January 16, 2026
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(Ivan Kemp) 527925_09
After enduring blazingly hot days last Wednesday and Friday, Greater Geelong has had a cool week. Temperatures have struggled to get much past 20 degrees, but there’s good news - some middle ground is on the horizon, which will make things much more comfortable. The BOM has predicted temps to hover in the mid- to high-20s for its seven-day forecast with 25 degrees tomorrow (Saturday) and a maximum of 28 for the following three days before dropping back slightly to 25 on Wednesday. Nighttime minimum temps are expected to be a relatively comfortable mid-teens. Apart from the odd light shower here and there, the forecast is looking very dry as well. Pictured are Anna Ian and Veronika Ostafichuk admiring the bollards at Geelong’s waterfront on Tuesday 13 January. See page 21 for more Ivan Kemp pictures of people enjoying our city
It’s not over yet By Jena Carr Geelong and Bellarine emergency services are preparing for another band of warm weather following recent statewide fire outbreaks. It has been a busy week for the region’s firefighters after extremely hot and windy conditions on 9 January resulted in fires breaking out across the state. On top of battling fires in Leopold, Avalon, Meredith and Bamganie, many of Geelong’s firefighters were deployed to fires in locations such as Carlisle River, Mount Mercer and Tallangatta. CFA District 7 commander Gavin Fitzgerald said the Mount Mercer fire,
which was officially contained and brought under control on 13 January, ended up being 2245 hectares in size. “In Mount Mercer, we were dealing with eight to ten kilometre forward rate spread in the fire and up to four or five metre flame heights,” he said. “To put it in perspective, eight to 10 kilometres an hour means that it’s going 800 metres to a kilometre in six minutes, which is a very fast grass fire. “It was driven in the south-easterly direction, but then we had a wind change at approximately 4 pm, which pushed the fire northeast towards Meredith Township.” Mr Fitzgerald said the CFA was currently in “recovery mode” to allow its members to
rest, but warned the community that the fire danger period was not over yet. “We’re in a period now where things have calmed down and, while we’re still sending people away, it’s an opportunity to take a step back and manage our fatigue,” he said. “Just be mindful that it’s not over; it’s going to be a long summer, and we’ve still got some extreme weather coming. “We’re starting to plan for and gear up for another extreme band of weather, which is pushing hot wind from Western Australia down into South Australia and Victoria next week. “We’ll have temperatures in the mid-30s again...and there’s a level of concern about
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the fires that aren’t contained, and the fact that those fires would grow or spread is a real possibility.” Premier Jacinta Allan announced on 13 January a new $15 million recovery package to help keep communities safe and support residents during the clean-up process following the fires. “These fires have devastated communities right across Victoria,” she said. “That’s why we’re stepping in with more support to make recovery just that little bit easier for people who have lost so much.” The Emergency Recovery Hotline is available to help people navigate the fire recovery process on 1800 560 760.
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Tackling illegal dumping The state government has launched a new program to help councils and other organisations deal with illegal dumping. Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos’ announced last week that applications are opening for the $8.5 million Illegal Dumping Clean-up Rebate Program. Illegal dumping in the region has been on the rise for some years now, particularly in northern areas of Geelong. The new program will cover up to 50 per
cent of clean-up costs where councils and land managers have been unable to trace offenders and recover costs. “We’re backing public land managers with the support they need to clean up illegally dumped waste,” Mr Dimopoulos said. “Too often councils and public land managers are left with a costly mess to clean up from the actions of wrong-doers. This rebate scheme provides support to help cover these costs and keep our suburbs and towns clean.”
In 2022, City of Greater Geelong (CoGG) installed a semi-autonomous system outside a Salvation Army store in North Geelong after a spate of illegal dumping at the site, also increasing patrols. Last year CoGG’s Troy Edwards, then-acting chief executive, said illegal dumping cost the City approximately $1 million per year and was “a growing concern for the region”. “Geelong’s north is not a dumping ground, but lately we’ve seen some illegal dumping
around Lara and Avalon,” Member for Lara Ella George said. “This funding will help local councils, like the City of Greater Geelong, to clean up illegal dumping when it occurs.” To report illegal dumping contact the EPA on 1300 372 842. Visit environment.vic.gov. au/grants/illegal-dumping-clean-up-rebate to find out more about the Illegal Dumping Clean-Up Rebate Program.
Double the celebrations for Barwon Heads at Village Park By Justin Flynn Indigenous-themed playing apparel is common for winter sports, but not so much during summer, although that is about to change. Barwon Heads Cricket Club A Grade players are set to don a specially designed playing shirt that highlights the town’s rich First Nations culture on Saturday. The idea came from player and vice-president Ande Santilli, who teaches at Surfside Primary School, and it seemed logical to get in touch with two former students to help. Sisters Jess and Kasey Tattersall are talented artists and proud Wollithiga women from Yorta Yorta Country in Northern Victoria and have lived on Wadawurrung land all their lives. They formed SistaStudios and when Ande decided to bring the Indigenous-theme to life, he reached out. The result is a stunning playing kit that reflects the region’s Indigenous history while the pink is for the club’s Pink Stumps Ladies Day, which will raise money for the McGrath Foundation. “I had a meeting with Ande and (club coach) Dan (Donaldson) and they wanted
Kasey Tattersall, vice-president Ande Santilli, coach Dan Donaldson and Jess Tattersall are ready for Barwon Heads Cricket Club’s Pink Stumps day and are wearing specially designed indigenous-themed playing shirts. (Ivan Kemp) 528262_02
the design to represent Barwon Heads, the community,” Jess said. “Obviously, players come from all over the place to play for Barwon Heads, so that’s represented in the artwork as well and it’s for women’s round so the jersey is
pink with the Barwon Heads blue. “There’s water in Barwon Heads, the river, the beaches, so that’s represented. There’s meeting places which represent people coming together, gathering people, the symbols around the artwork, rep-
resenting the players, the community.” Ande said he toyed with the idea while asking himself what can the club do to have more representation. “We don’t have a lot of First Nations players, we have in the past, but I think it’s one thing to say you’re an inclusive club, but to actually walk the walk is more what I’m about,” he said. “When I reached out to Jess, I really wanted the top to represent Barwon Heads’ natural history as well as modern and ancient history. I think the girls have done an amazing job.” The Ladies Day, from 1pm at Village Park pavilion on Saturday January 17, promises to be a lot of fun. Entry is by gold coin and it is open to all. It will feature drinks, high tea, raffles and McGrath Foundation nurse Sue Bowles will speak. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink. See the club’s Facebook and Instagram pages for more information. Barwon Heads takes on Drysdale in its pink Indigenous shirts at RT Fuller Oval from 1pm. Community Bank Barwon Heads and Community Bank Bellarine (Drysdale) are donating $500 each to the winning team to go to their chosen charity.
Four new Geelong kindergartens to start term one Four new kindergartens will open their doors across Greater Geelong for Term 1 of the new school year. Parents can now submit expressions of interests for Grovedale’s Marshalltown Road Kindergarten, Belmont’s Oberon Kindergarten, and Armstrong Creek’s Biyala Primary School Kindergarten and Biyala Community Hub Kindergarten. KU Children’s Services will operate the two Armstrong Creek kindergartens, while Gowrie Victoria will deliver services at the
Grovedale and Belmont locations. “We’re thrilled to bring KU’s high-quality early childhood education to Armstrong Creek in partnership with the Biyala Primary School Kindergarten and Biyala Community Hub,” KU Children’s Services chief executive Christine Legg said. “We look forward to building strong, lasting relationships with the children, families, and community in Geelong,” Gowrie Victoria chief executive Karen Weston said.
Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said he encouraged families to “quickly register their interest to secure their child’s spot”. “Well done to KU Children’s Services and Gowrie Victoria for being selected to run these four kindergartens,” he said. “We’re proud to partner with KU Children’s Services and Gowrie Victoria to deliver more conveniently located kindergarten options for our growing population. “Both are known as leading not-for-
profit early learning providers and are well placed to deliver high-quality, play-based early learning in line with the state’s Best Start, Best Life reforms.” Expressions of interest can be submitted to ku.com.au/childcare-centres/geelong/biyala-community-armstrong-creek for the Armstrong Creek kindergartens or at geelong.link/KindergartenRegistrations for the Grovedale and Belmont locations.
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Highton roundabout upgrade The roundabout at Highton’s Mt Pleasant Road and North Valley Road is about to undergo a safety upgrade to install raised pedestrian crossings on all four approaches. The raised crossings, which are funded through the federal government’s Black Spot Program, are hoped to improve pedestrian access and connectivity, improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists, slow vehicle speeds and increase driver awareness.
The project received $495,000 from the government. As part of the works, the speed limit will be reduced to 50km/h to further improve safety and reduce crash risk. Construction commenced on 13 January and is expected to be finished by the end of February. Traffic management and signage will be in place to assist road users. Black Spot projects aim to reduce serious injuries and fatalities at locations with
a history of accidents. City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said improving safety for road users and pedestrians remains a key focus for council. “Improving safety at busy intersections like this one is important for our community and always a council priority,” he said. “This upgrade will make it easier and safer for people to move around Highton, whether they’re walking, driving or cycling.”
Deputy mayor and Barrabool Hills Ward councillor Ron Nelson acknowledged the temporary inconvenience caused by the works. “We know roadworks are inconvenient, so we really want to thank the Highton community and surrounding neighbourhoods for their understanding and patience,” he said. “We suggest allowing extra travel time or considering different routes while we deliver this essential upgrade.”
Discover your next adventure at Geelong Travel Expo Geelong Travel’s highly anticipated Travel & Cruise World Expo returns with a jam packed day of information for travel enthusiasts. The event promises a day packed with holiday inspiration, exclusive travel deals, expert advice and free entry. With more than 25 engaging travel presentations covering everything from luxury ocean and river cruises to outback Australian adventures, the Expo is your one-stop destination for planning your next journey. It’s also a unique opportunity to meet representatives from the world’s leading travel companies, ready to help you design your dream itinerary and secure exclusive offers. Founder and managing director of the family-owned Geelong Travel Stuart Coffield said the event’s standout feature is its lineup of knowledgeable travel experts. “We don’t have people reading from
Discover the delights of Paris at Geelong Travel’s Travel & Cruise World Expo. (pictures supplied)
brochures or clicking on YouTube links,” he said. “You get to talk to people who have actually been on the tours and have real experience – their presentations are amaz-
ing.” Geelong Travel’s 17 experienced team members will also be on hand to assist visitors with enquiries and bookings. Highlights of the expo presentations include: The Ghan & Indian Pacific (Australia’s great rail journeys); APT & Travelmarvel (explore Canada and Alaska; Viking (sailing all seven continents across river and ocean); Trafalgar Tours (unlock the world, from iconic sights to hidden delights); Bunnik Tours (stories, destinations and insights with Dennis Bunnik); Wendy Wu (must-see places and immersive cultural experiences); and Grand Pacific Tours (explore New Zealand in ultimate style). Travel & Cruise World Expo is at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday 1 February from 10am to 4pm. Register at geelongtravel.com.au or call the Geelong Travel team on 5244 3666.
Founder and managing director of Geelong Travel Stuart Coffield.
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Australia Day event off By Jena Carr An Australia Day event that has been operating for more than half a century has been cancelled due to financial challenges and a lack of volunteers. The Free Children’s Fun Day at Rippleside Park event has been held annually for more than 60 years. Geelong Australia Day Committee president and Corio Bay Lions Club member Colin Anderson said rising costs and a lack of volunteers had led to the event’s cancellation.
“We’ve had the same budget ($35,700) from the Geelong City council for about the fifth year in a row, and with many of our suppliers, their costs have gone up quite a lot,” he said. “For the last four years, we’ve been trimming where we could and adjusting all sorts of things like that, but we got to the point where there was nothing left to trim. “Between the budget and numbers for volunteers, it just became impossible to put on, so we crunched the figures, and it was just not going to be able to happen. “I feel that the loss of such an iconic event
in Geelong is unfortunate, and I also feel for the thousands of children who have enjoyed this event over the past 60 years. “For people who planned to go down there, we’re bitterly disappointed that we couldn’t do it for them, and we’ll bend over backwards to try and get back on track for next year.” Mr Anderson said he hoped the Free Children’s Fun Day could return for Australia Day next year if the committee received additional funding and more volunteers. City of Greater Geelong city life executive
director Anthony Basford said funding initially received for the cancelled event had been returned to council. “We recognise that there is a diverse range of views in our community on Australia Day,” he said. “For some, it’s a day of celebration of our nation and people, while for others, it’s one of mourning and reflection. “The $37,500 in council funding for the Rippleside Family Fun Day, which the organisers have cancelled, will instead be used to deliver family-friendly activities at the Festival of Sails.”
Jocelyn reaches a 600 donation milestone A local blood donor has reached an impressive milestone. Geelong’s Jocelyn McMillan recorded her 600th blood and plasma donation after 55 years of giving blood. “I am very lucky to have never needed blood, but I’ve had lots of friends need it during cancer treatment, and especially during childbirth,” Ms McMillan said. “My children used to watch me donate when they were tiny tots years ago, and they’ve both grown up to be committed donors themselves.” Lifeblood’s Aania Tandon said she hoped Ms McMillan’s milestone would inspire others in the community to follow in her footsteps. “The main users of blood and blood products include people undergoing cancer treatment, women giving birth,
Jocelyn McMillan has racked up 600 life-saving blood and plasma donations since 1971. (Supplied)
trauma victims and people with blood disorders and immune conditions,” Ms Tandon said. “Jocelyn has helped to save lives and
improve the quality of life for so many through her ongoing generosity”. “We need 150 more donors in the next two weeks to fill appointments at
Lifeblood’s Geelong donor centre. If you’ve never donated before, this is a great time to give it a go.” Blood donation appointments take an hour, with the donation itself only lasting 10 minutes, while plasma donations take thirty minutes more. “This year, we need 100,000 new donors around the country to keep up with the increasing hospital demand for blood and plasma,” Ms Tandon said. “An hour of your time might give someone the rest of their life. You never know whose life you might be saving.” Lifeblood’s Geelong donor centre on Level 1/237 Ryrie St is open seven days a week. Book an appointment on 13 14 95, online at lifeblood.com.au or on the Lifeblood app.
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Coast guard’s golden day By Jena Carr Queenscliff Coast Guard is celebrating 50 years of volunteer marine rescue with a free community open day. Community members will be able to tour the coast guard’s headquarters, explore a community market and meet the region’s emergency services on Sunday 18 January. Commander Chris Smith said there would be something for everyone during the family-friendly event, including kids’ activities such as face painting, roaming entertainers and a treasure hunt. “We’ll have our boats down at the marina so people can board those and have a look, and...our headquarters will be open to the public as well,” he said. “We’re still on call, so if there’s a major emergency in the bay or out in Bass Strait, one of our vessels may have to take off for that, so we’re going to do this event while remaining operational.” Mr Smith said the event was also a chance for the community to hear about what emergency services do across the region. “Our thoughts are with everyone experiencing hard times due to the current fires in Victoria, and a big shout out to all the emergency service teams and volunteers for their great work,” he said. “The most important thing to come out of the open day is to see the community get together to rally around and support one another while seeing what’s there to support them in their time of need.” The 50th Anniversary Open Day and Community Market will run from 10am to 4pm at 1a Hesse Street in Queenscliff.
Queenscliff Coast Guard’s David Dent (deputy commander), Peter Tressider (master), Andrew Withers and Christine Heneken. (Ivan Kemp) 528196_06
Donation provides beds for the needy By Jena Carr People experiencing homelessness across Geelong will be able to have a better night’s sleep thanks to a generous anonymous donation. A $5000 donation from an anonymous donor kickstarted homeless program Goodnight Geelong to help provide emergency relief, Backpack Beds to unsheltered people across the region. The program is an initiative by the national charity Backpack Bed for Homeless, and co-founder Tony Clark said the anonymous donation would immediately fund 34 Backpack Beds for
The Outpost Geelong. “It was amazing...and when this donor came through, we then discovered that just one person has helped nearly the entire Geelong homeless community on any given night,” he said. “Humans aren’t designed to live outside unprotected, and quite often, there are good intentions from people in the community who might give someone something like a doona. “It has the potential to be lethal, as quite often people die of hypothermia in their sleep when it gets wet and a breeze comes through, and this is what the paramedics tell us in Australia.
“Not only is it waterproof, fire-retardant, and it rolls out within seconds into a three-windowed tent, but it’s a fully functioning ergonomic backpack, which means that they can carry all their belongings.” Thirty-seven people in Geelong were found to be sleeping on the street on any given night, with more than 222 people estimated to sleep on the streets this year, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data. Visit fundraise.backpackbed.org/event/ goodnight-geelong for more information or to donate to Goodnight Geelong.
The Outpost Geelong’s Phelia Harrison and Grace Dove with a Backpack Bed. (Ivan Kemp) 528561_04
Off-leash dog parks open Works at Spring Creek Oval are nearing completion Dogs can safely run around and socialise at two new off-leash dog area trial locations in the Borough of Queenscliffe. The reserve area north of King Street in Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve’s off-leash open spaces opened to the public and their furry friends earlier this month for a one-year trial. A Borough of Queenscliffe spokesperson said council had considered several off-leash trial spaces, with the two locations emerging from a community survey as the preferred sites. “These trial sites allow for two spaces in our Borough for dogs to frolic and play off leash, in addition to the Narrows Dog Beach,” they said. “Council heard from the community that there was a strong desire for a
dedicated off-leash dog area; a space where dogs can play, exercise, and socialise. “Council will evaluate the trial sites and consider usage, feedback, safety and various other metrics to determine if the sites become permanent off-leash open spaces.” The borough had previously received a petition calling for an off-leash dog park at Point Lonsdale’s Royal Park Oval. Despite requests from the community to trial an off-leash dog space at Royal Park Oval, the borough did not offer the park as a trial location due to its use for sports and other activities. Royal Park Oval therefore remains an on-leash area, and the previously established Dog Beach continues to be an off-leash area for the community.
6 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
Spring Creek Oval remains on track to reopen in time for the upcoming football season as the upgrade project reaches its final stage. Reconstruction of the oval started in October last year, which is expected to be completed and reopened in March with new turf laid last week as part of the major upgrade. Surf Coast Shire councillor Liz Pattison said she was glad to see the project reach the milestone after the oval was determined to have reached the end of its useful life. “We know the closure required flexibility from local clubs and users, and we sincerely thank them for their understanding and support,” she said. “This upgrade will deliver a high-quality, fit-for-purpose playing surface that can be used year-round and enjoyed by the whole community.
“I’d especially like to thank the Torquay Cricket Club for relocating their matches for the 2025/2026 season to allow the reconstruction to go ahead. “With turf now in place, we are asking the community to stay off the grass during this important establishment period, and the oval will remain closed until it is ready to use.” Reconstruction upgrades included new turf and sub-surface works, improved drainage and irrigation, and fencing, minor pavement and kerb works. Spring Creek Recreation Reserve is a regional-level sports facility that hosts local and district-level AFL and cricket competitions, along with state-level VFL matches. Visit surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ SpringCreekOvalReconstruction for more information or project updates.
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The police will be using every tool they have to keep the roads safe. But if you decide to speed, how your holiday ends is your choice.
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There is absolutely no excuse for the illegal dumping of rubbish in Greater Geelong. Late last year, a significant pile of rubbish abandoned on Point Wilson Road in Avalon made headlines, sparking frustration among many residents – myself included. Infuriating is an understatement; illegal dumping is a despicable act. These illegal dumpings are an eyesore, indicating a lack of pride for our beautiful region while posing a threat to our precious wildlife and natural environment. From a financial sustainability perspective, these acts are also an avoidable waste of City resources and add up to a ghastly cost every year. Since the beginning of this financial year, our city works team has responded to around 3000 reports of illegal rubbish dumping. The number of requests has increased year-on-year since 2021, and the City’s clean-up efforts have cost ratepayers hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. This financial year alone, illegal rubbish dumping has cost around $300,000 to date. This figure considers the cost for waste disposal, but doesn’t even begin to touch on labour costs, plant and equipment costs and transport. I don’t want to hear excuses. There are numerous avenues for correct rubbish disposal, and illegal dumping should never be on the cards. The City manages two resource recovery centres including a commercial waste landfill site in Greater Geelong. While the Geelong Resource Recovery Centre at Douro Street is being redeveloped, an interim site at 21 Sliven Street, North
City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj. (Supplied)
Geelong, is fully operational. This site accepts domestic quantities of e-waste, appliances, batteries, barbeque gas bottles and polystyrene. Drysdale Resource Recovery Centre offers a drop-off service that accepts and recycles a wide range of items not collected in household bin recycling.
For the full list of items accepted at our sites, visit geelongaustralia.com.au/ recycling The landfill at Drysdale is available to commercial and industrial users and is open every day except for Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Good Friday. With these facilities readily available, there is simply no justification for incidents like the commercial scale dumping in Avalon. Furthermore, the City offers a very efficient hard rubbish collection service that residents can access twice a year. Whitegoods, metal appliances, furniture, timber, ceramic, empty paint tins, mirrors, fabric, metal, electronics and more can all be collected through this service. Simply book the collection and leave your waste on your front lawn or driveway. To keep our streets clutter-free, please do not leave items on the nature strip, our team will not collect them from there. To find out more about the hard waste collection service, visit geelongaustralia. com.au/hardwaste We know rubbish dumping isn’t a problem unique to Geelong, but we shouldn’t tolerate this poor and selfish behaviour. Community vigilance and reporting is vital to stopping dumpers in their tracks and saving ratepayers from exorbitant clean-up costs. We all have a part to play. You can report dumping on public land by calling the City on 5272 5272. Reports can also be made to EPA Victoria online or by calling their 24-hour pollution hotline on 1300 372 842. By working together, we send a clear message that dumping will not be tolerated.
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WORKING TOGETHER FOR A THRIVING COMMUNITY
CITYNEWS FIREWORKS NOTICE Festival of Sails A fireworks displays will be staged at the Geelong Waterfront at 9.30pm on Saturday 24 January as part of the festival. Please ensure your pets are secure.
Cirque Nouvelle comes to Geelong this January. (Supplied)
Blending the old and new By Matt Hewson A new evolution of circus arrives this month, blending humour and heart with world-class physical artistry and theatrical magic. Featuring a full lineup of acrobats, jugglers, aerialists and fire artists, Cameo Rascale’s Cirque Nouvelle is more than just an internationally acclaimed circus show. Beyond the feats of athleticism and death-defying stunts, Cirque Nouvelle tells the story of a quirky ringmaster grappling with an anxiety understood by all; the fear of change. Rebecca Capener, co-producer and performer in the show, knows all too well how embracing the new can be both frightening and transformative. While her husband James, who shares producer and performing duties with her, grew up as part of a family acrobatic act that made it to the Australia’s Got Talent grand final in 2009, Rebecca came to circus performing as an adult. “James has been performing since he was four years old with his parents and sister; they lived on cruise ships for about 10 years and also did a lot of work in the UK and Europe,” she said.
“I basically come from a dance background. I’ve been dancing since I was three years old, so I’ve always loved performing. “When we met I was studying full-time at college, and I’d never juggled before, never done any acrobatics, so how I ended up amongst this circus thing is a bit beyond me. “But it just goes to show, you should always say yes in life to any opportunity, because you just never know where it leads. I’m so thankful I gave it a shot.” Rebecca and James debuted Cirque Nouvelle in Western Australia two years ago, marking another significant change - this time from acrobatic performers in a duo act to producing a large-scale, circus-based variety show. “That first show was very, very crazy, but very successful; we were really happy with how well it was received,” Rebecca said. “But we’re still learning, still growing, and we’ve got lots of other dreams and goals to reach on the horizon.” Cirque Nouvelle is at Geelong Arts Centre on Friday 23 January. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets and more information.
Portable pools need safety barriers too.
Event information: geelong.link/FestivalOfSails
SMART SAFETY FOR BACKYARD POOLS
TRAFFIC CHANGES
There’s nothing like a backyard pool to keep the kids entertained when the sun comes out.
Festival of Sails Road closure - Stoney Pier Lane.
If you’re setting up a portable pool this summer, we want to help you keep the vibes high and the little ones safe. In Victoria, any pool deeper than 30cm (about the length of a ruler) needs a safety barrier – just like a permanent pool. This also applies to spas.
From Wednesday 21 January at 6.00am – Tuesday 27 January at 5.00pm.
Learn more about looking after miniswimmers and pool safety: geelong.link/ PoolSafety
There will be various changed traffic conditions throughout the region including Geelong and the Bellarine.
Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race Cycling events from Wednesday 28 January – Sunday 1 February.
Event information: geelong.link/MCRR
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE High Street, Drysdale – culvert upgrade Golfer Hanee Song and pooch Cricket prepare for the Vic Open Golf Tournament.
VIC OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT – NOW ON
Part of High Street, Drysdale will be temporarily closed from late January to Easter 2026 while we upgrade the existing drainage culvert near De Burgh Road. Detours will operate via De Burgh Road, Princess Street, and Eversley Street. This important safety upgrade will improve flood protection for upstream properties during heavy rainfall.
Free entry. At 13th Beach Golf Links, Barwon Heads Road, Connewarre until Sunday 18 January.
The works were scheduled after completion of the Drysdale Bypass to minimise disruption.
In a rare treat for sports fans, pets on leash are also welcome on the course.
We appreciate your patience while these essential improvements are delivered.
More info: geelong.link/VicOpenGolf
Globe trotting artist brings his music to town Over a musical career spanning 40 years, singer-songwriter Tim Easton has poked his nose into most corners of the globe. His love of seeing other places was first kindled when his father’s job transfer resulted in his family relocating from Akron, Ohio in the US to Tokyo. “Travelling has been part of my life ever since I went to Japan as a kiddo…so I kind of got accustomed to it,” he said. “And there are challenges with travelling, 100 per cent. But learning about other cultures is a never-ending source of inspiration. “I’m always eavesdropping on everyday stories, little phrases… like one I wrote down today, a great phrase that Australians say, ‘see you round the traps’. “That expression is musical on its own. I just like the way people speak everywhere I go, and I write things down.” Having spent years busking his way around parts of Europe, the UK and former USSR, Easton became an influential figure in the roots and Americana scene after releasing his first self-titled album Special 20 in 1998. Drawing on a blend of folk, roots, rock,
blues and country influences, Easton’s music revolves around storytelling, more often than not reflecting his own life and experiences. “First of all, it’s cathartic; simply, I’m identifying some things that have happened in my life,” he said. “I’ve found that when you speak your own truths, you’re often going to connect with people who have gone through a similar thing. “But I think Joni Mitchell kind of beat most of us to the point. And so really, I’m just one in a long lineage of confessional poets in that regard.” This month Easton will release his 11th studio album fIREHORSE, with 10 new songs backed by a “crack band” of musicians from Nashville, his home for the past 15 years. “The evolution of this album is in, I think, the simplicity…I’m writing simpler songs, more campfire kind of songs,” he said. “I hang my hat for the most part on the troubadour style, so I can tell a story, I can pick a guitar and I can have fun with it.” Tim Easton is at Beav’s Bar on Friday 16 January. Visit trybooking.com/events/ landing/1468429 for tickets.
Our series of family-friendly summer events at Swim Sport & Leisure centres are back! geelong.link/SummerOfFun
12835551-FR02-25
By Matt Hewson
THE CITY OF GREATER GEELONG IS PROUDLY LOCATED ON WADAWURRUNG COUNTRY
Friday, 16 January, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 9
NEWS
GEELONGINDY.COM.AU
Halle Armstrong and Alana Drummond. 527925_07
Hector de Leiros, Ava Chapman, Aniela Crook and Davis McMurrich. 527925_03
Jayne and Zalhi. 527925_01
Chelsea Black and daughter Isla. 527925_04
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to Geelong’s waterfront on a cool and blustery Tuesday to see who was out and about.
Out and about in Geelong Julie and Michael Perkins. 527925_05
Sophie Ross and Thomas Ryan. 527925_10
Alisha Cini with son Hunter. 527925_11
Annie Vizsai 527925_12
Grace Cusack and Luvish Dhoa with their children Koda, Savannah and Aria. 527925_06
Nick Cooke and Samara Earles. 527925_02
James McVey and Rachel Kerrigan. 527925_08
10 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
GEELONGINDY.COM.AU
SECTION
Clinic Day
Start Date
End Date
Time
Location
Tuesday
10th February
24th February
10am - 11am
The Range @ Curlewis
Wednesday
11th February
25th February
10am - 11am
The Range @ Curlewis
Thursday
12th February
26th February
9am - 10am
The Range @ Curlewis
Friday
13th February
27th February
9am - 10am
The Range @ Curlewis
Saturday
14th February
28th February
10am - 11am
The Range @ Curlewis
12834882-MS03-26
Friday, 16 January, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 11
NEWS
GEELONGINDY.COM.AU
Mary practises for her turn on the surfboard. 528136_03
Riding a surfboard was a highlight of the day. 528136_06
Steph waits her turn for the jet ski. 528136_01
The eighth annual Kids+ Surf Ed program takes to the water this week at Fishermans Beach, Torquay. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went along to the popular all abilities event that runs in partnership with Jan Juc Surf Life Saving Club and Torquay Marine Rescue.
Summer fun in the waves
Willow and Matilda get Ashley used to the surf. 528136_09
Elias in his beach wheelchair. 528136_02
Emma rides through the beach course. 528136_05
Pia makes sure that Hamish catches a wave. 528136_08
Saskia and Carla help Malu build sand castles. 528136_04
12 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
A ride on the jet ski was popular. 528136_07
The Guide ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL ABC TV, Friday, 7.30pm
LOVE IT OR LIST IT AUSTRALIA 10, Saturday, 7.40pm
Everyone’s favourite scallywag is back – Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) returns from his service with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in Cairo, bringing a smile to everyone’s face at Skeldale House. Everyone, that is, except Carmody (James Anthony-Rose). The magnetic Tristan doesn’t see eye to eye with his straitlaced replacement on their first meeting, a situation exacerbated by fact that Carmody has made himself at home in his bedroom. While the reason for Tristan’s discharge isn’t yet clear, there are hints that the vet’s cheery demeanour masks the true extent of what he witnessed at war, the impact of which is set to be explored in future episodes.
Sixteen years after Karen and her husband Darrel started the renovations on their charming Queenslander, she’s officially had enough. The couple have raised a family in their Tarragindi home over the past two decades, but life got in the way of finishing several major construction projects. Karen is ready to sell, but Darrel doesn’t want to abandon all the hard work that has gone into creating their dream home. That’s where real estate experts Neale Whitaker and Andrew Winter come in. While Whitaker reckons the final leg of their reno is a simple undertaking, Winter suggests similar local properties that come without a to-do list. It’s a tempting prospect for the battle-scarred Karen.
PICK OF THE WEEK I’M A CELEBRITY… GET ME OUT OF HERE! 10, Sunday, 7pm
Fresh off winning the US version of Dancing with the Stars, Robert Irwin waltzes back onto our screens to co-host the 12th season of this homegrown reality competition alongside Julia Morris (pictured with Irwin). While the Dancing training regime is no doubt gruelling for its contestants, it’s nothing compared to the challenges that await the campmates once they enter the South African jungle. There’s sure to be plenty of stomachchurning tucker trials and terrifying tasks, plus the return of the infamous Viper Room. After weeks of speculation, Sunday’s premiere reveals the (mostly) familiar faces taking part this year.
HOME AND AWAY Seven, Monday, 7pm
From miraculous resurrections to secret evil twins, outlandish soap opera plotlines can often be accused of veering off the rails in a bid to deliver maximum drama. The creative minds behind this enduring series put a literal spin on that narrative by shockingly sending a passenger train packed with beloved characters off its tracks in last year’s high-stakes cliffhanger. In Monday’s season return, with several fan favourites in peril, rescue operations are in full swing to save those trapped in the precarious wreckage. Police sergeant David (Jeremy Lindsay Taylor) frantically tries to bring order to the chaos, while a desperate Tane (Ethan Browne, pictured) takes matters into his own hands.
Friday, January 16 ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Solar System With Brian Cox. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (R) 1.50 Goolagong. (M, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.25 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.10 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Animals. (PGa, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Britain’s Most Expensive Houses. (PGl, R) 2.55 Going Places. (R) 3.25 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 11. Highlights.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 MOVIE: The Secret Sauce. (2021, PGa) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: A Missed Connection. (2023, PGa, R) Meggan Kaiser, Alex Trumble. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.00 [MELB] Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.30 WIN News.
6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Bold. (PG, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGa, R) 11.30 My Market Kitchen. (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. (R) 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 All Creatures Great And Small. 8.15 Art Detectives. (M) A producer is murdered in a recording studio. 9.05 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson. 9.35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml, R) A satirical news program. 10.05 A Life In Ten Pictures: Muhammad Ali. (PG, R) 10.55 ABC Late News. 11.15 Silent Witness. (Final, Ma, R) 1.00 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PGadhlnsv)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 The Great House Revival: Lough Key. 9.30 Isle Of Wight: Jewel Of The South. (R) A diver makes the discovery of a lifetime. 10.25 Great British Railway Journeys. (R) 11.00 Sisi. (Mav, R) 11.55 Babylon Berlin. (MA15+ans, R) 1.45 Silent Road. (Mav, R) 3.50 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.20 My Unique B&B. (PG, R) 4.55 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 37. Sydney Sixers v Sydney Thunder. 10.30 Unfiltered: Cricket. (PG) Meg Lanning discusses her cricketing career. 11.00 MOVIE: Wild Things. (1998, MA15+lsv, R) A high school counsellor is accused of assault. Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon. 1.15 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Presented by Greg Grainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 MOVIE: The Mighty Ducks. (1992, G, R) A lawyer coaches an ice-hockey team. Emilio Estevez. 9.35 MOVIE: D2: The Mighty Ducks. (1994, G, R) An ice-hockey team competes in the world championships. Emilio Estevez. 11.35 Law & Order: Organized Crime. (MA15+av, R) 12.25 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.15 My Way. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Home Shopping. 5.30 Surfing Australia TV. (PGl, R)
6.00 10 News+. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. (R) A woman tries to sell her mother’s retro home. 8.40 Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A Greek couple, whose post-war Preston home is dated, dark and dreary, look for a fresh start. 9.50 The Graham Norton Show. (Mv, R) Guests include Renée Zellweger. 11.00 10’s Late News. 11.30 10 News+. (R) 12.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.20pm Octonauts. 2.15 Peter Rabbit. 2.45 The Makery. 3.05 Play School: Let The Games Begin. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.40 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.05 Scooby-Doo And Guess Who? 8.30 My Adventures With Superman. 8.50 Robot Wars. 9.50 TKO: Total Knock Out. 10.35 Late Programs.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 8.10 NHK Newsline. 8.40 CBC The National. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 Mastermind Aust. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Dark Side Of Comedy. 1.25 WWE Legends. 2.20 The Swiping Game. 2.40 Mastermind Aust. 3.40 WorldWatch. 5.40 If You Are The One. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Man With A Penis On His Arm. 9.30 Sex Tape Germany. 10.25 The Handmaid’s Tale. 11.30 Shoresy. Midnight Homeland. 1.05 Sex Before The Internet. 2.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Home In WA. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Escape To The Country. 6.00 Bargain Hunt. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 12.30am Bargain Hunt. 1.30 Home In WA. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Million Dollar Minute. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 5.30 Late Programs.
9GEM (81, 92) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.30 Pointless. 11.30 Tennis. Adelaide International. 6.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 7.00 Tennis. Adelaide International. Night 5. Semi-finals. 11.00 New Tricks. (PGalv, R) Midnight MOVIE: Tango & Cash. (1989, M) 2.00 Antiques Roadshow. 2.30 MOVIE: The Best Pair Of Legs In The Business. (1973, M) 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.
10 COMEDY (52, 11) 6am GCBC. 6.30 Everyday Gourmet. 7.00 Ridiculousness. 8.00 Taskmaster Australia. 9.00 My Market Kitchen. 9.30 Bold. 10.00 Family Feud. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Ridiculousness. 2.00 Stephen Colbert. 3.00 Becker. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.00 Becker. 5.30 Frasier. 6.30 Friends. 7.30 MOVIE: How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. (2003, PG) 9.30 Becker. 10.00 Frasier. 11.00 Ridiculousness. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Stephen Colbert. 4.30 Shopping. 5.30 Joseph Prince.
NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning
11.00 Going Places. Noon Homeland Story. 1.30 Light From The Shadows. 2.00 Strait To The Plate. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Living Black. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 MOVIE: Stand By Me. (1986, M) 9.10 MOVIE: Get Hard. (2015, MA15+) 11.05 Living Black. 11.35 The Grey Line. 12.05am Going Places. 1.00 How Hip Hop Changed The World. 2.00 On The Road. 3.00 On The Road. 4.00 NITV On The Road: Mbantua. 5.00 Bamay. 5.30 Late Programs.
6am The Great Dictator. (1940, PG) 7.40 Vai. (2019, PG) 9.15 BMX Bandits. (1983, PGalv) 10.55 Reality. (2023, Ma) 12.25pm Moving On. (2022, Malsv) 2.00 The Secret Garden. (2020, PGa) 3.55 Discovering Film. 4.50 Anton Chekhov 1890. (2015, PGasv, French) 6.40 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PGadlsv) 8.30 Django Unchained. (2012, MA15+av, R) 11.45 Southpaw. (2015, Malsv) 1.55am Death Proof. (2007, MA15+lv) 3.50 5 To 7. (2014, Mals) 5.40 The Movie Show.
Programs. 11.00 Storage Wars. 11.30 American Pickers. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 American Resto. 2.00 American Pickers. 3.00 Timbersports. Aust C’ship Pt 2. 3.30 Full Custom Garage. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Road Wars. 8.30 MOVIE: Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw. (2019, M) 11.15 MOVIE: Underworld: Rise Of The Lycans. (2009, MA15+) 1.05am Road Wars. 2.00 Pawn Stars. 2.30 Sound FX: Best Of. 3.00 TBA.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 Addams Family. 10.00 Bewitched. 11.00 The Summit. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Mirror Mirror. (2012, PG) 9.35 MOVIE: Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters. (2013, MA15+) 11.20 Psychic Kids. 12.20am The Vampire Diaries. 2.00 Love After Lockup. 3.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Booba. 5.10 LEGO City Adventures. 5.30 Bubble’s Hotel.
10 DRAMA (53, 12) 6am Home Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 9.00 The Living Room. 10.00 JAG. 12.00 Days Of Our Lives. (PGalv) 12.45 The Young And The Restless. (PGasv) 1.30 The Dog Academy. (PGa, R) 2.30 JAG. (PGv, R) 4.30 All 4 Adventure. (PGl, R) 5.30 JAG. (PG, R) 7.30 NCIS. (Msv, R) 10.20 Matlock. (PGav, R) 12.15 Home Shopping. (R)
CONSUMER ADVICE (P) Pre-school (C) Children (PG) Parental Guidance Recommended (M) Mature Audiences (MA15+) Mature Audiences Only (AV15+) Extreme Adult Violence (R) Repeat (a) Adult themes (d) Drug references (h) Horror (s) Sex references (l) Language (m) Medical procedures (n) Nudity (v) Violence.
VIC
Friday, 16 January, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 13
Saturday, January 17 ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 10.30 Rage Vault Guest Programmer. (PGadhlnsv) 12.00 News. 12.30 Call The Midwife. (M, R) 1.30 Art Detectives. (Mv, R) 2.15 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 3.10 Extraordinary Escapes. (PG, R) 4.00 Human. (PG, R) 5.00 The ABC Of... (PGl, R) 5.30 Dr Karl’s How Things Work. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Going Places. (R) 3.00 Cycling. Westbridge Funds Road National Championships. Women’s Elite and Under-23 Road Race. Highlights. 4.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix Perth. Day 1. 5.30 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 12. Highlights.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 Air Crash Investigations: The Accident Files: Lethal Choices. (PGa, R) 1.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Raceday.
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Today Extra Summer. (PG) 12.00 Our State On A Plate. (Final, PG) 12.30 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 1.30 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGam, R) 2.00 MOVIE: Practical Magic. (1998, PGhv, R) 4.00 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo. (PG, R) 5.00 News. 5.30 Find My Country House Aust. (PG, R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 My Market Kitchen. (R) 10.30 GCBC. (R) 11.00 Airport 24/7. (PGad, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. (R) 12.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 1.00 Cook With Luke. (R) 1.30 The Yes Experiment. (PG) 2.00 The Dog Academy. (PGa) 3.00 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGal, R) 4.00 All 4 Adventure. (Final, l) 5.00 News.
6.00 Back Roads: The Great Australian Pubs Special. (PG, R) Hosted by Heather Ewart. 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 Call The Midwife. (PG) Rosalind needs all her skill as a midwife when a disabled baby is delivered at the maternity home. 8.30 Vera. (Ma, R) DCI Vera Stanhope investigates murder cases in England’s Northumberland county. 10.00 Goolagong. (M, R) Evonne Goolagong Cawley is driven away from tennis. 11.00 The Jetty. (MA15+l, R) Ember agrees to share information with a crime podcaster. 12.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses: The Nude In The Attic. A revealing statue is restored. 8.40 Swiss Alpine Rail Journeys: The Luxurious Glacier Express. (R) Looks at the Glacier Express, which has been the pinnacle of luxury rail travel for nearly a century. 9.40 The Secret DNA Of Us: Bairnsdale. (PG, R) Marc Fennell visits Bairnsdale. 10.50 Scottish Islands With Ben Fogle: Isles Of Wind – Orkney. (PG, R) 11.55 House Of Promises. (Mans, R) 3.25 The Lost Camps Of The Third Reich. (PGa, R) 4.25 Bamay. (R) 5.15 Euronews. (Premiere) 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R) A passenger makes an alarming claim. 7.30 MOVIE: A Knight’s Tale. (2001, Mav, R) A squire assumes the identity of his master after the knight suffers an untimely demise. Heath Ledger, Rufus Sewell. 10.15 MOVIE: Green Zone. (2010, Malv, R) A rogue military officer uncovers a conspiracy. Matt Damon, Brendan Gleeson. 12.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 1. Highlights. 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
6.00 9News Saturday. 7.00 A Current Affair. 7.30 AO26: Opening Ceremony. The opening of the Australian Open tournament. 10.30 MOVIE: Unbreakable: The Jelena Dokic Story. (2024, Mal, R) The story of Jelena Dokic. Jelena Dokic. 12.40 Find My Beach House Australia. (R) 1.05 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. (PGam, R) 1.35 Our State On A Plate. (Final, PG, R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands Summer Series. (PG, R)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.40 Love It Or List It Australia. (PGa) A woman has been living in her house for 20 years and is ready to move, while her husband is desperate to stay. 8.50 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) Real estate experts Mitch Edwards and Mark McKie look at properties in Melbourne. 9.50 Ambulance UK. (Madl, R) Crewmates help an elderly patient at the local boatyard who has been on the floor for two days. 11.00 Elsbeth. (Mas, R) Elsbeth investigates the death of a real estate developer. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.20pm Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Thomas. 5.30 Super Monsters. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 Hard Quiz Kids. 8.00 Chopped Jnr. (Final) 8.40 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 9.25 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.10 Late Programs.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Morning
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Medical Emergency. 12.30 This Rugged Coast. 1.30 Wildlife ER. 2.30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer. 4.00 Better Homes. 5.00 Bondi Vet. 6.00 Horse Racing. Magic Millions Raceday. 7.00 Dog Patrol. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Lewis. 10.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Late Programs.
9GEM (81, 92) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Avengers. 1.00 Tennis. Adelaide International. Finals. 6.00 Tennis. Adelaide International. Finals. 8.00 Death In Paradise. 9.00 MOVIE: Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. (2008, M) 11.25 MOVIE: Villain. (1971, MA15+) 1.25am MOVIE: The Horror Of Frankenstein. (1970, M) 3.25 Seaway. 4.30 Late Programs.
10 COMEDY (52, 11) 6am GCBC.
Programs. Noon The Rap Game UK. 3.00 WorldWatch. 5.00 Planet A. 5.45 Mastermind Aust. 6.45 The Mysterious Havana Syndrome. 7.35 Abandoned Americana. (Return) 8.30 Plastic People: Crisis Of Microplastics. 10.05 Dark Side Of The ‘90s. 11.00 Dakar: Race Against The Desert. 12.35am Late Programs.
NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning
11.40 Land Of The Little Kings. 1.10pm Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 2.00 Living Black. 2.30 The Grey Line. 3.00 Mowanjum 2024. 5.00 Unsettled. 6.00 The Barber. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: The Shining. (1980, MA15+) 10.55 Stompem Ground 2022: Midnight Oil. 12.45am Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.15pm Southpaw. (2015, Malsv) 2.30 Vai. (2019, PG) 4.15 BMX Bandits. (1983, PGalv) 5.55 Hook. (1991, PG) 8.30 The Great Escaper. (2023, Mal) 10.20 Original Sin. (2001, MA15+sv) 12.25am Django Unchained. (2012, MA15+av) 3.40 Wonderfully Beautiful. (2022, Madls, German)
Programs. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. 137.4km. 4pm Desert Collectors. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: The Rock. (1996, M) 10.20 MOVIE: Mercury Rising. (1998, M) 12.40am Storage Wars. 1.30 Pawn Stars. 2.30 Desert Collectors. 3.30 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 1.40pm Motor Racing. Formula E. Mexico City ePrix. H’lights. 2.45 LEGO Masters. 4.30 Basketball. WNBL. Southside Melbourne Flyers v Adelaide. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: The Hunger Games: The Ballad Of Songbirds & Snakes. (2023, M) 10.35 MOVIE: Power Rangers. (2017, M) 12.55am Love During Lockup. 2.25 Late Programs.
10 DRAMA (53, 12) 6am Shopping. 9.00 I Fish. 9.30 The Dog Academy. 10.30 JAG. 4.30pm Soccer. A-League Men. Western Sydney v Newcastle Jets. 7.00 Football Tonight. 7.35 Soccer. A-League Men. Round 13. Adelaide United v Melbourne Victory. 10.00 NCIS. (M, R) 12.50am NCIS: Origins. 1.45 Shopping.
We
7.00 Bold. 9.30 The Neighborhood. 10.00 Frasier. 11.00 Farm To Fork. 11.30 Deal Or No Deal. Noon Stephen Colbert. 2.00 Inspired Unemployed (Impractical) Jokers. 3.00 Friends. 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. 10.00 Frasier. 11.00 The Neighborhood. 12.30am South Park. 1.00 Shopping. 1.30 South Park. 3.00 Shopping.
Local News 12466496-DL43-20
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Sunday, January 18 ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Maggie Beer’s Big Mission. (R) 1.25 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.25 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (PG, R) 3.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 4.00 Poh’s On The Road. (R) 4.30 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Speedweek. (R) 3.00 Cycling. Road National Championships. Elite Men’s Road Race. Highlights. 4.00 Sailing. Sail Grand Prix Perth. Day 2. 5.30 Motor Racing. Dakar Rally. Stage 13. Highlights.
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show Summer Series. (PG) 12.00 NFL. NFL Playoffs. Divisional Playoff Round. 3.30 Golf. 2025 Cathedral Invitational. H’lights. 4.30 Cows For Cambodia. (Return, PGa) 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 1. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 1.
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.30 GCBC. (R) 11.00 Well Traveller. (PG, R) 11.30 Pooches At Play. (R) 12.00 The Dog Academy. (PGa) 1.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 1.30 Lingo. (R) 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 17. Adelaide 36ers v South East Melbourne Phoenix. 4.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 5.00 News.
6.00 Grand Designs Transformations: Teneriffe Tree House and Dubbo Garden. (R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 Muster Dogs: Where Are They Now. (Final) Presented by Lisa Millar. 8.15 Goolagong. (Final, PG) Evonne Goolagong Cawley competes at Wimbledon. 9.10 The Jetty. (Ml) Ember tries to protect her family. 10.10 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 11.20 MOVIE: Irresistible. (2006, Malsv, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 1.55 Smother. (Mal, R) 4.30 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through North Wales. (Final, PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Once Upon A Time In Space: America First. (Premiere) Looks at the US space program. 9.30 Pompeii: The Last Mysteries Revealed. (Ma, R) Follows archaeologists in Pompeii. 10.25 Putin And The West: The Next Chapter: Invasion. (PGa, R) 11.35 Watergate High Crimes In The White House. (Mas, R) 1.15 Building The Impossible. (PG, R) 2.10 The World According To Kim Jong Un. (Mav, R) 3.10 The Eco Show. (Ml, R) 4.10 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 Euronews. 5.30 PBS Science Technology Health Show.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Cricket. Big Bash League. Match 40. Brisbane Heat v Sydney Sixers. 10.30 Big Bash League Post-Match. Post-match coverage of the game. 11.00 7NEWS Spotlight. Looks at the disappearance of Ray and Jennie Kehlet. 12.00 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 2. Highlights. 1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) Hosted by Greg Grainger. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News Sunday. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 1. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 1. 12.00 The First 48: Child’s Play/ Bad Intentions. (Mav, R) A teenager is shot dead. 1.00 Next Stop. A look at holiday destinations. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Sonny and Skippy visit Luna Park. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) The team roadtests the Mizuno ST220 drivers. 5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today.
6.30 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (Return) Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 NCIS: Sydney. (Return, Mv) NCIS will do whatever it takes to crack the case of a rogue assassin on the run during NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson’s chaotic first day as boss. 10.00 NCIS: Origins. (Mav, R) Leroy Jethro Gibbs starts his career as part of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service operating out of Camp Pendleton. 11.00 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma, R) Benson tries to help the Flynn family. 12.00 10 News+. (R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.45pm Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Octonauts And The Great Barrier Reef. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.30 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 7.50 MOVIE: Spy Kids 2: The Island Of Lost Dreams. (2002, PG) 9.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.15 Late Programs.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm Mastermind Aust. 1.40 Jeopardy! 3.45 Heroines. 4.15 WorldWatch. 5.45 Icons Unearthed: The Lord Of The Rings. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Mutiny In Heaven: The Birthday Party. 10.25 The Grudge. (Premiere) 11.55 Who Is The Zodiac Killer? 12.45am Django. 2.45 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Morning
9GEM (81, 92) 6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Turning Point. 9.30 TV Shop. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.00 Tennis. Aust Open. 6pm Tennis. Aust Open. 11.00 Major Crimes. Midnight Recipes For Love And Murder. 1.00 MOVIE: Ransom. (1975, M) 3.00 MOVIE: Rattle Of A Simple Man. (1964, M) 5.00 Rainbow Country. 5.30 My Favorite Martian.
10 COMEDY (52, 11) 6am Deal Or No
NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning
2.30pm Froth. 3.00 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 4.40 Stompem Ground 2022: Midnight Oil. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 The Idea Of Australia. 8.30 Troy Cassar-Daley: A Journey Between The Fires. 10.10 MOVIE: Sweet As. (2022, M) 11.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.35pm The Son. (2022, Mal) 2.50 The Assassin. (2015, PGv, Mandarin) 4.45 Weekend At Bernie’s. (1989, PGadlsv) 6.30 Moonstruck. (1987, PGa) 8.30 The Promised Land. (2023, MA15+lv, Danish, Swedish, Norwegian, German) 10.55 The Tender Bar. (2021, Mals) 12.55am The Great Escaper. (2023, Mal) 2.45 Late Programs.
Programs. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN: Best Of. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Tackling Australia. 2.30 Pawn Stars. 3.30 Storage Wars. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 Border Security: Int. 7.00 Border Security. 8.30 MOVIE: The Bourne Supremacy. (2004, M) 10.40 MOVIE: Morbius. (2022, M) 12.45am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 11.10 MOVIE: Waiting For The Light. (1990, PG) 1.10pm Australian Ninja Warrior. 3.10 Snackmasters. 4.40 LEGO Masters. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 1. 7.00 Seinfeld. 7.30 MOVIE: The Batman. (2022, M) 11.05 Gotham. 12.50am Arrow. 2.30 Jeopardy! Australia. 3.25 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.55 Late Programs.
10 DRAMA (53, 12) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Tough Tested. 9.00 What’s Up Down Under. 9.30 Camper Deals. 10.00 Navigating The World. Noon The Dog Academy. 1.00 JAG. 5.00 IFISH. 5.30 JAG. (PGlv, R) 7.30 NCIS. (M, R) 10.20 Matlock. (PGlv, R) 12.15am Home Shopping.
14 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
Programs. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. 4pm The Amazing Homemakers. 5.00 Secrets Of Beautiful Gardens. 6.00 Escape To The Country. 7.00 Vicar Of Dibley. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 1.30am Harry’s Practice. 2.00 Vera. 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. 5.00 Room For Improvement. 5.30 Late Programs.
Deal. 8.00 Frasier. 11.00 The Neighborhood. 11.30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. 2.30pm Deal Or No Deal. 3.00 Friends. 6.30 The Big Bang Theory. (PG, R) 9.35 Frasier. (PGa, R) 10.30 The Neighborhood. (PGa, R) 11.30 South Park. 12.30am Home Shopping. 2.00 South Park. 3.00 Shopping.
Monday, January 19 ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 Vera. (Ma, R) 11.30 Back Roads. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Killer Whale: Australia’s Megapod. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.25 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.10 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS International Affairs Show. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Gods Of Tennis. (Ml, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (Return, PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. (Return) 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. (Return) 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 2. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 2. From Melbourne Park.
6.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 6.30 Bold. (PG, R) 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day. 7.30 7.30. Presented by David Speers. 8.00 The Great Art Fraud. (M) Looks at fraudster Inigo Philbrick. 9.00 MOVIE: The Secret Of Me. (2025, M) In 1995, a Louisiana college student discovers a disturbing truth about herself through a textbook. Jim Ambrose, Cheryl Chase. 10.50 Dr Karl’s How Things Work: Pies. (R) 11.25 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.25 Smother. (Mal, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Dolly Parton: Here I Am. Charts the life and music of Dolly Parton. 9.15 Stock Aitken Waterman: Legends Of Pop. (PG, R) The story of English record production trio Stock Aitken Waterman. 10.35 SBS World News Late. (Return) 11.05 Like Water For Chocolate. (MA15+v) 11.55 Clean Sweep. (Madlsv, R) 1.50 Pagan Peak. (MA15+av, R) 3.40 Designing Paradise With Bill Bensley. (PG, R) 4.10 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour Scandinavia Bitesize. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) David leads a rescue operation. 7.30 The 1% Club UK: Rollover. (Premiere, PGa) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 Tik Tok: Top 100. (Mal, R) Celebrates the top 100 viral TikTok clips, including hilarious, shocking and spectacular moments. 10.30 Kylie Vs Bee Gees. (PG, R) A look at Kylie Minogue and The Bee Gees. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. Stage 3. Highlights. 12.30 Girlfriends’ Guide To Divorce. (MA15+s) 1.30 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 2. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 2. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Charles tries to mend his relationship with Ripley. 1.00 First On Scene. (MA15+, R) Documents stories behind the headlines. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Skippy and Sonny become trapped. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts discusses golf. 5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! The celebrities continue to compete in a test of survival in the jungle for the chance to claim the title. 9.00 Matlock. (Return, PGadl) Matty questions the paternity of the man claiming to be Alfie’s father. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Wiggle And Learn. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 TKO: Total Knock Out. 9.10 The Crystal Maze. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Morning
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Women’s. 4pm Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Doc Martin. 12.30am Bargain Hunt. 1.30 Home In WA. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Late Programs.
9GEM (81, 92) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop. 9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.00 Tennis. Aust Open. 6pm Tennis. Aust Open. 11.00 The Chelsea Detective. 1am Creflo. 1.30 Recipes For Love And Murder. 2.30 MOVIE: Dr Jekyll And Sister Hyde. (1972, M) 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.
10 COMEDY (52, 11) 6am Morning
Programs. Noon France 24 English News. 12.30 Rex In Rome. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. (Premiere) 9.25 Under The Banner Of Heaven. 10.40 Deadly Funny National Grand Final. 12.10am Question Team. 1.05 Late Programs.
NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning
1.40pm Stompem Ground 2022: Karajarri Dancers. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Africa’s Hidden Kingdoms. 7.30 The Idea Of Australia. 8.30 The Colleano Heart. 10.00 MOVIE: Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 11.25 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.55 Ali. (2001, Mlsv) 2.50pm The Movie Show. 3.25 Discovering Film. 4.25 Born To Dance. (2015, PGa) 6.15 Capricorn One. (1977, PGalv) 8.30 The Zone Of Interest. (2023, German, Polish, Yiddish) 10.25 The Fence. (2022, Mdlv) 12.10am Australian Rules. (2002, Madlsv) 2.00 Late Programs.
Programs. 2pm NFL Tailgate. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer. Replay. 4.00 Counting Cars. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 The Mightiest. 11.30 When Big Things Go Wrong. 12.30am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.00 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 2. 7.00 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.40 MOVIE: The Hangover Part III. (2013, MA15+) 10.45 Seinfeld. 11.55 The 100. 12.50am The Vampire Diaries. 2.30 Love After Lockup. 4.00 Late Programs.
10 DRAMA (53, 12) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 8.30 Everyday Gourmet. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog Academy. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 FBI: Most Wanted. (Mv, R) 10.20 The Ex-Wife. 11.15 The Real CSI: Miami. 12.15am Shopping.
Programs. 11.30 Becker. Noon Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Ridiculousness. 2.00 Friends. 3.30 Becker. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.30 Big Bang. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Stephen Colbert. 4.30 Shopping. 5.30 Late Programs.
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Tuesday, January 20 ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 News. 10.00 The Great Art Fraud. (M, R) 10.55 Human. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PGa, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 4.00 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.35 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Gods Of Tennis. (Ml, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGl, R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 3. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 3. From Melbourne Park.
6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Dr Karl’s How Things Work: Guitars. 8.30 Becoming Human: Last Human Standing. (PG) Looks at the fate of Neanderthals. 9.30 Grand Designs Transformations: Teneriffe Tree House and Dubbo Garden. (R) Two houses are transformed. 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Whiteley Art Scandal. (PG, R) 11.45 Grand Designs: The Streets. (PG, R) 12.35 Long Lost Family. (Final, PG, R) 1.20 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.20 Smother. (Mlv, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? Mark Coles Smith. (Malv, R) 8.35 Portillo’s 200 Years Of The Railways. (Premiere) Hosted by Michael Portillo. 9.45 Aerial Australia. (PG, R) Looks at the far south of Australia. 10.35 SBS World News Late. 11.05 Exit. (MA15+ads) 12.00 Dopesick. (MA15+ads, R) 2.25 The Eco Show. (PG, R) 3.25 My Name Is Reeva: I Was Murdered By Oscar Pistorius. (Malv, R) 4.20 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.55 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Multiple lives hang in the balance. Tane faces a life-and-death race against the clock. 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Qualifier. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-game coverage of The Qualifier. 11.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (PGal) Mayan and Quinten receive news. 12.00 MOVIE: A Date With Danger. (2021, Mav, R) A single mother’s best friend goes missing. Lara Jean Chorostecki, Jamie Spilchuk. 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 3. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 3. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Zola takes matters into her own hands. 1.00 Next Stop. Takes a look at desirable travel destinations. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Destination WA. (R) Nikki shares some essential camping tech. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Skippy befriends an artist. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts talks about golf. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! Hosted by Julia Morris and Robert Irwin. 9.00 Matlock. (PGad) While the team is tasked with protecting a witness, Matty and Olympia square off over the Wellbrexa document. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Wiggle And Learn. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Hippo Watch With Steve Backshall. 9.15 Planet Weird. 10.05 Late Programs.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30 Homicide. 2.20 Mastermind Aust. 3.20 Kars & Stars. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. 9.25 Under The Banner Of Heaven. 10.35 Casketeers Life & Death Across The Globe. 11.30 Late Programs.
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Judge John Deed. 10.45 Miniseries: Midnight Man. 11.45 Late Programs.
9GEM (81, 92) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop. 9.30 Newstyle Direct. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.00 Tennis. Aust Open. 6.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 3. 11.00 Agatha Christie’s Marple. 1am Creflo. 1.30 Recipes For Love And Murder. 2.30 MOVIE: Percy. (1971, M) 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.
10 COMEDY (52, 11) 6am Morning
NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning
12.30pm MOVIE: Bran Nue Dae. (2009, PG) 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Indian Country Today News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Arabian Inferno. 7.30 Big Backyard Quiz. 8.30 MOVIE: Finke: There And Back. (2018, M) 10.10 MOVIE: The Last Wave. (1977, PG) Midnight Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.40pm November. (2022, Malv, French) 2.40 Capricorn One. (1977, PGalv) 4.55 The Last Wave. (1977, PGaln) 6.55 Where The Money Is. (2000, PGasv) 8.30 The Taste Of Things. (2023, French) 11.05 Shayda. (2023, Mav) 1.15am Late Programs.
Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Opal Hunters. 3.30 Full Custom Garage. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Big Bash League Pre-Game. 7.30 Outback Truckers. 9.30 Railroad Australia. 10.30 Ice Road Truckers. 12.30am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 The Summit. 2.50pm Nanny. 3.20 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 3. 7.00 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 11.00 Seinfeld. Midnight The 100. 12.55 The Vampire Diaries. 2.35 Love During Lockup. 4.00 Barbie: Dreamhouse Adventures. 4.30 Hop. 4.50 Late Programs.
10 DRAMA (53, 12) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 The Dog Academy. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. 8.30 FBI: International. (Mv, R) 10.20 The Ex-Wife. 11.15 The Real CSI: Miami. 12.15am Shopping.
Programs. 9.30 Bold. 10.00 Family Feud. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Becker. Noon Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Big Bang. 2.00 Friends. 3.30 Becker. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.30 Big Bang. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Stephen Colbert. 4.30 Shopping.
Friday, 16 January, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 15
Wednesday, January 21 SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6am Morning Programs. 11.10 All Creatures Great And Small. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miniseries: The Cry. (Mal, R) 1.55 Restoration Aust. (R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 3.25 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 10.50 Mountain Vets. (Ma, R) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Gods Of Tennis. (Ml, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PGa, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 4. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 4. From Melbourne Park.
6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. Presented by David Speers. 8.00 Hard Quiz. (PG) Presented by Tom Gleeson. 8.30 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Ml) A satirical news program exposing the humorous, absurd and downright hypocritical. 9.00 Always Was Tonight. (Premiere) Hosted by Tony Armstrong. 9.30 Changing Ends. (PG) Christine’s Tupperware party takes a raucous turn. 10.50 The Jetty. (Ml, R) 11.50 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 12.40 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.30 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 2.20 Smother. (Mlv, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Michael Palin: Into Iraq. (Ms, R) Michael Palin visits the site of Babylon. 8.30 The Jury: Murder Trial UK. (M) The prosecution challenge the defendant. 9.25 Crime. (MA15+) Lennox makes a shocking discovery. 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Face To Face. (Mal) 11.45 Darkness: Those Who Kill. (MA15+av) 1.30 Golden Boy. (MA15+ds, R) 2.25 The Eco Show. (R) 3.20 My Name Is Reeva: I Was Murdered By Oscar Pistorius. (Mav, R) 4.15 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Leah calls on Alf. Levi delivers shocking news. Eden worries for her friend. 7.30 Cricket. Big Bash League. The Knockout. 11.00 Big Bash League Post-Game. Post-game coverage of The Knockout. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 1. Highlights. 12.30 Wolfe. (MA15+a) A hidden body is found at a mansion. 2.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. News and current affairs. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. The latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Sunrise. News, sport and weather.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 4. From Melbourne Park. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 4. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Maggie and Zola assist a road trip patient. 1.00 Next Stop. Takes a look at desirable travel destinations. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Mark tries to learn Italian. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PG, R) A panel of experts talks about golf. 5.00 Today Early News. A look at the latest news, sport and weather. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! The celebrities continue to compete in a test of survival in the jungle for the chance to claim the title. 9.00 Elsbeth. (Return, PGa) Elsbeth dives into the world of late-night comedy when tensions rise backstage. 10.00 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 10.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 11.00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) Hosted by Stephen Colbert. 12.00 Home Shopping. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.15 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.50 Adv Time. 9.35 We Bare Bears. 9.50 Shaun Tan’s Tales From Outer Suburbia. 10.10 Late Programs.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Morning
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Master. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Inspector George Gently. 10.45 Prince Andrew: Banished. 12.30am Bargain Hunt. 1.30 Late Programs.
9GEM (81, 92) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.00 Tennis. Aust Open. 6.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 4. 11.00 Midsomer Murders. 1am Creflo. 1.30 Recipes For Love And Murder. 2.30 MOVIE: Steptoe And Son. (1972, M) 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.
10 COMEDY (52, 11) 6am Morning
Programs. 12.30pm Stone Cold Takes On America. 1.20 If You Are The One. 3.20 Mastermind Aust. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. 9.25 Under The Banner Of Heaven. 10.35 MOVIE: Memphis Belle. (1990, M) 12.35am Late Programs.
NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning
Noon MOVIE: The Last Wave. (1977, PG) 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Arabian Inferno. 7.30 Our Medicine. 8.40 Earth Oven. 9.30 Emily: I Am Kam. 10.35 MOVIE: Radiance. (1998, M) 12.05am Going Places. 1.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon The Fence. (2022, Mdlv) 1.45 Born To Dance. (2015, PGa) 3.35 Capricorn One. (1977, PGalv) 5.50 Discovering Film. 6.50 Five Flights Up. (2014, PGal) 8.30 Daddio. (2024) 10.25 Aftersun. (2022, Mals) 12.20am Black Bear. (2020, MA15+l) 2.20 The Taste Of Things. (2023, French) 4.50 Oink. (2022, PGav, Dutch)
Programs. 3.30pm Full Custom Garage. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.00 Big Bash League Pre-Game. 7.30 Highway Patrol. 8.30 The Force: BTL. 9.30 Caught On Dashcam. 10.30 World’s Wildest Police Videos. 11.30 Live PD Presents: PD Cam. Midnight Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 11.10 The Reserve. 12.10pm The Summit. 3.00 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 4. 7.00 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The 100. 12.25am The Vampire Diaries. 2.05 Love After Lockup. 3.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.00 Late Programs.
10 DRAMA (53, 12) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 A Million Little Things. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) 10.20 The Ex-Wife. 11.15 FBI: Most Wanted. 12.15am Shopping.
12836574-MC03-26
ABC TV (2)
Winnie thePooh Classic
Programs. 9.30 Bold. 10.00 Family Feud. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Becker. Noon Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Big Bang. 2.00 Friends. 3.30 Becker. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.30 Big Bang. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Stephen Colbert. 4.30 Shopping.
Order now on aussietoysonline.com.au
Thursday, January 22 ABC TV (2)
SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9)
TEN (5, 10)
6am Morning Programs. 11.10 Changing Ends. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Miss Austen. (R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Would I Lie To You? (R) 3.25 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat. (R) 3.55 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.45 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (PG, R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Living Black: 50 Years Of SBS Indigenous. (R) 2.05 New Zealand From A Train. (R) 3.00 Going Places. (PGa, R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PGs, R) 4.15 Ocean Wreck Investigation. (PGav, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 Seven News With Alex Cullen. 1.10 Catch Phrase. (PG, R) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Today. The latest in news and current affairs. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. Featuring highlights, interviews and opinions. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Day 5. 4.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Afternoon 5. From Melbourne Park.
6am Morning Programs. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 7.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 8.00 Lingo. (R) 9.00 The Finish Line. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. 10.30 I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! (R) 12.00 Farm To Fork. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) 2.30 The Finish Line. 3.30 Lingo. (R) 4.30 Bold. (PG) 5.00 News.
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R) 7.00 ABC News. 7.30 7.30. 8.00 Grand Designs Transformations: Coburg Shag Manor And Burnside Coach House. 9.00 Amanda & Alan’s Italian Job. Amanda and Alan renovate the bathrooms. 9.30 Goolagong. (Final, PG, R) 10.25 Classic Countdown Extras. (MA15+, R) 10.35 ABC Late News. 10.55 Always Was Tonight. (R) 11.25 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 12.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 2.25 Smother. (Mals, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News. 7.35 Toronto Airport Uncovered. Delta Flight 4819 crash-lands at Toronto Airport. 8.25 Robson Green: World’s Most Amazing Walks. Robson Green heads to Scotland. 9.20 In Flight. Jo rushes to Sofia when Sonny is stabbed. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Before We Die. (Malv, R) 11.40 This Town. (Malv, R) 1.55 The Eco Show. (PGaw, R) 2.55 My Name Is Reeva: I Was Murdered By Oscar Pistorius. (Ma, R) 3.45 My Unique B&B. (R) 4.20 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Harper is honest with her mum. 8.30 MOVIE: Marry Me. (2022, PGals) A heartbroken pop star spontaneously weds a stranger from the audience while live on stage. Jennifer Lopez, Owen Wilson, John Bradley. 10.50 Boyzone: Life, Death And Boybands: When All Is Said And Done. (Mal, R) Boyzone faces highs and heartbreak. 11.50 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. Stage 2. Highlights. 12.50 Dr Harry’s Animal Encounters. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 5. 11.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Late Night 5. 12.00 Chicago Med. (MA15+mv, R) Asher helps a woman from a rural clinic. 1.00 Next Stop. Takes a look at desirable travel destinations. 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) Home shopping. 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) Skippy searches for a missing cat. 4.30 GolfBarons. (PGl, R) A panel of experts talks about golf. 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 6.30 Deal Or No Deal. (a, R) Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 Attenborough’s Parenthood. (PGa) David Attenborough looks at parenthood in the oceans. 8.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mls) Glen Powell, Michelle Yeoh, Rosamund Pike and Jack Whitehall join Graham Norton on the couch. 9.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Ma, R) Repressed memories haunt a woman. A powerful judge stalls Carisi’s case. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.10 10 News+. (R) 11.40 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Children’s Programs. 4.15pm Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.40 Vida The Vet. 5.40 Kangaroo Beach. 6.05 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.25 Paddington. 6.45 Ben And Holly. 7.05 Batwheels. 7.35 Ninjago. 8.00 Deadly 60. 8.30 Secrets Of The Zoo. 9.10 Secret Life Of The Tasmanian Devils. 10.00 Late Programs.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm My 3D Printed Ghost Gun. 12.55 Mastermind Aust. 1.55 Devoured. 2.45 Insight. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 Lost Gold Of The Aztecs. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 James May And The Dull Men. 9.25 Under The Banner Of Heaven. 10.35 The UnXplained. 11.25 Homicide. 12.20am Late Programs.
7TWO (62, 72) 6am Morning Programs. 2pm Home In WA. 2.30 Room For Improvement. 3.00 The Real Seachange. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 The Inspector Lynley Mysteries. 10.30 Murdoch Mysteries. 11.30 Late Programs.
9GEM (81, 92) 6am Danger Man. 7.00 Creflo. 7.30 Thunderbirds. 8.00 TV Shop. 10.00 Australian Open Tennis Pre-Show. 11.00 Tennis. Aust Open. 6.00 Tennis. Australian Open. Night 5. 11.00 Poirot. 1am Creflo. 1.30 Recipes For Love And Murder. 2.30 MOVIE: Up Pompeii. (1971, M) 4.30 Danger Man. 5.30 Find My Country House Canada.
10 COMEDY (52, 11) 6am Morning
NITV (34) 6am Morning Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
7MATE (64, 73) 6am Morning
12.10pm Earth Oven. 1.00 Emily: I Am Kam. 2.00 Kriol Kitchen. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Going Places. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Arabian Inferno. 7.30 Going Places. 8.30 Reckless. 9.30 MOVIE: The New Boy. (2023, M) 11.30 Always Have And Always Will. Midnight Going Places. 1.00 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 12.55pm Aftersun. (2022, Mals) 2.50 Where The Money Is. (2000, PGasv) 4.25 Whina. (2022, PGa, Maori, English) 6.30 Mermaids. (1990, PGls) 8.30 Bosch And Rockit. (2022) 10.30 I Love You Too. (2010, Mls) 12.30am Daddio. (2024) 2.25 La La Land. (2016, Ml) 4.40 RabbitProof Fence. (2002, PG)
Programs. 11.30 Cycling. Santos Tour Down Under. Men’s. 4pm Full Custom Garage. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 More Power. (Premiere) 8.30 MOVIE: The Taking Of Pelham 123. (2009, MA15+) 10.45 MOVIE: Resident Evil: Afterlife. (2010, MA15+) 12.45am More Power. 2.00 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93) 6am Morning Programs. 11.30 The Reserve. 12.30pm The Summit. 3.00 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 News. 6.00 Tennis. Aust Open. Arvo 5. 7.00 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 The 100. 12.25am The Vampire Diaries. 2.05 Love After Lockup. 3.30 I Love VIP Pets. 4.00 Late Programs.
10 DRAMA (53, 12) 6am Shopping. 8.00 Reel Action. 9.00 Living Room. 10.00 JAG. Noon Days Of Our Lives. 12.45 The Young And The Restless. 1.30 A Million Little Things. 2.30 JAG. 4.30 Living Room. 5.30 JAG. 7.30 NCIS. (Mv, R) 10.20 The Ex-Wife. 11.15 FBI: Most Wanted. 12.15am Shopping.
16 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
Programs. 9.30 Bold. 10.00 Family Feud. 10.30 Ridiculousness. 11.30 Becker. Noon Stephen Colbert. 1.00 Big Bang. 2.00 Friends. 3.30 Becker. 4.00 Farm To Fork. 4.30 Frasier. 5.30 Big Bang. 6.30 Friends. 8.00 Big Bang. 10.00 Becker. 10.30 Frasier. 11.30 Ent. Tonight. Midnight Shopping. 2.30 Bold. 3.30 Shopping.
12769756-AA18-25
Explore some Mekong magic By Lee McCarthy If it is time for that holiday of a lifetime, a retirement trip with a chance to see and visit exotic countries and cultures then it’s time to explore Viking’s fifteen day “Magnificent Mekong” voyage from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City or vice versa. Shop Old Hanoi’s markets, see the Khmer temple complex of Angkor Wat and the haunting beauty of Ta Prohm Temple, where jungle vines embrace ancient ruins. Explore Phnom Penh by cyclo rickshaw. Discover silk towns, fishing villages, monasteries and local river life. With hotel stays in Hanoi, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) bracketing the eight-day Mekong cruise, this cruise tour reveals the beauty and grace of a land Australians have only begun to know. All of this and more is available for travellers on the fifteen-day, two country river cruise which includes sixteen guided tours called the “Magnificent Mekong”, just one of the many river, ocean and exploration cruises available with Viking. The most wonderful fun of a river cruise besides the exceptionally comfortable rooms, the stunning seating options, the generous and tasty meals, the stunning scenery is you simply unpack once and let the dedicated crew take care of the rest allowing guests to relax on board the beautifully crafted and appointed Viking Longship. Local guides immerse guests in the history and culture of each destination with enriching excursions. Enjoy all onboard meals with complimentary beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. Plus, Viking guests enjoy endless specialty tea, coffee and bottled water, unlimited Wi-Fi and all onboard gratuities, port charges and taxes. Vietnam is fast becoming a desired destination and on the cruise guest will enjoy a treasure trove of tasty delights to awaken the senses in the Vietnamese capital. Hanoi is famous for its delicious street food, serving up an array of dishes from all corners across the city. Steaming bowls of pho, a Vietnamese rice noodle soup, are served alongside marinated meats grilled to perfection. The cafe scene in Vietnam is equally as popular with egg coffee a local specialty and a decadent cap to any meal. For those who have not visited the Phnom Penh, Cambodia it is a capital time seems to have passed by. Once known as the “Pearl of Asia,” this bustling Cambodian capital is home to charming French colonial architecture along relaxed boulevards, beautifully wrought pagodas and the monumental Angkorian complexes for which Cambodia is revered.
Twilight over West Lake or Ho Tay Lake in Hanoi.
Explore the cities on cyclo rickshaws in the Hanoi Old Quarter.
The Viking Saigon in the Mekong-Delta in Tien Giang in Southern Vietnam.
Guests relax and feel at home in the comfortable and very classy French Balcony rooms onboard Viking.
The city’s park-like riverfront boasts plenty of inviting cafes and restaurants, and its rich collection of universities, museums and other institutions have grown into Cambodia’s centre of cultural heritage. For those who book before 31 March 2026, travellers can save up to $5,000 per couple fly free, have a flight upgrade credit on selected 2026 to 2028 cruises. The trip is priced from $12,495 per person with fifteen days accommodation in a stunning French Balcony Stateroom. With no kids, no casinos, fewer than 1,000 guests, and all veranda staterooms, Viking’s award-winning ships take guests as close as possible to each destination. For further information please call 138 747 or go to website viking.com which has this and many more stunning trips around the world to choose from.
The blue blue sky above Angkor Wat in Cambodia. (Supplied)
Dedicated travel content delivered to an untapped audience weekly. To advertise in our Travel Today section, please contact the Geelong Independent office on 5249 6707.
12832791-JO01-26
Friday, 16 January, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 17
SECTION
GEELONGINDY.COM.AU
FESTIVE
SHORES 15 NIGHTS FROM AN INCREDIBLE
$3,699pp
CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY & NEW YEAR’S EVE ON BOARD
COMPLIMENTARY FLIGHTS & HOTEL STAY IN SYDNEY
Christmas & New Year South Australia Discovery Voyage 15 Nights
19 December 2026
Embrace the festive season with this South Australian discovery, celebrating Christmas surrounded by Holland America Line’s elegant interiors and welcoming the New Year against the magical backdrop of Tasmania’s coastline.
Your Holiday Includes Full-Board Cruise
Complimentary Hotel Stay
14 night full-board cruise on board Noordam
1 night four-star hotel stay in Sydney at the Rydges World Square with breakfast
Visiting: Sydney, Phillip Island, Melbourne, Burnie (Tasmania), Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Hobart (Tasmania), Port Arthur, Eden, Sydney
Complimentary Flights & Taxes Transfers not included but can be added on at the time of booking
Celebrate Christmas and New Year on board your ship
Call us on
(07) 3558 9908
Visit us online imaginecruising.com.au
INSIDE FROM
OCEAN VIEW FROM
$3,699PP
$4,299PP
VERANDAH FROM
SIGNATURE SUITE FROM
$5,299PP
$6,499PP
Scan the QR code or search the holiday code on our website.
Excellent
HOLIDAY CODE: AUS7554
Terms and Conditions apply, for full details please visit imaginecruising.com.au. All prices shown in AUS Dollars. Prices are per person based on two adults sharing a cruise cabin or suite and include flights from Melbourne (regional flights available at a supplement). Credit cards charged at 1%, if paying by AMEX a charge of 2.5% will be added. ABN number 48614987718. Prices are correct at the time of print and are subject to change. Offer applies to new bookings only. Named hotels are based on availability and are subject to change without notice. Alternative hotels will always be of equal or higher star rating.
12835723-KF02-26
18 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
GEELONGINDY.COM.AU
SECTION
FLY FREE, FLIGHT UPGRADE CREDIT OR SAVE UP TO AU$2,500 PER COUPLE
LISBON, PORTUGAL COMPANION
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
FLY FREE ECONOMY CLASS
Florence/Pisa CROATIA MONACO (Livorno) Venice Šibenik Monte Carlo Marseille Split ITALY Dubrovnik Sète SPAIN Kotor MONTENEGRO Barcelona Naples GREECE Istanbul TURKEY PORTUGAL CORFU Palma de Rome Bari Troy Kérkrya Mallorca (Civitavecchia) Crotone Granada Athens (Çanakkale) Lisbon (Málaga) (Piraeus) Mediterranean Ephesus Seville Messina Ionian Sea (Kuşadasi) (Cádiz) SICILY Sea Murcia Olympia Rhodes (Cartagena) Tangier (Katakolon) Heraklion MOROCCO CRETE FRANCE
UPGRADE BUSINESS CLASS AIRFARE CREDIT
GRAND MEDITERRANEAN EXPLORER Lisbon to Istanbul 36 DAYS • 10 COUNTRIES • 29 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • MAR, APR, SEP 2027; MAR, AUG 2028
Overnight in Por t
OR
SAIL FOR LESS ALL-INCLUSIVE PRICING No kids, voted world’s best Private veranda stateroom Nordic spa facilities
From AU$33,295pp in Veranda Stateroom From AU$40,795pp in Penthouse Veranda
– Cruise •
OR
Shore excursions Choice of 8 dining options Wi-Fi & gratuities
Florence/Pisa (Livorno) Venice MONACO (Chioggia) CROATIA Monte Carlo Šibenik ITALY
FRANCE
Marseille Sète SPAIN
PORTUGAL
Palma de Mallorca
Lisbon
Granada (Málaga)
Seville (Cádiz)
Tangier
Naples Rome Bari (Civitavecchia) Crotone
Mediterranean Sea
Messina SICILY
Ionian Sea
22 DAYS • 7 COUNTRIES • 18 GUIDED TOURS SET SAIL • FEB-JUN, AUG, SEP 2027; FEB, MAR, MAY, JUN, SEP 2028
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*Choose one offer per booking (all guests must select the same): Companion Fly Free (Economy) up to AU$2,500 per couple (code CFE25) OR Business Class Air Credit AU$2,500 per couple (CFB25) OR Cruise-Only Save AU$2,500 per couple (CRX25). Valid on selected 2026–2028 Viking Ocean voyages. New bookings only, prices in AUD per person (twin share), subject to availability, not combinable. Grand Mediterranean Explorer based on 02 March 2028 departure. Adriatic & Mediterranean Discovery based on 22 February 2028 departure. Spain, Portugal & the Mediterranean based on 13 December 2027 departure. Booking window: 02 Dec 2025 – 31 Mar 2026 (AEDT). Full T&Cs: viking.com.
OR CONTACT YOUR TRAVEL ADVISOR
12835752-MV03-26
Friday, 16 January, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 19
Community
GEELONGINDY.COM.AU
COMMUNITY CALENDAR WANT YOUR EVENT LISTED? Community Calendar is made available free of charge to not-for-profit organisations to keep the public informed of special events and activities. Send item details to Geelong Independent Community Calendar, 1/47 Pakington Street, Geelong West, 3218, or email to editorial@geelongindependent.com.au. Deadline for copy and announcements is 5pm Tuesday.
Austrian Club Geelong
Bike riding
Sounds of Summer cabaret, 240 Plantation Rd, Corio, Saturday 17 January, 7-11pm. Featuring Tony Rebeiro with drinks, snacks and coffee, $10/15 members/ nonmembers. Karl 0412-205 714
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from Belmont. Rides to suit all levels of fitness; e-bikes welcome. Rob 0412-308 166
Lara Community Market Run by Rotary Club of Lara District every second Sunday of the month at Lara RSL from 9am to 1pm.
Ballroom dance Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Hwy, Saturday 17 January, 7.30pm-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Ben. 0400-500 402
Geelong Amateur Radio Club Storrer Street Clubhouse, Geelong, Wednesdays 1.30pm-4pm and Fridays 6.30pm. Robert 0438 409 979, vk3atl.org
Music for preschoolers Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Rd, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms. Rhonda 0437-241 345
Choir
Beer, bratwurst & BBQ Rostrum meets Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday. Andrew 0408-369 446, Jan 0407-296 958
Kitchen open with German and Aussie favourites. Karneval Society, 21/45 Arunga Ave, Norlane, Sunday January 25, noon-5pm. Free but register, beerbratwurstnbbqbash.eventbrite.com Alana 0417-335 461, germankarnevalsociety@gmail.com
St Paul’s Choir rehearses Wednesdays from 7.45pm-8.45pm and 9.30am Sunday for 10.30am service. Choral scholarships available. Occasional choir for those unable to make commitment to main choir. Tom Healey 0451-960 768, healeytf@ gmail.com
Bellydance classes Highton Seniors Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre, 84 Barrabool Rd, Highton. Elma 0411-065 524
Mindfulness & meditation U3A
Australian Multicultural Support
Geelong Breakfast Lions
9.30am and 12.30pm Wednesdays, Cobbin Farm, Grove Rd, Grovedale. Jean 5264 7484
December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Rd, Belmont. Bill 0414 524 155, info@geelongpsg.net
Beginner level, new term commencing. New students welcome. Tuesdays 1.30pm, Life Activities Club, Belmont Park Pavillion, Belmont. Glenys 0400-214 897
Geelong ballroom dancing Services Social Support Groups for communities from different multicultural backgrounds for seniors over 65. Meals, activities and fun. White Eagle House, Breakwater. 10am-2.30pm Fridays. 03-9689 9170, amcservices.org.au, info@amcservices.org.au
Cards Wanted: card sharp partners to play the game of Bolivia on Thursday evenings. For venue email Ingrid. griddlepop@hotmail.com
Geelong Historical Society Inc. Guest speaker first Wednesday of each month, 7.30pm, Virginia Todd Hall, 9 Clarence St, Geelong West. Harry 0473-807 944, geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au
Stamps Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm first Saturday of the month (excluding January) at Virginia Todd Community Hall, 9-15 Clarence St, Geelong West, and 12.30pm third Monday of the month (excluding December) at Belmont Pavillion, 162 Barrabool Rd, Belmont. Julie 0438-270 549
Morning club for those who want to help others, first Tuesday of each month at 8am, Eastern Hub (formerly Karingal) in East Geelong. Dinner somewhere in Geelong each month to suit members. ajd53m@yahoo.com
Scribes Writers Group South Barwon Community Centre, Mondays 9.30am-noon. Welcoming new members who wish to refine their skills. geelongscribeswriters@gmail.com, 5243 8388
First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm. geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au
Geelong Sports & Game Fishing Meets first and third Monday of the month at Belmont Park Pavilion, 7.30pm. John 0409-234 307
Ballroom dancing
Meets fourth Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm, 9 Yuille St, Geelong West. Monthly fishing competitions. Brian 0417-190 092, Ian 0470-114 787
Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4 pm. Val 52513529
Children’s play group
Drysdale CWA
For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with parent/carer. Free play, story time, and music. Wednesdays 10am-11.30am in school term, St John’s Highton, 269 Roslyn Rd, Highton. $20 registration per family. office@stjohnshighton.org.au, 0433-191 890
Every second Tuesday at 1pm and crafts every fourth Tuesday at 11.30am of each month at Drysdale RSL Club. Jenny 0452-258 333
Kids’ church Group lessons for children aged three to six years; 7-10 years; and 10+ years at St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, 171a Latrobe Tce, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term, 10.30-11.30am. Suzie 0402-963 855, Althea 0403-005 449
Geelong Dragon Boat Club Paddle at Barwon River. Training Wednesdays 5pm, Saturdays 9am. Free one-month trial. revolutionise.com.au/geelongdragons
Games
Combined Probus Club of Highton
Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Tuesdays 2pm-5pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided. Dinah 0418-547 753
Meets third Thursday of each month, South Barwon Football & Netball clubrooms, McDonald Reserve, Reynolds Rd, Belmont, 10am. Sandra 0427-348 260
Book club
Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson St, Belmont. No auditions needed. Mary 0419-278 456
Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings
Geelong Anglers Club
Sessions of music and movement for preschoolers, St Barnabas and St Paul’s Church, 105 Wilsons Rd, Newcomb. Every Thursday during term time 10am-11.30am. Wendy 0461-582 618
Sing Australia Geelong Choir
Service club for women and girls, every second Tuesday of the month from 6pm at Belmont RSL. 0455-835 691, geelong@siswp.com
Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at Belmont-Highton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont. 0420-910 763
Christ Church hall, cnr Moorabool & McKillop Sts, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome. Pauline 0429-829 773, John 0434-142 282
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm. Shirley 0488-055 969
Geelong’s Soroptimist International
Alcoholics (and other addicts) For Christ 12 Steps Group
Mainly Music for Preschoolers Scrabble club
Saturdays 7.30pm-10.15pm, cnr Bayview Pde and Carey St, Hamlyn Heights. Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate. 5278 9740, geelongballroomdc.com.au
Zonta Club of Geelong Meets monthly for dinner first Wednesday of the month between February and December at 6.30pm for a 6.45pm start. RSVP essential. zontageelong.org.au or zontaclubgeelong@yahoo.com.au
Geelong Prostate Support Group Meets last Friday of the month (except
20 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club Hot Shots for beginners, Creamery Rd, Bell Post Hill, Monday afternoons September, 4.15pm or 4.45pm sessions. Bruce 0402-135 313
Belmont Seniors Players wanted to play 500 each Monday 12.30pm. Belmont Senior Centre, 52 Thomson St, Belmont. 5241 1776
Geelong Vietnam Veterans Coffee and a chat at 31 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont. Open Monday, Wednesday & Friday 10am-3pm. Fortnightly lunch at various locations. Meetings second Monday of each month. Gary 0400-862 727
Welcome mat Belmont Uniting Church every Friday from 10am-1pm. Games, lunch and friendship. Fay 0409-361 414
Scottish dancing GOG Scottish Country Dance classes 7.30pm Tuesdays at Leopold Hill Hall, $5. No partner needed. Vicki 0412-762983, Barbara 0419-511 781
Geelong Showgrounds Museum Open to the public on the first Sunday of each month 10am-2pm, starting 1 February (October excepted). Adults $10, students 13-18 $5, under 13 free. 5221 1707.
Geelong Scottish Dance Highland dance classes for all ages Wednesday from 4pm and Saturday from 10am at Western Heights Uniting Church Hall, St Herne Hill. Christine 0468-311 788, facebook.com/ GeelongScottishDance
Bingo Tuesdays 1pm-3pm, great grocery prizes plus $50 jackpot books $2.50. Belmont Seniors Centre, 52 Thomson St, Belmont. Frank 5241 1776
First steps in music OMNI Older Men New Ideas men’s friendly informal chat group, South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 10.30am. Allan 0409-665 608
Babies, toddlers and preschoolers welcome with parent/carer. Thursdays Northern Bay College, Tallis, and Fridays at Northern Bay College, Peacock. Free if living in 3214 postcode, bookings essential. info@bluebirdfoundationinc.org.au
GEELONGINDY.COM.AU
COMMUNITY
Nick Cooke and Samara Earles. 527925_02
Hector de Leiros, Ava Chapman, Aniela Crook and Davis McMurrich. 527925_03
Jayne and Zalhi. 527925_01
Chelsea Black and daughter Isla. 527925_04
Out and about in Geelong Independent photographer Ivan Kemp went to Geelong’s waterfront on a cool and blustery Tuesday to see who was out and about.
Julie and Michael Perkins. 527925_05
Grace Cusack and Luvish Dhoa with their children Koda, Savannah and Aria. 527925_06
Sophie Ross and Thomas Ryan. 527925_10
Halle Armstrong and Alana Drummond. 527925_07
James McVey and Rachel Kerrigan. 527925_08
Annie Vizsai 527925_12
Alisha Cini with son Hunter. 527925_11
Friday, 16 January, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 21
SECTION
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22 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
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networkclassifieds.com.au networkclassifieds.com.au General Notices
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For the record Marilyn Joy Mangione(c) and Peter Moen(c) of Strathbogie, Victoria State, and Chrystene Elizabeth Antonis(c) and Albert Martin Antonis(c) of Balmattum, Victoria State, are permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. We are not voluntary transactors in commerce and are the paramount security interest holders of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. Our lawful Reconveyance and Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 38036 93606, RPP44 63900 05100 11539 24609, RPP44 63900 05100 25683 09609 and RPP44 63900 05100 38036 91602, on Proclamation Date 28 August 2025, 6 October 2025, 29 August 2025 and 29 August 2025 respectively. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Marilyn Joy Mangione(c), Peter Moen(c), Chrystene Elizabeth Antonis(c) and Albert Martin Antonis(c) in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon our estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.
12811468-EB43-25
LG STEREO with 2 large speakers and 3 CD discs. Great condition. $300 or near offer. Phone Kate on 0451 727 014
WANTED GEELONG COIN COLLECTORS CLUB Wanting to buy collections and gold and silver coins. Valuations available. Top prices paid. Call Peter: 0417 038 628 12834888-RV03-26
YAMAHA VIRAGO 2002, 250cc, good condition and low mileage. BQ219, registered until May.
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ADVERTISERS, in this section are qualified practitioners and offer nonsexual services.
PETS & SERVICES ADVERTISERS PLEASE NOTE Anyone advertising a puppy, dog, kitten or cat in Victoria for sale or re-homing will need a source number from the Pet Exchange Register and a microchip identification number. It is now an offence to advertise unless the source number and microchip identification number is included in the advertisement or notice. For further information, call 136 186 or visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au
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Unit 28/8 Lewalan St, Grovedale | Mobile 0417 528 348 Plumbing Contractor REG No 40608 ABN 401 5880 8130
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Friday, 16 January, 2026 GEELONG INDEPENDENT 23
PUZZLES 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.
easy
3 4 5
2 1
9 8
6
5
2
8 5 6 6 8 4 3 7 9 7 6 2 8 8 5 7 1 6 6 9 2 4 medium
1 5 2 5 9 1 4 7 3 1 5 4 1 6 7 2 1 4 6 4 4 7 2 5 9 6 1 3 6
QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS
DOWN
Foot covers (5) Pleasure (9) Purchaser (5) Verification schedule (9) Purpose (6) Fearful (8) Speed up (10) Snow runner (3) Officiate (abbr) (3) Self-centred (10) Wedlock (8) Telemarketer (6) Kept up (9) Taut (5) Indigestion (9) Acting parts (5)
1 4 9 10 11 12 14 15 17 19 23 24 26 27 28 29
15
23
23
18
23
5
17 2
19
9
15
9
23
21
22
7
26
12
19
7
9 8 1 5 7 6 2 9 3
23
12
15
11
7
17
17
17
17
23
12
17
D
23
20
15
4
23
6
17
17
15
26
2
D 1
12
2
3
4
17
23
16 17 15
23
23
21
15
4
4
17
26
5
15
11
3
23
12
13
5
14
2
5
22
6
23
22
23
7
8
9
6
15
23
15
14
5
3 LETTERS ALL ASH AVO BOA DAM DNA ELK FRO GOT HOE ICE ILK INK INN ITS PAD PAR PER SAC SHE SPA UGH USE WIT
B
8
25
4
25
18
17
14
10
15
WORDFIT
16
17 16
21
15
21
17
7
18
5
No. 304
B
25
B
17
7
17
7
23
1 21
D
15
18
23
11
24 17
17
16
23
10 11 12 13
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26
B D N A M E I P W T Y S K B D 19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Today’s Aim: 18 words: Good 27 words: Very good
A
I
3 4 1 5 8 6 2 7 9 9 5 2 7 4 1 3 8 6 7 8 6 2 3 9 1 4 5 2 9 4 8 5 7 6 3 1 5 6 8 4 1 3 7 9 2 1 3 7 9 6 2 4 5 8 8 2 3 6 9 4 5 1 7 4 7 5 1 2 8 9 6 3 6 1 9 3 7 5 8 2 4
6 3 9 8 2 7 1 4 5 2 5 8 9 1 4 7 3 6 1 7 4 3 6 5 2 8 9 4 2 1 5 3 6 8 9 7 7 8 5 4 9 2 6 1 3 9 6 3 1 7 8 4 5 2 5 1 2 6 8 3 9 7 4 8 4 7 2 5 9 3 6 1 3 9 6 7 4 1 5 2 8
R
ALPHA APART CRIES CROCS DIETS DODGE DRONE DUVET EARLY EATEN ERODE EVENS EVOKE FAUNA FORTE KEEPS KNEED LISTS LITHE LOWER LUNAR MATTE
R
4 LETTERS APED DYED ENDS GOOF HOWS KEGS LAMP MONK ROES SAFE SLAG SLED TENS THAW 5 LETTERS ABATE ABODE
NAVAL NOOSE OFTEN ONION OPALS PATIO PREEN REBUT SEEKS SERUM SKATE SORTS SOUTH STAID STAVE STEEL STEMS STRUT TENTS TITLE TOUGH TSARS
ROOSTER RUPTURE TINSELS
UNTIE USERS WINED WREST 6 LETTERS LUSTRE ORDAIN RIDERS TRADES
8 LETTERS ASSURING ASTUTEST INITIATE TOLERATE
7 LETTERS AROUSES ENACTED PRISONS
16-01-26
No. 379 Insert the missing letters to make 10 words – five reading across the grid and five reading down.
QUICK QUIZ
7
Which three zodiac signs are associated with the element air?
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy is more commonly known by what name?
8
3
Comedians Alex Horne and Greg Davies are the presenters of which UK television show?
The 1918 children’s book The Magic Pudding was written and illustrated by whom?
9
4
The film American Psycho (2000) starring Christian Bale (pictured) is based on a novel of the same name by which writer?
The Bay of Biscay is located between the coasts of which two countries?
1
What colour is the pentagram on the Moroccan flag?
2
NOTE: more than one solution may be possible
E S
24 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
S C R A P A L O N E G O U G E E N T E R R E E L S
E
S
H
ashore, hair, hare, harries, harsh, harsher, hash, hear, hears, heir, hero, hers, hire, hirer, hires, hoarier, hoarse, hoarser, hoes, horse, HORSEHAIR, hose, hosier, rash, rasher, rehash, rhea, shah, share, sharer, shea, shear, shier, shire, shirr, shoe, shore
3 5 6 2 7 1 9 8 4 1 8 7 5 4 9 6 2 3 9 2 4 3 8 6 5 7 1 6 3 1 8 9 5 7 4 2 2 4 8 1 6 7 3 5 9 5 7 9 4 3 2 8 1 6 4 6 2 7 5 3 1 9 8 8 9 5 6 1 4 2 3 7 7 1 3 9 2 8 4 6 5
U
O
No. 272
M O N K
1
18
P N
E
17
R
16
R
N
E
H
Puzzles and pagination © Pagemasters | pagemasters.com
G
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”.
37 words: Excellent
hard
L
15
9-LETTER WORD medium
S
V O F G C H L Z Q X R U J
4 8 4
14
8
easy
5x5
23
8
17
2 5 7 4 2 7 3
21
9
7
14
12
6 2 5
Surrender (6) Difficult to understand (7) Odd (7) Slash (4) Stated an argument (10) Trying (7) Newspaper executives (7) Begins a voyage (4,4) Personal items (10) Pledged (8) Woodlands (7) Islamic state (7) Farm vehicle (7) Forbidden by law (7) Complimentary (6) Notion (4)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 13 16 18 19 20 21 22 25
DECODER
9
hard
No. 272
5
Who was the last emperor of the Pax Romana?
6
What is the oldest line on the London Underground?
10 Which American singer was known as ‘The Man in Black’? ANSWERS: 1. Green 2. Gemini, Libra and Aquarius 3. Taskmaster 4. Bret Easton Ellis 5. Marcus Aurelius 6. Metropolitan line 7. Mad cow disease 8. Norman Lindsay 9. France and Spain 10. Johnny Cash
No. 272
K E E P S L I T H E O P A L S O N I O N R E B U T N A V A L E R O D E W I N E D D R O N E E L K D I E T S S P A D A M C R I E S R I D E R S D Y E D U S E A L L I N N S T A V E T S A R S A P E D T O L E R A T E G O O F A V O R U P T U R E E N A C T E D M O N K A S S U R I N G U G H T H AW U S E R S N O O S E I T S G O T S A C L U S T R E S O U T H S A F E A S H S T E E L B O A I N K S T A I D O F T E N A P A R T W R E S T M A T T E T I T L E S O R T S P R E E N S E E K S
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Vic Open to hit 13th Beach The Vic Open golf tournament returns to 13th Beach Golf Links this weekend. Featuring players from 12 different counties, the field also includes new LET member Justice Bosio, fellow Queenslander Hannah Reeves, who won her first three events as a professional last year, Drummond Golf Melbourne International champion Abbie Teasdale (WA) and The Athena champion Claire Shin (NSW). Victoria’s Su Oh will again have to see off the challenge of former world No 1 Jiyai Shin if she is to successfully defend
her women’s title. In one of the most remarkable finishes in the event’s history, Oh came from seven shots behind at the start of the final round, played on an extremely windy day on the Bellarine Peninsula, to win the 2025 title by a single shot. The 2026 Vic Open will again see men and women play on the same courses at Barwon Heads, at the same time, for equal prize money. The list of starters for the men’s Vic Open is headed by the 2023 winner, New Zealand’s Michael Hendry, former NZ
Open champions Matt Griffin (Vic) and Brendan Jones (ACT), and three players who have already secured Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia titles in the 2025/26 season – Cam John (Vic), Austin Bautista (NSW) and Andrew Martin (Vic). “Hosting the Vic Open for the 13th consecutive year reflects the City of Greater Geelong’s deep connection with golf and reinforces our region as a premier destination for major sporting events,” City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said. “Year after year, the Vic Open delivers
not just elite golf, but significant economic and tourism benefits to Greater Geelong.” The Vic Open is on 15 to 18 January at 13th Beach Golf Links and entry free, with car parking on site. The final two rounds will be broadcast on Kayo and Foxtel. The Vic Open is part of an exciting second half of the Summer of Golf in Australia that includes the New Zealand Open and ISPS HANDA Japan Australasia Championship on the Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia and the women’s Australian Open and Australian WPGA Championship on the WPGA Tour of Australasia.
Ford stars with another century, St Peters in top 4 By Justin Flynn Luke Ford’s second century of the season helped St Peters move into the Geelong Cricket Association Division 1 top four on Saturday 10 January. Ford was unbeaten on 108 from 115 deliveries at the end of the Saints’ innings that yielded 5/261 against Newtown & Chilwell. Ford shared a 99-run third-wicket stand with brother Billy Ford (61) and there was plenty of running involved. The pair hit just six boundaries and a six between them and were forced to work hard. The Two Blues took the run chase to the 50th over, but fell short being all out for 233 with Tyson Windus (73) and Pat McKenna (40) getting runs, but seamer Josh Sorgiovanni took 4/28 from 10 overs to help the Saints to a win. GROVEDALE sits in third place on the ladder after a 12-run win against Lara. Michael McNeel (50), Josh Windus (47) and Daniel Brew (40) contributed to a final total of 243 all out while Daniel Weigl and paceman Luke Wilson each took three wickets for Lara. Vishesh Malhotra was the danger man in the run chase and he didn’t disappoint with a hard-hitting 68 from only 32 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. Kaden Marum made 67, but quick Sam Coutts grabbed four wickets after taking some punishment early. Lara was all out for 231 with almost 10 overs still to bat. NORTH GEELONG was without several stars due to Country Victoria rep duty, but still managed to defeat St Joseph’s comfortably. Sam Hall (55), keeper Adam Costello (44), Tom Mathieson (38 not out from 19 deliveries), Ned Cooper (35) and Philip Visser (31) all got runs in a total of 7/258. Medium pacer Fletcher Wilson sent down 10 tidy overs and grabbed 2/31 for Joeys. Mathieson then played a key role for the Magpies with 3/19 while spinner Victor Morrow took 2/21 to have Joeys all out for 142. Brandon Purcell was not out on 36, but St Joseph’s has some work to do to improve on its sixth placing on the table. EAST BELMONT won a close one against South Barwon. Luke Inglis (75) and the ever reliable Sean O’Neill (44) pushed East Belmont to 221 while spinner Nathaniel Blyth was superb with 2/27 from 10 overs for South Barwon. South Barwon had several batters get starts, including Sam Ellis (37), Nathan Pearson (33), Bryson Nicholls (33) and Gurpreet Singh (33), but fell eight runs short with fast bowler Jack Jenkins and spinner Lachlan Molyneux each grabbing three wickets. BARWON HEADS demolished Inverleigh to retain its unbeaten status in Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A1 Grade. New-ball pair Sema Kamea (2/14) and Harry Hyland (2/25) ripped through the top
Luke Ford made his second century of the season for St Peters. (Ivan Kemp) 518075_07
order and leg-spinners Daniel Donaldson (3/9) and Angus Mackie (3/19) helped dismiss the Kookaburras for 74. The Seagulls lost three wickets while passing the small total with Matthew Bode (23) and Max Melzer (21 not out) spending time at the crease. QUEENSCLIFF continued its impressive resurrection with a four-wicket triumph against Drysdale. The Coutas restricted their chasing target to 8/147 with Frank Mileto and Max Minney taking two wickets each in a fine all-round bowling display that was highlighted by Jordan Monahan’s eight overs, which went for just seven runs. Ron Peillon (41) top scored for the Hawks and Jason Malcolm made 33. Kane Leathem was the backbone of the Queenscliff response with an unbeaten 50 from 66 balls. NICK HYDEN made a superb 100 not out from 109 balls for Jan Juc, but Barrabool took the points. The Sharks made 6/187 with Hyden hitting five fours and six sixes and Finn Bilston also played well for 45. Joel Denyer took three wickets for Barrabool and Raf Salvado two while Kane Pickering conceded just 18 runs from eight overs. The Bulls passed the target three wickets down with eight balls in hand with Kane Pickering (52 not out), Aaron Pickering (49) and Michael Kelson (44) making important contributions while young seamer Oscar Crocker picked up 2/18 from eight tidy overs. ANGLESEA moved back into the top four with a three-wicket triumph against Armstrong Creek. Seamer Ky Eskrigge took 3/41 and spinner Jarryd McGuane 2/35 while Chris Marsiglio (44) top scored with the Titans all out for 172. Tyron Norman moved back to the top of the batting order and it paid off with the classy left-hander making 52 while middle-order contributions from Luke Taylor (32) and Ben Harcombe (31) saw the Seas home with young debutant Harry Cook (22 not out) hitting the winning runs. Paceman Lachlan Mulgrew was the standout for the Titans with 3/24 from eight overs.
Gurpreet Singh had a fine all-round game for South Barwon. (Ivan Kemp)
Spin trio play key role in North Geelong’s T20 victory By Justin Flynn North Geelong will host St Peters and Leopold will travel to South Barwon for next Tuesday’s Geelong Cricket Association T20 Division 1 semi-finals. The Magpies knocked off Highton in a low-scoring quarter-final on Tuesday 13 January while Leopold is the only GCA2 club remaining after it defeated Newtown & Chilwell. South Barwon had few difficulties in defeating Lara and St Peters won by four wickets with almost five overs remaining against East Belmont. Spin played a crucial role in North Geelong’s win. Leggie Ben Demasi (4/13) leftarm orthodox bowler Bailey Sykes (2/20) and right-arm offie Victor Morrow (2/21) did the damage with Highton all out for 78 in pursuit of the Magpies’ 109. Morrow also made 26 earlier in the game and Sam Hall also hit 26. Isaac Bird bowled well for the Heat with 3/15 and Hayden Murrell and Errol Burns each snared two wickets. Tom Treble (59 from 43 balls) and Joseph Vallelonga (40 off 32) helped Leopold to 5/165. In reply, Pat McKenna made 52 from 35 deliveries, but Gurpreet Singh spearheaded South Barwon to a win by taking 2/19 in Lara’s innings of 8/138 and then scoring 22 at the top of the order. Vishesh Malhotra made a typically hard-hitting 51 from 24 balls for Lara, but captain Nick Butters (55 not out) and Sam Ellis (22) got South Barwon home with six wickets and seven balls to spare.
Newtown & Chilwell was all out for 151 Lachlan Neate taking 4/20. St Peters booked a spot in a semi-final, reaching 6/132 on the first ball of the 16th over in reply to East Belmont’s 7/131. Lethbridge booked a semi-final spot with a thrilling win against Marshall in the Division 2 quarter-finals. A blistering 102 not out from just 51 deliveries by Lachie Cameron gave the Bears a chance and they would have been happy with a total of 5/171. Cameron belted eight boundaries and seven sixes and didn’t come in until his side was 2/27 in the 6th over. Tom Saunders then clubbed an unbeaten 87 from 52 balls and Anand Choudhary made 29 with the Rosellas getting the runs with just one wicket and three deliveries remaining. Newcomb & District knocked off the only BPCA club remaining in either competition with a six-wicket win against Wallington, Waurn Ponds Deakin held off Thomson to win by nine runs and Bannockburn defeated Murgheboluc by seven wickets. GCA T20 SEMI-FINALS
Tuesday 20 January, 5pm Division 1 North Geelong vs St Peters at Zenviron Oval (Osborne Park), North Geelong South Barwon vs Leopold at Reynolds Oval, Belmont Division 2 Newcomb & District vs Bannockburn at Grinter Reserve, Newcomb Lethbridge vs Waurn Ponds Deakin at Lethbridge Recreation Reserve
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Barwon wins country title LOCAL TENNIS with Donna Schoenmaekers With all pennant competitions on hiatus for the summer break, players have turned their attention to tournaments, and one that players enjoy in particular is Tennis Victoria’s Interregional Country Championships. Teams consist of players in age groups from 12 and under through to 50-plus with 11 regional teams from across the state competing. This year players enjoyed the grass at Wangaratta and with 35 players making up almost a full complement of places, Barwon continued its winning form, taking the title of regional champions for the third year in a row. There were a number of players at their first inter-regionals, including Archie and Azure Shih, Willow Ryan and Molly Geddes featuring in the 12U events, and all winning at least a couple of matches. Archie was a standout, winning the Boys singles and doubles with brother Azure. Toby Mitchell was a star in the 50-plus doubles winning with Mark Robinson in the Men’s, and then getting through a tough come from behind 5-7, 6-3, 10-7 win with Julie Golightly in an all-Barwon final against Robinson and Jo Puckett. The junior girls provided a good show winning the 16U, 18U and 25U singles. Tegan Marshall took out the 25U singles and backed up in the doubles with partner Lily Duff. Matilda Sutherland won the 18U for the second year and added the doubles title with Pearl Thompson while and Lotti McDonald was unlucky not to get a chance at a clean sweep of her 16U events winning the singles, the doubles with Sofia Delgadhino, and falling just short in a tie-break in the mixed semi-final with Zane Ryan.
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1 1. Barwon won the Tennis Victoria’s Interregional Country Championships. 2. 12B singles winner Archie Shih. (pictures supplied) 3. 25W doubles winners Lily Duff and Tegan Marshall. 4. Open mixed winners Jamie Heaton and Olivia Ryan. 5. 18G doubles winners Pearl Thompson and Matilda Sutherland. 6. 50-plus mixed winners Toby Mitchell and Julie Golightly.
Nicole Mullen and Olivia Ryan went back to back defending their Women’s Open doubles title and Ryan also showed her prowess teaming with Jamie Heaton to win the Mixed Doubles. Aflie Oliver and Axel Potter-Ayres rounded out the winners for Barwon in 16U Boys Doubles, and a good showing in all events across the three days, making at least the semi-finals in most events, Barwon took out the overall trophy with 315 points, 21 ahead of Loddon Campaspe.
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Gun Woolston stars with six wickets for North Geelong Star English recruit Jess Woolston took the astonishing figures of six wickets for two runs in Geelong Cricket Association women’s A Grade competition on Sunday 11 January. Woolston, 22, became the second Magpie to achieve the feat in A Grade this season after Isla Hannah-Phillips took 6/23 in round 3. Fast bowler Woolston arrived at Zenviron Oval this season with a strong resume having played for Durham, Yorkshire and Northern Diamonds. The Magpies took less than nine overs to pass East Belmont’s 59 all out. Geelong City’s Izabella Storrar again made runs, this time with an impressive 81 from 78 deliveries. Young gun Poppy Agg had a terrific all-round game, making 22 and snaring 4/7 while Erin Moloney took 3/7. A 55-ball 57 from Rebecca McPoyle and 4/22 by Bree Gaylor helped East Belmont to a thrilling two-wicket win against Barwon Heads. Jane Burch (56) and youngsters Matilda Cole (3/9) and Luca Bode (2/13) were strong contributors for the Seagulls. Lethbridge (4/156) won a high-scoring game against St Joseph’s (4/155) with Suzana Ljubojevic starring. Ljubojevic took 3/18 from six overs and then backed it up with a stylish unbeaten 64 to guide the Rosellas home with three overs to spare. A Grade North Geelong 1/60 (S. Law 25) def Bell Park 59 (D. Airey 23, J. Woolston 6/2)
Barwon Heads 7/139 (J. Burch 50ret, K. Lumb 36, B. Gaylor 4/22) def East Belmont 7/117 (R. McPoyle 57, I. Fenner 25, M. Cole 3/9) St Joseph’s 4/155 (J. Johnston 43, A. Haase 33, C. Sheedy 30, S. Guy 25no, S. Ljubojevic 3/18) def Lethbridge 3/141 (S. Ljubojevic 57no, M. Waddington 34) Geelong City 4/193 (I. Storrar 81, R. Cox 32no, P. Agg 22) def South Barwon 65 (A. Seddon 20, P. Agg 4/7, E. Moloney 3/7) B Grade Queenscliff 2/187 (M. Bennett 93no, M. Cameron 65) def Barrabool 2/186 (J. Grigg 48, V. King 44no, K. Jirik 33, T. Stevens 32no) Marshall 3/219 (M. Megaw 94no, J. Stewart 62, P. Sadler 36, E. Allen 2/40) def Portarlington 3/127(A. Hansen 35, E. Allen 29) North Geelong 2/112 (N. Murphy 42no, C. Reid 26no) def Highton 8/110 (E. Castle 32, J. Newton 24, C. Reid 3/10) Anglesea 6/236 (R. McCue 79, J. Lister 51, V. Udayashankar 35no, B. Milverton 3/59, B. Smith 2/32) def Lara 3/203 (A. Bowering 70, H. Coyne 56ret, L. Trakosas 41no, M. Connell 2/32) C Grade Drysdale 2/151 (A. Eddy 50ret, J. Maddock 45no) def Wallington 7/147 (E. Watkins 45, J. Smith 24, A. Eddy 3/12) Bannockburn 2/236 (L. Stephens 53ret, B. Gorman 51no, B. Mitchell 50ret, A. Richardson 33) def St Leonards 75 (S. Roberts 23, L. Stephens 4/21, A. Richardson 2/15) Waurn Ponds Deakin 4/139 (J. Bonanno 53ret, D. Cashin 23, L. Patten 2/37) def Teesdale 4/138 (S. Fisher 50ret, B. Sadler 43no) East Belmont 1/142 (K. Williams 52ret, G.
26 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
E Grade St Peters 126 (T. Sorgiovanni 31ret, A. Huston 28, E. King 3/14, K. Lewis 2/15) def Murgheboluc 3/103 (E. King 31ret, P. Anderson 26no, T. Sorgiovanni 2/18) Little River 2/160 (S. Anderson 30ret, I. Wilkinson 30ret, C. McKinlay 30ret) def Alexander Thomson 11 (P. Sharp 4/0) North Geelong 4/129 (S. Caruana 31ret, H. Wray 26) def Barwon Heads 3/128 (C. Smith 30ret, O. Smith 27, S. Briggs 27) Lethbridge def Newcomb & District by forfeit
Jessica Woolston starred for North Geelong with six wickets. (North Geelong CC)
Kapoor 46no) def Torquay 7/134 (A. Villani 46, P. Zotti 34, L. Jeffery 2/16, G. Kapoor 2/23, A. O’Brien 2/31) D Grade Armstrong Creek 5/225 (A. Lockwood 52ret, J. Vansomeren 38no, E. Lang 35, S. Hooper 2/35) def Newtown & Chilwell 8/93 (L. Macleod 4/32) Bell Post Hill 128 def Grovedale 81 Thomson 144 (CJ Mulligan 46, C. Anderson 36, L. Thistlethwaite 3/14, G. Wright-Janocha 3/32) def Geelong West 29 (C. Anderson 3/2, Z. Bell 3/7, CJ Mulligan 2/3) Modewarre 8/107 (A. Sewell 37, A. Taylor 2/14) def St Joseph’s 100 (M. Brown 38, B. Butler 3/18)
F Grade Bell Park 5/183 (L. Marino 50no, M. Gerdtz 38no, B. Brown 30ret, M. Brennan 4/16) def Bannockburn 8/93 (E. Thomson 22, N. Adams-Madner 3/20, D. Kelly 2/17) Wallington 6/100 (M. Annand 23no, M. Hili 2/11) def Corio 92 (S. Jane 23, L. Potter 2/9, R. Wright 2/17) Jan Juc 2/84 (B. Withers 30ret) def South Barwon 6/70 Manifold Heights 0/145 (S. Williamson 32ret, D. Sanders 30ret, W. Thompson 24no) def Thomson 3/141 G Grade Geelong City 2/124 (K. Lambert 30ret, K. O’Donnell 22no) def Queenscliff/St Leonards 5/122 (N. O’Beirne 30no, R. Bullock 30ret) Armstrong Creek 4/151 (C. Maclean 23) def Bell Park 7/125 (N. Oshea 35no, J. Henriques 3/21) Little River 3/126 (I. Ryan 36ret) def East Belmont 1/125 (S. Kennedy 31ret, K. Trickett 27ret, F. Timberlake 23ret) Lara def Meredith by forfeit
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Faye Bowyer plays for position. 521157_12
Moyra Davies steps into her bowl. 521157_11
Rodney Swan plays the forehand. 521157_19
Sue Collins concentrates on position. 521157_04
Beverley Clark in action. 521157_17
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at Ocean Grove Bowls Club on Tuesday to see the home side defeat Belmont 69 to 53 in round 10 of Division 1 midweek bowls.
Grovers take on Belmont
Maddie Jacobs leads off for Ocean Grove. 521157_25
Thelma Dainton plays the backhand. 521157_03
Ian Donald leads off for Ocean Grove. 521157_01
Jandi Slattery leads off for Belmont. 521157_24
Jill Dwyer gets this one close. 521157_06
Wayne Hovey follows his bowl into the rink.
All eyes on Helen Volkers as she leads off for Belmont. 521157_02
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Corey Walter was not out at the end when Collendina won. 521161_08
Akashvir Singh in his delivery stride. 521161_09
William Liddle in action for Surf Coast. 521161_01
Rhys Healy fields at mid-off. 521161_11
Play resumed after the Christmas break for Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Associations on Saturday 10 January and Independent photographer IVAN KEMP went to Ocean Grove Memorial Reserve for the Collendina defeat Surf Coast and to Jarvis Oval at Deakin University to see Waurn Ponds Deakin beat Murgheboluc.
Local cricket resumes Bennett Thomson drives forward of point for Waurn Ponds Deakin. 521162_14
Brodie Larkings at the bowling crease. 521161_21
Daniel Grozdanovski took three wickets for Murgheboluc. 521162_03
Cameron Platt puts down a tough catch. 521162_08
28 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
Luke Brown took 3 for 21 off 10 overs. 521162_20
Stan Grazotis drives during his half-century. 521161_12
Tom Carroll plays defensively. 521162_09
Dhanuja Haturusingha hits out. 521162_24
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A catastrophic collapse By Justin Flynn A catastrophic batting collapse that began with a brilliant piece of fielding and some terrific bowling inspired Waurn Ponds Deakin to a spirited Geelong Cricket Association Division 3 round 9 win. In a low-scoring game at Jarvis Oval, Deakin University where 20 wickets fell in the space of 71 overs on Saturday 10 January, the Eagles inflicted Murgheboluc’s first loss of the season. The win moved the Eagles to 42 points with only percentage separating them from Murghe at the top of the ladder. An important unbeaten 30 from club coach Bennett Thomson got Waurn Ponds Deakin (WPD) to a somewhat defendable total of 123 all out. Frogs’ skipper Luke Brown (3/23) and Daniel Grozdanovski (3/30) did most of the damage. WPD skipper Nick Phillips said his coach played a steady hand and that the side was still confident at the break despite the low total. “He (Thomson) led by example yesterday and kept a calm head and got us to a defendable score,” he said. “We were pretty positive. Over the five years or so I’ve been at the club, our bowlers have gotten us out of a lot of holes and we think they’re only getting better and better. “We’ve been pretty happy with this year as a whole. We haven’t been playing our best cricket and we’re still winning games. We’re pretty stoked with the position we’re in and there’s still heaps to improve on.” In reply, Murgheboluc was given a strong
Rasula Kankanamage took 2 for 24 off eight overs for Murgheboluc. 521162_01
Bennett Thomson pulls this delivery behind square leg during his important 30 not for Waurn Ponds Deakin. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 521162_22
start by Sam Abley (36) and Brown (20) and at 1/49, was travelling well before the carnage occurred. The Frogs then lost nine wickets for 28 runs with accurate seamer Mitch Lester taking three and English quick Ethan Rogers, left-arm seamer Tom Carroll and spinner Zarbakhat Asim snaring two apiece. Dhanuja Haturusingha was the only bowler not to grace the wickets column, but a superb piece of fielding to dismiss Owen Dunipace at the nonstriker’s end was the catalyst for the collapse. “That was the second quick wicket in a row and it really gave us a bit of energy,” Phillips said. “The bowlers were bowling pretty well,
but they were just getting us away, but something like that just puts you right in it. We know it’s always possible to stay in the game regardless of how many runs you need.” LETHBRIDGE piled on the runs against Marshall. Captain Shane Dillon smacked 86 from 71 deliveries and Hayden Spiller made 53 from just 35 while important late contributions from Matthew Thomas (39 from 35 balls) and Harry Lever (34 not out from 35) got the score to 8/297. Blayke Sadler bowled well for the Bears with 2/39 from 10 overs. Jake Hilton (44) and Jack Burns (31) offered something for Marshall, but Jesse Sheehan’s new-ball spell found success and he finished with 3/31 from 10 overs while Dillon (2/31 from 10) had a fine all-round
game and Kieran Lawton snuck in for four wickets for the Rosellas. CORIO proved too good for Modewarre. The Devils made 9/227 with Bradley Jones (66) top scoring while Eugene Stanciu (30), Anthony Grace (28) and Jonny Boljkovac (28) contributed. Seamer Brandon Ross snared three wickets for Modda. Mitchell Humm then starred with the ball for the Devils with 4/25 and Trey Laurie sent down five maidens on his way to 1/19 from 10 to have Modda all out for 145 although Ben Clarke (54) and Billy Bernet (48) offered resistance. THOMSON kept its finals hopes alive with a three-wicket win against Bannockburn. Travis Weber made 49 for Banno, but Xavier Dew (3/23) and Grant Dew (2/15 from 10 overs) restricted the total to 159 all out. Hamish Coulson (45) and Josh McDonald (40) then spearheaded Thomson’s run chase to get there in the 39th over despite some good bowling from Jamieson Jervies (3/33).
Cobras keep in touch with BPCA A2 Grade top four By Justin Flynn A hat-trick and a steadying innings from Collendina captain Corey Walter propelled his side to within reach of the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association A2 Grade top four. The Cobras are only percentage outside the four after an eight-wicket win against Surf Coast in round 9 on Saturday 10 January with two experienced players contributing heavily with the bat. Walter took a hat-trick to end the Suns’ innings for 100 in the 35th over, but said it almost didn’t happen. “I was going to bring Stan (Grazotis) back on and he told me I had one over left and to bowl out so I probably owe him a beer,” he said. It was a superb team effort from the seven bowlers used. Walter’s three in a row wrapped up the tail, but Grazotis, Zach Muir, Jude de Jong, Angus Peters, Jackson de Jong all took wickets. Allen Antony ran out of partners and ended on 29 not out for the Suns while Thamal Ratnayake made 21 at No 8. Otherwise it was a disappointing display with the willow. “The conditions were pretty tough with that wind pushing very strongly to one side,” Walter said. “Zach’s been awesome all year for us. He just gives 100 per cent every single week. He doesn’t bowl too many bad balls and it’s a surprise when he does. “He (Peters) gives us something a little bit different with a bit of extra pace to all of us medium pacers. He gives us a little bit of bounce, a bit of pace, a little bit taller, so we’re just asking him to run in and try and hit the deck for us.” Small run chases can be tricky and Collendina found itself two down with only six runs on the board after the tea break with Akashvir Singh (2/18 from eight
Corey Walter pulls this ball to the boundary. 521161_25
Collendina’s Stan Grazotis drives on his way to 53 not out off 51 balls. (pictures Ivan Kemp) 521161_22
overs) giving the Suns a glimmer of hope. But the experience of Walter (38 not out from 76 deliveries) and Grazotis (53 not out from 51) saw the Cobras to safety with eight wickets and almost 18 overs in hand. “That’s probably been the story of our year - losing wickets early and being in a fair bit of trouble,” Walter said. “For us to go anywhere this year or be really competitive against the best sides, we’ve got to click with our batting. It was a little bit disappointing to be two for nothing again, but I think when you’ve got Stan and a bit of experience with Nathan Frye in the middle and a couple of senior heads still to come in we never panicked.” With relegation and promotion between A1 and A2 Grades, Collendina hasn’t been able to play a derby against Ocean Grove for several seasons, but finally the two rivals meet this Saturday at Ray Menzies Oval. However, Walter said there was no extra meaning behind the clash between the
cross-town clubs. “We haven’t played them for a long time and a lot of the guys all know each other through the footy club and what not, but it’s obviously a really important game in terms of having a really good season,” he said. “They’re (Ocean Grove) on top of the ladder and we’re fifth so every game is really crucial. We play them twice in the back end of the season so hopefully we can try and knock them off, but they’re going really well so it’s going to be hard work.” OCEAN GROVE overtook Winchelsea at the top of the ladder with a thrilling win against a gutsy Newcomb. Shaun Fankhauser (45) and Dan Roddis (41) again got the Grubbers off to a solid start with a 63-run opening partnership and Campbell Snookes made 38. Grove was 2/123, but lost eight wickets for 60 runs to be all out for 183 with Newcomb’s James Claney taking 4/38. Singhara Kumar again threatened to
take a game away from the opposition with 53 for Newcomb and Shane Healey made 28. The Bulls finished on 8/177 after 40 overs, giving Ocean Grove a narrow win with Connor Weidemann taking 2/22 and Snookes a miserly 1/12 from eight overs. PORTARLINGTON champion Paul McGrath piloted his side to a four-wicket win against Winchelsea with another starring all-round performance. McGrath took 2/41 and Brenton Toole grabbed 3/28 to help restrict the Blues to 8/190. Winch skipper Shane Murdoch top scored with 62 and Toby Furbush also batted well for 52 off 56 balls. McGrath then made a typically stylish 93 and Jack Baldi chipped in with 32 to get the Demons home with a ball to spare. Ben Caldicott was Winch’s most successful bowler with 3/39. McGrath’s knock pushed him to 9144 A Grade runs, surpassing Drysdale champ Rob Malcolm’s 9140. WALLINGTON brushed aside St Leonards by seven wickets and moved into third place. The Saints were 1/47 with Shane Cutajar (27) top scoring, but lost 9/50 to be all out for 97. Dane Wise-Graham had the stunning figures of 2/5 from eight overs and sent down five maidens. The Wallabies chased down the small target with relative ease, being 3/98 with Richard Faust making a fine 53 not out while Will Stovell took all three wickets to fall for the Saints.
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Book a private tour today 1800 777 898 | armstronggreen.com.au 722–742 Barwon Heads Rd, Armstrong Creek 12828670-MC03-26
30 GEELONG INDEPENDENT Friday, 16 January, 2026
Price correct as at 19 Nov 2025. Bolton Clarke is the brand name for a group of companies being RSL Care RDNS Limited ACN 010 488 454, Royal District Nursing Service Limited. ACN 052 188 717 and RDNS HomeCare Limited ACN 152 438 152.