Geelong Indy - 21st August 2026

August 21, 2026

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2W GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

August 21, 2026

Geelong goes yellow The Geelong community came together this week to brave the winter chill and support people affected by cancer.

Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day was held on 20 August, with people across the country encouraged to take the plunge into cold water throughout this month.

Norlane’s Sharon Burgess-Close held a Daffodil Day Dip in Geelong on 19 August, with eight people jumping into Eastern Beach Reserve’s waters and many others wearing yellow in support.

Libby Pettit, left, Maria Kontelj, Richard Boldys, Liz Bonner, Carol Taylor, Jim Noble, Sharon Burgess-Close and Vikki Barnett are pictured taking part in Geelong’s Daffodil Day Dip. More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with cancer across the country each year, with every splash made through the Daffodil Day initiative helping raise awareness and support.

(Ivan Kemp) 572715_02

Turn to page 3 for the full story.

CBD, housing reset

By Matt Hewson Mayor Stretch Kontelj believes the next state government has the power to solve two of Geelong’s most pressing issues – housing supply and the stagnation of the city’s centre – with the stroke of a pen.

The single stone to kill both birds would be the special economic zone (SEZ) proposed for the CBD, which has become Mayor Kontelj’s keystone policy since it was developed through the municipality’s Central Geelong Revitalisation Forum in March last year.

The SEZ would offer a range of small incentives to developers from all three levels of government – rates, fees and charges rebates or waivers, reductions on land tax, stamp duty and GST, and access to support

from programs like the Housing Australia Future Fund.

Small recalibrations to these many levers would fast-track “transformative growth” and economic development, according to the City’s proposal.

That stimulation was sorely needed, Mayor Kontelj said, with 16 approved projects in limbo because “the economics don’t stack up”.

“The special economic zone doesn’t require the writing of any cheques,” he said.

“It requires all three levels of government to forgo a revenue stream for a period of time.

It’s a policy unlock that would be available for a window of opportunity – let’s call it two or three years – and projects would need to commence within that window.”

Mayor Kontelj believes that accelerated

development and resulting population density explosion would have a profound impact on a CBD that is experiencing more and more “anti-social behaviour” in its ever-increasing “empty spaces”.

“You literally won’t be able to recognize the CBD in 10 years, once these developments come to fruition, but in a good way,” he said.

“To change that anti-social behaviour you need a community of people living here.

We’ve got about 1,600 people living in the CBD; it should be 16,000 to 20,000.

“You put that community of people here and it’ll be buzzing. The restaurants, the retail, the arts precinct, the convention centre…It’s going to be incredible.

“And it’s so simple; a policy unlock, literally a stamp of approval, and we’re off and running.”

The City’s need for more housing is also becoming dire. The state government’s targets require Greater Geelong to deliver nearly 130,000 new homes by 2051 to accommodate a projected population of more than 440,000.

Rental availability in Geelong is almost non-existent. Regional Victoria’s rental vacancy sits at 1.4 per cent, well beneath the healthy benchmark of 3 per cent; Geelong’s is about 0.7 per cent and virtually zero in some areas.

Local developer James Morphy, who was behind the development of Geelong’s tallest building Miramar, is sitting on one of the city’s 16 stalled projects, with two more potentially in the pipeline.

Contined: Page 6.

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Police remain visible in CBD Police will continue to have a visible presence at Geelong’s shopping centres to help deter retail crime for the rest of the year.

Protective Services Officers (PSOs) will continue to patrol Westfield Geelong and Market Square until next year, following the expansion of Victoria Police’s Operation Pulse.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said he was “very pleased” that there would be a permanent PSO presence in central Geelong for the rest of the year.

“The community has told us time and

time again about their concerns around public safety in central Geelong,” he said.

“The presence of PSOs will go a long way towards deterring crime and creating a better environment for everyone.

“This announcement once again shows what is possible when governments work together to deliver for our community, and I commend the Premier for taking this step.

“However, we must keep pushing for a permanent PSO presence to provide certainty for businesses and the broader community beyond 2027, and that’s what I’ll be

doing between now and the election.”

Operation Pulse commenced in December last year and has led to 1766 arrests and 3562 charges laid out across the state.

Victoria Police chief commissioner Mike Bush said the operation helped detect crime and stop it from happening in the first place.

“The additional PSOs will play a crucial role in ensuring our community is safe and feels safe,” he said.

“The expansion of Operation Pulse means we can deploy our resources to more areas where and when they are needed.

“Operation Pulse has made a huge impact on the community, as retailers and shoppers are regularly telling us they are feeling safer because of our presence.

“Whether it’s on our transport network, in shopping centres or local retail precincts, Victoria Police and PSOs will be highly visible, proactive and focused on holding offenders to account.”

All PSO shifts are voluntary, so there is no impact on the public transport system or frontline policing as officers work at shopping centres in addition to existing shifts.

Tree climbing comp comes to Geelong

By Matt Hewson Budding arborists and some of the state’s best tree climbers will converge on Geelong Botanic Gardens next weekend for the qualifying event to the Victorian Tree Climbing Competition.

Presented by the Victorian Tree Industry Organisation (VTIO), the qualifier is designed as an entry point for climbers with little or no competition experience.

While the qualifier feeds into the state, national and international tree climbing championships, VTIO president Shane Hall said the local event was also a competition in its own right.

“For these events, qualifying for the Victorian event is not the only reward; top place-getters get prizes, there are Spirit of the Competition awards, some president’s awards, and there’s a lot of love being shared,” he said.

“Plus, the people new to the industry are being coached by people who have competed at the national level…they’re seeing male and female world champions and they’re having a fantastic time.

“It’s also a great way to show off your skill sets to lots of people who want to pay an efficient climber. They see you pull off a great climb and you have a conversation…lots of bosses are there to improve the skill sets of

Nyaal Banyul in full swing for its first gala event, the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball.

(Supplied)

New events centre gets off to a strong start City of Greater Geelong arborists Shawn Ang and Jack Bond during tree climbing training in Eastern Park. (Supplied)

their team.

“We have a really inclusive environment, we get a lot of positive feedback, and we’re seeing that in the increased female participation over the years.”

Kicking off at 7am, the day also features trade stalls, a careers table and a kids’ climb.

Environment and Circular Economy portfolio chair Councillor Elise Wilkinson said the event highlighted arboriculture as a career.

“Arborists are in demand across our region, and this event shows just how rewarding and specialised the profession can be,” she said.

Charles to honour the spirit of the Anzac

By Jena Carr Bellarine teenager Charles Anderson will embark on a trip to Vietnam after receiving the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize.

The Year 9 student from Bellarine Secondary College was among 12 students statewide chosen to participate in a fully funded overseas study tour through the prize.

Charles said he was overwhelmed with emotion when he found out that he was a recipient of the Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize.

“I will be around people who are similar to me and interested in the same things,” he said.

“This will be a great opportunity to meet new people and further my understanding of such an important aspect of Australia’s history.

“I will be over in Vietnam for 10 days, and it is going to be my first time overseas since I was about four years old, which I don’t remember.

“The most important part of this trip will be remembering the people that lived through the Vietnam War, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”

Minister for Veterans Natalie Suleyman said the trip would give students a “deeper appreciation of the realities of war and of

Bellarine Secondary College Year 9 student Charles Anderson received a Spirit of Anzac Prize. (Jena Carr)

mateship”.

“We want the next generation to carry forward the Anzac spirit and never forget what our veterans sacrificed,” she said.

“The Spirit of Anzac Prize gives young Victorians a unique opportunity to deepen

2 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

their understanding of Australia’s war and peacekeeping history.”

The Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize is an annual competition open to students in Years 9 to 12, with the winners visiting historic sites across Vietnam.

The new Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre has hit the ground running in its first month of operation.

Throughout July the venue has welcomed more than 12,200 people to 15 events, including the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, Business Managers Victoria’s annual leadership conference, Geelong Careers Expo and the Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative NAIDOC Ball.

Nyaal Banyul general manager Rick Aylett said the venue was fast establishing itself as one of the best regional events venues in Australia.

“We’re thrilled with how well the first month has gone. We’ve welcomed more than 12,000 people through the venue and successfully hosted everything from major conferences and gala events to community celebrations and expos,” he said.

“The response from organisers, delegates and the local community has been overwhelmingly positive, and it’s a great foundation to build on.”

Mr Aylett said the event program so far highlighted the venue’s ability to attract visitors to the region while serving the local community.

“One week we’re welcoming thousands of local residents through the doors, the next we’re hosting a national conference. That’s exactly what Nyaal Banyul was designed to do,” he said.

“These events support local hotels, restaurants, suppliers and businesses, while helping showcase Geelong as a destination for major events.”

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine executive director Tracy Carter said it was exciting to see Nyaal Banyul up and running.

“It’s been particularly pleasing to welcome delegates for large national conferences who have filled hotel rooms across the city, found their way into hospitality and cultural precincts, and toured further afield before and after their events,” she said.

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Blitz targets drivers A major road operation in Geelong uncovered a commercial amount of drugs and weapons over the weekend.

Operation Lockdown was held on the nights of Friday 14 August and Saturday 15 August and involved the Road Policing Drug and Alcohol Section, State Highway Patrol (SHP), and Geelong Highway Patrol and uniform members, targeting impaired drivers and high-risk driving behaviour.

At approximately 11.30pm on 14 August, SHP intercepted a VW Tiguan allegedly bearing cloned number plates at a random breath testing site at The Esplanade, Drumcondra.

The driver, a Norlane man, allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test, with a search of his vehicle allegedly uncovering 10 conducted energy devices, a commercial quantity of drugs including liquid amphetamine, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy and testosterone, as well

as stolen credit cards and $11,000 cash.

The 25-year-old man was arrested and charged with 10 counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, five counts of possessing a drug of dependence (commercial quantity), handling stolen goods, possessing proceeds of crime, driving while disqualified and exceeding the prescribed concentration of drugs.

He was remanded to appear before the County Court at a later date.

Over the two nights during Operation Lockdown, police conducted 4336 preliminary breath tests, with 24 drivers caught exceeding the alcohol limit.

Two women were allegedly caught swapping drivers when entering a random breath testing site on Saturday at 11.30pm on Latrobe Terrace, Belmont.

The initial driver, a 22-year-old Bell Park woman, allegedly returned a breath test result of 0.142 resulting in an immediate loss of licence for 14 months and $889

fine.

Her passenger-turned-driver allegedly returned a breath test result of 0.072, and with no driver’s licence, will be summonsed to Geelong Magistrate’s Court at a later date for driving while disqualified and exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol, with the vehicle impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1325.

Police detected a total 153 offences during Operation Lockdown, including: ■ 28 speeding offences ■ 24 drink driving offences from 4336 preliminary breath tests ■ seven drug driving offences from 190 roadside drug tests ■ seven defect notices ■ five disobeying traffic signs/signals ■ five unregistered vehicles ■ five impoundments ■ four disqualified/unlicenced/suspended drivers ■ two traffic light offences

Remembering the service of Vietnam vets

By Jena Carr

Braving the waters of Corio Bay for cancer

By Jena Carr Community members displayed their yellow colours and jumped into Geelong’s winter waters to show their support for people affected by cancer.

Norlane’s Sharon Burgess-Close invited the community to wear yellow and take the plunge into Eastern Beach Reserve’s waters during her Daffodil Day Dip challenge to raise money for the Cancer Council.

Ms Burgess-Close said seven people joined her during the fundraising challenge on 19 August and that she appreciated everyone who showed their support.

“It was a very good turnout since it had started to rain, which would have stopped a few people from coming down,” she said.

“People rolled up in yellow, and a few people ended up doing the plunge with me, which...was absolutely freezing and the cold water took your breath away.”

Ms Burgess-Close said she was inspired to support Cancer Council Victoria’s Daffodil Day fundraiser as she has seen family members and friends go through cancer.

“It’s just a very small gesture to suffer with the freezing cold, but it is nothing like what people living with cancer have to go through,” she said.

“Many people either have a family member, friend, colleague, acquaintance, or a neighbour who they see suffering and living with cancer every single day.”

Ms Burgess-Close said she was thankful to the surf lifesavers who came along to the event to ensure that everyone participating in the plunge remained safe.

More than $700 has been raised for cancer research through Ms Burgess-Close’s fundraiser as of 4pm on 19 August.

Visit daffodilday.com.au/fundraisers/ sharonburgess-close to donate.

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Veterans gathered in Ocean Grove this week to honour and remember the brave men and women who fought during the Vietnam War. The Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub Branch hosted a service at the Ocean Grove Cenotaph to commemorate Vietnam Veterans’ Day, which is held on 18 August every year.

President and retired brigadier Phil Edwards said the day marked the anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan, a significant moment in Australia’s war in Vietnam that occurred on 18 August 1966.

“Sixty years ago on that day, 105 Australian soldiers from D (Delta) Company, 6RAR (6th Battalion with the Royal Australian Regiment), and three New Zealand soldiers from 161 Battery, Royal New Zealand Artillery, fought a pitched battle,” he said. “(They fought) against over 2000 North Vietnamese and Viet Cong troops in a rubber plantation not far from the small village of Long Tan. “The torrential downpour of rain added to the gloom in the rubber plantation, with Australian soldiers eventually becoming Retired brigadier Phil Edwards addressed the community during the Vietnam Veterans’ Day spread out and in danger of being sur- service. (Jena Carr) 572920_01 rounded. Eighteen Australian soldiers lost their lives...and after the battle, the bod- had been carried away.” flags to half-mast to honour the close to ies of 245 enemy soldiers were found but The Ocean Grove service also includ- 60,000 Australians who served during the there was evidence that many more bodies ed the laying of the wreaths and lowering Vietnam War.

Eight Geelong community members plunged Eastern Beach Reserve’s waters to raise money for cancer research and support. (Ivan Kemp) 572715_03

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BOOK WEEK

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Librarians love Book Week To celebrate Book Week, from 22 to 28 August, we posed some questions to Geelong Regional Libraries librarians about what they are reading, their favourite childhood book, and favourite all-time book.

Naomi, Newcomb Library > What are you currently reading?

I’m currently listening to A Th rone of Swans by Katharine Corr, a young adult fiction book, but also just fi nished reading Target Acquired by Lynette Eason, an adult fiction book.

What was your favourite childhood book?

Wombat Stew by Marcia K Vaughan, my mum did all the voices when she read it to my sisters and I growing up. I still hear her voice when I read it to the children at work.

What is your favourite book of all time?

It’s a tie. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling and The Hunger Games by Susan Collins.

< Kate, Torquay Library What are you currently reading?

Strange Pictures by Uketsu, the fi rst in the Japanese ’Strange’ series. They are interactive mystery-horror novels centred on unsettling visual puzzles – it’s a different read for me but I am loving it.

Favourite childhood book?

Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell was No 1 for little Kate. I also loved being read the entire Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz in Grade 4 by my teacher.

Favourite book of all time?

I defi nitely can’t narrow that down so instead, my favourite book this year is The Names by Florence Knapp. I inhaled it over a weekend away – beautifully written, full of emotions, and characters that I still think about.

Liz, Belmont Library > What are you currently reading?

I like to read historical fiction across adult fiction and junior fiction. Also books about cats. I have recently read We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida.

Currently I am reading The Year We Escaped by Suzanne Leal: A CBCA Notable novel (ages 10+). It follows four young classmates navigating peril, detention, and refuge in 1940s wartime Europe.

What was your favourite childhood book?

My favourite book was Magic far Away Tree. I liked it because it sparks imagination through an ever-changing magical world full of adventures in magical lands at the top of the tree.

What is your favourite book of all time?

That’s a hard one being a mother and a librarian. Favourite novel would be The Book Th ief by Marcus Zusak because it’s a historical novel about books.

Favourite kids’ book would be The Very Cranky Bear by Nick Bland. I can tell this story off by heart. I love this because of its bouncy catchy rhyme, humour and lessons about empathy and truly listening to others.

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Heather, Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Library What are you currently reading?

I’m doing a crime writing course with the Australian Writer’s Centre at the moment and am rereading The Tea Ladies by Amanda Hampson for inspiration. I love the countless cups of tea and Hazel’s tingling ears that detect lies – a very handy skill for an amateur detective.

Favourite childhood book?

A little-known I Can Read It Myself book by Al Perkins called Tubby and the Lantern. It’s about a boy and his pet elephant who fl y away in a floating lantern and meet pirates before making it home in time for a birthday party. The adventure story captured my childhood imagination.

Favourite book of all time?

I always fi nd these sorts of questions impossible. But if I had to say, my favourite children’s book of all time is Winnie the Pooh and my favourite adult book is probably The Book Th ief

by Markus Zusak.

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Expo presents a whole new world of travel for cruise lovers Travel enthusiasts, holidaymakers and cruise lovers are in for a treat at the Geelong Travel & Cruise World Expo, which returns to Geelong next week.

Hosted by Geelong Travel, the region’s largest travel and cruise event will bring together more than 50 leading travel companies and cruise operators all under one roof at GMHBA Stadium.

The free event is designed to help travellers plan their next adventure with confidence, whether they’re considering a luxury ocean or river cruise, escorted tour, Australian outback journey, tropical escape or once-in-a-lifetime international holiday.

Visitors can attend more than 25

destination and travel presentations, covering a diverse range of experiences from around the world. Industry experts will share firsthand knowledge, travel tips and insights into emerging destinations and travel trends.

According to Stuart Coffield, Founder and Managing Director of Geelong Travel, the expo offers a unique opportunity for travellers to access genuine expertise from people who know the products and destinations first-hand.

“We don’t have people reading from brochures or clicking on YouTube links,” Geelong Travel founder and managing director Stuart Coffield said.

“You get to talk to people who have been on the tours and have real experience. Their presentations are amazing.

“Whether you’re looking for a cruise, an escorted tour, a family holiday or a unique adventure, the expo allows you to explore a huge range of travel experiences and speak directly with the experts who can help make it happen.”

Geelong Travel & Cruise World Expo is at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday 30 from 10am to 4pm and entry is free. See geelongtravel. com.au for more information.

Discover a world of possibilities at Geelong Travel & Cruise World Expo. (Supplied)

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Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club’s Amenah McDonald received the John Wishart Memorial Medal for Life Saver of the Year. (Ivan Kemp)

Locals crowned at LSV awards night

Greater Geelong Awards of Excellence winners • Louis D’Andrea (Anglesea SLSC): Youth Athlete of the Year (U14-15) • Matthew Hunt (Ocean Grove SLSC): Emerging Official of the Year • Sam Ranson (Ocean Grove SLSC): Administrator of the Year • Madeline Davidson (Anglesea SLSC): Young Lifesaver of the Year (18-21 years) • Amenah McDonald (Ocean Grove SLSC): John Wishart Memorial Medal for Life Saver of the Year • Jan Juc Winch Rescue: (Ross and Andrew Powell rescue recognition) • Point Lonsdale SLSC: Christmas Day emergency response • Ocean Grove SLSC: Christmas Day emergency response

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Bellarine and Surf Cost volunteer lifesavers and aquatic industry professionals were recognised and celebrated at Life Saving Victoria’s Awards of Excellence.

The annual event is an opportunity to acknowledge those who have made an outstanding contribution to public water safety.

Awards recognise LSV volunteers who have excelled in all facets of lifesaving including emergency response, training, education, Nippers, sport, officiating and club administration.

Paid lifeguards, aquatic industry professionals, water safety educators and organisations that contribute to keeping the Victorian community safe were also commended at the awards.

About 600 people attended The Pullman in Albert Park for the awards presentation.

As well as recognising award recipients, the event is an opportunity for LSV to show its appreciation to all volunteers, staff, businesses and organisations who make an invaluable contribution to keeping Victoria’s beaches and waterways safe.

Census night was Tuesday 11 August.

It’s compulsory for each household to complete the Census to help plan for Australia’s future.

For help, visit census.abs.gov.au or call 1800 181 227.

Every answer matters.

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Mayor urges Fair Jobs rethink Geelong’s mayor has joined calls by his fellow G21 representatives for the Victorian government to put a hold on reforms that would directly impact how councils engage contractors and external labour.

Last week Geelong Regional Alliance chair Jason Schram urged the state government to reconsider the way its proposed Fair Jobs Code would apply to local councils and wait until the code’s impacts could be assessed before presenting the Local Government Legislation Amendment.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the amendment would have a “profound impact on how the City delivers services to

the community”.

“The proposed Fair Jobs Code, that forms part of this Bill, means the City won’t be able to choose which businesses provide vital services like maternal and child health, school crossing supervision and maintenance of our parks and gardens,” he said.

“We’ll be restricted to a pool of contractors, chosen by government, increasing running costs, potentially disrupting our services and directly impacting ratepayers.

“There’s been zero consultation with councils, so we simply don’t know what these changes will cost ratepayers and

local businesses, and what it means for our current service providers. Our fear is we will not be able to contract our services at all.

“We absolutely support fair jobs, but the City cannot support changes when we still don’t know how this will work, what it will cost or what it means for the services our community relies on.”

The code, introduced to parliament in June this year, is intended to promote secure work, ensure workplace safety and punish businesses who committed wage theft, poor safety practices or industrial relations breaches.

Mayor Kontelj said flexibility

was important for councils as each municipality was “different and the way we deliver services must reflect the needs of our local community”.

“We are calling on the state government to remove the Fair Jobs Code provisions from the bill until councils have been properly briefed, the details have been released and there has been genuine consultation about how it will work,” he said.

“This is a significant change to the way councils will be required to operate, and we need to understand the consequences for services, local businesses and ratepayers before it becomes law, not afterwards.”

New hub offers new opportunities for renewable energy A new clean energy training facility is set to train the next generation of Geelong workers for the state’s growing renewable energy industry.

Last week the Gordon TAFE and Geelong Tech School launched their new Clean Energy Training Hub, a dedicated learning environment that will prepare young workers with the skills they need to find work in the burgeoning sector and strengthen Victoria’s clean energy future.

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens was on site at the TAFE’s East Geelong campus to officially open the facility, which was jointly funded by The Gordon and the Department of Education’s Clean Energy

Equipment Fund.

Students undertaking The Gordon’s new Certificate II in Renewable Energy Technologies and Applications will learn at the new hub, while secondary students will also have access to the facility through the Geelong Tech School’s free STEM programs.

Matt Hill, operations manager at Geelong Tech School, said the hub presented new opportunities for students.

“The Clean Energy Training Hub provides secondary school students from across our region with access to cutting-edge technologies and hands-on learning experiences that simply weren’t available before,” he said.

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“By exposing students to renewable energy careers early through the Geelong Tech School, we’re helping them understand the opportunities available and building the skills and confidence they need to pursue pathways in this rapidly growing sector.”

The Gordon’s director of education excellence (industry trades and environment) Andy Bugeja said renewable energy was one of the fastestgrowing industries in our region and across the country.

“The Clean Energy Training Hub provides students with early exposure to the technologies shaping our future and prepares them with practical, job-ready skills,” he said.

Geelong Tech School’s Matt Hill and Christine Couzens MP at the opening of the Clean Energy Training Hub. (Supplied)

CBD, housing reset

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Mayor Stretch Kontelj and developer James Morley. (Ivan Kemp) 572123_04 From page 1.

Together, these three build-to-rent projects would deliver nearly 800 apartments - homes for 800 families – in the centre of Geelong.

Mr Morphy said that as things stand, the projects were simply unfeasible.

“When you look at the policies they’ve put in place to make affordable housing viable in Melbourne, we would like those same triggers,” he said. “The build-to-rent market is going absolutely berserk within a 10km-radius of the Melbourne CBD. It’s going to take 50 years before that (kind of development) comes to Geelong, unless

something changes.”

The proposal relies on all three levels of government working together to make the SEZ a reality.

Mayor Kontelj said the message from the federal government was that “the state needs to move first”.

“We’re pressing the case fairly hard (with Victorian parties)...they’re taking it on board, both sides are working through their policy agendas,” he said.

“We’ve got a state election coming up, so the timing is good to get that commitment from the state (parties). And if we do that, we can then very quickly go back and revisit the feds…I’m hopeful.”

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Coastal trees vandalised

By Jena Carr Important coastal vegetation that helps stabilise the environment and provides habitat for wildlife has been damaged in Queenscliff.

A concerned resident notified the Borough of Queenscliffe of alleged vandalism to the threatened Moonah trees along the Queenscliff foreshore on The Esplanade.

A council spokesperson said there were reports of rough cutting and broken branches where native vegetation appeared to have been deliberately reduced in height.

“The foreshore areas are classed as

Coastal Moonah Woodlands and are protected under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988,” they said.

“A healthy Moonah tree has been cut to reduce its height, and there are no nearby tracks or roads where the tree would pose a risk to community safety, which is the only circumstance in which council would cut a tree.”

The affected area contains important coastal vegetation that helps stabilise dunes and provides habitat for birds and other wildlife.

The spokesperson also said there had been previous incidents in nearby areas that involved tree deaths that council

suspected were caused by poisoning.

“There is evidence of previous felling of trees in the foreshore reserve and other trees where there is suspected poisoning,” they said.

“Council’s response is guided by its Vegetation Vandalism Policy and Procedure, which emphasises the value Council places on protecting and preserving vegetation on Council land within the Borough of Queenscliffe in line with government legislation.”

A sign measuring at least 2 metres by 1.5 metres will be installed near the affected area to draw attention to vandalism and encourage anyone with information to

come forward.

Notices will also be issued to the surrounding neighbourhood to help protect threatened vegetation across the region.

The borough spokesperson said council thanked the community for its cooperation in ensuring that the region’s native vegetation remained protected.

The Conservation Regulator, Victoria Police, and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action were notified of the incident.

Anyone with information about current or future vegetation damage is urged to report the incident to council immediately.

Local writers on show as festival wraps up

By Matt Hewson After a month of diverse literary events held in libraries across the region, the Local Word Writers Festival draws to a close next weekend.

The festival, which has run throughout the month of August, will conclude with the Local Authors Fair on Saturday 29 August at the Geelong Library & Heritage Centre.

The festival also has two more workshops this weekend, Creating Narratives with Poetry with award-winning local poet and writer Brendan Ryan at Bannockburn Library on Saturday 22 August and Crafting

Speculative Fiction with Rhett Davis at Geelong Library on Sunday 23 August.

A Geelong-based author, Mr Davis released his second novel Arborescence last year, which this month was shortlisted for the Prime Minister’s Literary Awards.

His workshop, aimed primarily at writers in their early stages of their journey, will use discussions and interactive exercises to help participants build worlds and create characters for stories exploring worlds other than our own.

“It’s really for anyone who wants to give writing a speculative story – science fiction, fantasy – a go,” he said.

Mr Davis said while parts of the novel writing process could sometimes feel like a “real slog”, the workshop would focus on finding the play and joy in creating stories.

“I love it, writing is pretty much the one thing I want to do,” he said.

“The act of being able to write, really imagine these places that I’m writing about and explore these kinds of worlds is the joy in it, for me.

“If we don’t write for ourselves first, we’re probably not going to write something other people want to read.”

Visit grlc.vic.gov.au/localword for more information.

Award-winning local author Rhett Davis will host one of the final workshops for the Local Word Writers Festival this weekend. (Rebekah Halls)

ENTERTAINMENT WITH MATT HEWSON

Chelsea returns to Geelong One of the region’s leading ladies of musical theatre stars in a brand new production of fan favourite Menopause the Musical, which kicks off its Australia tour in Geelong this weekend.

Geelong’s Chelsea Gibb shot to stardom in 1998 when she landed the coveted role of Roxie Hart in Chicago straight after graduating from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts as a 22-year-old.

After performing to critical acclaim during the initial run of Chicago, Gibb continued to perform in the role for four more years, touring across Australia and South-East Asia.

Since then she has performed in a wide range of theatre productions, on

Australian television’s All Saints and Neighbours and in Warner Brothers’ George of the Jungle 2.

Since relocating to Geelong a decade ago she has also performed in a number of community theatre productions, acting as a mentor to many emerging local talents.

Gibb will star as the Soap Star, one of the four main characters in Menopause the Musical, which explores the way a quartet of women, who seem to have nothing in common, bond through their shared experiences of ‘the change’.

She said one of the main reasons she had signed on for the musical comedy was that it opened in Geelong.

“It’s very exciting for me; I love Geelong, and I would love to be performing here a

Geelong actor Chelsea Gibb stars in Menopause The Musical. (Ivan Kemp) 567990_04

lot more,” Gibb said.

“I think the arts here are phenomenal and for me to be able to do a show here…I

Passport beckons for HZED Melbourne hard rock band HZED head to Torquay this weekend night to perform as part of the Passport to Airlie initiative.

Branded as “a launchpad, not a competition”, the Passport to Airlie gigs give emerging bands and artists the chance to earn a spot at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music in November.

The free local event, held at Bells Beach Brewing on Saturday 22 August, will feature 10 acts including local artists Carl Dickens, The Shore, Hazel Ray and Bella Deer.

But HZED guitarist Spruce Hemlock (aka Shannon Stewart) said the band’s focus was purely on the gig.

“We’re pretty excited, it’s the final and hopefully we’ll get on the big stage in November, but we’re not really thinking about it as a competition or a battle,” he

said. “We’ll just take it as a gig and play it like we always do, like it’s our last show.

“We want people to have a party with us, dancing on the floor. And we like to perform as much as we can, make it exciting to watch and hear.”

HZED have just released their latest single and filmclip Said You’d Never Leave, with a five-track EP due in October.

Spruce said the band’s growing success was due to the team they had surrounding them. “It’s not just the five people you see on stage, it’s everybody working in the background, helping out, giving us ideas and pushing us in the right way,” he said.

“And now crowds are starting to sing our lyrics back to us…when it comes back to you in that way you give more energy back to them. It’s a big party atmosphere, really.”

8 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

Melbourne rockers HZED. (Supplied)

just feel very grateful and excited for the people that I love here to come and see it.”

She said she couldn’t wait to get started on the tour with her co-stars Catherine Alcorn, Sally Bourne and Lena Cruz.

“The women in this show are absolutely amazing, all so brilliant in their own right and I couldn’t be more excited to be working with them,” she said.

“They’re just great women and bring such comedy and joy to the show. For Cath (Alcorn), I think this is her fourth time doing it…she said people just love it, because it’s just so full of joy.”

Menopause the Musical is at Geelong Arts Centre from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for more information.

CUS

12759077-JV11-25

BUSINESS IN F Five years of fee relief For many people considering retirement living, the opportunity to enjoy a vibrant community while reducing everyday expenses can make the decision even easier.

That’s why Bolton Clarke’s Armstrong Green Retirement Living community in Armstrong Creek is offering a limited-time Monthly Fee Relief promotion for eligible new residents.

Located on Barwon Heads Road in the heart of Armstrong Creek, Armstrong Green combines contemporary homes, beautifully landscaped surrounds and a welcoming village atmosphere.

Residents enjoy the benefits of low-maintenance living, an active and connected community, and the peace of mind that comes from being part of one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit retirement living providers.

Under the current promotion, new residents purchasing a first-occupancy villa can receive relief from their monthly service and maintenance fees for up to five years.

Those purchasing selected re-sale villas may be eligible for one year of monthly fee relief.

The offer provides significant financial peace of mind during the transition into retirement living, allowing residents to focus on settling into their new home, building friendships and enjoying the lifestyle on offer.

Armstrong Green has become a popular choice for local retirees seeking to remain close to family, beaches, shopping, healthcare and the growing amenities of the

Armstrong Green is a popular choice for retirees seeking to remain close to family, beaches, shopping and healthcare. (Pictures: Supplied)

Armstrong Creek region.

The village offers the perfect balance of independence, community and convenience, with residents free from many of the maintenance responsibilities associated with traditional home ownership.

The Monthly Fee Relief offer is available for a limited time and applies to eligible new residents who reserve and complete their residence contract by 18 December 2026.

To learn more or arrange a personal tour, call 1800 777 898 or search Armstrong Green by Bolton Clarke at boltonclarke.

com.au/living-options/retirement-living/ armstrong-green/ Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility criteria apply. Residents should seek independent legal and financial advice before making any decisions regarding retirement living.

Levy Relief 4¾JW

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*

3/4> :5 94 ¸;* >*&78 4+ 8:55479 &8 >4: 8*991* .394 1.+* &9 7289743, 7**3Õ For a limited time, Bolton Clarke will cover your service and maintenance charges on eligible villas — helping you feel at home sooner, with less to think about each month.

2439-8 43 3*< ;.11&8 2439-8 43 *89&'1.8-*) -42*8 440 >4:7 57.;&9* 94:7 94)&> 1800 777 898 | armstronggreen.com.au 722–742 Barwon Heads Rd, Armstrong Creek *Offer available on selected villas for contracts completed by 18 December 2026. Terms, conditions and eligibility criteria apply. Charges revert after applicable period.

12889863-MS34-26

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 9

FRIDAY FEATURE

GEELONGINDY.COM.AU

Stepping out with paw-pose PAWGUST is running for its last ever year this month to raise awareness and funds for Guide Dogs Australia.

Jena Carr spoke with an Ocean Grove family about their participation in the challenge and what guide dogs mean to people who need them.

Guide Dogs can make a big difference to the lives of people with low vision, something an Ocean Grove family knows all too well.

When Erin Carpenter’s daughter Lucy was born, she was shocked to learn that she and her husband were carriers of genes associated with albinism.

This led to Lucy being diagnosed with the rare genetic condition that affects the amount of melanin (a natural pigment that gives colour to skin, hair and eyes) her body produces.

“She was born legally blind, and her vision will only deteriorate over the course of normal ageing,” Erin said.

“Once we got over that original shock, we decided that we were going to get on with parenting our child as...she’s just like everybody else.

“Our favourite saying is from Dr Seuss, which is, ’Why fit in when you were born to stand out?’, and that’s the mantra we live by, as everyone’s different.

“She has beautiful white hair and eyelashes, and clear eyes, so she doesn’t have pink or red eyes, which is a common misconception as they sometimes appear that colour due to her eyes reflecting what is around her.”

Erin said that while she was growing up, Lucy assumed that everyone’s vision was just like hers.

“It’s just the little things that she never realised, like she didn’t realise people could see through car windows as she couldn’t really see that far out of our window,” she said.

“She learns to use what she’s got and, as she always says, ’I can see perfectly because this is all I’ve ever been able to see, so as far as I’m concerned, I have perfect vision’.”

Lucy is living proof that you can’t judge a book by its cover, going on to finish school and completing a Bachelor of Professional Communication at RMIT.

Lucy Carpenter with her guide dog Dottie.

(Supplied)

Erin Carpenter is participating in the PAWGUST challenge with her 13-year-old dog Vee. (Ivan Kemp) 571107_08

“You hear all the horrible things about anything when you have a child with a disability, but then you see the reality of all the good things they can do,” Erin said.

“Just treat your child like you would any other kid; they just need a little bit more adaptation with things, but they don’t need to have cotton wool wrapped around them.”

Lucy Carpenter is now 23 and lives independently in Melbourne with her six-yearold black labrador guide dog Dottie.

“I’ve never really been someone to let my blindness stop me from doing what I want to do, even if it’s really hard,” Lucy said.

“But having Dottie has just made being able to do those things so much easier, and it’s taken a lot of the weight off of my tasks and ambitions.

“I already thought that I was independent, but then I got her and realised that there was so much more that I could do that I didn’t even think was possible.”

Since she got Dottie four years ago, Lucy has been able to unlock a new level of independence that she “wasn’t aware existed”.

“Even in the 18 months that I first had her while I was completing my degree, the difference that she made for me to be able to go to university was really profound,” she said.

“I travelled about two and a half hours on public transport each way to my university campus, and that travel was really exhausting before I got Dottie.

12892940-AD33-26

10 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

“I was having to use and strain my remaining vision a lot, but that really changed when I got Dottie because I didn’t have to do that anymore.

“She did all the heavy lifting, so I could save my energy to actually attend classes and focus on what I was learning, which impacted my marks quite significantly.

“Since then, I’ve moved out of home, and I live independently now, so...I just feel like I can go wherever I need to and do whatever I need to do with confidence while feeling safe.”

Despite now living with a guide dog, Lucy has not always been comfortable around dogs and was actually quite scared of them when she was younger.

“Lots of children are apprehensive of dogs as they can be quite unpredictable and jumpy,” she said.

“When you have low vision, and you’re not able to see or predict exactly how they’re going to move or where they’re going to go or how close they are to you, it’s a lot more intimidating.

“So, my vision really played into me feeling apprehensive around dogs and just not feeling like I was safe around them.

“Then my family got our gorgeous pet dog Vee when she was a puppy, and seeing her grow up from eight weeks old to 13 years old really helped me get over my fear.

“She’s a big reason why I even have Dottie today because if I hadn’t gotten over

that fear, I probably wouldn’t have felt very comfortable getting my own dog.”

Erin will pound the pavement this month with Vee to raise money and support for Guide Dogs Australia through the last-ever PAWGUST challenge.

“Not only do guide dogs change the lives of the people that receive them, but they also make a difference to the whole family,” Erin said.

Erin has raised more than $740 as of 10.30am on 20 August through Guide Dogs Australia’s walking challenge, with Lucy and Dottie also participating and raising more than $350.

“It’s the one month where I make sure I walk every single day...and I love the feeling of being able to give back to an organisation that has given us a lot over the years,” Erin said.

“I’m very proud of my mum and thankful to have a family that is so supportive and understands how impactful the services that Guide Dogs provide are,” Lucy said.

It takes two years and over $50,000 to breed, raise, train and match a suitable guide dog with a person with low vision, and the dog should not be touched, fed or distracted from guiding its handler.

“My best advice is that if you see a guide dog out working, just leave them alone...as our dogs are doing a really important job,” Lucy said.

“A lot of people may assume that every blind person just grows up and gets a guide dog, but it’s a big responsibility, and it’s not for everyone.

“There’s no right or wrong way to go about it, so whether you decide to get one or not, there’s no better way to go about your life, as it’s all about choosing what’s best for you.”

People can visit the PAWGUST website to donate to Erin and Lucy’s fundraising pages.

The Guide TEENAGE BOSS: NEXT LEVEL ABC Family, Saturday, 7.30pm

THE VAMPIRE LESTAT SBS2, Friday, 8.30pm

We’re taking a bit of a pivot for the third season of Rolin Jones’s Interview with the Vampire adaptation. For a start, it’s had a name change. And this time, we’re seeing things from the perspective of Lestat de Lioncourt (The Newsreader’s Sam Reid, pictured) – realising he’s maybe not quite the bad guy we’ve been led to believe. In fact, he’s going to rock your world. The vampire’s response to the publication of the memoir that gave the series its original name is trying to reclaim the narrative by forming a glam rock band and going out on tour – with Daniel (Eric Bogosian) part of his entourage.

The storyline gives this season an over-the-top, campy tone that, while slightly ridiculous, is also gloriously fun. Enjoy the show!

In this weekend’s episode of the show that puts teens in charge of their family’s finances, host Emma Watkins hands Tom (pictured) the biggest household budget Teenage Boss has ever seen. But as anyone who has ever had a pay rise knows, more money does not necessarily equal fewer financial worries. Musicobsessed Tom’s personal goal is to save enough for a new guitar, but his enthusiasm for going to expensive live gigs has always made saving a challenge. Now, with prices for basics like groceries and petrol skyrocketing and a family trip to Hawaii on the calendar, the impulse to overspend will be hard to resist. Can he tune out temptation and keep the family finances on track?

PICK OF THE WEEK GOGGLEBOX AUSTRALIA 10, Sunday, 7pm

Get the popcorn: Sydneysiders and reality TV fans Mia, Bree and Lainey get comfy on the couch for a new season of Gogglebox.

Once upon a time, this peoplewatching phenomenon relied on the runoff from reality giants – The Bachelorette, The Biggest Loser and I’m a Celebrity… – to build its audience. But nowadays, the couch critics get top billing. Not only have they moved up a timeslot, but our beloved Goggleboxers are taking over prime broadcasting real estate: Sunday nights. Whether you’ve spent the weekend on the sofa or have been out and about, their unfiltered feedback on the latest TV shows is the perfect way to wrap up the week. In Sunday’s season 24 premiere, we find out who reckons they could don the red cloak in The Traitors Australia.

DEAL OR NO DEAL: CELEBRITY JACKPOT 10, Monday, 7.30pm

A viral moment at the 2024 AACTA Awards saw The Cheap Seats co-host Tim McDonald struggle to open an envelope, and it’s been a running joke for his colleagues Melanie Bracewell (pictured with McDonald) and Mel Tracina ever since. From tearing lolly packets to unfolding letters or extending an umbrella, no task is too small for the comedian to fumble. But how will he go when tasked with unlocking one of Deal or No Deal ’s iconic gold briefcases?

Tune in to find out as McDonald and Bracewell team up to take on TV’s ultimate game of chance, hoping to win up to $200,000 on behalf of Learning for Life Autism Centre, and make host Grant Denyer giggle along the way.

Friday, August 21 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News.

10.00 Compass. (Final, R) 10.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Portrait Artist Of The Year.

(PG, R) 1.50 Treasure & Dirt. (Mlv, R) 2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next.

(PGa, R) 5.25 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 France 24 English News. 8.00 DD India News Hour. 9.00 For The Love Of Dogs. (PGa, R) 10.00 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 10.50 Canal Boat Diaries.

12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Junior Doctors Down Under. (Mad, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.10 Beautiful Lakes Of Northern Italy. (R) 5.05 Jeopardy!

5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)

6.00 Sunrise.

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

1.00 MOVIE: Fallen Angels Murder Club: Friends To Die For. (2022, Mav, R) Toni Braxton.

3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: A Machu Picchu Proposal. (2025, G) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon.

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

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.50 Attenborough’s Parenthood. (PGa, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 1.00 News.

2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 Gardening Australia. The team focuses on food growing.

8.20 Saint-Pierre. (PG) Fitz and "SDI JOWFTUJHBUF B TFWFSFE ÙOHFS 9.05 Portrait Artist Of The Year.

(PG, R) Nine artists create portraits of celebrities.

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

10.25 ABC Late News.

10.45 New Zealand Spy. (Mv, R) 11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 11.55 Rage New Music.

(MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

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

7.35 The Good Ship Murder. (PGv) 8.30 WWII With Tom Hanks. (Maw) 10.10 SBS World News Late.

10.40 The King. (Mal) 11.35 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (Malv, R) 1.20 World On Fire. (Malv, R) 3.25 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (R) 4.15 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown. A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match.

7.30 Football. AFL. Round 24.

Collingwood v Brisbane Lions. From the MCG. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show.

Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.15 GetOn Extra. A look at the weekend’s best racing.

11.45 To Be Advised.

1.00 Eyewitness. (MA15+adv, R) Ryan is forced to interfere with an autopsy.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 8.30 MOVIE: Ocean’s Thirteen.

(2007, PGlsv, R) Danny Ocean and his team of expert criminals reunite to pull off one last heist. George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon.

11.00 Resident Alien. (Malv, R) 11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

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

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

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia.

(R) A couple know it’s time to make a decision.

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

9.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather.

10.40 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) Leonard distributes extra grant money.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS2 (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 11.45 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 12.30pm Ben And Holly.

12.55 Talking Tom Heroes. 1.20 PJ Masks.

1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.30 The Makery.

3.00 Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.45 HexVets And Magic Pets. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior.

7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.50 Steven Universe.

9.40 BattleBots. 10.25 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.10 NHK Newsline.

8.40 CBC The National. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 France 24 English News.

10.30 Hoarders. 1.35pm Great Australian Concerts: Cold Chisel. 2.45 WorldWatch.

4.45 Inside The Huddle. 5.15 Over The Black Dot. 5.45 Jeopardy! 6.35 Celebrity Jeopardy.

(Premiere) 8.30 The Vampire Lestat. (Return) 10.20 MOVIE: Interview With The Vampire.

(1994, MA15+) 12.35am The Vampire Lestat: After Dark. 1.35 Sex Tape Italy. 3.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Under The Hammer. 3.00 Feel Good Road Trips.

3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes.

5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes. 8.00 Escape To The Country. 11.00 The Americas. Midnight Bargain Hunt. 1.00 Under The Hammer.

1.30 Surf Patrol. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Animal Rescue. 3.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Poirot. 1.00 The Brokenwood Mysteries. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Night Boat To Dublin. (1946, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Rugby League.

NRL. Dolphins v Eels. 9.55 NRL Friday Night Footy Post-Match. 10.45 MOVIE: Into The Blue 2: The Reef. (2009, MA15+) 12.40am Antiques Roadshow. 1.10 $SFÚP 1.40 MOVIE: Night Boat To Dublin. (1946, PG) 3.30 Late Programs.

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

10.30 Becker. 11.00 Frasier. Noon Lingo.

1.00 Friends. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker. 5.00 The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. 5.30 Big Bang. 6.00 Friends.

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

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Going Places. Noon Sing About This Country.

2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.30 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.25 Nula. 5.55 Bamay. 6.35 Mysteries Of The Mekong. 7.30 MOVIE: Happy Feet. (2006, PG) 9.40 MOVIE: Tenacious D In The Pick Of Destiny. (2006, MA15+) 11.20 Nula. Midnight Big Backyard Quiz. 2.00 NITV On The Road: Laura Festival. 3.00 NITV On The Road: Mbantua.

5.00 Bamay. 5.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.05 The Movie Teller. (2023, Malv, Spanish) 12.15pm Year Of The Dog. (2007, Ma) 2.00 The Orator. (2011, PGa, Samoan) 4.10 Poms. (2019, PGals) 5.50 We Think The World Of You. (1988, PGa) 7.40 Hampstead. (2017, PGals) 9.35 The Teacher Who Promised The Sea. (2023, av, Spanish, Catalan) 11.35 The Lost King.

(2022, Ml) 1.35am The Tunnel (Part 2) (2001, Malsv) 3.25 Mamacruz. (2023, MA15+ns, Spanish) 5.00 We Think The World Of You. (1988, PGa)

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Deadliest Roads. 10.30 Hockey. Men’s FIH World Cup. Aust v Spain. Noon American Resto. 12.30 American Pickers. 1.30 Pawn Stars. 2.30 Kick Ons. 3.00 Timbersports. STIHL Series.

3.30 Counting Cars. 4.30 American Resto.

5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers.

6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Motorbike Cops.

8.30 MOVIE: The Help. (2011, M) 11.30 MOVIE: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. (1994, M) 1.30am Pawn Stars. 2.00 Golf. LIV Golf League Indianapolis.

6am Morning Programs. 11.40 Snackmasters. 2.30pm Baywatch.

3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family.

5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes Of Grindelwald. (2018, M) 10.10 MOVIE: A Simple Favour. (2018, M) 12.30am Legacies.

1.20 The Real Housewives Of Durban. 2.15 The Summit. 3.30 4VSÙOH "VTU 4.00 Barbie: A Touch Of Magic. 4.30 Bubble’s Hotel. 4.50 LEGO Friends: The Next Chapter. 5.10 Mia & Codie. 5.30 Late Programs.

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

1.30 JAG. 3.30 Bull.

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

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

VIC

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 11

Saturday, August 22 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PG) 12.00 Football. VFL. Wildcard.

3.00 Grantchester. (PGa, R) 3.45 Saint-Pierre. (PGa, R) 4.30 Kitchen Cabinet. (PG, R) 5.05 Australian Story. (R) 5.35 Landline. (R)

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

(PGa, R) 10.00 Finland From Above. (R) 11.00 Ireland’s Secrets From Above.

(PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Maven.

(Ml) 2.40 Going Places. (R) 4.20 Lisbon & WWII: Spies, Gold And Diplomacy.

(PGa, R) 5.25 Dad’s Secret War: France 1944. (PGav)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 10.00 Cricket.

Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh.

Morning. 12.00 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 12.40 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh. Arvo. 2.40 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 3.00 Cricket. Second Test.

Aust v Bangladesh. Late arvo. 5.30 Border Security. (PG, R)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 4VSÙOH Australia TV. 12.30 Rugby Union.

Women’s International. NZ v Aust. From Go Media Stadium, Auckland, NZ. 3.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 4.30 The Garden Gurus. 5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 Getaway. (PG)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 All 4 Adventure. (R) 9.30 Frugal Foodie. (R) 10.00 Freshly Picked. (R) 10.30 What’s Up Down Under. (Return, PG) 11.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) 1.00 Pooches At Play. (PG) 1.30 Country House Facelift. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal: Celebrity Jackpot. (PG, R) 3.00 The Finish Line.

(R) 4.00 Lingo. (R) 5.00 News.

6.05 Kath & Kim. (PGals, R) Kath and Kel’s ensuite gets a workout.

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

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

7.30 Grantchester. (PGa) Alphy is caught in a train murder-mystery.

8.20 Father Brown. (PGv) Father Brown investigates when a murder derails the live broadcast of a radio drama.

9.05 Doc Martin. (Final, Ma, R) As the village prepares to throw a farewell party for the Ellinghams, Ruth helps Mrs Tishell deal with the news.

9.50 Falling. (Ml, R) Follows the relationship between a nun and a priest.

10.40 Little Disasters. (Mal, R) Jess’ fate hangs in the balance.

11.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Queen Elizabeth II: Her Story, Our Century. (PG) Chronicles the life of Queen Elizabeth II. 8.35 The Assassinations Of Queen Victoria. The true story of the eight assassination attempts on Queen Victoria.

9.55 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey: Pia Miranda In Italy. (Ms, R) 10.55 DNA Family Secrets. (PG, R) 12.00 Daddy Issues. (Return, Mls) 3.00 Those Who Stayed. (Mal, R) 3.45 Jersey And Guernsey. (R) 4.35 Bamay: Arrernte Country – Tjoritja Macdonnell Ranges. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 Euronews.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Better Homes And Gardens.

Hosted by Johanna Griggs.

8.00 The Great Outdoors. (PG) The team explores prehistoric caves and cliffside villages in France.

8.30 MOVIE: Jurassic World Dominion. (2022, Mav, R) With Earth once again dominated by prehistoric predators, two generations of heroes attempt to shape the destiny of humans and dinosaurs. Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, DeWanda Wise.

11.30 To Be Advised.

1.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 9. Ipswich Super440. Day 1. Highlights.

From Queensland Raceway.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 25. St George Illawarra Dragons v Canterbury Bulldogs.

From Allianz Stadium, Sydney.

9.25 NRL Saturday Night Footy Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the NRL game.

10.00 MOVIE: Training Day. (2001, MA15+dlv, R) Denzel Washington, Ethan Hawke.

12.25 Wild Cards. (Mv, R) 1.15 Next Stop. (R) 1.45 My Way. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PGw) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

6.30 The Dog House Australia.

(PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown.

7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. Neale is determined to make his new design and plans transform Nicola and Richard’s tired Gold Coast home.

9.40 Love It Or List It UK: Brilliant Builds. (PG) Kirstie Allsopp and Phil Spencer look back on their best layout transformations and extensions, including a boxy cottage on the rural outskirts of Leeds and a 1930s three-bed semi in Birmingham.

10.40 Watson. (Mm, R) The team helps Laila’s son, who was injured in a car accident while pursuing his crush with the help of his AI chatbot.

11.40 FBI. (Mav, R) The team races to stop a murderer’s plan.

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

SBS2 (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Great Australian Concerts: Finn/Kelly. 2.45 If You Are The One. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.45 Mastermind Aust. 6.45 Engineering By Catastrophe. (Premiere) 7.40 History’s Greatest Machines. (Premiere) 8.30 The Vampire Lestat. 9.30 Couples Therapy.

(Return) 10.40 Icons Unearthed: Harrison Ford. 11.35 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Horse Racing. Winx Stakes Day and Mekka Raceday. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bondi Vet. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Auction Squad. 12.30am Australia: The Story Of Us. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Animal Rescue.

2.30 Creek To Coast. 3.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm NRLW Wrap. 3.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Canterbury Bulldogs v Canberra Raiders. 5.00 Rugby League.

NRL Women’s Premiership. Dragons v North Qld Cowboys. 7.00 Rugby League.

NRL. Dragons v Canterbury Bulldogs. 7.30 MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption. (1994, M) 10.25 Late Programs.

6am GCBC. 7.00 The Bold And The Beautiful. 9.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. 11.00 &WFSZEBZ (PVSNFU 8JUI +VTUJOF 4DIPÙFME 11.30 Ridiculousness. (PGal, R) 1.00 Friends. (PG, R) 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 10.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) 12.00 Ridiculousness. (PGal, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 1.45pm Mysteries Of The Mekong. 2.40 The Drover’s Boy. 2.55 Over The Black Dot. 3.25 Homesteads. 4.00 Stompem Ground 2022: Blekbala Mujik.

4.50 Our Medicine. 6.00 Home, Land & Sea. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia.

8.40 MOVIE: Lake Placid. (1999, M) 10.05 MOVIE: Krush Groove. (1985, M) 11.45 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.10 The Lost King. (2022, Ml) 1.10pm Solitary Man. (2009) 2.50 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PGal) 5.10 %FMÙO 1(B 4QBOJTI 6.50 Horrible Histories: The Movie. (2019, PGv) 8.30 John Wick. (2014, MA15+v) 10.25 Erotica 2022. (2022, MA15+dlnsv, Polish) 1am Saving Private Ryan. (1998, MA15+v) 4.05 Late Programs.

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

Night Thunder. Aust Nationals. Replay. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars.

5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars.

7.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Brisbane v North Melbourne. 9.15 MOVIE: Enemy Of The State. (1998, M) Midnight Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.15pm Motor Racing. FIA Formula E World C’ship. London ePrix. 2.20 MOVIE: Wonder. (2017, PG) 4.45 The Dog House UK. 5.45 MOVIE: ScoobyDoo. (2002, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore. (2022, M) 10.20 The Lord Of The Rings: The Rings Of Power. 11.45 Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 9.00 Reel Action. 9.30 The Traitors Australia. 11.00 Bondi Rescue. 11.30 Building The Dream. 12.30pm The Living Room. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 Reel Action.

5.00 Escape Fishing With ET. 5.30 JAG. (PGls, R) 7.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) 10.20 JAG. (PGsv, R) 12.15am Home Shopping.

12890164-LD32-26 12881757-AF27-26

ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.25pm MOVIE: Tummy Tom 2: A New Friend For Tummy Tom. (2024) 4.25 Children’s Programs.

6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 6.45 Rocket Club. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 8.00 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 8.45 The Lady Grace Mysteries. 9.55 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Late Programs.

Sunday, August 23 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (Final, R) 11.30 Praise. 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.15 Portrait Artist Of The Year. (PG, R) 3.10 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.00 Creative Types. (PGl, R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (R) 5.00 Take 5. (R) 5.30 Back Roads. (PG, R)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 France 24 English News. 9.00 DD India News Hour. 10.00 Georgia From Above. (PG, R) 11.00 Ireland’s Secrets From Above.

(PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.00 Speedweek. 3.00 Going Places. (R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta.

H’lights. 5.30 The Exiles: Secretly Deported. (Premiere, PGa)

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Test Cricket: Pre-Game Show. 10.00 Cricket.

Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh.

Morning. 12.00 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 12.40 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh. Arvo. 2.40 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 3.00 Cricket. Second Test.

Aust v Bangladesh. Late arvo. 5.30 Border Security. (PG, R)

6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) 1.40 The Block. (PGl, R) 4.00 Ski Rescue Down Under. (PGm) 5.00 9News First At Five.

5.30 Postcards. (PG)

6am Morning Programs. 9.30 GCBC. (R) 10.00 Good Food Everyday. (PGa, R) 10.30 Frugal Foodie. (R) 11.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 11.30 Deal Or No Deal.

(PG, R) 12.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 12.30 Gogglebox Aust. (PGlmnsv, R) 1.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) 3.00 The Finish Line. (R) 4.00 Lingo. (R) 5.00 News.

6.00 Antiques Roadshow.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Portrait Artist Of The Year. Nine artists create portraits of celebrities.

8.20 Treasure & Dirt. (Final, Malv) While Nell closes in on Jonas’ killer, Ivan is summoned to the Iron Ring to pay his debts.

9.20 Falling. (Ml) Anna attempts to adjust to her new life whilst David tries to ignore the noise as gossip grows.

10.05 Grantchester. (PGa, R) 10.50 Father Brown. (PGv, R) 11.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.45 The Cook And The Chef. (R) 3.15 Doc Martin. (Final, Ma, R) 4.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Days That Shocked The World: September 11. (Mal) 9.25 Castle Secrets: The Missing Pearl Treasure, Spirit Of Revenge, A Secret Strength. (Mav, R) 10.20 Kennedy: The Torch Has Passed (January 1961December 1961) (PG, R) 11.05 Queens That Changed The World. (Ms, R) 1.55 David Baddiel: Jews Don’t Count. (MA15+l, R) 2.55 A Hollywood Spy Against The Nazis. (PGa, R) 4.00 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.15 WorldWatch.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Round 24.

West Coast v Hawthorn. From Optus Stadium, Perth.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show.

Post-game discussion and interviews.

11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Focuses on long-form investigations.

12.00 Motor Racing. Supercars Championship. Round 9. Ipswich Super440. Day 2. Highlights.

From Queensland Raceway.

1.00 Curfew. (MA15+av) The remaining racers have made it across the river.

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

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News Sunday.

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

9.40 9News Late.

10.10 The First 48: Unforgotten – Crystal Pt 1. (MA15+av) 11.20 Murder In The 21st: In Plain Sight. (MA15+sv) 3URÚNG !USTRALIA 46 (R) 12.40 Iconic Australia: The Dream. (PGa, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Destination WA. (PG, R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

6.30 10 News+. Comprehensive coverage of the day’s top stories, investigative reports and stories that haven’t been heard.

7.00 Gogglebox Australia.

(Return) Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows.

8.00 Watson. (PGm) Watson’s biohacker friend returns when he rushes his new girlfriend to the Holmes Clinic after a gene-editing experiment goes wrong.

9.00 FBI. (Mav) Chaos erupts in the city when an attack disrupts cell, internet and emergency services.

12.00 10 News+. (R) Hosted

by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace.

12.30 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS2 (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 12.55pm Talking Tom Heroes. 1.20 PJ Masks. 1.50 Kangaroo Beach. 2.35 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Zog. 4.15 Stan & Gran.

5.20 The Gruffalo. 6.05 PJ Masks. 6.20 Bluey. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.30 The Inbestigators. 7.45 The Lady Grace Mysteries. 8.10 Secrets Of The Penguins.

8.55 Animal Park. 10.25 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Great Australian Concerts: Icehouse. 2.35 Salt Joy. 3.10 Jeopardy! 4.25 WorldWatch. 5.50 Bermuda Triangle: Into Cursed Waters. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 The Vampire Lestat. 9.30 The Mystery Of Monster Waves.

10.30 The Vampire Lestat: After Dark. 11.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. 1.50am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Escape To The Country. 12.30pm The Master. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Jabba’s Movies.

2.30 Better Homes. 3.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 4.30 My Greek Odyssey. 5.30 The Great Outdoors. 6.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 The Thief, His Wife And The Canoe. 11.30 Vicar Of Dibley. 1am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.30pm Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership.

Roosters v NZ Warriors. 3.30 Rugby League.

NRL. Roosters v Tigers. 6.00 Rugby League.

NRL Women’s Premiership. Cronulla Sharks v Eels. 8.00 David Attenborough’s Asia. 9.10 Paramedics. 10.10 Emergency. 11.10 Major Crimes. 12.10am Late Programs.

6.00 Good Chef Bad Chef. (R) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 10.00 The Dog Academy. (PGa, R) 1.00 Friends. (PG, R) 6.00 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 8.45 The Big Bang Theory. (PGs, R) 10.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) 12.00 Ridiculousness. (PGadl, R) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R)

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 3.05pm Football.

West Kimberley Football League. Women’s.

Grand Final. Replay. 4.30 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 6.00 Bamay.

6.40 Mysteries Of The Mekong. 7.30 Earth Oven. 8.30 MOVIE: Finke: There And Back.

(2018, M) 10.15 MOVIE: Mad Max. (1979, MA15+) 11.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.45pm The Teacher Who Promised The Sea. (2023, Mav, Spanish, Catalan) 2.40 We Think The World Of You. (1988, PGa) 4.30 Hampstead.

(2017, PGals) 6.25 Treasure Of The Yankee Zephyr. (1981, PGlv) 8.30 Sympathy For The Devil. (2023, MA15+v) 10.10 Fargo. (1996, MA15+lv) Midnight Seeking Justice. (2011, MA15+v) 2.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Football.

AFLW. Collingwood v Fremantle. 2.30 Fish’n Mates. 3.00 Football. AFLW. Carlton v Adelaide. 5.30 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security USA. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: Venom: Let There Be Carnage.

(2021, M) 10.30 MOVIE: Flatliners. (2017, M) 1am Blokesworld. 1.30 Border Security USA. 2.30 Border Security. 3.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.50 Seinfeld.

12.20pm MOVIE: Scooby-Doo. (2002, PG) 2.05 LEGO Masters Aust Vs World. 3.40 The Toys That Built The World. 4.40 Cards And Collectables Australia. 5.10 MOVIE: The Addams Family 2. (2021, PG) 7.00 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Philosopher’s Stone.

(2001, PG) 10.15 MOVIE: Shazam! (2019, M) 12.50am Bel-Air. 1.45 Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 7.30 Leading The Way. 8.00 Building The Dream. 9.00 I Fish. 9.30 The Traitors Australia. 11.00 Escape Fishing.

11.30 Building The Dream. 12.30pm What’s Up Down Under. 1.30 Buy To Build. 2.00 Living Room. 3.00 JAG. 4.00 Pooches At Play. 4.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 10.20 Boston Blue. 11.15 JAG. 1.15am Shopping.

12 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

Monday, August 24 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 10.45 Father Brown. (PG, R) 11.30 Nigella At My Table. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Landline.

(R) 2.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries.

(PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 DD India News Hour. 10.00 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 10.55 Canal Boat Diaries. 12.05 WorldWatch. 2.00 Junior Doctors Down Under. (Ma, R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights.

6.00 Sunrise. 9.30 Test Cricket: PreGame Show. 10.00 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh. Morning.

12.00 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break.

12.40 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh. Arvo. 2.40 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 3.00 Cricket. Second Test.

Aust v Bangladesh. Late arvo. 5.30 The Chase Australia. (R)

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

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

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 Ent. Tonight. (R) 11.00 Gogglebox Aust. (R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet.

12.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

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

9.35 Planet America. A look at American politics.

10.05 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 10.35 ABC Late News.

10.50 The Business. (R) 11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 11.55 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.40 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.45 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) Presented by Marc Fennell.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Bill Bailey’s Vietnam Adventure.

(PG, R) Bill Bailey explores Vietnam.

8.30 24 Hours In Emergency: The Last Roll Of The Dice. (Ma) A 58-year-old is rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre after falling from a two-storey roof.

9.25 Alone Australia. .M 3 5IF ÙOBM survivalists face a medical check that DPVME TIBUUFS UIFJS ÙHIU GPS TVSWJWBM 10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Gomorrah. (MA15+av, R) 12.45 Fargo. (Mlv, R) 2.40 Jersey And Guernsey. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The Voice. (PGal) Team spots are running low and the pressure to turn a chair couldn’t be higher.

8.40 The Rookie. (Mav) Nolan, Harper and Penn face a dangerous situation when a routine check takes a sudden turn.

9.40 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

10.40 The Agenda Setters: Rugby League.

11.40 Happy’s Place. (PGas) Emmett continues his nightly check-ins.

12.10 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R) 1.10 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

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

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

11.10 100% Footy. (Mal) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

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

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

7.30 Deal Or No Deal: Celebrity Jackpot. (PG) There’s double trouble when The Cheap Seats’ Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald team up to take on the Banker.

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

9.40 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.

10.40 The Big Bang Theory.

(PGs, R) Raj catches Anu with her ex-boyfriend.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS2 (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Gardening Australia Junior. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Batwheels.

7.40 Ninjago. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 10.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon France 24 English News. 12.30 Hoarders. 2.05 Viking Quest: America. 3.00 Over The Black Dot. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.25 Alone Germany. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Vampire Lestat. 9.30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. 10.25 The Vampire Lestat: After Dark. 11.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. 1.50am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 My Greek Odyssey. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Auction Squad. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 A Touch Of Frost. 10.15 Mighty Ships. 11.15 Escape To The Country. 12.15am Bargain Hunt. 1.15 Late Programs.

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

1.10 Midsomer Murders. 3.10 Antiques Roadshow. 3.40 MOVIE: Tonight’s The Night. (1954) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers.

6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 Agatha Raisin. 10.40 Rizzoli & Isles. 11.40 The First 48. 12.40am Antiques Roadshow. 1.10 $SFÚP 1.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. 10.30 Becker. 11.00 Lingo. Noon The Traitors Australia. 1.30 Friends. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker.

5.00 The Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. 5.30 Big Bang. 6.00 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold.

3.30 Shopping.

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.30 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.25 The 77 Percent. 5.55 Bamay. 6.35 Mysteries Of The Mekong. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Living Black. 9.00 MOVIE: Finding Dawn. (2006, M) 10.25 MOVIE: Stand By Me. (1986, M) Midnight Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.05pm Moving.

(1993, Ma, Japanese) 2.20 %FMÙO PGa, Spanish) 4.00 Horrible Histories: The Movie. (2019, PGv) 5.45 Kindred. 7.30 Inshallah A Boy. (2023, Mal, Arabic) 9.40 The Piano Teacher. (2001, MA15+anvw, French) 12.10am Gone Girl. (2014, MA15+alsv) 2.55 Hamburger Hill. (1987, MA15+lv) 5.00 The Crow’s Egg. (2014, PGa, Tamil)

6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Ipswich Super440.

H’lights. 3.30 Motor Racing. Supercars C’ship. Ipswich Super440. H’lights. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 Aussie Gold Hunters.

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

6am Morning Programs. 11.40 Jeopardy!

Australia. 12.40pm MOVIE: The Evil Twin.

(2021, M) 2.30 Baywatch. 3.30 Seinfeld.

4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets. (2002, PG) 11.45 Seinfeld. 12.45am Legacies.

1.35 The Real Housewives Of Durban. 2.30 Baywatch. 3.30 Late Programs.

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

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

We

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Tuesday, August 25 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Walking Man. (PG, R) 11.30 Take 5. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Grantchester. (PGa, R) 2.00 Back Roads. (PG, R) 2.30 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries.

(PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 DD India News Hour. 10.00 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 10.50 Canal Boat Diaries. 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Junior Doctors Down Under. (Ma, R) 2.55 Living Black. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Cricket.

Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh.

Morning. (Alt schedule may be shown).

12.00 Test Cricket: The Lunch Break.

12.40 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh. Arvo. 2.40 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 3.00 Cricket. Second Test.

Aust v Bangladesh. Late arvo. 4.00 News. 5.00 The Chase Aust.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.00 Ski Rescue Down Under. (Ml, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 Ent. Tonight. (R) 11.00 Deal Or No Deal: Celebrity Jackpot.

(PG, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 1.00 News.

2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Foreign Correspondent.

8.30 Kitchen Cabinet. (Final) 9.00 The Assembly: Ian Thorpe. (Final, PGa, R) 9.45 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (R) 10.15 ABC Late News.

10.30 The Business. (R) 10.50 Four Corners. (R) 11.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 11.50 Murdoch Mysteries. (Mav, R) 12.35 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.25 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.45 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.40 Love Your Garden. (PGa, R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.30 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey: Denise Scott AM In Germany. (PGs) 8.30 Insight. Takes a look at how Australians are building wealth.

9.30 Dateline: Hong Kong – A City Silenced.

10.00 SBS World News Late.

10.30 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Tuscany. (R) 11.20 Mozart/Mozart. (Mas) 1.10 Blackwater. (Malsv, R) 3.20 Jersey And Guernsey. (PGaw, R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. Leah and Zane team up.

7.30 The Voice. (PGal) There BSF ÙWF TQPUT MFGU 9.05 Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares USA. (MA15+l) Gordon Ramsay helps Leo, whose passion for his Italian restaurant faded after losing his son.

10.05 The Agenda Setters.

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

11.05 Happy’s Place. (PGad) 12.05 New Amsterdam. (MA15+av, R) Sharpe offers help to a reluctant Mina.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl) The teams struggle with their budgets.

8.45 Trigger Point. (MA15+alv) Lana works with New Scotland Yard. &OOTY #LASSIÚED (Ml) Footy experts tackle the AFL’s big issues.

10.45 9News Late.

11.15 Outback Opal Hunters. (PGal) 12.10 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Explore TV: Christmas Island. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

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

7.00 Millionaire Hot Seat.

(PG) Six contestants answer multiple-choice questions that escalate in cash-prize value.

7.30 The Traitors Australia.

(PGl) An unexpected success buoys the players.

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

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

11.00 The Big Bang Theory.

(Ms, R) Penny tries to sabotage Leonard’s plan.

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS2 (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Batwheels.

7.40 Ninjago. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.35 Harry Potter: Wizards Of Baking. 10.15 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Holy Marvels. 2.00 Viking Quest: America. 2.55 Inside The Huddle. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 Alone Germany. 6.45 Jeopardy! 7.40 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.35 The Vampire Lestat. 9.35 MOVIE: Thelma And Louise: Born To Live. (2025, M) 10.35 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. 1.50am Travel Man. 2.20 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Mighty Ships. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.

6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife.

8.45 Inspector Morse. 11.05 Escape To The Country. 12.05am Bargain Hunt. 1.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Favorite Martian. Noon Death In Paradise. 1.00 Agatha Raisin. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow.

3.30 MOVIE: Carry On Jack. (1964, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 10.40 Rizzoli & Isles. 11.40 Poirot. 12.40am Antiques Roadshow. 1.10 $SFÚP 1.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Farm To Fork.

8.00 Ent. Tonight. 8.30 Bold. 9.00 Frasier.

10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. 10.30 Becker.

11.00 Lingo. Noon The Traitors Australia.

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

6.00 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker.

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

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.30 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.25 Indian Country Today News. 5.55 Bamay. 6.35 Mysteries Of The Mekong. 7.30 The Point. 8.00 Murder In Big Horn. 9.00 MOVIE: Antwone Fisher. (2002, MA15+) 11.10 Incarceration Nation. 12.50am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.20pm Oliver’s Universe. (2022, Mal, Spanish) 2.25 Treasure Of The Yankee Zephyr. (1981, PGlv) 4.30 The Bridge On The River Kwai. (1957, PGav) 7.30 J. Edgar. (2011, Malv) 10.00 Disobedience.

(2018, MA15+s) 12.10am Dead Again.

(1991, Malsv) 2.10 The Piano Teacher. (2001, MA15+anvw, French) 4.30 The Movie Show.

5.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Ice Road Truckers. 3.00 Gem Hunters Down Under. 4.00 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh. Late arvo. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 Outback Wreckers. 9.30 Outback Truckers. 10.30 Heavy Tow Truckers Down Under. 11.30 Ice Road Truckers.

12.30am Storage Wars. 1.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.40 Jeopardy!

Australia. 12.40pm MOVIE: Bad Nanny.

(2022, M) 2.30 Baywatch. 3.30 Seinfeld.

4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban. (2004, PG) 11.15 Seinfeld. 12.15am Legacies.

1.55 The Real Housewives Of Durban. 2.50 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.50 Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 8.00 Days Of Our Lives. 8.45 The Young And The Restless. 9.30 Living Room. 10.30 Building The Dream. 11.30 Bold. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 1.00 The Young And The Restless. 2.00 The Traitors Australia. 3.30 Bull. 4.30 JAG. 6.30 Bull.

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

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 13

Wednesday, August 26 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 10.45 Foreign Correspondent. (R) 11.15 Back Roads.

(R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 2.00 Back Roads.

(R) 2.30 Home Delivery. (PG, R) 3.00 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 4.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 8.30 France 24 English News. 9.00 DD India News Hour. 10.00 Kew Gardens: Season By Season. (R) 10.50 Canal Boat Diaries.

12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights.

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

1.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. (R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

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

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight.

(R) 10.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 1.00 News.

2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (PG, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Hard Quiz. (PGa) 8.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG) 9.00 New Zealand Spy. (Final, PG) Michael, Sue and Anderson try to stop Dennis Greene.

9.25 QI. (Final, Ml) 9.55 Planet America. (R) 10.30 ABC Late News.

10.45 The Business. (R) 11.00 Treasure & Dirt. (Final, Malv, R) 12.00 Murdoch Mysteries. (PGv, R) 12.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.40 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.40 Love Your Garden. (R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.30 Alone Australia.

(Ml) The competitors are pushed to the brink.

8.35 The Airport Chaplain. (Premiere, Ml) Follows the chaotic work life of an airport chaplain, as he clashes with the new terminal manager.

9.35 James May: Our Man In India. (Ml, R) James May begins his journey in Mumbai.

10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 The Congregation. (MA15+s) 11.55 Crime. (MA15+av, R) 2.50 Jersey And Guernsey. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PG, R) Lee Mack hosts a game show where contestants must answer increasingly obscure questions.

8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Miss Universe Australia 2026.

(PG) Australia’s most inspiring women compete for the coveted Miss Universe Australia 2026 crown.

11.30 The Agenda Setters. (R) 12.30 Everything I Know About Love. (Mals) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Block. (PGl) One team gets a helping hand.

8.45 Banjo And Ro’s Grand Island Hotel. (PG) Banjo’s ideas clash with Ro’s realism.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 The Teacher: Body In The Lake. (Mal) 11.25 Accused: Guilty Or Innocent? (MA15+av) 12.15 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.05 Destination WA. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

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

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

7.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl) Fresh certainty amongst the players manufactures a manor-wide mystery and the mission brings an edge to the roundtable.

9.00 Boston Blue. (Mv) Jonah struggles with anger and grief, confronting the killer and testing family bonds.

Mae and Sarah face painful truths.

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

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

12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS2 (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Gardening Australia Junior. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Batwheels.

7.40 Ninjago. 8.05 Young Sheldon. 8.30 Young Sheldon. 8.50 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.35 The Piano. 10.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Holy Marvels. 2.00 Viking Quest: America. 2.55 12 Dishes In 12 Hours. 3.35 WorldWatch. 5.30 Alone Germany. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Vampire Lestat. 9.30 The Future. (Return) 10.30 The Vampire Lestat: After Dark. 11.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. 1.50am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 The Amazing Homemakers.

2.00 Weekender. 2.30 House Calls To The Rescue. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Foyle’s War. 10.55 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.55 Bargain Hunt. 1am Late Programs.

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

3.40 MOVIE: The Sleeping Tiger. (1954, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 As Time Goes By. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.40 Rizzoli & Isles. 11.40 Poirot. 12.40am Antiques Roadshow. 1.10 $SFÚP 1.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 8.00 Ent. Tonight.

8.30 Bold. 9.00 The Dog Academy. 10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. 10.30 Becker. 11.00 Frasier. Noon Big Bang. 1.00 Friends. 3.00 Frasier. 4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker.

5.00 Big Bang. 6.00 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang.

9.00 Two And A Half Men. 10.00 Becker.

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

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.30 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.25 News. 5.55 Bamay. 6.30 Wildest Places: Great Barrier Reef. 7.25 Skin In The Game. 8.35 Pro Bull Riding: USA. 9.35 Over The Black Dot. 10.05 Inside The Huddle.

10.35 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 12.40pm Corsage.

(2022, Madlns) 2.45 The Bookshop.

(2017, PGal) 4.50 Thirteen Days. (2000, PGal) 7.30 Absolute Power. (1997, Mlsv) 9.45 Body Heat. (1981, Malnsv) 11.50 Dicks: The Musical. (2023, MA15+als) 1.30am Disobedience. (2018, MA15+s) 3.35 Corsage. (2022, Madlns) 5.40 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Test Cricket: The Lunch Break. 12.40 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh. Arvo. 2.40 Test Cricket: Tea Break. 3.00 Cricket. Second Test. Aust v Bangladesh. Late arvo. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 The Agenda Setters. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 12.30am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.30 My Way. 11.45 Jeopardy! Australia. 12.45pm MOVIE: One Night Stand Murder. (2023, M) 2.30 Baywatch. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.30 Bewitched. 6.30 Baywatch. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire. (2005, M) 11.35 Seinfeld.

12.35am Baywatch. 2.20 My Way. 2.35 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.30 Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 7.30 Days Of Our Lives. 8.30 The Young And The Restless. 9.30 Living Room. 10.30 Building The Dream. 11.30 Bold. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 1.00 The Young And The Restless. 2.00 The Traitors Australia. 3.30 Bull. 4.30 JAG. 6.30 Bull.

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

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Thursday, August 27 ABC TV (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (6, 7)

NINE (8, 9)

TEN (5, 10)

6am Morning Programs. 10.30 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 11.00 New Zealand Spy. (Final, PG, R) 11.25 QI. (Final, Ml, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Falling.

(Ml, R) 1.55 Back Roads. (R) 2.25 Home Delivery. (R) 2.55 Fake Or Fortune? (R) 3.55 Frankie Drake. (PG, R) 4.40 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next.

(PGa, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6am Morning Programs. 10.55 Canal Boat Diaries. 11.30 One For The Road.

(Ml, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Shaun Micallef’s Origin Odyssey. (PGs, R) 3.00 The Cook Up. (R) 3.35 Jeopardy! 4.00 Letters And Numbers. (R) 4.30 Plating Locally. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. La Vuelta. H’lights.

6.00 Sunrise.

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

1.00 Time Is Money. (R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4.

5.00 The Chase Australia.

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

(PGl, R) 1.15 Banjo And Ro’s Grand Island Hotel. (PG, R) 2.00 Pointless.

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

6am Morning Programs. 7.30 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight.

(R) 10.30 The Traitors Australia. (PGl, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Millionaire Hot Seat. (PG, R) 1.00 News.

2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.

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

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Back Roads. (n) 8.30 Take 5 With Zan Rowe: Shania Twain. (PG) 9.00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. 9.30 Treasure & Dirt. (Final, Malv, R) 10.30 ABC Late News.

10.45 The Business. (R) 11.00 Frankie Drake Mysteries. (PGv, R) 11.45 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.40 Gardening Australia. (R) 3.40 Love Your Garden. (PG, R) 4.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

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

7.30 Spain With Michael Portillo. (PG) 8.20 Jewels Of The Mediterranean: Corsica. (PGa) 9.15 Say Nothing. (MA15+lv) 10.05 SBS World News Late.

10.35 Reyka. (Masv) 11.35 Saving The F*cking Planet. (Premiere, Mls) 1.50 Children Of Chaos: What Became Of WWII Orphans. (PGa, R) 3.30 999 The Forgotten Girls Of The Holocaust. (PGanv, R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning.

5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 Football. AFL. Legends Game For Prostate Cancer.

Victoria v The All-Stars. From Marvel Stadium, Melbourne.

10.00 Kick Ons. Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkins and Jason Richardson debate the hottest topics and preview the upcoming AFL matches.

10.30 Hear The Mighty Roar: Brisbane Lions: Survival. (Premiere, Ml) 11.45 To Be Advised.

12.55 Mr Robot. (MA15+adlsv, R) Vera’s brother holds Shayla hostage.

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs.

5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Rugby League. NRL. Round 26.

Brisbane Broncos v Melbourne Storm.

From Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

9.55 NRL Thursday Night Footy Post-Match.

10.40 9News Late.

11.10 Ski Rescue Down Under. (PGam, R) 12.05 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Next Stop.

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News.

5.30 Today.

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

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

7.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated

by Mark Coles Smith.

8.40 NCIS: Sydney. (Mv) A US naval PGÙDFS JT BSSFTUFE GPS NVSEFS XIJMF trying to destroy a treasure map.

9.40 10’s Late News. Comprehensive coverage of local, national and international news, as well as the latest sport and weather.

10.40 The Big Bang Theory.

(PGs, R) Sheldon and Amy wait for some big news.

11.35 Two And A Half Men. (PGas, R) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

SBS2 (31)

7TWO (62, 72)

9GEM (81, 92)

10 COMEDY (52, 11)

6am Children’s Programs. 3pm Play School. 3.25 Wiggle. 4.05 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.20 Santiago Of The Seas. 5.30 Talking Tom Heroes. 5.55 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 7.05 Batwheels.

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

6am Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Holy Marvels. 2.00 The Swiping Game. 2.20 Insight. 3.25 WorldWatch. 5.30 Alone Germany. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Will AI Take My Job? 9.25 Alone Australia. 10.30 The Vampire Lestat: After Dark. 11.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour.

La Vuelta. 1.50am NHK World English News.

5.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Coastwatch Oz. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Home And Away. 8.30 Shetland. 11.00 Father Brown. Midnight Genius: Einstein. 1.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 1.30 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon As Time Goes By. 1.00 Midsomer Murders. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Up The Chastity Belt. (1971, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 RBT. 8.30 Emergency. 9.30 A+E After Dark.

10.30 Chicago Med. 11.30 See No Evil.

12.30am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Millionaire Hot Seat. 10.30 Becker. 11.00 Frasier. Noon Lingo. 1.00 Deal Or No Deal: Celebrity Jackpot. 2.00 Gogglebox Aust. 3.00 Friends.

4.00 Everyday Gourmet. 4.30 Becker. 5.00 Friends. 8.00 Two And A Half Men. 10.00 Cheap Seats. 11.00 Gogglebox Aust.

Midnight Ent. Tonight. 12.30 Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Shopping.

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

7MATE (64, 73)

9GO! (82, 93)

10 DRAMA (53, 12)

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Kriol Kitchen.

2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 4.30 Dreaming Big. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters.

5.25 Te Ao With Moana. 5.55 Bamay. 6.35 Wildest Places: Great Barrier Reef. 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 The End Of The Valley.

9.00 MOVIE: Jackie Chan’s First Strike.

(1996, M) 11.00 MOVIE: Mortal Kombat.

(1995, M) 12.55am Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 1.15pm Viceroy’s House. (2017, PGa) 3.15 Master Cheng: A Spice For Life. (2019, PGaln) 5.20 The China Syndrome. (1979, PGav) 7.35 How To Blow Up A Pipeline. (2022, Madlv) 9.30 Love Lies Bleeding. (2024, MA15+av) 11.30 The Handmaid’s Tale. (1990, MA15+av) 1.30am Nobody Has To Know. (2021, Ml) 3.20 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. Noon Ice Road Truckers. 2.00 The Force: BTL. 3.00 Talking W. 3.30 Counting Cars. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 American Pickers. 8.30 Air Crash Inv. 9.30 Ron Iddles: The Good Cop. 10.30 MOVIE: Resident Evil: Retribution. (2012, MA15+) 12.30am Storage Wars. 1.00 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 11.45 Big Rigs Of Oz. 12.15pm Cards And Collectables Australia. 12.45 MOVIE: Cheerleader Nightmare. (2018, M) 2.30 Baywatch.

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

8.30 MOVIE: Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix. (2007, M) 11.15 Seinfeld.

12.15am Late Programs.

6am Shopping. 7.30 Days Of Our Lives. 8.30 The Young And The Restless. 9.30 Living Room. 10.30 Building The Dream. 11.30 Bold. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 JAG. 3.30 Bull. 4.30 JAG. 6.30 Bull.

7.30 NCIS. (Ma, R) 8.30 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav, R) 10.20 Bull. 11.15 JAG. 1.15am Shopping.

14 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

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NEWS

The community farewells Driftwood Cafe

By Matt Hewson Last week one of Ocean Grove’s best loved cafes closed its doors forever.

Driftwood Cafe welcomed customers through its doors for the last time on Thursday 13 August for what owner Ty Simons described as an amazing but emotional day.

“There were lots of regulars and friends that came in to have their fi nal meals, their last supper, I suppose, and say goodbye,” he said.

“There were a few tears…it was very sad, it’s the end of an era but also it just wasn’t viable going forward. We’ve struggled over the last couple of years and it had to happen.”

Ty and his wife Rach opened Driftwood Cafe on The Terrace in 2013.

The business quickly became a part of the Ocean Grove community, sponsoring sporting clubs, supporting community events and working with the Rotary Club to provide care packages for veterans on Anzac Day. But the economic pressures that are affecting people throughout the community eventually became too much to bear.

“The last 18 months, particularly, has been pretty hard…getting out of bed in the morning, seven days a week, to go into work and lose money, it’s a grind,” Ty said.

“When the average spend per head is going down and the costs are going up, it doesn’t work.

“It’s tough for our staff, they’re the ones we feel the most for. We’ve had an amazing team, and they’re all out of jobs now, which is hard.”

Ty said he and Rach, who will continue running Ironbark Catering, had not yet

Ty and Rach Simons. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 571661_07

had a chance to debrief after locking Driftwood’s doors.

“It’ll be a couple of weeks before the dust settles,” he said.

“I think once we’re able to step out of it there will probably be a sense of relief.

I’ll actually have Sundays off now, for the most part.

“It’s the end of a chapter and it’s said, but it’s also the start of a new one.”

Customers on the last day of tradi Driftwood Cafe. 571661_08

ng at

12892574-JO34-26

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 15

COMMUNITY

GEELONGINDY.COM.AU

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

Ballroom dance

Geelong Amateur Radio Club

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 22 August, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper. Music: Puff.

0400 500 402

Storrer Street Clubhouse, Geelong, Wednesdays 1.30-4pm, Fridays 6.30pm.

Robert, 0438 409 979, vk3atl.org

Geelong’s Soroptimist International Highton Seniors

Service club for women and girls, every second Tuesday of the month from 6pm at Belmont RSL. 0455 835 691, geelong@siswp.com

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

Elma, 0411 065 524

Geelong Sports & Game Fishing Australian Multicultural Support Services Social Support Groups for communities from different multicultural backgrounds for seniors over 65. Meals, activities and fun. White Eagle House, Breakwater, 10am-2.30pm Fridays.

9689 9170, amcservices.org.au, info@amcservices.org.au

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

Geelong Historical Society Inc. Guest speaker first Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm, Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence Street, Geelong West.

Harry, 0473 807 944, geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au

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

Julie, 0438 270 549

Meets first and third Monday of the month at Belmont Park Pavilion, 7.30pm.

John, 0409 234 307

Geelong Anglers Club Athletics Athletics Chilwell season launch, Landy Field, Sunday 30 August, 1.30-3.30pm.

Ages 6 to 60-plus, meet the coaches, uniform try-ons. athletics.chilwell@gmail.com

Geelong Dragon Boat Club Paddle at Barwon River. Training Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am. Free one-month trial. revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons

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

Sandra, 0427 348 260

Zonta Club of Geelong Global human rights organisation working to build a better world for women and girls.

Meets first Wednesday monthly for dinner, 6pm. zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au, 0411 628 361

Scrabble club Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool & McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays.

Beginners to experts welcome.

Sue, 0419 106 147, Pauline, 0429 829 773

Geelong Prostate Cancer Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont.

Bill, 0414 524 155, info@geelongpsg.net

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

Mary, 0419 278 456

Geelong ballroom dancing Saturdays 7.30-10.15pm, corner Bayview Parade and Carey Street, Hamlyn Heights.

Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate.

5278 9740, geelongballroomdc.com.au

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

Jean, 5264 7484

Corio Bay Lions Club Meets first and third Thursday of each month 6.30pm. geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au

symphony of stories - Children’s Book Week event 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: boardgame busters after school program (during school term) September school holiday program various times and days, catering to a range of ages

Meets fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, 9 Yuille Street, Geelong West.

Monthly fishing competitions.

Brian, 0417 190 092, Ian 0470 114 787

Drysdale CWA Every second Tuesday at 1pm and crafts every fourth Tuesday at 11.30am of each month at Drysdale RSL Club.

Jenny, 0452 258 333

Scottish dancing GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5.

No partner needed.

Vicki, 0412 762 983, Barbara, 0419 511 781

Geelong Showgrounds Museum Museum open to the public on first Sunday of the month 10am-2pm (January and October excepted). Adults $10, students 13-18 $5, under 13 free.

5221 1707

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

Geelong Scottish Dance Highland dance classes for all ages Wednesday from 4pm and Saturday from 10am at Western Heights Uniting Church Hall, St Herne Hill.

Christine 0468-311 788, facebook.com/GeelongScottishDance

Bingo Welcome mat Belmont Uniting Church every Friday from 10am-1pm. Games, lunch and friendship.

Fay, 0409 361 414

Tuesdays 1-3pm, great grocery prizes plus $50 jackpot books, $2.50. Belmont Seniors Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont.

Frank 5241 1776

OMNI

First steps in music

Older Men New Ideas men’s friendly informal chat group, South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 10.30am.

Allan, 0409 665 608

Babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome with parent/carer. Thursdays Northern Bay College, Tallis, and Fridays at Northern Bay College, Peacock. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential. info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au

Bike riding

Mainly Music

Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Belmont. Rides to suit all levels of fitness; e-bikes welcome.

Rob, 0412 308 166

Music and fun for preschoolers during term time at the Welcome Centre, St Mark’s, Vicarage Road, Leopold, Thursdays at 9.15am till 11am. $5 per family per week.

Text: 0461 582 618 for bookings

Lions Club of Geelong Breakfast Inc Meets first Tuesday of each month at 8am, Eastern Hub (behind East Geelong Cemetery), followed by breakfast. Dinner event third Thursday of each month in Geelong. ajd53m@yahoo.com

Alcoholics (and other addicts) For Christ 12 Steps Group

Scribes Writers Group

Children’s play group

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

Ballroom dancing

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

Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4pm.

Val, 5251 3529

Belmont Seniors

Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at Belmont-Highton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont.

0420 910 763

Lara Community Market

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

Suzie, 0402 963 855, Althea, 0403 005 449

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

5241 1776

Ocean Grove Library Friday 21 August 11.30am-12.30pm: Home-school Lego® self portraits Monday 24 August 10.30-11.15am: A

16 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

Run by Rotary Club of Lara District every second Sunday of the month at Lara RSL, 9am-1pm.

Choir St Paul’s Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7.45-8.45pm and 9.30am Sunday for 10.30am service. Choral scholarships available. Occasional choir for those unable to make commitment to main choir.

Tom Healey, 0451 960 768, healeytf@gmail.com

Bellydance classes Beginner level, new term commencing.

New students welcome. Tuesdays 1.30pm, Life Activities Club, Belmont Park Pavillion, Belmont.

Glenys, 0400 214 897

Geelong Patchwork & Quilter’s Guild Meets third Saturday of each month 10.30am-3.30pm, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road. Visitors welcome. $6 includes time to sit and sew, morning tea and guest speaker. info@geelongpatch.org.au

Dragons Abreast Geelong Dragon boating for breast cancer survivors, Saturdays 12.30pm, Geelong Canoe Club, Marnock Road, Highton. Free come and try.

Traci, 0417 301 226, Facebook Dragons Abreast Geelong - Juggernauts

Lara Lions Club Mondays for club meeting and dinner.

Michael 0430 022 446, membershiplaralions@gmail.com

GEELONGINDY.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

Mikayla Jones and Nicola Rovatti taking Barney. 572406

Tash Dear and Liv Sneler.

Gabriel Stafrace and Lexi.

Neil Stephens and granddaughter Adeline.

Lenise Walker and Basil Dannapfel.

Out and about at the waterfront

Aya Abd with her son Mahdi.

With the temperature pushing into the high teens on Tusesday 18 August, Independent photographer Ivan Kemp headed to the Geelong waterfront at Eastern Beach to see who was out and about.

Natalie Barrington and Sara Lappe.

Audra and Brandt McDonald.

Sienna and Charlie with Alfie and Arlo.

Hasan Yavan and son Tanner.

Don and Rick.

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 17

networkclassifieds.com.au networkclassifieds.com.au

Trades & Services

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and colour sealing 12447074-FA20-20

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12416368-CG17-19

Point Grey - Lorne Café Operator Wanted HOSPITALITY TENDER

Painting Services ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀ ฀

The search is on for an experienced hospitality operator to establish and run a new café at one of Victoria's most spectacular coastal destinations, with tenders open for the new Point Grey café in Lorne.

Located within the popular Point Grey precinct overlooking Louttit Bay and the pier, the new café presents a unique opportunity for a business to become part of one of the Great Ocean Road's most visited tourism destinations.

Announcements

seaview

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is running a competitive Request for Tender process to find an appropriate business to operate the new café. Applications closing Sunday 6th of September 2026.

Announce your special occasion

0439 858 298

12855042-RV13-26

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12890629-AD32-26

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Footpaths, Driveways, Walls, Roofs Removal of Unsightly Dirt, Stains, Slippery Algae & Lichen Call Ryder 0491 663 229

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0423 427 764

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• New homes and renovations • Weatherboard homes & repairs • 25 years experience • Prompt and reliable service

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As part of the Request for Tender, several onsite briefings and inspections will be held to allow interested parties to find out more about this exciting opportunity.

$

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1300 666 808 *Full colour 10cms x 1 col or 5cms x 2 col

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All interested parties are encouraged to consider applying – For more information or questions, please access the Tender Information Pack via the Tenders Victoria Portal using the QR code

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202632001-RV31-26

Any complaints or concerns about any Tenders of Expressions of Interest can be sent to info@GreatOceanRoadAuthority.vic.gov.au

General Classifieds

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69 RELAXATION 9 Fenwick St Geelong

0481 306 669 7day/w

Lic No: 110483

1800 962 224

12812744-MS42-25

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NEW NEW NEW

“Geelong’s Finest Ladies”

Same Day Service Life Time Warranty* Affordable Pricing Charged By Job Not By Hour Family Owned Business 12699782-HP27-24

FOR SALE 12893156-EB34-26

201 Malop Street, GEELONG Phone (03) 5229 9456 www.lorrainestarr.com.au ls@lorrainestarr.com.au

Find it in the

Celebrations

section of Network Classifieds.

18 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number.

It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice.

For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au

12423634-SN31-19

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tion are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.

Geelong & Greater Coast Pressure Washing Services

CONCRETE PRODUCTS & SERVICES ✔ All types of paving ✔ Commercial work ✔ House Slabs

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MANUAL WHEEL CHAIR, deluxe shower commode and roho cushion. $400ea or $1,000 all 3. Ph: Denise 0425 726 584.

DISCRIMINATION IN ADVERTISING IS UNLAWFUL The Victorian Equal Opportunity Act 1995 makes it unlawful for an advertiser to show any intention to discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, race, age, marital status, political or religious belief or physical features, disability, lawful sexual activity/sexual orientation, HIV/AIDS status or on the basis of being associated with a person with one of the above characteristics, unless covered by an exception under the Act. As Network Classifieds could be legally liable if an unlawful advertisement is printed, Network Classifieds will not accept advertisements that appear to break the law. For more information about discrimination in advertising, contact your legal advisers or the Equal Opportunity Commission.

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Motoring MOTOR VEHICLES HOLDEN ASTRA L.S. Auto 6 speed trans, low kms, petrol driven motor, full dash cam and instruments, rear and side censors. 0D8WS Spotless condition, Reg until 28th November.

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PUZZLES

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9-LETTER WORD Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once.

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

R

Today’s Aim: 16 words: Good 24 words: Very good 31 words: Excellent

D

Y

I

T

V A

E

advert, aver, avert, avid, dative, davit, DEPRAVITY, diva, dive, diver, divert, drive, pave, paved, private, privet, privy, rave, raved, rive, rived, rivet, vapid, varied, variety, vary, verity, very, vide, vied, viper

WORDFIT 3 LETTERS ACT AGE APT ARE BUY DAD DIM EGO END ERR IDS IOU OPT ORE OUR PAT PEN PET ROD SAP SEA SEE SET TEE

No. 303

N O S T R I L

5 LETTERS ABATE ABODE AGENT AGREE ALERT APRON ARIAS AROMA ARROW BASIS BONGO CALLS CENTS CRUDE DITTO DRAPE EARLY EDGES ENACT ERASE

4 LETTERS CAFE DRAB DREW METE MUSS SACS SEEM SEER SETS SKEW SPAT STAB TART YETI

ERRED ERROR EXITS GRATE GROOM HEADS HOARD KOALA LIONS LURID LYING ORBIT PASSE PEARS PEERS PUTTY REMIT REVUE ROADS ROPES SCARE

7 LETTERS DECLARE ELECTED FIREMEN NOSTRIL OVERRAN TRESTLE

SENSE SLEET STYLE SWEET TINGE TRADE TROLL WATER WEEDS 6 LETTERS ALLURE OLDEST PADDLE PRISES

8 LETTERS RELAXING RELEASES RETAILED UGLINESS

21-08-26

No. 410 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

S P A R E H A L O N A L O U D D E N S E E D G E D

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Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

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QUICK QUIZ

1

Which animal is associated with a thought experiment devised

by Erwin Schrödinger?

7

Which Australian singer starred as the titular character in the 2005 film Hating Alison Ashley?

2

In the Halloween franchise, whose likeness inspired Michael Myers’ mask?

8

3

Anna Funder’s biography Wifedom is about which 20th-century author’s wife?

What three-letter title is bestowed upon the highestranking student in a graduating year?

9

Which actor is Shania Twain (pictured) not impressed by in her song That Don’t Impress Me Much?

4

In basketball, what is it called when the ball is stuck between the rim and the backboard?

5

New Zealand-born pop singer Rosé is a member of which South Korean girl group?

6

Pastafarians are followers of which modern religious deity?

10 A colloquial expression for a hangover remedy is the ‘hair of’ what animal?

ANSWERS: 1. Cat 2. William Shatner 3. George Orwell 4. A wedgie 5. BLACKPINK 6. The Flying Spaghetti Monster 7. Delta Goodrem 8. Dux 9. Brad Pitt 10. Dog

10

4

3

9

12

4

2

No. 335

K T S X R Q O J D C H M N

7

3

H E A D S P U T T Y A B A T E O R B I T A G R E E L U R I D A R O M A S L E E T L Y I N G B A S I S I O U A G E R O D D R E W C E N T S P R I S E S A P T E L E C T E D G R A T E S E E R S K E W R E L E A S E S M U S S O R E D E C L A R E O V E R R A N O U R S P A T R E T A I L E D M E T E C A F E R O A D S N O S T R I L P E N P A D D L E T R A D E S E T S E R R D A D E X I T S A R E R E M I T A P R O N E R A S E R O P E S A G E N T C A L L S S W E E T B O N G O S T Y L E

14

DECODER

25

hard

14 15 17 18 21 23 24

Seraglio (5) Reproduce (9) Holy person (5) Brittle (7)

1 2 3 4

16

9 1 6 8 2 3 4 5 9 8 2 2 7 1 5 4 8 3 4 7 9 3 2 4 5 8

13

DOWN

2

medium

16 19 20 22 25 26 27 28

15

8 1 8 7 4 3 7 8 5 6 9 6 8 3 3 2 1 8 1 4 2 6 6 8 3 1 2 8 9 1 5 6

Abode of the dead (5) Brotherly (9) Copy (7) Voyaging (7) Keeps (9) Trick (5) US intelligence agency (1,1,1) Armour that covers the chest (11) On paper, say (11) Mister (3) Japanese delicacy (5) South American nation (9) Power plug (7) Regular payment (7) Eradicate (9) Autographs (5)

Z

easy

Helps (7) Relating to a bishop (9) Gullible (5) Measure of interstellar distance (5-4) Monaco, Singapore or Vatican City, for example (4-5) Lawyer (9) Replying (9) Greek restaurant (7) Hollow and curved (7) Intelligent (5) Regions (5) Bottomless gulf (5)

5 6 7 8

ACROSS 1 4 9 10 11 12 13 14

No. 303

1

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

QUICK CROSSWORD

14

No. 303

H A D E S F R A T E R N A L A U A R S P A I S A I L I N G R E P L I C A L N G I S V H E M A I N T A I N S C H E A T C L T O Y B R E A S T P L A T E C I A T A A N A I T H E O R E T I C A L S I R Y R A O W S U S H I V E N E Z U E L A M S E C O R B T A D A P T O R A N N U I T Y T R E N V E N S E X T I R P A T E S I G N S

SUDOKU

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 19

MOTOR

Hyundai sedan hot to trot

By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring Talk about icing on the cake.

First it was the Hyundai i20 N, next we slip behind the wheel of its big brother the i30 Sedan N. Th ink the same idea, just larger and more luxurious, with an auto for those who would rather not change gears manually.

Like the i20 N it’s probably on a short leash as the company continues its shift to fully electric vehicles, with cars like the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 N variants.

Styling i30 N comes as a hatch or sedan, with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged power plant.

The third-generation lineup included a ’fastback’ but this disappeared with the arrival of the 2020 facelift.

The five-door hatch is priced from $52,000, the Premium version from $55,500 before on-roads. The sedan is available in Premium form only, priced from $53,000.

An eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is standard, a six-speed manual is a no cost option.

It’s an all-inclusive package, with premium paint ($595) and a sunroof ($2000) the only options.

Can’t say we even looked to see whether our test vehicle had a sunroof fitted – it wasn’t a primary concern.

The i30 Sedan N was last updated in early 2024, with an aggressive exterior restyle and new 19-inch forged alloys, revised suspension and steering tuning, plus additional tech features, including Bluelink connected services.

The edgy styling may not be to everyone’s liking, but it’s certainly eye-catching.

Sitting low and poised with an equally low roofl ine, the i30 Sedan N (note it is written in this order), it’s designed to slice through the air and hug the road in equal measures.

At the front, there’s a lower and wider split grille, which also serves to improve engine cooling, and channels cool air to the front brakes through racecar-style guides.

New 19-inch black forged alloy wheels are lighter than those fitted previously, and bring better handling and a more aggressive look.

A deeper and more pronounced rear bumper design features a wrap-around lower red strip, or grey strip when teamed with Ultimate Red. Aluminium badges are now flat and black.

It’s available in seven, including N-signature Performance Blue which along with white are no cost options – the rest as mentioned add $595.

Inside, the updated sedan gets an N-specific steering wheel and shift knob, instrument cluster and infotainment systems as well as N light sport bucket seats with illuminated logo.

With two-zone climate air, the part leather sports seats are both heated and cooled, plus a heated steering wheel and three personalised user profi les.

Other new kit includes Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) which uses navigation data and road sign recognition to inform the driver of the speed limit.

There’s also a revised wireless charger designed to accommodate larger mobile phones, additional USB-C outlets (one front and two rear) and Bluelink connected car services.

Cruise control is old tech and not adaptive. i30 Sedan N is covered by a seven-year/ unlimited kilometre warranty provided the car is serviced with Hyundai, otherwise it reverts to five years/unlimited kilometres.

Needless to say, the i30 Sedan N is a thrilling car to drive, as quick as it is nimble, whether it’s shopping or fanging from corner to corner.

It’s right up there with the GTI, WRX, Type-R and Renault Megane RS, and it is worth pointing out the WRX is the only one that’s all-wheel drive.

RATINGS Surprisingly, the i30 is the easiest and most comfortable Looks: 7.5 to drive and this fact should Performance: 8 not be overlooked in the decision-making process.

Safety: 5 The car delivers extremely Thirst: 7.5 high levels of performance Practicality: 7 when it comes to power, Comfort: 7.5 brakes, steering and handling – even ride comfort Tech: 7.5 is streets ahead.

Value: 8 Depending on what drive Overall: 7.3 mode is selected, there’s a real bark from the exhaust on throttle overrun. Reading the fine print though, it’s artificially enhanced.

Launch control is part of the deal, but only really used when it comes to impressing your mates.

The bad news is that you have to wait three minutes between launches for the powertrain to cool off.

Geeks will love the race computer that allows you to customise just about every aspect of the drive experience.

But all you really need to do is select N mode, hold on tight and enjoy the best bang Like the i20 N, the Hyundai i30 Sedan N represents excellent value for a performance machine. for your buck money can buy at the moment.

(Pictures: Supplied) Don’t get caught up in pointless discussions about whether the brakes are Infotainment of torque from 2100-4700 rpm, with up to it or not – just enjoy the hell out of the Infotainment comes in the form of a 213kW and 378Nm of torque available on car.

10.25-inch touchscreen, with a second over-boost for 20 seconds.

There’s no turbo lag, power delivery is 10.25-inch screen for the instrument cluster.

The eight-speed wet clutch style auto extremely smooth and linear, gear changes It all looks very much like the setup in the with paddle shifters is standard, while a are a snap, the steering is pin-sharp, there’s smaller i20 N. short-throw, six-speed manual is available plenty of bite from the brakes and plenty of There’s Bluetooth with multi-connection, at no extra cost. mid-corner grip from the Pirellis. natural voice recognition, built-in Rev matching blips the throttle navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio Driving automatically on gear changes and also The i30 Sedan N is powered by a 2.0-litre sounds great. and Bose premium eight-speaker sound.

It also supports Apple CarPlay and turbocharged petrol engine, with drive to After a few corners, you’ll love it – this car Android Auto, but neither are wireless – you the front wheels via a six-speed manual is that good. We were however disappointed tranny or eight-speed dual clutch auto, to find it misses out on some of the advances need a cable.

There’s also wireless phone charging, with together with an electro-mechanical in car safety.

USB-A and -C ports and a 12-volt socket in limited-slip diff with two modes – Normal A form of auto emergency braking (AEB) and Sport. front, plus two USB-C ports in the rear. is fitted, but it’s not as sophisticated as the It adds up to a 0 to 100km/h time of 5.8 system in the standard i30 and it doesn’t get The system also displays track maps with lap times, personalised throttle response seconds for the manual and 5.3 seconds adaptive cruise control. The system lacks settings, exhaust note and stability controls. for the auto, with top speed electronically pedestrian detection and cyclist detection.

Hyundai Bluelink connected car services limited to 250km/h.

There’s also no blind spot monitoring, Our test vehicle was the slick, rear cross-traffic alert, and the auto braking provides access to a variety of services along fast-changing auto, which is right on the doesn’t work in reverse. with over the air updates.

There’s automatic collision notification, money and perhaps a better proposition as The one notable inclusion is Lane Keep emergency call (SOS) function, connected a daily driver, especially in traffic.

Assist, but it is so annoying that like us you’ll We can still remember cramping, probably end up turning it off. routing with live traffic updates, alert services including geo-fencing, valet, speed stuck in a traffic jam on the motorway With a 47-litre tank, the car takes premium and time alerts, remote control of climate manual HSV Holden with a heavy clutch 95 RON unleaded, with fuel consumption and vehicle functions, navigation send to action. rated at 8.3L/100km.

Chassis upgrades include a reinforced car, voice recognition for POI lookup, vehicle We were getting 7.7L/100km after close to engine mount membrane, for reduced 400km with a bit of hard driving thrown in. controls and vehicle settings management. vibration and improved agility, G-bushing The long-term average however for more Safety reinforcement for improved yaw response than 6000km was 11.1L/100km. Looks like In terms of safety, the i30 looks even worse and steering precision, and a new rear someone has been tracking it. on paper than the i20 which gets a four-star suspension S/ABS insulator on the rear And, on that note, it’s interesting to safety rating. support – now made from urethane rather note the seven-year, unlimited kilometre The i30 Sedan N remains unrated for than rubber for improved damping and warranty extends to track use, including safety, while other variants of the sedan yaw response. the fitting of semi-slick tyres – but you’re receive just three stars. Someone’s dropped The Electronic Controlled Suspension only covered for untimed, non-competitive the ball.

(ECS) hardware and software have been events.

There are six airbags, a reversing further optimised to deliver enhanced Summing up camera with guidelines and the Hyundai body control.

Smartsense system that comprises auto The motor-driven steering system Like the i20 N, the i30 Sedan N represents emergency braking (car, motorcycle, benefits from a gear box yoke revised excellent value for a performance machine.

It’s not as good looking as the Fastback, pedestrian, cyclist), along with auto to enhance feedback and directness, a high beam, blind-spot collision avoidance, low-friction universal joint that increases but you get over it soon enough. After all, it’s lane following and lane keep assist (line/ steering precision, and software optimised the performance that you’re buying it for.

One note of caution. The car sits very road-edge), rear cross-traffic collision to make the most of the chassis and steering low with a low roofline and this can make warning, driver attention warning, and rear upgrades. occupant alert.

In addition, braking performance and getting in and out problematic – more so the fade resistance has been enhanced with older you are. And watch out for that boot Engines/transmissions upgraded Electronic Stability Control lid. Unless you push it all the way up, it’s The four-cylinder engine produces 206kW (ESC) software and a new thermal protector going to come crashing down on the back of your head. Ouch! of power from 5500-6000 rpm, and 392Nm on the front brake hoses.

20 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

SPORT

Around the grounds Results, goal kickers and best players from the round of matches in Geelong & District, Geelong, and Bellarine Football Leagues played on Saturday 15 August.

GEELONG & DISTRICT Winchelsea 8.4(52), 16.8(104), 26.11(167), 36.19(235) Geelong West Giants 1.2(8), 1.4(10), 2.6(18), 2.7(19) Goals: Winchelsea - C. Primmer 12, I. Parish 5, S. Adams 4, J. Coverdale 3, C. Parish 2, J. Gould 2, R. James 2, F. Parish 2, J. Sampi, H. Nagle, D. Isbister, R. Williams.

Geelong West Giants - S. Goddard, L. Wealands.

Best: Winchelsea - I. Parish, A. Cooke, C. Primmer, C. Parish, D. Isbister, L. Gemmill.

Geelong West Giants - B. Mitchell, R. Croft, B. Greaves, N. Lloyd, A. Ingwersen.

Belmont Lions 2.4(16), 9.7(61), 10.11(71), 15.14(104) Bell Post Hill 5.5(35), 7.8(50), 12.9(81), 14.13(97) Goals: Belmont Lions - J. Beasley 3, C. Anderson 3, W. Maclean 3, S. Hogan 2, B. Michell, B. Eddy, J. Grohmann, S. Gunther.

Bell Post Hill - N. Costello 4, T. Barton 2, Z. Jones 2, L. Wilson 2, J. Norman 2, J. Saunders, D. Handley.

Best: Belmont Lions - W. Maclean, A. Wylie, J. Beasley, J. Evans, S. Hogan, C. Anderson.

Bell Post Hill - D. Banister, S. Quinn, Z. Jones, B. Carter, J. Yates, T. Jenkins.

Bannockburn 5.4(34), 7.10(52), 12.14(86), 20.13(133) Corio 4.1(25), 7.4(46), 10.7(67), 10.9(69) Goals: Bannockburn - T. Battaglia 4, L. Bowdern 4, F. Wilson 3, R. Perkins 2, S. Giles 2, B. Kelly 2, J. Brauman, A. Beardsell, C. Jervies. Corio - H. Carr 4, J. Blackney, T. McMahon, H. Burns, B. Ash, B. Cervenka, M. Harrison.

Best: Bannockburn - S. Giles, Connor Jervies, Luke Bowdern, Bailey Kelly, Rhys Ginn, Darcy Giddings. Corio - J. Evans, Tom Mcmahon, Herschelle Carr, Dylan Cefai, Callum Gibson, Jay Blackney.

Inverleigh 4.3(27), 5.6(36), 7.7(49), 10.10(70) North Geelong 4.3(27), 5.9(39), 7.11(53), 8.19(67) Goals: Inverleigh - D. Grundell 3, J. Miles 2, M. Dickson 2, A. Donohue, S. Condy, J. Bacon. North Geelong - C. Vaughan 2, L. Parker 2, C. Farrell, J. George, J. Bertucci, B. Orr. Best: Inverleigh - D. Grundell, A. Donohue, B. Collins, S. Condy, D. Grozdanovski, F. O’Keefe. North Geelong - R. Desnoy, T. Schwennesen, C. Pasque, C. Farrell, B. O’Brien, C. Smith.

Anakie 1.4(10), 6.6(42), 9.7(61), 14.11(95) Thomson 3.2(20), 6.3(39), 11.5(71), 13.8(86) Goals: Anakie - L. Dahlhaus 7, A. Harding 3, B. Gerrard, P. Ridout, J. Mawson, S. Hoff man. Thomson - J. Camm 3, D. Smith 2, D. Jose 2, M. Hodgson 2, J. Blair, J. Hanneysee, P. Davis, G. Wilson.

Best: Anakie - B. Gerrard, L. Dahlhaus, L. Roberts, J. Mawson, O. Barter, M. Gavin.

Thomson - S. Jacka, G. Wilson, J. Camm, C. MacFadyen, J. Blair, J. Hanneysee.

East Geelong 7.5(47), 9.6(60), 12.9(81), 14.9(93) Werribee Centrals 2.1(13), 4.5(29), 6.8(44), 12.17(89) Goals: East Geelong - C. Ezard 7, B. Mulvahil 2, A. Steele 2, B. Crombie, W. Hough, J. McIntyre. Werribee Centrals - B. Houlihan 2, K. Adorno, J. MacDonald, K. Kur, T. Creenan, C. Linehan-Cunningham, B. Linehan-Cunningham, L. Kalos, A. Stone, J. Sutton, D. Chesterman.

Best: East Geelong - J. McIntyre, M. Kasparian, C. Ezard, B. Payne, P. Visentin,

Best: Geelong West Giants - A. Stelma, T. Handley, J. Kaltenbach, M. Scoullar, R. Meddings, M. Kelly. North Shore J. Sammut-Miljevic, E. Huxtable, C. Harrison, B. Shelley, D. Bennett, L. Black.

St Joseph’s 3.4(22), 7.6(48), 8.7(55), 15.9(99) St Mary’s 3.1(19), 5.5(35), 7.8(50), 7.10(52) Goals: St Joseph’s - M. Chafer 4, P. De Grandi 3, L. McCallum 2, M. White 2, G. Posterino, A. Hickey, H. Smith, G. Morrison. St Mary’s - L. Peck 2, J. Willson 2, H. Segrave, H. Cook, J. Garner.

Best: St Joseph’s - H. Smith, M. Chafer, P. De Grandi, L. Kershaw, J. Adams, M. White.

St Mary’s - J. Garner, L. Peck, J. Travaglini, C. Jansen, T. Myers, B. Cockerill.

Geelong West Giants’ Wichay Paul races clear after taking a bounce during the game against North Shore. (Ivan Kemp) 572019_17

B. Mulvahil. Werribee Centrals - J. Stephenson, C. Linehan-Cunningham, L. Robinson, K. Adorno, A. Stone, M. Murdock.

GEELONG Grovedale 4.2(26), 6.7(43), 7.8(50), 12.11(83) Bell Park 2.1(13), 3.3(21), 7.8(50), 8.9(57) Goals: Grovedale - T. Gillett 4, R. Abbott 3, B. Spicer 2, J. McCarthy, E. Edwards, N. Deans. Bell Park - L. Stefanovski 2, E. Hollard 2, T. Pidgeon, Z. Lamb, M. Mahady, F. Hoey.

Best: Grovedale - J. Tute, R. Abbott, N. Deans, B. Ferguson, T. Gillett, B. Spicer.

Bell Park - I. Wareham, J. Bermingham, M. Mahady, H. Lucas, S. Bensted, F. Marris.

Newtown & Chilwell 3.4(22), 10.6(66), 13.8(86), 16.12(108) Leopold 3.1(19), 5.3(33), 8.6(54), 10.8(68) Goals: Newtown & Chilwell - M. Dodos 4, L. Nash 3, N. Tullio 2, J. Coburn 2, J. Colville, C. Field, A. Harkness, C. Karpala, T. McMillan. Leopold - H. Morphet 3, N. Ash 3, T. Lunnon-Johnson, D. Henderson, O. Morphet, W. Sheahan.

Best: Newtown & Chilwell - C. Wilkinson, B. Hocking, O. Murdoch, N. Harris, T. McMillan. Leopold - N. Ash, M. Burgess, M. Thompson, D. Brislane, D. Henderson, H. Morphet.

Colac 3.4(22), 7.6(48), 9.11(65), 13.16(94) St Albans 3.1(19), 5.2(32), 8.4(52), 8.6(54) Goals: Colac - D. Lang 3, A. Garner 2, J. McDonald 2, M. Buchanan 2, K. Smartt, J. Simpkin, Z. Zdybel, L. Hillman. St Albans - B. Brogden 4, T. Higgins 2, T. Gunther, B. Hodgson.

Best: Colac - D. Lang, C. Murray, J. Skinner, Z. Zdybel, J. Walters, J. Garner. St Albans - B. Brogden, N. Cockerell, B. Thomas, E. Guida, L. Willcox, T. Higgins.

Geelong West Giants 6.7(43), 10.9(69), 16.16(112), 18.21(129) North Shore 1.3(9), 4.7(31), 6.9(45), 8.16(64) Goals: Geelong West Giants - L. Wittman 3, J. Kaltenbach 3, M. Scoullar 2, R. Moore 2, H. Smigowski 2, W. Paul, X. Shaw, T. Handley, M. Kelly, C. Hall, B. Smigowski.

North Shore - J. Sammut-Miljevic 3, H. Purcell 2, J. Purcell, B. Clifford, E. Huxtable.

BELLARINE Drysdale 3.4(22), 7.5(47), 10.9(69), 13.10(88) Anglesea 3.2(20), 5.6(36), 9.10(64), 12.15(87) Goals: Drysdale - B. Fennell 3, J. Hargreaves 3, O. Castro 2, J. Watson 2, J. Robbins, F. Chirgwin, J. Payne. Anglesea - A. Gras 5, D. Everett 4, R. Bell 2, J. King.

Best: Drysdale - L. Preece, B. Fennell, J. Breust, J. Hawkins, J. Jenkins, J. Preece.

Anglesea - J. Gray, L. Smith, H. Ling, J. Fulton, W. Batson.

Geelong Amateur 4.4(28), 5.13(43), 9.14(68), 12.16(88) Portarlington 0.3(3), 2.4(16), 4.6(30), 6.10(46) Goals: Geelong Amateur - S. Lloyd 7, M. Day 2, B. Barnett, F. Seignior, J. Sheahan.

Portarlington - S. Scott 3, R. Hayden, T. Miles, K. Pickard.

Best: Geelong Amateur - T. Zeitz, L. Reilly, H. Orr, X. Muhor, J. Toll, F. Seignior.

Portarlington - S. McDonald, J. Jones, B. Poole, T. Panuccio, J. Baldi, S. Scott.

Torquay 2.4(16), 6.10(46), 12.13(85), 16.17(113) Modewarre 5.2(32), 8.2(50), 9.4(58), 12.6(78) Goals: Torquay - M. Hurley 4, T. Smith 3, B. Dyer 2, N. Mifsud, J. Dawson, D. Pascoe, H. Trigg, N. Turner. Modewarre - T. Hornsey 2, S. Morter 2, O. Butler 2, D. Hemphill 2, C. Joseph, C. Farrell, D. Sharp, T. Scott.

Best: Torquay - C. Patton, J. Thompson, L. Anderson, N. Turner, W. Doyle, N. Mifsud.

Modewarre - O. Butler, O. Hocking, D. Hemphill, M. Mckim, Z. May, M. Uhlhorn.

Newcomb 2.8(20), 6.11(47), 13.14(92), 19.19(133) Barwon Heads 2.3(15), 4.3(27), 4.4(28), 4.7(31) Goals: Newcomb - T. Webster 5, J. Duke 5, J. Watson 3, D. Johnstone 2, J. Saltalamacchia 2, L. Wagener, T. Robertson. Barwon Heads - C. Ward, F. Cornell, M. Jensen, O. Poon.

Best: Newcomb - L. Wagener, B. Clark, L. Justin, M. Andrews, T. Webster, T. Robertson. Barwon Heads - M. Philp, K. Hinchcliffe, H. Hyland.

Surf Coast 3.1(19), 9.4(58), 11.6(72), 16.7(103) Ocean Grove 3.5(23), 4.7(31), 9.8(62), 12.11(83) Goals: Surf Coast - A. Black 3, T. Lee 3, P. Smith 2, T. Stephen 2, L. Cartelli 2, D. Coleman 2, H. Gravener.

Ocean Grove - L. Waldron 3, J. Paterson 2, J. Thomson 2, B. Pohlner 2, J. Lange, H. Walsh, A. Woods.

Best: Surf Coast - L. Cartelli, R. Young, D. Coleman, T. Flanigan, J. Howlett, T. Barker.

Ocean Grove - J. Lange, H. Walsh, L. Jarrad, B. Hayward, C. Belcher, L. Joyce.

The ball lands in the middle of four players during the Ocean Grove vs Surf Coast game. (Ivan Kemp) 572018_34

Around the courts Results and best players from the round of Geelong & District, Geelong, and Bellarine Netball League matches played on Saturday 15 August.

GEELONG & DISTRICT Belmont Lions 64 def Bell Post Hill 46 Best: Belmont Lions - Ella Wasik, Molly Gribble, Shayna Brown. Bell Post Hill - Lily Grey, Sarah Cushing, Milla Holt.

Thomson 92 def Anakie 23 Best: Thomson - Aleisha Tainui, Bek Lebish, Bree Caldwell. Anakie - Mia Edwards, Kyra Ballantyne, Millie Kosmeyer.

Bannockburn 50 def Corio 42 Best: Bannockburn - Rebecca Trenerry, Hunter Tait, Mikaela Minns.

Corio - Stephanie Cockerell, Sarah Kasparian, Holly Ross.

Winchelsea 72 def Geelong West Giants 14 Best: Winchelsea - Liv Barber, Layla Pretorius, Meg Royal. Geelong West Giants - Kathryn Eastman, Bronte Weigl, Sienna Kestles.

East Geelong 36 def Werribee Centrals 23 Best: East Geelong - Abbey Rumbiolo, Madeline Solly, Frances Willson.

Werribee Centrals - Daisy Smith, Alual Garang, Julia Nash.

Inverleigh 61 def North Geelong 35 Best: Inverleigh - Nicola McLennan, Riley Baker, Teagan Madden. North Geelong - Alexandra Smilovic, Tegan Butler, Keira Marsh.

GEELONG Bell Park 59 def Grovedale 42 Best: Bell Park - Makeely Rogers, Maddison White, Makaela Connelly.

Grovedale - Bonnie Coburn, Chloe Blunt, Esther Kidmas.

Newtown & Chilwell 73 def Leopold 56 Best: Leopold - Charlotte Murray, Natalie Heagney, Hollie Phillips.

Colac 79 def St Albans 48 Best: Colac - Louella Tomlinson, Emily Lang, Ava Cuolahan. St Albans - Marli Vardy, Ebony Frank, Ruby Wilson.

St Joseph’s 49 def St Mary’s 46 Best: St Joseph’s - Tegan Philip, Elli Leydin, Kiahna Fallon. St Mary’s Renee Garing, Ellie Kennedy, Sahara Ball.

BELLARINE Ocean Grove 54 def Surf Coast 46 Best: Ocean Grove - Zanna Woods, Gemma Bell, Amy Kennedy.

Geelong Amateur 77 def Portarlington 37 Best: Geelong Amateur - Bec Winch, Alex Duck, Georgia Duncan.

Torquay 68 def Modewarre 40 Best: Modewarre - Abby Larkin, Hannah Richards, Clodagh Newton.

Newcomb 49 def Barwon Heads 41 Drysdale 54 def Anglesea 35 Best: Drysdale - Isla Cuddy, Mia Fallon, Sienna Butcher.

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 21

SPORT

Uncertainty for Thursday triples LOCAL TENNIS Tyler Krumholz Tennis Geelong’s Winter Thursday Night Triples competition heads into the final round of the 10-week season with plenty of intrigue.

In Section 1, Moolap Two Phones Chol rode a big 6-0 win over Leopold Legends in round 9 to move into second place ahead of Geelong Lawn.

With only the grand final after round 10, securing a top two spot is crucial if Moolap wants to add to its lengthy list of Section 1 premierships as possibly the most successful Tennis Geelong team in association history.

They’ll need to have a strong result in the final week against ladder leaders and defending premiers Highton Net Results.

Highton secured a home grand final after a 5-1 win over Grovedale Tigers, so they might not have as much to play for in round 10, unless they want to prevent a rematch of the autumn grand final against Moolap.

Highton’s top player Julius Busch played only his second match of the season in round 9, while the second-best player Brodie Spong has played like the top player in the competition, going 20-1 combined in singles and doubles.

Highton previously defeated Moolap 5-1, but Moolap was missing its top two players.

Sitting two points back in third, Geelong Lawn has an ostensibly easier matchup against cellar dwellers Grovedale, and with

Can North Geelong make it back to back from 5th spot?

Finals time for Geelong & District Section 1 Highton Net Results: Brodie Spong, Corey Hird, Andrew Grills, Julius Busch. (Supplied)

eight points on offer in the match, could still bypass Moolap to make the grand final.

Geelong Lawn won 6-0 against Grovedale previously.

The top three teams in Section 2 are even closer.

Highton Baseline Apologetic have moved back into first with a big 5-1 win in round 9 over the second place Moolap Zing Kings, who were missing their top player Sam Sheppard.

Highton’s top-rated player and team captain Nick Williams was the beneficiary,

dropping only three games while winning his three sets. Highton appears set to make the grand final in Section 2 with a matchup against Geelong Lawn in round 10, which it defeated 6-0 previously.

Highton and Moolap are tied on 45 points with Grovedale Federation only two points back.

Grovedale will host Moolap in what will likely be a winner takes all round 10 match to make the grand final. A 5-1 win by Moolap over Grovedale in round 5 will boost its confidence.

Local surfers to head north for shortboard titles Nine Greater Geelong and Surf Coast surfers have been chosen for Surfing Victoria’s state team to compete at the 2026 Australian Shortboard Titles in Wollongong from 23 to 29 August.

The Victorian team brings a strong depth of talent across junior, open, and master divisions as they prepare to take on the nation’s best surfers on the national stage.

Torquay’s Kai Nudd will compete in the Open Men division and said he was looking forward to getting up to NSW. “Super keen to get up to Wollongong (as Torquay’s Kai Nudd will be leading the charge in I) haven’t surfed up there before,” he said.

“Keen to check out some new waves and the Open Mens division for Victoria.

(Noah Clifford/Surfing Victoria) stoked to have this opportunity.”

The 2026 campaign marks the introduction of the Under 21 division, The Australian Shortboard Titles which bridges the gap between junior ranks represent the pinnacle of national and elite open-level competition on the shortboard competition, serving as national stage. a primary qualifier for international

representation. In addition to competing for coveted national individual titles, victorious surfers in the masters divisions earn ISA qualification to earn a spot on the Australian team the Irukandjis.

Other than Nudd, Willis Droomer (Jan Juc) and Harry Nelson (Torquay) will compete in the Under 21 Men and Carly Shanahan (Jan Juc) is in the Under 21 Women team.

Anglesea’s Tiffany Riggs was named in the Grand Masters Women over 40 team while Craig Lloyd (Armstrong Creek) is in the Grand Kahunas Mens over 50s.

Lloyd will also compete in the Dukes Men over 55s along with Jan Juc’s Raymond McIntosh.

Rowan Sapwell (Torquay) will travel as part of the Grand Dukes Men over 60 team and Jan Juc’s Angela Zorica is in the Women over 60 competition.

Boost for West as Buddha becomes a Giant

By Justin Flynn Geelong great and Australian Football Hall of Fame inductee Garry Hocking will lead Geelong West Giants for at least the next three seasons as coach.

The four-time Cats’ best and fairest will take charge of a talented young list and he has premiership success, leading Leopold to two flags in his three-year tenure from 2022 to 2024.

Chris Browne was appointed at the start of the season for three years, but stood aside after 11 games.

Hocking’s appointment is a massive coup for the Giants’ talented young list that has seen signs this season, but has only two wins to show for it.

“This is one of the biggest signings in our club’s history,” Giants director of football Tony Costa said.

“Garry’s football credentials speak for themselves, but it’s his passion for developing people and building culture that made him the standout choice. We’re incredibly excited about what lies ahead.”

Hocking said he was looking forward to getting started.

“I’m excited by the opportunity to help develop this group, continue strengthening our list with the right people and build a football program that can achieve sustained success,” he said.

“There is a tremendous amount to look forward to, and I’m excited about what we can create together over the coming years.”

22 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

Garry Hocking watches with a few minutes of the grand final to go while coaching Leopold in 2024.

(Ivan Kemp)

Geelong West has the chance to add to its two wins this season when it meets the winless North Shore at West Oval on Saturday.

Geelong & District Football Netball League finals begin this weekend at St Albans Reserve, Thomson.

Reigning senior footy premiers North Geelong face a sudden death elimination final clash against Belmont Lions while Werribee Centrals will travel to face East Geelong for the second consecutive week for a qualifying final.

The Eagles got the better of the Centurions at Galvin Park by four points and another close tussle looms.

There wasn’t much between the A grade netball top seven sides all season and Winchelsea will take on Bannockburn with the loser to bow out of the finals race.

On Saturday, last season’s runners-up East Geelong meets Bannockburn for the right to play Inverleigh in the second semifinal.

All finals at St Albans Reserve.

Saturday 22 August, qualifying finals Senior football: Werribee Centrals vs East Geelong, 2pm Reserves: Bell Post Hill vs East Geelong, noon A Grade netball: East Geelong vs Bannockburn, 1.30pm B Grade: East Geelong vs Werribee Centrals, noon C Grade: Belmont Lions vs East Geelong, 11am D Grade: Thomson vs Inverleigh, noon E Grade: Inverleigh vs North Geelong, 10am 19 & Under: Bannockburn vs East Geelong, 9am 17 & Under: Bannockburn vs Werribee Centrals, 8am 15 & Under: Bannockburn vs East Geelong, 9am 13 & Under: Belmont Lions vs Werribee Centrals, 8am Sunday 23 August, elimination finals Senior football: Belmont Lions vs North Geelong, noon Reserves: Bannockburn vs Winchelsea, noon A Grade netball: Winchelsea vs Thomson, 1.30pm B Grade: Bannockburn vs Corio, noon C Grade: Inverleigh vs Bannockburn, 11am D Grade: Belmont Lions vs North Geelong, noon E Grade: Belmont Lions vs Bell Post Hill, 10am 19 & Under: Anakie vs North Geelong, 9am 17 & Under: Inverleigh vs North Geelong, 8am 15 & Under: Werribee Centrals vs Geelong West Giants, 9am 13 & Under: East Geelong vs Geelong West Giants, 8am

SPORT

The game begins. 572021_02

Manix Van Steeg breaks clear. 572021_25

Aaron Couch kicks out of the backline.

572021_16

Patrick Hanan prepares to handball. 572021_19

The Newcomb team lines up before the game.

572021_20

The Bell Park team lines up before the game.

572021_21

Dylan Williams races clear. 572021_07

Anthony Morgan runs the ball out of defence.

572021_18

For the love of football Bell Park Dragons claimed the All Abilities contact category premiership with a win against Newcomb Power in a terrific game of footy at Herne Hill Reserve on Saturday 15 August. The All Abilities competition is more than just the final scores. It is a celebration of inclusion, participation, teamwork and community.

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there to get these pictures.

Sam Browne leads Dylan Williams to the ball.

572021_03

Campbell Poulter runs forward. 572021_04

Zach Ireland marks in front of goal. 572021_06

Newcomb’s Jack Hastie finds space to mark on his own. 572021_05

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 23

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August Stelma breaks clear.

Mac Scoullar leads in the race for the ball.

Jesse Kerkham handballs out of defence.

Oscar McCausland wins a solo knockout against Mac Scoullar.

Geelong West Giant Wichay Paul kicks on the run. 572019

Giants secure a home win Geelong West Giants won their third game of the season, beating North Shore at West Oval on Saturday 15 August and

Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there.

Daniel Gudasic runs the ball out of defence.

Riley Moore kicked two goals for Geelong West.

Harley Smigowski kicks one of his two goals.

Harry Purcell marks to hold up a Giants attack.

Jacob Sammut-Miljevic handballs forward for the Seagulls.

24 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026

Cody Harrison finds space and looks downfield.

Jay Kaltenbach kicks one of his three goals.

SPORT

Grove seizes third spot

By Justin Flynn Ocean Grove guaranteed a spot in the Bellarine Netball League A Grade qualifying finals with a gritty eight-goal win against Surf Coast.

The result means the Grubbers will play Torquay in the opening week of the finals on Saturday 30 August regardless of the results from the final home and away round this weekend.

Grove can leapfrog Torquay into second spot if it defeats Barwon Heads and the Tigers lose to Newcomb, but it’s irrelevant with the first two weeks of the finals to be played at the neutral Portarlington Recreation Reserve.

Ocean Grove 54 to 46 victory meant the Suns bowed out of finals contention, a game and a half behind Queenscliff with one round left. Still, it has been an incredible effort in their first year of senior competition. After losing their opening four games, Surf Coast rattled off eight wins and a draw from their next 12 before dropping their past two.

Ocean Grove coach Mel Holmes said the goal to secure a finals double chance was now completed and the reigning threetime champions would move on.

“We have one game left against Barwon Heads to really nail it before finals, but I’m happy where we are at,” she said.

“We’re building that momentum and I think we are playing our best netball at the right time. It’s been a bit unsettled with different people and commitments and injuries, but that happens.

“I know that the work we’ve been doing, I can see it in the game with our consistency as we head into finals, which is where you want to be.”

Importantly, Holmes expects to have a full list come finals time as the Grubbers have battled to put the same side on the court even for two weeks in a row.

Apart from Perri Jones not having recent finals experience, the entire squad is familiar with September netball.

“Perri knows how to play big-time games and she’s given it her all,” Holmes said.

“She knows what needs to be done and the rest are experienced so the girls know

Ocean Grove’s Gemma Bell wins a tight contest against Surf Coast’s Maloury Davis. 572018_28

Defender Emma Jones celebrates her 100th game for Ocean Grove with Mia Smith, who played her 150th recently, holding the banner. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 572018_01

how to play finals.”

Holmes was full of praise for Surf Coast, which turned around a 25-goal round 10 loss to the Grubbers into a much closer contest.

“They have certainly improved and they are really building and have huge potential,” she said.

“It was good to have a game like that because they are not too dissimilar to some teams we could come up against. It was good to come away with a win and it was a nice game.”

Surf Coast co-coach Casey Carroll, who won two GDNL Margaret Webb Medals and a GNL league best and fairest, said she

was impressed with Ocean Grove’s overall game.

“We were really competitive up until half-time and what probably got us was the start of our third quarter,” Carroll, who crossed to the fledgling Suns this season after four years at Winchelsea, said.

“They put six goals on us really quickly and Ocean Grove are a great side, so to be able to try and peg that back and chase that, it’s really difficult.

“I was really impressed with them across the court. Obviously the goaling circle you’ve got Zanna (Punshon) and Bridgette (Vos) there, who are very creative and crafty.

“But the defensive pressure that Ocean Grove put on, their speed through the midcourt, you can see why they were last year’s premiers.”

TORQUAY, which will meet Grove in the qualifying final, defeated Modewarre by 28 goals. Daisy O’Kane (42 goals from 47 attempts) and Kate Schippers (19 from 22) were again accurate under the net.

PORTARLINGTON and Queenscliff locked in an elimination final match-up in two weeks time. Queenscliff had a bye and Port was trounced by Geelong Amateur.

They meet each this weekend as an elimination final dress rehearsal for the following Saturday.

DRYSDALE finished its season with a 54 to 35 win against Anglesea. The Hawks have the bye in the final round and will likely finish in eighth position.

PREMIERSHIP favourites Geelong Amateur smashed Portarlington by 40 goals and face Surf Coast this weekend before earning the week off courtesy of an unbeaten season resulting in the minor premiership.

NEWCOMB led Barwon Heads by two goals at three-quarter time to run out 49 to 41 winners. The Power have won seven games this season and meet Torquay on Saturday while the Heads finish their season with a game against cross-bridge rivals Ocean Grove.

Countdown to the finals for the Bellarine Football League With one round to go in the Bellarine Football League season, most ladder positions are secure, but one unlucky side is set to miss out on finals. Justin Flynn takes a look at each side’s standing.

Queenscliff (ladder 1st, points 60, percentage 202.10) With the minor premiership sewn up, the Coutas might be tempted to rest some players this weekend, but with a week off come finals times, it’s like Heath Jamieson will go full throttle against Portarlington.

Geelong Amateur (2nd; 56, 151.62) Ammos will play Torquay in the qualifying final, but will be without the suspended Mitch Day (45 goals), who was given a two-match ban for an incident against Port in round 19. With Day absent, it opens the door for all the traffic to be directed to Sam Lloyd, who has 87 goals this season. Could he kick 13 against Surf Coast?

Torquay (3rd, 52, 178.26) The Tigers know they will finish 3rd and meet Ammos next week. They face a Newcomb side that needs to win to guarantee finals footy. It will be a tough match-up and certainly the game of the round.

Newcomb (4th, 36, 119.19) Most neutrals are hoping the Power make finals. It would be great for the competition and they can still make it even with a loss to Torquay, which might be tempted to rest

Could Sam Lloyd boot 13 goals against Surf Coast and reach 100 for the season? (Ivan Kemp)

some players before finals. Newcomb could miss finals if it loses and Anglesea thrash Modewarre.

Barwon Heads (5th, 36, 98.17) In freefall, the Seagulls have a lengthy injury list and are coming off a 96-point shellacking against Ammos and a 102-point loss to Newcomb. Defeat Ocean Grove as expected and the Heads will play finals.

Anglesea (6th, 32, 112.15)

The Seas won it all from 5th last year and will have to do so again, but first they need a lot of things to go their way just to be there next week. Firstly they need to beat Modda by a fair margin. Then they need Torquay to give Newcomb a hefty loss to make up a 7.04 percentage deficit. The other less likely scenario is if Grove causes a monumental upset and Anglesea beats Modda. The Seas will be without Jack Baker (suspension) and the

season ending hamstring injury to coach and key playmaker Jordan Keras doesn’t help either.

Drysdale (7th, 32, 91.23) The Hawks have a bye and their season is over. Once Drysdale got injured players back on the park in the second half of the season, they looked as dangerous as anyone.

Portarlington (8th, 32, 87.49) While it’s mathematically possible for the Demons to make it, there’s practically no chance. Too many things need to go right.

The 31-year finals drought will have to wait at least another year, but there are definite green shoots sprouting.

Modewarre (9th, 20, 101.85) The Warriors loom as the big shapers of the final five even though they won’t make it themselves. The game against Anglesea carries all sorts of permutations and it wouldn’t surprise to see them win.

Ocean Grove (10th, 12, 49.04) The Battle of the Bridge against cross-river rivals Barwon Heads will be the final time co-coaches Dave Farrell and Nick Bourke take charge. It’s been a disappointing season for the Grubbers.

Surf Coast (11th, 8, 39.53) Two wins and some very competitive performances from the fledgling Suns shouldn’t be overlooked despite the wooden spoon.

Expect improvement in 2027.

Friday, 21 August, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 25

SECTION

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26 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 21 August, 2026