cobham

Judges’ comments

With a unique approach to the main character of the story, Christine, with vivid expression, describes the historical life of a ghost gum in central Australia spanning two centuries, ending with a positive hope at the end.

Corymbia aparrerinja (Ghost gum)

By Christine Scheiner

1856

landscape – a king amongst lesser trees. A massive, towering ghost gum with birds shelteringwithinitsfoliageandmarsupials sleeping in its shade. It will also be the centrepiece of a famous painting.

1956

Pencil in hand, and a plywood board resting on his knees, an Arrernte man sits quietly on an uneven rock, breathing in the dry desert air. The temperature is low for thearea,mid-30s,andtheintensecerulean sky highlights the powdery white of the bark, set against the vivid ochre red of the surrounding earth. The brim of his hat is soaked with sweat, and his eyes squint as colours mesh and mix. Like magic, a vision of an enormous ghost gum appears on the paper resting on his board. In time it will become a watercolour painting, just one of many, of the legacy he will leave behind.

Around 2800km east of the MacDonnell Ranges in Sydney, another artist, William Dargie, submits a portrait of the Arrernte artist and wins the 1956 Archibald Prize for his painting.

Albert Namatjira can sit for this portrait, but he is not recognised as an Australian citizen, nor can he buy alcohol or vote – not for another year.

It would take another 100 years for the fate of the ghost gum to be sealed.

2056

of water pushed on by gravity picks up the seed and washes it into a hidden crack.

The vast sky crackles and seethes. Edges of the cloud begin to open, shedding heavy rain like an old skin. As the last of the daylight touches the rocks, a stream

In a land that understands only strength, dappled shadows dance over the dry earth. Clouds pass in sullen silence, caressing the sky as kangaroos graze and serpents bask on the land below. The parched red soil criesoutformoisture,andtheskybeginsto swell with unease. A tiny seed embedded in between two vibrant red-brown igneous rocks waits patiently, biding time – hiding within a fissure millions of years in the making, giving no hint of the towering strength 100 years ahead.

“He or She opened the

In10days,thegumnutwillsprout,laying roots deep into the soil in a remote corner of the MacDonnell Ranges.

In one year, it will be two metres tall, a tenth of its final height.

And in 100 years it will dominate the

As the drought drags on into its eighth year, the weak have become memories. All but the most robust and resilient have perished, and the MacDonnell ranges are raw and alien. The air is thick with heat and dust, and the temperature resting in the mid-50s makes it an inhospitable atmosphere even for the hardiest.

There are no birds. A few insects eke out an existence in the scant shade of the sole ghost gum. The herbivores left or died many years ago.

Resting up against the trunk of the ghost gum, are remnants left by uncaring campers. A broken camp chair, a nest of rusted tins, a scattering of plastic bottles – it will be another 1000 years before their resilient polymers make their way into the earth, but they will never belong in the desert soil. Tiny pieces of micro plastic have already entered the root system of the 200-year-old tree, further weakening its faded defences. These small changes in the soil have signed its death warrant, and water stress has hastened the process.

In a last attempt at self-preservation, the once sturdy tree has lost 50 per cent of its foliage, and the remaining few leaves look sallow and forlorn. Tucked up amongst the denuded branches, nestles a small, solitary gumnut, clinging to the tree like a limpet to a rock. The vibrant painting hanging in the National Gallery of Australia and this barren, apocalyptic landscape have few similarities.

In the moonlight, the white bark still glows with spiritual luminosity, giving the ancient trunk and twisted branches an ethereal aura. Small shadows scud across the full moon, as low drifting clouds skim the night air, pushed by a sudden sharp wind. There is a hollow promise of rain, and the wind drives up into an angry dry squall,enoughtoshakethefamousoldtree intoagentle,slowfallontotherocksbelow.

In 2056 the ghost gum’s 200-year reign ends, but as it topples, a tiny gumnut rolls away and wedges deep into a crevice, a fragment of history waiting for the right moment.

ESTATE

Artisan wines without compromise

• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

• Wine Tastings

• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm

1400 Portarlington Rd, Curlewis 03 5253 3180 leuraparkestate.com.au

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Spear your fork into fresh asparagus

August is when asparagus begins to appear at farmers markets, in green grocers and supermarkets, signalling the transition from winter into spring. This delicious asparagus pasta is simple and filling, combing fresh asparagus with cream, garlic and lemon.

Creamy Lemon & Asparagus Pasta

Serves: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

This quick, family-friendly pasta makes the most of fresh Australian asparagus and is perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

350g fettuccine or linguine

2 bunches fresh asparagus, woody ends removed and cut into 4cm pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, crushed

300ml thickened cream

1 lemon (zest and juice)

½ cup grated parmesan, plus extra to serve

2 cups baby spinach

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish

Method

1/ Bring a large saucepan of salted water to the boil and cook the pasta according to packet instructions.

2/ Add the asparagus to the pasta water for the ﬁnal 2 minutes of cooking. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.

3/ Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large

FLYING BRICK CIDER CO

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frying pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

4/ Stir in the cream, lemon zest and juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

5/ Add the parmesan and stir until melted. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

6/ Toss through the cooked pasta, asparagus and spinach. Stir until the spinach has just wilted.

• Iconic Bellarine winery

• Unrivalled panoramic views

• Contemporary a la carte

• Sophisticated wines

• Lunch / Wine Tastings

• OPEN 7 Days

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7/ Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8/ Serve topped with extra parmesan, chopped parsley and cracked black pepper.

Optional additions:

• Grilled chicken for extra protein.

• Smoked salmon stirred through just before serving.

• Toasted pine nuts for added crunch.

• A sprinkle of chilli ﬂakes for a little heat.

Finesse your form or just for fun.

• Lunch / Dinner / Snacks

• Burger, Beverage & Balls packages

• Barista coffe, beer, wine & cocktails

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JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-proﬁt organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Voice Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to newsdesk@voicegroup.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.

Talk

Cherished Pets’ Dr Alicia Kennedy 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

Bellarine Historical Society

Open to the public. Discover the area’s past. Sundays 10.30am-12.30pm, closed August. Courthouse Museum, 11 High Street, Drysdale. bellarinehistory.org

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

Meets second Wednesday of the month at 360Q, Queenscliff, 10.30am for 11am. oceangroveday.viewclub@gmail.com

Mindfulness group

Gentle mindfulness for stress reduction by a certiﬁed practitioner. Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, Thursdays, 4-5.30pm. Belinda, 0483 799 552

Leopold Library

Tuesdays 2pm: Digital drop in for basic tech needs

Free school holiday programs. All ages, all interests. 4201 0675, grlc.vic.gov.au

Ocean Grove Snooker Club

Avenue Avengers are a snooker team who play for Ocean Grove Snooker Club. The club, which has 12 teams, has been playing for 49 years. Matches are highly competitive but played in great spirit, with refreshments and supper at the end. This year’s 50th season is highly anticipated and celebrations are being planned. Avenue Avengers are looking to bolster numbers. 0448 391 366

Portarlington playgroup

Experience play in an unstructured, relaxed environment. Large indoor space with toilets and baby change facilities. Suits 0-4years. Free to attend. Wednesdays 10-11.30am, Parks Hall Portarlington.

Ocean Grove Library

Tuesday 11 August, 5.40-6.30pm: author event - Sophie Green

Wednesday 19 August, 2-3pm: book chat Mondays 10.30-11.30am: preschool story time (during school term)

Tuesdays 4-5pm: youth collective (ages 12-18, during school term)

Wednesdays 9.30-10am: toddler time (during school term)

Thursdays 11.30-11.50am: baby time (all year)

Thursdays 3.45-4.45pm: after-school program (during school term)

Bellarine Presbyterian Church

Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove

Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, secretary Neil Mansﬁeld, 0405 064 976

The Big Read Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace. Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls Point Lonsdale Bowls Club every Friday and Sunday evening during the holidays. Live music every second Sunday. 5258 1150

Live music

Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10 entry all welcome.

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

Friendly group of active women retirees who have played soft tennis for many years. The game is similar to Pickleball. Ocean Grove Memorial Hall, 123 The Avenue, Mondays 1.30-3.30pm. No experience necessary. Just a desire to keep ﬁt and have fun. Megan, 0439 317 344

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

Meets the ﬁrst and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome. Kareen, 0419 246 346, Janis, 5255 4585

Bellarine Women’s Workshop

Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.

Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Chess clubs

For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington, Mondays at 9.30am, Parks Hall, 87 Newcombe Street, Portarlington; and St Leonards, Thursdays at 9.30am, unit 2 1375-1377 Murradoc Road, (on Blanche Street), St Leonards. Ralph, 0431 458 100 (Ocean Grove), Rob, 5259 2290 (Portarlington), Lyn, 5292 2162 (St Leonards)

Bellarine TOWN

Bellarine TOWN Club meets Wednesdays, noon-2pm at Ocean Grove Community Centre, 1 John Dory Drive. Affordable, supportive group for those trying to lose weight.

0478 615 683

Springs TOWN Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight

Repair Cafe Bellarine

Next session on Sunday 16 August, Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 1 John Dory Drive, 12.30-3.30pm. Volunteer repairers will ﬁx items such as clothes, toys, furniture, electrical goods and electronic items. repaircafebellarine.org.au

Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. $5 per session, $54 annual fee.

Bev, 0421 636 830

Carpet bowls

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold, Wednesday and Friday, 1-3.15pm. Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea. 0400 500 402

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome. Shirley, 0488 055 969

Scottish country dancing classes GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed, just comfy casual clothing and ﬂat shoes. Barbara, 0419 511 781

Afternoon tea dance

Life Activities Club [Geelong Inc] hosts an afternoon tea dance on Thursdays, 2-4pm, at Belmont Park Pavilion. Entry: $5. 5251 3529

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

Mainly Music

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

Drysdale Day VIEW

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month.

Margaret, 0431 636 090

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW

Meets on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm. Supporting disadvantaged children through education. oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com

Leopold VIEW

Second Tuesday of each month, Leopold Sportsmans’ Club, 10.30am. leopold.viewclub@gmail com

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club

Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club.

Raelene, 4244 0376

CWA Drysdale

Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members.

Jenni, 0452 258 333

Writers’ group

The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, on the ﬁrst Sunday of the month 2-4pm. New members welcome.

dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

Mahjong

Tuesdays 1-4pm, Neighbourhood Centre, 1 John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove. Come try it, new players welcome. Sandra, 0423 047 862

Ride centre oﬃcially opened

Ocean Grove’s much anticipated ride centre was officially opened at Kingston Park on Saturday 2 August, after years of campaigning by the community’s youth. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went along and got these pictures.

The track is opened.

Hendrix gets ready to ride on the track.

Local band Caught in the Crossﬁre entertained the crowd.

Left: Local didgeridoo player Michael. Centre: Hamish, Nat and Rich are pro riders who, as part of World Trail, designed the track. Right: All smiles for the grand opening.

Flynn and Freddie built jumps for themselves before the track was built.

Mayor Stretch Kontelj and Cr Elise Wilkinson.

Cr Rowan Story and City of Greater Geelong chief executive Ali Wastie.

Pro riders and track designers.

Kids try out the track.

A tray full of memories

By Jena Carr

AGeelongartist transforms forgottentrays intospecialportraitsofmemory,generosity and connections in a new Ocean Grove exhibition.

Jill Shalless will showcase her repurposed wooden trays during her latest solo exhibition Tray Bien! at The Hive Gallery this month.

Ms Shalless said each tray invited viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty of everyday life, while celebrating the comfort of familiar objects.

“I’ve just enjoyed the process of painting the trays and exploring the ideas that have come together for it,” she said.

“It’s an exhibition of utilitarian trays that I have been collecting over a number of years that I’ve been decorating with a different still life to tell the story of food

and generosity.

“The actual object of a tray itself is a rather beautiful object...and I love being able to combine objects that make a good composition together to tell a story.”

An opening celebration will be held on Saturday 8 August from 2pm, with people able to meet Ms Shalless and discuss her works.

“It is always nice to see how people view my work and talk about the ideas behind them, so I’m excited to share that experience,” Ms Shalless said.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the works ondisplayasagroupofpaintings,catching up with friends and getting a response to the body of work.”

TrayBien!willbeheldatTheHiveGallery from Friday 7 August to 30 August, with everyone welcome to attend the opening celebration.

Young musicians prepare for a mighty Battle of the Bands

By Jena Carr

Eight high school bands from across the Bellarine, Surf Coast and Geelong will battle it out for a performance spot at the Queenscliff Music Festival.

Queenscliff Town Hall will host the Come Together – Battle of the Bands event on Sunday 9 August, giving local high school musicians a chance to showcase their talent.

Queenscliff Music Festival director Claire Stickland said the event was about celebrating the next generation of musicians and giving young artists the

chance to perform on a professional stage.

“For many young musicians, this may be theirfirstexperienceperformingoutsideof a school environment or in a professional venue,” she said.

“Having access to stages, supportive audiences, and industry experiences helps build confidence and encourages them to continue their creative journey.

“There is something really special about watching young musicians build confidence, support each other, and have that moment where they realise they belong in themusiccommunity.”

The winning band on the day will earn a

performance spot at the Queenscliff Music Festival in November.

“This is an incredible opportunity for a young band, as it’s a chance to step onto a festival stage and perform alongside established artists,” Ms Stickland said.

“This is our way of investing in the next generation of local talent, and hopefully it inspires them to continue creating, performing,andpursuingtheirpassionfor music.”

The event is free for spectators to attend, butregistrationisrequired,andpeoplecan visit qmf.net.au/youth-events to reserve a spot.

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Belmont High School’s The Routine won last year’s Come Together event and received a performance slot at the 2025 Queenscliff Music Festival. (Supplied)

Jill Shalless will showcase a collection of repurposed and decorated wooden trays during her new solo exhibition Tray Bien!. (Ivan Kemp) 569576_07

PUZZLES

1 Reason for doing or not doing something (6) 4 In very high spirits (8) 9 Recipe (7)

Former US First Lady, – 'Lady Bird' Johnson (7) 12 Flash of lightning (11) 13 Cover (3) 14 Gathers dimensions (8) 16 Governs (5) 19 Expel (5) 20 A form of pasta (8) 22 Hot beverage (3) 24 Great playwright (11) 26 Persecute (7)

Understanding of surroundings, – awareness (7) 29 Expenditure (8) 30 Abandon (6)

Swathe (6)

Relating to ocean movements (5)

Secret (11)

Were of the same opinion (6)

Stormy (11)

15 Fully informed; performing at the right rate (2,2,5)

17 Doppelganger (4-5)

18 Strata (6)

21 Holmes’ companion, Dr – (6)

23 Fruit (5)

25 Carpentry tool (5)

28 Tenanted (3)

colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in 's'.

12 words: Good 18 words: Very good 24 words: Excellent Today’s Aim:

1 What type of animal is the South African Boerboel?

2 Which Williams sister is older, Venus or Serena? 3 What ﬁsh is used in the making of Worcestershire sauce? 4 What is the ﬁrst name of Wonder Woman’s alter ego?

5 In what decade was Frank Sinatra born?

6 In which South American city is the 16th-century Plaza

Premium car for less cash

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Launched here in late 2025 the Leapmotor B10 is a fully-electric compact SUV from thenewChinesebrandbackedbythehuge Stellantis group which brings a number of brands to Australia including Jeep, Peugeot,RAM,FiatandAlfaRomeo.

We’re told that the unusual name is a loosetranslationfromtheChineseLingpao Qiche that means Zero Run Automobile. Makessense.

Leapmotor B10 is the brand’s second model joining the larger C10 SUV that arrivedhereinearly2025.It’scurrentlyEV only but we’re told that an extended range hybrid (REEV) version will be added later thisyear.

We understand that a Leapmotor B05 compact electric hatchback will be added totherangelaterthisyear.Others,yettobe confirmed, include a city electric SUV and alargeseven-seatSUVplug-inhybrid.

Two variants of the B10 are available, both powered by the same rear-mount motor but charged by different Lithium IronPhosphate(LFP)batteries.

The entry-level Style has a 56.2 kWh battery and is priced at $37,888 plus on-road costs while the B10 Design Long Range generates 67.1 kWh and sells for $40,888plusORCs.

The B10 is backed by a six-year, 150,000km vehicle warranty and an eight-year,160,000kmhigh-voltagebattery warranty.

Exterior

While Leapmotor B10 shares much of its overall styling with its larger C10 sibling, its compact proportions give it a slightly sportier look. Having said that there’s little that will have it stand out from its numerouscompactSUVrivals.

Both B10 variants come with LED automatic head and brake lights, a fixed panoramicglassroofwithapoweredblind, LED automatic headlights and 18-inch alloywheels.

The Design LR grade adds an LED dynamic rear light bar, rear privacy glass, automatic power folding mirrors, rain-sensingwiperandapowertailgate.

Oddly,therearenorearwipersoneither model.

Sixcoloursareavailable.LightWhiteand Starry Night Blue are standard. The other four are $990 options: Galaxy Silver, Tetra Grey,DawnPurpleandMetallicBlack.

Interior

The inside of the Leapmotor B10 is a real surprisewithalookandfeelthat’s comparable with a much more establishedandmoreexpensivebrand.

As is the norm with Chinese EVs the dash is dominated by a large touchscreen andnophysicalcontrols.

There are some quirky features such as the three oval openings at the top and bottom of the dashboard in front of the passenger. Nobody could work out if they werefunctionalorjustdecorative.

Style comes with grey fabric seats with the Design getting what Leapmotor calls TechnoLeatherakasyntheticseats.

Thefrontseatsareheated,ventilatedand poweredwithsixsettingsforthedriverand four for the passenger. The steering wheel isalsoheated.

The customizable 64-colour interior ambient lighting system can sync with the car’ssoundsystem.

The twin cupholders in the front are tucked behind the centre console and difficulttoreachespeciallyatnight.Which isn’t a bad thing because they fold up and down,asmygrandsonsuggested,liketoilet seats.Five-yearoldsnoticethesethings.

Boot space, once you discover that it’s accessed through a small button in the

RATINGS

Looks: 8/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 8/10

Thirst: 7/10

Practicality: 7/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 7/10

Value: 8/10

right centre of the rear, is a decent 490 litresincludingtheextraunder-floorspace where items such like as the charging cables (mode 2 and 3) and the tyre repair kit which, sadly, is required in lieu of a sparewheel.

There is a small frunk for storage under thebonnet.

Vehicle to Load (V2L) is standard although the cable isn’t. It costs around $280.

With the rear seatbacks folded, boot spaceexpandsupto1475litres.

The tailgate can also be opened through thetouchscreen.

Powertrain

The B10 is powered by a high-efficiency electric motor delivering 160kW and 240Nmoftorque.Zeroto100km/hislisted at8secondswithatopspeedof170km/h.

The Style has a 56.2 kWh battery with an 11kW maximum AC rate through three-phase power that can charge from zero to 100 per cent in around six hours. With single-phase power that drops to 7.4kWandaround10hours.

Both Style and Design LR support 11kW AC charging and ultra-fast DC charging up to 168 kW (Design LR), enabling a 30 to 80 per cent charge in approximately 20 minutes.

The charge port is located at the rear driver’sside.

Both Style and Design LR support DC charging up to 168 kW (Design LR), enabling a 30 to 80 per cent charge in approximately20minutes.

Safety

Leapmotor B10 was tested by ANCAP in November 2025 and received the maximum five-star rating. A positive for parents is a near-perfect child occupant protectionscore.

There are seven airbags including one in the front centre position. Also standard are adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, emergency lane keeping, speed assist system, blind spot monitoring, front collision warning, rear crosstrafficalertandbraking,rearparking sensors,anddriverattentionmonitoring.

AsisnowthenormwithChineseEVsthe frustrating and incessant alerts that have

drivers screaming ‘Just Let Me (expletives deleted) Drive!’ such as lane correction, speed limit alert and driver alert can be turnedoff

While they do need to be turned on every time the car re-starts there is a customisablebuttononthesteeringwheel where they can be turned off again with a singletouch.

Onesurprisingomissionineithermodel, andatrapfortheunwary,istheabsenceof frontparkingsensors.

Infotainment

Standard in both B10 variants are a 14.6-inch colour touchscreen and an 8.8-inch LCD driver instrument cluster. There’s also satellite navigation, 360-degree camera with guidelines, an integrated 360-degree dashcam recorder andwirelesssmartphonecharger.

Thehigh-resolutionscreensarebothfast andsharp.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are bothwireless.

Style comes with a basic six-speaker audio system. Design adds 12-speaker surroundsound.

Driving

At 4.5 metres the Leapmotor B10 is only marginally smaller than the C10 and can carryfiveadultsinreasonablecomfort.

EntryintotheB10isthroughafrustrating digital keyless system that requires an NFC key card to be tapped on a tab on the outside of the driver’s side mirror. There is a smartphone app as an alternative. While both methods unlock the doors, they don’t open the flush handle which needs a button to be pushed and the handle then pulledout.

The card then has to be placed on the left-hand side of the centre console otherwisethevehiclewon’tstart,although it can then be moved. Fortunately, common sense has prevailed and after a wave of buyer complaints, we’re assured that physical keys will progressively be introduced with the keycards remaining onlyasabackup.

OnthepositivesidethereisaLeapmotor App that provides remote access as well features such as vehicle status, vehicle locationandscheduledcharging.

B10 is a capable city transporter with

the smooth, steady acceleration that is the norm in electric vehicles. It lacks the whiplash pick up of performance EVs but does move from zero to 100km/h in 8 seconds making it sharp enough for quick lanechangeswhenneeded.

There are three drive modes: Comfort, Standard and Sport. In Sport there’s noticeably more response in steering and throttleforgreaterdrivingenjoyment. Stellantis input shows up in a relatively firm but comfortable ride. It grips the road and corners securely with minimal body roll.

There is three-stage brake regeneration with One-Pedal driving available in the DesignLR.

LeapmotorquotesNEDCrangeof442km fromtheStyleand516kmwiththeDesign. These equate to the more realistic WLTP numbersof361kmand434kmrespectively. Energy usage is listed at an impressive 14.0kWh(Style)and14.1kWh(Design).

Summing up

With so many new brands coming from China it’s getting increasingly difficult to evaluate each of their credentials and comparethemwitheachother.

WhilesomelikeMG,BYDandGWMare now well-established, others, including Leapmotor, are still largely unknown. The fact that it’s part of the Stellantis group, currently the world’s fourth-largest automobile manufacturing group should reassurepotentialbuyers.

Importantly, Stellantis didn’t just take Leapmotor off the shelf. Its engineers provided significant input into the design, chassistuninganddrivingcharacteristics. It’s a reasonably spacious and comfortable family vehicle that’s equally at home in either urban or motorway conditions and it’s large enough to make foranexcellentlong-distancecruiser. Potentialbuyerswillneedtobepatientas they scroll through the seemingly endless controlsstoredwithinthetouchscreenbut by the end of our week-long test we had grown to understand and appreciate its quality.

Best of all, it offers outstanding value for money especially with the extra features and extended range in the Design variant costing just around $3000 more than the Style.

The Leapmotor B10 offers outstanding value for money. (Pictures: Supplied)

Around the courts

Results and best players from Bellarine Netball League matches played on Saturday 1 August.

A GRADE

Geelong Amateur 65 def Torquay 64

Best: Geelong Amateur - Courtney Coutts, Alex Duck, Bec Winch. Torquay - Evie Hughes,DaisyO’Kane,KiraleeCollings.

Ocean Grove 63 def Queenscliff 44

Best: Ocean Grove - Perri Jones, Georgia Ryan, Zanna Woods. Queenscliff - Matilda Kidd, Kaitlin Gladman,Caitie Kennedy. Barwon Heads 62 def Modewarre 38 Best: Barwon Heads - Martine Rodger, Jordan Maher, Racquel Scott. ModewarreSarah Mulqueen, Clodagh Newton, Laney McFadyen.

Surf Coast 66 def Anglesea 37 Best: Surf Coast - Rhiannon Williams, Maloury Davis, Abbey Sutherland. Anglesea - Anna Kennedy, Joselyn Bennetts,ScarlotteBenney.

Newcomb 52 def Drysdale 38 Best: Drysdale - Ella Ogier, Jesse Hasell, MiaFallon.

B GRADE

Modewarre 52 def Barwon Heads 33

Best: Modewarre - Monique Sefton, Piper Mensch,GeorgiaMay.

Queenscliff 50 def Ocean Grove 40

Best: Queenscliff - Hayley Holmes, Molly Tyrrell,FelicityRush.

Torquay 51 def Geelong Amateur 36

Best:Torquay-BellaConnors,LeniGilbert, Eleanor Van Dyk. Geelong Amateur - Loni Williams,EliseMcCooke,MegPatterson.

Anglesea 50 def Surf Coast 40

Best: Anglesea - Rachel Caulfield, Ashlynn Connell. Surf Coast - Codi Emery, Sophie Storer,TaylahMackie.

Newcomb 51 def Drysdale 48

C GRADE

Barwon 46 def Modewarre 29

Best: Barwon Heads - Myah Linton, Annie Wills, Tracey Baker. Modewarre - Sharni Thebes,ZarlySmith,MaddisonQuilliam.

Ocean Grove 43 def Queenscliff 34

Best: Queenscliff - Sophie Dreher, Isabelle Kidd,IsabellaAnwyl.

Anglesea 37 def Surf Coast 28

Best:Anglesea-MaddisonPanozzo,Kelsey Bews, Kate Stone. Surf Coast - Jordyn Templeton,HunterLewis,MikaylaTreacy. Torquay 37 def Geelong Amateur 36 Best: Torquay - Meg Davey, Annabelle Dunn,SarahFerguson.

Drysdale 31 def Newcomb 23 Best: Drysdale - Millie Wilson, Lilly Kitchen,Kayla Griffiths.

D GRADE

Barwon Heads 25 def Modewarre 23 Best:BarwonHeads-NeishBrooks,Jessica Vincent, Holly Vincent. ModewarreJordyn Quilliam, Amelie Scott, Hannah Rounds.

Drysdale 29 def Newcomb 19

Best: Drysdale - Anna Foot, Monica Gill, ImogenHillier.

Queenscliff 38 def Ocean Grove 26

Best: Queenscliff - Abby Dickson, Sarah Jenson, Meagan Canaway. Ocean GroveLucyBest,Laura Ahearn,LillyCarey. Anglesea 30 def Surf Coast 19

Best:Anglesea-KlaryndaChurchill,Emily Farlow, Tara Peel. Surf Coast - Maya Bown, LucyRoss, Sinead Lambert.

Geelong Amateur 19 def Torquay 16

Best: Geelong Amateur - Kassidy Werner, HollyEllison.Torquay-SophiePotter,Tess Bynon,TessMahar.

E GRADE

Modewarre 45 def Barwon Heads 40

Best: Modewarre - Amelia Irvin, Indi Chealuck, Hayley Toull. Barwon Heads - Indiana Kitchin, Chelsea Gillett, Zali Linton.

Ocean Grove 40 def Queenscliff 38

Best: Ocean Grove - Georgia Maier, Olivia

Grogan,EmmaBarry.Queenscliff-Scarlett Birrell,AliceCoffey,AbbyChapman.

Geelong Amateur 29 def Torquay 27

Best: Geelong Amateur - Erin Steele, Eden Holdsworth, Rebekah Edwards. TorquayEmma Binyon, Hailee Braybrook, Kirsten

McCarthy.

Surf Coast 30 def Anglesea 23

Best: Surf Coast - Grace Hall, Tilly Taylor, Susie White. Anglesea - Jessica Harding, EmmaWrigley,LaurenWrigley.

Drysdale 39 def Newcomb 14

Best: Drysdale - Isla Cuddy, Annalena Hillier,EmmaDeretic.

19 & UNDER

Modewarre 45 def Barwon Heads 40

Best: Modewarre - Amelia Irvin, Indi Chealuck, Hayley Toull. Barwon Heads - Indiana Kitchin, Chelsea Gillett, Zali Linton.

Ocean Grove 40 def Queenscliff 38

Best: Ocean Grove - Georgia Maier, Olivia Grogan,EmmaBarry.Queenscliff-Scarlett Birrell,AliceCoffey,AbbyChapman.

Drysdale 67 def Newcomb 20

Best: Drysdale - Isla Cuddy, Annalena Hillier,EmmaDeretic.

Anglesea 30 def Surf Coast 28

Best: Anglesea - Layla Qoon, Emerald Bates, Ava Saw. Surf Coast - Kiera Hogan, GeorgiaLyons,MillieSmith.

Torquay 48 def Geelong Amateur 28

Best: Torquay - Taya Quick, Sian Hughes, Bella Te Paa. Geelong Amateur - Ava Collins,PhoebeWalker,EmilyTotton.

17 & UNDER DIVISION 1

Barwon Heads 40 def Modewarre 29

Best: Barwon Heads - Skye Quirk, Riley Dalley, Edie Constable. Modewarre - Jayda Anderson,LeahHallam,TahliaFeldman.

Ocean Grove 27 def Queenscliff 22

Best:OceanGrove-CaitlinMaud,Addison Fowler, Ashley Sutherland. Queenscliff - Eloise Limb, Ruby Dunphy, Gemma Hocking.

Anglesea 39 def Surf Coast 19

Best: Anglesea - Scarlett Delmo, Ruby Gooday, Scarlotte Benney. Surf CoastStevieBett,GeorgieVague,ZarahTehan.

Torquay 27 def Geelong Amateur 16

Best: Torquay - Remy Sliwa, Mackinley Bragge, Coco Hayes. Geelong AmateurBaileyShaw,MaceyDow,StellaPeters.

17 & UNDER DIVISION 2

Modewarre 19 tied with Barwon Heads 19

Best:Modewarre-EvieWhite,RaniCleine, Tahlia Maugeri. Barwon Heads - Amelia Gemes,LolaKing,IslaCameron.

Queenscliff 31 tied with Ocean Grove 31

Best: Queenscliff - Henrietta Exner, IsabelleKays,ZoeMcCurry.

Anglesea 22 def Surf Coast 21

Best: Anglesea - Amelia Gemes, Lola King,

Isla Cameron. Surf Coast - Abigail Furniss, AshaRead, Milla Russell. Geelong Amateur 24 def Torquay 17 Best: Torquay - Sadie Derbyshire, La Taya Riley,SophieVagg.

15 & UNDER DIVISION 1

Modewarre 33 def Barwon Heads 31 Best: Modewarre - Leah Hallam, Meg Rogers, Ava Mayall. Barwon Heads - Leah Hallam, Meg Rogers, Ava Mayall. Ocean Grove 33 def Queenscliff 15 Best:OceanGrove-AlanaFarrow,Gemma Quinn. Queenscliff - Chloe Bryant, Milla Saltalamacchia, Elodie Barker. Surf Coast 39 def Anglesea 20

Best: Surf Coast - Grace Moreton, Zahli Jackson, Willow Wardell. Anglesea - Olivia Sandiford, Charli Oloughlin, Frances Scanlan.

Geelong Amateur 31 def Torquay 30 Best:GeelongAmateur-CharlotteMooney, Lily Peters, Freya Wilkinson. Torquay - Isla Webber,MaeveTimms,WrenRahilly.

15 & UNDER DIVISION 2

Barwon Heads 33 def Modewarre 16 Best: Barwon Heads - Reese Liston, Isla Chappell, Kiara Doherty. ModewarreRaniCleine,EvaFaithfull,AliceO’Connor.

Ocean Grove 23 def Queenscliff 10

Best:OceanGrove-MatildaKerr,Madison Blake, Ava Leske. Queenscliff - Eleanor O’Loghlen,ElizaMcDonald,ChloeBryant.

Surf Coast 53 def Anglesea 14

Best: Surf Coast - Keira Wilkinson, Olivia Clayton, Pia Monk. Anglesea - Sage Woodyatt,RosieStewart,FreyaHynes.

Torquay 34 def Geelong Amateur 20

Best: Torquay - Laila Robertson, Elsie Eccles,MillieBinnion.

Drysdale 42 def Newcomb 18

Best: Drysdale - Kameryn Frew, Courtney Carter, Harper Richardson. NewcombZetaJames,MatildaPilven,MatildaHrkac.

13 & UNDER DIVISION 1

Modewarre 29 def Barwon Heads 21

Best: Modewarre - Meg Rogers, Mila Anderson, Pippa Rogers. Barwon Heads - Daisy Lord, Poppy Chappell, Chilli Findling.

Ocean Grove 36 def Queenscliff 9

Best:OceanGrove-MapleCampbell,Innes Pasque, Annabelle Smith. Queenscliff - Emily Hovey, Olivia Warring, Winnie Sheather.

Surf Coast 30 def Anglesea 19

Best: Surf Coast - Pip Harper, Oakley Cunningham,ElennaLay.Anglesea-Olive Olsen,LolaWilkinson,Sadie Stevens. Torquay 28 def Geelong Amateur 20

Best: Torquay - Ada Torsi, Milla Molloy, Taylah Lewanski. Geelong Amateur - Lucy Kattwinkel,AudreyStewart,GraceFennell.

13 & UNDER DIVISION 2

Modewarre 23 def Barwon Heads 14

Best: Modewarre - Evie Jones, Hayley Littlewood,StellaPartridge.BarwonHeads -MillieChristen,WinifredTrickey.

Ocean Grove 45 def Queenscliff 2

Best: Ocean Grove - Eden Stanley, Harriet Kavanagh, Saffron Reid. QueenscliffScarlet Hiskins, Sadie Morris, Sophie Williams.

Surf Coast 35 def Anglesea 13

Best: Surf Coast - Emma Clayton, Summer Millard,HannahMoreton.Anglesea-Zara Haak,ClancyGilliver,MaeSolofa.

Torquay 19 def Geelong Amateur 16

Best: Torquay - Eadie Carty, Madeleine McKenzie, Ivy McCarthy. Geelong Amateur - Ayla Colwell, Isabel Learey, Ella Raimondo.

Drysdale 18 def Newcomb 10

Best: Drysdale - Alex Green, Cerys Wilson, AlaskaMooney.Newcomb-ScarlettJames, BryleeHenriksen,PippaMonaghan.

Around the grounds

Results, goal kickers and best players from the round of Bellarine Football League matches played on Saturday 1 August.

Bellarine Football League, round 17

Modewarre 3.1(19), 6.6(42), 10.10(70), 17.10(112)

Barwon Heads 3.4(22), 7.5(47), 9.5(59), 12.9(81)

Goals: Modewarre - C. Joseph 6, T. Hornsey 5, O. Butler 2, T. Scott 2, S. Morter,C.Farrell.BarwonHeads-C. Ward 5, J. Stevens 2, H. Hyland 2, O. Poon,M.Jensen,A.Ford.

Best: Modewarre - O. Cooke, M. Mckim, T. Hornsey, M. Fenton, J. Johnstone, C. Joseph. Barwon Heads - C. Ward, H. Hyland, K. Hinchcliffe, K.Polley,M.Moulton,L.Blacket.

Drysdale 2.2(14), 5.3(33), 7.7(49), 10.10(70)

Newcomb 1.4(10), 5.9(39), 6.11(47), 9.13(67)

Goals: Drysdale - J. Watson 3, J. Hargreaves 2, B. Fennell 2, M. McGuire, J. Robbins, L. Nelis. Newcomb - T. Webster 5, J. Saltalamacchia, B. Clark, J. Duke, D. Johnstone.

Best: Drysdale - B. Fennell, J. Breust, L. Nelis, L. Preece, L. Dalgleish, J. Hawkins. Newcomb - L. Wagener, T. Webster, A. Pepper, J. Taylor, J. Duncan,L.Justin.

Queenscliff 4.3(27), 10.9(69), 23.10(148), 36.15(231)

Ocean Grove 3.2(20), 4.3(27), 6.5(41), 6.7(43)

Goals: Queenscliff - N. Rippon 5, S. Bowtell 5, J. Monahan 5, J. McHenry 5, K. Keenan 5, M. Annandale 4, M. Waight 2, C. Whitley, J. Cincotta, J. Wright, I. Grant, J. Lindrea. Ocean Grove - J. Paterson 2, H. Cashin, A. Woods,J.Thomson,R.Cook. Best: Queenscliff - L. Kidd, N. Rippon, K. Keenan, J. Cincotta, B. Jones, M. Waight. Ocean Grove - B. Hayward, H. Walsh, L. Jarrad, B. Poyser,J.Lange.

Anglesea 5.3(33), 10.8(68), 13.13(91), 18.16(124) Surf Coast 1.0(6), 4.1(25), 8.2(50), 11.4(70) Goals: Anglesea - A. Gras 3, L. Smith 2, C. Lawless 2, J. King 2, D. Everrett 2, J. Gray 2, J. Anderson, M. Virgona, R. Bell, N. Collins. Surf Coast - L. Cartelli 4, T. Lee 3, H. Gravener, Z. Warne,J.Learmonth. Best: Anglesea-C.Lawless,J.Fulton, W. Batson, N. McGregor-Dawson, N. Collins, M. Virgona. Surf Coast - T. Lee, L. Cartelli, H. Gravener, T. Schultz,Z.Warne,T.Barker.

Geelong Amateur 2.1(13), 6.3(39), 8.9(57), 11.11(77) Torquay 2.4(16), 3.9(27), 6.13(49), 7.19(61) Goals: Geelong Amateur - S. Lloyd 4, J. Sheahan 3, H. Kershaw 2, B. Barnett, R. Ferguson. Torquay - J. Wylie 2, T. Boak, B. Henderson, D. Pascoe,C.Patton,J.Darby. Best: Geelong Amateur - M. Day, J. Sheahan, J. Toll, H. Goddard, C. Jerinic, H. Orr. Torquay - T. Smith, N. Mifsud, B. McNamara, N. Turner, M. Croxford,J.Darke.

Emma Jones and Sienna Bruhn compete for the ball. (Ivan Kemp) 569002_35

Cougars rage into GF

By Justin Flynn

Geelong Cougars are into the Victorian Netball League Under 23 grand final for the secondconsecutiveyearwithasuperbteam performance in the preliminary final.

The Cougars will meet North East Blaze, the same side that beat them in the qualifying final by 10 goals, in the grand final next Wednesday night.

Geelong led by three goals against City West Falcons at the first break at the State Netball Centre in Parkville on Wednesday 5 August and by four at half-time.

Zoey Shaw played a pivotal first half at wing defence, but Cougars coach Mel Savage changed things up at the break, bringing on Eliza Hannagan.

“I thought Zoey Shaw had a huge impact in that first half, but we just wanted to try something different, give them something to think about,” she said.

“As soon as she (Hannagan) stepped on court, she took an intercept. I was just so proud of Eliza Hannagan’s performance in that game last night.

“She was a real catalyst in that third quarter and had five intercepts. I watched her train on Monday night (and) I just had this feeling that she was going to do something special and she certainly did.”

Piper Stephens scored the first two goals of the third term, but the Falcons lifted and reeled off the next five to make it a one-goal game.

That’s when Eliza Dunell took control and, with the aid of some superb defence fromMiaAitkenandmidcourtplay,Geelong scored 16 goals to nine to head into the final term in front by eight.

Dunell netted 14 of those 16 goals and then slotted four of the first five last quarter goals to give the Cougars an 11-goal buffer.

But City West wasn’t done with and clawed its way back into the contest to trail by four with five minutes still on the clock. Portarlington goaler Tully Bethune was on fire under the net for the Falcons after coming on to replace Newtown & Chilwell young gun Holly Adams-Alcock, who had scored 28 goals with only two missed attempts.

When Bethune goaled with a minute left, the Cougars were still up by four ended with a 66 to 61 win.

Savage said her team showed resolve when challenged.

“The big theme for our team was connection,” she said.

“We know regardless of any situation that we are in, we can lean on each other,

support each other.

“CityWestarenevergoingtostopfighting so you can never think that you have a game under control.

King crowned queen of the waves at longboard titles

Torquay’s Angela King put in a dominant display to win the Over 40 Women’s Australian Longboard title on the Tweed Coast.

King spent much of her junior career competing in longboarding events, but it was the urge to surf alongside her teenage daughter that inspired her to pull the competition jersey back on.

“It was so exciting to win the Over 40 Women’s this year,” she said.

“I’ve never done it before – it’s my first year in the division. I used to compete when I was younger, and this year I came back to give it a go because my daughter was in the Under 18s and I wanted to surf with her.

“It’s been really amazing at the event this year. Coming up from Victoria, obviously it’s a lot colder down there at the moment and the waves are a lot stronger.

“I actually grew up in Byron Bay, and it’s a place still really close to my heart, so it’s beenamazingtohavemyfamilyhereduring the whole event.”

Torquay’s Janene Nelson made history as the first Australian Champion crowned in the Over 70 Women’s division.

“I love this sport because even if you’re over 70, you can still do this,” she said.

“Every day you wake up, you can achieve you put your mind to. Come on Over 70s ladies, let’s completely fill this division.”

A major upset unfolded in the Over 55 Men’s division as Lorne’s Greg Brown stunned Jason Livingston in the final, posting a strong 12.07 heat total to claim the Australian Title.

Brown remained composed when it mattered most, delivering the decisive performance to overcome one of the

Grovedale Gold makes big move

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Things are heating up at the top of 3 Open with the top four teams moving positions and Grovedale Gold sitting just outside at the end of Round 12, with just two rounds before finals.

Interestingly, home court advantage didn’t play any part in results for this week, with all winners playing away with results of three rubbers to one.

Grovedale Gold inched closer to the four beating Ocean Grove White, who started the match in third, but dropped to fourth with the loss.

Ross Gibson put the Grove out to a good start winning the first singles 6-0, 6-0, but that was as far as they got, with Riley Robertson and Ashton Hageman winning the first doubles 6-2, 6-4, Hageman going on to take the second singles6-4,6-1,andRobertsonteaming with Finn Duffy to take the final rubber 7-5, 6-1.

Ocean Grove Blue travelled to Highton, and the scoreline looked to be the mirror image of their club compatriots.

“But we just knew if we stuck to our processes and stayed connected and engaged with each other on court, the score would take care of itself.

“When we were challenged, we stepped up.”

Savage said there were some learnings to take from the loss to the Blaze in the qualifying final, but her focus would be with her squad.

“We’vegotacoupleofthingsupoursleeve that I won’t share, but we’re confident that if we bring our best and stay in the moment and connect on court, which is something that we lost in that last quarter against them last time, that we will be okay,” she said.

“We, as a team, have never dwelled on what’s happened in the past and hindsight is great, but they changed their defensive style on us in the last quarter and we didn’t adjust.

“So that’s something that we’ll look at (at training) on Monday night, but our focus is on what we do well.”

ThegrandfinalbetweenNorthEastBlaze andGeelongCougarsisbackatStateNetball Centre on Wednesday 12 August at 6.50pm.

division’s favourites.

“I’dliketogiveamassivethankyoutothe Victorian Team, or the ‘Vic Mafia’ as we call ourselves,” he said.

“They’re an incredible bunch and the supporttheygiveisamazing–they’realways down on the beach cheering me on through every heat. And, of course, a huge thank you to my wife, who is always there supporting me every step of the way.”

Dev Rushi put Highton on the board with a 6-4, 6-4 win, but OG Blue controlled the balance of the match with George Montgomery and Campbell Doughty getting up 6-0, 6-2, Dean Montgomery taking the second singles 6-0, 6-0, before father/daughter combination of Campbell and Lulu Doughty finished off the win in the second doubles 7-5, 6-0.

While both teams are out of finals contention, OG Blue pushed ahead of Highton to move into sixth.

Grovedale Yellow hosted Moolap, and while the win looked comfortable to Moolap, the set scores showed it was a battle.

Darcy King proved too good in the first singles winning 6-2, 6-2, keeping his unbeaten run intact, while Amy Kuskunovic and Dwayne Thompson slogged it out against another father/ daughter combination Peter and Kira Aitken with Moolap winning 7-6, 6-4.

Kira Aitken put Grovedale on the board coming from behind to win the second singles 4-6, 7-5, 10-7, but King and Amy Lizmore sealed the win in the second doubles 6-4, 7-5.

The effort was worth it for Moolap withthewinpushingthemintosecond, five points behind Grovedale Black and three in front of Leopold/Moolap.

Thefinalmatchwasabattlebetween ladder leaders Leopold/Moolap and Grovedale Black, who have been swapping positions each week for the last month.

Grovedale were first on the board with Hiro Sekine winning the first singles 6-3, 6-3, while teammates Andrew Smith and Maddie Mohr snuck over the line 7-6, 7-5 in the first doubles.

Leopold/Moolap cracked a win in the second doubles with Hayden Walters and Georgia Verlin going up 6-3, 6-1, but with Smith backing up in the second singles with a 6-0, 6-2 win, Grovedale took the win and top spot.

Leopold/Moolap were relegated back to third and have Grovedale Gold and Moolap in the run home while Grovedale Black meet Ocean Grove Blue and Grovedale Gold, so all results will be important to determine positioning for the double chance at the end of round 14.

Indiah Madden gets things moving for the Cougars. (Pictures: Tara Murray)

Mimi Lockwood restarts play for Geelong.

Over 40 Women’s champion Angela King at the 2026 Thermos Australian Longboard Titles. (Surfing Australia/Andy Morris)

Grubbers

Ocean Grove kept third spot on the Bellarine Netball League A Grade ladder on Saturday 1 August with an impressive win against Queenscliff at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to see some of the action unfold.

Georgia Ryan passes on the run.

Gemma Bell reaches for the ball. 569002

Caitie Kennedy gets to the ball before it goes out of bounds.

Perri Jones played well for the Grubbers.

The safe hands of Phoebe Knox.

Georgia Berry takes the ball on the wing. Ashton O’Brien

Sienna Bruhn takes a strong grab.

Amelia Bakker gathers the ball at the back of the court.

Alex Booker reels the ball in for Queenscliff.

Jesse Sutton looks for a teammate.

Battle on for ﬁnals spots

There are three rounds left in the Bellarine Football League home and away season and Justin Flynn takes a look at the run home.

Queenscliff (currently 1st, points 56, percentage 186.80)

The Coutas have one hand on the minor premiership and after they defeat Surf Coast this week, will be able to grab it with both hands. They will be thankful that their second bye is in round 19 and not the final round as two weeks off wouldn’t have been ideal.

Geelong Amateur (2nd, 48, 143.08)

Whether Ammos finish 2nd or 3rd doesn’t really matter. They will be playing Torquay in a qualifying final. A big game against Barwon Heads this week followed by Portarlington and Surf Coast.

Torquay (3rd, 44, 181.81)

The Tigers’ preparation for the finals is pretty much ideal with Anglesea this week followed by a dangerous Modewarre and then Newcomb to finish. Three sides that can trouble anyone on their day.

Barwon Heads (4th, 36, 112.89)

Two games clear of 6th-placed Newcomb, the Seagulls face Geelong Amateur at the neutral venue of Winter Reserve and then a massive game against the Power in round 19. They should win the Battle of the Bridge against Grove in the final round and should sneak into an elimination final, but they will want to lift their form if they are to trouble the top three.

Anglesea (5th, 32, 116.46)

Counting against them is a final round bye in which they won’t be able to add to their wins column.

Portarlington (8th, 28, 88.95)

As above, the Demons’ season rests on this week’s game against Drysdale and then they will have to beat Ammos before finishing off with Queenscliff. A nightmare run home, Port will be counting the cost of losses to Surf Coast and Ocean Grove earlier in the season.

Modewarre (9th, 20, 104.50)

The Warriors took a scalp last week in Barwon Heads, but will enjoy a week off before looking to do the same to Torquay and Anglesea. Any side with a percentage of 104.50 has firepower and although finals are out of reach, if Modda puts it together they can beat anyone.

Ocean Grove (10th, 12, 46.44)

Newcomb (6th, 28, 109.00)

That three-point loss to Drysdale last week really dented the Power’s finals hopes, but they should beat the Grubbers this week.

Drysdale did the Seas a favour by beating Newcomb and finish off with Torquay, Drysdale and Modewarre. Two wins will guarantee a spot in the five while one may be enough depending on other results.

The final two matches are difficult with the Heads and Torquay awaiting. They will need to win at least two more to make it.

Drysdale (7th, 28, 90.27)

Kept the dream alive in a nailbiter in round 17. The Hawks play Port this week in a quasi elimination final and then the same scenario awaits against Newcomb.

Hawks alive, Power nearly out

It was a cracking game at Grinter Reserve on Saturday 2 August as Drysdale kept its Bellarine Football League finals hopes flickering with a three-point win against Newcomb Power whose chances of featuring in September took a dent. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to take these photographs.

The Grubbers have actually gotten worse sincedecidingtopartwayswithco-coaches Dave Farrell and Nick Bourke with losses of 136, 61 and 188 points. Their best chance of a fourth win is in the penultimate round against Surf Coast, but on recent form, the Suns will probably start favourites.

Surf Coast (11th, 4, 38.68)

The Suns will have their sights set on Grove on15Augustfortheirsecondwin.Itdoesn’t get any harder on either side of that clash, though, with Queenscliff this week and Ammos to round off the season.

Jacob Watson marks strongly for Newcomb.

Luke Preece punches the ball away from Luke Justin. 569003

Josh Taylor takes possession.

Jack Jenkins marks in front of his opponent.

Drysdale’s Luke Preece makes in the goal square to repel an attack by Newcomb in the dying moments of the game.

Bailey Sykes picks up the ball while being tackled by Thewin Robertson.Lachlan Nelis clears the ball.

Drysdale’s Joel Watson marks in the goal square and then kicks one of his three goals gainst Newcomb to make it 39 for the season. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 569003_15

BNL ﬁnals countdown on

With

Geelong Amateur (currently 1st, points 68, percentage 168.86)

Mathematically impossible for Ammos to finish anywhere other than minor premiers. They were tested by Torquay on Saturday, getting home by a goal to stay unbeaten.

Key player: Eliza Oxley has had a fine season under the ring with 445 goals and looms as a nightmare matchup for opposition defenders come finals time.

Torquay (2nd, 52, 125.19)

The Tigers should win their final three games against teams outside the top five. Second spot and a double chance looms. Whether Ocean Grove sneaks above the Tigers on percentage doesn’t really matter. They should play each other in a qualifying final.

Key player: Daisy O’Kane has been restricted to 10 games this season, but has 348 goals under her belt and is a big-time player.

Ocean Grove (3rd, 52, 124.30)

The Grubbers will start favourites in all of their games, but the round 19 encounter against Surf Coast will be a tough one. Half a win ahead of Portarlington, but the Dees have a fairly tough run home. Grove should do enough to finish with the double chance.

Key player: Any side that has Zanna Punshon in it has to be taken seriously for the premiership. Punshon’s ability to cut through the opposition’s best defenders has been on show for a while now.

Portarlington (4th, 50, 119.39)

The Demons are almost there. A huge danger game against rivals Drysdale this week, but win and Port should make it. Ammos the week after and Queenscliff to finish in a game that could have a massive influence on the finals standings.

Key player: Mikayla Mevissen is a leader on and off the court and can switch effortlessly between centre and goal attack.

Surf Coast (5th, 42, 104.69)

What an opportunity for the comp’s newest side. The Suns finish with Queenscliff, Grove and Ammos. They must win this week in what will be a mini elimination

final. Regardless, the club should be proud of their side’s efforts this season.

Key player: Elisa Hall is in outstanding form in attack. With 547 goals Hall’s game more than stands up in finals should Surf Coast make it.

Queenscliff (6th, 40, 105.98)

Firstly, the Coutas must win this week against Surf Coast. A guaranteed four points in round 19 courtesy of the bye and then Port to finish. Queenscliff will treat every

game from here on as a knockout final.

Keyplayer:KaitlinGladmanhasonlyjust returned from an ACL injury and in her first proper hit-out last week was the Coutas’ best. Gladman’s presence, class and skill could be the wildcard Queenscliff needs.

Newcomb (7th, 32, 83.97)

Outside the five by 10 points with three matches remaining means the Power won’t return to finals for the third consecutive season.IfNewcombcanbeatBarwonHeads and maybe pinch one from Ocean Grove or Ammos, it will have finished off the season well.

Key player: It’s pretty obvious, but Carly Sandersgivesdefendersheadaches.Despite missing games with VNL commitments, Sanders has shot 420 goals from 474 attempts.

Barwon Heads (8th, 24, 90.47)

The Seagulls will look to the round 19 clash against Newcomb as a winnable one and good showings against Ammos and Grove will give them some confidence for 2027.

Keyplayer:RacquelScotthasbeenterrific and can play in multiple positions including in defence, wing defence and centre.

Drysdale (9th, 24, 90.33)

We’re tipping the hawks to leapfrog the

Heads into 8th position even if they lose this week to Port. They should beat Anglesea in round 19, which is their last of the season. Drysdale has a final round bye, which also adds four points to their final tally. Key player: Chloe Hobbs has been a rock in defence, but also provides attack from the back half.

Modewarre (10th, 16, 71.41)

Just two games left for Modda with a bye this week followed by Torquay and Anglesea, which presents the opportunity to finish off with a win. With a young squad, there have been lots of green shoots for the Warriors this year, which bodes well for the future.

Key player: It’s a tough choice, but Hannah Richards has been immense in the last line of defence.

Anglesea (11th, 12, 54.30)

The Seas will be all in for their final game of the season against Modda. It represents the best chance for a breakthrough victory. Anglesea also plays Torquay and Drysdale, and like the Warriors, have a youthful list that will only get better the more they play A Grade together.

Key player: Whether it’s at wing attack or defence or centre, Joss Bennetts’ presence in midcourt has been consistent and team lifting this season.

Zanna Punshon scored 41 goals for Ocean Grove against Queenscliff and looms as her side’s trump card. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 569002_05

Kaitlin Gladman returned for her first full hit-out for Queenscliff after a knee reconstruction and by the looks of it, has lost none of her athletic prowess. 569002_33