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INSIDE THIS EDITION… GRUBBERS GRAB TOP THREE SPOT, PAGES 26 & 27

21 AUGUST - 3 SEPTEMBER, 2026

BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER

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Less than two weeks until spring

(Ivan Kemp)

While it may not quite be shorts and T-shirt weather for most of us just yet, it’s getting closer. On Tuesday 18 August, the temperature climbed into the high teens and we received an indication that spring is on its way. While this winter may have been very mild temperature-wise, many will welcome the opportunity to get out and about more when spring finally does return. Pictured enjoying the late winter sunshine are Gemma Cockle with baby Lola and daughter Bonnie at Ocean Grove main beach on Tuesday. The short-term forecast is for a maximum in the mid-teens for Saturday, before returning to 18 degrees for Sunday and Monday with showers increasing. Tuesday will be around 15 degrees with showers to remind us that the cooler weather will hang around for a bit longer. For more Ivan Kemp pictures from the beach on Tuesday, see page 19.

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 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.

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2 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 21 August, 2026

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NEWS

Farewell 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 final 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.

Ty and Rach Simons. (Ivan Kemp) 571661_07

“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 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 sad, but it’s also the start of a new one.”

Paw-some support for furry friends

Karen Spreadborough and Will Wilson will celebrate the Hive Gallery’s 10th anniversary with a group exhibition next month. (Ivan Kemp) 572965_17

Hive’s 10-year buzz to turn into a celebration By Jena Carr The Hive Gallery is celebrating a decade of supporting regional artists at the opening of its biggest group exhibition. The Ocean Grove art gallery will kick off its exhibition titled Toast next month with a nighttime opening event on 4 September to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Karen Spreadborough co-owns the gallery with her partner Will Wilson and said it was “quite unbelievable” to celebrate the milestone.

“Relationships are crucial to understanding art, as well as to the long-term success and enjoyment of it all,” she said. “When we opened on a Friday night in 2016, it was with Will’s bronze sculptures filling the downstairs floor and only five other artists upstairs. “The gallery is always evolving, and we’re taking steps forward in the right direction in terms of strengthening the art that we showcase and the diversity of artists.” Ms Spreadborough said Toast will be the “most diverse and biggest group exhibition”

as it aims to display artworks from artists who have exhibited at the gallery. “It’s more about the diversity, whereas normally there would be more of a cohesive connection between the art showing in an exhibition,” she said. “I’m also going to introduce just a sneak peek of a couple of artists during the exhibition that are coming to us in the year ahead to embrace the beginning of the next decade.” The opening event will run from 4pm to 7pm, with DJ Rob Major handling the music and the community welcome to attend.

Portarlington top of the list for Vic tourism

Greater Geelong’s vulnerable pet owners will have access to free health checks for their furry companions for one special day next week. RSPCA Victoria will provide free check-ups, dog and cat vaccinations, pet food, and behavioural advice for pet owners in need during its Healthy Pet Day in Norlane on Wednesday 26 August. Community Outreach and Education senior manager Dr Lauren Roberts said it was important to help keep the region’s pets “happy and healthy for years to come”. “Pet owners in need will have access to expert advice and the best possible service thanks to our friendly vets, vet nurses and animal behaviourists,” she said. “Our expert animal care team provides vaccines, pet check-ups, microchipping, flea and worm treatment, along with behavioural advice, resources and pet food. “These services are completely free for valid concession or equivalent card holders that reside in the Greater Geelong City Council and would usually cost over $150 all up per animal. “We’ve had a great response from the community, and this event has booked out, so we are really excited to run this event in Norlane and meet the locals and their furry friends.” Healthy Pet Day is eligible for people aged 18 or over with a valid concession or health care card and proof of residence within the City of Greater Geelong Council area. The service will be held at the Norlane Community Centre from 10am to 4pm, and people can visit rspcavic.org/healthypet for more information or to register their pet for the waitlist.

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A Bellarine town has received a prestigious award for excellence in tourism this week. Portarlington won gold in the Small Tourism Town category at the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards presented by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council in Traralgon on Wednesday night. The award recognised the town as one of the state’s leading visitor destinations, which Tourism Greater Geelong and The Bellarine (TGGB) executive director Tracy Carter said was a testament to Portar-

lington’s passionate tourism operators, volunteers and community members. “This is a fantastic achievement for Portarlington and a well-deserved recognition of the businesses, tourism operators and community members who work together to create memorable visitor experiences,” she said. “Portarlington continues to grow as a destination of choice, offering visitors exceptional food and wine, unique experiences, beautiful coastal scenery and gen-

uine local hospitality. This award belongs to the entire community.” The award puts Portarlington in the running for the Best Small Town at the National Tourism Town Awards in Canberra in September. Epic Taste Experiences’ June O’Brien also received bronze in the Victorian Tour Guide Awards, recognising her significant contribution in providing memorable experiences to visitors to the region.

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NEWS

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Honouring Vietnam veterans By Jena Carr 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 Artil-

lery, 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 spread out and in danger of being surrounded.

“Eighteen Australian soldiers lost their lives...and after the battle, the bodies of 245 enemy soldiers were found but there was evidence that many more bodies had been carried away.” The Ocean Grove service also included the laying of the wreaths and lowering flags to half-mast to honour the close to 60,000 Australians who served during the Vietnam War.

Local surf lifesavers recognised at LSV awards night 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. Among the highlights was Ocean Grove SLC’s Amenah McDonald being awarded the John Wishart Memorial Medal for Life Saver of the Year. 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. 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

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

Bellarine Secondary College Year 9 student Charles Anderson received a Spirit of Anzac Prize. (Jena Carr) 573099_01

We remember the Anzac spirit

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By Jena Carr

4 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 21 August, 2026

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 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 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.

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NEWS

A million reasons for joy By Jena Carr

Greg Spaull, district governor Maria Baade and Alan Daw.

A Queenscliff children’s charity will be able to open its doors to more kids in need following the sale of a charity home in Armstrong Creek. Cottage by the Sea (CBTS) received a $1 million donation from the sale of Boutique Homes’ four-bedroom charity home, which will support the charity’s new Riptide facility. CBTS chief executive Adam Wake said the funds would help the charity create opportunities for an additional 700 children to experience life-changing programs through the new facility. “It is literally leading to more children

having fulfilling lives, and there’s nothing more important than that,” he said. “We often hear families say that they can’t give kids this or that, and that must allude to a feeling of guilt, which is unfair to put on themselves. “It is an amazing building, so the kids run into a space that is filled with light, colour, and joy, and...we’re lucky to be able to provide it to as many kids as we can.” Boutique Homes, part of ABN Group, managing director Aidan Hooper said the recent donation brought the group’s total raised for CBTS to more than $2.6 million. “To see this home sell and deliver a $1 million donation is incredibly special, and we’re so proud of what it means for Cottage

Boutique Homes managing director Aidan Hooper and CBTS chief executive Adam Wake at the new Riptide facility. (Ivan Kemp) 570621_01

by the Sea and the young people they support,” he said. People can continue to support CBTS in providing opportunities for vulnerable children by visiting the charity’s website for more information or to donate.

Warren Halnon and Michelle Challis with the Medallion Quilt.

Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads committee Warren Halnon (secretary), Neil Rankcom (vice-president and membership), Maria Baade (district governor), Lyn Jenkins (president) and Greg Spaull (treasurer).

Lions induct new committee

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Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads held its annual handover meeting where two members were recognised with 10 years of service. Alan Daw and Greg Spaulding both received their recognition of a decade in contributing to the club and community at the event, held at Ocean Grove Bowling Club. District governor Maria Baade inducted president Lyn Jenkins for another term while Warren Halnon will continue as secretary and Greg Spalding has recommitted to the treasurer’s role. Neil Rankcom has taken on the vice-president and membership roles. Ms Baade spoke about the privilege to serve the community and the amazing work that Lions Clubs achieve nationally. Ms Baade’s theme this year is ‘Compassion in Action’ and reflects her belief that compassion is not simply something we feel, but something we do. The theme is a reminder that every act of service, no matter how large or small, has the power to change lives. It speaks to the very heart of Lionism and challenges each of them to lead with kindness, serve with purpose, and make a positive difference in our communities every day. Maureen Thorp has arranged to donate the Medallion Quilt to the Australian Lions Childhood Cancer Research Foundation. The materials were donated by the ladies of Breeze Retirement Village in Point Lonsdale and the quilt was done by Sea Change Quilters of Barwon Heads.

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By Cr Rowan Story If you haven’t been into one of our local libraries for a while, it’s worth taking another look at the incredible facilities and programs on offer. Here on the Bellarine, Geelong Regional Libraries has five locations, along with mobile library services. Alongside the outstanding offering of books, at each library, there are also children’s programs, events including author talks, workshops, as well as technology help and study spaces. Over the past five years, council has invested $100 million into libraries in the region, including investing $27.5 million towards delivering our new Boronggook Drysdale and Biyal-a Armstrong Creek libraries, as well as upgrades to Chilwell Library. Both Boronggook and Biyal-a have received national recognition for their design, welcoming tens of thousands of residents through their doors in our fastest-growing communities. As a member of the Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation board, I have a particular interest in our libraries and the place they hold in our communities. In a world dominated by screens and short-form content, encouraging children to read is more important than ever. Reading builds vocabulary and literacy, but it also develops concentration, imagination, communication and an understanding of experiences beyond their own. Libraries give every child access to that, regardless of what books, technology or

Murradoc ward councillor Rowan Story. (Supplied)

resources they have at home. At our last council meeting, I was pleased to support an important decision about the future of our library network. Victorian legislation requires the existing Geelong Regional Library Corporation structure to change by 1 July 2031. Council considered several options, including bringing Greater Geelong’s libraries in-house, but ultimately supported a new regional model that keeps us working alongside our neighbouring councils. The other options presented would have seen the City leave the GRLC network and either operate an in-house service just for Greater Geelong or lead a regional consortium. The GRLC is consistently ranked as one of Victoria’s highest performing library services by Public Library Victoria and this decision helps protect that standard. Most importantly, people using our libraries will notice very little change. Our libraries will stay within the regional network and no disruption to services is expected.

Barwon Coast Update

Collendina • Ocean Grove • Breamlea • Barwon Heads • Black Rock • 13th Beach

Final Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan released The ﬁnal Bancoora Coastal Adaptation Plan is now available, providing a strategic framework to guide future adaptation planning for Bancoora Beach and the Breamlea foreshore as the coastline responds to erosion, inundation and sea level rise. Friends of the Lobster Pot volunteers, Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant MP and Barwon Coast CEO Gareth Smith

Grant to enhance Barwon Coast Discovery Centre We're delighted to receive $50,000 through the Victorian Government's Tiny Towns Fund to upgrade cabinetry at the Barwon Coast Discovery Centre in Barwon Heads. The improvements will help create a more accessible, engaging and ﬂexible experience for thousands of locals, visitors and school groups. A big thank you to the Victorian Government for its support, and to the incredible Friends of The Lobster Pot volunteers, whose passion and dedication make the Discovery Centre such a special place for our community and visitors.

We care for the coast

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Plan through community consultation. Your feedback helped reﬁne the ﬁnal document and supporting materials. Alongside the Plan, we have also released: •

The Technical Report, providing the detailed evidence that underpins the Plan

•

A Closing the Loop Report explaining what we heard during consultation and how community feedback informed the ﬁnal outcome.

•

Updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

See the ﬁnal Plan and supporting documents by visiting barwoncoast.com.au/project/bancooracoastal-adaptation-plan/

Barwon Coast Committee of Management Inc. 7 Ewing Blyth Drive, Barwon Heads Vic 3227 T: 03 5254 1118 E: ofﬁce@barwoncoast.com.au

There is, however, something I would very much like to see change, and that is the contribution from the Victorian government. Historically, Victorian public libraries were funded through a genuine partnership between state and local government, with the state contributing close to half of operating costs. However, declining Victorian government contributions and cost shifting means councils now fund approximately 80 per cent. Greater Geelong has increased its annual contribution from $13 million to more than $16 million over the past five years, while state funding has failed to keep pace with rising costs and demand. We have continued to invest because people continue to use these services – our regional network now has more than 118,000 members and receives around 1.4 million visits a year. However, local government shouldn’t be expected to keep absorbing an ever greater share of the cost. Council will continue advocating for the Victorian government to increase its contribution and to restore a fairer funding partnership. We have a library model that works well for our region. Now we need the funding arrangements to properly support it, so our libraries can continue meeting the needs of our growing region for generations to come. For more information on all of council’s 2026 Priority Projects and the advocacy work currently underway see geelongcity. vic.gov.au/council/advocacy

What to do if you see injured or dead wild birds H5 bird ﬂu is present in wild birds in Victoria. Early reporting gives us the best chance to reduce the impacts of the disease. Avoid. Record. Report. is a simple way you can help. If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife: AVOID contact RECORD the exact location and what you observed • REPORT it online or call 1800 675 888 Injured wildlife may still need rescue and care, but if birds or wildlife appear sick, or dead, avoid contact and report it so trained responders can safely assess the situation. • •

Your report could help detect disease early and support our wildlife. Find out more by visiting agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdﬂu

BarwonCoastVIC BarwonCoast www.barwoncoast.com.au

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6 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 21 August, 2026

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NEWS

Jenny takes a cold plunge to support cancer research By Jena Carr Jenny Rundell is taking the plunge into Portarlington’s cold waters to raise money and support for cancer research. The Drysdale woman will undertake multiple Daffodil Day dips this month in support of Cancer Council Victoria’s Daffodil Day fundraiser. Ms Rundell worked as a receptionist at Barwon Health’s Andrew Love Cancer Centre for 15 years before retiring and said fundraising for cancer research was really important. “If we can raise some money to make even more people make it through cancer,

that’s even better,” she said. “It’s a bit of fun, but sometimes it can be very difficult going into the water fi rst thing in the morning, as it can be quite cold. “Patients would come in every day at the same time for up to six or seven weeks, depending on the type of cancer, so jumping in cold water isn’t that big.” Ms Rundell has completed eight dips and raised more than $930 for cancer research as of 11am on 19 August. Cancer Council Victoria head of fundraising and communications Lyrian Fleming-Parsley said Daffodil Day united people in giving hope to those impacted by cancer.

“Every donation helps fund world-class research, bringing us closer to better treatments and better outcomes for people facing cancer,” she said. Daffodil Day was held on 20 August to help raise money for research, while providing hope for a cancer-free future. Visit daffodilday.com.au/fundraisers/ jennyrundell/daffodil-day-dip-2026 to contribute to Ms Rundell’s fundraising efforts. Drysdale’s Jenny Rundell is raising money for cancer research by doing Daffodil Day dips. (Ivan Kemp) 571132_03

Complete your Census now. It‘s not too late. Barwon Heads Fire Brigade captain Pete Burnett, left, junior member Otis Pogue, firefighter Tim Micheletto, and non-operational volunteer Pam Halnon with a 90th birthday cake. (Supplied)

Barwon Heads Fire Brigade is celebrating nine decades of protecting the community by recognising the generous efforts of its volunteers. The brigade’s Annual Dinner and Awards Night was held in Barwon Heads early this month to mark 90 years of volunteer service and celebrate the contributions of past and present members. Captain Pete Burnett said ten brigade members received awards for their outstanding service to CFA, the brigade and the wider community during the night. “That willingness to serve our community as volunteers is what makes this brigade so special,” he said. “Every call-out reflects the commitment of volunteers who make themselves available, maintain their skills and train throughout the year. “I am very proud to be part of an organisation that performs such an important role in our community...and so far this year, the brigade has responded to 38 incidents.” CFA service awards were presented to Pam Halnon for 20 years of service, followed by Colin Bridges and Matt Taylor for 10 years, and Jono Nevile and John Wilson for five years. Second lieutenant Rob Pogue was honoured with two awards during the event, including the 10-year CFA service award and the Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSL Sub Branch Award, which he received alongside third lieutenant Deb Fowler. The Barwon Heads Fire Brigade awards included the Shaun Wilson Memorial ‘Encouragement Award’ for Alan Burns and the Captain’s Award for Jane Vaughan. Mick O’Donnell was also named Firefighter of the Year for his operational excellence, commitment and contribution to the brigade throughout the year.

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Brigade celebrates 90 years of service

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. Authorised by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Canberra

Friday, 21 August, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 7

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. 8 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 21 August, 2026

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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THE ARCTIC BIT COME WINTER IN VICTORIA

ALPINE NATURE EXPERIENCE, MOUNT HOTHAM

Have you heard about the arctic bit of winter in Victoria? That’s the crunch of fresh snow under your feet, endless stars above your head, and the toasty warmth of a cosy igloo… kind of arctic. VISITVICTORIA.COM

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FRIDAY FEATURE

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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 Lucy Carpenter with her guide dog Dottie.

need them.

(Supplied)

uide 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.

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 sixyear-old 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.

“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.

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Friday, 21 August, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 11

ENVIRONMENT

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Trip to the west for birding

Above: Jen’s brown honeyeater at Fremantle. Left: Jen’s superb fairy wren at Bilbra Lake south of Perth.

Sunday morning, and my friend took me for a walk around Bibra Lake Reserve, which is located in the municipality of Cockburn, quite close to where she lives in Fremantle. I spotted 30 species of birds on my walk, including a shining bronze cuckoo, a

spotted scrub-wren, a few splendid fairy wrens, and western gerygones. It was so lovely to see these birds, especially the splendid fairy-wrens as they are so pretty. There are some species of birds that are common to both my backyard and my

friend’s backyard in Fremantle. There are many galahs fl ying around the neighbourhood, as well as New Holland honeyeaters, red wattlebirds, Pacific black ducks, Eurasian coots, and rainbow lorikeets. I’m off to Rottnest Island tomorrow all being well with the weather, and I’m hoping with this windy weather to spot a few sea birds. My fi ngers are crossed.

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The weather around the Bellarine has not been conducive to being out and about over the past few weeks, but luckily for me I have hopped on a plane and flown out west to Perth. The weather here has also been wet, stormy and windy, and my ferry to Rottnest Island was cancelled, but at least there are different birds in my friend’s garden to observe, such as brown honeyeaters and Australian ravens. Brown honeyeaters are commonly seen around Australia, from the southwest across the Top End to Queensland. Th is species can also be seen through New South Wales on the eastern side of the Great Dividing Range to Swansea in the Hunter Region, and west of the Great Dividing Range in inland NSW. They are not present in Victoria and Tasmania. These birds have a loud, and melodious song, which is considered one of the best among Australian honeyeaters. The call includes a rolling, musical call that can be described as ‘sweet-sweet-quarty-quarty’, and I’ve heard this call very often over the past few days. The rain cleared for a few hours one

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Friday, 21 August, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 13

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

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.

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

NEWS

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.”

Melbourne rockers HZED. (Supplied)

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

10 years ago

7 years ago

4 years ago

1 year ago

17 to 30 August, 2016

28 August to 10 September, 2019

26 August to 8 September, 2022

22 August to 4 September, 2025

Kingston estate residents who shivered through two gas outages last month will be relieved to know that new pipelines are being installed by their gas supplier, AusNet. The outages, which left dozens of households without heating or hot water on two bitterly cold nights, should now be a thing of the past with AusNet Services increasing gas capacity to Ocean Grove with the construction of an alternative gas supply into the Kingston Ocean Grove Estate near Evergreen Circuit.

Plans to turn Portarlington’s Grand Hotel into “Geelong’s version of MONA“ will be a one of its kind, former mayor Darryn Lyons said. Mr Lyons, along with Bill Votsaris and Mario Gregorio, are hoping to redevelop the 1888-built hotel into a tourism mecca on the Bellarine.

Ocean Grove has appointed Dave Farrell as coach of its men’s senior football team for the next three years. Farrell will replace Pete Davey, who informed the club he would not coach the final year of his contract due to work and family commitments.

Students from Ocean Grove’s Surfside Primary School are gearing up for one of the performances of their lives. On September 13, 16 Year 5 and 6 students will travel to Melbourne Park to participate in two performances for the 30th Victorian State Schools Spectacular at John Cain Arena.

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Friday, 21 August, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 15

KEEP IT LOCAL

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Belinda Mason.

Jackie Burns.

Annemaree Scott.

Out for a shop in the Grove Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to The Terrace in Ocean Grove on Tuesday 18 August to see who was out for a shop on a 20 degree day. Ria.

Lauren Petris with Luca.

Christine Constable and Maria Butler visiting from Ireland

Chris Wheeler.

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DINING OUT

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Embrace the changing season with lighter meal options There may be two weeks of winter left, but the days are starting to get warmer and longer, so we thought we’d bring some early spring food ideas a tiny bit early. Spring is perfect for lighter, brighter dishes that highlight the delicate flavours of young vegetables, tender greens, and fresh herbs. Whether you’re planning a garden party, a family brunch, or simply want to enjoy the best of spring’s bounty, here are some delightful spring recipes that celebrate the season’s best ingredients.

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, snap peas, cucumber, mint, and parsley. Drizzle the salad with the vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. Top with crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts before serving.

Lemon herb roasted chicken Th is simple yet flavourful dish is perfect for a Sunday roast or a casual dinner. The combination of lemon and fresh herbs infuses the chicken with a bright, zesty flavour.

Asparagus and pea risotto Asparagus and peas are quintessential spring vegetables, and when combined in a creamy risotto, they create a dish that’s both comforting and refreshing.

Instructions: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauteing until softened. Stir in the Arborio rice, coating it with the oil and toasting for about 2 minutes.

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Pour in the white wine, stirring constantly until it is absorbed. Add the warm vegetable broth one ladle at a time, stirring frequently. Allow the liquid to absorb before adding more. When the rice is nearly cooked (about 15 minutes), add the asparagus and peas, continuing to cook until the rice is tender and the vegetables are just cooked through. Stir in the butter, Parmesan cheese, and season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest before serving.

Ingredients: 4 cups mixed spring greens (like arugula, spinach, and baby kale) 1/2 cup snap peas, halved 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts For the Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette: 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste

Th is salad is a celebration of all things green, showcasing the best of spring’s leafy vegetables and herbs.

Instructions: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 220°C. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Rub the olive oil all over the chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with the lemon quarters, garlic, and fresh herbs. Tie the legs together with kitchen twine and place the chicken on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour the white wine or chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan. Roast the chicken for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 74°C. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before carving and serving.

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Spring green salad with honey-lemon vinaigrette

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Ingredients: 1 cup Arborio rice 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 cup fresh or frozen peas 1 small onion, fi nely chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 cups vegetable broth, kept warm 1/2 cup dry white wine 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste Fresh lemon juice and zest (optional) Fresh herbs like parsley or mint for garnish

Ingredients: 1 whole chicken (about 1.8kg) 1 lemon, quartered 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1/4 cup fresh herbs (like rosemary, thyme, and parsley) 3 tablespoons olive oil Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth

Friday, 21 August, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 17

COMMUNITY

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

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

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

Ballroom dance Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 22 August, 7.30pm-10.30pm, $10 includes supper. Music: Puff. A small plate to share is appreciated. 0400 500 402

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

Leopold Library Tuesdays 2pm: Digital drop in for basic tech needs Free school holiday programs. All ages, all interests. 4201 0675, grlc.vic.gov.au

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

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

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

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

CWA Drysdale

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW

Meets Drysdale RSL, Princess Street, Drysdale on the second Tuesday of the month. Meetings start at 1pm followed by afternoon tea. Friendly group looking to recruit new members. Jenni, 0452 258 333

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

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens

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

101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly Tuesday: 1pm snooker, chess, indoor bowls Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 1.30pm, Chord Club jam session 4pm Thursday: social afternoon, cards 500 1pm Friday: art classes 9am, social art group 1pm. Fortnightly 1st & 3rd Monday: CWA, 2pm Paschal, 0426 889 456 Wednesday: Book club, 10.30am Paul, 0425 110 792 5255 2996, groveseniors101@gmail.com

Bellarine Women’s Workshop Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month. Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club Bellarine Presbyterian Church Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, secretary Neil Mansfield, 0405 064 976

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

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

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

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis Friendly group of active women retirees

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

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

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

18 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 21 August, 2026

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

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club Meets at 10.30am on the fourth Monday of each month at the Clifton Springs Golf Club. Raelene, 4244 0376

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

Afternoon tea dance Springs TOWN Springs TOWN Club (Take Off Weight Naturally) meets Mondays, 9-10.30am at the Community Hub, 23 Eversley Street, Drysdale. Weigh-in, group therapy and regular relaxation sessions. $5 per session, $54 annual fee. Bev, 0421 636 830

Bellarine TOWN Bellarine TOWN Club meets Wednesdays, noon-2pm at Ocean Grove Community Centre, 1 John Dory Drive. Affordable, supportive group for those trying to lose weight. 0478 615 683

Drysdale Day VIEW Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month. Margaret, 0431 636 090

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

Writers’ group The Hub writers’ group meets at Arts Hub, Clifford Parade, Barwon Heads, on the first Sunday of the month 2-4pm. New members welcome. dorothy.johnston@hugonet.com.au

Mainly Music Music and fun for preschoolers during term time at the Welcome Centre, St Mark’s, Vicarage Road, Leopold, Thursdays 9.15-11am. $5 per family per week. Text: 0461 582 618 for bookings

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

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

Skye Mussared.

Paula Hair with her daughter Imogen.

COMMUNITY

Julie Gibson.

Out and about at the beach With the temperature pushing to the high teens on Tuesday 18 August, Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Ocean Grove main beach to see if anyone was out and about. Rhonda McElligott with a playful Alice.

Paul Morris with Monty.

Above: Brad and Sam with Max, Harvey and Rosie. 572404 Below centre: Jo and Tillie.

Carmel Pino.

Ngamata Keil with Stephen.

Alberto Briatico.

Karen and Ross Spriggs.

Friday, 21 August, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 19

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20 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 21 August, 2026

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PUZZLES

5 24

7 22

4 25

5 21

2 11

7 7

21 8

22 9

23 10

24 11

25 12

26 13

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

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

16 4

M N

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'.

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

V A

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

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

16 24

17 10

O G

E O

A A

hard

5x5

medium

I B A Y W E F V L G P U

easy

18 15

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

20 3

QUICK QUIZ

Which animal is associated with a thought experiment devised by Erwin Schrödinger?

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

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

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?

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

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

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

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

No. 335

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

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

DECODER

hard

14 15 17 18 21 23 24

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

1 2 3 4

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

DOWN

medium

16 19 20 22 25 26 27 28

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)

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

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

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 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 21

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.

22 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 21 August, 2026

SPORT

Around the courts

Around the grounds

Results and best players from the round of Bellarine Netball League senior and junior matches played on Saturday 15 August. A GRADE Ocean Grove 54 def Surf Coast 46 Best: Ocean Grove - Zanna Punshon, 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. B GRADE Drysdale 44 def Anglesea 37 Best: Drysdale - Jess Maddock, Calsey Wolak, Annalena Hillier. Geelong Amateur 59 def Portarlington 39 Best: Geelong Amateur - Elise McCooke, Scarlett Clarke, Ava Collins. Portarlington - Madison Robbins Hart, Chloe Zahl, Jamison Camilleri. Modewarre 47 def Torquay 45 Best: Modewarre - Eliza Crapp, Chloe Wright, Annabelle Fitzgerald. Torquay Milly van Eck, Abby Park, Bella Connors. Ocean Grove 74 def Surf Coast 27 Best: Ocean Grove - Ella Brown, Mia Smith, Anna Maher. Barwon Heads 34 def Newcomb 32 C GRADE Drysdale 38 def Anglesea 21 Best: Drysdale - Kalani Foot, Isabella Stanley, Lani Puttyfoot. Anglesea - Catie Ragg, Maddison Panozzo, Kate Stone. Portarlington 41 def Geelong Amateur 36 Best: Portarlington - Tayla Arnold, Serah Scutchings. Geelong Amateur - Maeve Hogan, Kellie Gibbons, Julia Twigg. Torquay 30 def Modewarre 27 Best: Torquay - Lottie Blackwood, Bethany Garlick, Meg Davey. Modewarre - Lilly Hine, Sheree Brookes, Sharni Thebes. Ocean Grove 60 def Surf Coast 22 Best: Ocean Grove - Amelia Cunningham, Maggie Drake, Charlotte Gould. Newcomb 39 def Barwon Heads 32 Best: Newcomb - Abbey Bibby, Courtney Betts, Elliana van Galen. D GRADE Anglesea 32 def Drysdale 27 Best: Anglesea - Remony Reid, Isobel McGowan, Danielle Wiseman. Drysdale - Imogen Hillier, Monica Gill, Anna Foot. Geelong Amateur 34 def Portarlington 32 Best: Geelong Amateur - Phoebe Murray, Remy Olsen, Emily Dixon. Portarlington - Alex Natoli, Kristi Reynolds, Jordy Mcintyre. Torquay 30 def Modewarre 22 Best: Modewarre - Georgina Cameron, Phoebe Fitzgerald, Imogen Brooks. Ocean Grove 34 def Surf Coast 21 Best: Ocean Grove - Keely Boswell, Lilly Carey, Tina Birch. Surf Coast - Lucy Ross, Belinda Czerniawski, Amelia Hoff mann. Barwon Heads 32 def Newcomb 23 Best: Barwon Heads - Zahra Walker, Danielle Macaulay, Emily Turcato. E GRADE Drysdale 20 def Anglesea 15 Best: Drysdale - Leah Bruckner, Naomi Ruggles, Jessie Creece. Anglesea - Lauren Wrigley, Emma Wrigley, Bree Ramsay. Geelong Amateur 41 def Portarlington 18 Best: Geelong Amateur - Zoe Naughtin, Erin Steele. Portarlington - Ashlea

Torquay 43 def Modewarre 14 Best: Modewarre - Tameka Dalpathadu, Evie White, Harriet Thomson. Ocean Grove 39 def Surf Coast 12 Best: Ocean Grove - Grace van Maasdyk, Lucy Neaves, Estella Sorace.

The ball lands in the middle of four players during the Ocean Grove vs Surf Coast game. (Ivan Kemp) 572018_34

Taberner, Hannah Pollard, Emily Thompson. Modewarre 26 def Torquay 23 Best: Modewarre - Giselle Crawford, Emma Potter, Alexandra Sewell. Torquay - Kirsten McCarthy, Hailee Braybrook, Emma Binyon. Barwon Heads 24 def Newcomb 22 Best: Barwon Heads - Eloise Jenkins, Coco Thyne, Sarah Clarke. Newcomb - Mikaylah Steele, Cassie Ritchie, Amie Standen. Ocean Grove 45 def Surf Coast 20 Best: Ocean Grove - Ruby Hildebrandt, Annika Willis, Charlise Duckett. 19 & UNDER Drysdale 66 def Anglesea 15 Best: Drysdale - Isla Cuddy, Annalena Hillier, Mia Gallop. Anglesea - Matilda Daff y, Matilda Stickland, Ava Saw. Portarlington 38 def Geelong Amateur 33 Best: Portarlington Marlee Hildebrand-Bull, Tylah McCleish. Geelong Amateur - Phoebe Walker, Jaida Raco, Ava Collins. Torquay 45 def Modewarre 38 Best: Torquay - Indiana Long, Jessie Connors, Olivia Bradshaw. Modewarre - Indi Chealuck, Amelia Irvin, Lilly Schroeter. Ocean Grove 61 def Surf Coast 10 Best: Ocean Grove - Ella Brown, Georgia Maier, Molly Larsen. Barwon Heads 53 def Newcomb 26 Best: Barwon Heads - Edie Constable, Zali Linton, Indiana Kitchin. 17 & UNDER DIVISION 1 Anglesea 20 def Drysdale 11 Best: Anglesea - Ella Samuelson, Amber Pallero, Lucy Veenvliet. Geelong Amateur 24 def Portarlington 23 Best: Geelong Amateur - Sophie Taylor, Scarlett Clarke, Harper Beretta. Portarlington - Emilia Evans, Jordyn Allwood. Torquay 42 def Modewarre 18 Best: Modewarre - Ava Mayall, Molly Schroeter, Holly Astell. Ocean Grove 32 def Surf Coast 17 Best: Ocean Grove - Madeleine Gibbon, Alexandra Norgard, Addison Fowler. 17 & UNDER DIVISION 2 Drysdale 36 def Anglesea 7 Best: Drysdale - Charli Pavlinek, Jessie Sharman, Lily McKinnis. Anglesea Hannah Mitchell, Maggie Riddell, Sophia Corbet O’Rourke. Geelong Amateur 24 def Portarlington 20 Best: Geelong Amateur - Willow Logan, Daisy Charters, Zoe Till. Portarlington - Carys Blewett, Ayla Winspear, Isabella Hughes.

15 & UNDER DIVISION 1 Drysdale 40 def Anglesea 13 Best: Drysdale - Isabella Balodis, Milla Leslie, Ruby Humphrey. Anglesea Olivia Sandiford, Charli Oloughlin, Mia Wilkinson. Geelong Amateur 39 def Portarlington 27 Best: Geelong Amateur - Holly Brussow, Maive McMaster, Kitty Brough. Portarlington - Teyana Ihimaera-Smiler. Torquay 50 def Modewarre 33 Best: Torquay - Violet Miers, Maicie Hay, Ila Cashmore. Modewarre - Ruby Schroeter, Lexi Kattwinkel, Leah Hallam. Ocean Grove 33 def Surf Coast 10 Best: Ocean Grove - Piper Williams, Alana Farrow, Willow Stephenson. 15 & UNDER DIVISION 2 Drysdale 35 def Anglesea 7 Best: Drysdale - Thea Carter, Courtney Carter, Mia Seidel. Anglesea - Pippa Riddell, Fleur Jones, Coco Byrne. Geelong Amateur 49 def Portarlington 11 Best: Geelong Amateur - Lexi Atkinson, Joslyn Mangan, Olive Logan. Portarlington - Addalyn Decker, Millah Wilson, Mia Chisholm. Torquay 69 def Modewarre 2 Best: Torquay - Millie Binnion, Sienna Stapleton, Isla McKeag. Modewarre Adelaide Stokes, Darcee Dunoon, Eve O’Connor. Ocean Grove 29 def Surf Coast 28 Best: Ocean Grove - Matilda Kerr, Sophia Jankowski, Iluka O’Loughlin. Barwon Heads 29 def Newcomb 17 Best: Barwon Heads - Isla Chappell, Kiara Doherty, Darcy Condon. 13 & UNDER DIVISION 1 Drysdale 36 def Anglesea 14 Best: Drysdale - Layla Creece, Magenta Grace, Thea Carter. Anglesea - Sadie Stevens, Poppy Lewtas, Max Snow. Geelong Amateur 32 def Portarlington 26 Best: Geelong Amateur - Elkie Knox-Gray, Audrey Stewart, Eva Ibbotson. Portarlington - Phoebe Taylor, Tate Scutchings, Kelianna Harrowfield. Torquay 25 def Modewarre 13 Best: Torquay - Eve Sherriff, Airlie Chadwick, Ada Torsi. Modewarre - Grace Anstee, Lily Graham, Gem Mayall. Ocean Grove 49 def Surf Coast 13 Best: Ocean Grove - Maple Campbell, Charlotte Edwards, Annabelle Smith. 13 & UNDER DIVISION 2 Drysdale 31 def Anglesea 5 Best: Drysdale - Gloria Dellamarta, Alaska Mooney, Myah McKinnis. Anglesea - Alice Shaw, Sadie Bingham, Clancy Gilliver. Geelong Amateur 30 def Portarlington 6 Best: Geelong Amateur - Aliya Dyson, Michaela Desai, Ava Harper. Portarlington - Sophie Coldwell, Olive Eslick, Ruby Gainger. Torquay 46 def Modewarre 9 Best: Modewarre - Maya Fisk, Zoe Faithfull, Ruby O’Connor. Ocean Grove 33 def Surf Coast 6 Best: Ocean Grove - Lola Adam, Koko Piec, Olivia Fowler. Newcomb 31 def Barwon Heads 14 Best: Newcomb - Zoe Hrkac, Pippa Monaghan, Brylee Henriksen.

Results, goal kickers and best players from the round of matches in the Bellarine Football League played on Saturday 15 August. 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.

Friday, 21 August, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 23

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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.”

24 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 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

Remy Sliwa breaks clear.

Lucy Kimberley kicks out of defence.

Hollie Smith gathers the ball and looks for a passing option.

Grubbers beat Tigers and will meet again Ocean Grove defeated Torquay in the Under 17 Division 1 clash at Memorial Oval on Sunday 9 August. The two

Matilda King finds some space.

teams will go at it again this Sunday at Anglesea for a spot in the grand final after Grove defeated South Barwon by 38 points in the first semi-final. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp took these photographs. Kate Taylor keeps her hands high after being tackled.

Kaia Martin runs down and tackles Sian Hayes, preventing a goal.

Poppy Perks and Hollie Smith compete in the ruck.

Ruby McCumber kicks the ball off the ground for Torquay’s first goal.

Winter Davies kicks into the forward line.

Tora Fitzgerald kicks on the run.

Ivy King handballs from the back pocket.

Olivia Guise sends Ocean Grove into attack.

Addison Fowler accepts a handpass.

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Grubbers defeat Suns by 8 An eight-goal win against Surf Coast ensured Ocean Grove of a top three finish with one round to go before finals, however it also meant the Suns are now out

of finals contention. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Ray Menzies Oval, Ocean Grove, on Saturday 15 August and got these pictures.

Perri Jones leads in the race to the ball.

Georgia Ryan looks down court.

Rhiannon Williams passes out of defence. Sarah Ruddell passes across court.

Amy Kennedy looks down court to pass.

Bridgette Vos shoots one of her 19 goals.

Johannah Griffin accepts a pass on the run.

Zanna Punshon takes control inside the circle.

Ocean Grove’s Emma Jones tips the ball away from Surf Coast goal shooter Elisa Hall. 572018

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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 three-time 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 how to play finals.”

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. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 572018_01

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 halftime 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 matchup 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.

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.

Could Sam Lloyd boot 13 goals against Surf Coast and reach 100 for the season? (Ivan Kemp)

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.

be great for the competition and they can still make it even with a loss to Torquay, which might be tempted to rest some players before finals. Newcomb could miss finals if it loses and Anglesea thrash Modewarre.

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.

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 twomatch 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

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 31year 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 cocoaches 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.

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