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INSIDE THIS EDITION… SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN, PAGE 16

2 - 15 OCTOBER, 2026

BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER

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Four in a row

The buzzer sounds in the Bellarine Netball League A Grade grand final and Gemma Bell’s reaction in this picture sums it up. Ocean Grove had just won its fourth consecutive premiership. Yes, four. For the second straight year, the Grubbers were in front by one goal when the buzzer went against an unbeaten Geelong Amateur. That piercing sound has never sounded so sweet. The resolve of this side never waivered, not once. When others thought it might be a

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straightforward Ammos’ win, this group didn’t listen. Coach Mel Holmes has helped create a culture that doesn’t just exist on winning, but encourages friendships and connection. Ocean Grove’s fourpeat will be remembered for a long time as an achievement that was stacked against the odds, but to this group, it was just one part of an enjoyable journey.  For our bumper coverage, see Sport from page 23.

Crime stats mixed The latest numbers from the Crime Statistics Agency paint a complex picture of crime in the Geelong and Bellarine region. For the financial year ending in June 2026, crime in Greater Geelong has broadly followed the trend of crime across the state; total criminal incidents (-1.2 per cent), victim reports (-2.5 per cent) and family violence incidents (-1.8 per cent) per capita were all lower than in 2025. However, contrary to the state figures, the total offences recorded (the number of individual laws broken) in the region grew by 1.9 per cent compared to the previous year. A Victoria Police spokesperson said overall crime in Greater Geelong remained “far higher than both police and the

community would like”. “We are absolutely committed to ensuring our highly trained officers are where they are needed most,” they said. “Our dedicated officers continue to work extremely hard around-the-clock to protect the community, with a record number of offenders arrested every day.” By far the most common specific offence committed on the Bellarine, as in the state and Geelong, over the past year was theft from a motor vehicle with 192 offences – nearly one-third of all 592 theft offences. Unlike the rest of the state, which saw an increase of 2.7 per cent over the past year, Geelong and the Bellarine experienced a drop in theft from retail stores. Shoplifting

in Geelong fell from 1745 incidents last year to 1678 this year (-3.8 per cent), while on the peninsula retail theft dropped from 125 incidents to 104 (-16.8 per cent). And while the region’s 10,868 property and deception offences overall accounted for 57 per cent of all crime in Geelong, it was the only category to fall from the previous year, with crimes against the person, drug offences, public order and security offences, justice procedure offences and other offences all more prevalent. Family violence incidents did fall somewhat to 5485 from the recent peak of 5584 in 2025, but remain higher than in every other year since the COVID pandemic. However, as with last year, the majority

of family violence incidents were breaches of family violence orders, which have consistently increased year-on-year as police methods of monitoring known offenders continue to improve. As in previous years, male parties are overwhelmingly the alleged perpetrators of family violence (74.8 per cent), while female parties are overwhelmingly the victim-survivors (74.6 per cent). Despite numbers falling from last year, it is apparent that crime levels across Greater Geelong, as across Victoria, remain well above historical norms and significantly higher compared to previous years. Visit crimestatistics.vic.gov.au for more information on the latest crime figures.

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Tackling mozzies by air Drones are being used by the City of Greater Geelong to tackle this spring’s mosquito activity. Geelong is the first council in Victoria to use drones for mosquito control, replacing helicopters used in past treatments. The City said drones allowed faster response times and reduced costs to ratepayers. On-ground treatments will continue to target mosquito larvae before they emerge as adults and fly into populated areas. Aerial drone treatments may also be used outside Ramsar wetlands if larvae detections require it. Ground treatments continue in Corio, Connewarre, the Geelong Botanic Gardens, Lara, Point Lons-

dale, St Leonards and Wallington. Rainfall, tides and above-average temperatures have created ideal breeding conditions, with mosquito numbers remaining high through winter and expected to stay elevated due to the strong El Niño phase predicted by the Bureau of Meteorology. “We’re taking an integrated approach to mosquito management – there isn’t a single solution to tackling mosquitoes,” Environment and Circular Economy portfolio chair councillor Elise Wilkinson said. “Our drone and ground treatments are targeted, safe and designed to protect community wellbeing while respecting the environmental significance of our

Ramsar wetlands. “Mosquito numbers have been noticeably high across the Bellarine, and it’s been challenging for families and businesses. “The mosquito management program is helping to reduce breeding, but we can all do our part to reduce mosquitoes at our properties. “Gardens, bushes and still water are habitat for mosquitoes. Make sure to regularly empty water from pots and bird baths and similar things around the house and mow your lawn. If everyone does this, it will make a real difference.” In April 2025, Geelong received a seven-year permit from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment

and Water (DCCEEW) under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It allows targeted treatments in Ramsar-listed wetlands – internationally recognised and environmentally sensitive areas where only approved methods can be used. The City uses Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and s-Methoprene, solid-form larvicides approved by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA). They are dispersed directly into water. The City said it does not spray or use broad-based pesticides in its aerial program.

Financial boost for beloved charity A $400,000 windfall from the state government will help Feed Me Bellarine strengthen its operations and support volunteers who are helping put food on the table for local families. Feed Me Bellarine, based in Ocean Grove, rescues good quality food for people experiencing hardship. The organisation is powered by an incredible team of volunteers who give their time to collect, prepare, sort and distribute food to people who need a helping hand. The $400,000 commitment will fund volunteer and management support, enabling Feed Me Bellarine to work directly with customers, clients and families accessing food relief and services. “Feed Me Bellarine is a wonderful example of what happens when a community looks out for one another,” Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said. “Its volunteers give their time because they care about their neighbours, and they are making a real difference for people doing it tough. “This commitment will give Feed Me extra capacity to support volunteers, strengthen the organisation and, importantly, spend more time helping the families and individuals who come through their doors.” The funding will help Feed Me Bellarine build the capacity it needs to keep up with demand, while making sure its volunteers have the support they need to continue their important work.

Hooded plover eggs. (Supplied)

Patrols protecting vulnerable hoodies

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant, Feed Me Bellarine chief executive Lana Purcell and volunteer Tina Johnston. (supplied)

So far Feed Me Bellarine has saved 50,000kg of food from landfill and has de-

livered 2.5 millions meals across Geelong, the Bellarine and the Surf Coast.

Rediscover Greater Geelong’s history in October There are plenty of opportunities to explore Geelong’s history in October as part of History Month. Geelong Historical Society (GHS) is holding its first historical artefacts exhibition since it was formed in 1944. Glimpses of Geelong’s Past will display selected items from GHS’s vast collection, including Captain Foster Fyans’ chair and desk, ladies and babies clothing from the early 1900s, and selected photographs of bygone days. The exhibition is at The Geelong Club, 74 Brougham Street, across the weekends of 9 to 11 and 16 to 18 October. 2 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

The Geelong Club will also be part of the exhibition. Designed by architect Charles Figgis and built in 1889, the building has changed little since. Period furniture, numerous artworks, and photographs adorn the interior. A functional 19th-century billiard room is a masterpiece. Precious 1790s crockery, too fragile to transport, will be on display at Geelong Regional Library’s third floor between 10am and 4pm Tuesday to Friday. Two free lectures are on 9 and 16 October at The Geelong Club. Dr Norman Houghton and Dr David Rowe will give

further insights into Geelong’s history. Visit Inverleigh Mechanics Institute to look at the historic building and contents and the Inverleigh Historical Society collection on 4 October from 1pm to 3pm at Inverleigh Public Hall. Geelong Stamp & Coin Fair is at Geelong West Town Hall on 10 October from 9am to 3pm and author Ross McMullan will give a talk on his acclaimed commissioned history of the ALP, The Light on the Hill and National Wool Museum on 25 October from 1.30pm to 3pm. See historymonth.org.au for more information.

One of coastal Victoria’s most threatened and vulnerable bird species is once again the focus of a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action operation this nesting season. The Conservation Regulator’s Operation Save our Hoodies (SoHo) has returned for its sixth season to ensure the safety of the next generation of the iconic hooded plover, with patrols across Barwon South West shorelines including local beaches at Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove. With fewer than 700 of the threatened species remaining in the state, Conservation Regulator regional operations manager Glenn Sharp reminded beachgoers to follow beach signage, give hooded plovers plenty of space and keep dogs away from fenced-off nesting areas. “Protecting this threatened species takes a village, with officers, rangers, volunteers and community members all playing an important role during the nesting season,” he said. “Our patrols are promoting responsible behaviour around nesting sites and raising awareness of the penalties for disturbing hooded plovers and their nests.” BirdLife Australia Beach-nesting Birds project coordinator Renee Mead said hooded plover eggs took four weeks to hatch, leaving nests vulnerable to disturbance throughout that time. “A little extra care from beachgoers will go a long way in helping the next generation of hoodies hatch and take flight,” she said. Disturbing a hooded plover, its nest or eggs can result in fines up to $10,455. More significant penalties can apply if offenders are prosecuted. Reports of disturbance to hooded plovers and their nests can be made to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

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City seeks commitment Geelong council has called on Victorian candidates to commit nearly $35 million to redeveloping the former Potato Shed ahead of the November election. In a statement describing the performing arts venue as “bursting at the seams”, the City of Greater Geelong advocated for $21.7 million for stage one and $12.9 million for stage two of the Bellarine Arts Centre (BAC) redevelopment. Murradoc Ward councillor Rowan Story said the stage was set for the Bellarine’s next act. “The Bellarine Arts Centre has been part of the fabric of our community for more than 20 years, but the region has changed significantly in that time,” he said. “We now need investment to unlock the

full potential of this much-loved facility. “Our local artists, performers, students and community groups need more space and better facilities. This redevelopment would give them that. “It would also give us a bigger and better place to put on shows, hold events and welcome visitors to the Bellarine. And importantly, it gives us more room to tell the stories of this place.” The upgrades would include a new state-of-the-art theatre, dedicated education spaces, a refreshed front-of-house capable of hosting exhibitions and smaller shows, improved performer amenities, an outdoor amphitheatre, hospitality and retails spaces and a new public deck. With projections suggesting a visitation growth of 20 per year, BAC manager

Mikayla Frawley said there was a huge amount of interest in performing, creating and putting on events at the venue. “We have people with great ideas and groups ready to get involved, but our current facilities can only take us so far,” they said. “We’re often having to work around the limitations of the building, whether that’s finding enough room for rehearsals, accommodating different groups or trying to fit everything we need backstage. “A redevelopment would completely change what we can offer. We could welcome more schools, support more local performers and community groups, and put on bigger and more varied events “The demand is already here. We just need the space to meet it.”

Sarla Holmes with one of her mother’s paintings. (Ivan Kemp)

Sandra’s life journey depicted through art A local artist’s lifelong creative journey will be on display at a Bellarine gallery this October. Light from Darkness is a retrospective exhibition showcasing the paintings and photographs produced by artist Sandra Laver across the last six decades. Held at Artisans Gallery from 8 October to 2 November, the exhibition will showcase how Laver’s body of work focuses on exploring what exists beneath or beyond the material; the energies we can feel or experience, but cannot always see or name. Raised in Geelong, Laver’s artistic career

began in 1965 at the Gordon Institute and culminated in the completion of her PhD in Visual Arts in 2024. Having lived with bipolar II for two decades, Laver was recently diagnosed with vascular dementia. Her daughter Sarla Holmes, who has brought Laver’s works together for Light from Darkness, said the exhibition was both a chance to celebrate her mother’s artistic achievements and an opportunity to recognise her work beyond the difficult chapters of her life. “I want people to meet Mum as an artist first,” she said.

“Bipolar disorder and dementia are part of her story, but they are not the whole story. She is also an artist, a thinker, a lifelong learner and someone who spent decades trying to understand the world through creativity.” Preparing the exhibition, which opens during Mental Health Month, has been an emotional process for Ms Holmes, an “act of recognition”. “I want Mum to know that her work mattered,” she said. “That all those years of study, thinking, experimenting and creating have resulted in something worth celebrating.”

North Bellarine Aquatic Centre gets inspirational namesake By Matt Hewson With members of the McGill family in attendance, Geelong council voted unanimously to approve Linda McGill Aquatic Centre as the official name of the North Bellarine Aquatic Centre (NBAC) at its Tuesday night meeting. A Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympian, Linda McGill MBE became the first Australian to swim the English Channel in 1965, setting a new women’s record for the feat in 1967. In 1968 she also completed a ground-

breaking 40-kilometre swim from Portarlington to Frankston – inside a towed shark cage – in under 13 hours, beating seven male competitors who started alongside her. An inductee to the Australian and international marathon swimming halls of fame, she is also the youngest Australian recipient of the MBE at age 22. She was one of three women put before the community as a potential namesake of the NBAC, receiving the most support from the 544 voters. Councillor Rowan Story said he regret-

ted he didn’t have more time to detail McGill’s “remarkable open water and distance and marathon swimming achievements”. “As one of the first women globally to undertake such endurance feats, she helped to redefine perceptions of female athletes and open water swimming,” he said. “Today, she’s very much remembered as a trailblazer whose courage, innovation and determination left a lasting impact on Australian swimming, and she continues to be an inspiration to swimmers of all abilities.” The facility is expected to be completed in July next year.

Wadawurrung Elder Aunty Mary Shuttleworth, left, Barwon Coast Committee of Management’s Peter Farrell, and Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant opened new cabins at Barwon Heads Caravan Park. (Supplied)

Cabins support tourism Seven new cabins are now open for bookings at Barwon Heads Caravan Park to further support regional tourism. Four two-bedroom cabins and three one-bedroom deluxe cabins, including one accessible option, were unveiled at the caravan park on 17 September. Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the latest round of the Regional Tourism Investment Fund supported the new cabins, and the project is expected to attract more than 4500 extra visitors. “Barwon Heads is a much-loved destination, and these new cabins will give visitors even more reason to stay, explore and enjoy the region,” she said. “This is a great investment in the local visitor economy, providing more accommodation options for tourists while supporting local businesses, jobs and the broader community.” The cabins were built offsite and transported to Barwon Heads, with two existing one-bedroom cabins also expected to be upgraded next year as part of a broader project. Barwon Coast Committee of Management chair Peter Farrell said the project helped deliver lasting benefits for regional jobs, businesses and communities. “The revenue the cabins generate will be reinvested into caring for our coast,” he said. “These new cabins provide an exciting investment in sustainable and accessible tourism, allowing more people to experience this special part of our coast.” First Peoples influence is embedded throughout the project, including consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation and artist Billy-Jay O’Toole. Mr O’Toole’s artwork is featured on the cabins’ glass sliding doors, and Wadawurrung artwork can be seen throughout the precinct.

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Council says no to retirees By Matt Hewson Retirement village rates advocates continued to press their case at the Geelong council meeting this week. Representatives from Abervale, Armstrong Green, Barwarre Gardens and Geelong Grove retirement villages presented questions to the councillor group during public question time, while Cr Trent Sullivan tabled a petition from Bellarine Retirement Village. Since April, residents and advocates have been urging the council to implement a differential rating system for retirement village properties, which would see them reduced by up to 33 per cent.

Fairer Differential Rates campaigners argue that retirement village residents already pay for infrastructure maintenance through annual fees charged by their village and use public infrastructure far less than most other residents. They also argue more affordable retirement village living could encourage more older people to downsize from larger homes, potentially freeing up housing stock for younger people and families. Advocates have cited the precedent set by other Victorian councils, including Brimbank City, Frankston City, Knox City and Mornington Peninsula, who have introduced a differential rating system. However, the council declined to

implement such a system in their 2026/27 budget and showed no sign of changing its position. Geelong Grove Retirement Village’s Ann Daniel said she wondered “who is actually listening to our pleas”. “When the boundary into a retirement village is crossed, the council’s operational footprint disappears,” she said. “Residents pay for and maintain internal infrastructure…this must result in a significant reduction in the (council’s) asset management burden. We are asking this council to give serious consideration.” Armstrong Green resident Jo Woodburn was less diplomatic in her approach. “Be aware that I am the chair of a group

of eight retirement villagers…we’ve been meeting monthly about differential rates for 12 months and we’re not going to stop until we get some answers,” she said. Geelong’s executive director for corporate services Troy Edwards said “any reduction of up to 33 (per cent) would ultimately need to be funded by other ratepayers”. “ThisincludesotherpensionersinGeelong, older residents living independently, and households experiencing their own cost of living pressures. “So, for this reason, at this point in time, the City does not consider a retirement village differential rate to be a fairer or more equitable outcome for the broader Geelong community.”

Grove quartet slam dunk Four young Ocean Grovers have returned from a Jamboree basketball event in Echuca equipped with the skills and knowledge to take their games further. Bodhi Miles, Taj Kenny, Howie Fiske and Parker Moorlag all play locally for Bellarine Storm in their representative team and Breakers Association in domestic basketball and were selected in the Victorian Country Under 12 development program alongside some of the best young basketballers from regional Victoria. After taking part in the Under 12 Country Skills Day in August, the lads were among the 120 selected to go through to the Jamboree. A basketball jamboree is a developmental event or informal multi-team gathering

that focuses on skill-building, practice, and fun rather than intense competition or final standings. The Jamboree took place in Echuca Moama from 19 to 22 September, and is the first step on the Basketball Victoria Country Pathway for selected athletes, and an exciting opportunity to represent their region, develop their game and create lifelong memories. At just 11 years old, it was a special opportunity for them to travel to the Murray for four days of training and competition, representing their respective Jamboree teams, Bodhi with the Kookaburras, Taj with the Wallabies, Howie with the Goannas and Parker with the Jackaroos.

Taj Kenny, Howie Fiske, Bodhi Miles and Parker Moorlag were selected in the Victorian Country Under 12 basketball development program. (Sarah Miles Studio)

ENTERTAINMENT

Where there’s a Will, there’s a (Wilde) way By Justin Flynn Elaine Mitchell hopes that audiences for her two-part show Wilde and Will walk away from Ceres Temperance Hall feeling “good”. Wilde and Will features two plays from the works of Oscar Fingal O’Fflahertie Wills Wilde and William Shakespeare, and illustrate issues from centuries ago that are still current in our 21st century – the status of women and the gender issue. “I want them to feel that they’ve got something to go away and think about, not just to come and see someone dressed up and be silly,” the show’s director Mitchell says. “I want people to come in and say, ‘oh wow’, which is what they do because I’ve used the dark reds and the ambers and the russet colours of the Renaissance and dress everybody accordingly.” And while the topic may seem like a heavy burden for those just wanting to see a good show, Mitchell says it’s not. The

Moody comes to Church By Matt Hewson Vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Ruth Moody is one of Canada’s most celebrated roots and folk musical performers. Born in Melbourne but raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she grew up in a musical family and, like her three siblings, was classically trained from a 4 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

idea came about through video calls to Mitchell’s son in London. “We came across Oscar Wilde, which we

love, and there’s a play of his, A Woman of No Importance, which is (about) the status of women in Victorian England in that age

of the 1850s,” she says. “They were just property and they had no rights and they were just owned and so I thought this is a very poignant play… but (how) can we illustrate these while not being political? “We’re not being biased. We’re just saying this is how it was then and in the 21st century we are still discussing it. It’s not a political play at all. It’s a way of dressing it up and saying this is antique language, but the issues are current.” Mitchell uses an all-local cast for the production. “They come from Winchelsea, Point Lonsdale, Teesdale, Swan Bay – they come from all around and then they come from Geelong,” she says. “We’ve always used local people. It’s to give everyone a chance for their talent to be seen.” Wilde and Will is at Ceres Temperance Hall for nine shows on 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18 October. Tickets at trybooking. com/DNOIY

young age, focusing on singing through her teens. Despite nearly becoming a teacher like her parents, Moody went on to forge a glittering career in music, both with Juno-award winning band The Wailin’ Jennys and as a solo artist. She has collaborated, toured and recorded with Dire Straits frontman Mark Knopfler and won numerous awards in her own right. This October Moody comes to Geelong as part of her Wanderer Returns tour, bringing her luminous voice and intimate

form of musical storytelling to Church. “I’m so happy to be returning to Australia and bringing my beautiful trio with me,” she said. “We felt such a warm and genuine connection with audiences when we toured in 2025. “I’m really looking forward to playing songs from Wanderer as well as sharing some new music with audiences, revisiting some special places and creating new memories together.” Ruth Moody is at Church on Wednesday 14 October. Visit churchgeelong.com.au for tickets and more information.

Canadian folk musician Ruth Moody comes to Geelong this October. (Kaitlyn Raitz)

Melissa Musselwhite, Miriam Wood, Jocely Mackay, Bodil Wright, Carol Fogg and David Mackay in Oscar Wilde’s play A Woman of No Importance. (Supplied)

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A new page is turned By Matt Hewson Queenscliff rallied to help one its most-loved businesses move down the street in a show of true community spirit. More than 200 people gathered on Queenscliff’s Hesse Street last Thursday evening to help The Bookshop at Queenscliff owners Matt Davis and Jayne Tuttle shift their entire inventory of books 130 metres from number 84 to their new premises at number 58. The mass turnout came in response to a call from the owners, which they put out barely 24 hours earlier. Mr Davis said the public response was as incredible as it was unexpected. “This kind of thing has happened a few times with bookshops around the world, but

most recently Hill of Content did it in Melbourne earlier this year,” he said. “We saw them do that and we thought it was a lovely community event, and we knew we were going to move, so we earmarked that one. “But we weren’t quite sure when we could do it and how it would work logistically…but then Wednesday night it became clear that we could do it the following night. “So we put the call out quite late on Wednesday, thinking we might get 30 or 40 people at such short notice. But over 200 people turned up, it was amazing…beautiful community spirit, good vibes.” Mr Davis said the Queenscliff community had been hugely supportive since he and Ms Tuttle took over the business seven years ago.

“We started in October 2019, then five months later the global pandemic hit and we had to close our doors,” he said. “We loved the bookshop, but we didn’t really know how loved it was in the community. But in those first two lockdowns the local community decided that when it was all over they wanted to make sure the bookshop was still here. “So they bought a lot of books online and I would drive around with my mask on delivering books to peoples’ doorsteps. They really kept the light on, and we really felt that love and support. “We got to know them and they got to know us, and by the time things opened up again we’ survived it. It was a very difficult time for everyone, but in some ways it was the making of the bookshop…now it really

Booking it down the street. (Ivan Kemp) 579488 20

feels like home.” Mr Davis thanked the “incredibly generous and supportive” people of Queenscliff for “coming out on a chilly Thursday night to stand there and pass books” along the street. “We were so touched…we’ve always felt like the bookshop was owned by the community, and now it feels even more like that,” he said. “Their support and love is now in the bones of the new shop and we can really feel that.”

Stadium event for mental health month A community wellbeing event for World Mental Health Month is coming back to GMHBA Stadium for its third year. Serenity in the Stadium brings the community together on Sunday 11 October on the stadium turf for a morning of yoga, movement, mindfulness and connection, while raising funds and awareness for Read the Play and Active Geelong. Geelong Cats AFLW defender Claudia Gunjaca, Geelong United Basketball emerging young gun Meadow Chappell, Geelong Cricket Club fast bowler Meika King and Geelong Cou-

gars defender and midcourter Kiahna Fallon went to GMHBA Stadium to help promote the event. Now in its third year Read the Play general manager Michelle Gerdtz said having athletes from across Geelong’s sporting community involved reflected the strong links between sport, movement and wellbeing that sit at the heart of the event. “Sport has such a powerful role to play in bringing people together, and that’s exactly what Serenity in the Stadium is about,” she said. “Having some of Geelong’s local female

sporting stars involved shows just how connected our local elite clubs are to this event, and to the message that looking after your wellbeing matters.” Serenity in the Stadium began in 2024 with more than 250 participants, growing to more than 400 in 2025. The 2026 event is aiming for its biggest turnout yet, with a target of 800 participants, including a stronger focus on workplace teams, sporting clubs and the broader Geelong community. Serenity in the Stadium is on Sunday 11

Geelong Cats’ Claudia Gunjaca, Geelong United’s Meadow Chappell, Geelong Cricket Club’s Meika King and Geelong Cougars’ Kiahna Fallon at GMHBA Stadium for Serenity in the Stadium. (Pam Hutchinson Photography)

October from 9am. See serenityinthestadium. com.au for more information.

Coastal management officer Billy McNeill and Sophie Hayes at the new waterfront rakali sign, part of the Geelong Waterfront Safari for Nature Week. (Supplied)

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Explore the wonder of the natural world

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As spring thaws out our region, Geelong Nature Week returns this October with a series of events inviting residents and visitors alike to step outside and experience the spectacular biodiversity right on our doorstep. With events running from 10 to 24 October, Geelong Nature Week offers a full program of free and low-cost activities showcasing the region’s natural wonders. With a range of guided walks, tours and safaris, participants can explore the hidden ecosystem within the Geelong Waterfront, search for platypuses along the Barwon River, meet flying-foxes in Eastern Park or search for rare wildflowers in St Leonards. Hands-on workshops also give people the opportunity to design gardens that support local animal life, create wildlife-friendly Halloween decorations or swap their illegal fruit netting for legal netting that won’t harm birds, bats and other native animals. Mayor Stretch Kontelj encouraged every-

one to join in celebrating of Geelong’s rich biodiversity. “Nature Week is a great chance for people to get outside and enjoy the places that make Geelong such a special region,” he said. “These activities help us learn more about our local environment while having fun with family and friends. “I encourage everyone to take part in at least one event and reconnect with the wildlife on our doorstep.” Environment and Circular Economy portfolio chair Cr Elise Wilkinson said there were many opportunities to get involved. “Spring is the perfect time to explore our natural areas and Nature Week offers something for all ages,” she said. “This year’s program has a great range of activities – they help build a stronger connection to the environment we all share.” Visit geelong.link/natureweek for more information.

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Owners, Matt Davis and Jayne Tuttle before the start of passing the books (Ivan Kemp) 579488 03

Passing the book (Ivan Kemp) 579488 12

Passing the book (Ivan Kemp) 579488 18 Into the new bookshop (Ivan Kemp) 579488 32

Passing the book (Ivan Kemp) 579488 17

Passing the book (Ivan Kemp) 579488 10

Passing the book (Ivan Kemp) 579488 31

Passing the book (Ivan Kemp) 579488 25

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Many hands make light work The Bookshop at Queenscliff’s current proprietors Matt Davis and Jayne Tuttle were astounded when 200 locals braved the chilly coastal air last Thursday night to help them move their stock of books to the business’s new premises. Geelong Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there to capture the sense of community that evening.

Passing the book (Ivan Kemp) 579488 06

The volunteers in front of the old book shop (Ivan Kemp) 579488 04

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Passing the book (Ivan Kemp) 579488 07

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LOCATION \ 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218

By Cr Elise Wilkinson

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ENVIRONMENT

After attending the opening of lighting and amenity upgrades at Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve, one thing was clear to me. The future of sport on the Bellarine is looking bright. The opening celebrated a $1.16 million joint investment by the Australian government and the City of Greater Geelong, including four new LED towers to bring the reserve up to training standards and extend opportunities for training and competition into the evening. We’ve also upgraded the football and cricket changerooms for senior men, women and junior players, along with improved umpire amenities, creating more inclusive and accessible facilities for players and officials alike. Together, these upgrades mean local teams can fit in more training sessions and games, while the modern and inclusive changerooms make it easier for everyone to get involved in sport. Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve is an important asset for Ocean Grove Football Netball Club, Ocean Grove Cricket Club, Collendina Cricket Club and Ocean Grove Cobras Junior Football Club. These upgrades will make sure the reserve continues to support these clubs as they grow. This project was funded through an $800,000 federal investment and a $363,000 City Community Infrastructure Grant. It’s a great example of the impact of our Community Grants program, and I’m delighted to see local clubs making the most of the opportunities for funding.

Connewarre ward councillor Elise Wilkinson. (Supplied)

Each year, the grants support a range of grassroots initiatives from events and activities to infrastructure projects. I encourage all clubs, volunteers and community groups to be grant aware and explore the different types of funding available to them. Because the more people who know

about these opportunities, the more great outcomes we can achieve together. The upgrades at Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve are just one example of our commitment to ensuring community sporting facilities across Greater Geelong are modern, inclusive and accessible. Not only is this important for the physical benefits that come with playing sport, but also to provide safe spaces to connect, belong and build relationships. To keep this momentum going, we’re continuing to look forward at what projects come next. In the lead up to the state election, I’ll be advocating for our 2026 Priority Projects to attract the significant government investment needed to bring them to life. This includes major community infrastructure projects in Connewarre ward that will make a real difference to many residents. A redevelopment of Barwon Heads Village Park Pavilion would provide modern, inclusive facilities for local sporting clubs, helping more people participate and creating a stronger community hub. Similarly, a dedicated soccer precinct at Devlins Road Recreation Reserve would ease pressure on existing facilities and support the continued growth of local sport. We’re also advocating for a much-needed fenced dog park on the Bellarine Peninsula, providing a safe and welcoming space for people and their four-legged friends to connect, exercise and enjoy the outdoors. As the state election creeps closer, I will continue to call on candidates to support the investment required to meet the needs of our growing community.

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

Kevin’s spoonbill at Lake Lorne.

Simone’s sacred kingfisher at Darwin.

A magical time of the year for busy birds

I’ve seen a few birds around my house collecting nesting material, and the red-rumped parrots have been going in and out of the nesting box in my back yard. It certainly is a great time of year. I rode my bike from my house to the Aldi supermarket in Ocean Grove, and as I rode down Coastal Boulevard an Australian magpie swooped at me very aggressively. It was pecking at my bike helmet and luckily didn’t find the gaps in the helmet and peck my head. My neighbour David has been swooped by the same bird lately, so be careful when riding bikes near Aldi.

Last year I was swooped by a red wattlebird at the end of my street, and to my surprise I was riding in that area a few days ago and one swooped and chased me for about 50 metres. It’s great that the wattlebird has survived the year and is back nesting in the same place, but I hope it doesn’t get injured when chasing cyclists. One of the birds I’ve noticed collecting nesting material around my house has been a little raven. These birds construct a nest that consists of a thin cup of sticks with a layer of bark, grass and wool to create a thick mat. Both male and female birds of a pair build the nest, with the female taking over the lining of the nest while the male brings her the material. Up to six eggs are laid. The ravens that I saw were building the nest in a big gum tree outside my house, so hopefully I’ll be able to monitor the success or otherwise of nesting for the pair. I had a coffee with my friend Simone who was visiting from Darwin. She is heavily

10 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

involved in the Save Lee Point group there, as there is a housing project and many old trees are being cleared and replaced by houses. Simone spends every Sunday morning leading bird watchers around Lee Point and usually spots around 40 species in a few hours. The birds she sees are amazing - little kingfishers, black bitterns, Pacific Bazas, azure kingfishers and crimson finches to name a few. If anyone is interested in helping to save Lee Point, you can write to local Corio MP Richard Marles, as the housing project at Lee Point partially involves the construction of defence housing. I’ve visited Lee Point on many occasions and it’s a magical place for birdwatching. I received a lovely email from Kevin and Anne Maree, who visited Lake Lorne in Drysdale. They found a few royal spoonbills and hardheads but didn’t spot anything else out of the ordinary.

Simone’s Pacific Baza at Lee Point, Darwin, and below, rose-crowned fruit dove at Darwin.

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

FROM THE ARCHIVES

NEWS

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

9 years ago

6 years ago

3 years ago

2 years ago

27 September to 10 October, 2017

9 to 22 October, 2020

6 to 19 October, 2023

4 to 17 October, 2024

A retired Ocean Grove bishop has accused a local MP of barring him from grilling Immigration Minister Peter Dutton on Australia’s “secretive“ Border Protection policy. Former Anglican Bishop Peter Danaher joined about 50 people protesting outside an invitation only community meeting at Highton Bowls Club on Monday.

Local cafes and restaurants are urging the state government to increase dining capacity in regional Victoria. While there are no active COVID-19 cases in regional Victoria, including the Bellarine Peninsula, hospitality venues are feeling the pinch with heavy restrictions still in place.

Geelong council has announced construction on the Ocean Grove footpath project will begin in a matter of weeks. The ambitious project will include 24.3 kilometres of newly constructed pathways throughout the ‘old’ Ocean Grove and Collendina areas.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action began removing a washed up whale carcass from Thirteenth Beach yesterday (Thursday October 3). The 14 metre long, 16 tonne fin whale was found at the beach on September 12 and DEECA said last week that it intended to let the mammal decompose naturally, a process it said could take months.

Victorian Seniors Festival 1-31 October

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Just Better Care support worker Sager Shrestha. (Ivan Kemp) 402348_09

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Everyone is treated like family at Just Better Care, with friendly staff always on hand to help. The home care service offers something for everyone, helping people stay safe, happy, and independent at home for longer. Support worker Sager Shrestha said Just Better Care provides personalised support built around their clients. “It’s a good place to work as the staff and clients are like family, so I love working with them,” he said. “It’s important to look after the clients with kindness and respect, and our clients are among the loveliest people. “There’s not one specific aspect that I

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Call (03) 5222 1518 justbettercare.com/geelong mailge@justbettercare.com Friday, 2 October, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 11

Victorian Seniors Festival 1-31 October

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At The Breeze Point Lonsdale, retirement is seen as an opportunity to embrace a rewardingnew chapter. (Supplied) Homestyle Sea Views Manor in Ocean Grove is bringing a fresh new look while maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere. (Supplied)

A coastal paradise awaits October Seniors Month is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate older Australians, the contribution they make to our communities and the importance of staying connected, active and engaged throughout retirement. At The Breeze Point Lonsdale, retirement is seen as an opportunity to embrace a rewarding new chapter – one with more time to enjoy the things you love, build new friendships and make the most of every day. Designed for people looking to downsize without compromising on lifestyle, The Breeze combines premium homes with thoughtfully designed amenities and beautifully maintained surroundings. Residents can enjoy the independence of their own home while being part of a welcoming community where neighbours can become friends. For many people, retirement also provides the opportunity to spend less time maintaining a larger property and more time enjoying family, friends, hobbies, travel and

the relaxed coastal lifestyle Point Lonsdale has to offer. Behind The Breeze is a family-owned Australian group with more than 40 years of experience in retirement living and aged care. This experience brings stability, ongoing investment and an understanding of what matters to Australians as they grow older – quality, security, independence, connection and peace of mind. This Seniors Month, why not discover what life at The Breeze could look like for you? Come along to our Open Day on Thursday 29 October, from 11am to 2pm, and get a feel for our village. Explore the surroundings, discover the lifestyle on offer and experience the welcoming community for yourself. At The Breeze Point Lonsdale, downsizing isn’t about giving something up – it’s about creating more time and freedom to enjoy what matters most. Visit senciathebreeze.com.au to discover more.

New look for Sea Views Homestyle Sea Views Manor in Ocean Grove is entering an exciting new chapter, with major refurbishment works nearing completion. For almost two decades, the home has been a place where residents feel comfortable, supported, and proud to call home. The recent upgrades are bringing a fresh new look while maintaining the warm and welcoming atmosphere that has always been at the heart of Sea Views Manor. The refurbishment includes updated resident rooms and lounges, modernised dining areas, a refreshed library, and improved communal spaces. These enhancements have been designed to create comfortable, practical, and inviting environments for residents, families, and visitors to enjoy. The refreshed spaces provide residents with more opportunities to connect,

participate in activities, enjoy meals with friends and spend time with loved ones. Sea Views Manor has also expanded its services through a partnership with Concentric bringing a range of allied health and rehabilitation services directly into the home in a dedicated on-site gym. Residents can access physiotherapy, occupational therapy and exercise programs tailored to their individual needs and goals. As the project moves into its final stages, the transformation is breathing new life into the home while preserving the dignity, warmth, and sense of community that residents value. The refurbishment reflects Homestyle’s ongoing commitment to investing in its homes. While the surroundings may have a fresh new appearance, the focus remains unchanged: providing compassionate, high-quality care in a place resident are proud to call home.

Come to our Open Day! Thursday 29th October 11am to 2pm RSVP to concierge@sencia.com.au

The Breeze Retirement Living What you see is what you get. Our village offers a truly beautiful setting, characterised by open spaces, fresh coastal air, and the nearby presence of the ocean. The Breeze Retirement Village is nestled amongst Point Estate bordering beautiful waterways and a short distance from our wonderful beaches. It allows for us to preserve the close-knit, welcoming atmosphere that makes our community special. Whether you’re a local or considering a move to a coastal lifestyle, you’ll find a genuine sense of connection here. Enjoy the financial freedom to travel, explore, and truly enjoy your next chapter, knowing your home and community are taken care of. Forget extra gym memberships or entertainment fees. Stay active with our fully equipped gym, affordable group exercise classes, swimming pool, and bowling green. Or unwind in the private cinema, library, and cosy lounges all included in your new lifestyle. There’s nothing we love more than seeing our residents truly enjoy this next chapter—and it’s easy to see why. With pristine beaches, scenic coastal walking tracks, renowned wineries, and the very best of the Bellarine Peninsula right on your doorstep, life at The Breeze Point Lonsdale offers a relaxed, connected and enriching way of living.

Please email manager@sencia.com.au and/or call Kelly Hallinan on 0428 257 541 to book a tour 12 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

12857221-MS14-26

We currently have apartments and Villas for sale from $740,000

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Small Town Charm, Everyday Convenience

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Brand new chapter in coastal living at Thyme Ocean Grove For those looking to simplify life without giving up the things they enjoy, Thyme Ocean Grove offers a fresh take on over-50s living on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula. Set in one of the region’s most soughtafter coastal locations, the boutique community will comprise 205 homes, thoughtfully designed for comfort, quality and low-maintenance living. With Ocean Grove Beach, local cafes, shops, golf and bowls all within easy reach, homeowners can enjoy the relaxed pace of the coast while remaining less than 30 minutes from Geelong. Thyme Ocean Grove is designed around the idea that having less to maintain can create more time for the things that matter. Modern homes feature considered layouts and quality finishes, with a range of twoand three-bedroom designs available. Current homes start from $690,000, giving buyers the opportunity to find a design that suits the way they want to live. The location is a major part of the appeal. From beach walks and nearby nature reserves to the cafes, wineries and dining destinations of the Bellarine Peninsula, there is plenty to explore close to home while still enjoying the convenience of nearby everyday amenities. The community itself is also quickly taking shape. Construction is now underway on the future multimilliondollar Clubhouse, which is set to become the social and recreational heart of Thyme Ocean Grove. Planned facilities include an indoor pool and spa, gym, cinema, bowling green, pickleball courts, golf simulator, sports bar, community kitchen and spaces to gather with neighbours,

Thyme Ocean Grove offers a fresh take on over-50s living on the Bellarine. (Pictures: Supplied)

family and friends. For many buyers, the lifestyle extends well beyond the front door. Thyme Ocean Grove is pet-friendly and will offer secure gated entry, while its coastal setting makes it easy to enjoy beach walks, nature reserves and the Barwon River. Whether it’s keeping active, meeting new people or simply enjoying a quieter morning at home, the community is designed to give homeowners the freedom to choose how they spend their time. Thyme’s land lease model can also make downsizing simpler. Homeowners own their home and lease the land it sits

on, with no stamp duty, council rates, body corporate or strata fees, and no entry or exit fees. Eligible homeowners may also be able to access Commonwealth Rent Assistance towards the weekly site fee. Our new display village is now open, showcasing a stunning range of thoughtfully designed homes and giving you the opportunity to experience the quality, style and low-maintenance living on offer at Thyme Ocean Grove. Visit us at 15 Ocean Grand Drive, Ocean Grove, or contact the team on 1300 088 181 to arrange a tour and find the home that’s right for you.

Own your home, love your lifestyle. Over 50s Resort Living Benefits include: No stamp duty No entry or exit fees Keep 100% of any capital gain

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BOOK A TOUR Come and explore our new display homes. 1300 088 181 oceangrove@thyme.com.au oceangrove.thyme.com.au

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Friday, 2 October, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 13

KEEP IT LOCAL

Advertising feature

Tate Van Den Bosch with her son Bobby.

Jenna Graever with her son Travis.

School holiday shopping Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at The Terrace in Ocean Grove on Wednesday 30 September to see who was out shopping local during

Sue Wiffen.

the school holidays. Phoebe Wilson with her daughters Eliza and Nina.

Lulu, Ros and Tulip.

Adrian and Chelsea Alesi with their daughters Asha and Milla visiting from Morwell.

Heath Straughair and Shyla Marshall.

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14 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

Mandy Singleton.

Debra and John Singleton visiting from Perth.

DINING OUT

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Snap up a snapper

BAKED SNAPPER WITH LEMON AND HERBS

October is the start of snapper season and if

Ingredients 1 whole snapper (about 1.3kg), cleaned and scaled 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 lemons (one for juice, one sliced) 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or dill), chopped Salt and pepper to taste Optional: cherry tomatoes or olives for garnish

you or anyone you know comes back from the bay with a haul, here’s how you can put these tasty fish to good use in the kitchen.

Method Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 190°C. Prepare the snapper: Rinse the snapper under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Make three diagonal cuts on each side of the fish, about 2.5cm apart. Season the fish: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, minced garlic, juice of one lemon, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture all over the fish, including inside the cavity and into the cuts. Add herbs and lemon: Stuff the cavity of the fish with fresh herbs and some lemon slices. You can also place a few lemon slices on top of the fish. Bake: Place the fish on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or in a baking dish. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Serve: Carefully transfer the fish to a serving platter. Garnish with additional herbs, cherry tomatoes, or olives if desired. Serve with extra lemon wedges on the side. Tips: • You can add vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to the baking sheet for a complete meal. • Serve with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the juices. • Enjoy your flavourful baked snapper.

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Friday, 2 October, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 15

NEWS

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

Amanda and Aurara.

Marcell and her father Francois.

Marli gets busy.

Playing with paint School holidays were in full swing at Boronggook Drysdale Library on Tuesday 29 September with a Playing with Paint session and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went along to take these pictures. Lottie and Kip.

Avery is a picture of concentration.

Edie having fun working with paint.

16 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

Basile enjoyed the painting session.

Dong Dong gives Playing with Paint a go.

Ella is not afraid to get those hands dirty.

Bella gets creative.

PUZZLES

easy

8 3 2

1 4 7 8 6

7 3 8 8 5 7 2 6 3 1 8 2 7

4 5 2 4 7 6 9 4 4 5 3 medium

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

1 9

3 1 3 1 5 9 7 4 9 3 7

ACROSS

18 20 21 24 27 28 29 30

6 7 8 9 14 16 17 19 22 23 25 26

A 14

A 15

A 26

H 25

H 19

A 13

A 4

hard

19 8

16 3

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

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

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: 10 words: Good 15 words: Very good 21 words: Excellent

M A

No. 416 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.

25 26 28

No. 309

S A G A

ALIBI AORTA ARENA ARVOS AWING CLONE COOEE CRAFT DEARS DOONA EDITS ELUDE ERODE FACTS FARES FLUFF GRASS GREED GRITS GROWN GRUBS IGLOO

4 LETTERS DYED EDGE FART ICES PUTT SAGA SECT SHED STEP STOW TAGS TOSS WAGE WAIF 5 LETTERS ADAPT ALIAS

QUICK QUIZ

IMAGE IRATE LYMPH LYRIC NOSES OPIUM PEONY RESET REVEL ROUSE SAGES SALLY SCOFF SENSE SHRED SNEER SOAPS SPEAR STEWS TENDS TESTS THESE

TOMES TONAL USHER WEAVE

URANIUM USURPED VERSION

6 LETTERS CLASSY FIDGET GARGLE REPELS

8 LETTERS DEMUREST DETECTED HERRINGS RELEASES

7 LETTERS GULCHES ROOSTER SEAWEED

02-10-26

Mozart’s famous Eine kleine Nachtmusik translates to what in English?

Which famous Australian bush poet appears on the country’s $10 note?

In which US state is Yosemite National Park located?

For which film did the late Diane Keaton (pictured) win the Academy Award for best actress?

Which Swedish car manufacturer filed for bankruptcy in 2011?

Famous music producer Brian Eno was a member of which 1970s glam art rock band?

NOTE: more than one solution may be possible

R A S P S A L L O T K O A L A E N T E R D E E D S

amid, calm, claim, clam, coma, domical, holm, HOMICIDAL, idiom, loam, macho, maid, mail, mica, midi, milch, mild, milo, mocha, modal, moil

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

A E

N D

Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com

hard

9-LETTER WORD

medium

A H

easy

5x5

I E G Y V S U Q X J N A H

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

4 1

K Z O R C D L M P F T W B

6 5

3 LETTERS ADS AGO APT ATE BED BIG DOE DUG EGG END GET ICE NAG NAP NET OAF OFF OWL PEA PEP PIG ROE SHE WOO

A 16

A 24

WORDFIT

H 25

No. 341 A

Depression (coll) (4) Make reprisals (9) Roller (5) Any prominent feature in the terrain (8) Sloping type (7) Score (5) Major sale (9) Graceful bird (4) Multiply by four (9) Capital (9) Largest Jovian moon (8) One who seizes control or authority (7) Hawk (5) Grey (4) Improvise (2,3) Buddy (4)

1 2 3 4

DECODER 1

DOWN

Digital protection (8) Alfresco meal (6) Paris cathedral, – Dame (5) City north of Sydney (9) Downhill ski race (6) Not one nor the other (7) Dilemma (8) Towards the back of the boat (6) Approach (6) Extremely small piece (8) Echo (7) Annual (6) Biological chemical made by phosphorus (9) Parasite (5) Wide-spreading dominion (6) Word-for-word (8)

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No. 309

Which F. Scott Fitzgerald novel was first published in 1925?

How many edges does a cube have?

Which transparent material is made from melted sand, soda ash and limestone?

10 The Importance of Being Earnest and An Ideal Husband are works by which Irish playwright? ANSWERS: 1. A Little Night Music 2. California 3. Annie Hall 4. The Great Gatsby 5. 12 6. Glass 7. Banjo Paterson 8. Saab 9. Roxy Music 10. Oscar Wilde

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

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

No. 309

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

SUDOKU

Friday, 2 October, 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.

Commemorative event Ocean Grove Barwon Heads RSl sub-branch is recognising Australia’s contribution to the Middle East conflict, Ocean Grove Park cenotaph, Sunday 11 October, 12.30pm. Sausage sizzle and entertainment to follow. All veterans of the broader Middle East conflict, their families, all ADF Veterans and members of the community are invited.  RSVP: meao@oceangroversl.com.au

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

Bellarine Quilters 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.

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 3 October, 7.30-10.30pm, $10. Music: Ben. Sunday 4 October, $5, 2-4.30pm. Music: Puff. Bring a small plate to share for both.  0400 500 402

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

The Big Read Combined Probus Club of Clifton Springs/Drysdale Meets second Monday of the month, Drysdale Bowling Club, 10am. Everyone is welcomed.  Bev, 0493 011 986, bev97008@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carpet bowls 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

Springs TOWN Bellarine Women’s Workshop

Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month.  Margaret, 0431 636 090

Scottish country dancing classes

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove Ocean Grove Library

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chess clubs For chess fun simply come along and see yourself, play some chess, meet some members, with no obligation to join. We welcome players of all abilities. Ocean Grove, Tuesdays at 1.30pm at 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove; Portarlington,

18 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

Bellarine TOWN

Mainly Music

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

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

Mahjong Drysdale Day VIEW Supporting The Smith Family for fun and friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf

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

OCEANGROVEVOICE.COM.AU

COMMUNITY

Quinton Gleeson with his sons Monty and Rupert.

Lily Stainsby, Millie Lecchini and Ruby Rose.

Graham and Jane Smailes.

Grand final day Amy Hedley with her children Dulcie, Tallulah and baby Marlow and Luci Hall.

With temperatures in the mid-20s, Voice photographer Ivan Kemp took some time to take these pics at Grinter Reserve at the Bellarine Football Netball League grand finals on Saturday 19 September.

April Joseph was hoping for Queenscliff wins. Stacey Geelhoed with her son Charlie and sister Emily.

Fleur Stephen, Laura Ritchie, Sarah Flaherty and Remy Bennett were on the Grubbers train.

Ocean Grove footballers Noah Cunningham and Levi Norman and former Grubber and now Richmond defender Kye Annand (middle).

Georgia Smith, who played the D Grade premiership for Torquay, and Jess Eland.

Gavin Harrington with his children Penelope and Paddy.

Taylan Keating, Daisy Sheather and Asher Green.

Remy Olsen, Emily Dixon, Pippa Bullen and Kiara Berry were barracking for Ammos.

Friday, 2 October, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 19

SPORTS QUIZ 1. Melbourne United guard Cole Anthony was drafted by which team at the 2020 NBA draft? 2. Kalyn Ponga captains which NRL team?

3. The Dick Howser Trophy is awarded to the national US player of the year in which college sport?

10. Who won the 2026 Wooden Award, playing college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils?

4. Which Australian was voted to the AllTournament Second Team at the 2026 Women’s Basketball World Cup?

11. In what sport can you find the épée, foil and sabre? 12. Which country won the 2026 FIFA World Cup? 13. What sport is featured in the TV show Heated Rivalry?

5. John Doyle and Greig Pickhaver are better known as what comedy duo?

14. What is the most common horse breed found in horse racing?

6. Who won the 2025 Heisman Trophy, playing college football for the Indiana Hoosiers?

15. The 2026 Men’s Rugby League World Cup will feature how many teams? 16. Gary Ablett Jr. and Patrick Dangerfield jointly hold the record for the most career Brownlow Medal votes with how many: 159, 207 or 262?

7. What sport features in the 2000 film Air Bud: World Pup (also known as Air Bud 3)? 8. The 'Bo Knows' advertising campaign for Nike cross-training shoes featured which dual-sport athlete?

17. Perth Wildcats guard Brandon Knight was drafted by which team at the 2011 NBA draft? 18. How many goals did the Brisbane Lions kick in the final 30 seconds of their preliminary final against Hawthorn?

9. Which Brisbane Bronco has signed an ambassadorial deal with the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks?

Cole Anthony

HYROX race

19. And which two Hawthorn players were fined for abusing an umpire in the same match? 20. What is the name of the Hobart-based NBL team? 21. How many workout stations feature in a HYROX race? 22. What is the premier international team event in men’s tennis?

25. And what sport did this movie feature? 26. How many bases are there on a baseball field? 27. AFL player Ben King has announced his intention to play for what team in 2027? 28. How many teams has Latrell Mitchell played for during his NRL career?

23. And what is the women’s equivalent?

29. An Australian Indigenous team playing which sport toured England in 1868?

24. Which 2004 sports film directed by Clint Eastwood won the Academy Award for Best Picture?

30. Which retired NRL great recently announced a return to boxing with a November bout against Nelson Asofa-Solomona?

0210

1. Orlando Magic 2. Newcastle Knights 3. Baseball 4. Stephanie Talbot 5. Roy and HG 6. Fernando Mendoza 7. Soccer 8. Bo Jackson 9. Reece Walsh 10. Cameron Boozer 11. Fencing 12. Spain 13. Ice hockey 14. Thoroughbred 15. 10 16. 262 17. Detroit Pistons 18. Two 19. James Sicliy and Tom Barrass 20. Tasmania JackJumpers 21. Eight 22. The Davis Cup 23. The Billie Jean King Cup 24. Million Dollar Baby 25. Boxing 26. Four 27. Hawthorn Hawks 28. Two (Sydney Roosters and South Sydney Rabbithohs) 29. Cricket 30. Paul Gallen

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20 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

MOTOR

Potential to be a winner By Chris Riley, Marque Motoring How about that grille heh? It’s the GAC M8 (mate, get it?) and it shouts look at me! The vertically-ribbed grille brings sparks memories of the so-called ‘cow catchers’ they used to fit to trains. The idea was to lift and push obstacles out of the way rather than slice and dice them in the case of an unfortunate cow. Perhaps that’s GAC’s plan for the M8, billed as Australia’s only plug-in hybrid people mover – to push the competition out of the way? Those competitors include but are not limited to the Denza D9, Kia Carnival, Lexus LM and Zeekr 09. The Carnival has been around longer than any of them and pretty much owns this segment of the market. All of them come as hybrids, but not as a plug-in hybrid and that makes GAC believe the M8 has the potential to become a genuine automotive ‘disruptor’ – for business users and families alike. For those not familiar with the brand, the Chinese state-owned Guangzhou Automobile Group is the fifth largest auto maker in China, with 1.74 million sales last year.

Styling M8 seats seven in a 2+2+3 configuration that includes two separate captain’s style armchairs for the second row. It comes in two grades: Premium priced from $76,590, and Luxury from $83,590 – both figures before onroad costs. Okay, so the styling is a bit over the top. Well, quite a lot really, but it will appeal to some punters and there’s a growing demand for these flashy super wagons. Make no mistake, the M8 is a luxury vehicle, trimmed to a high standard in half-aniline leather, with 10-point air pump massage chairs, leg rests with four-way adjustment, heating and ventilation, personal USB charge ports and a 58-degree rear recline angle. Getting the picture? Those phones you see on the arms of the captain’s chairs aren’t really phones, but small individual control panels for making fine seat adjustments with a tap of a finger. The two armchairs are the highlight of the experience, deep and genuinely comfy, and had us contemplating pinching one for the loungeroom at home. The second and third rows feature the latest i-Size standard in child seat restraint compatibility whatever that is? There’s also ‘draft free’ air-conditioning, ensuring the cabin temperature is kept where you want it, without blowing air directly on any passengers. Further enhancing the ambience are 10 different sorts of noise-reduction to keep things library-quiet. They include 108 sound-insulation panels, acoustic soundproof glass and 20 cavity partitions that block wind noise transmission and noise cancelling technology that actively reduces interior noise by 4dB. They reckon 30 rounds of optimisation were conducted to ?nalise the design of the A-pillars and side mirrors, a prime source cabin noise. Storage, important when you’re catering to needs of seven people, sees 15 hooks, 15 storage boxes and 14 cup holders scattered throughout the cabin, with privacy screens and drop-down tray tables for second row passengers. The lower console tray is expansive. The short but deep boot offers 280 litres of capacity with all seats in use, expanding to 1500 litres with the third row tumbled (they don’t pack flat). It sounds more like the level of engineering that goes into building a

real adults and quite comfortable into the Looks: 7.5 bargain, not so much Performance: 7.5 for three but two occupants is fine. Safety: 6 Of note, although Thirst: 7.5 one of the sliders Practicality: 8 remained open, the car allowed us to move off Comfort: 8 without any warning. Tech: 7 The engine both Value: 8 powers the battery and drives the front wheels Overall: 7.4 as required. With no charge however performance will take a big dent. The dash from 0-100km/h takes 8.8 seconds while claimed fuel consumption is 6.1L/100km in hybrid mode. Combined range is 1032km, while all-electric range is 106km. The battery can be charged at a rate of up to 6.6kW AC or 35kW using a fast DC charger, the latter providing a zero to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes. For a people mover, performance is surprisingly strong. Fun, even. It accelerates sharply and smoothly, with an emphasis on smoothly – thanks to the lift from the electric motors. Lexus watch out. But, frustratingly, there is some initial hesitation and rather than put the boot in, some experimentation revealed a quicker response with a lighter foot. Pushing hard through corners, not that you’d do that with the fam aboard, it remains reasonably flat and controlled thanks to a low centre of gravity. Only accelerating hard out of a second gear left-hander did the rear wheels begin to show some movement – remember it is front-wheel drive after all. There’s a lot to like about this car. The glittering gearshift with its round faceted piece of plastic adornment threw us a couple of curve balls too. Said jewel rotates and on more than one occasion swiping at the shift resulted in our hand sliding across its surface and off again. You also need to watch out when switching quickly between forward and reverse during three-point turns, because sometimes it did not produce the desired result – instead the car continued to move backwards instead of forward. Whoops! Mind you it has 12 – yes, count them 12 – parking sensors as well as automatic parking and rear auto braking, so the chances of actually hitting something are slim. Riding on 18-inch aluminium wheels with 225/60 profile Michelin e-Primacy tyres, electromagnetic dampers smooth out the bumps. While adaptive dynamic control adjusts throttle sensitivity to limit both lateral and vertical movement during turns and varying speeds, keeping the vehicle balanced and composed. A word of warning because the front apron is very low and you should keep this in mind at all times when approaching dips and driveways and so forth. We were getting 6.3L/100km and 3.4 kWh/100km after close to 400km of mixed driving. RATINGS

No car is perfect but the M8 has got the potential to be a real winner for GAC. (Pictures: Supplied)

Bentley rather than a modest $80K Chinese people mover. M8 is covered by a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with another eightyear/200,000km coverage for the high voltage battery. Customers will also beneit from five-year complimentary roadside assistance.

control with stop-go, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, rear car approach warning, door open warning and emergency lane-keeping. Head-up display, however, is missing and that is out of step with the rest of the car.

Engines/transmissions Infotainment We were expecting a large-to-very-large, free-standing touchscreen, but instead it’s a modest, 10.1-inch screen that is inset in the dash like they all used to be once upon a time. It looks larger than it actually is because it blends with its piano black surrounds, with touch sensitive controls either side for volume and fan speed. The graphics are bright and clear with rich colours. There’s AM and FM radio and support for Bluetooth audio streaming, as well as wireless CarPlay and Android Auto. But surprisingly there’s no digital radio and no satellite navigation, although these days we tend to head straight for Android Auto (maybe it’s changing cars all the time). Sound comes from a premium eight-speaker Yamaha audio system which does a credible job. The sound is very clean but there does not appear to be any way to add bass or treble. A quick audit revealed a single wireless phone charger in front and a mix of eight USB A + C ports, along with 12-volt and 240-volt outlets.

Safety M8 has not been tested for safety by ANCAP but boasts an extensive list of active and passive safety systems, with seven airbags including an industry leading 3.2m side curtain airbag plus unique rear window airbag to protect occupants in a rear-ender. There’s a 360-degree camera, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, together with a pair of electric motors and 26 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Combined output is 274kW of power and 630Nm of torque, with drive to the front wheels through a dedicated, two-speed hybrid transmission.

Driving M8 is a large vehicle and it needs to be, to accommodate seven people, at more than 5.2 metres in length, with a 3070mm wheelbase. The boxy design with the wheels pushed out to the four corners is more practical than it looks because it maximises the amount of interior space available. Sitting lower to the ground a people mover is much easier to get in and out of and more comfortable to travel in than an SUV. Dressed in black our test vehicle looks ready for its next shift as a hire car or corporate shuttle, but the opulence appears to have its limitations. That black by the way is a $1200 option (white is free). A detailed examination revealed an unexpected amount of generic plastic, but not where you can see it and this certainly increases the closer you get to the back. By the time you reach the boot, it looks and feels just like any car. The sliding, electric side doors could be a bit slow for some people and access to the all-important third row is a squeeze between the two middle seats. But it’s worth the visit because they’re actually large enough to accommodate

Summing up Wow. No car is perfect but the M8 has got the potential to be a real winner for GAC. Not only does it look and feel a million bucks, but performs way better than you might expect. It’s comfy, nice to drive with strong performance and the ride quality is good even on secondary roads – and it doesn’t use much fuel. For long distance jumps it could be just the ticket.

Friday, 2 October, 2026 OCEAN GROVE VOICE 21

SPORT

Recruits offset losses By Justin Flynn Ocean Grove heads into the new cricket season full of confidence after a solid off-season recruiting campaign. The Grubbers will be without all-rounder Connor Weidemann with a season-ending back injury while English quick Zac Jones won’t be Down Under for his third BPCA stint and crafty bowler Baljinder Singh Brar has returned to Melbourne. Paddy McKenna is back for his second stint at Ray Menzies Oval after three seasons with Newtown & Chilwell and said he is ready to knuckle down at the crease in his new role as coach. McKenna had two seasons in the BPCA in 2020/21 and 2021/22 where he made a combined 535 runs at 23.26. It’s fair to say that a player of McKenna’s calibre was expecting a better return. In his return season at the Two Blues, McKenna smacked two centuries and in four seasons, compiled 1631 runs to form a formidable opening partnership with Dylan Hodge in GCA1. “I’m going to try my best to be a bit more patient,” he said. “I think when I last played in the BPCA, probably coming off better standard cricket, every time I was facing a bowler, they

Paddy McKenna late cuts during a masterful 115 not out for Newtown & Chilwell in 2023/24. (Ivan Kemp)

didn’t have the pace of people I was used to facing. “So I went in a little bit too confident, I guess you could say, and didn’t have a good

enough price for my wicket. So I’m certainly going to try and be a little bit more patient and pick and choose the balls I get after. “It’s probably easier said than done, but

at the same time, I always like to progress the game forward and don’t like to get bogged down too much. “We will have to see how that goes. I think it’s just trying to maintain a healthy respect for your opposition.” Ocean Grove has also landed St Joseph’s star Ryan Simmonds, who is coming off a 22-wicket (at 15.68) and 209-run (at 26.13) season at GCA1 level. English import Ben Balmforth joins the club from Golcar in the strong Huddersfield League and is a fast bowler and more than handy batter. Weather permitting, Ocean Grove hosts St Leonards in round 1 on Saturday 3 October with A2 Grade containing seven sides after Surf Coast joined the GCA. McKenna said he and captain Fletcher Long will look at changing the batting order up at different stages this season. “As the year progresses, we’ll definitely chop and change our batting order a little bit just to ensure guys get an opportunity to show their skills and remain in touch as well,” he said. “So that’s certainly something we’re going to try and adopt a bit more, really mix the top eight around, just so we’re not caught out with guys having not batted for a while when situations arise.”

Tight comp in Tuesday Women’s Section 3 By Donna Schoenmaekers It was a week that offered potential to a number of teams in Tuesday Women’s Section 3 Pennant. Going into Round 10 only 10 points separated third from eighth, but the weather had other ideas, spoiling what could have delivered so much more. Mount Moriac was sitting in fifth only three-and-a-half points behind Clifton Springs in third and the match started under threatening skies, but play only lasted minutes before a downpour ruined the game. Ladder leaders Moolap were looking for a good effort against sixth placed Drysdale after they went down by two games in their first match. Things were neck and neck again this time around with Moolap starting strong with Erica Sutherland and Hazel Ashton winning 6-2 and Shirley Paterson teaming with Rita Nelis for a 6-4 win in the first sets. But Drysdale mounted a comeback with Megan Koolen and Deb Peacock won the third 6-0 while Mandy McFarlane and Lynda Smith battled to a tie-break win. Only one game separated the teams at the start of the remaining sets and at 2-all and 4-2 when the heavens opened, the teams were deadlocked and split the points when play was abandoned. Second placed Anglesea travelled to Eastern Districts hoping to repeat their success against the eighth placed team and close the gap on Moolap, but the team from the eastern suburbs had other ideas. Both sides started well with Madison Gioffre and Delwyn Foster scoring a 6-4 win for Districts while Lynn Lockett and Valerie Love countered 6-3 for Anglesea. Gioffre backed up in the next with Debbie Irwin in a 7-5 battle while Foster had an easier time with Kristy Axelrad 6-1. Gioffre took her third set for the day teaming with Axelrad to win the fifth 6-3 to give Districts the win 4-2 and inching closer to seventh. The final match of the day also managed to finish before the rain came. It was 4th vs 7th with Ocean Grove hosting Highton, but only six points separated the teams and Ocean Grove were narrow victors in their 22 OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 2 October, 2026

Drysdale’s Mary Cockett and Jack and Chelsea Williams from Queenscliff with the Interstate Shield. (supplied)

Local trio excels at interstate shield

Tuesday Women’s Section 3: (back) Wendy Bell, Shirley Patterson, Hazel Ashton, Rita Nelis, Erica Sutherland (Moolap), (front) Mandy McFarlane, Megan Koolen, Lynda Smith, Deb Peacock (Drysdale).

The match between Mount Moriac and Clifton Springs was abandoned because of rain, but that didn’t stop the two teams from enjoying each other’s company and some cake.

previous encounter. Pauline Edmunds and Liz Worpel did it tough in the first set for Highton, scraping

over the line in a tie-break while Leanne Baxter and Louise Mayall took a win 7-5. Katie Hayes and Kelly Abfalter got Ocean Grove on the board with a 7-5 win in the third, but Worpel and Mayall countered with the most convincing win of the day, 6-1, in the fourth. There were two more marathons in the final sets with Hayes and Jacqueline Moore getting the fifth 6-4 and Abfalter and Jan Fordyce getting up in another tie-break, but the day went to Highton by three games with 67 games played for the day. While the ladder positions remained unchanged after round 10, there is not much separating third from seventh, and only 19 points between the top and bottom of the ladder.

Three Bellarine Peninsula croquet players played their part in a memorable Victorian victory at the 2026 Interstate Shield. Drysdale Croquet Club’s Mary Cockett, together with Queenscliff’s Chelsea Williams and Jack Williams were selected to represent Victoria at the Golf Croquet Interstate Shield at Victorian Croquet Centre, Cairnlea, from 9 to 13 September. Each state team comprised five women and five men, with players required to progress through a rigorous nine-month selection process to earn their place. Across the tournament there were 15 tests, 600 games and an extraordinary 6476 hoops played. Victoria produced a superb performance, winning all five of its tests to take the Interstate Shield. For Cockett and the Williams, representing Victoria on home soil provided an opportunity to compete at the highest level of golf croquet while also putting the Geelong region’s croquet prowess firmly on the national stage. Just how close the competition was became apparent in the final standings with Queensland scoring the last hoop of the tournament. That single hoop proved significant, separating fourth and sixth places. Victoria’s victory was particularly notable as it marked the state’s 10th Interstate Shield title and made the Vics the first team to win the shield after finishing last the previous year.

SPORT

Charlotte Gumley accepts a pass inside of the circle.

The premiership team celebrates with the cup. 579059

Tayla Arnold wins this contest.

Grubbers clean sweep Ocean Grove had four teams competing in Bellarine Netball League grand finals on Saturday 19 September. They won them all with A Grade, C Grade, and both 13 & Under teams winning. Voice

photographer Ivan Kemp caught some of the C Grade action between the Grubbers and Portarlington at Grinter Reserve. The match went into extra time and was an absolute thriller.

Innika Hall passes down the court. Monet New gets airborne.

Marlee Hildebrand-Bull throws a long pass.

Charlotte Gould wins possession under the net. Elyse Howard takes possession.

Winner of the best on court medal, Sarah Perrott intercepts a pass meant for Charlotte Gumley.

Amelia Cunningham at full stretch.

Alisha Habib runs down the court.

Shereen Wolfe and Amelia Hallam celebrate with the premiership cup.

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Ned Turner kicks on the run. Nathan Mifsud chips a pass.

Billy Henderson looks downfield as he finds space.

Tynan Smith kicks before being tackled.

Max Annandale takes a strong mark. 579057

James Darke looks for a handball option.

Lachie Kidd finds a heap of space.

Jake Hedley kicks one of his three goals.

Max Waight clears for the Coutas.

Queenscliff flag glory Queenscliff was celebrating on Saturday 19 September when the seniors and reserves footy sides and the B Grade netball team won premierships. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at Newcomb’s Grinter Reserve to capture these pictures of the seniors footy win against Torquay.

Joseph Cincotta looks down field.

Jaydo Wright eludes a tackle from Lucas Anderson.

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Ben McNamara looks to clear the ball from deep in defence.

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Byron Hansford races forward for Ocean Grove.

Nash Perus marks at half-forward.

Judged best on ground, Will Bennett looks downfield as he takes possession.

Zach Casamento marks at the back of the pack.

Angus Hecht dives over Lenny Honner to take possession.

William Hibble and Joey Davidson compete for the ball.

Max Saltalamacchia finds space through the centre.

Alexander Morgan marks in the last line of defence.

Zach McGregor stretches to take a mark.

Jonathon Punchard is tackled by Tom Stuchbery.

Towners too good, but Grove brave in defeat on big stage Ocean Grove had a real crack, but Newtown & Chilwell was too good in the Under 18 Division 1 grand final at GMHBA Stadium on Friday 25 September. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp took these photos as the Eagles prevailed by 39 points. Jonathon Punchard tackles Sam Leishman.

Bohdi Hateley and Lachlan Hart compete in the ruck.

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Bridgette Vos scored 14 goals for the Grubbers.

Mel Holmes congratulates Zanna Punshon on a great game. 579056

Isabella Baker at full stretch.

Zanna Punshon takes possession under the basket.

Geelong Amateur coach Kaitlyn Sheringham looks for a passing option.

Courtney Coutts passes out of defence.

Georgia Duncan throws a high pass.

Amy Kennedy was judged best on court.

Georgia Ryan passes to Zanna Punshon.

Amanda O’Malley grabs a timely rebound as Ammos closed the gap in the last quarter.

Grove defies the odds again In a remarkable game of netball, Ocean Grove defied the odds yet again to defeat Geelong Amateur in the A Grade grand final by one goal at Grinter Reserve on Saturday 19 September and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp caught some of the action. Bec Winch scores one of her 24 goals.

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Keisha Guilmartin knocks the ball away from Zanna Punshon.

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2026 premiers Queenscliff. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 579057

It’s Couta time By Justin Flynn

Co-captains Georgia Ryan and Zanna Punshon and coach Mel Holmes get ready to celebrate. (Justin Flynn)

Unbreakable Grove etched into history By Justin Flynn The Grubbers have done it again. For the second year in a row they have snatched a remarkable premiership against an unbeaten Geelong Amateur by one goal in a thriller at Grinter Reserve. Ocean Grove has now won four A Grade flags in a row, all against Ammos. When asked how she felt after the game, coach Mel Holmes summed it up in one word - “relief”. “This year has been one of those years,” she said. “It hasn’t come easy for us, and we’ve had to work. I think for me what I’m most proud of is the way we have built the culture of the group. “That doesn’t just happen by accident. We’re not necessarily always going to be the best team. They (Geelong Amateur) are on paper, but we did it for each other, and I think that really shows.” It was a pulsating game from the opening pass. Ammos started strongly and their manic pressure was causing the Grubbers all sorts of problems in getting the ball out of their defensive zone. Ammos scored the first five goals of the game and looked every bit the undefeated minor premiers they were. But Grove was able to steady and with pocket rocket Amy Kennedy zipping around the court at wing attack, was able to get back into the game after a nervous start. With nine minutes gone and the score at 2-7, Ocean Grove flipped the contest around and piled on eight unanswered goals to lead by three. Zanna Punshon and Bridgette Vos couldn’t miss and the Grubbers led 13-10 at the break. Grove ran out the second quarter strongly and despite being rank underdogs, took an eight-goal lead into half-time. The question was when Ammos would

Ocean Grove 2026 premiers. (Justin Flynn)

Pocket rocket Amy Kennedy was judged best on court for Ocean Grove. (Ivan Kemp) 579056 10

hit back, not if. That would come later. The opening two scores of the third term went the way of Grove and suddenly the margin was 10. But in 26-degree warmth, Ammos hit back to trail by six with 15 minutes of netball remaining for the season. Ocean Grove was tiring and fading fast, but kept a four- to five-goal buffer. The margin remained at five with two and a half minutes on the clock, and it was then that Ammos made their move. Sensing it was all or nothing now, they ran all over an exhausted Grove and bagged the next four goals. Isabella Baker, who was one of the catalysts of Ammos’ comeback after going to goal attack, had the chance to tie the scores. She missed and Amanda O’Malley pounced to regain possession. A series of nervous passes in the defensive half milked enough time off the clock and the buzzer sounded to signal a fourpeat. “I honestly can’t believe we just did it again,” co-captain Zanna Punshon said. “Ecstatic. We know that they (Geelong Amateur) are so tough every year, but I think it just shows how much belief we’ve got in our group that we know how strong they are and it comes to grand final day and we just put all those feelings aside.” Punshon’s co-skipper Georgia Ryan told the Voice during the week that her group embraced this time of year and she echoed

it post-game. “I think I said that to you the other day, we love this time of year,” the star centre said. “We love getting around each other. We really play for each other, and at the end of the day, I think that’s what showed in our performance.” Amy Kennedy was judged best on court and the bubbly wing attack was almost in disbelief after the presentations. “I’m so excited for the girls,” she said. “It got down to the wire didn’t it? I just wanted that buzzer to go. “I only came into the side halfway through the season, and we just kept building and building, and then I thought, ‘oh, we’ve got a really good shot at this’. “Obviously we played every final, which worked in our favour, I think. We just kept building each game, better and better and figuring out what we needed to work on. “We really put it together at the perfect time.” Of course there is always one bad-luck story associated with a grand final. Perri Jones had played every game this season for Ocean Grove, but injured her calf in the preliminary final, ruling her out for the decider. You would not have known the bitter sweet emotions she might have been feeling, with the midcourter beaming after the match and knowing she was just as part of the win as anyone.

Queenscliff recovered from a second semi-final drubbing at the hands of Torquay to reverse the result when it mattered most. Other than when Torquay booted the opening goal of the game, the Coutas never really looked threatened on their way to a 51-point win in the grand final at Grinter Reserve on Saturday 19 September. Queenscliff made it a double celebration with its reserves side claiming the premiership courtesy of a 27-point triumph against Modewarre. In front of a massive crowd, veteran Jake Hedley booted three goals in his third senior outing for the season and is now a four-time premiership player. Captain Caleb Whiteley won the Josh Finch Medal for best on ground and was simply magnificent in defence, collecting 26 touches and taking timely intercept marks. Coach Heath Jamieson told K rock Football after the game that someone had mentioned it was a David (Queenscliff ) vs Goliath (Torquay) battle. “Not for one second did I think we were David,” he said. “We were Goliath all week.” Jamieson also told the K rock Football broadcast that the support of the entire town hadn’t gone unnoticed. “The support today was just enormous and the boys love it, they thrive off it,” he said. “We had the whole town behind us. We had reserves and seniors on the biggest stage. The B Grade netball have come from an elimination final to win the flag. Absolute huge effort.” There was never any doubt that Jake Hedley could play. He had played in three flags in a row for Queenscliff in 2011, 2012 and 2013, but the veteran stepped up come finals time. After booting two goals in the ones in the opening round, Hedley kicked 63 majors in the reserves before coming back into the senior side for the preliminary final to snag three against Geelong Amateur. In the grand final, Hedley kicked another three to be the Coutas’ top goal scorer and is now a four-time premiership player. Izaac Grant returned from a groin strain that threatened to keep him out of the game and booted two goals as did Che Durran and Max Waight. For Torquay, Tynan Smith kicked four majors and couldn’t have done much more to get his side back into the contest while Matt Boag was superb in the midfield as usual. It was Queenscliff’s first senior premiership since 2013 and the celebrations in the Borough went long into the night and carried on for the next few days.

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