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Grand final buzz By Justin Flynn Ocean Grove and Queenscliff will fly the flag for the Bellarine Peninsula in this weekend’s local footy and netball grand finals. Ocean Grove is into a fifth straight Bellarine Netball League A Grade grand final and for the fifth time, will meet Geelong Amateur while Queenscliff takes on Torquay in a huge senior footy grand final from 2.15pm. A bumper program awaits at Newcomb’s Grinter Reserve on Saturday 19 September. It will all begin at 8am with the 13 & Under Division 2 and 15 & Under Division 2 netball deciders. While Ocean Grove will go into the match as underdogs, coach Mel Holmes said three consecutive premierships hadn’t dampened the hunger for more. “The team is different and the way we’ve got here has been different, but our approach remains the same,” she said. “We know what this week feels like and what it takes, and having been here before gives us something to draw on without taking anything for granted. “What probably stands out most for me is the hunger within this group. The way they want to play for each other is unmatched. There’s a genuine belief and connection between them, and they’re incredibly driven to make the most of the opportunity we’ve earned.” Holmes said the focus would be about playing the way the Grubbers want to play. “At this point you don’t want to overcomplicate things,” she said. “We know how we want to play, we know what our strengths are and we trust each other. “Our focus this week has really been about sharpening the things we do well and making sure we go into the game connected, composed and ready to compete. We’ve done the work so now it’s about backing ourselves.” Ammos won the second semi-final match-up by 12 goals and were always in control. But another opportunity awaits for the Grubbers and Holmes said the team was ready to absorb the inevitable challenge. “Probably that when the pressure goes

Ocean Grove’s Georgia Ryan in between Geelong Amateur’s Keisha Guilmartin and Georgia Duncan (rear) with Queenscliff skipper Caleb Whiteley and Torquay’s Ben McNamara. (Ivan Kemp)

up, we need to stay really disciplined in how we want to play,” she said. “There were periods where we moved away from what works for us and tried to force things rather than staying patient.”

The weather forecast is favourable with a top temperature of 22 degrees for Geelong and mostly sunny conditions with light winds becoming northwesterly during the morning.

 See page 22 for starting times and

match-ups and pages 26 and 27 for what the four clubs’ captains had to say during the week.

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Labor’s Bellarine promise By Jena Carr The Bellarine Link and improvements to a Drysdale road will be delivered if the Labor state government is re-elected. Premier Ben Carroll visited Charlemont on 4 September to announce the government’s election commitment to invest $237 million to deliver the first stage of the Bellarine Link. The project would involve two lanes built in each direction between Surf Coast Highway and Barwon Heads Road, with upgrades to existing intersections. “We’ll look at getting started with the project as soon as possible, and next year we’ll get on with the planning work,” Mr Carroll said.

“To be able to reinvest savings proceeds including $2 billion from the Suburban Rail Loop - into key arterials and roads around the growing areas of Geelong is so important. “By 2050, half a million people will be living here (in the Bellarine), so with the growth in population combined with the new schools, businesses and estates, we just know improved roads are needed.” Combined Bellarine Community Association president Sandra Gatehouse said the region had been waiting for the Bellarine Link “for a long time”. “It’s (currently a frustrating) time factor for people who drive through the Bellarine as they sit in traffic jams for a long time,” she said.

“The Bellarine Link has been part of the plan ever since the Geelong Ring Road was completed more than a decade ago, and it has sat at the top of our region’s priority list ever since.” Mr Carroll also announced that a re-elected Labor government would invest $57 million to upgrade Murradoc Road between High Street and Drysdale Bypass. “I know a lot of people get frustrated with the amount of travel that they’re doing, as going into and through Geelong can be a timely process,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said. “Murradoc Road has become really problematic for the community, not only while driving but at pedestrian crossings, so we must be making sure it’s safe.”

Christine Couzens MP, Alison Marchant MP, Premier Ben Carroll, South Barwon candidate Rebecca Thisleton, Ella George MP and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer announce Labor’s election commitments. (Jena Carr)

Contract out for St Leonards Pier

Bayleaf Community Kitchen regional manager Marty Rowan), Andrew Bews, Shaun Smith and Metricon regional manager Dion Planken. (Ivan Kemp) 576976 08

Football match to help those in need A charity footy match at Queenscliff to support families experiencing hardship will feature former AFL players supporting the cause. Relive the Rivalry will make its Victorian debut at Queenscliff Recreation Reserve on Friday 25 September, 12 years after it began in Tasmania. Tasmania will take on the Victorian All Stars with confirmed starters such as Oleg Markov, Ben McEvoy and Darryl White for the All Stars and Russell Robertson, Simon Atkins and Jarrad Waite for Tassie. Founded by Jaimes Wiggins, Relive the Rivalry has raised more than $230,000 for community organisations supporting peo-

ple in need and last year’s match raised $30,000. Funds raised this year will support Bayleaf Community Kitchen Geelong and Foodbank Tasmania’s Breakfast in Schools program. Bayleaf currently supports more than 2500 local families a year. “As the cost of living continues to rise, we are seeing an increasing number of families turn to Bayleaf for support,” Bayleaf Community Kitchen co-founder Marty Rowan said. “Unfortunately, at the same time, donations are becoming more difficult to secure. Many of the individuals and families who

have generously supported us in the past are now facing their own pressures, making it harder for them to contribute, either financially or through volunteering their time.” Metricon Homes team members are volunteering their time on game day assisting with ticket sales, staffing entry gates, providing onfield support and selling match programs. Former Geelong captain Andrew Bews will coach the Vics alongside former Melbourne high-flyer Shaun Smith as assistant. Visit events.humanitix.com/relive-the-rivalry-13-legends-charity-game for more information or to make a donation.

Report looks at better pathways to employment for students Stronger pathways for students to pursue roles in industries across the state, including Geelong, are the highlight of a new parliamentary report. The Legislative Assembly Economy and Infrastructure Committee has made 43 recommendations in its final report on the inquiry into student pathways to in-demand industries. Committee chair and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the recommendations aimed to ensure the state was keeping pace with labour market needs. “Victoria’s economy is changing, and Victoria’s workforce will need to change with it,” she said.

“Most of Victoria’s future workforce will need a qualification in either vocational education and training (VET) or higher education. “We need to guarantee easier access to the training required to secure employment in both established and emerging in-demand industries.” Barriers for students accessing VET courses included scheduling, costs and limited subject availability, which was also amplified for minority cohorts, including those in regional areas. Members of the committee travelled to Warrnambool and Geelong, and engaged with 10 youth associates with lived expe-

rience of higher education and training as part of the inquiry. “These youth associates provided invaluable perspectives that have informed many of the recommendations included in this report,” Ms Marchant said. Report recommendations aimed to strengthen existing student pathways, expand career education programs, improve partnerships between schools and relevant organisations and provide tailored support to parents, students and job seekers. Visit parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/jobpathwaysinquiry/ reports for the full report.

The new St Leonards Pier has reached another milestone with a contractor appointed to deliver its construction. Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne announced Simpsons Construction to deliver the new pier with works to begin in early 2027 and be delivered by the end of next year. The current pier will remain open over the peak summer period, including Sirens Kiosk. The new pier will include wheelchair accessible fishing locations, curved seating that overlooks the bay and a low landing with stairs that provide easy access to the water. “St Leonards Pier is an iconic part of our community, and the announcement of the contractor marks a major milestone in delivering a new pier,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said. “This project has been shaped by valuable input from the community and will ensure locals and visitors can enjoy this muchloved destination for decades to come.” Demolition of the existing pier and construction of the new pier will occur concurrently where possible to minimise construction time. Two of Victoria’s award-winning piers, at Altona and St Kilda, have been built by Simpsons Construction. “We’re getting on with building a new St Leonards Pier, with the lead contractor appointed to deliver this important project,” Minister Horne said. “The rebuild will ensure this much-loved community asset remains a key feature in the local landscape for decades to come.”

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Mayor welcomes pledge By Jena Carr Geelong’s mayor has shown his support for the state government’s re-election commitment to better regional roads. Premier Ben Carroll announced on 4 September that a re-elected Labor government would invest $237 million into the first stage of the Bellarine Link and $57 million to upgrade Drysdale’s Murradoc Road.

City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said the Bellarine Link was one of council’s key priority projects. “This project is critically needed to reduce traffic congestion, cut travel times to the Bellarine, and get trucks out of central Geelong,” he said. “This is just the first stage of a larger project to eventually connect the Geelong Ring Road to the Bellarine Peninsula, via the Bellarine Highway and Portar-

lington Road. “We will continue working with all levels of government to keep this project moving in the right direction and ensure Geelong receives the transport infrastructure our growing community needs.” Mr Carroll said more people were coming to Greater Geelong to live and raise their families, so it was important to “focus on the key arterials and roads”. “This is an important measure and...

means local families can get home quicker and safer,” he said. “There will be two lanes built in each direction of the Surf Coast Highway to Barwon Heads Road, and there are several intersections along the way that will be upgraded as well.” Planning for the Bellarine Link upgrade will begin next year, with construction expected to start within the next term if the Labor state government is re-elected.

Big ideas in Queenscliff Some of Australia’s finest writers, thinkers, performers and storytellers will converge on the Bellarine next month for the region’s premier literary festival. The Queenscliffe Literary Festival has announced its 2026 program for its 12th annual event, running from 16 to 25 October. Featuring luminaries from across the literary spectrum, the festival boasts guests including Stella Prize winner Michelle de Kretser, food writer Stephanie Alexander, crime novelist Chris Hammer, memoirist Lorin Clarke, humorous health author Kaz Cooke and Australian Children’s Laureate Andy Griffiths. Other high-profile guests include former NSW Premier Bob Carr, chef Gabriel Gate, surreal humorist Shaun Micallef, comedy legend Judith Lucy, ballet dancer and author Li Cunxin, journalists Lisa Wilkinson and Antoun Issa and broadcaster and au-

thor Virginia Trioli. The festival will include a wide range of keynote conversations and author talks, musical and theatrical performances and writing workshops, including a series of panel discussions tackling big topics such as the rise of extremism in mainstream society and social media bans. Program director Elizabeth McCarthey said in an “increasingly complex and divided world, festivals of books and ideas offer a valuable opportunity to come together, listen, question and connect.” “Festivals create space for different perspectives and remind us of the extraordinary power of stories to illuminate, challenge and bring us closer to one another,” she said. “The 2026 festival is a celebration of community and the enduring pleasure of sharing ideas. It is a place to immerse yourself in stories and perspectives, discover

Isabelle Tolhurst, Mauld Lamerque and Jacqui de Kievit (standing), Monica Clemow, Kirsty Wilson, Ginny Todd (Queenscliff Literary Festival president), Kez Fuller and Pauline Nunan. (Ivan Kemp) 578549 02

something unexpected and perhaps see the world a little differently.”

Tickets are on sale now. Visit tinyurl. com/QLF2026 for more information.

Ocean Grove Cobras president Suzie McLeish, Oli, and Ocean Grove Football Netball Club’s Heath Levis and Steve Bishop. (supplied)

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Memorial Reserve is moving with the times

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Ocean Grove’s Memorial Reserve now has four LED light towers thanks to a $1.16 million upgrade. The reserve’s changerooms have also been improved along with umpire amenities with the project boosted by a $800,000 contribution from the Australian government and $363,000 through a City Community Infrastructure Grant. Ocean Grove Football Netball Club, Ocean Grove Cricket Club, Ocean Grove Cobras Junior Football Club and Collendina Cricket Club play matches and train at Memorial Reserve. “Our juniors have already enjoyed a full season under the new lights, and the completion of the upgrade to the changerooms and umpire facilities is another major step forward for Memorial Reserve,” OGFNC president Greg Mervin said. “We now have a dedicated home for our

junior boys and girls and our senior women’s program, with quality facilities that give us the capacity to welcome more players and support their growth well into the future.” Football and cricket relocated from Memorial Reserve to Shell Road in 2016, but there remains strong demand for training and competition space at Memorial Reserve. “The new lighting and upgraded facilities mean more opportunities for local players to train, compete and participate, particularly women and girls,” Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said. “By improving these facilities and increasing access to the ground after dark, we’re making it easier for local clubs to welcome more players and keep up with the growing demand,” Connewarre Ward councillor Elise Wilkinson said.

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Field tour highlights nature Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN) highlighted environmental restoration, conservation and weed management projects across the Bellarine Peninsula during a full-day field tour. Community members, volunteers, land managers and partner organisations were shown methods used to protect and enhance the region’s natural landscapes. The tour included site visits hosted by Barwon Water, Geelong Cemeteries Trust, Borough of Queenscliff and

Bellarine Bayside. “BCN is proud to work alongside public land managers across the Bellarine,” BCN president Vicki Perrett said. “This unique field day gives our network members and partners the opportunity to connect, share knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of the extensive conservation efforts underway to protect and restore the peninsula’s rich biodiversity.” The event included the launch of Weeds of the Bellarine booklet, by Alison

Marchant MP. Developed in collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, the booklet is a practical community resource designed to help people identify invasive weeds found across the Bellarine Peninsula and understand their impacts on local ecosystems. Weeds can compete with native plants and affect the habitat and food sources that support local wildlife. “The launch of the Weeds of the

Bellarine booklet is a fantastic communityled step toward preserving our region’s unique environment and supporting local biodiversity,” Ms Marchant said. “The Victorian government is incredibly proud to back this vital initiative through Agriculture Victoria’s Partnerships Against Pests Program. Protecting our biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and this project demonstrates what can be achieved when local expert knowledge, volunteer dedication and state resources align.”

Arts show entries now open Entries are now open for the Rotary Club of Ocean Grove Art Show, highlighting works by regional artists. Artists are encouraged to submit their work ahead of the show’s return for its 15th year at the Point Lonsdale Primary School Hall from 31 October to 1 November. Art Show chairperson Lyndy Stagg said the show attracted many top local and interstate artists, and she looked forward to seeing what this year’s event would offer. “We have six categories, including painting, drawing, printmaking, abstract, semi-abstract and photography, with prizes of more than $12,550 on offer,” she said. This year’s event will also feature a $5000 prize for the best painting in the show, which was offered by an anonymous

sponsor in honour of the late Rod Bush. Judge Jill Challis said the art show has a good following and was a great place for creatives to display and sell their work. “I like the fact that all proceeds go to two excellent local charities, and I enjoy being part of it,” she said. “I am impressed with the professional way Rotary Ocean Grove runs their art show, as the standard of work is much higher than average. “Geelong artists are impressed with the way the show is managed and hung, and there is always expert help on hand to assist with artists’ profiles, techniques and mediums.” People can visit the Rotary Club of Ocean Grove’s website for more information and to download an entry form before entries close on 16 October.

Art Show committee member Sue Hill and her grandson George Fowler. (Supplied)

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Bringing dementia to light By Jena Carr A Drysdale man is encouraging everyone to advocate for themselves in the health field and help reduce stigma around people experiencing dementia and brain conditions. Andrew James Lovell, 61, is a proud Narungga man and passionate advocate who lives with Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, epilepsy and other neurological conditions. “I had an MRI done last year where doctors discovered some cognitive changes...and I was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment on 17 December,” he said. “To say it was a shock to receive that diagnosis; that would be corny to say, but

Andrew James Lovell lives with Parkinson’s disease, vascular dementia, epilepsy and other neurological conditions. (Ivan Kemp) 578041 02

it was...and there are a lot of things that dementia does to your body. “For me, it affects everything from

controlling when you go to the men’s room to when you eat and choking is an issue for me every day as I choke on everything from air to fluid to food. “There’s medication to eat, sleep, function, remember, and medication to take for the side effects of the other medications, and on and on it goes.” Dementia Action Week (21 to 27 September) will begin with World Alzheimer’s Day on Monday 21 September, and aims to inspire people to share their experiences living with dementia and start conversations. “In my experience, when there are brainbased disorders, there is the assumption that I’m stupid and that I can’t speak for myself,” Mr Lovell said. “I’m not medically trained, but I’m

not an idiot...and I’m very aware that Aboriginal people have the lowest life expectancies, as well as the poorest health and disability outcomes.” Mr Lovell is an advocate and member of many health groups, including Dementia Australia Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Group, to ensure their voices are heard. “I’m a survivor of trauma by way of sexual, physical, and other abuses from the age of four through to 17, and there have been many physical impacts on my head as a child,” he said. If this story has prompted any questions or concerns, visit dementia.org.au or call the 24/7 National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500.

Young photographer makes waves North Geelong Secondary College assistant principal Brad Headlam has received a Schools Plus Teaching Award for the Be Bold Be Heard program. (Louisa Jones) 409493_13

Teacher receives national award By Jena Carr

Johnte Lange is a young surf photographer from Ocean Grove. (Ivan Kemp) 578671 14

By Jena Carr A young Ocean Grove photographer is celebrating a major achievement as a finalist in an international award. Johnte Lange, 23, is one of five finalists in the Follow The Light Foundation, a global photography grant and award program supporting emerging surf photographers. Mr Lange will travel to California next month, where he will find out if he is the program’s winner, and said it was “pretty special” to be a finalist.

“It’s a great opportunity for younger people to get our work out there and get it seen,” he said. “With the ocean, everything’s so unpredictable, and it can work out sometimes, but then sometimes it doesn’t, and a lot of it’s up to chance. “I’ve definitely put in the hours of waking up early and driving down to the beach in different locations to hopefully get the shot, and sometimes it pays off; that’s just a part of the chase.” Mr Lange first developed his passion for surf photography after following his older

brother, who liked to take photos. “With my imagery, the main objective for me is to show my audience a different side to the ocean that they might not have seen before,” he said. “I like to highlight elements like the water, light and wind, and we live in a pretty cool part of the world, so I just want to show everyone that.” Mr Lange will leave for California on 14 October, and people can visit johntelangephoto.com.au to check out his work .

Bellarine water partnership extended for two more years A Bellarine partnership that has saved about 30 million litres of drinking water has been extended for another two years. Water management company Barwon Water and coastal land management committee Bellarine Bayside have extended an agreement first signed in 2023 to 2028 that has seen the latter save about 10 million litres each year. Since signing the agreement, Bellarine Bayside has significantly reduced water use across many of its public facilities and holiday parks through replacing inefficient cisterns, pans and shower heads and upgrading tapware. The committee has also used government-funded data logging

technology to track usage patterns and detect early leaks. Bellarine Bayside chief executive Scott Crabtree said the partnership had delivered tangible benefits for the organisation, visitors and the environment. “As managers of some of the Bellarine’s most-loved coastal destinations, we have a responsibility to use resources wisely,” he said. “By making targeted upgrades to a range of facilities across our coast and holiday parks, we have seen how practical improvements, supported by smart technology and expert advice, can make a real difference.”

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“We’re pleased to extend this partnership and continue working with Barwon Water to improve water efficiency and support our sustainability goals across the Bellarine coastline for future generations.” General manager planning, delivery and environment Seamus Butcher said Barwon Water was keen to support organisations to identify improvements and to reduce their water use wherever possible. “The partnership with Bellarine Bayside has been beneficial as they are committed to best practice sustainable operations and to helping safeguard our drinking water resources,” he said.

Ocean Grove’s Brad Headlam is being recognised for helping students across the region establish gender equity in their communities. The North Geelong Secondary College assistant principal was among 13 school teachers and leaders who travelled to Canberra this week to receive a Schools Plus Teaching Award. Mr Headlam received the award for creating the Be Bold Be Heard program, which provides female students the opportunity to speak out about issues that affect them while advocating for change. “I’m really proud of the program, and I think it’s worthy of that recognition, but when reflecting on my leadership, I’m a bit overwhelmed by it,” he said. “It is nice to be recognised for that work, but there are a lot of people in and around the program that have been really supportive in helping me establish the program. “I hope that the students in this program get an experience where they are empowered to enact change for greater equity or at least get the feeling that there’s hope for that change. “Experiencing the empowerment of making change also enables them to be leaders in their own futures and take the reins on those changes hereafter.” The Schools Plus Teaching Awards were celebrated at Parliament House on 15 September, with Federal Education Minister Jason Clare recognising the recipients. Schools Plus Teaching Award winners received a $20,000 teaching fellowship, including $10,000 to undertake a highimpact school visit and a year of professional development.

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Teenage band on the rise Bellarine teenage popfunk band Maybe Later dropped their debut single, Waste My Time, last month. Jena Carr sat down with the band’s members to talk about how they came together and their experience releasing their first song. A Bellarine band of five secondary school students is making their way in the pop-funk scene, but they are more than just a high school band. Maybe Later is a teenage pop-funk band featuring guitarist Troy Stibbard, drummer Grace Taylor, Chloe Van Den Bosch on bass, Luke McTaggart on keys, and Heidi Bush’s powerful vocals. The band first came together in a Year 9 music class at Saint Ignatius College Geelong when they were grouped together by a teacher. “We just got put together and really enjoyed each other’s company, so we’ve been together ever since,” Chloe said. “It would be silly not to take what we have as a band and run with it, so even though we were not taking ourselves seriously at first, we decided that this was something we wanted to do,” Grace said. “Even though we started at school, we definitely want to branch away from that, and we’re really passionate about our music as we’ve worked really hard on it,” Heidi said. Now in Year 11, the band is building their presence in Geelong and Bellarine’s music scene after releasing their debut single Waste My Time on 28 August. “I remember bringing the piano chords – which can be heard in the beginning – to the band, and then everyone played their own bit, eventually forming the song,” Luke said. “There were lots of different versions of what the song was, and we played a lot of different gigs where it sounded different before it was finalised,” Grace said. “It’s not just this one genre (pop-funk) that we’re exploring, as we’re pulling music from all our different inspirations and exploring different types of music,” Troy said. “We didn’t want to walk into this and record covers, so we decided to put the time into our own song...and it just showed us that we actually can do this, and that it can be a reality,” Chloe said. “The song is about realising your worth and making sure that people really have respect for your time,” Heidi said. Before becoming the band they are today, each member has had their own unique journeys in discovering their love for music. For Grace, there has been no other instrument that has called to her like the drums have. “I want to be taken seriously like the blokes who play drums and...I love being a chick who plays drums,” she said. “I started playing the drums when I was eight, and it was mainly because I couldn’t stay still in class, so mum and dad decided that I needed to do something with my energy. “But then that turned into me tapping on the table in class because of drumming lessons, and then the older I got, I just started caring more about it. “My family has always been super supportive, and you don’t really see many female drummers either, so it’s something that I’m pretty proud of.

Troy Stibbard (Guitarist), left, Grace Taylor (Drums), Heidi Bush (Vocals), Luke McTaggart (Keys) and Chloe Van Den Bosch (Bass) form the band Maybe Later. (Ivan Kemp) 578176 10

Heidi Bush, Grace Taylor, Chloe Van Den Bosch, Troy Stibbard and Luke McTaggart. (Ivan Kemp) 578176 06

“If we do gigs, I’ll get off stage, and a guy will come up to me and be like, ‘wow, you’re really good at drums’, like they’re surprised that I can hit the drums or something.” Chloe’s musical interests started in a different instrumental category before she landed on the bass strings. “I started music in year seven, and my first instrument was the trumpet,” she said.

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“It was the middle of year nine when one of the teachers said that they needed a bass player because not many people played it. “My brother plays bass, so I just figured that I could pick it up, and I ended up falling in love with it.” As a kid, Luke was always singing, dancing and putting on a performance for his family, and that passion remains to this day.

“I just love everything about music, and I never really stuck with a specific instrument. I even had an electric drum kit at one point, which must have been so annoying for my family,” he said. “My granny has always been really big on me being able to play the piano, as she thinks it’s one of the best things in the world, so I’ve been trying to keep that up. “I’ve tried piano lessons quite a few times, but it just doesn’t really work for me, so I taught myself, and I love how there are so many different styles that you can do with the piano.” Troy’s instrumental choices followed his interests in other great bands and musicians, but his guitar riffs speak for themselves. “My favourite thing about playing the guitar is being the centre of attention to be honest,” he laughed. “I’ve been pretty into music all my life, and in Year 4 I started the drums as I was listening to heaps of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, so I was drumming for a while. “I then got into Black Sabbath when I was in Year 7, so I had to pick up a guitar, and I’ve been in love with the guitar ever since.” Heidi previously used movement to tell her musical story before she found love and strength in her vocals. “I was a dancer, and eventually my dance studio started a musical theatre program, so I started singing through that, but I never really got serious until Year 9,” she said. “I didn’t really think of bands and music as a thing you could do until I took up music in Year 9 and really loved singing. I’m definitely not usually a pop singer, but the band has really helped me branch out into that area, and I just love everything about it.” Since the release of Waste My Time, Maybe Later has proven themselves to be a serious band that expands far beyond the classroom. “If we’re able to build something bigger than just a single and eventually release an EP or an album, that’s our goal,” Grace said. “You don’t want to put out something just for the sake of putting out something; you want to put out something that you can be proud of,” Chloe said. “We’re really lucky that we get to come to this space as a band where we can be together and create really good music...and we are already working on another single,” Heidi said. Waste My Time is available on Spotify and Apple Music, and people can follow Maybe Later’s journey through their maybelater.music Instagram page.

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Far left: George-Ann Gunn gets creative. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) Left: Ali Holborn gets ready to show her work. Below: Renae Chapman is looking forward to the exhibition.

Art showcase at Drysdale Art will abound at Drysdale’s SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre during the next two weeks. The SpringDale Artists group will proudly celebrate their 21st annual exhibition showcasing the work of 48 artists who have found inspiration, creativity and success through Annette Playsted’s art classes and Wednesday Art Groups. Visitors can enjoy a diverse collection of artwork spanning a wide range of styles and mediums, including oils, acrylics, watercolour, pastels, mixed media and lino prints. More than 180 paintings will be displayed in the Community Hall, alongside 56 smaller

works inspired by this year’s theme, Four Seasons. Also available for purchase will be more than 150 small framed paintings, cards and bookmarks. The Bellarine Peninsula has become a thriving destination for artists in recent years, attracting many new residents from Melbourne and regional Victoria who are keen to be involved in the local arts community. The exhibition runs from 19 September to 4 October daily from 10am to 4pm at SpringDale Neighbourhood Centre Hall, Drysdale. Entry is by gold coin donation.

Barwon Coast Update

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

Hooded Plover breeding season begins

Looking for summer work by the coast?

Hooded Plover breeding season is underway, with two active nests already along our coast – at Blue Rocks and near Signpost at 13th Beach – each containing three eggs. Hoodies nest directly on the sand, making their tiny, well-camouflaged eggs particularly vulnerable to disturbance from people, dogs and other beach activity. If you’re heading to the beach, please help give these vulnerable little birds the best chance of success. Keep close to the waterline when passing nesting areas, give the birds plenty of space, keep dogs on lead and follow all signs and protective fencing. Fingers crossed for a successful season!

Barwon Coast is recruiting at least 15 Casual Cleaning Officers to work across caravan parks and campgrounds in Barwon Heads, Ocean Grove and Breamlea. Come along to our recruitment event to meet the team and find out more.

A Bluff Walk, hosted by Friends of the Bluff

Barwon Heads Nature Festival The Barwon Heads Nature Festival returns from 21–25 September, with five days celebrating the incredible natural environment of Barwon Heads. Run by Friends of the Bluff, the festival features walks, talks, films and hands-on activities for all ages – including opportunities to explore Barwon Bluff, canoe the mangroves, Walk on Country with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, discover local orchids and marine life, and help care for the coast. There’s plenty more to discover across the week. To explore the full program, find event details and book your place, visit www.barwonbluff.com. au/nature-festival

• • •

Friday 9 October 10 am–12 pm Education Room, behind the Barwon Coast Discovery Centre, Jetty Rd, Barwon Heads (see a map via QR code) Cleaning experience is preferred, but training is available for the right people. Find out more by scanning the QR Code or visiting www.barwoncoast.com.au/ SummerCleaningCasuals2026

A Hooded Plover parent sits on 3 eggs

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

10 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 18 September, 2026

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Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 11

YOUR VOICE

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ENVIRONMENT

Small businesses are the lifeblood of our Bellarine communities. From the cafes and retailers that line our town centres to professional services, tradespeople and tourism operators, small business owners keep our local economy moving. That is why it is encouraging to see strong signs of economic confidence right here in Ocean Grove and across Greater Geelong. Consumer spending in Ocean Grove reached $346 million in the year to July 2026, representing an annual growth of 5.2 percent. Growth was recorded across most spending categories, highlighting the resilience of local businesses despite ongoing economic challenges. These figures show that residents and visitors alike are continuing to support local traders, and that business owners are finding opportunities to invest in our community. And the good news extends well beyond the Bellarine Peninsula. Recent economic data shows Greater Geelong is Australia’s fastest-growing job market, with a record 147,234 local jobs and employment growth averaging 4.3 percent each year since 2020. Our manufacturing, health care, education, tourism and hospitality sectors have all contributed to this remarkable growth. For a region that has transformed significantly over recent decades, these results are something we can all be proud of.

Leopold ward councillor Trent Sullivan. (Supplied)

But strong economic performance doesn’t happen by accident. Local businesses continue to face challenges including rising operating costs, workforce shortages, changing consumer expectations and increasing regulatory requirements. Supporting businesses to navigate these challenges is an important role for all levels of government. The City of Greater Geelong is committed to helping businesses start, grow and succeed through a range of programs and services.

Whether you’re launching a new venture, looking to expand an existing business or seeking investment opportunities, council offers support through business advisory services, networking opportunities, workshops, mentoring programs and economic development initiatives. Our economic development team also provides valuable business insights and data, helping business owners make informed decisions and identify emerging opportunities. Just as importantly, council continues to advocate for the infrastructure, transport connections and housing needed to support a growing workforce and attract further investment to our region. The Bellarine has long been known as a wonderful place to live, work and visit. The strength of our local business community is a major reason why. Every thriving business creates employment opportunities, supports local services and contributes to the character and vibrancy that make our towns special. As council’s Economic Development portfolio chair, I am passionate about ensuring that local businesses can continue to prosper. I encourage business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to explore the range of support available through the City of Greater Geelong. Together, we can continue building a strong, diverse and resilient local economy that creates opportunities for residents today and generations to come. Find out more about the support available to local businesses at geelongcity. vic.gov.au/business

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Uluru experience pays off This week I’ve experienced a few warmer days at Yulara and Uluru. It was very cloudy and wet despite the warmer conditions, which was quite unexpected, as I thought it would be boiling hot and dry this time of year. Despite the inclement weather Linda, Susie and I had a wonderful time. On the first day at Yulara, we woke at 4.30am and took the early bus to one of the Uluru viewing areas to watch the sunrise over the rock. Unfortunately, we didn’t find a great spot as many other people had the same idea and the queue was around 10 people thick. The bus then took us to the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta, where we walked for a few hours. This was totally brilliant, despite the strong winds that blew through the valley. I saw many budgerigars (no photo as they were flying around too quickly), rufous songlarks, diamond doves, zebra finches, and one new bird – a grey-headed honeyeater. The next day we took a bus to Uluru where we walked from the cultural centre to the Mutitjulu Waterhole and then on to the Mala Carpark. This resulted in us doing around 20000 steps, so I’m glad we didn’t attempt to walk right around the rock. I saw similar birds to what I saw at Kata

Tjuta, but also spotted a few grey-shrike thrush, a spiny-cheeked honeyeater, rufous whistlers and many white-plumed honeyeaters. White-plumed honeyeaters must be one of the most commonly seen birds seen around Australia. They can be observed on the Bellarine around Blue Waters Lake, Bellarine Bushland Reserve, and Rice Reserve. Spiny-cheeked honeyeaters can also be seen around the Bellarine. There was a rufous songlark that nested at Western Treatment Plant a few years ago, but that is the only time I’ve encountered one around this area. The rufous songlark is found all over mainland Australia, but most commonly in New South Wales, Western Australia and Queensland. This species favours open grassland, grassy open woodland, farmed land and mulga, and is migratory, moving south to breed in summer, and returning north in the colder months. These birds have a very noisy call, that is musical and continuous in the breeding season. The rufous songlarks at Uluru were calling constantly and flying around in circles between tree to tree. I received an email from Carole, who sat warmly in her car at the Port Phillip Heads National Marine Park at Point Lonsdale and she watched the Pacific gulls and silver gulls fishing. Carole thinks that the greatest catch was by a Pacific gull. There were both adults and juveniles present and the results seemed shared. A Pacific gull managed to catch quite a large cuttlefish so there was plenty to go around.

12 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 18 September, 2026

Jen’s grey-headed honeyeater at Uluru.

Carole’s Pacific gulls, and right, a juvenile Pacific gull with a cuttlefish, at Point Lonsdale.

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Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 13

DINING OUT

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Strawberry and lemon pavlova, the perfect spring dessert

Whip the egg whites until soft peaks form and gradually add the caster sugar, beating until the mixture is glossy and the sugar has dissolved. Gently fold in the cornflour, vinegar and vanilla. Spoon into a roughly 20 cm circle on the tray, making a slight well in the centre. Bake for 1½ hours, then turn the oven off and leave the pavlova inside until completely cool. Whip the cream with the icing sugar until softly thickened and spoon over the pavlova. Top generously with strawberries, passionfruit, lemon zest and mint, or a handful of fresh raspberries or blueberries.

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Pavlova is a dessert staple in many households, and it is easy to understand why. This light, crisp, and creamy dessert is a great addition to any spring gathering, especially with fresh strawberries, passionfruit and mint. Spring is a wonderful time for fresh berries, and strawberries bring natural sweetness, colour and juiciness, which makes the dessert feel fresh rather than heavy. Pavlova has a crisp outside and soft marshmallow-like centre, with the airy texture perfect for warmer days when a rich, dense dessert can feel like too much. For that lovely sweet-tart balance, this dish features a delicate meringue complemented by fresh fruit, lemon and passionfruit. The tartness of passionfruit balances the sweet pavlova, while its tropical flavour gives the dessert a distinctly Australian feel. White meringue, pale cream, red strawberries, golden passionfruit and green mint create a naturally colourful presentation that feels like a spring garden on a plate. Ingredients 4 egg whites, room temperature 1 cup of caster sugar 1 tsp of cornflour 1 tsp white vinegar 1 tsp vanilla extract 300 ml thickened cream 1 tbsp icing sugar 250g fresh strawberries, sliced 2 passionfruits Fresh mint leaves Zest of 1 lemon Method Heat the oven to 120°C fan-forced and line a baking tray with baking paper.

KEEP IT LOCAL

Advertising feature

Mark into writing comp final Mark Towse Mark Towse is an English author living in Australia. Leaving it quite late, he kicked off his writing career at the age of 45. If it meant he could write full-time, he would sell his soul to the devil, or anyone asking. He has been published in over 200 journals and anthologies, and his work has been adapted into full theatrical audio productions for shows such as The No Sleep Podcast and Tales to Terrify. Throughout his short career, he has penned 15 novellas and three novels, the latest being the coming-of-age seaside-town horror, Devil’s Bluff.

We were pleased to receive 17 entries, making a total of 80 for the year. The five winners during the year will now compete in the final for $1000. They are Anne Whisken, Jenny Macaulay, Sue Ward, Christine Steiner, and Mark Towse. The topic is ‘Laid Bare’ and the winner will be published in the Voice on Friday 30 October. - Alan Cobham

Judges’ comments Mark Towse, a previous winner in 2022, won with his story ’Punishment Enough,’ a disturbing, beautifully constructed story revealing the depths of family life. Highly recommended were Paul Nolan for his interesting letter predicting what he might be like on his 60th birthday. Terry Draper, one of our most consistent writers, wrote her story,’ Revelation’ about family fidelity, finishing with a humorous surprise.

Punishment Enough

Mark Towse is this month’s Bellarine Writing Competition winner and now goes into the final for a chance to win $1000. (Supplied)

By Mark Towse She opened the letter, and I watched her face melt all over again. It was 5th September. Some dates carry unbearable weight. Come on. Come on! Under the moonlight, the raven’s feathers gleam like fresh paintwork. Beady eyes watch curiously as my hands claw at the ground. “I know, bird. I know.” A breeze blows across, accentuating the path of a tear on my cheek that never reaches the earth beneath. “Why?” I sit back on the damp ground. It’s all so futile. She used to be so good with the kids. Better than me. It’s hard to watch them struggle. Lucy’s having nightmares again, and the words I offer provide no comfort. She’s always been a worrier. “Do you still love Mummy?”; “Why do you get so sad?”; “Why does Mummy cry all the time?” It’s Tom I worry about most. He’s barely talking. A few days ago, I caught him sobbing into his pillow. On his bedside table was his drawing pad. A picture of the four of us holding hands and smiling. “Farewell, my friend,” I say to the raven perched atop the stonework. “Until next time.”

Intelligent, altruistic, generous and oh-so stubborn. My ever-so-stubborn English Rose. I loved her. God, I loved her. We’d roast like best friends, love like adulterers and talk all night about anything under the sun. A streetlight casts its warm glow on our house, but inside, the light dwindles, only making it up the first three steps of the staircase. Slowly, I climb, half expecting a loud creak, but the house remains mute. The photo on the wall halfway up portrays a lie, a recent one of Anne trying to smile as though she’d forgotten how. Depression had well and truly hollowed her out. Heavy make-up disguises the sleepless nights and taut face, but her eyes offer only despondency. The isolation became unbearable. I know how selfish that sounds, but I was trying to hold everything together. Really, truly doing my best. Work suffered. I became snappy at Lucy and Tom. I grew frustrated with Anne. So goddamn frustrated. Sometimes, I felt rigid with rage. Those times, I would drive to the beach and cry or scream or both. She seemed bent on self-destruction, and there was only so much I could do. Part of me was afraid to reach that part of

her mind. It would be like trying to defuse a bomb without knowing which wires to cut. Over the years, she’d battled waves of it, sometimes for days, sometimes weeks. It exhausted us both. I often wondered if I made it worse, if perhaps someone else might unlock the sadness I couldn’t. How naïve. Over time, my patience grew thin. Shamefully, I threw around ultimatums, threatening to leave and take the kids. I still couldn’t reach her. She would take the drugs, but not the advice. Inevitably, the pills created even more of a disconnect. I crouch at Lucy’s bedside and stroke her cheek. She looks peaceful. I hope some light is getting through to her dreams. So strong, she kept me going through so many hard times. Kept me fighting. I feel as though I’ve let her down too. “Sleep well, my princess.” Tom’s curled up in a ball, looking small and vulnerable. His drawing is still sitting on the table. I want to wake him and tell him everything will be okay. “I love you,” I whisper before moving to our room. Desperately, I wanted a happy ending. I begged Anne to see someone, anyone who might drag her from the darkness. It

all fell on deaf ears. A small groan emerges from behind. I turn to look at my wife in bed, fighting with the sheets. “I miss you so much, Anne.” The dresser, once packed to the brim with colourful tablets, is now almost empty, apart from the ripped-open envelope and letter cast aside. I’ve read the first line countless times. “Dear Mrs Jones This is to confirm your booking with psychologist Dr Lauper on September 17th at 10am.” Time doesn’t heal. Wounds seep and fester. Another tear breaks free as my eyes settle on the postmark. 3rd September. The day I locked myself in the garage with the engine running. She never told me. Not a thing. After all that time, maybe she was frightened of failure. Perhaps she had too much pride. I’ll never forgive myself. Countless times, the raven has watched me helplessly claw at my grave. Punishment enough, perhaps.

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Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 15

ENTERTAINMENT WITH MATT HEWSON

Windfire ignites for 2026 Music lovers will be able to experience 10 days of the finest classical music the region and Australia has to offer when the 17th annual Windfire Festival launches this August. Running from Friday 2 to Sunday 11 October, Windfire features six ticketed concerts over the two weekends with free performances held daily at 5pm throughout the intervening week. Eight of the 11 concerts will be held at the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels, with one concert each at St Paul’s Anglican Church and the Keith Humble Centre at Geelong College’s Newtown campus. As usual, the program brings renowned artists to Geelong while also featuring many outstanding local performers. One of those locals is acclaimed soprano Lee Abrahmsen, who, alongside French pianist Kevin Tamanini, will present the

music of Puccini, Strauss, Grainger and Wagner in their Legends, Lovers and Lieder concert. Born and raised in Geelong, Abrahmsen has sung more than 45 principal opera roles, worked with opera companies and symphony orchestras across the country and performed at prestigious venues in the UK, China and Japan. She has also won numerous accolades including the Herald Sun Aria, the Acclaim Awards Italian Fellowship Award and the Music & Opera Singers Trust Performance Prize. Abrahmsen said the Windfire Festival was an important event for Geelong’s music community. “There are not always a myriad of opportunities (for locals) to perform in Melbourne…so in a community like Geelong it’s really important to have

opportunities like this,” she said. She said she and Tamanini would aim to take listeners on a “highly emotive journey”. “We’ve put together a program that discovers the period of the late Romantic composers,” Abrahmsen said. “It was devoted to life, the inner life of people, so they would compose about longing and devotion, nature, memory… the hopes that shape us as humans. “I just love the human quality of the compositions from that period, and it speaks to me because I’m highly emotive in my nature as well.” Windfire Festival will also include performances by the Australian Chamber Choir, the AXES saxophone quartet and the Vocal Consort of the Australian Boys Choral Institute. Visit musicatthebasilica. org.au/music-festival for tickets and more information.

Geelong soprano Lee Abrahmsen will feature at the 17th annual Windfire Festival this October. (Simon Schluter)

Enjoy a magical journey of self-discovery

The cast of How a Sprite Found Its Colour: Leo Bell, Raegan Cavagnino, Sindi Renea, Erin McCloy, Ali Cruikshank (rear), Jo Curtis and Bronte MacDowell. (Ivan Kemp) 578788 05

NEWS

A new pantomime exploring ideas of identity, exploration and inclusion kicks off at the Bellarine Arts Centre next weekend. Created by Sindi Renea Leith and presented by Theatre 3triple2, How a Sprite Found Its Colour tells the tale of a young magical being seeking its own identity. The newly emerged sprite, like all their kind, begins colourless and must explore the world around them to see what colour fits them. Are they a slow-dancing blue sprite, a fast-running red or musical yellow?

Try as they might to fit in, the sprite struggles to identify completely with any particular colour and must find the bravery to just be themselves. Featuring a cast drawn almost entirely from the disability and LBGTQI+ communities, Leith said the show’s major theme was inclusion. “I wanted to write a kids’ play that told the story of being able to find out who you are without having to feel like you need to fit social expectations of what you should be,” she said.

Recently diagnosed with ADHD and autism herself, Leith said she hoped for a world where kids didn’t have to feel like they had to hide who they truly were. “I have found the Geelong theatre and dance communities to be very accepting of all people and they have been very supportive though some harder times in years past,” she said. “I’d like for people in different communities and their families to be able to hopefully see the production and feel seen, supported and safe.”

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

14 to 28 September, 2016

25 September to 8 October, 2019

23 September to 6 October, 2022

19 September to 2 October, 2025

Ocean Grover Sam McIntosh finished fourth in the T52 100 metre wheelchair sprint at the Rio Paralympics on the weekend. Qualifying fourth fastest in the heats on Friday night Australian Eastern Standard time, Mc-Intosh went into the final confident of a medal finish, but just missed out on a place on the dias, finishing behind American duo Gianfranco Iannotta and Raymond Martin and Mexican Salvador Hernandez Mondragon.

Dogs could be permanently banned from Ocean Grove main beach if a proposed change from Barwon Coast Committee of Management (BCCM) is successful. The ban is just one of several suggested changes affecting beaches from Breamlea to Collendina.

Wallington Recreation Reserve will get a $3 million facelift if the Liberal Party wins the November state election. Liberal Party candidate for Bellarine Donnie Grigau announced the funding at Bellarine Bears Baseball Club’s presentation night.

Ocean Grove won a third consecutive Bellarine Netball League A Grade premiership battling injuries and the underdog status in what was one of the greatest grand finals ever seen. The Grubbers defeated Geelong Amateur with a Zanna Woods goal on the siren and jubilant scenes at Newcomb’s Grinter Reserve on Saturday September 13 immediately unfolded.

16 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 18 September, 2026

PUZZLES ACROSS

9 13

23 3

10 26

11 10

23 10

24 11

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26 13

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

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

P E

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: 7 words: Good 11 words: Very good 15 words: Excellent

E T

24 25 27

No. 307

L O S E R

5 LETTERS ABACK AFTER ALIBI ALIGN AVERT BARDS BARNS CARGO COMMA DRESS DRIVE EAVES EDGES ENSUE ERRED EVADE EVENT HABIT HEATH HOIST HORSE

4 LETTERS ANTS AVOS BALD CEDE CITY FART HILT HISS OPTS STAY TOSS VASE WINS WOOS

ante, attune, eaten, exeat, extant, extent, EXTENUATE, neat, next, tauten, teat, tenet, tent, text, tune

HOSTS IGLOO IRATE LEVEE LOINS LOSER MATTE OLIVE OMEGA OPENS OPERA OTHER PIANO PROBE RAVEN RINGS ROSES SLUSH START STRUM SWEET TAUNT

TEARS TEASE TENET TENTS THESE TONES TOTEM

7 LETTERS ESTATES HANDLER LEOTARD ONGOING RESTORE VENEERS

6 LETTERS ESKIES POODLE ROTORS STEREO

8 LETTERS DREAMERS ENTRUSTS SALESMAN SHINGLED

18-09-26

No. 414 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

QUICK QUIZ

In which state or territory is the town of Kerang?

What is the official language of Senegal?

Mason, carpenter and digger are all types of which animal?

What popular Australian spread is made from a by-product of beer manufacturing?

Which author wrote The Runaway Jury and The Street Lawyer?

What is the largest desert in Australia?

Romance languages are those descending from what language of Ancient Rome?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

D R A M A R E G A L A L I K E P A L E R E X E R T

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

3 LETTERS ADO APE AVO BET DOT EGO ERA GEE GNU GOO IDS INN IRE LAW NAG OPT RED REV RID SEC SET SHE TIE VET

WORDFIT

7 25

26 4

23 14

I E

A A

11 9

A E

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

hard

5x5

medium

easy

3 9 2 4 6 3 6 5 7 2 8

X J L T O C R I A V N M Y

5 10

No. 339

B K F S Q G D H Z U W P E

hard

7 7 5 5 1 3 7 6

5 5

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

9 8 5

4 5 6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 24 25

DECODER

5 1

medium

Bare skin (coll) (4) Big classical music ensemble (9) Partner; colleague (9) Public auctions (5) French resort town (7) Musician,– Urban (5) Gracefully (9) Young horse (4) Planned (9) Natural disaster (9) Elusively (9) A Jewish language (7) Become liable to (5) Pushes (5) Unusual (4) Surrender (4)

1 2

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

2 9

easy

DOWN

Floating marker (4) Rundown (10) Components (7) Crossed strips structure (7) Mirrors (8) State of Brazil (5) Location (4) Vexation (10) Hard rock music (5,5) Umpteen (4) Removed moisture (5) Intrepid (8) Bolting (7) Retinue (7) County town of Dorset (10) Wood heap for burning (4)

1 3 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 20 21 23 26 27 28 29

No. 307

FINA was the former name of the international governing body for which sport?

Lisa McCune (pictured) won four consecutive Gold Logies from 1997 to 2000 for her role in what show?

10 Which NRL team won their first premiership in 1992? ANSWERS: 1. Victoria 2. Bee 3. Vegemite 4. Swimming 5. Blue Heelers 6. French 7. John Grisham 8. Great Victoria Desert 9. Latin 10. Brisbane Broncos

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

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

No. 307

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

SUDOKU

Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 17

COMMUNITY

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

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

Bellarine Quilters

Scottish country dancing classes

40th anniversary quilt exhibition, Seniors Community Hub, 21-27 Eversley Street, Drysdale, Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, 10am-4pm. Entry $5. Biennial quilt exhibition plus trading tables, raffles and light refreshments.

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

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens Bellarine Historical Society

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

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

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

Ballroom dance Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 19 September, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper. Music: Ben. Bring a small plate to share.  0400 500 402

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

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

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

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

Drysdale Day VIEW Combined Probus Club of Clifton Springs/Drysdale

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

Meets second Monday of the month, Drysdale Bowling Club, 10am. Everyone is welcomed.  Bev, 0493 011 986, bev97008@gmail.com

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW Ocean Grove Snooker Club

Bellarine Repair Cafe

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

Volunteer repairers fix items such as clothes, toys, furniture, electrical goods and electronic items. Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 1 John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove, Sunday 20 September, 12.30-3.30pm.  repaircafebellarine.org.au

Leopold VIEW February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace.  Paul, 0425 110 792

 Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop

Portarlington playgroup

Barefoot bowls

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

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

CWA Drysdale

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

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

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

Chess clubs Live music

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

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

for further details

Book club

Ocean Grove Library

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

Afternoon tea dance

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

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)

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club

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

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

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

Carpet bowls

Mahjong

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

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

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

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

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

18 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 18 September, 2026

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

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

Vicki and Gerard. 576678

Paul Caroll and daughter Haylee.

James Morris is ready for a surf.

Out and about Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Ocean Grove main beach on Monday 14 September to see who was out and about. Hazel Burgess and Zac Little.

Luba Bird out for a walk.

Laura Carr and daughter Hazel.

John and Maria Stanley-Harlow from Stratfordupon-Avon, UK, and Kirsty Raselli.

Caroline Gilbertson with her daughters Jasmine

Simone Clark delves into a good read.

Ashleigh and Cameron Patten.

Andrea, Fernando and Gabriela.

Abdalah Hasan and Yusuf Abas.

Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 19

SPORTS QUIZ 1. What country is Formula 1 driver Kimi Antonelli from? 2. Which Sydney Swans player kicked the most goals during the 2026 AFL season?

3. Which Central European country is set to host the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup?

12. In golf, what is the term for scoring one over par on a hole? 13. Which country won the first-ever Rugby World Cup in 1987?

4. South Sydney’s Alex Johnston and Penrith's Thomas Jenkins led the 2026 NRL season with how many tries scored each?

14. Which athletic competition involves 10 track and field events?

5. Who is head coach of Australia's women’s national basketball team?

15. Which sport's court is bigger, squash or badminton?

6. In what year was the sports comedy-drama film Air Bud released?

16. Raul Flores is a Mexican athlete that recently set the world record for what?

7. Alastair Clarkson most recently coached which AFL team? 8. What is the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network better known as? 9. Darius Boyd is the coach of which rugby league State of Origin team? 10. Former England captain Ben Stokes is set to play for which Big Bash League team? 11. What is the name of the NHL's championship trophy?

Kimi Antonelli

17. Which two NRL teams finished tied first this season, with 42 tournament points? 18. And how was the minor premiership title awarded due to the tie in points?

21. In what year did the AFL's Swans play their first season in Sydney?

26. Which country played host to the 2026 World Humanoid Robot Games?

22. A deep dish is a technique used in what sport?

27. The Australian men's cricket team will play against South Africa and what other country on their upcoming African tour?

23. Which NBA team’s penalties for salary cap circumvention included a US$30 million fine?

28. Which country hosted the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup?

19. And which team ultimately won the 2026 NRL minor premiership as a result?

24. Ezi Magbegor was recently named as captain of which Australian national sporting team?

20. A supporter of which AFL club made the news recently with a controversial mascot outfit?

25. The Puma Trophy is competed for in a rugby Test series between Australia and what nation?

29. What colour were tennis balls originally? 30. The NBL's pre-season Blitz Tournament was recently held in which regional Victorian city?

1. Italy 2. Charlie Curnow 3. Poland 4. 30 5. Sandy Brondello 6. 1997 7. North Melbourne 8. ESPN 9. Queensland 10. Adelaide Strikers 11. Stanley Cup 12. Bogey 13. New Zealand 14. A decathlon 15. Badminton 16. Deadlift (511 kg) 17. Penrith Panthers and New Zealand Warriors 18. Points differential 19. Penrith Panthers 20. Adelaide Crows 21. 1982 22. Volleyball 23. Los Angeles Clippers 24. Australian Opals basketball team 25. Argentina 26. China 27. Zimbabwe 28. Germany 29. White 30. Bendigo

1809

NHL championship trophy

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Hilux is no longer low rent By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring The latest and ninth generation Toyota Hilux arrived late last year. Just like Toyota’s other models it is available with a hybrid powertrain, but not just any old hybrid – this one’s a diesel hybrid. That’s a step in the right direction as is the fully electric version which is now available, soon to be joined by a hydrogen-powered fuel cell model – we kid you not. The world is changing and the Hilux is changing along with it. It has to or die. Our test vehicle, the 4x4 SR double cab 48-volt mild hybrid, sits at the heart of the range, one up from the entry level Workmate – but still surprisingly swish. The SR is aimed primarily at tradies, fleet buyers and families who want a no-nonsense dual cab that still scrubs up reasonably well after hours. It’s the spec that has to do it all: carry tools during the week, tow on the weekend and occasionally play family wagon.

Styling Hilux is available in five grades and 16 variations, not as many as the old days, but more than enough. They include cab-chassis or pick-up configurations, 4x2 or 4x4 drivelines, and single, extra and double-cab body styles. Prices kick off from $33,990 for the 4x2 Workmate single cab-chassis with a manual transmission, but more than double by the time you reach the top. The 4x2 double cab Workmate with an auto is priced from $47,990 and the 4x2 SR double cab pick-up from $52,990. It’s followed by the 4x4 grades, including Workmate, SR, SR5, Rogue and Rugged X – the latter priced at $71,990. A further step up is the fully-electric Hilux BEV, priced from $76,490. The hybrid kicks in with SR cab-chassis from $57,990, followed closely by our test vehicle, the SR double cab pick-up 48V at $59,490 with an auto. Premium paint adds $675; the premium interior pack adds $2500. Bear in mind on-road costs must be added to these figures. Equipment is pitched to suit its working brief without feeling too vinyl. SR is differentiated on the outside by 17-inch alloy wheels, silver painted lower front bumper, black painted door handles, side mirrors and hood moulding, LED front fog lights, side steps, locking rear tailgate and a choice of six exterior colours. Owners of double cab automatic versions can also choose to change their 17-inch alloy wheels to steel wheels if they prefer. Inside, there’s manual aircon, while the SR adds greater front-seat bolstering and high-grade fabric upholstery, leather-accented shift knob and steering wheel, a 300W inverter, and smart entry and start. A simple 7.0-inch digital instrument panel delivers clear, easy to read info – but obviously lacks the bells and whistles of higher grades. Hilux is covered by Toyota’s standard five-year unlimited-kilometre warranty, with the possibility of extended coverage on the drivetrain if you stick to dealer servicing. Service is due every six months, not 12 months, and although services are capped at $395 per visit – that’s two visits or $790 per year. The cap comes off after five years.

Infotainment A new free-standing 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard across the range, offering a better interface, greater resolution, enhanced voice recognition, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio and compatibility with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,

With a largish 80-litre tank, fuel consumption with this version is a claimed 7.2L/100km. We were getting 9.3L/100km after about 330km of mixed driving. On the road, the SR remains very much a ute, more truck than car. WorkMate and SR grades retain a heavy-duty suspension tune designed for carrying loads or towing Unladen, the leaf-spring rear suspension is firm, and on choppy backroads the ride can border on harsh, particularly over sharp bumps and corrugations. With a few hundred kilos in the tray it settles down noticeably, riding with more composure and reminding you that it has been tuned to work best when working. The front end uses a more sophisticated setup that keeps steering feel and body control respectable for a ladder-frame vehicle. Steering weight is well judged: RATINGS light enough for easy parking and Looks: 7.5 city work, yet with enough heft on Performance: 7 the highway to feel stable. It’s not brimming with feedback, Safety: 7.5 but it’s predictable and consistent. Thirst: 7 Body roll is controlled, and Practicality: 8 although the Hilux will never be mistaken for a sporty SUV, it can Comfort: 7 be hustled along a country road Tech: 7 Toyota Hilux SR dual cab utility doubles down on what has made the nameplate a fixture without feeling wayward. Value: 7.5 in Australia. (Pictures: Supplied) Brakes are strong and Overall: 7.3 confidence-inspiring, though as with any heavy vehicle you still with wireless charging and eight-speaker look rather than a ‘show truck’ vibe. The front end is broad and upright, with need to allow for stopping distances when audio system. There’s cloud-based navigation across a simple grille treatment and practical towing or fully loaded. the range, with four USB-C ports and two headlights. It’s off-road, where the Hilux SR really Our test vehicle was fitted with an earns its stripes. 12 volt sockets in this model. But read the fine print because access to optional bullbar that incorporates a light Ground clearance, approach and some features expires unless you take out a bar and serves to enhance the tough visage. departure angles and underbody protection There’s less chrome than the SR5 and are all tuned for serious work. subscription. more hard-wearing plastic where you’d Low-range gearing, hill-descent control, expect it to get knocked around. a proper rear diff lock and sensible Safety In dual cab form it’s a sizeable vehicle, traction-control calibration give it the tools Hilux carries a five-star safety rating. Extra safety equipment on SR includes tyre stretching more than five metres in length, to climb, descend and crawl through the pressure monitoring and a panoramic view but with no larger footprint than the main kind of tracks that would stop a soft-roader monitor, while 4x4 automatic grades bring competition. dead. Getting in and out is easy enough for most additional off-road capability with a locking The suspension offers good wheel travel rear differential, Multi Terrain Select and adults, helped by side steps, though shorter and keeps tyres in contact with the ground passengers will still notice the height. downhill assist control. more often than not, which is exactly what Once aboard, you’re greeted by a cabin you want when things get gnarly. SR customers are also able to remotely lock and unlock their vehicle through the that is more site office than lounge room, Noise levels are acceptable rather than with seats trimmed in a hard-wearing plush. myToyota Connect app. fabric. The diesel clatter is obvious on cold start Hard plastics dominate, but they and under hard throttle, but it fades into the Engines/transmissions Under the bonnet sits Toyota’s 2.8-litre feel robust rather than cheap, and the background at cruising speeds. switchgear is logically arranged. four-cylinder turbo-diesel. Wind and tyre noise are well contained Everything is where you’d expect it and for a vehicle of this type, though you’re In its current tune it produces around 150kW, with torque output depending on can be operated with gloved hands, which always aware you’re in a commercial-based the transmission – manuals get a little less, is exactly what many buyers want. ute rather than a luxury SUV. Front seats in the SR have evolved beyond autos a bit more, up to about 500Nm. In the mild-hybrid, a 48-volt system the flat perches of old, with more bolstering Summing up adds a small motor-generator and compact and better thigh support – but they’re still a The Hilux SR dual cab utility is not trying to snug fit with little elbow room. battery. be the most glamorous or hi-tech ute in the The driving position is upright and car park. This doesn’t turn the Hilux into a full hybrid, but it can assist the engine briefly at commanding, with good forward vision Instead, it doubles down on what has low revs, smooth restarts and capture a bit and large mirrors that help when towing or made the nameplate a fixture in Australia: reversing into tight spots. of energy under braking. durability, capability and a sense that it will The rear bench is adequate for shorter cop punishment without complaint. Drive is sent either to the rear wheels (in 4x2s) or through a part-time 4WD system trips and a better fit for kids, though the In that sense it’s better than the sum of its backrest is fairly upright and the base a parts, because the combination of engine, with high and low ranges. A rear differential lock is available on 4x4 little short, reminding you this is still a chassis, safety electronics and dealer commercial vehicle at heart. SRs and key for serious off-road use. backing delivers low-drama ownership that Missing are rear air vents. The gearbox is a six-speed manual or many buyers prize above all else. Out the back, the tub accepts standard six-speed automatic, both well proven. Toyota has clearly chosen to prioritise pallets and typical worksite loads, but toughness, towing and off-road ability over there’s no liner or cover. luxury-grade comfort and cutting-edge Driving However, tie-down points, a damped interiors. The big news with the SR is V-Active technology and that starts with this version, tailgate and easy step-up access make And, for a large slice of the market even though it doesn’t wear a hybrid badge. loading reasonably straightforward. that trade-off still makes perfect sense, SR has a braked tow capacity of 3500kg including tradies, farmers, fleets and It’s a 48-volt mild hybrid system that consists of an 8.5kW/65Nm electric motor and accepts a payload of 1125kg (that figure anyone who regularly loads up or ventures generator, lithium-ion battery and DC/DC is surprisingly difficult to find). off-road. Performance is modest rather than converter. While rivals such as the Ford Ranger, It is designed to provide smoother exciting: you’re looking at roughly Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50 and Mitsubishi stop-start functionality while also mid-teens 0-100km/h times when loaded Triton have lifted their game, the Hilux SR providing improved driving feel when up, a bit quicker when unladen. remains a default choice for buyers who But this engine is more about pulling value proven hardware and a huge dealer accelerating from standstill. The latest Hilux SR has a tough, functional power than sprint times. network over the very latest platform. Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 21

SPORT

Coutas’ double shot Queenscliff has both its

AFL Barwon held its Under 18 football and 19 & Under netball best and fairest counts at Buckley’s Entertainment Centre on Monday 14 September.

seniors and reserves sides in the Bellarine Football League grand final next Saturday. BELLARINE FOOTBALL LEAGUE Preliminary finals Grinter Reserve, Newcomb, Saturday 12 September Seniors Queenscliff 1.4(10), 4.7(31), 7.13(55), 14.14(98) Geelong Amateur 2.5(17), 2.11(23), 3.14(32), 7.16(58) Goals: Queenscliff - J. Monahan 3, J. Hedley 3, M. Annandale 2, S. Bowtell 2, C. Durran 2, M. Waight, K. Keenan. Geelong Amateur - C. Green 5, M. Day, F. Seignior. Reserves Modewarre 1.0(6), 3.1(19), 4.3(27), 6.7(43) Torquay 1.1(7), 2.3(15), 2.7(19), 4.11(35) Goals: Modewarre - B. Scott 3, D. Waldron 2, W. Koopman. Torquay - M. McGrath 2, L. Edwards, H. Goode. Best: Modewarre - F. Royal, A. Knight, F. Joseph, B. Scott, L. Bath, J. Johnstone. Torquay - C. Williamson, C. Emmerson, B. Ainsworth, Z. Spargo, J. Ward, H. Ford. Under 18 Division 1 Newtown & Chilwell 4.1(25), 8.3(51), 11.6(72), 13.7(85) Ocean Grove 1.1(7), 4.2(26), 5.3(33), 8.5(53) Goals: Newtown & Chilwell - T. Caracella 3, A. Penning 3, J. Thompson 2, Z. McGregor 2, W. Bennett, R. Long, O. Ryan. Ocean Grove - J. De Jong 2, J. Lehmann 2, M. Saltalamacchia, J. Vose, N. Perus, Z. Casamento. Best: Newtown & Chilwell - A. Hecht, Z. McGregor, W. Hibble, R. Long, L. Hart, A.

Will Anderson breaks through the centre during the Under 18 Division 3 grand final. (Ivan Kemp)

Penning. Ocean Grove - B. Hateley, J. Vose, M. Saltalamacchia, H. Stephenson, R. Tolley, J. Punchard. Under 18 Division 2 Torquay 1.1(7), 2.6(18), 4.9(33), 8.11(59) North Shore 2.2(14), 3.2(20), 5.3(33), 6.4(40) Goals: Torquay - H. Nelson 2, L. Irvine 2, K. Bajada, A. Maddalena, C. Boswell, W. Ansell. North Shore - T. Blitz 3, C. Cain, C. Johns, K. Rochow. Best: Torquay - W. Ansell, C. Boswell, H. Nelson, J. Mahar, L. Shepherd, K. Bajada. North Shore - A. Dando, T. Blitz, C. Johns, N. Bewley, T. Beckley, B. Keating. Under 18 Division 3 Modewarre 1.3(9),

5.6(36),

6.10(46),

9.13(67) Ocean Grove 2.0(12), 2.1(13), 5.2(32), 5.2(32) Goals: Modewarre - N. Simpson 2, J. Chislett 2, S. McCartney, C. Thomas, A. Smart, D. Parigi. Ocean Grove - X. Kiddle 2, C. Cowley, C. Rae, M. McKnight. Best: Modewarre - not supplied. Ocean Grove - L. Staehr, X. Kiddle, S. Anstis, N. Brooks, J. Anderson, B. Greenfield. Grand finals Grinter Reserve, Newcomb, Saturday 19 September Seniors: Torquay vs Queenscliff, 2.10pm Reserves: Queenscliff vs Modewarre, 11.30am Under 18 Division 2: Leopold vs Torquay, 9.15am

Netball season set to reach a crescendo The stage is set for the grand finals in senior and junior netball at Newcomb next Saturday. BELLARINE NETBALL LEAGUE Preliminary finals Grinter Reserve, Newcomb, Saturday 12 September A Grade: Ocean Grove 59 def Portarlington 42. Best: Zanna Punshon, Amanda O’Malley, Georgia Ryan. B Grade: Queenscliff 40 def Geelong Amateur 35 C Grade: Portarlington 37 def Barwon Heads 28. Best: Portarlington - Candice Bull, Sarah Perrott, Phoebe Zahl. D Grade: Barwon Heads 32 def Drysdale 22 E Grade: Geelong Amateur 31 def Queenscliff 24. Best: Geelong Amateur Erin Steele, Eden Holdsworth, Rebekah Edwards. 19 & Under: Portarlington 47 def Torquay 44. Best: Torquay - Sian Hughes, Bella Te Paa, Taya Quick. 17 & Under Division 1: Portarlington 24 def Geelong Amateur 16. Best: Geelong Amateur - Stella Peters, Bailey Shaw, Caitlin Totton. 17 & Under Division 2: Drysdale 35 def Torquay 26 15 & Under Division 1: Geelong Amateur 26 def Ocean Grove 18. Best: Geelong Amateur - Pippa Dow, Molly Crawford, Ava Fitzclarence. 15 & Under Division 2: Surf Coast 31 def Ocean Grove 28 13 & Under Division 1: Drysdale 31 def Geelong Amateur 24 13 & Under Division 2: Geelong Amateur 19 def Torquay 17. Best: Geelong Amateur Ava Harper, Ella Raimondo, Tilly Emerson.

B&F winners announced

Left: Willow Stephenson leads out to accept a pass. Right: Pippa Dow stops the ball from going out of court during her best on court display in the 15 & Under Division 1 preliminary final. (Ivan Kemp)

Torquay - Eva Robertson, Madeline McGinness, Winnie McKeag. Grand finals Grinter Reserve, Newcomb, Saturday 19 September A Grade: Geelong Amateur vs Ocean Grove, 3.15pm B Grade: Torquay vs Queenscliff, 1.05pm C Grade: Ocean Grove vs Portarlington, 11.45am D Grade: Torquay vs Barwon Heads, 10.30am E Grade: Torquay vs Geelong Amateur, 2.05pm

22 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 18 September, 2026

19 & Under: Drysdale vs Portarlington, 10.30am 17 & Under Division 1: Torquay vs Portarlington, 9.15am 17 & Under Division 2: Geelong Amateur vs Drysdale, 1.05pm 15 & Under Division 1: Torquay vs Geelong Amateur, 11.45am 15 & Under Division 2: Torquay vs Surf Coast, 8am 13 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove vs Drysdale, 9.15am 13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove vs Geelong Amateur, 8am

FOOTBALL Under 18 Division 1 1st: Jack Trewin (Geelong West Giants) 26 2nd: Fletcher Bent (St Mary’s) 21 Equal 3rd: Cooper Costelloe (Torquay), Byron Hansford (Ocean Grove) 16 Equal 5th: Archie Tatterson (St Mary’s), Archer Warrick (St Mary’s) 15 7th: Will Bennett (Newtown & Chilwell) 14 8th: Jesse Bode (Barwon Heads) 11 Equal 9th: Bohdi Hateley (Ocean Grove), Kai Horrobin (St Marys), Jordan Lehmann (Ocean Grove), Sonny Mazur (Geelong West Giants) 9 Under 18 Division 2 1st: Oscar Denny (North Shore) 18 2nd: Noah Staehr (Leopold) 15 Equal 3rd: Connor Boswell (Torquay), Riley Cotter (North Shore) 12 5th: Isaac Ashley (Surf Coast) 11 6th: Riley Peters (Drysdale) 10 7th: Koby Olsen (Leopold) 9 Equal 8th: Sebastian Carnevale (Newtown & Chilwell), Mitch Payne (Drysdale) 8 Equal 10th: Kit Blizzard (Torquay), Xavier McLean (Leopold) 7 Under 18 Division 3 1st: Cooper McKenzie (St Albans) 20 Equal 2nd: Hudson Stephenson (Ocean Grove), Joshua Chislett (Modewarre) 17 4th: Tyler Levy (Inverleigh/ Bannockburn) 16 5th: Jake McLeod (Lara) 12 6th: Max Clark (Queenscliff) 11 Equal 7th: Chase Kors (St Marys), William Eskrigge (Anglesea), Oscar Smith (St Albans) 9 Equal 10th: Bailey Schweinzer (St Albans), Frankie Johnstone (Anglesea), Gulliver Seafarer (Queenscliff) 8 NETBALL Geelong Netball League 19 & Under Equal 1st: Remy Holt (Colac), Amali Hill (South Barwon) 25 3rd: Arabella Taylor (St Joseph’s) 20 4th: Phoenix McCleish (Bell Park) 19 Equal 5th: Matilda Varcoe (Grovedale), Lucy Grapsas (St Mary’s) 18 7th: Makayla Artis (Geelong West Giants) 15 8th: Olivia Alleblas (Newtown & Chilwell) 14 Equal 9th: Nyibol Mayen (Lara), Zara Kendall (Geelong West Giants), Neve Brewer (Colac), Alice Beasley (Bell Park) 13 Bellarine Netball League 19 & Under 1st: Tylah McCleish (Portarlington) 30 2nd: Hayley Toull (Modewarre) 26 3rd: Ella Brown (Ocean Grove) 24 4th: Bella Te Paa (Torquay) 23 5th: Jaida Raco (Geelong Amateur) 21 Equal 6th: Taya Quick (Torquay), Arleya Hillier (Drysdale) 17 8th: Kate Stone (Anglesea) 14 Equal 9th: Hunter Lewis (Surf Coast Suns), Annalena Hillier (Drysdale), Charli German (Ocean Grove), Scarlett Birrell (Queenscliff), Emma Barry (Ocean Grove) 12

SPORT

Wagener, Winch win B&Fs By Justin Flynn As predicted, Newcomb star Logan Wagener won this year’s Bellarine Football League Les Ash Medal while first-year Geelong Amateur goaler Bec Winch took out the A Grade netball award. A multiple premiership player with Leopold, Wagener crossed to Grinter Reserve this season and was a raging favourite going into the count, averaging 37 disposals per game. Wagener won with 31 votes, seven ahead of Torquay’s Tynan Smith, who was also tipped to poll well. He also took out the Coaches Player of the Year award. Barwon Heads midfielder Damian McMahon polled 25 votes, but was ineligible. Ammos century goalkicker Sam Lloyd polled 23 votes. Geelong Amateur youngster Archer Hanegraaf took home the Rising Star award. Two-time Colac premiership star Winch has had a huge impact on Ammos’ unbeaten season and won the A Grade medal on 20 votes from Ocean Grove gun Zanna Punshon on 28. Versatile Torquay goaler and

midcourter Ariana Luamanu was third on 24 votes, two ahead of teammate Kiralee Collings. Punshon won the Coaches Player of the Year while Drysdale goaler Isla Cuddy is this year’s Rising Star, alternating between 19 & Under and A Grade and scoring 956 goals from 1101 attempts under the ring. Modewarre’s Avery Knight won the reserves footy Don Cole Medal from Torquay’s Chad Grossman. Geelong Amateur’s Meg Patterson was the B Grade netball winner from dual runners-up Millie O’Shea (Queenscliff) and Elenoar Van Dyk (Torquay). Ammos’ Kellie Gibbons took out the C Grade medal from equal runners-up Courtney Betts (Newcomb) and Sharni Thebes (Modewarre). Charlotte Bland (Queenscliff) won the D Grade award from Hannah Rounds (Modewarre) while Alicia Gangell (Torquay) won E Grade with Lorelle Chapman (Portarlington) and Eden Holdsworth (Geelong Amateur) tied in second place.

Newcomb’s Logan Wagener is the 2026 Les Ash Medallist.

Teams of the Year Football Backs: Kyle Polley (Barwon Heads), Ben McNamara (captain, Torquay), Morgan Fenton (Modewarre) Half-backs: Luke Preece (Drysdale), Daniel Weigl (Geelong Amateur), Noah McGregor-Dawson (Anglesea) Centres: Jaydo Wright (Queenscliff), Nick Rippon (Queenscliff), Damian McMahon (Barwon Heads)

Half-forwards: Jordan Monahan (Queenscliff), Tom Webster (Newcomb), Tynan Smith (Torquay) Forwards: Sam Lloyd (Geelong Amateur), Ayden Gras (Anglesea), Izaac Grant (Queenscliff) Followers: Scott Greenhough (Portarlington), Logan Wagener (Newcomb), Matthew Boag (Torquay) Interchange: Lachie Kidd (Queenscliff), Jack Jenkins (Drysdale), Jordan Keras (Anglesea), Caleb Whitley (Queenscliff) Coach: Heath Jamieson (Queenscliff) Netball Goalers: Bec Winch (Geelong Amateur), Eliza Oxley (Geelong Amateur), Zanna Punshon (Ocean Grove), Midcourters: Georgia Duncan (captain, Geelong Amateur), Alex Booker (Queenscliff), Kaitlyn Sheringham (Geelong Amateur), Georgia Ryan (Ocean Grove) Defenders: Bridget Witham (Torquay), Amanda O’Malley (Ocean Grove), Keisha Guilmartin (Geelong Amateur) Coach: Guy McCleish (Portarlington)

Junior premiers crowned in a big weekend of local tennis By Donna Schoenmaekers The Tennis Geelong junior grand finals have been completed and the season resulted in a great mix of representation with 15 clubs participating in 17 finals with no club successful in more than two. Lara competed in two of the closest results, coincidently both against Ocean Grove. The Grove’s Blue team in 2 Boys started well with Zoe Loftus and Yanni Azidis winning their singles before Allan Portelli and Charlie Dando hit back for Lara. Samuel and Lucyanne Weber battled to a win over Loftus and Azidis, but with Bailey Cairncross and Esther White winning 6-2, Ocean Grove won by one game. In Green Ball 1, the teams went set for set with Ocean Grove’s Charlise Bapaume and Annabelle Lockett winning the first and third while Lara’s Tresor and Izabella Yenga took the second and fourth. Lockett teamed with Frankie Wallace to win a tie-break in the doubles, but Tresor Yenga and Alexander Weber blitzed their doubles 6-0, to give Lara the win by four games. Ocean Grove played in 6 finals with the Girls also successful despite the match not being completed. The girls won three of the four singles, and at 4-3 and 1-4 in the doubles when the rain came, they were far enough ahead to be declared the victors. Grovedale competed in four finals and took home one premiership in 6 Boys against Surfcoast Torquay White. The teams alternated sets, with Marcus Merriman and James O’Shanassy winning the first and fourth for Torquay while Emilio Patel and Johan Lee helped Grovedale to hold a fourgame lead going into the doubles. The doubles pushed the match to the wire, but with Patel and Tom Plunkett matching Campbell Brown and Nash Tucker, the score remained tied on sets with Grovedale four games ahead to take the match. Leopold followed a similar pattern against Grovedale in Green Ball 2 where the match went set for set, but with a tie-break loss to Jack Geoghegan and a 6-0 win to Scarlett Trotter, Leopold won by three. Western Heights Uniting won two of three finals with 3 Girls ahead 3-1 after the singles and sealing the win over Grovedale, taking the first doubles 6-1 before rain interrupted. The 2 Girls were also interrupted before finishing, but at 5-0 the score was beyond doubt, and the team of Jacqueline Kolar, Evangeline Seg, Gertie Hurst, Natalya Krishnan finished the season as champions.

Section 2 premiers Ocean Grove: Yanni Azidis, Zoe Wilson, Zoe Loftus, Esther White, Bailey Caircross.

Premier winners Barwon Heads: Max Creati, Paddy Moulton, Dex Taylor.

Teesdale also went through the season in Green Ball 3 as champions with a win over Western Heights. The match was tied after the singles, but Tex Holmes and Len-

ny Campbell won the first doubles and then Lennox Holmes and Oscar Patten took the second for Teesdale. Wandana Heights posted one of their two wins against Teesdale in Green Ball 5. Teesdale had won the previous three encounters, all tied on sets and by a handful of games, so the Heights were keen to change the trend. The sets were tied after the singles with Teesdale ahead by four games, but Wandana proved too strong in the doubles to win the premiership. Wandana’s second win was guaranteed when their White and Blue teams faced off in 3 Boys. The first two sets went one each way, but Blue then took charge, winning the next four sets to earn their medals. Waurn Ponds, despite finishing second on the ladder, had a winning record against Wandana in 5 Boys. The Ponds won three of four singles, but with marathon doubles sets interrupted by rain at 5-all and 6-5, the Ponds had the game advantage to claim victory. Waurn Ponds also finished second to Hamlyn Park in 4 Girls, but the Park had

won all three previous encounters, but Hamlyn Park had other ideas, winning their one final for the day. St Mary’s also posted a win in their one final when they faced Ocean Grove in Green Ball 5. St Mary’s went into the match unbeaten and it continued, going ahead 5-1 to be crowned champions. Clifton Springs and Highton finished minor premiers in 4 Boys and 1 Boys and backed up their good seasons, both posting wins over Geelong Lawn, 4-0 and 4-2 respectively. Barwon Heads went two for two with the Premier Boys team of Paddy Moulton, Dex Taylor and Max Creati recovering from their semi-final loss to minor premiers Wandana Heights and taking a clean sweep. The 7 Boys had a tougher time against Ocean Grove. The Heads were level on sets but behind by one game going into the doubles, but Darcy McCredden and Jack MacAfee teamed to win the first doubles and then Ted Short and Felix Tribe followed up in the second, winning 6-4 to give the win to the Heads.

Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 23

SPORT

Will Anderson breaks through the centre.

Noah Simpson kicked two goals for Modewarre.

Cullan Newton checks with Harrison Wilde to make sure that he is okay in a wonderful show of sportsmanship.

Harrison Wilde is collectred as Xavier Kitchin punches the ball clear in a contest with Sunny Anstis.

Dominik Parigi goals from the boundary line.

Modda too good for Grove Modewarre defeated Ocean Grove in the Under 18 Division 3 grand final by 35 points on Saturday 12 September and

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Grinter Reserve to take these pictures.

Liam Hancock kicks on the run. Joshua Chislett kicks towards goal.

Baxter Greenfield takes a strong defensive mark.

Xavier Monahan kicks to half forward.

Mason Mcknight puts the Grubbers into attack.

24 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 18 September, 2026

Xavier Dean breaks a tackle.

Sam McCartney kicks a goal.

SPORT

Ammos edge past Grubbers Geelong Amateur defeated Ocean Grove in the 15 & Under Division 1 preliminary final on Saturday 12 September and will

face Torquay in the grand final. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Grinter Reserve and snapped these pics.

Emily Speirs stretches to pull down a pass.

Gemma Quinn takes the ball through the centre.

Lily Peters flies to pull down a pass.

Philippa Norgard reaches for a loose ball.

Maive McMaster leaps to accept a pass.

Ava Redman takes control.

Pippa Dow passes on the run.

Willow Stephenson accepts a pass at full pace.

Lilian Spolding looks down court.

Charlotte Mooney scored 15 goals for Ammos.

Paula Birch with her team at the break.

Alice Harmon looks down court to pass.

Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 25

SPORT

Queenscliff dares to dream By Justin Flynn Queenscliff’s straight sets exit from last year’s Bellarine Football League finals just may have been the catalyst for bigger things in 2026. The Coutas were battered by Torquay in the 2025 qualifying final by 105 points and then a resurgent Anglesea took care of business in the first semi-final by 42 on its way to a premiership. Captain Caleb Whiteley said while it was disappointing, it left the group knowing that finals footy is a step up from a home and away game. “Very disappointed to go out the way that we did last year,” he said. “So the boys wanted to really push it this year and see how far we could really take it. And that stings going out in straight sets, so it really was a driving factor this year.” Queenscliff was active during the offseason, adding Jaydo Wright, Sam Kalbfell, Nick Rippon, Billy Jones and Trent Thompson to the list and all have contributed heavily. Missing, however, will be Jordy McIvor-Clark, who did a Grade 2 hamstring in the preliminary final, while goalkicking ace Izaak Grant will remain under an injury cloud with a troublesome groin. Queenscliff has been somewhat of a Jekyll and Hyde team this season, although that may be unfair given the minor premiers have performed brilliantly. In several games this season, the Coutas have struggled to hit the scoreboard for lengthy periods only to flick the switch and pile on multiple goals just when it needed to happen. In a way the fact that the afterburners can be turned on at any time is reassuring. Jordan Monahan (66 goals), Grant (51), Sol Bowtell (27), Kai Keenan (24) and Rippon (23) form a dangerous avenue towards goal. “It does give us a lot of reassurance, but you never really want to be in that position to start with,” Whiteley said.

Torquay co-captain Ben McNamara and Queescliff skipper Caleb Whitley with the Dow Cup at 13th Beach. (Ivan Kemp) 577374 02

“I think we’ve just tried to work on not putting ourselves in that spot, but also knowing that if we need to we can put the foot down a little bit and have that next gear. “It’s just not trying to get into that position to start with.” Queenscliff’s opponent this Saturday, Torquay, had the better of the second semi-final match-up and the 31-point margin probably flattered the minor premiers to an extent.

“It was a pretty tough day down there, conditions-wise, and we just took out of it (that) they played the conditions a fair bit better than we did,” Whiteley said. “They were able to move the ball and a few older heads were able to read the game a little bit better and know when to slow it down a little bit more and take some stoppage time and keep it locked in a pocket and little things like that. “We really didn’t do that well, but we’ll

take a few things away from that game and hopefully we’ll be able to do it this weekend.” With its reserves side also competing for silverware, Whiteley said the Borough community was right behind the club. “It’s huge, it’s really big (and) there’s already so much red, white and blue up in the town all the way through,” he said. “Everyone’s getting behind it. It’s a full community affair down there.”

Tigers are primed for another tilt at the premiership flag By Justin Flynn Torquay defender Ben McNamara knows he will have his hands full with Queenscliff’s star-studded forward line in the Bellarine Football League grand final on Saturday, but it’s a challenge he is looking forward to. Both teams possess the scoring power needed to win the premiership, but are also strong defensively. McNamara, who shares the captaincy with James Darke, said the game wouldn’t be won or lost at either end of the ground, though. “I would hate to play on our forwards as well as Queensliff’s forwards,” he said. “I think footy today is such an offensive game. It really becomes a shootout. It’s whatever team can defend that shootout the most. “But in saying that, Queenscliff’s got a pretty good backline as well. So I think it will just be the most complete team on the day, offence, defence, and the mids go to work and battle each other.” Torquay coach Dom Gleeson has a wonderful ability to get the most out of his players each season and again has his charges primed at the right time. “He’s been at the club I think 12 years now, so he does worry about getting the same message across,” McNamara said. “But he does sort of reinvent himself almost week to week, if not year to year. He does get the best out of you. He’s really engaged in the playing group. “I think the old school coaches that are barking orders don’t really work anymore

Dom Gleeson constantly gets the best out his Torquay players. (Ivan Kemp)

Hugh Trigg has had an excellent season for the Tigers.

and Dom’s on your side and every player knows that. “And I think you feel comfortable running out for a coach that you know is going to back you in.” The Tigers are no stranger to big finals, and grand finals. Roughly half their side on Saturday will have tasted premiership suc-

26 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 18 September, 2026

cess before. McNamara said knowing what to expect will be an advantage, but also said the Coutas’ youthful exuberance couldn’t be underestimated. “It’s nice having been there and I think being comfortable in that pressure environment, but also young teams thrive on pres-

sure,” he said. “Queenscliff are a really good unit. While they might not have had their finals experience, they’ve got guys like (Nick) Rippon, some good players in there and senior players that will lead them. “It helps, but I think it is what it is on the day.” While tradition means Torquay’s captain wears the No 5 in honour of late club great Rodger Boak, McNamara said he would gladly hand over the jumper if it meant Rodger’s son Travis Boak was able to play. The Port Adelaide 387-gamer played eight games this season before an ACL injury ended his campaign in round 18. “He’s played a big role in the group,” McNamara said. “(The) football fairytale would be that he runs out with us on Saturday, but unfortunately that’s not to be. “The relationship I have with Trav and (mother) Chikki…I hope that I’ll wear the five and wear it proud for them and for what Rodger means to the club.”

SPORT

Can netball history repeat? By Justin Flynn Ocean Grove captain Georgia Ryan believes her team has what it takes to cause an upset against Geelong Amateur in the grand final, but regardless of the result she cannot remember having more fun playing netball. Coach Mel Holmes has said multiple times this season that this group is the most enjoyable to be around and Ryan agrees. There is still a premiership to be won, but the Grubbers won’t change just because it is the most important match of the season. “Our mindset stays the same,” Ryan said. “It’s a really exciting time of year. We love this time of year (and) we play our best netball. We get around each other and everyone is just so excited. It’s such a fun time of year to be a part of. “She (Holmes) is our coach but she’s our friend too. We love having her around the club and we have definitely had the most fun this year. “I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of a team that can talk so much.” For the fifth consecutive year, it is an Ammos vs Grove decider and a four-peat awaits the underdogs if they can cause an upset at Grinter Reserve. The Grubbers have only just recently been able to field their strongest side after a season interrupted by unavailability and injury. “I don’t think our mindset’s changed game to game,” Ryan said. “We just play 100 percent, we always back each other up, going hard for every ball. “We know that every team we come up against is going to be hard at it as well, especially Ammos, who have been in the grand final the last how many years now. “Our game plan is always the same – just lots of grit, lots of determination and really back each other up. “I think we’ve found our mark come the end of the season, which is really nice as we’ve had a few ins and outs. “We’ve got some new additions to the team this year and we’re really excited.” Ocean Grove will need to improve though. They learned some harsh lessons from a 12-goal semi-final loss to Ammos.

Ocean Grove coach Mel Holmes.

“I think a lot of it was to do with our own game,” Ryan said. “We learned that we needed to play for each other a little bit more and come out hard and firing a little bit earlier. It took us a while to get going. “We just have to switch on from the getgo. We can’t really give them any easy balls or an easy start because they will really take advantage of it.” The psychological demons from the past three grand finals will still be lingering in some of the Ammos’ players. “You always have mental scars when you lose games,” Ryan said. “We all play to have fun with our friends and do something on the weekend to have a social outing, but we all like to win at the end of the day. “Definitely there would be some scars there. We’ve still got scars from five years ago when we lost against them, but it doesn’t take away from the game.” Ryan knows that her team cannot afford to give Geelong Amateur a head start and that they must be switched on from the opening pass for a full 60 minutes. “A really strong start for us is most important to just stick with it and grind it out,” she said. “It’s going to be a tough game, so we just have to do the one percenters and back each other up and go hard at every contest.”

Geelong Amateur co-captains Georgia Duncan and Keisha Guilmartin and Ocean Grove skipper Georgia Ryan with the Dow Cup at 13th Beach this week. (Ivan Kemp) 577374 06

Ammos are ready for another crack at premiership glory By Justin Flynn Geelong Amateur’s new-look side won’t carry the scars of the previous three grand final losses to Ocean Grove when they take to the court on Saturday, according to co-captain Keisha Guilmartin. Once again Ammos find themselves as heavy favourites going into the decider and, once again, for the fifth time in a row in fact, they play Grove. History will show that while Ammos won in 2022, the Grubbers would then go on to a historic three-peat, but only a handful of players, including Guilmartin, remain this time around. “There’s no PTSD for those newbies,” she said. “And I think this year is a very different feel for that reason. We’ve got a lot of new blood in the team who haven’t experienced a grand final against Ocean Grove. “I think it’s just creating such a positive atmosphere for us – just taking away from thinking about that coming into this week’s grand final.” Guilmartin’s co-captain Georgia Duncan is also one of the handful to play in the last three losing grand finals. The star midcourter sees the game as a wonderful opportunity to be premiers and champions rather than feeling extra

Left: Eliza Oxley has been a key player in Geelong Amateur’s goal circle this season. (Ivan Kemp) Right: Isabella Baker adds a point of difference to the Ammos’ side.

pressure to extend a 19-game winning streak. The closest they have come to a loss this season was a one-goal win against Torquay in round 17. “I think we acknowledge the pressure is there,” she said. “There’s always pressure associated with going undefeated throughout the home and away season. “I think we’re exactly where we want to be. If you have the option to be undefeated at the end of the year, I think everyone would select that option. “It’s a privilege to be in a spot where

you’re experiencing pressure because you’ve won all your games.” Geelong Amateur couldn’t have been more impressive in its 12-goal semi-final win against Grove. “We went into that game knowing what we needed to do,” Guilmartin said. “We just executed it according to what we’d practiced and planned, and probably knowing that we still had plenty left in the tank and didn’t really need to switch gears in that game. “(It was) pretty seamless, so I think we

just keep doing what we’re doing.” A new-look attack in Eliza Oxley and Bec Winch, who won the A Grade league best and fairest during the week, has added a different dimension to Ammos’ goal-scoring prowess this season. “Completely fresh faces at the goal ring with both Liz and Bec, and also Bell (Isabella Baker) as well, so all our three goalers are new,” Guilmartin said. “All three of them bring such a different game and a really exciting game. Bec’s probably one of the best netballers to watch. She’s just absolutely unreal.” One of the biggest obstacles standing in Ammos’ way on Saturday is gun Ocean Grove goaler Zanna Punshon, who finished runner-up to Winch in the vote count this week. But Duncan knows not to underestimate the entire team. “Zanna is one of their key players; there’s no denying that,” she said. “But then they have got key players all down the court in Georgia (Ryan) and Amanda (O’Malley), so there’s absolutely no way that we don’t respect Ocean Grove. “The history is there, and there’s no denying that we need to play our best and bring our best to beat Ocean Grove. There’s no complacency whatsoever in our preparation. We know our best is good enough, but we know we’ve got to do that.”

Friday, 18 September, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 27

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