KIDS GO FREE
Carna Catters
By Justin Flynn
It’s a huge weekend in Greater Geelong if you’reafootyandnetballfan.
AFL Barwon’s Geelong Football Netball League grand finals are being held today (FridaySeptember26)atKardiniaParkand, of course, Geelong Cats are in another AFL grandfinaltomorrow(September27).
The local grand finals begin at 8am with the 13 & Under netball deciders and continuethroughouttheafternoonwiththe crescendo set for 3.15pm when St Joseph’s takes on Newtown & Chilwell (see story page 35) for the second consecutive year in AGradeatKardiniaParknetballcourts.
In the footy, at GMHBA Stadium, the Under 18 Division 1 grand final begins at 9.15am with Torquay taking on Ocean Grove and the reserves decider being fought out between Newtown & Chilwell and St Mary’s at 11.30am. St Joseph’s then takes on St Mary’s (see story page 35) in the seniorfootystartingat2.10pm.
If you missed out on an AFL grand final ticket, head to Eastern Beach Reserve on Saturday to watch the Cats play against Brisbane.
The grand final live site will show the big game at a family-friendly event starting at noon.Entryisfreeandfansareencouraged tobringpicnicrugs,chairsandfood.Thisis analcohol-freeevent.
The Cats are on the hunt for their 11th AFL/VFL premiership and their second in fouryears.
City of Greater Geelong showed its colours this week with welcome billboards at Hovells Creek, a mobile billboard at Kardinia Park and Cats banners across the city, a ‘Go Cats’ projection lighting up City Hall, buildings and public spaces bathedinblueandwhite,anddisplayswith memorabilia and themed window dressing atWurrikiNyalCivicPrecinct.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj said the entire regionwasrallyingbehindtheteam.
“This is the most exciting week on the footballcalendar,”hesaid.
“We’re rolling out the blue and white everywhere across the city to back the Catters.
Above: Charlotte, Tom and Louis were happy Cats fans at the club’s open training session at GMHBA Stadium on Monday. (Ivan Kemp) 504984_06
Right: St Mary’s Brayden Ham, St Joseph’s Alex Hickey, mayor Stretch Kontelj, Newtown & Chilwell’s Vanessa Augustini and St Joseph’s Tori Honner at Kardinia Park ahead of the GFNL grand finals. (Ivan Kemp) 504529_01
The City will work with Victoria Police to coordinate traffic management and public safetyongrandfinalnight,tohelpeveryone gethomesafelyafterthebiggame.
Winorlose,theCatswillholdasupporters day on Sunday at St Mary’s Football Club, SouthGeelong,from10am.
“If you can’t make it to the MCG, we’re bringing the atmosphere home with displays, projections and a live site on the big day, so fans can experience the grand finalbuzztogether.”
Suspended for misconduct
By Jena Carr
A Surf Coast Shire councillor has been suspended from council for a month after allegationsofmisconductduringmeetings earlier this year.
PaulBarkerwasfoundtohaveengagedin misconduct during an internal arbitration and was suspended, starting September 24, from council.
Arbiter Diana Price found Mr Barker had engaged in misconduct following a Facebookpostandcommentshemadetoa SurfCoastcommunitypageonJanuary30, where he questioned attendance numbers of the Pilk Purriyn event on January 26.
“Mr Barker took a discrete issue, being whether a crowd attendance estimate was accurateornotanduseditasaspringboard tomakeverybroadandseriousallegations about the council,” Ms Price said.
“This was an attempt to sow distrust in the council, which was unwarranted and inappropriate, and his conduct falls wells short of what is reasonably expected of a councillor.”
Mr Barker was also found to have engaged in misconduct after related statements he made at council’s February 25 meeting, after a late petition, which opposed Australia Day celebrations on January 26, was accepted for debate.
Mr Barker then sent an email later that evening to his fellow councillors and the media, including the Geelong Independent.
“The behaviour of attendees and the lack of control of poor behaviour was unacceptable (and) I’d like to know what sortofreviewwilloccurtoensureitdoesn’t happen again,” Mr Barker previously told the Independent.
“Mr Barker ought not to have taken the precipitous step of emailing two journalists to complain when he had not firstprovidedthemayororcouncilwithan opportunity to respond to his concerns,” Ms Price said.
Thousands turn out for the Catters
By Jena Carr
A sea of blue and white hit Geelong on Monday as the Geelong Cats held an open training session ahead of Saturday’s AFL grand final.
Thousands of fans filled the stadium on September 22, with people travelling from across the state for the special event.
Ruby Rees from Clifton Springs spent the day out with her younger cousins, Gracie and Freddie, who made the more than two-hour journey to the Cattery from Warrnambool.
“We’ve been supporting the Cats since we were born and we’re die-hard Cats fans,” Ms Rees said.
“I like how they kick really big,”
Freddie said.
“I really like that they don’t stop even if they lose,” Gracie said.
Claire Dellaca and her daughter Hazel made their way from Ballarat to watch the open training session.
“My husband has supported them (the Cats) all his life and, since I’ve had my two kids, I’ve probably supported them for the past 13 or 14 years,” Ms Dellaca said.
“I love the players; and Jezza (Jeremy Cameron) and Ollie (Oliver Dempsey) are my favourites,” Hazel said.
With tickets sold out for this Saturday’s grand final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, many fans will be watching the game from home.
Hayley is one of the many young fans
showing her love for the Geelong team with her family from the comfort of her home in Curlewis.
“I like how competitive the Cats are and sometimes they don’t really even care if they win or not as it’s just about having fun,” she said.
Some lucky fans also told the Independent that they were glad to have secured tickets to watch the Geelong Cats compete against the Brisbane Lions.
“We’ve been supporting the team forever, what feels like a lifetime,” Bacchus Marsh’s Ash Traianon said.
“It’s a really good family-oriented club who do a lot in the community and they are really good with kids,” Chris Cassar said.
Council expand heritage list for 20 places
By Matt Hewson
Geelong council has put forward 20 places for inclusion in the Heritage Overlay within the Greater Geelong Planning Scheme.
Council adopted the Outer Areas Heritage Assessment Study on Tuesday night,whichlookedat34placesofheritage significance within the region.
Of those, City officers recommended 20 for Heritage Overlay, a planning mechanism protecting buildings, sites and landscapes from unauthorised demolition, works or redevelopment.
From St Brigid’s Catholic Church
in Anakie, to Calder Park homestead in Mount Duneed and Taits Dairy in Connewarre, the sites represent Geelong’s development over the past two centuries.
Councillor Andrew Katos said the 20 places reflected “19th century development, 20th century migration to Geelong, and also building Geelong’s community life”.
Cr Rowan Story noted the breakdown of ownership of the properties was “interesting”, with four publicly owned, two owned by the City, one owned by trust, one by the state government, 10 belonging to religious organisations and three privately owned.
Following the arbitration process and with council discussing its position on Australia Day celebrations on January 26 during its September 23 meeting, Mayor MikeBodsworthoutlinedhisexpectations of council and community attending the meeting.
“It is my expectation that each person in the gallery and each councillor listens respectfully, even if they do not agree with the position being put forward,” Mr Bodsworth said.
Cr Barker was contacted for comment, but when the Independent called, it went straight to voicemail saying he was unavailable until October 24.
Geelong marathon is launched
Geelong’s first major marathon event has been launched, with the inaugural event confirmed for Sunday September 20, 2026.
Organisers and dignitaries gathered for the launch of the Geelong Running Festival on the Waterfront on Friday, September 19 toannouncethefullmarathonroute, thevariouseventsandtheopeningof registrations over the weekend.
The festival will include a full 42.2km marathon, half marathon, wheelchair half marathon, community 8km event, kids race and an all-abilities race.
The full marathon event route, which will start and finish on the waterfront,featuressomeofthemost iconic sights in Geelong, including a large stretch of Moorabool Street, the Geelong Botanic Gardens, Point Henry and even a section inside GHMBA Stadium.
The course was designed by former Olympian Lee Troop, who is also the event’s founder.
Mr Troop said it had been a “roller coasterofemotionsoverthelastseven years” of advocacy and planning and that he felt “unbelievably proud of the work completed” to bring the marathon to fruition.
“I can’t wait to welcome local, national and international runners to not only run in Geelong, but to explore our beautiful region,” he said. “The Geelong Running Festival is a promotion of health, fitness and participation, while celebrating Geelong’s rich history and iconic landmarks.
“I feel I have put together a course that reflects the very best of Geelong, from Osborne House in North Geelong, around to Point Henry, and including the waterfront, CBD and Kardinia Park.
The City will forward a request to Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny to authorise the preparation and exhibition of a planning scheme amendment to add the 20 places to the municipal planning scheme.
Cr Katos encouraged community members to share their feedback once the amendment was exhibited.
“All of the owners were consulted; some were happy with it, others wanted more time, some did not want their properties to be listed,” he said. “So I’m happy to support the preparation of the exhibition of the amendment and then people can certainly have their say.”
“We could have 20,000 spectators lined up from where our new Convention Centre is going to be, all the way through here to the finish line. I think that’s going to be extremely exciting and help a lot of athletes, will them home, with the excitement that our spectators will be exuding.”
Geelong councillor Eddy Kontelj said he was bringing a marathon to Geelong had been “something I’ve been passionate about and actively pursuing for many years” and it was “incredibly rewarding to see it come to life”. Visit geelongrunningfestival.com. autoregisterorformoreinformation.
Ruby Rees with her cousins Gracie and Freddie at the open training session on Monday. (Ivan Kemp) 504984_05
Sensory experience
By Jena Carr
The Lara community will soon step into a transformed Serendip Sanctuary full of colour and accessibility, with works on the Sensory Garden nearly done.
The new garden is set to be open to the community in spring, following a $11 million investment into Serendip Sanctuary and the You Yangs in 2022.
Parks Victoria district manager David Petty said each section of the Sensory Garden targeted the five senses of sight, taste, smell, touch and hearing, and would be fully accessible for the public.
“Theongoinginvestmentintothismeans that it remains an accessible place for people to enjoy and come to understand more about nature and the national park system across Victoria,” he said.
“I remember coming to Serendip as a kid and probably spent 10 minutes walking around and then leaving, while this is a reallygreatstayandsavourwithlotsofnew areas that people can explore.
“Our intention is that this can be a place where there can be insurance populations of specific species... so in the event of bushfires and other emergencies, Serendip has the potential to play a critical role.”
MemberforLaraEllaGeorgesaidshewas glad to see the garden nearly completed, which also benefited through a $45000 sponsorship with CDC Victoria, CMV Truck and Bus and Volvo Bus Australia.
“It’s really important that we show the community that we’re committed to keeping Serendip here to ensure it’s the best possible place that it can be,” she said.
“The $11 million investment across Serendip and the You Yangs is going a long
way to improve the overall look and feel of these places, while attracting more people.
“We know that Lara residents feel great pride and ownership about Serendip Sanctuary, as they love visiting here with their friends and family, and lots of school
kids love coming here.
“I’m really excited to see these projects cometolifeandIknowthecommunityhas really been following along the progress of Serendip very closely and wanting to see the improvements and upgrades here.”
Crime rises in Greater Geelong
Crime is at an all-time high across Greater Geelong, with theft as the leading cause for the increase, according to Crime Statistics Agency’s (CSA) latest data.
CSA released its data for the year ending June 30, 2025, on September 25, which found 25,662 total offences recorded for the region this year, reaching its highest point in nine years.
The data also found a 24.2 per cent increase in recorded theft offences across Greater Geelong from 7107 in 2024 to 8822 in 2025.
Suburbs that recorded a high increase of theft recorded offences included Geelong with 262 more offences (1252 in 2025 from 990 in 2024), followed by Armstrong Creek with 211 (361 in 2025 from 150 in 2024) and North Geelong with 117 (368 in 2025from 251 in 2024).
There were also decreases in Belmont from 404 recorded offences in 2024 to 359 in 2025 and Geelong West from 363 in 2025 to 330 in 2024. Numbers stayed consistent over the last two years in Bell Post Hill, which recorded 80 theft offences, and Breakwater with 70 recorded offences.
There was also a decrease of 467 in recorded deception offences in Greater Geelong from 1503 in 2024 to 1033 in 2025.
Victoria Police was contacted for comment but were unable to respond by the time this story went to print.
Member for Lara Ella George and Parks Victoria’s David Petty at the Sensory Garden’s window frames that allow people to view plants at different heights. (Jena Carr) 505539_01
List of what the city needs
By Matt Hewson
Geelong council has detailed its priority projects going forward, with a view toward advocacyaheadofnextyear’sstateelection.
Councillors endorsed a draft Priority Projects 2025-2026 document at their September meeting, outlining 19 hallmark regionalpriorities,sevenregionaladvocacy priorities and eight areas of policy reform it wishes to see from the next state government.
Hallmark regional priorities, which are “transformational projects of regional significance”, include four projects investingintheAvalonprecinctandarange
oftransportprojectsincludingtheBellarine Link,theArmstrongCreekRailSpurandthe re-establishment of the Geelong-Werribee rail service. Also outlined in the document are seven central Geelong projects such as a regional infrastructure fund, the future of Market Square, the redevelopment of the GeelongGallery,aCBDtruckbypass.
Sport infrastructure priority projects include a Regional Indoor Sport and Events Centre,anupgradeoftheGeelongBaseball Centreandaregionalsoccerfacility.
Regional advocacy projects, those to be deliveredbykeystakeholdersbutsupported by City advocacy, include a Northern Suburbs Mental Health Hub, Geelong
Renewables Terminal, Wathaurong Cowies Creek Precinct and a secondary school in MountDuneed.
Councillor Trent Sullivan, who introduced the document, said it was not a wish list of “nice-to-haves”, but an outline of“whatweneed”.
“This is our priority list; it’s not all of our projects… but here’s our spearhead, here’s what we’ll be moving forward with,” Cr Sullivan said. “We have a population greater than Hobart, a population greater than Darwin and, by 2041 targets, we’ll have a population that is as large as both currentlycombined.
“We need serious investment in our
growing community… We’re not just a small rural town anymore, we’re not just a regional city, we are a city in our own right andwedeservetheequalattentionofthat.”
Cr Anthony Aitken said the list reflected thediversemakeupofthecouncilgroup.
“If you go through all of these projects, each councillor has had an opportunity to influence the outcome of what’s being presentedbeforeustonight,”hesaid.
“These (projects) are an opportunity to partner with the business community, the broader community, the state government and the federal government to deliver and be the livable and caring community that wewantintheCityofGreaterGeelong.”
Works begin at Stead Park for world-class hockey venue
The redevelopment of Geelong’s premier hockeyfacilityisnowupandrunning.
On Friday member for Lara Ella George announced the start of construction at Corio’s Stead Park, which will transform Geelong’shomeofhockeyintoaworld-class sportingvenue.
Slated for completion in late 2026, the upgrades will be delivered by the awarding-winning Fairbrother constructioncompany.
They will include a new two-storey pavilion between the site’s two hockey pitches, with equal access to change rooms andamenitiesforwomenandgirls,terraced seatingandsocialspaces.
The western hockey pitch will be resurfaced, with new fencing, drainage, scoreboard and lighting, bringing it up to
standardfornational-levelhockeyevents.
The works are part of the $250 million package the state government is injecting into Geelong through the Regional Sports
InfrastructureProgram.
Ms George said the new facilities were “a game-changerforourcommunity”.
“The redevelopment of Stead Park is…
providing world-class facilities that will elevate hockey in Corio, foster greater inclusivity and participation, and also support the local economy and jobs,“ she said. “With the investment in Stead Park, andourcommitmenttoregionalsports,the Victoriangovernmentisensuringthatlocal athletes have access to top-tier facilities, helping to inspire the next generation of hockey stars right here in our own backyard.“
Geelong Hockey Association president Graeme Dent expressed his thanks for the funding.
“The generosity of the Victorian government will inspire our future hockey Olympians and give us the ability to attract national championships and host televised gamesofinternationalstandard,”hesaid.
Digital impression of the completed Stead Park redevelopment. (Supplied)
Siding with First Nations
By Jena Carr
Surf Coast Shire Council will continue to side with the First Nations’ community and its allies as it maintains its position on January 26.
Residents filled council’s chambers during its September 23 meeting as councillors debated and agreed to reaffirm council’s position of not participating in Australia Day celebrations on January 26.
Jan Juc’s Jordie Campbell spoke to council during the meeting’s question and
submission time and described himself as a “proud, resilient Aboriginal man fighting for the justices” for what his people have faced since January 26, 1788.
“The date that marks the invasion of our beautiful country, genocide of my peaceful people and the division of a nation,” he said. “My people are resilient, a resilience that has been built from generations of repressionandmistrust,alegacyIhopenot to pass on to my children.
“Ihopethatmyownchildren,nieces,and nephews will not have to carry this burden
and won’t need to fight for acceptance in this country and for acknowledgement of the wrongdoings.
“Acknowledging our day of mourning and advocating for a change of date, a date that can be celebrated by all, will truly be a step in the direction of reconciliation and uniting all Australians.”
Councillor Liz Pattison said she wanted council to be “on the right side of history” while moving towards reconciliation.
“We feel and express a deep sorrow that these actions and attitudes have occurred,
Smart light rollout underway for city
Nearly all of the 22,000 energy-efficient LED fittings equipped with smart control technology have been installed across the CityofGreaterGeelong.
The City, in partnership with Powercor, has installed its LED Street Lighting and SmartControlProject.
During the past four and a half years, more than 22,000 outdated and inefficient street lights have been replaced, making it thelargestcouncil-ledsmartlightingrollout inAustralia.
The upgrade includes 14,500 residential lights (Category P), 5100 main road lights (CategoryV)and2500decorativelights.
The new lighting system has delivered annualoperationalsavingsofapproximately $2.2 million, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 3300 tonnes of carbondioxideequivalent(tCO2-e)peryear.
The new LEDs are up to 82 percent more energy efficient than the previously used mercuryvapourstreetlightsandarealready in use across several other municipalities in Victoria.
A key feature of the project is the integration of smart controllers and the development of a Central Management System (CMS), enabling remote monitoring andadaptivelightingcontrol.
Environment and Circular Economy portfolio chair Councillor Elise Wilkinson said the environmental benefits are a win forthewholecommunity.
“Thescaleofthisprojectsetsabenchmark for other councils across the country and highlights the City’s commitment to innovation and environmental leadership,” shesaid.
Powercor’s public lighting asset manager Noel Twyman said customers will benefit from the smart lighting system. “We now have more than 80 percent of our public lightingnetworktransitionedtoLED,which delivers more efficient lighting and reduced maintenancecostsforourcustomers.”
Cr Elise Wilkinson and Powercor project manager Barry Thebes. (Supplied)
and we are determined to ensure they are not repeated,” she said.
“Our council acknowledges that past laws, government policies, actions and attitudes have caused great pain, grief and suffering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“RecommencingJanuary26celebrations would be more harmful to First Nations people, and those seeking reconciliation, than the benefits that may be gained by others that would attend council events on that day.”
Outdoor dining policy a big win
Hospitality operators now have clear guidelines about how they can make use of footpath and outdoor dining areas.
ThisweekGeelongcouncilreplaced itspreviouspolicywithanewOutdoor DiningPolicyandGuidelines.
As long as sites meet eligibility criteria such as sufficient footpath width and a maximum street speed limit of 50km/h, venue operators can offer outdoor dining spaces with temporary, semi-fixed or fixed furniture.
The guidelines also apply to public spaces such as wharfs and plazas, as well as parking bays outside or adjacenttothebusiness.
Councillor Eddy Kontelj said the changes had widespread support throughoutthehospitalityindustry.
“Thisgivessuretytotradersinwhat they can do, allows them to be able to make investment decisions based on (this)platform,”CrKonteljsaid.
“We’ve seen that there’s been inconsistencies over the last several years, particularly with pop-ups and thingsofthatnature.
“This now, hopefully, addresses all of that… I think we’ve ended up with agoodresult.”
Cr Kontelj said while outdoor dining was “not a new concept”, the pandemichadcreatedanenthusiasm foralfrescooptions.
“During COVID was when it really got utilised to its furthest extent,” he said. “We saw more and more adoption (by) traders… that were testing us further and further in what theycouldorcouldn’tdo.
“These guidelines provide a clear and consistent framework for business owners, traders, hospitality operators to be able to make the most of their footprint in terms of outdoor dining.”
Supporting Indigenous athletes by creating more opportunities
YoungFirstNationsathletesacrossGeelong willhavemoreopportunitiestoparticipate in community sports and competitions thanks to a grant program.
Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative will receive $6000 through the state government’s Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program for uniforms and to support under-14 boys and under-16 girls basketball.
Badimaya Yamatji woman Jasmine Knox has grown up in the Wathaurong community and is the Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative’s Karroong Kanyool Youth Hub team leader.
Ms Knox said it was “pretty amazing and
exciting” to receive the grant to continue supporting young First Nations athletes.
“It’s about seeing all our young kids excited and proud of where they’re playing from and who they represent,” she said.
“That will support our young kids in wearing uniforms that they all feel united in and represent a community in Wathaurong country.
“We have an upcoming basketball carnival that’s in March of 2026, so the funding will help go towards all the uniforms, any equipment and things that we may need for that.”
Ms Knox said it was important for children from Indigenous communities
to have access to sporting groups to build lasting relationships.
“I know a lot of young kids that start off playingintheundereightsinthebasketball carnival, then go on to play social comps and stuff like that,” she said.
“Personally, that’s how I got into basketball, and I started playing in the carnival when I was about eight years old, and I have continued playing basketball, and I still play three times a week.
“For those kids that are less fortunate enough and don’t have access to be able to play in social competitions, they have the opportunities to be able to represent in carnivals.”
Wathaurong Aboriginal Cooperative has received funding through the state government to support its young athletes. (Supplied)
Powercor public lighting asset manager Noel Twyman controls the smart street light remotely, with City project manager Josh Salter,
Honouring those who serve
By Jena Carr
Greater Geelong police officers honour those who have died in the line of duty and their families ahead of a national remembranceday.
NationalPoliceRemembranceDay,which coincides with the state’s Blue Ribbon Day, will be held on Monday, September 29, for Victoria Police and the community to pay theirrespectstopolicewhohavediedwhile servingtheircommunity.
Geelong Leading Senior Constable Melissa Varker said National Police Remembrance Day was one of the most importantdaysonthepolicingcalendar.
“As a serving member, I know first-hand that when we walk out the door, donning that badge, there are risks that come with this job,” she said. “Wearing the blue and white ribbon proudly isn’t just a gesture; it’s a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and respect, so whenIpinittomychest,Ifeeltheweightof whatitrepresents.
“For me, the day is deeply personal as it is a chance to reflect on the courage and selflessness of those who have worn the uniformbeforeme,andthosewhotragically neverreturnedhomefromashift.
“We don’t dwell on it day to day, because youcan’t,butonSeptember29,ithitshome, and it is a reminder that policing is not just a job; it is a calling that asks us to put the safetyofothersbeforeourown.
“It inspires me to uphold the values of policing, to serve my community with compassion, and to never forget the sacrificesthathaveshapedthepathwewalk today and never letting their sacrifice fade fromourmemory.”
Ms Varker said the day was a mixture of
prideinhercolleagues’courage,dedication, andsorrowforthelivescutshort.
“It’s a day when the names, faces, and stories of those who gave everything for theircommunityarefrontandcentreinmy mind,”shesaid.
“It is a solemn and significant occasion, not only for police officers but also for their families, colleagues, and the communities theyserve.
“This day is not just about looking back, but also about carrying forward... and it’s a reminder to serve with integrity, compassion, and resilience because that’s thelegacywe’veinherited.
“Behindeveryofficerisanetworkofloved ones who live with the uncertainty that comes with this career, so their resilience, support, and sacrifice deserve recognition as much as the bravery shown on the frontline.”
Geelong Senior Constable Lawrence Earl said it was important to honour the lives of officers lost in the line of duty while also recognisingthosewhocontinuetoserve.
“Police Remembrance Day is an opportunity to give thanks to all the dedicated men and women of Victoria Police who gave the ultimate sacrifice in servicetotheircommunities,”hesaid.
“In 2025, this year more so than ever, the day is especially important following the recent murders of our colleagues Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson andSeniorConstableVadimDeWaart.
“When events like these occur, it hits home, and I am more acutely aware of the dangers police face protecting our communityeachday.”
Visit policelegacyvic.org.au for more information.
Leading Senior Constable Melissa Varker and Senior Constable Lawrence Earl outside Geelong Police station. (Victoria Police)
By Paul Thomas, Managing Director, Star News Group/Today Group
OnWorldNewsDay(28September)weare remindedofatruththatcannotbeignored and this is that facts matter.
In an era where misinformation and mistruths are constantly amplified on socialmedia,andwhereeventhePresident of the United States routinely distorts reality, the role of trusted, independent journalism is more critical than ever. Local media in Australia is a necessity. We are the eyes and ears of our communities, telling the stories that matter most, celebrating our achievements, challenging injustice, and documenting the everyday triumphs and struggles that define us.
Justasimportantly,weactasawatchdog. We hold governments, corporations, and institutions accountable. We ask the questions that others would prefer to avoid. We shine light into dark corners. When misinformation and half-truths circulate unchecked, the consequences
Time to celebrate
By Cr Stretch Kontelj OAM
Our city has transformed into a sea of blue and white in the lead up to the grand final tomorrow.
TheCatswillbeonthehuntfortheir11th AFL/VFL premiership win – their second in four years – when they take on the Brisbane Lions at the MCG in what is sure to be a thrilling game.
This is the most exciting week on the football calendar, and we’re rolling out the Cats’ colours everywhere.
About 100,000 supporters will flock to the MCG to take in the spectacle of the game in person. But if you can’t make it, we’re bringing the atmosphere to you with displays, projections and a live site on the big day, so fans can experience the grand final buzz together.
City Hall has been illuminated with a blue and white ’Go Cats!’ projection every night this week, while the catenary lights on Moorabool Street are also on theme. Catsbannersareflyinghighacrossthecity, extending our support for the team ahead of the main event.
Tomorrow, Eastern Beach Reserve will be roaring with the sound of fans when the game is broadcast on a big screen from noon. This live site will bring our sports-loving community together for a free, family-friendly, alcohol-free event.
Fansareencouragedtobringpicnicrugs, chairs and food for a day of celebrations and camaraderie.
We will be working closely with Victoria
Police to coordinate traffic management and public safety on grand final night, to help everyone get home safely after the game.
If Geelong Cats win, we will close some streets in central Geelong, and the taxi rank will move from Moorabool Street to Gheringhap Srteet between Little Malop and Malop Streets, near the Civic Centre Car Park.
The bus interchange will also move from Moorabool Street to Geelong Railway StationiftheCatsgetup.Informationabout buseswillbeavailableviathePTVwebsite. It’s vital that no matter the outcome tomorrow, everyone can enjoy the game – and hopefully the celebrations after –safely and peacefully.
Win,lose,ordraw,Catsfanaticscanhead downtoStMary’sOvalatGMHBAStadium, where the club is hosting a supporters’ day on Sunday.
A special player’s presentation will be held so we can all come together and cheer on our beloved team.
More than one-third of the Cats’ 92,000-strong membership is based here in Greater Geelong, so I speak for so many of us when I wait with bated breath for tomorrow’s centre bounce.
The Cats remain at the heart of our community and unite all corners of our region under one team and one banner.
The club has been a constant part of our city’s identity for well over a century and is synonymous with our region’s reputation for sporting excellence.
Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned supporter or you’re just jumping on the bandwagon for the big day, it’s sure to be a massive weekend for Geelong.
Nomattertheresult,let’sshowtherestof the country the passion and pride we have for ’the greatest team of all’.
Go Cats!
Free workshops to build food skills on offer at libraries Why journalism is becoming more critical in this age
Geelong Regional Libraries is helping young people build practical food skills, confidence, and employability with the Food4Futureprogram.
Thefreeworkshops,fundedbyVicHealth, were launched in April this year and have been held at Newcomb, Biyal-a Armstrong Creek, Boronggook Drysdale and Corio Libraries.
Designed for young people aged 15 to 24, Food 4 Future combines fun, hands-on
are profound. Communities lose trust. Division deepens. People act on falsehoodsratherthanfacts.Atsuchtimes, local newspapers and news sites play a stabilising role, cutting through the noise and confusion with careful reporting, rigorous standards, and a commitment to truth and balanced reporting.
At Today and Star, we believe that journalism is not just a business, it is a vital piece of public infrastructure, a cornerstone of our democracy, and a shared responsibility.
Everystorywepublishcarriestheweight of trust our readers place in us, and every headline we write reaffirms our promise to serve the public interest above all else.
Without strong, independent local media, communities risk losing not only their voice but also their connection to one another. The threads that bind us fray when truth is undermined.
That is why, on World News Day, we join with newsrooms across the globe to say clearly:Choosetruth,choosefacts,choose balance and choose journalism.
learning with tangible outcomes, such as a TAFE-accredited food handling certificate tohelpsupportfuturejobopportunities.
Participantstakepartinthreeworkshops:
•Food Around You - learn about food accessandfoodsecurity,createapersonal food map and enjoy a free meal from local social enterprise Feed Me (Geelong/ Bellarine)orTheSalvationArmy(Colac).
•Food Handling Certificate - gain a free, TAFE-accredited certificate from
The Gordon, supported by pre-session modulesandatake-homekitchenkit.
•How to Make a Meal - develop meal preparation and budgeting skills, with recipes and a fresh veggie box to take homethankstoCommonGroundProject.
“Food 4 Future gives young people the chance to develop essential life skills while having fun and connecting with others,” Geelong Regional Libraries chief executive
VanessaSchernickausaid.
“The added bonus of a nationally recognised food handling certificate makes it a powerful stepping stone into employmentopportunities.”
Food 4 Future continues to run every school holidays, with upcoming sessions scheduled at Newcomb and Biyal-a Armstrong Creek Libraries. Places are free but limited, and bookings are essential at grlc.vic.gov.au
City of Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj. (supplied)
New council plan adopted
By Jena Carr
Surf Coast Shire Council has set its strategies and outcomes for the next four yearsthroughitsnewcouncilplan.
Council Plan 2025-2029, incorporating the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, was adopted by council during its September 23 meeting, with seven councillors voting for, and two against, the motion.
Councillor Libby Stapleton said the plan reflected Surf Coast’s history, future, culture, and environment, along with the council’s financial perimeters for its
potentialandlong-termsustainability.
“The council plan isn’t just a 20-page document that sits in someone’s bottom drawer, it’s a live working document that councilrelieson,”shesaid.
“It provides focus, helps us to track progress on key priorities, and enables the communitytoseewherecouncilisinvesting itstimeandresources.
“Council operations and infrastructure are adapting to the impacts of extreme weather events, and we recognise the Traditional Owner approach to caring for Country.
“We foster an increase in long-term
affordable housing for key workers in coastal townships, along with slow and regenerative tourism that is respectful of theenvironmentandvaluescommunities.”
The plan follows the five themes: assets and infrastructure, climate and environmental leadership, community wellbeing, high performing council, and sustainablecommunities.
CrJoelGristsaidhedisagreedwithaspects oftheplanbutacceptedthecouncil’soverall decision and would continue to “advocate forareturntobasics”.
“My focus will be on ensuring the plan delivers tangible outcomes that residents
can see and rely upon, rather than broad, unfunded aspirations,” he said. “This plan, while well intentioned, attempts to tackle far too many issues, many of which are beyond the scope of local government and ourlegislatedresponsibilities.
“Trying to be everything to everyone risks stretching resources too thin, leaving essentialservicesunderfundedandmaking promisesthecouncilcannotreliablydeliver.
“Residents expect us to get basics right; roads, footpaths, drainage, waste management and local facilities, before we pursuebroaderagendasthatfalloutsideour directcontrol.”
Double win for The Gordon TAFE at training awards
The Gordon TAFE has taken out two gongs atthe2025VictorianTrainingAwards.
Training and assessment student Shirley Darcy won the Koorie Student of the Year award, while the tertiary institution’s Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre Early Engagement Social Procurement (GEESP) Program received theIndustryCollaborationAward.
The Gordon also had two teachers in the running for awards, Chris Dickeson (construction pathways) and Ben Pratt (barbering), both finalists in the Teacher/ TraineroftheYear.
Chief executive Joe Ormeno said having two educators finalist for Teacher/Trainer of the Year was “outstanding”, while winning two awards was “an extraordinary achievement for The Gordon and a proud momentforourentirecommunity”.
“(The wins) show the life-changing power of vocational education, from giving students the confidence to reclaim their voice, to shaping the next generation of industry leaders, to building partnerships that transform entire communities,” he
said. “Our winners embody everything The Gordon is about; opportunity, inclusion, andexcellence.”
MsDarcy,aproudWiradjuriwoman,said winning a Victorian Training Award was “incrediblyhumbling”.
“This journey has been about more than study, it’s been about reclaiming knowledge,buildingconfidence,andgiving back to community,” she said. “I’m proud to represent my mob and inspire others to walktheirownpaththrougheducation.”
Mr Ormeno said the Industry Collaboration Award win highlighted the strengthofTheGordon’spartnerships.
“This project shows what can be achieved when TAFE, industry and community organisationscometogetherwithpurpose,” he said. “The collaboration is creating genuine pathways for local people, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, to access training and employment opportunities linked to major infrastructure projects. It’s an example of vocational education at its very best; openingdoorsandchanginglives.”
Members of The Gordon, gforce, Give Where You Live, Built and Development Victoria celebrate their Vic Training Awards win. (Supplied)
Cats fans frenzy
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at GMHBA Stadium on Monday along with thousands of Cats fan for Geelong’s open training session ahead of Saturday’s AFL grand final.
Kimberly Rennie with her sons Ollie and Austin. 504984_01
Claire Dellaca with her daughter Hazel. 504984_04 Right: Cleo after a face paint. 504984_03
These Cats supporters enjoyed the morning. 504984_02
Above centre: Hudson and Parker. 504984_07
Above: Hayley with Clawdia the mascot. 504984_08
Left: George and Henry with Clawdia. 504984_09
Left: Rebecca Van Wetering with her children Nick, Austin and Louie. 504984_11 Centre: Ava, Judd and Leah with Cleo the mascot. 504984_10 Right: Thousands attended the open training session. 504984_12
Chris and Charlie Vella. 504984_14
Daryl Lancaster and Wayne Carroll. 504984_13
The end of coin parking?
Geelong council has called on community members to give their feedback on its plan to switch to cashless parking meters in the CBD in November.
The proposal comes as digital payments become more common, with 85 percent of drivers paying for parking via card or app.
Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj said councillors were keen to hear from the communityaboutparkingpaymentsgoing completely digital.
“The City reviewed our current parking system and identified clever and creative ways to improve machine reliability
for drivers, reduce costs, and optimise productivity,” he said.
“We’ve seen a steady decline in coin payments at the meter with customers preferring to pay via credit/debit card or EasyPark app. Have a think about digital-only payments at parking meters and what the positives or challenges for drivers might be.”
While less than one in six drivers use coins to pay for parking, the cost to the council of collecting cash from meters has increased to more than $250,000 a year.
Under the proposed switch, parking
New film is seeking dancers
Professional and amateur dancers alike have the chance to get involved with a new shortdancefilminGeelong.
BlinkDanceTheatreiscallingonwomen andfemale-identifyingdancerstoaudition for Cloud Chamber, a new community dance film supported by City of Greater Geelong.
Filmed in the Geelong region early next year, the work will explore women’s relationship to nature and the land and their connection to the hidden currents of humanexperience.
Held at the company’s studio in Rutland Street, Newtown, the auditions will take placeonSunday,October19.
BlinkDanceTheatrefounderandartistic director Lyndel Quick said auditions were open to dancers of all ages, backgrounds andlevelofability.
“Alotofourworkreallymixesprofessional
and community dancers together, so we’re looking for diversity of bodies and voices,” shesaid.“Sotheymightbetraineddancers or they might just be really passionate community movers, which I think really lends itself to the kind of intergenerational feelthatwe’relookingfor.”
Ms Quick said one of the themes of the work would be “women holding up half the sky”, exploring women’s connection to “somethingvast”.
“Natureitselfholdsthesehiddenpatterns that perhaps in our human timeframe we don’t fully appreciate or understand,” she said. “Cloud Chamber is going to suggest a space where unseen forces like lineage, imagination and memory, strength and grief - real grief about the environmenttakeformandbecomevisible.”
Visit blinkdancetheatre.com.au/ auditiontoapplyorformoreinformation.
payment options would include credit and debit cards at the meter or online via the EasyPark app, with paper receipts also being phased out in favour of digital ones.
TheCityalsoimplementedfreetwo-hour parking in all 2P on-street spaces, waiving the usual $3.70 per hour rate and reducing the need for coin collection further.
Deputy mayor Ron Nelson said making the switch to digital parking would be more manageable and efficient for the City,buturgedpeopletoconsiderwhatthe change would mean for them.
“Our data shows that a small proportion of drivers use coins, mostly for shorter parkingstays,incentralGeelong,”hesaid.
“With this in mind, there is no need to use coins when accessing free two-hour parkingsessionsinall2Pon-streetspaces.
“Please share your thoughts on this plan and how it will impact you, particularly if you’re part of the 15 per cent who use coins.”
Visit yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ digital-parking to give feedback on the proposedchangebeforesubmissionsclose on 5pm on Monday, October 15.
Moveinready
BRANDNEWVILLAS
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Monday–Friday9:30am–4:30pm
Blink Dance Theatre is inviting dancers to audition for its new short film Cloud Chamber.
(Taygan Povolny)
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.
Kids+ Kite Festival
Kite flying, face painting, sensory space, bubble art, food trucks, sausage sizzle, entertainment, live music. Sunday October 5, 11am-2pm, Rippleside Park.
kidsplus.org.au/kites
Ballroom dance
Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday September 27, 7.30-10.30pm, $10 includes supper, music Kevin.
0400 500 402
Grovedale Marshall Probus
Second Thursday of the month,10am at The Grovedale Hub, 45 Heyers Road, Grovedale.
Anne, 0425 356 973
Chess
Group chess lessons at Geelong West. Suitable for beginners who have a reasonably firm understanding of the game rules. Kids and adults welcome.
Isaac, isaacsmith5603@gmail.com or 0406 199 457
Community kitchen
Do you enjoy cooking or want to learn cooking and budgeting skills with a small group of like-minded people in your community? Are you interested in volunteering to facilitate a Community Kitchen?
healthycommunities@barwonhealth.org. au Croquet
Drysdale Bowling & Croquet Club, Clifton Springs Road, Tuesdays from 10am for training, bring a friend.
0428 740 591
Ocean Grove Senior Citizens
101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove
Weekly
Tuesday: snooker 1pm, chess, indoor bowls 1.15pm. Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 2pm, guitar jam session 4pm. Thursday: snooker 1pm, cards 500, social afternoons 1.15pm. Friday: art classes 9am.
Fortnightly
CWA 1st & 3rd Monday 2.30pm
Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585
Monthly
Inhouse Movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm.
Dianne, 5255 1372
Hamlyn Heights Combined Probus Meets second Thursday of the month, 10am, 200 McCurdy Road, Fyansford.
Noel, 0425 706 339
Esoteric coffee meetups
For mature 18+ interested in the supernatural/occult paranormal experiences tarot cards, Anton La Vey, NDE, for fortnightly/coffee and chat catch-ups in northern Geelong/Geelong area. Bookings limited.
Text name and details, 0400 542 522
Music for preschoolers
Mainly Music is a music and movement program for babies to preschoolers at St Albans-St Andrews Uniting Church, 276 Wilsons Road, Whittington, Tuesdays 10am during school terms.
Rhonda, 0437 241 345
Rostrum meets
Geelong Rostrum Public Speaking Club Inc meets each Monday.
Andrew, 0408 369 446, or Jan, 0407 296 958
Highton Seniors
Carpet bowls, bingo, cards, taichi, line dancing, mahjong. Community Centre,
Track & field Athletics, Saturday October 4 & 11, for senior athletes aged U14 to veterans. Coaching available in most disciplines. Mary, athletics.chilwell@gmail.com
84 Barrabool Road, Highton. Elma, 0411 065 524
Geelong Central Probus
Third Friday of the month, 9.45am, wGeelong RSL. geelcentprob@gmail.com
Newcomb Probus
Third Wednesday of each month, 10am, East Geelong Uniting Church, corner Boundary and Ormond Roads.
Gary, 0407 320 735
Australian Multicultural Support Services
Social Support Groups for communities from different multicultural backgrounds for seniors over 65. Meals, activities and fun. White Eagle House, Breakwater. 10am-2.30pm Fridays.
9689 9170, amcservices.org.au, or 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 Street, Geelong West.
Harry, 0473 807 944, or geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au
Stamps
Geelong Philatelic Society Inc meets 7pm
first Saturday of the month at Virginia Todd Community Hall, 9-15 Clarence Street, Geelong West and 1pm third Monday of the month at Belmont Library, 163 High Street, Belmont.
Julie, 0438 270 549
Scrabble club
Christ Church hall, corner Moorabool and McKillop Streets, 1pm Saturdays. Beginners to experts welcome.
Pauline, 0429 829 773, or John, 0434 142 282
Games
Scrabble, chess, board games or cards. Thursdays 2-4.30pm, All Saints’ Parish Hall, Newtown. Afternoon tea provided.
Dinah, 0418 547 753
Book club
Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday of each month 6.30pm.
Shirley, 0488 055 969
Sing Australia Geelong Choir Wednesdays 7.30-9.30pm at Senior Citizens Centre, 52 Thomson Street, Belmont. No auditions needed.
Mary, 0419 278 456
Mindfulness & meditation U3A 9.30am and 12.30pm Wednesdays, Cobbin Farm, Grove Road, Grovedale.
Jean, 5264 7484
Geelong Breakfast Lions 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, or 5243 8388
Ballroom dancing Belmont Park Pavilion, Thursdays 2-4pm.
Val, 5251 3529
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 Terrace, Geelong, first Sunday of the month during school term, 10.30-11.30am.
Suzie, 0402 963 855, or 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
Mainly Music for Preschoolers Sessions of music and movement for preschoolers, St Barnabas and St Paul’s Church, 105 Wilsons Road, Newcomb. Every Thursday during term time 10-11.30am.
Wendy, 0461 582 618
Combined Probus Club of Highton Meets third Thursday of each month, South Barwon Football & Netball clubrooms, McDonald Reserve, Reynolds Road, Belmont, 10am.
Sandra, 0427 348 260
Zonta Club of Geelong 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 December), 10am-noon, Belmont Park Pavilion, 162 Barrabool Road, Belmont. Bill, 0414 524 155, or info@geelongpsg.net
Geelong ballroom dancing Saturdays 7.30-10.15pm, corner Bayview Parade and Carey Street, Hamlyn Heights. Entry: $10. BYO drinks and a plate. Afternoon tea dance, Wednesdays 3-4.45pm. Teaching segment for a new dance 1.30-2pm.
5278 9740, or geelongballroomdc.com. au
Corio Bay Lions Club Meetings First and third Thursday of each month at 6.30pm.
geelongcoriobay.vic@lions.org.au
Alcoholics (and other addicts) For Christ 12 Steps Group Meets Thursdays 7.30pm at Belmont-Highton Baptist Church, 43 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont. 0420 910 763
Adfas Geelong lectures Art lectures each month, morning and evening, Newcomb Hall, Wilsons Road. adfas.org.au, or geelong@adfas.org.au
Children’s play group For babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with parent/carer. Free play, story time, and music. Wednesdays 10-11.30am in school term, St John’s Highton, 269 Roslyn Road, Highton. $20 registration per family. office@stjohnshighton.org.au, or 0433 191 890
Western Heights Uniting Tennis Club Hot Shots for beginners, Creamery Road, 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 Street, Belmont.
5241 1776
Geelong Vietnam Veterans Coffee and a chat at 31 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont. Open Monday, Wednesday and 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
OMNI
Older Men New Ideas men’s friendly informal chat group, South Barwon Community Centre, 33 Mt Pleasant Road, Belmont, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, 10.30am.
Allan, 0409 665 608
Bike riding
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 9am-1pm.
Out and about
Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at St Albans Reserve on a chilly Saturday for the Geelong & District Football Netball League grand finals to see who was out and about.
There was no doubt that Abi Parker with Airlee, Darci, Winlie, Oakah and Austin were barracking for North Geelong. 503327_09
Pippa Bond and Joss O’Malley, who played in the B Grade premiership for Thomson. 503327_10
Rhys Jameson was supporting East Geelong, but found time to help Taylah Beard celebrate Thomson’s B Grade netball win. 503327_11
Tom Karacsay and Teddy. 503327_12
Left: Sam Thow, Shaun Drayton and Lochie Hawkins. 503327_08 Centre: Alex Smilovic and Amy Nelson. 503327_05
Right: Michael Billings, Judd Artavilla, Nathan Hindmarsh and Samuel Keneally. 503327_06
Rebecca O’Leary and Cherie Ford say ‘go Eagles’. 503327_07
Tiarna Daw, Ramona Hart and Ebony Chalmers were roaring for Belmont Lions. 503327_04
Sophie Doherty and Scarlett Murphy on the East Geelong train. 503327_02
Mandy Walter with her great niece Maeve supporting Inverleigh. 503327_03
Ellie Tubbs with Luca and Rory (right) and Krystie Smith with Leni and Bohdi. 503327_01
Blues legend dropping by
One of Australia’s finest ever blues exponents comes to Geelong this week for a special, intimate show.
Hailed as one of the world’s best fingerpicking blues guitarists, Fiona Boyes brings her inimitable blend of soul, authenticity, storytelling and humour to Fyansford’s Door Galley Cafe for a solo show featuring guitars, cigar-box instruments and a whole lot of blues.
Over a career spanning nearly four decades, Boyes has toured across the world, winning acclaim and awards as she goes.
She became both the first woman and the first non-American to win the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2003 and remains the only Australian to be nominated for the USA
Blues Music Awards. But Boyes had never explored the blues, or even picked up a guitar, until she
encountered the folk and blues club while studying at Swinburne.
“When I discovered the blues it was like, oh, this is what’s been missing from my life; I had this visceral reaction to it,” she said.
“And I was a fan for many, many years before I actually tried to become a player. I worked as a commercial artist and travelled and did various things until my mid-twenties, and then I had my midlife crisis early.
“Iborrowedaguitar-couldn’tplay-and started being a musician.”
Now, with 13 albums released and another - a live album from a 2004 Byron Bay Bluesfest performance with Chris Wilson and Howlin’ Wolf guitarist Hubert Sumlin-soontobelaunched,Boyesisstill
Stars align for homage to Tom Waits’ music
Tom Waits fans are in for a treat when an all-star lineup brings heartfelt homage of Wait’smusictoDrysdale.
Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Waits’ ninth studio album Rain Dogs - the eighth, 14th or 21st best album of the 1980s, dependingonwhoyouask-10YearsofTom encompasses Waits’ output between 1977 and1987.
The show presents a dizzying array of vocalists,withAugieMarchfrontmanGlenn Richards, alt-country balladeer Lachlan Bryan, charismatic singer-songwriter Queenie, alt-folk chameleon Delsinki and vocalpowerhouseMaggieAlleyallbringing theirtakesonWaits’songs.
Delsinki, AKA Craig Johnston, has made an art form of collaboration, having worked with the likes of Mick Thomas, Tim Rogers, Jim Moginie (Midnight Oils), Stephen Pigram, Kylie Auldist and Brian Ritchie (ViolentFemmes).
Johnston said working with such a diverse range of creatives was an inspiring experience.
“When everybody bands together it becomesthisalmostspiritualsortofthing,” he said. “Getting to spend time with such an eclectic group really does fill your cup. You’resharingthatexperience,sharingjoy.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
“The chemistry (in this show) is great; there’s no ego. Everybody’s been there and donethat,soit’sreallyeffortless.”
Johnston, who toured 10 Years of Tom earlier this year with a slightly different line-up, said the show had a “real vibe” and “somethingthereforeveryone”.
“You’re going to experience a world-class band, each artist in their own landscape. You get a real insight into each artist as a performer,”hesaid.
10 Years of Tom is at the Potato Shed on October 10. Visit tickets.geelongaustralia. com.au/event/10-years-of-tom for tickets andmoreinformation.
The Geelong Independent looks back through the pages of our archives
18 years ago September 28, 2007
Labor yesterday committed $62.5 million to fund stage 4a of Geelong’s bypass. Shadow transport and roads minister Martin Ferguson made the announcement yesterday at Waurn Ponds.
13 years ago September 28, 2012
A new community campaign aims to reinvigorate Geelong’s retail sector while encouraging excellence in service standards.
Shop Local Geelong will tell shoppers why they should support the city’s retailers while awarding and recognising them for outstanding customer service.
8 years ago September 29, 2017
A police operation targeting repeat criminals has helped Geelong to record its first yearly crime reduction in a decade, according to the city’s top cop.
Superintendent Craig Gillard told the Indy yesterday (Thursday) that Geelong police had used all available legislative tools to target known offenders.
always searching for new ways of playing and writing music.
“When I’ve had opportunities to play with different people, it’s led me to explore different areas… it was a tour with Watermelon Slim that got me started on cigar boxes, for example,” she said.
“Part of the joy of those instruments is their limitations; the most traditional one is three strings.
“There’scertainlicksandphrasesthatfall onto your fingers on your instrument, and when you take away those underpinnings, you can’t play those. You have to find a fresh way of doing something simple, which is great.”
Fiona Boyes is at the Door Gallery Cafe on Saturday, October 4. Visit fionaboyes. com for tickets and more information.
3 years ago September 30, 2022
A motion to support the North Geelong Warriors with short-term funding for maintenance of the club’s facilities was passed by City of Greater Geelong Council at its meeting on Tuesday night. The motion was put forward by Cr Eddy Kontelj and the vote passed by 8-4, which will see the Warriors receive $47,000 for pitch and facility maintenance for the next six months.
Glenn Richards stars in 10 Years of Tom, a celebration of the music of Tom Waits. (Supplied)
Fiona Boyes performs solo at the Door Gallery Cafe this October. (Supplied)
The Guide
AIR FRYER DIET: LOSE WEIGHT, COOK
FAST
SBS Food, Friday, 8.30pm
According to a 2024 survey, two in three Australians have an air fryer in their household. Feted for speeding up cooking times, clean up and using less oil to get crispier results, the ubiquitous convection ovens are a modern marvel. But odds are, not all of us are getting the most out of our favourite appliance when we chuck in a pack of frozen fries or chicken nuggets. In this two-part UK special, presenter Cherry Healey (pictured) teams up with chef Dean Edwards and nutritionist Jenny Tschiesche to find cheaper, quicker and healthier versions of everyone’s favourite meals that will also work wonders for your waistline.
HEALTHY, WEALTHY & WISE
Seven, Saturday, 7pm
New host Chrissie Swan (pictured) could not be more excited to be bringing this lifestyle staple back to viewers after almost three decades off-air, gushing:
PICK OF THE WEEK
I, JACK WRIGHT
ABC TV, Sunday, 9.10pm
“When I got the call, it took me all of five seconds to say yes!” An avid fan of the series that launched the TV careers of Iain Hewitson, Tonia Todman and Ross Greenwood in the ’90s, Swan is leading a fresh team of presenters who will share their expertise in style, food, home, money, health and travel. The next-generation cast includes RealHousewives ofMelbournealum Chyka Keebaugh, content creator Ash Wicks (aka jampikelets) and the “Wolf of Wok Street”, Vincent Yeow Lim. It’s a happy homecoming.
Friday, September 26
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
When this greed-driven family melodrama premiered six weeks ago, we mentioned that making a chart to keep track of the extended Wright clan would be wise. At the time, it was tongue-in-cheek advice, but as events have unfolded, it’s become almost completely necessary. Now it’s time to get your notebooks out for tonight’s finale, as the challenge of patriarch Jack’s (Trevor Eve) will reaches the courts and everyone’s darkest secrets are dragged into the open. Nikki Amuka-Bird (pictured) delivers a powerhouse performance as Sally, Jack’s third wife and widow, who’s fighting on multiple fronts at once. As the trial unfolds, DCI Morgan (Harry Lloyd) inches closer to finding Jack’s killer, but has he got it right?
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News Breakfast. 9.00 ABC News Mornings. 10.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 10.30 The Pacific. 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) 2.00 Restoration Australia. (R) 2.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 Gardening Australia.
8.30 Professor T. (Ma) A woman is badly burned and left in a coma.
9.15 Hard Quiz. (PGs, R) Presented by Tom Gleeson.
9.50 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R)
10.35 The Assembly. (PG, R)
11.20 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 12.20 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)
6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Dream Of Italy. (R) 11.00 Overbooked. (PGal) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Australia Come Fly With Me. (Mad, R) 3.00 Nula. 3.30 Living Black: 50 Years Of SBS Indigenous. 3.35 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Walking Wartime England. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.35 Amazing Railway Adventures With Nick Knowles. (PGal, R) 8.25 Living Black. (R) Celebrates the 50th anniversary of SBS. 9.25 Lost Treasures Of Egypt: Secrets Of The Megatombs. (PG) 10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 Catch Me A Killer. (Malv) 11.50 Pray For Blood. (MA15+av, R) 1.30 The U.S. And The Holocaust. (Mav, R) 3.45 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.45 Destination Flavour China Bitesize. (PGa, R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. (l) 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies: Celebrity Specials. 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Better Homes And Gardens. Hosted by Johanna Griggs. 8.30 MOVIE: Jerry Maguire. (1996, Mls, R) A sports agent has a moral epiphany which costs him his job and his fiancée. Tom Cruise, Cuba Gooding Jr, Renée Zellweger. 11.30 GetOn Extra.
12.00 The Front Bar. (Ml, R) 2.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) 3.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.
7TWO (62, 72) SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.10 Kangaroo Beach. 8.35 Super Monsters. 9.00 Play School. 9.50 Mixmups. 10.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 11.00 Sesame Street. 11.25 Wiggle. 11.55 Thomas And Friends. 2.15pm Thomas And Friends. 2.40 Pop Paper City. 3.00 Play School. 4.10 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.30 Good Game Spawn Point. 8.05 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
10.50 Homeland. 12.50am Letterkenny. 2.20 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Escape To The Country. 1.00 DVine Living. 1.30 Business Builders. 2.00 Animal Rescue. 2.30 Weekender. 3.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 Bargain Hunt. 12.30am Escape To The Country. 1.30 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Harry’s Practice. 2.30 Animal Rescue. 3.00 Better Homes. 5.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Going Places. Noon Tudawali. 1.45 Bigger & Blacker: Steven Oliver, My Life In Cabaret. 2.00 This Is Indian Country. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40
to solve. Yes, it’s familiar territory, but you get a sense that this version is slightly self aware. Detective Karl Alberg (played by Rossif Sutherland, son of late acting great Donald) moved to Gibsons, British Columbia, for a quiet life, but that’s further away than ever. Season two saddles the sleuth with an increased caseload, and new complications in his relationship with Cassandra (Kristin Kreuk, pictured with Sutherland) as she runs for local council. There’s also trouble on the horizon in the form of Mayor Christie Holman (Marcia Gay Harden), who’s about to make Alberg an offer he can’t refuse.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Project Baby. (2023, PGa) Sarah Fisher, Travis Caldwell. 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG, R) 5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG,R) 5.30 WIN News. 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 The Brighter Side. (R) 8.30 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight.
6.00 9News. 7.00 Rugby League. NRL. First preliminary final. 9.45 NRL Finals Post-Match. A post-match NRL wrap-up of the first preliminary final, with expert analysis and player interviews.
10.45 Craig Bellamy: Inside The Storm. (Ml) Profiles NRL coach Craig Bellamy.
12.40 Tipping Point. (PG, R) Hosted by Ben Shephard.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Postcards. (PG, R)
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 11.00 The West Wing. Noon My Way. 12.15 MOVIE: Infamously In Love. (2022, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 MOVIE: Night At The Museum. (2006, PG) 9.40 MOVIE: Date Night. (2010, M) 11.30 Seinfeld. 12.30am Pretty
6am Morning Programs. 9.05 The Movie Show. 9.35 Clockwatchers. (1997, PGl) 11.20 Intolerable Cruelty. (2003) 1.10pm Hive. (2021, Ma, Albanian) 2.40 The Movie Show. 3.15 The Company. (2003, PGals) 5.20 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian) 6.55 A Hard Day’s Night. (1964, PGs) 8.30 True Grit. (2010, Mv) 10.35 Girl America. (2024, Czech) 12.40am The Big Lebowski. (1998, MA15+) 2.50 A Most Violent Year. (2014, MA15+av) 5.00 The Movie Show. 5.35 Bicycle Thief. (1948, PG, Italian)
Deal Or No Deal. (R)
Love It Or List It Australia. (R) A Greek couple look for a fresh start. 8.40 The Brighter Side. Jordy
(53, 12) 9GEM (81, 92)
10 COMEDY (52, 11)
9GO! (82, 93)
4.30
Hotel. 5.10 Booba. 5.30 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. 8.00 A Football Life. 9.00 NFL Tailgate. 10.00 NFL. NFL. Week 4. Arizona Cardinals v Seattle Seahawks. 1.30pm Nature Gone Wild. 2.30 Timbersports. 3.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Essendon v North Melbourne. 5.00 American Resto. 5.30 Storage Wars. 6.00 American Pickers. 7.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Western Bulldogs v Collingwood. 9.15 MOVIE: 2012. (2009, M) 12.25am Storage Wars. 1.00 American Pickers. 2.00 Pawn Stars. 2.30 Sound FX: Best Of. 3.00 NFL. NFL. Week 3. Replay.
Dreamzzz.
Saturday, September 27
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 Rage Charts. (PG) 7.00 Weekend Breakfast. 9.00 Rage. (PG) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Beyond Paradise. (PGa, R) 1.30 Professor T. (Ma, R) 2.15 I, Jack Wright. (Mal, R) 3.00 The Larkins. (PG, R) 3.45 Would I Lie To You? (PG, R) 4.15 The Assembly. (PG, R) 5.00 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 5.30 Landline. (R)
6.00 Australian Story: Only Fifteen – Sarah Kopp. (R) Takes a look at Sarah Kopp.
6.30 Back Roads: Tambo, Queensland. (PG, R) Guest presenter Tom Forrest heads to Tambo.
7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.
7.30 Beyond Paradise. (PG, R) Humphrey investigates an inexplicable crime.
8.30 Beyond Paradise Christmas Special. (PG) An investigation is launched when a burglar breaks into four homes over a winter’s night.
9.30 Mystery Road: Origin. (Ml, R) Jay Swan’s hopes of a new beginning with Mary are shattered when he’s nearly sideswiped by a stolen car.
10.30 I, Jack Wright. (Mal, R) 11.15 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (PGa, R) 10.00 Rediscover Victoria. (R) 11.00 BBC News At Ten. 11.30 France 24. 12.00 PBS News. 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 5. Day 1. 5.00 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers. (R) 5.35 World War 2: The End. (Premiere, PGaw)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Orient Express: A Golden Era Of Travel. (Premiere, PGa) Looks at the Orient Express network.
8.25 75 Years At Longleat. (Premiere) Looks at Longleat house and safari park, one of Britain’s busiest tourist spots with around one million visitors a year.
9.20 Stanley Tucci: Searching For Italy: Liguria. (PGas, R) Stanley Tucci visits Liguria. 10.10 Great Australian Walks: Wadjemup/Rottnest Island To Fremantle. (R) 11.05 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R) 2.25 Secret Nazi Bases. (PG, R) 4.05 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 10.10 Tiddler. 10.35 Children’s Programs. 4.45pm Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Isadora Moon. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.30 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (Final) 8.00 Kids BBQ Championship. 8.40 Chopped Jnr. 9.20 Fresh Off The Boat. 10.05 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 12.20pm MOVIE: Selkie. (2000, PG) 1.55 Inside The Pack. 2.45 Nula. 3.15 Lagau Danalaig: An Island Life. 4.10 The Lake Winnipeg Project. 4.30 Off Country. 5.00 Hunting Aotearoa. 6.00 Amplify. 6.40 The Other Side. 7.30 Alone Australia. 8.30 MOVIE: Child’s Play. (1972, MA15+) 10.15 Rebel Country. 11.45 Late Programs.
6am Morning
Programs. Noon One Armed Chef. 1.50 A Fork In The Road. 2.50 12 Dishes In 12 Hours. 3.30 WorldWatch. 5.30 The Bob Ross Experience. 6.40 Mysteries From Above. (Return) 7.35 Impossible Engineering. 8.30 Skin: A History Of Nudity In The Movies. 10.50 Australia Come Fly With Me. 12.55am Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 12.50pm Nostalgia. (2022, Malnv, Italian, Arabic) 2.55 Clockwatchers. (1997, PGl) 4.40 Whina. (2022, PGa, Maori, English) 6.40 Bring It On. (2000, PGals) 8.30 Moonstruck. (1987, PGal) 10.25 The Book Of Delights. (2020, MA15+s, Portuguese) 12.20am True Grit. (2010, Mv) 2.25 Late Programs.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 9.00 AFL Grand Final Brunch. 10.30 AFL Grand Final Countdown. 12.00 AFL Grand Final Pre-Game. 2.00 Football. AFL. Grand Final. 5.00 AFL Grand Final Post-Match Presentation. Coverage of the post-match presentation.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Healthy, Wealthy & Wise. (Premiere, PG) Presented by Chrissie Swan.
8.00 MOVIE: Die Hard. (1988, Mlv, R) A New York police officer takes on terrorists who have taken over his wife’s Los Angeles office building. Bruce Willis, Bonnie Bedelia, Alan Rickman.
10.45 MOVIE: Contraband. (2012, Mdlv, R) A former smuggler returns to a life of crime. Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster.
1.00 Riviera. (MA15+adlsv, R) Irina reveals a family secret to Negrescu.
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PG, R)
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. 11.30 GetOn Extra. Noon Horse Racing. Yulong Golden Rose Day and Sandown Stakes Day. 5.00 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. 6.00 Dog Patrol. 6.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 8.30 Escape To The Country. 11.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 1.30am The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.00 Australia’s Deadliest. 2.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 2pm Rides Down Under: Workshop Wars. 3.00 Motor Racing. NDRC Top Doorslammer. 4.00 Deep Water Salvage. 5.00 Counting Cars. 6.00 AFL Grand Final Post-Match Show. 7.00 Storage Wars. 7.30 MOVIE: Spider-Man. (2002, M) 10.00 MOVIE: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. (1994, M) Midnight Late Programs.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Surfing Aust. 1.00 Destination WA. (R) 1.30 Find My Country House Aust. (R) 2.00 Garden Gurus. 2.30 Rugby Union. The Rugby C’ship. New Zealand v Australia. 4.50 Test Rugby: New Zealand v Australia Post-Match. 5.30 Getaway. (PG)
6.00 9News Saturday.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 MOVIE: Four Weddings And A Funeral. (1994, Mls, R) A bachelor who is often called on to be the best man at friends’ weddings meets his ideal partner at a reception. Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell.
9.55 MOVIE: Good Luck To You, Leo Grande. (2022, Malns, R) A widow hires a young sex worker. Emma Thompson, Daryl McCormack.
11.45 Next Stop. (PGaw, R)
12.15 My Way. (R)
12.30 Rugby Union. Women’s Rugby World Cup. Final.
3.15 Innovation Nation. (R)
3.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.30 Global Shop. (R)
5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs.
11.50 The Baron. 12.50pm MOVIE: The Brain Machine. (1955, PG) 2.30 MOVIE: Scott Of The Antarctic. (1948) 4.45 MOVIE: The Train. (1964, PG) 7.30 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. First semi-final. 9.45 MOVIE: Swordfish. (2001, MA15+) 11.45 See No Evil. 12.45am MOVIE: Station Six-Sahara. (1963, M) 2.55 Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. 2.20pm Motor Racing. FIA World Endurance C’ship. Lone Star Le Mans. H’lights. 3.30 Ski Rescue Down Under. 4.30 Hot Wheels: Ultimate Challenge. 5.30 MOVIE: Practical Magic. (1998, PG) 7.30 MOVIE: Coyote Ugly. (2000, PG) 9.30 MOVIE: The Spy Who Dumped Me. (2018, MA15+) 11.45 Late Programs.
Sunday, September 28
ABC TV (2)
TEN (5, 10)
6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Dr Chris Brown. 7.30 Selling Houses Australia. Michelle and Garry wanted to invest in a property.
8.30 Ambulance Australia. (Ma, R) Paramedics race to the scene of a nasty motorbike and sidecar crash. A call comes in for a woman who has fallen off her balcony while trying to retrieve her friend’s cat. 9.30 Gogglebox Australia. (R) TV fanatics open up their living rooms to reveal their reactions to popular and topical TV shows.
10.30 The Gilded Age. (Mav, R) George faces a surprising development. 11.40 FBI: Most Wanted. (MA15+v, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power.
SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7)
(8, 9) 6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PG, R) 11.30 Praise. (R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 2.30 David Attenborough’s Kingdom Of Plants. (R) 3.25 Grand Designs NZ. (R) 4.10 Bill Bailey’s Wild West Australia. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow.
6.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through The Alps. (Return, PG)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 The Assembly: Guy Sebastian. (PG) The students interview Guy Sebastian.
8.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal) Jay’s brother Sputty is implicated in a murder.
9.10 I, Jack Wright. (Final, Mal) Charges are laid for the murder of Jack Wright.
10.00 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 10.25 MOVIE: Embrace. (2016, Mn, R) 11.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (M, R) 12.25 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.00 Ask The Doctor. (PG, R) 3.30 The Art Of... (PG) 4.00 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 3.30pm Peter Rabbit. 4.20 Millie Magnificent. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 PJ Masks Power Heroes. 6.30 Paddington. 6.50 Andy And The Band. 7.05 Do Not Watch This Show. 7.35 MOVIE: The Boy In The Dress. (2014) 8.40 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.20 Abbott Elementary. 10.05 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Travel Quest. (PG, R) 12.00 APAC Weekly. 12.30 PBS Washington Week. 12.55 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. Hi-Tec Oils Super Series. Round 5. Day 2. 5.00 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.05 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.35 World War 2: The End.
6.30 SBS World News. 7.30 Naachtun: The Forgotten Mayan City. Looks at Naachtun. 8.35 The Lost Empire Of Palmyra. Investigators explore the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria. 10.20 Bombing Brighton: The Plot To Kill Thatcher. (Malv, R) 11.45 Yellow House Afghanistan. (MA15+aw) 1.35 Women Who Rock. (Ml, R) 2.35 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Destination Flavour Down Under Bitesize. (R) 5.50 Soccer. FIFA Under 20 World Cup. Group Stage. Match 7. Italy v Australia.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning Programs. Noon One Armed Chef. 1.55 Jeopardy! 4.00 Decoding The Antikythera Mechanism. 4.50 WorldWatch. 5.20 PBS Washington Week. 5.50 Alone Sweden. 6.40 Abandoned Engineering. 8.30 Sue Perkins’ Big American Road Trip. 9.25 Uncanny. (Premiere) 10.35 Hudson & Rex. (Return) 12.15am Late Programs.
6.00 Better Homes And Gardens. (R) 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Behind Behani. (PGal, R) 1.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 7. St Kilda v Port Adelaide. 3.00 Football. AFL Women’s. Round 7. Brisbane Lions v Richmond. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The Voice. (PGl) Hosted by Sonia Kruger.
8.40 7NEWS Spotlight.
9.40 7NEWS: The Balibo Five – 50 Years On. Nick McCallum revisits the tragic 1975 killings of five Australian journalists in East Timor. 10.10 24 Hours In Police Custody: Body In The Grass. (Malv, R) Police investigate a woman’s murder. 11.40 Crime Investigation Australia: Most Infamous: The Night Caller – Eric Edgar Cooke. (MA15+av, R) 12.55 Miniseries: The Victim. (Mav, R) 2.30 Home Shopping. (R)
3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R)
4.00 NBC Today.
5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Escape To The Country. 2.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 2.30 Escape To The Country. 3.30 World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys. 4.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Mr Bates Vs The Post Office. 8.30 Vera. 10.30 Flesh And Blood. 11.30 Heathrow. 12.30am The Great Australian Doorstep. 1.00 Late Programs.
Late Programs. 7MATE (64, 73) SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 2.55pm Something Of The Times. 3.50 Bamay. 4.10 The Point. 5.10 Rebel Country. 6.50 Great Blue Wild. 7.40
6am Morning Programs. Noon The Fishing Show By AFN. 1.00 Fishing Addiction. 2.00 Red’s Fishing Adventures. 2.30 Al McGlashan’s Fish’n With Mates. 3.00 Duck Dynasty. 4.00
6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 A Current Affair. 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (Final, PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Find My Country House Australia. (R) 1.30 The Block. (PGl, R) 2.30 Postcards. (PG) 3.00 Rugby League. NRL. Second preliminary final.
6.00 9News Sunday.
7.00 The Block. (PGl) The judges must critique 25 spaces. 8.40 60 Minutes. Current affairs program, investigating, analysing and uncovering the issues affecting all Australians.
9.40 9News Late.
10.10 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) A look at the latest round of the AFL. 11.10 Mobsters: Tommy Lucchese. (Madv) Looks at Tommy Lucchese.
12.10 The Gulf. (Madlsv, R)
1.00 Our State On A Plate.
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 The Garden Gurus. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm NRLW Wrap. 1.15 Rugby League. NRL Women’s Premiership. Second semi-final. 3.00 Dad’s Army. 4.00 MOVIE: How To Murder Your Wife. (1965, PG) 6.30 M*A*S*H. 8.30 MOVIE: The Shawshank Redemption. (1994, MA15+) 11.20 Major Crimes. 12.20am MOVIE: Yield To The Night. (1956, M) 2.05 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. Noon Seinfeld. 12.30 Soccer. English Premier League. Matchweek 5. Arsenal v Manchester City. 2.30 Ready Vet Go: The Vet Paramedics. 3.00 Big Rigs Of Oz. 3.30 Made In Korea: The K-Pop Experience. 4.30 Dinner With The Parents. (Premiere) 5.00 TBA. 9.00 MOVIE: The Accountant. (2016, MA15+) 11.35 Late Programs.
10)
Morning Programs. 9.30 Farm To Fork. (R) 10.00 Frugal Foodie. (R) 10.30 The Brighter Side. (R) 11.00 Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGal, R) 1.30 Location, Location, Location Australia. (R) 2.30 Basketball. NBL. Round 2. Sydney Kings v Cairns Taipans. 4.30 House Hunters Aust. (R) 5.00 News.
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGal) Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.30 Watson. (PGav) Watson is unsure whether the patient he is treating for alien hand syndrome, one of the most rare ailments in the world, is guilty of killing his brother by pushing him in front of a bus. 9.30 FBI. (Mav, R) The assassination of a Brooklyn plumber launches the team into an investigation. 11.30 10 News+. (R) Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
TEN (5,
Monday, September 29
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
SEVEN (6, 7)
NINE (8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Teenage Boss: Next Level. (R) 11.00 Beyond Paradise Christmas Special. (PG, R) 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 1.00 Landline. (R) 2.00 Prince Charles: Inside The Duchy Of Cornwall. (PG, R) 2.55 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (R) 3.20 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Australian Story. Australians tell personal stories.
8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.
9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser. 9.35 Planet America. Hosted by Chas Licciardello and John Barron.
10.05 ABC Late News.
10.20 The Business. (R)
10.40 A Life In Ten Pictures. (PGa, R) 11.30 Grand Designs. (R) 12.20 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 1.10 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.25 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News Weekend. 1.30 Al Jazeera News Hour. 2.00 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (PGav, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Walking Wartime England. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Robson Green’s Weekend
Escapes: Kieran Reilly. (PG) Robson Green and Kieran Reilly explore Northumberland.
8.35 Portillo In The Pyrenees: An Emotional Journey. (PGa, R) Michael Portillo returns to Spain.
9.30 Into South America With Nick Knowles. (PGa, R) Nick Knowles reaches Argentina.
10.20 SBS World News Late.
10.50 Classified. (Final, MA15+v)
11.40 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R) 3.00 Curious Traveller. (R) 3.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 11.55 Thomas And Friends. 2.25pm Bea’s Block. 3.00 Play School. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Gladiators. (Premiere) 9.35 The Crystal Maze. 10.20 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. Noon I Am Smokin’ Joe Frazier. 1.30 Anthem Sessions. 2.00 This Is Indian Country. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 The 77 Percent. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Who Do You Think You Are? 8.30 Karla Grant Presents. 9.35 Black And White. 11.25 Treaty Road. 12.15am Late Programs.
6am Morning
Programs. 3pm Wine Lovers’ Guide. 3.30 History’s Crazy Rich Ancients. 3.55 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Joe Lycett’s United States Of Birmingham. 9.25 Never Mind The Buzzcocks. 10.10 The People Vs Robodebt. 11.10 Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)
6am Morning Programs. 1.05pm An Almost Perfect Town. (2016, Mlns, Italian) 2.55 The Movie Show. 3.25 The World’s Fastest Indian. (2005, PGal) 5.45 Widows’ Peak. (1994, PGalv) 7.40 The Tracker. (2002, Mav) 9.30 Open The Wall. (2014, German) 11.15 In A Land That No Longer Exists. (2022, Mns, German) 1.10am Late Programs.
Tuesday, September 30
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30 Planet America. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 I, Jack Wright. (Final, Mal, R) 2.00 Prince Charles: Inside The Duchy Of Cornwall. (Final, R) 2.50 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R) 6.30 Hard Quiz. (PGls, R) 7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30. 8.00 Foreign Correspondent. (Final) International affairs program. 8.40 Take 5 With Zan Rowe: Lorde. (PGl) Lorde shares five songs.
ABBA: Against The Odds. (Ml, R) The inside story of ABBA’s struggle.
10.40 Media Watch. (PG, R) 11.00 ABC Late News.
11.15 The Business. (R) 11.30 Four Corners. (R) 12.20 Labor In Power. (PG, R) 1.20 Grand Designs. (R) 2.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.55 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.40 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 Ancient Egypt: Chronicles Of An Empire. (Mav, R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.40 The Cook Up. (PG, R) 4.15 Walking Wartime England. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R) 6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 Great British Railway Journeys: Chichester To Amberley. 8.30 Insight. Kumi Taguchi looks at the topic of digital technology. 9.30 Dateline: America’s Autism Wars. Looks at the way America treats autism. 10.00 SBS World News Late. 10.30 The Point. (R) 11.30 Spies Of Terror. (Premiere, Mals) 1.40 Billy Connolly: Great American Trail. (Mas, R) 2.30 Curious Traveller. (R) 3.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.35 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.25 Super Monsters. 4.50 Bluey. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 6.20 Bluey. 7.00 Supertato. 7.20 Bluey. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Deadly 60. 9.05 Expedition With Steve Backshall. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs.
Morning Programs. Noon DW The Day. 12.30
2.20 Bamay. 2.50
Out Of
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. (l) 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Leah and Justin rally around David.
7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGl) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel.
9.05 The Rookie. (Mav) Harper remains suspicious of Liam Glasser as a wildfire erupts, causing chaos in the city.
10.05 Alert: Missing Persons Unit. (Return, M) A collegiate women’s rowing team goes missing.
11.05 S.W.A.T. (Mav) The team hunts down three female fugitives.
12.05 Hooten & The Lady. (Mav)
1.05 Travel Oz. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon The Voice. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 Great Rail Restorations. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Doc Martin. 8.30 Endeavour. 10.30 Air Crash Inv: Accident Files. 11.30 Doc Martin. 12.30am Bargain Hunt. 1.30 Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Watersport. Offshore Superboats. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 7.30 Outback Crystal Hunters. (Return) 8.30 Aussie Gold Hunters. (Return) 9.30 Aussie Salvage Squad. 10.30 Mighty Ships. 11.30 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.30 Young Sheldon. (PGa, R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.00[MELB] TippingPoint Australia.(PG) 5.30
6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl) The teams disagree with the judges’ decision.
8.40 100% Footy. (M) Features the latest rugby league news, with exclusive insights from an expert panel.
9.50 Freddy And The Eighth. (Ml) Hosted by Brad Fittler, Danika Mason and Andrew Johns.
11.00 9News Late.
11.30 To Be Advised. (MA15+l)
12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs.
Noon M*A*S*H. 2.00 Dad’s Army. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Iron Maiden. (1963) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Death In Paradise. 8.40 Shakespeare And Hathaway. 10.40 Whitstable Pearl. 11.40 French And Saunders. 12.20am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm MOVIE: Sparks Over Brooklyn. (2023, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Veronica Mars. 12.30am Pretty Little Liars. 1.30 Supernatural. 3.30 Late Programs.
TEN (5, 10)
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. (l) 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News.
7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) Eden walks down the aisle. 7.30 My Kitchen Rules. (PGal) Hosted by Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel. 9.00 Murder In A Small Town. (Return, M)
10.00 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.
11.00 Grosse Pointe Garden Society. (Masv) Birdie’s friendship with Joel is tested.
12.00 Pretty Hard Cases. (Madv)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.15 Getaway. (PG, R) 1.45 My Way. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl) A contentious body corporate is held.
8.40 Paramedics. (Mlm) Paramedics Sally and Olivia fear the worst for a young motorcyclist in agonising pain.
9.40 To Be Advised. (MA15+l)
10.40 9News Late.
11.10 To Be Advised. (MA15+l)
12.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 1.00 Let’s Eat With George. (R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 7.30 The Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGal) Hosted by Beau Ryan. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Gen. (Mls, R) Hosted by Anne Edmonds, with team captains Dave Hughes, Tommy Little and Anisa Nandaula. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 10 News+. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight.
9GEM (81, 92)
9.40 Hoarders. 11.20 Calipari: Razor’s Edge. 12.10am Bloodlands. 1.15 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon My Kitchen Rules. 1.30 Room For Improvement. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 Great Rail Restorations. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Call The Midwife. 8.45 Foyle’s War. 10.45 The Yorkshire Vet. 11.45 Late Programs. 6am Morning Programs. Noon M*A*S*H. 2.00 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Carry On Regardless. (1961) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 New Tricks. 8.40 Agatha Raisin. 10.40 Major Crimes. 11.40 French And Saunders. 12.20am Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 12.10pm MOVIE: A Town Called Love. (2023, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Veronica Mars. 12.30am Pretty Little Liars. 1.30 Supernatural. 3.30
TEN (5,
Wednesday, October 1
ABC TV (2) SBS (3)
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Pilgrimage: The Road Through The Alps. (PG, R) 12.00 News. 12.30 Press Club. 1.35 Media Watch. (PG, R) 1.55
Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 5.55 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Hard Quiz. (PGs)
8.30 Mother And Son. (PGdl) Arthur notices Maggie’s hearing has declined.
9.00 The Assembly: Guy Sebastian. (PG, R) The students interview Guy Sebastian.
9.45 Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont Spelling Bee (NZ) (PG, R)
10.30 If You’re Listening. (R) 10.50 ABC Late News. 11.05 The Business. (R) 11.25 Planet America. (R) 11.55 You Can’t Ask That. (M, R) 12.25 Grand Designs. (R) 1.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+dhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
ABC FAMILY (22)
6am Children’s Programs. 2.40pm Pop Paper City. 3.05 Play School. 3.40 Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.35 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.15 Wallace And Gromit: A Close Shave. 9.50 Merlin. 10.35 Late Programs.
NITV (34)
6am Morning Programs. 11.00 Eye In
The Sky: Nordic Wonders. (Premiere, PG) 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30
France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00
Dateline. (R) 2.30 Insight. (R) 3.30 Such Was Life. (R) 3.40 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45
The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 The People Vs Robodebt. (Mal) Looks at the tragic impact of robodebt.
8.30 Secrets Of Flying Scotsman. After TheFlyingScotsman is saved from the scrapheap, Alan Pegler embarks on a tour of America. 9.30 Code Of Silence. (Mls) Alison and Liam go on a lavish hotel trip.
10.25 SBS World News Late. 10.55 COBRA. (MA15+av) 11.45 Freezing Embrace. (MA15+av, R)
1.30 Billy Connolly: Great American Trail. (Man, R) 2.25 Curious Traveller. (PG, R) 3.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31)
6am Morning
Programs. 1.15pm The Disappearance Of Jimmy Hoffa. 2.00 The Amber Room. 2.45 Tales From A Suitcase. 3.50 WorldWatch. 5.50 The Food That Built The World. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The Patient. 9.30 MOVIE: Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride. (2005, PG) 11.00 The Bloody Decade. 12.05am Late Programs.
SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pro Bull Riding USA: World Team Series. 1.30 Chatham Islanders. 2.00 This Is Indian Country. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 News. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Great Blue Wild. 7.30 Home, Land & Sea. 8.30 MOVIE: Bones Of Crows. (2022, MA15+) 10.40 Lalai Dreamtime. 11.40 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 2.30pm Widows’ Peak. (1994, PGalv) 4.25 The Band’s Visit. (2007, PGls, Arabic, English, Hebrew) 6.00 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PGalsv) 7.50 Blow Dry. (2001, Mals) 9.30 Someday We’ll Tell Each Other Everything. (2023, MA15+as, German) Midnight Late Programs.
SEVEN (6, 7)
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. (l) 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Lacey plots a sting.
7.30 RFDS. (Return, Ma) A bus crash brings the team back together.
8.30 Off The Grid With Colin And Manu. (PG) Colin Fassnidge and Manu Feildel head to Tairua to catch a kingfish.
9.30 House Of Wellness. (PG) Melissa Doyle and Shane Crawford are joined by Dr Rochford and Yvie Jones where no topic is off limits.
10.30 Chicago Fire. (Ma)
11.30 Lopez Vs. Lopez. (Return, PG)
12.00 Imposters. (Madlsv, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R)
2.00 Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning
Programs. Noon My Kitchen Rules. 1.30 Room For Improvement. 2.00 Weekender. 2.30 The Yorkshire Vet. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Heartbeat. 8.45 Lewis. 10.45 Air Crash Inv. 11.45 Bargain Hunt. 12.45am Late Programs.
7MATE (64, 73)
6am Morning Programs. 12.30pm Pawn Stars. 1.30 Outback Truckers. 3.30 Mountain Men. 4.30 American Resto. 5.00 Storage Wars. 5.30 American Pickers. 6.30 Pawn Stars. 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: Police Patrol. Midnight Late Programs.
NINE (8, 9)
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.10 Postcards. (PG, R) 1.40 Innovation Nation. (R) 2.00 Pointless. (PG, R) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 The Block. (PGl) The contestants’ families visit.
8.45 Clarkson’s Farm: Calculating. (Ml) Jeremy Clarkson and Kaleb Cooper find out how profitable their projects and farming have been this year.
10.05 The Grand Tour. (Ml) The boys take a bumpy ride across Colombia.
11.20 9News Late.
11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R)
12.40 Pointless. (PG, R)
1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
2.30 Global Shop. (R)
3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)
4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. Noon M*A*S*H. 2.00 World’s Greatest Myths And Mysteries. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: The Angry Silence. (1960, PG) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 As Time Goes By. 8.40 Midsomer Murders. 10.50 Major Crimes. 11.50 French And Saunders. 12.30am Late Programs.
9GO! (82, 93)
6am Morning Programs.
12.10pm MOVIE: Steal Your Heart. (2023, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Seinfeld. 8.30 TBA. 10.30 Seinfeld. 11.30 Veronica Mars. 12.30am Pretty Little Liars. 1.30 Supernatural. 3.30 Late Programs.
TEN (5, 10)
6.00 10 News+. Hosted by Denham Hitchcock and Amelia Brace. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.
7.30 Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly Australia. (PGal) A staffy chases moving tyres.
8.30 The Gilded Age. (Man) Marian learns more about Mrs Chamberlain. George makes a deal to help Bertha. 9.40 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) After one of New York’s most sought-after plastic surgeons is found dead, Elsbeth has her eye on the victim’s former boss. 10.40 10’s Late News. Coverage of news, sport and weather. 11.05 10 News+. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings.
Thursday, October 2
ABC TV (2)
SBS (3) SEVEN (6, 7)
(8, 9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Foreign Correspondent. (Final, R) 10.40 Back Roads. (PG, R) 11.10 Mother And Son. (PGdl, R) 11.40 If You’re Listening. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Silent Witness. (Mal, R) 1.55 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 2.55 Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 3.25 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 4.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 5.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R)
6.00 Spicks And Specks. (PG, R)
6.30 Hard Quiz. (PG, R)
7.00 ABC News.
7.30 7.30.
8.00 Back Roads: Lucindale, South Australia. (PG) Kristy O’Brien visits Lucindale.
8.30 Grand Designs New Zealand. A couple work on three projects. 9.15 Mystery Road: Origin. (Mal, R) Jay’s brother Sputty is implicated in a murder.
10.10 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (PGl, R) 10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Grand Designs. (PG, R) 12.00 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 12.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.20 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)
6am Morning Programs. 12.00 BBC News At Ten. 12.30 France 24. 1.00 PBS News. 2.00 The People Vs Robodebt. (Mal, R) 3.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 3.30 Such Was Life. (R) 3.40 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.45 The Cook Up. (R) 4.15 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R)
6.00 Mastermind Australia. (PG, R)
6.30 SBS World News.
7.30 9/11: One Day In America: It’s All Gone, Kid. (Final, Ma) 8.30 Heston Blumenthal: Life With Bipolar. (Ma) Heston Blumenthal talks about his bipolar disorder. 9.40 Snowpiercer. (Mv) Layton struggles to govern the survivors. 10.30 SBS World News Late. 11.00 Davos 1917. (Premiere) 11.55 Blue Lights. (Malv, R) 2.10 Billy Connolly: Great American Trail. (Ma, R) 3.00 Curious Traveller. (R) 4.00 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.
SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 3.40pm Fizzy And Suds. 4.10 Andy’s Prehistoric Adv. 4.25 Super Monsters. 5.20 Mojo Swoptops. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Piripenguins. 7.35 Ninjago: Dragons Rising. 8.00 Operation Ouch! 8.35 The Secret Life Of The Zoo. 9.20 Teenage Boss: Next Level. 9.45 The Mysterious Benedict Society. 10.35 Late Programs.
6am Morning Programs. 1.35pm Making Waves: Extraordinary Women. 2.10 History’s Greatest Of All-Time With Peyton Manning. 3.00 Insight. 4.05 WorldWatch. 6.05 Over The Black Dot. 6.35 Jeopardy! 7.30 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 Curse Of Oak Island. 10.10 The UnXplained. 11.00 Homicide. 11.50 Late Programs.
6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. (l) 1.10 Blankety Blank. (PG) 2.00 Bridge Of Lies. (PG) 3.00 The Chase. 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.
6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGav) Tragedy rocks Summer Bay. 8.30 Jim Jefferies And Friends. (Premiere, MA15+ls) Jim Jefferies reminds Australians of their duty to uphold a certain nationwide practical joke.
9.30 The Amazing Race. (Return, PG) The racers kick off the season in Amsterdam, where they face classic game pieces and unexpected twists right off the bat. 11.00 Gatecrashers. (Premiere) 12.00 Life. (Malsv, R)
1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R)
1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.
7TWO (62, 72)
6am Morning Programs. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Room For Improvement. 2.30 Air Crash Inv. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Animal Rescue. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country. 6.30 Bargain Hunt. 7.30 Father Brown. 8.30 Line Of Duty. 11.10 Murdoch Mysteries. 12.10am Father Brown. 1.10 Late Programs.
6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 The Block. (PGl, R) 1.15 Explore. (R) 1.30 Tipping Point. (PG) 2.30 Canoeing. ICF Slalom World C’ships. Group 1 finals. From Penrith Whitewater Stadium, NSW. 4.00 9News Afternoon. 4.30 Tipping Point Australia. (PG) 5.30 WIN News.
6.00 9News.
7.00 A Current Affair.
7.30 NRL Grand Final Countdown. A count down to the 2025 NRL Grand Final.
10.00 MOVIE: John Wick. (2014, MA15+lv, R) An ex-hit man comes out of retirement. Keanu Reeves, Ian McShane.
Tipping Point. (PG, R)
Destination WA. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Global Shop. (R)
TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)
Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R)
Today Early News. 5.30 Today.
9GEM (81, 92)
6am Morning Programs. 9.00 Lingo. (R) 10.00 Ent. Tonight. (R) 10.20 Amazing Race Australia: Celebrity Edition. (PGal, R) 11.30 Judge Judy. (PG, R) 12.00 Everyday Gourmet. 12.30 Family Feud. (PG, R) 1.00 News. 2.00 Wheel Of Fortune. 2.30 Lingo. (R) 3.30 News. 4.00 Neighbours. (PGa) 4.30 Bold. (PGa) 5.00 News.
6.00 10 News+. 7.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R) 7.30 Gogglebox Australia. Opinionated viewers discuss TV shows. 8.30 The Office Australia. (PGal) Hannah creates a false religion in the name of the company in order to become tax exempt. 9.00 Law & Order: SVU. (Masv, R) When McGrath’s daughter discloses a sexual assault, Benson must
6am Morning Programs. Noon M*A*S*H. 2.00 As Time Goes By. 3.00 Antiques Roadshow. 3.30 MOVIE: Lease Of Life. (1954) 5.30 The Travelling Auctioneers. 6.30 Antiques Roadshow. 7.30 Clarkson’s Farm. 8.40 Fawlty Towers. 10.00 Blackadder The Third. 11.20 French And Saunders. Midnight Are You Being Served? 12.30 Late Programs.
ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. Noon Garden Gurus Moments. 12.15 MOVIE: Love, Fashion, Repeat. (2022, PG) 2.00 Golden Girls. 2.30 Nanny. 3.30 Seinfeld. 4.30 Addams Family. 5.00 Bewitched. 5.30 Jeannie. 6.00 Golden Girls. 6.30 Nanny. 7.30 Survivor 49. 9.00 TBA. 11.30 Seinfeld. 12.30am
Your next voyage awaits...
By Lee Mccarthy
Gaze upon Nordic Splendour with Viking’s 15-day‘IntotheMidnightSun’voyagefrom LondontoBergenorviceversa.
The cruise will traverse deep-cut fjords along the fabled Norwegian coast, sail across the Arctic Circle where the midnight sun shines 24 hours a day and gives passengers a chance to follow in the footsteps of Vikings between the remote beauty of North Cape and the windswept ShetlandandOrkneyIslandsofScotland.
Bergen is the second-largest city in Norwayandastrollthroughthepicturesque outdoor fish market, Fisketorget where the fresh catch of the sea awaits from cod and prawnstolocalcaviarandicyoystersisnot tobemissed
Geiranger is the gateway to some of coastalNorway’smostmagnificentnatural treasures with the Seven Sisters Waterfall which tumble 1,000 feet into the fjord’s water, while directly across the fjord, the Suitor Waterfall also plunges down a steep face.
Throughout Scandinavia winter shows off pristine landscapes surrounded by snowcappedpeaksandtheauroraborealis, whose magical lights dance across the nighttimeskies.
SailtotheShetlandIslandscharacterised by dramatic landscapes, this incredibly scenic archipelago is one of Scotland’s mostremoteislandoutposts.
Explore the history of the Scottish Orkney Islands where Neolithic remains, including the ancient site of Brodgar, predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.
There is no capital quite like Edinburgh, with its gorgeous setting on green rocky hillocks and splendid views of the sea. Edinburgh Castle, home of the Scottish Crown Jewels and countless medieval treasures, overlooks the city from Castle Rock.
The Royal Mile unfurls Edinburgh’s architectural gems in all their finery, from the Canongate to St. Giles’s Cathedral to the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the Scottish residenceofBritishroyalty.
As the ship sails across the North Sea take advantage of the array of delicious cuisine offered on board. Guests can visit Mamsen’s, Viking’s casual gourmet deli, any time from early morning to late at night for a taste of traditional Norwegian fare. Or dine at Manfredi’s and savour an authentic Italian meal, with options
ranging from Milanese risotto to Tuscan inspiredclassics.
Arrive in Greenwich, home to the Royal Observatory where the world’s longitude is measured from the prime meridian, and GreenwichMeanTimesetstheglobaltime standard.
At the port, the clipper ship Cutty Sark, one of Greenwich’s renowned historic landmarks, is preserved as a fascinating museum.
Upriver, London is home to Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. In addition, this major economic and cultural hub boasts a long tradition of arts and architectural innovation from Shakespeare’s Globe TheatretoWestEndmusicals.
Viking Guests have the opportunity
to extend the stay in the British Isles with Viking’s four-night Great Homes, Gardens and Gin pre-extension in Oxford from $3,499 per person.
Extension guests will enjoy a flavour of English nobility and experience an exclusivelookatseveralcountryestates.
Included is a Privileged Access visit to Highclere Castle, the home of TV’s Downton Abbey as well as learn the histories behind the families of Broughton Castle, recognisable from Wolf Hall, and Chavenage House, best known for its appearance in Poldark and admire the idyllicgardensatHighgrove,homeofTheir Majesties King Charles III and The Queen Consort.
Viking’s inclusive value includes
everything guests need with a guided excursion in every port, all onboard meals including alternative dining venues, wine andbeerwithlunchanddinner,unlimited Wi-Fi, 24-hour specialty tea, coffee, and bottledwater,accesstothestate-of-the-art Nordic spa, self-service laundry and all tipping.
With no kids, no casinos, fewer than 1,000 guests, and all veranda staterooms, Viking’s award-winning ships take travellers as close as possible to each destination. Viking’s ‘Into the Midnight Sun’tripofalifetimeispricedfrom$13,395 per person, departing 17 June 2026, in a Veranda Stateroom with companion fly freesavinguptoAU$2,500perbooking. For further information please visit www.viking.comorphone138747.
See the magnificent Northern Lights over the Lofoten mountains in Norway. (Supplied)
Explore some of coastal Norway’s most magnificent natural treasures with the Seven Sisters Waterfall which tumble 1,000 feet into the fjord’s water.
Jump onto Viking’s ‘Into the Midnight Sun’ tour from London (Greenwich) to Bergen or vice versa, to enjoy sights like Big Ben and the Westminster-Bridge.
Visit the Port of Tromso, one of the largest fishing and cruise ports in Norway.
Visit the Old Town in Edinburgh during this once in a lifetime cruise with Viking.
ESCORTED
Full-Board River Cruise
3 night Murray River cruise on board PS Murray Princess with all meals and sightseeing
Tour of Murray River Bridge and historic Roundhouse
Guided nature walk of Salt Bush Flat
Taste Riverland food and wine
Dragon-Fly flat-bottomed boat wildlife tour
Hotel Stays
3 nights four-star hotel stay in Adelaide with breakfast
1 night four-star hotel stay in Kangaroo Island with breakfast, lunch and dinner
Fully Escorted Barossa Valley Tours
Full day Barossa Valley tour with lunch and wine tastings including:
Saltram wine estate, lunch and wine tasting at Lambert Estate, visit to Barossa Valley Chocolate Company, photo stop at Menglers Hill Lookout, vineyard tour & wine tasting at Jacob’s Creek visitor centre, stop at Beerenberg Farm, and free time in Hahndorf to explore the historic German settlement
Fully Escorted Kangaroo Island Tours
2 day Kangaroo Island tour including: Emu Ridge Eucalyptus Distillery, Clifford’s Honey Farm, In-Flight Birds of Prey Display at Raptor Domain, Seal Bay Conservation Park guided beach walk, lunch at Emu Bay Lavender Farm, Kangaroo Island Wildlife Park, and Flinders Chase National Park
All Flights, Taxes & Transfers
Spring is a season of renewal and the perfect time to plan your next unforgettable journey. With exclusive airfare offers, you can experience the world The Viking Way —in comfort and with more included.
Book a river voyage and fly free, or book an ocean or expedition voyage and your companion flies free. Be quick, offers end 1 December 2025*.
MAGNIFICENT MEKONG
Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi or vice versa
15 DAYS | 2 COUNTRIES
16 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: JAN-APR, AUG-DEC 2026; 2027; 2028
From $12,395pp in French Balcony
From $14,195pp in Veranda Stateroom
PHARAOHS & PYRAMIDS
Roundtrip from Cairo, Egypt
12 DAYS | 1 COUNTRY
11 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: JAN-JUN, AUG-DEC 2026; 2027; 2028
From $11,295pp in Standard Stateroom
From $13,595pp in Veranda Stateroom
PORTUGAL'S
RIVER OF GOLD
Lisbon to Porto
10 DAYS | 2 COUNTRIES
8 GUIDED TOURS
SET SAIL: MAR-NOV 2026; MAR-NOV 2027
From $8,995pp in Standard Stateroom
From $12,695pp in Veranda Stateroom
MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT WANDANA HEIGHTS
1. Optus is proposing to upgrade an existing mobile phone base station at Drewan Park, 9-29 Cityview Drive, Wandana Heights VIC 3216.
2.The proposed upgrade will consist of:
• Replacement of three (3) existing Optus panel antennas with three (3) new Optus panel antennas (each not more than 2.8m in length);
• Installation of six (6) new Optus 5G panel antennas (each not more than 1.0m in length);
• Replacement of six (6) existing Remote Radio Units (RRUs) with six (6) new RRUs;
• Installation, relocation and removal of ancillary equipment, including GPS antennas, mounts, feeders, cabling, combiners, and other associated equipment; and
• Internal works within the existing equipment shelter.
3. In accordance with Section 7 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.
4. Please direct comments to Vanessa Wan at 0447 240 015 or via email at Optus.submissions@servicestream.com.au or via post at Level 3, Tower B, Zenith Centre, 821 Pacific Highway, Chatswood NSW 2067 by 5pm, Tuesday 14 October 2025. For more information
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.
ACROSS
1 Dine (3)
3 Increase in value (10)
10 On the way (2,5)
11 Make clear (7)
12 The study of speech sounds (9)
13 Head cook (4)
15 Greatly impressed by fame (10)
17 Sunrise (4)
19 Stead (4)
20 Professed (10)
23 Exclamation of surprise (4)
25 One who restrains an impulse (9)
27 Repeats (7)
28 Hard to define (7)
29 Widespread destruction; disclosure (10)
30 Newt (3)
1 With embarrassment (10)
2 Pierce (9)
4 First showings (9)
5 Sways to and fro (5)
6 Opportunity (6)
7 Tolerate (5)
8 Irish singer (4)
9 Constraint (6)
14 Affection (10)
16 Dispiriting (9)
18 Eggplant (9)
21 Follow to the end (3,3)
22 Fruit (6)
24 Big, grey, herbivorous mammal (5)
25 Fastidious (5)
26 Operatic air (4)
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”.
1 Miranda is a moon orbiting which planet in our solar system?
2 Which fruit is traditionally used in a Liverpool Tart?
3 In the story by Carlo Collodi, what is the name of the woodcarver who created Pinocchio?
4 Which animal is the mascot for Nesquik?
5 True or false: the vampire bat consumes blood?
6 What type of cloud produces rain?
7 Julianne Moore (pictured) won the Academy Award for Best Actress for which movie?
8 What bakery food is Homer Simpson’s favourite?
9 A mawashi is worn as part of which sport?
10 Who had a hit with the 1987 single Never Gonna Give YouUp?
No. 288
No. 256
H6GT plugs into a new world
By Derek Ogden, Marque Motoring
With more than 32,000 sales in Australia, the Haval H6 has never been backward at coming forward.
And that’s not about to change anytime soon if the brand’s first plug-in electric vehicle is anything to go by.
PHEVs have been slow to take off, but with ballooning fuel prices, climate change through fossil-fuel pollution and the ever-present driver albatross of ‘range anxiety’, things are changing.
And the new H6GT, with its bumper 35.4kWh battery, has gone straight to the top of the segment with an electricity-onlyrange,withzeroemissions, of up to 180km, almost twice that of its nearest rival. This is backed up by a combined ICE/hybrid distance of more than 1000km.
Lux and Ultra models share the new-gen line-up.
Pricedat$55,990driveaway,makerGWM claims‘exhilaratingperformance’fromthe UltraPHEV,viathebrand’snewHi4Hybrid Intelligent AWD, with a sprint from zero to 100km/h in a nippy 4.8 seconds.
Thevehicleoffersvariedchargingoptions from30to80percent,viaAC(6.6kW),orDC (48kW), in as little as 26 minutes.
This new flagship comes as part of a significant H6 upgrade inside and out, with the entry-level Lux variant, a 2-litre turbocharged front-wheel drive, coming to market for $35,990 driveaway.
All are covered by GWM’s seven-year unlimited new car warranty, eight-year unlimitedkilometrebatterypackwarranty, five-year 24hr roadside assistance and five-year capped price servicing through GMW’s network of dealerships.
Styling
The H6GT AWD flies the flag for Haval’s SUV range with a premium design language, including an expansive cascading radiator grille with dark finish ‘proudly’showcasingabolditerationofthe brand’s logo.
AverticallayoutofLEDdaytimerunning lights support the vehicle’s upright stance, while the sloping coupe-style roof, as opposed to the H6 standard SUV square shape, bears witness to the GT suffix. Side-on, new black wheelarch cladding runsfromfronttorear,combiningwithnew 19-inch multi-spoke black alloy wheels. Gone are chrome splashes in favour of a cleaner, modern, minimalist look.
At the rear, the full width light bar has been ousted in favour of a more contemporary array of angled individual taillights. Centrally situated between the lamps the Haval badge has been replaced byG-W-M,reflectingthemovetoitsunified GMW brand identity.
Therearrenointroducesapowertailgate to the H6, that can be easily operated at the push or a button, or with a kick motion beneath the bumper.
Interior
A 50mm increase in body length gives the cabin added room, while a shift of the gear selector to the steering column frees up the centre console for more storage and wireless phone charger.
The steering wheel has been reworked to offer a thicker profile with indentations at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions to improve grip and comfort on longer drives. An automatic parking brake adds to convenience.
Premium materials and finishes to the minimalist decor features a new luxurious cream interior option adding the personal touch to proceedings. The changes, while small, are testament to GWM’s broader focus on the driver throughout the cabin.
Infotainment
A‘hearttransplant’fortheH6hascomevia the GT’s instrument layout, the centre of which lies a 14.6-inch infotainment screen powered by GWM’s latest-generation operating system delivering faster processing speeds and more intuitive access. The latter is debatable.
A fixture in other GWM models, including the Tank series, the system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabling smartphone mirroring and cable-free access to sat nav, media and communications.
In front of the driver is a 10.25-inch high-res digital instrument cluster with new visuals already seen in Tank models displaying driving information in three key segments. A 360-degree surround view monitor, with see-through chassis offers visibility for safe manoeuvring.
Engines/transmissions
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is exclusive totheUltragradeinall-wheeldrive,coming up with a strong, refined, yet efficient performance.The1.5-litreunit,matedwith GMW’s Dedicated Hybrid Transmission, produces 110kW and 230Nm.
Complementing this are three powerful
motors – two up front and one at the rear. Integrated with the 4WD system, the latter an independent 135kW and 232Nm, the combination delivering more than 1000km range.
Safety
Fitted with the latest active and passive safety systems the Haval H6GT is designed to look after occupants and other road users to the best of automotive ability. Advanced technology such as Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition and traffic jam assist seamlessly support the driver.
Adding to core safety are autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic assist and lane departure warning. Convenience is enhanced by auto parking assist and for Ultra parking sensors all round.
Seven airbags – two front, two side, two curtain and one centre – cover all seating positions and Isofix child restraints and driver fatigue monitor cap off the cabin.
Driving
In place of a standard transmission the Haval H6GT relies on a two-speed system that predominantly powers the vehicle up
to around 80km/h before the ICE chips in, so take-off is all but silent, without being rubber ripping.
Switching into full steam is all but seamless, with the engine making itself noticed with only a restrained growl. A selectionofdrivemodesiscalledupviathe touchscreen.
Close by is a power mode setting, which allows the choice between EV, EV priority and Intelligent Hybrid going.
As far as power consumption is concerned the test car on a motorway run recorded 18.0kWh per 100km, which is acceptable for a vehicle of its heft. With the battery depleted, GWM suggests the hybrid mode will come up with 5.4 litres per 100km of fuel use. The test car bettered that with 4.9 litres of petrol per 100km.
The slick(ish) off-the-line sprint (GWM suggests 4.9 sec to 100km/h) is subject to handling stresses on corners, mainly due to its mid-size SUV bulk, so it’s probably best to back off.
Summary
For a first effort at a plug-in hybrid the Haval H6GT Ultra is up with the best in performance but not in its infotainment communication with the driver.
For a first effort at a plug-in hybrid the Haval H6GT Ultra is up with the best in performance but not in its infotainment communication with the driver.
(Pictures: Supplied)
Close tie for medal
By Justin Flynn
This year’s Mathieson Medal was shared in a thrilling Geelong Football Netball League vote count last night while a star Newtown & Chilwell defender took home the inaugural netball Julia Woolley Medal. Newtown & Chilwell midfielder Ned Harris and Bell Park star Jett Bermingham couldn’tbeseparatedon23votesattheend of the count and both walked away with a ‘Matho’ around their necks. St Mary’s Patrick Dowling and St Albans midfielder Fletcher Keck tied for runner-up on 15 votes.
Harris was named captain of the team of the year, but oddly, Bermingham missed out on selection.
Hawrris also won the P&R Coaches PlayeroftheYearAwardwhileStMary’stall Fletcher Hughes was named Rising Star. Leopold’s Connor Giddings (68 goals) was the comp’s leading goalkicker.
Newtown & Chilwell defender Ruby Pekin-Schlicht won the A Grade netball Julia Woolley Medal with 30 votes after another fantastic season while St Mary’s goal attack Isabelle Grapsas was runner-up on 23.
Pekin-SchlichtalsowontheP&RCoaches Player of the Year while Lara young gun Tilly Baker was rewarded for her fine season in goal with the Rising Star prize. South Barwon’s Ellen Doyle (808 goals) was the Hotshots winner.
Unfortunately for Pekin-Schlicht, she will miss Friday’s grand final being stuck in the UK where she studies her PhD in regenerative agriculture.
AFL Barwon announced the naming of the A Grade medal after Julia Woolley, still going strong at Newtown & Chilwell and with a massive list of accolades including seven premierships (five as captain) and two league medals.
The best player on the court in the grand final will now receive the Olivia Cameron Medal. Cameron is a South Barwon star and has played more than 350 A Grade games, has featured in 10 A Grade grand finals, winning six premierships.
Leopoldruck/forwardXavierHayterwon the reserves football Allthorpe Medal with a three-way tie for runner-up. Henry Cook (St Mary’s), Francesco Posterino (Newtown &Chilwell)andRyanConnolly(StJoseph’s) couldn’t be separated. South Barwon’s Ben Starkie (44 goals) was the leading goalkicker.
South Barwon goaler Matilda Puckett won the B Grade netball medal from dual runners-up Eliza Hannagan (Newtown &
Chilwell) and Matilda Pollard (Bell Park) while St Joseph’s Payton Simeki (535 goals) was the Hotshots winner.
Leopold’s Kirsty Fagan won the C Grade award from St Mary’s Kate Fowles with teammate Kayla Biggs (568 goals) the Hotshots recipient.
In D Grade, the medal went to St Joseph’s midcourter Sophie King with Newtown & Chilwell’s Hayley Johnston runner-up. Eagles goaler Jordan Zukan (305 goals) was the Hotshots winner.
Jesse Morrissy (Newtown & Chilwell) won the E Grade award from Leopold’s Alysha Gleeson with Geelong West Giants’ Bronte Weigl (253 goals) the Hotshot.
TEAMS OF THE YEAR
FOOTBALL
Backs: Mitch Diamond (Newtown & Chilwell), Braden Hocking (Newtown & Chilwell), Luke Webb (St Joseph’s)
Half-backs: Harris Jennings (Leopold), Stephen Bensted (Bell Park), Ben Lloyd (Bell Park)
Centres: Darby Henderson (Lara), Ned Harris (captain, Newtown & Chilwell), James Gow (St Joseph’s)
Half-forwards: Patrick Dowling (St Mary’s), Fraser Fort (South Barwon), Brayden Ham (St Mary’s)
Forwards: Tom Higgins (St Albans), Connor Giddings (Leopold), Jack Sarcevic (Bell Park)
Followers: Zach Zdybel (Colac), Tate Porter (Leopold), Ben McCarthy (Colac)
Interchange: Fletcher Keck (St Albans), Hamish Bourke (St Mary’s), Keelin Betson (St Joseph’s), Ben Pennisi (Newtown & Chilwell)
Coach: Steve Johnson (Newtown & Chilwell)
NETBALL
Goalers: Ella Closter (St Joseph’s), Ellen Doyle (South Barwon), Julia Woolley (Newtown & Chilwell)
Mid-court: Vanessa Augustini (Newtown & Chilwell), Kiahna Fallon (St Joseph’s), Charlotte Morey (Bell Park), Elli Leydin (St Joseph’s)
Defenders: Ruby Pekin-Schlicht (Newtown & Chilwell), Charli Hoey (Geelong West Giants), Tori Honner (captain, St Joseph’s)
Coach: Andrew McInerney (Newtown & Chilwell)
Geelong Venom appoints co-captains
Geelong Venom has announced Alex Sharp and Jaz Shelley as co-captains for the upcomingWNBLseason.
The announcement comes ahead of the Venom’s pre-season match-ups in Townsvillethisweekend.
“It’s an honour to be named co-captain of this special group and to have the opportunity to lead alongside Jaz,” Sharp said. “I’mlookingforwardtoembracingthis new role and representing my teammates, the club, and community in a way that reflectstheVenomcultureandspirit.”
“It’s an honour to be named as a captain forthisteam,”Shelleysaid.
“I think we have a really special group thisseasonandI’mexcitedtoleadalongside such an experienced and well-respected personinSharpy.”
Meanwhile,GeelongVenomaddedPoppy Stevens, Georgia Taylor and Tayli DiMarco to its WNBL 2025/26 roster as development players.
Poppy Stevens (Geelong United)
At just 17, Stevens is one of the brightest young prospects in the Geelong basketball system. An aggressive guard, she can stretch the floor with her shooting and impact the game at both ends with her energy and athleticism. In 2024, she was a standout for Geelong in their championship division, earning All-Star 5 honours and the Youth Player of the Year award.
She was also named Geelong United’s Most Improved Player for her 2024 NBL1 season.
Georgia Taylor (Dandenong Rangers, NBL1)
Taylor enters the Venom program following an outstanding 2024 campaign with Dandenong’s Youth League team, where she was named both Club MVP and Championship Game MVP. Known
All six teams a finals chance
LOCAL TENNIS
Donna Schoenmaekers
It was a tense week for Tuesday Women’s Section 5, almost two-thirds into the season and all six teams still capable of making finals, with Portarlington and Hamlyn Park only fivepointsoutsidethefour.
Portarlington stayed in touch with an away from home win against third placedGrovedaleBlack.
The match was hard fought with the wind playing tricks, but Maryanne Bose and Dianne Hutchinson got throughthefirst6-4whileGrovedale’s Vicki Castven and Kerry Carlin took the second 7-5. Port pulled ahead withLynneTreloarteamingwithBose for a 6-2 win while Hutchinson and Wendy McLennan pulled out another tough win 7-5. Castven and long-time doubles partner Therese Wilson kept Grovedaleintouchwitha6-4win,but with Bose and McLennan winning 6-3, Bose got her third set for the day andthewinwenttoPortarlington. Grovedale’s day didn’t get much betterwhentheirYellowteamtravelled toCliftonSprings.
Yellow, sitting in second were six points ahead of the fourth placed Springs, and after their last outing decided by only two games, this week was bound to be interesting. Marita Thurman and Beverley Draper got the Springsontheboardwitha6-4win,not tobeoutdonebyteammatesMary-Jane O’Brien and Carol Spivey, who did the same.
Dora Abdullah and Stacey Jensen got Grovedale on the board taking the third6-2,butThurmanandSpiveykept Clifton Springs ahead taking the fourth 6-1.
Jensen and Jinara Schmidt kept Grovedale in contention, blasting a 6-0 win in the sixth, but Draper and Spivey pulled out a 6-4 win, Spivey’s third set for the morning, to take the match 4-2 pullingthemclosertotheirrivalsonthe ladder.
Wandana Heights started the day only three points ahead of Grovedale Yellow, but with their loss and a 5-1 win over Hamlyn Park, the Heights stretched their lead to eight. The home team picked up the first set with Catherine Thomson and Penny Leishman winning 6-2 while Hamlyn Park’s Robyn Payne and Janeene Barry tookthesecond6-4.
Fromthere,however,theHeightstook control,droppingonlyfivegamesinthe remaining four sets with Anita Dobney and Nerida Potter also contributing to thewin.
for her fierce competitiveness, Taylor prides herself on contributing at both ends of the floor. She brings versatility across positions, a reliable outside shot, and a defensive work rate that makes her a difference-maker in any line-up.
Tayli DiMarco (Melbourne Tigers, NBL1/Belmont University commit)
DiMarco has built a reputation for her defensive prowess and aggressive style of play, thriving in full-court pressure and lifting the intensity of her teammates. She has represented Victoria and the Melbourne Tigers at national championships, participated in the NBA Academy Games in Atlanta, and is currently a development player with the Tigers’ NBL1 team. In September 2025, DiMarco furthered her career by committing to play college basketball for Belmont University in the USA.
While Wandana have pulled away at the top of the ladder, the rest of the teamshavebunchedwithonly16points between second and sixth, six between second and fourth and Portarlington onlyfivepointsoutsidethefour.
TWS5 Wandana and Hamlyn Park:
Back: Penny Leishman, Nerida Potter, Cassie Spain, Catherine Thompson.
Front: Anita Dobney, Janeene Barry, Chris Matheson, Robyn Payne. (Supplied)
Left: Ned Harris (top) and Jett Bermingham tied for the Mathieson Medal. Above: Ruby Pekin-Schlicht took home the Julia Woolley Medal.
Inside the race to the flag
By Oliver Caffrey, AAP
It seemed inconceivable, as recently as seven years ago, that the Brisbane Lions would be on the verge of becoming the most successful AFL club this century.
But after a rocky, wildly unsuccessful decade following triple premiership coach Leigh Matthews’ departure in 2008, the Lions have reclaimed their reputation as a competition powerhouse.
IfBrisbanemanagetosaluteinSaturday’s grand final, it will be the first team win five AFL premierships this millennium. However, its opposition is also sitting
on four flags since 2000 and is desperate to capitalise on virtually two consecutive decades of challenging for silverware.
The first-ever grand final between the Lions and Geelong will be the culmination of rivalry stretching back more than 20 years.
As the rampaging Lions collected a premiership three-peat in 2001-03, they routinely bullied a young, rebuilding Geelong team in that era under Mark Thompson.
But by 2004, the Cats finally had enough, upsetting the defending triple premiers in round 13 on a cold and wet day at Kardinia
Park for their first win over Brisbane in nine years.
The Lions recovered to again beat Geelong later that year, winning a tense preliminary final they were forced to host at the MCG due to the AFL’s contractual arrangement with the venue.
Brisbane qualified for a fourth-straight grand final, losing the next week to Port Adelaide, but its dominance of Geelong, and the AFL in general, was coming to an end.
From 2006 to 2018, the Cats made it their duty to smash the Lions, boasting a 18-2 record in that period.
Neale heeds vital lesson for Andrews
By Shayne Hope, AAP
Geelong forward Shannon Neale has ditched the defensive mindset in his bid to limit Brisbane star Harris Andrews’ influence in the AFL grand final.
Feeling as though he’d let his team down in their previous encounter, in a round-15 loss at home, Neale shifted his tactics against Andrews in the qualifying final.
The 23-year-old enjoyed some success focusing more on his own game and the Cats reversed the result to take a direct path to the season decider.
But intercept king Andrews was one of the best-afield in the first battle and Neale is hell-bent on making further amends in Saturday’s grand final.
“I walked away a bit disappointed in my performance around how I played on him (in round 15),” Neale told AAP. “I was a bit upset ... I walked away kicking the dirt a bit about letting my teammates down.
“We couldn’t get it forward not because I was letting him intercept, but he was intercepting.
“I hate letting my teammates down and I hate being the one that doesn’t necessarily cost us the game, but someone that didn’t stand up when they needed to.”
Lions captain Andrews wasn’t allowed to have the same impact in the qualifying finalasGeelongpoweredtoacommanding 38-point victory.
Nealedidn’thaveahugenightoffensively, tallying just six disposals and one goal, but played his role for the team.
“I got rid of a defence mindset on him and just tried to play my own game,” Neale said.
“I’ll try to do that again this week and hopefully our best footy stands up against theirs.”
While there is proof that plan can be effective, Neale knows putting it into practice is another matter.
“Harris has been a quality defender for such a long period of time and he reads the ball so well,” Neale said.
“He’s got ultra-long arms and he’s really strong. It’s hard to out-smart someone as good as him.”
Holmes out to wipe away tears with AFL flag
Max Holmes didn’t have much of a relationship with Chris Scott when he was left out of Geelong’s grand final team three years ago.
Thehugeselectioncall,basedonaminor hamstring strain Holmes sustained in the preliminary final, dominated the build-up to the 2022 AFL decider.
It ultimately cost the then 20-year-old a premiership in his second season, and what little bond he had with Scott needed repairing.
“WiththesameinjurythisweekI’dplay,” Holmes said ahead of Saturday’s grand final against Brisbane Lions.
“I was a younger player who wasn’t as influential in the team, and at the time I was pissed with Scotty.
“Now I can understand why he did what he did, and I respect that decision. But todayIwould’veplayed,soitwasveryclose and it was just a matter of where I was at at the time.”
“But now I feel like we’re quite close together and we’ve got a good relationship despite what’s happened.
“It’s all in the past and, as I said, I understand the decision now. At the time you don’t, but it makes sense to me and there’s no judgement on it.
“Hopefully we can just get one (premiership) this week and put it in the past.”
Fellow Geelong star Tom Stewart is enduring a similar experience this time around, ruled out of the grand final under concussion protocols.
But there was usually no embarrassment in Brisbane being shown up as the Cats made a habit of easily beating most teams. Geelong has been an undeniable and consistent juggernaut since their breakout year of 2004.
The Cats have missed finals just three times - 2006, 2015 and 2023 - in 21 years and won four premierships (2007, 2009, 2011, 2022) since ending a 43-year drought.
Instead of rebuilding, as the likes of Richmond did after their three premierships in four seasons, Geelong just keeps contending every year.
Mannagh’s crazy journey
By Tara Murray
Shaun Mannagh’s journey has been a long windy one that now stops at the MCG on the final Saturday of September.
TheWerribeegrandfinalstarfrom two seasons ago when he kicked six goals in a losing grand final side, will be back on the biggest stage, this time with Geelong.
ThatVFLgrandfinalperformance was the final piece of the puzzle for the Cats to pick the mature aged recruit.
Mannagh will play a key role for theCatsintheirforwardlineasthey looktoovercometheBrisbaneLions on Saturday.
Mannagh finished with two goals and 15 possessions in the prelim.
Speaking on SEN’s Crunch Time on Saturday, Mannagh said his journey took a bit longer than he would have liked.
He said there was still a pinch me moment that he was playing in a grand final.
“We wouldn’t change it,” he said.
“We’ve been so lucky to end up at Geelong.
“A successful club for such a long time. It feels like I’ve jumped on the endofthecoattailsandenjoyingthe ride.
“Pure elation at the beginning and by the end of the night I was heading home and I was like we have one more week to go. It has been amazing.”
Mannagh said when he arrived at Geelong he always had that inner belief that he would be able to perform at this level.
He said it was about getting an opportunity. He recently won the AFL Coaches Association best young player award which is based on a player’s first two seasons in the league, despite recently just turning 28.
Mannagh said he still speaks to local players from Lavington and former VFL teammates about the journey and not giving up.
“I felt if I could show them what I could make an impact,” he said.
“We talked about everything and nothing at the same time and formed a relationship,” Holmes said.
“To an extent, I didn’t have much of a relationship with Scotty at that stage anyway.
A series of coffee meetings with Scott overthe2023pre-seasonallowedthecoach and his player to connect, and helped set Holmes on the path to becoming a star.
The five-time All-Australian has leant on Holmes for advice on how he handled missing the biggest game of the year through injury.
“IsaidIcriedalot,”Holmessaid.“People work through things in different ways, and Idon’tnecessarilythinkIhandleditaswell as I possibly could have.
“But we’ve spoken a little bit and I’m shatteredforhim,buthe’llbealrightinthe end and we’ll go again for him.” - AAP
“It took a lot longer than I would have liked. Trying to make every post a winner.”
Mannagh said he was soaking in everything from the stars of Geelong.
Shannon Neale kicks a goal during the qualifying final. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Max Holmes.
Lions roar on big stage
Belmont Lions claimed the Geelong & District Netball League A Grade premiership with a two-goal win against Thomson. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at St Albans Reserve on Saturday for the game.
Above: Amelia Jarvis leaps high. 503325_08
Left: Molly Gribble looks to pass despite pressure from Anger Akec. 503325_10
Left to right: Bree Caldwell tries to keep the ball in play. 503325_12 Yianna Ross takes control. 503325_24 Shae Rowbottom waits for a pass. 503325_14 Puonyuom Mathiang looks to pass out of defence.
Sophie Trezise cleans up at the back.
503325_13
Molly Gribble in action.
503325_17
Ella Wasik (23 goals) with the ball. 503325_20
Left: Molly Gribble wins the ball under pressure from Puonyuom Mathiang. 503325_26 Centre: It’s mine: Emma Witham, Sophie Allison and Zoe Saunders all grab the ball. 503325_23
Shayna Brown wins the ball in front of Cheyenne Philpott. 503325_27
Pies fly high for flag glory
North Geelong defeated East Geelong by 24 points in Saturday’s Geelong & District Football League grand final. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was at St Albans Reserve for the big game.
Best afield Luke Parker goals on the run. 503326_02
Jordan Purcell at full stretch as he attempts to mark. 503326_04
Andrew Steele marks strongly for East Geelong. 503326_13
Tom Davis puts a strong tackle on Sam Lowe and wins a free kick. 503326_21
John McIntyre looks to get past Damian Fazio. 503326_24
Left: Noah Bily kicks a goal. 503326_26 Centre: Charlie McDonald grabs the footy. 503326_01 Right: Jacsen Jewell celebrates his goal. 503326_31
Osca Riccardi tries to break clear. 503326_33
Above: Patrick O’Brien-Henderson punches the ball away from John Fazio in the goal square. 503326_07 Left: Rory Desnoy marks in front of Jack Dickson. 503326_17 Below left: North Geelong skipper Zac Schwennesen marks on the run. 503326_09 Below right: Sam Reynolds takes a chest mark. 503326_16
Cooper Pasque takes control. 503326_03
Pies’ rags to riches story
By Justin Flynn
Two years after just avoiding a wooden spoon, North Geelong completed the quintessential rags to riches story with its first Geelong & District Football League premiership since 2013 on Saturday.
The Magpies avoided the 2023 spoon only through a final-round win and improvedtojustmissoutonfinalslastyear under first-year coach Peter Riccardi, but produced a stunning finals campaign this year to defeat East Geelong by 24 points at St Albans Reserve.
After a close and low-scoring first half, the Magpies gained control with three goals in the third term while keeping East to just one behind.
Luke Parker, who would claim best on ground honours, was a constant threat up forward and finished with four goals to be the only dual goal kicker for the game.
The Eagles had trouble penetrating the scoreboard, but when Jeremy Ollis booted their only major for the second half with a classy right-foot snap at the 13-minute mark, the difference was 19 points and there was still time for a comeback.
But Jacsen Jewell goaled on the boundary line at the 21-minute mark, the margin was back out to 24 points and the game was done.
NorthGeelongcoachPeterRiccardipaid tribute to his opponent after the game.
“Firstly to East Geelong, you are the yardstick of the competition,” he said.
“There’s always got to be a winner and a loser and fortunately for us that’s the way it is. But hold your heads high - the way you go about it year after year, it won’t be far and you’re going to be up here. To Ned (Aulsebrook)andtheboys,congratulations on your year, but I know you’re going to be disappointed, but celebrate hard and we’ll see you next year.
“To our boys, our supporters, thanks very much for the turnout, like the sea of
black and white’s been amazing, walking through the doors and all you see is black and white, it’s awesome and got these guys over the line, I reckon.
“To Vanders (president Darren Vandenberg) and the committee, thanks very much for giving me the opportunity to be the head coach, really appreciate it.
“To our boys, to be honest, I didn’t think we’d be here so quick, but all your hard workyou’vedoneoverthelasttwoyears.As I said before the game, we started training in October, so it’s almost 12 months, and this is the reward you get.”
EastGeelongcaptainJohnMcIntyrewas
classy in his speech.
“Well done North Geelong, you’ve beaten us four from four times this year,” he said.
“You deserve it, enjoy tonight, far too good today, well done.
“Thank you to the GDFNL for putting on the day. It gives us an opportunity to continue our footy careers. It’s a superbly run league.
“To us, I know you’ll be disappointed, but try and be proud of yourself tonight. The wider East Geelong community, thank you for all the support this year. Bad luck, but well done North Geelong.”
GRAND FINALS
North Geelong 1.4(10), 2.5(17), 5.7(37), 8.9(57)
East Geelong 1.3(9), 3.5(23), 3.6(24), 4.9(33)
GOALS: NorthGeelong-LukeParker4, JacsenJewell,NoahBilly,OscarRiccardi, RoryDesnoy.EastGeelong-Jeremy Ollis,AndrewSteele,RyanLempa,Caleb Lowndes.
BEST: NorthGeelong-LukeParker,Jacsen Jewell,JasperGeorge,SamuelReynolds, NoahBily,PatrickCleary.EastGeelongJohnMcIntyre,PatrickO’Brien-Henderson, JackDickson,JaydenFanning,Ryan Lempa,SamuelLowe.
Reserves
East Geelong 4.2(26), 4.2(26), 4.3(27), 6.4(40)
Werribee Centrals 3.2(20), 3.2(20), 4.4(28), 5.4(34)
GOALS: EastGeelong-JonahBowles 2,ChrisWarwick2,NoahCharman2. WerribeeCentrals-DanielSkinner,Luke Cachia,JordanWilson,RyanYoung,Ben Leonard.
BEST: EastGeelong-LachlanZimmer, JudePayne,RossSymonds,BaileyPayne, EthanMcDonald,SamsonBrunt.Werribee Centrals-LukeCachia,ZacAnthony, HenryEgan,RyanYoung,fletchervesty, BryceCampbell.
Under 18 Division 3
Torquay 1.1(7), 3.1(19), 4.6(30), 6.8(44) South Barwon 1.0(6), 1.2(8), 2.4(16), 2.6(18)
GOALS: Torquay-GeordiePitcher,Jaxon Farrelly,WesAnsell,JackChadwick,Peter Christo,ZachMoreau.SouthBarwonLiamRaven,RileyLane.
BEST: Torquay-JaiRiordan,Fletcher Allmand,PeterChristo,JamesProsser, JackNelson,DylanAbbott.SouthBarwonHamishTaylor,DominikParigi,JakeWilde, BaileyEvans,HarveyDurno,RileyLane.
Belmont Lions overcome adversity to win premiership
By Justin Flynn
A 45-goal turnaround from the second semi-final has given Belmont Lions a treasured Geelong & District Netball LeagueAGradepremiership.
Beaten by Thomson by 43 goals in the semi, the Lions overcame the loss of star goaler Angelique Ross to prevail 39 to 37 at St Albans Reserve on Saturday September20.
Thomson went into the game as favourites, but Belmont survived a late Tigers’flurrytoclaimpremiershipglory.
WithcoachShaynaBrownandEllaWasik combining in goal, Belmont brilliantly covered the massive loss of Ross, who rupturedanACLinthesemi.
Thomson led by one goal at quarter time andincreasedthemargintotwoatthehalf.
Belmont got going in the third quarter with Molly Gribble starring in midcourt while Zoe Saunders also provided plenty of drive.
Meanwhile Lions’ co-captain and goal defence Sophie Allison was locked in an absorbingbattlewithEmmaWitham.
At the other end of the court, Lions’ sharpshooter Ella Wasik was working hard againstaverygoodCheyennePhilpott.
TheLionsbrokefreeearlyinthefinalterm and led by six goals before minor premiers Thomsonlaunchedonelastditcheffort.
The Tigers started to take risks, knowing itwastheonlywaytheycouldwinthegame with wing attack Shae Rowbottom leading thecharge.
Ebony Harris was forced from the court
with an eye injury and captain Amelia Jarvis came on and Bree Caldwell reduced themargintothree.
Browngoaledwithlessthantwominutes remaining to make the margin four goals and it appeared the cup was headed to WinterReserve.
Caldwell then missed for Thomson, but Witham was able snap up the rebound and reply almost immediately, but with the next centre pass, Belmont was able to take 30 seconds off the clock before a late consolationgoaltotheTigers.
Thomson had the next centre pass, but time had run out and when the buzzer sounded, the Lions were sent into a state of frenzy.
“These girls have faced a lot of adversity over the past season from the start of the season and I’m so bloody proud of you girls,”Brownsaid.
“The way you showed your commitment, your grind. Thomson were the benchmark and like Shan (Thomson coach Shannyn Leach) said, we were hunting you guys down…you’re a top coach and I have so muchrespectforyou.”
“I’ll just echo Shayna’s sentiments,” co-captainSophieAllisonsaid.
“This group is the most tight knit group I’ve ever played with. We’ve overcome so much this year. I don’t know a team that’s had as much thrown at them as this one thisseasonsoI’msuperproudofthisgroup forovercomingallofthat.
“And to Thomson - you guys are such a beast.Youarethebenchmark.Youguysare goingtocomebackmuchstrongernextyear
andwereallylookforwardtothattussle.”
It must have been a bittersweet moment for Angelique Ross, the co-captain who missedthegamewithaseriouskneeinjury, but she certainly didn’t show it, and was probably the happiest of all the group. She toopraisedtheoppositioninaclassyway.
“Not only are you great netball players, you’reallgreatpeople,”shesaid.
“Ihavesomuchrespectforyouandyou’re goingtobounceback.
“Thank you to everyone who showed up today. We really appreciate our crowd and oursupporters.”
GRAND FINALS
A Grade: Belmont Lions 39 def Thomson 37. Bestoncourt:MollyGribble(Belmont Lions)
B Grade: Thomson 26 def Inverleigh 21. Bestoncourt:AmeliaBakker(Thomson)
CGrade:EastGeelong38defNorth Geelong32.Bestoncourt:Ashleigh Cushion(EastGeelong)
D Grade: Inverleigh 34 def East Geelong 28. Bestoncourt:JacintaO’Meally (Inverleigh)
E Grade: East Geelong 28 def Inverleigh 27. Bestoncourt:GeorgieArnold(East Geelong)
19 & Under: Bell Post Hill 43 def Bannockburn 25. Bestoncourt:Caitlin Deretic(BellPostHill)
17 & Under: East Geelong 28 def Werribee Centrals 19. Bestoncourt:Mikayla Ferguson(EastGeelong)
15 & Under: Bannockburn 29 def Anakie 24. Bestoncourt:HannahFletcher (Bannockburn)
13 & Under: East Geelong 18 def Inverleigh 14. Bestoncourt:Charlotte Butcher(EastGeelong)
Left: Belmont Lions celebrate the 2025 premiership. Right: Molly Gribble won the MVP award for best on court. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 503325
Top left: Your GDFL premiers North Geelong. Top right: Peter Riccardi and Zac Schwennesen lift the premiership cup. Above: Players and supporters sing the club song. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 503326
Grand final showdown set
By Justin Flynn
A St Joseph’s victory against St Mary’s in today’s (September 26) Geelong Football League grand final would make captain Alex Hickey the only four-time premiership playerinclubhistory.
Hickey will also play his 150th game in the grand final at GMHBA Stadium, as will brotherJames,butmilestonesandaccolades are well down on his list of priorities at the moment.
“I’m probably more driven by making sure the guys that haven’t done it get to taste what it’s like,” he said. “Because I feel like once you get that taste – people say, ‘oh, you’ve won a few, surely you’re satisfied’ – I feel like you get hungrier and that thirst to winmore,itbecomesabitofanobsession.
“I just want the guys that haven’t done it toexperiencewhatit’slike,sotheycanhave thatbondthatI’vegottohavewithmymates inthepreviousera.”
It was during a car trip out to Colac that theHickeysrealisedtheywereclosinginon 150games.
“It’s an interesting game to play a milestoneinbecauseitprobablycouldn’tbe lessthoughtoftobehonest,”Hickeysaid.
“It’s probably something that we’ll reflect onlater.”
Joeys go into the clash as favourites and have the chance to make some amends from last year’s straight sets exit after an unbeatenhomeandawayseason.
“We’re blessed with having such a young group, and I think it was a really big lesson on what finals footy is compared to the homeandawayseason,”Hickeysaid.
“And we said after that (2024 preliminary final) defeat, that we wanted to take
somethingawayfromthat,andIguesswe’re readytomakeamends.”
St Joseph’s has six players who have kicked 19 goals or more this season - Oscar Morrison (42), Hunter Lewis (38), Paddy De Grandi (36), Mitch Chafer (29), Jack Mullen (22)andFelixHenderson(19).
“I think that’s one of our strengths and I think that’s probably where we’ve added from years gone, the last year in particular, isjustwhereourgoalsarecomingfrom,our avenuestogoal,”Hickeysaid.
“We’ve got a very dangerous forward line and it is a luxury to be bringing the ball down the field and have particularly three big targets that, if you’re stuck, you stick the ball in the air and they’re going to give you acontest.
“And then the ball hitting the ground,
we’ve got such good crafty smalls so (it is) definitely an area we have taken a big step forward and not just our attacking, but the waytheydefend,too.”
St Mary’s finished the home and away season in fourth spot, albeit by a tiny amountofpercentage,andentersthegrand finalonafive-gamewinningstreak.
“We’ve obviously come from other ends of the spectrum, it feels, and we’ve played foureliminationfinalsinarow,”co-captain BraydenHamsaid.
“We’re bloody stoked with how we’ve gone this season. So, a little bit of a free hit onFridayandIfeellikeit’sa50/50battle.”
St Mary’s wasn’t expected to even get this far after an exodus of senior players during theoff-season.
“We’ve got a vibrant group and we’ve just
loved coming into training and I feel like we’ve just been working hard at it and we don’t really want the season to end,” Ham said. “It always helps having the group aroundyouaswedo.”
Ham,whoplayed45gameswithEssendon, said it would be a welcome change to get to GMHBA Stadium after playing the finals seriesatawindsweptWestOval.
“I’ve managed to play a few games there (and) I’m very excited to get back there,” he said. “I’m kind of sick of the hard decks out in the GFL. My calves don’t have too much left, but one game over there, I’ll be stoked togetoverthereforsure.”
Ham said the venue would point towards amore-openstyleofplay.
“It’s going to be a little bit on the outside,” hesaid.
“Obviously most finals are won in the contest, but I feel like you can get exposed a little bit out on that big deck. So I’m hoping we can match them inside and then break awaywithourpaceandsomeofourrunners on the outside a little bit, comparative to whatmostotherfinalsarewonby.Ifeellike that’swhatwe’llgetthemhopefully.
“They’ve (Joeys) got some really good key position players as well so it’ll be hard to matchthetwoofthem.
“We’ve got a good spine, they’ve got a good spine, so whoever gets on top in that probablywinsthegame.”
GRAND FINALS
Friday September 26, GMHBA Stadium Seniors: StJoseph’svsStMary’s,2.10pm Reserves: Newtown&ChilwellvsSt Mary’s,11.30am Under 18 Division 1: SouthBarwonvs OceanGrove,9.15am
Joeys and Eagles go at it again in A Grade netball grand final
By Justin Flynn
St Joseph’s and Newtown & Chilwell will play for the Geelong Netball League premiership today (September 26) for the second consecutive season.
In a see-sawing match, Newtown & Chilwell got over the line last year, but St Joseph’s co-captain Tori Honner said that although it hurt at the time, the experience will benefit her team this time around.
“It does still sting in a way, but I think it also fuels us a little bit more,” she said.
“Welearntsomuchaswell,whichIthink really helps us to prepare and also now knowing it’s not our first one.
“We’ve been here, we know exactly what it’s like and everything’s not as new. We canprobablyjustfocusmoreonthenetball rather than all the other stuff that comes with it.”
Joeys will take a lot of confidence from their 46 to 41 win in the semi-final, but Honner knows the Eagles will be primed for the big game.
“I think for us, it’s probably just about playing our game, probably not focusing too much on what they’re doing,” she said.
“They’re obviously an amazing team. We know that they’ve been the benchmark of this competition for over a decade so we respect that.”
Honner’s battle with Joeys’ star goal attackJuliaWoolleywillbeoneofthemany individual highlights of the game.
“She’ssuchanincredibleplayer,”Honner said.
“She’s extremely experienced and crafty and just knows what she’s doing, so for me it’s just probably focusing on my strengths as well and going out there and executing that.”
Honner’s co-captain and wing attack Emily Post’s potential match-up with
Eagles’ star Mia van Wyk also looms as game shaping although van Wyk can also play wing attack and goal defence.
“They’re very different players, but they’re both really good,” Honner said.
“Mia’s obviously very athletic and strong and Emily uses her smarts and her experience.”
It’s a familiar story for Newtown & Chilwell. This will be the Eagles’ 11th consecutive grand final. They won seven in a row from 2013 to 2019, were beaten by Colac in 2022 and 2023 and prevailed over Joeys last year.
The Eagles lost just once in the home and away season, but were beaten by Joeys in the second-semi final before getting the better of a young and improved Geelong West Giants in the prelim.
Co-captain Vanessa Augustini said while the side will take a lot from the loss a fortnight ago, the preliminary final hit-out might have been exactly what was needed.
“Geelong West have done such an amazing job to get to where they did and that was huge for us and we saw that they were good across the board - really strong midcourt,” she said. “Having that strong hit-out meant that we had to be consistent across four quarters and for 60 minutes, so credit to Geelong West.”
Newtown & Chilwell will be without star defender and this year’s Julia Woolley Medallist Ruby Pekin-Schlicht, who is stranded in the UK, where she spends some of her time completing her PhD in regenerative agriculture. Pekin-Schlicht hasn’t played since round 16.
However, the Eagles will welcome back the versatile van Wyk, who missed the prelimwhilegoalshooterMikaelaVaughan was unavailable for the semi-final. Augustini said Vaughan’s presence last week was a major boost.
“Getting our attack end back in form was really important for us,” Augustini said.
“And Mikaela’s such a big piece of that puzzle, so I was pleased.”
AugustinisaidStJoseph’swasdangerous all over the court.
“I’ve got enormous respect for Joeys, they’ve been outstanding all season and thisistheirsecondtimeinthere,sothey’re really building each year,” she said.
“I think their defensive end matches up really well against our attack end, so that’s something that we’ll be thinking about leading in. But all across the board, they’re quite strong.”
Charity Nasalio is the only Eagle lining up for her first grand final with the club, but it’s not like the star defender is without big-game experience having won a VNL Championship with City West Falcons earlier in the season.
“She’s been a huge asset to the team so that’ll be a key difference for us against Joey’s compared to last year,” Augustini said.
GRAND FINALS
Friday September 26, Kardinia Park
A Grade: StJoseph’svsNewtown& Chilwell,3.15pm
B Grade: SouthBarwonvsStMary’s, 1.05pm
C Grade: StMary’svsSouthBarwon, 11.45am
D Grade: StJoseph’svsSouthBarwon, 10.30am
E Grade: GrovedalevsLeopold,2.10pm 19 & Under: Newtown&ChilwellvsSouth Barwon,1.05pm 17 & Under Division 1: GeelongWest GiantsvsSouthBarwon,10.30am 17 & Under Division 2: StJoseph’svsSouth Barwon,11.45am 15 & Under Division 1: BellParkvsSouth Barwon,9.15am 15 & Under Division 2: StMary’svsBell Park,9.15am 13 & Under Division 1: BellParkvsSouth Barwon,8am
13 & Under Division 2: BellParkvsSouth Barwon,8am
Newtown & Chilwell’s Vanessa Augustini and St Joseph’s Tori Honner with the Blood Toyota Cup. (Ivan Kemp) 504529_07
St Mary’s Brayden Ham and St Joseph’s Alex Hickey both want to win the Blood Toyota Cup on Friday. (Ivan Kemp) 504529_11
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