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Young Grubbers in hot form

Isla Briggs was best aﬁeld for Ocean Grove’s Tisdale Under 14 team on Sunday 10 May and judging by this perfect kicking technique, it’s not hard to see why.

Ocean Grove defeated Bell Park by 78 points at Ray Menzies Oval and although the scoreline suggested a one-sided affair, the Dragons were much better than the ﬁnal result suggests.

Briggs booted three goals for the Grubbers and was named best while Annabelle Smith, Charli McKinley, Elsie Smith, Penelope Carroll and Ruby Brand were also in the best players.

Ocean Grove ﬁelds two girls sides in each of the Under 17, 14, 12 and 10 competition with the future looking bright for the club despite not entering any senior women’s sides this season.

Ocean Grove Tisdale takes on Barwon Heads at home this Sunday while the other Under 14 team - Ocean Grove Lamb - plays North Geelong.

See page 26 for more pictures from the match.

Budget ‘falls short’

Greater Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj has responded to this week’s federal budget, which holds little for those in the Geelong and Bellarine regions to be enthusiastic about.

The Australian government’s main investment intended specifically for Geelong is an undisclosed amount for capital works at the CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) in Newcomb and the tail end of federal funding for the Geelong City Deal.

Mayor Kontelj said Jim Chalmers’ budget, released on Tuesday, did not support councils in realising the region’s much-needed housing supply targets.

“Greater Geelong is being asked to deliver a significant share of Victoria’s future housing, but this budget falls short

of matching that task with adequate regional investment,” he said.

“As one of the fastest growing regions in Australia we need ongoing investment in housing-enabling infrastructure, transport connectivity, liveability and economic growth.”

“We welcome the federal government’s $2 billion housing enabling infrastructure fund, which reflects strong advocacy from Geelong and regional cities. It recognises that homes cannot be delivered without the essential infrastructure to support them.

“However,withonly25percentavailable to regional Australia, there remains a clear disconnectbetweenwhatregionsarebeing asked to deliver and the funding available to support it.”

MayorKonteljsaidtheGeelongCityDeal demonstrated what genuine investment in the region could deliver, transforming the city by “driving major projects and long term economic benefit”.

“While we value continued funding through programs like Growing Regions and Stronger Communities, they do not provide the same scale or lasting impact,” he said.

“As the City Deal concludes, we will be advocating to address the significant funding gap it leaves behind.”

Flexibleanduntiedfundingwas“critical” for councils managing rapid growth, the mayor said.

“This funding has not kept pace with the responsibilities local government is being asked to carry, and councils cannot

continue to shoulder the cost of growth alone,” he said.

“To manage this growth, we are strongly advocating for a Special Economic Zone in central Geelong to facilitate more building and residential developments in the CBD.”

Mayor Kontelj said the investment in the ACDP, one of the “few specific announcements for Geelong”, was “welcome and reinforces Geelong’s importance on the national stage”.

‘Support for projects such as the Armstrong Creek indoor sports facility is also valued in meeting the needs of our growing community,” he said.

“Geelong is ready to play its part, but ambition must be matched by investment, and regional cities must be properly resourced to deliver.”

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Barriers installed

Safety barriers have been installed along a 7km stretch of the Bellarine Highway in an $8.58millionventureundertheRoadSafety Program.

The project added additional safety barriers along the highway and other safety measuresatthreekeyintersectionsatSwan BayRoadinWallington,GreensideGrovein MoolapandResortBoulevardinMoolap.

The Australian and Victorian governmentseachcommitted$4.29million towardstheproject.

Additional safety measures included replacing the right-turn movements onto

the Bellarine Highway at Swan Bay Road in Wallington and at Resort Boulevard in MoolapwithU-turns.

A dedicated lane to slow down has also been installed 200 metres east of Swan Bay Road and 200 metres west of Resort Boulevard.

“By delivering safer intersections and betterroaddesignalongthiskeyroute,we’re helping protect local families and visitors travelling across the Bellarine Peninsula,” MemberforBellarineAlisonMarchantsaid.

“The Bellarine Highway is one of our region’s busiest roads, and these upgrades

are about making sure people get home safely at the end of the day,” Member for CorangamiteLibbyCokersaid.

“I’m proud to see this investment delivered for our community, improving safety for the thousands of people who rely onthisrouteeveryweek.”

Approximately 34,000 vehicles use the road each day travelling along the highway through Moolap, while about 22,000 vehiclespassthroughWallington.

Over the past seven years, there has been one fatal collision and several serious crashesalongthesesectionsofthehighway.

Deserved recognition for veterans at rest

By Matt Hewson

A group of local volunteers is spearheading efforts in Victoria to ensure veterans do not rest in unmarked graves.

The Headstone Project Victoria (HPV) seeks to locate the final resting places of veterans currently lying in unmarked graves and make sure their graves are marked in a way that recognises their service.

Ocean Grove historian Dr Bob Marmion is secretary of HPV and one of the people responsible for its founding two years ago. He said it was important Australia’s

veterans received the recognition that was due to them.

“I don’t know how to describe it, the feeling when you come across a veteran that’s just in a bare grave with no recognition;Ithinktheydeservemorethan that,”DrMarmionsaid.“Weobtainmapsof the cemetery – Geelong Cemeteries Trust is fantastic,theygiveusalotofhelp–andour volunteers actually walk the cemetery. And if they see an unmarked grave they check the name to see if the person is a veteran.

“Iftheyare,thenwestartourresearchinto their service records. We build up a really detailed report – some are 10 pages long –

and then use that research information to prepare an application for funding.”

With minimal funding, project members have managed to identify and successfully apply for funding for 16 veterans’ graves in Queenscliff and Port Lonsdale and more across the state.

“We’re going strong, but we struggle for funding,” Dr Marmion said.

“Sponsorship plays a huge part but other than that it’s all funded by members. They give up their time voluntarily and there’s a lot of work involved.”

Visit theheadstoneprojectvic.org.au for more information or to help support HPV.

World leading literary fest returns to Geelong

BookloversfromGeelongandtheBellarine will be able to hear from a range of authors during one of the world’s leading literacy festivals.

The Sydney Writers’ Festival (SWF) Live and Local program will return to the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre with livestreamed author talks.

SWF artistic director Ann Mossop said book lovers from all over the country would be able to hear from “writers who have shaped how we think and feel today”.

“Audiences hungry for powerful ideas and enthralling conversations will find a feast at the festival,” she said.

“Live and Local is central to how the festival reaches audiences beyond Sydney, opening up our headline conversations to communities across the country.

“We can’t wait to share one of our most popular broad-ranging programs to date...

as so many of the world’s most brilliant contemporary writers come together on our stages.”

Upgrades and a new school?

Bellarine students will benefit from upgraded facilities at two existing schools, while Greater Geelong families could see a new school built inthefuture.

Ocean Grove’s Surfside Primary School will receive upgrades while targeted works will take place at Drysdale Primary School thanks to allocated funding through the 2026/27statebudget.

Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said $11.645 million will be allocated for a new gymnasium at Surfside Primary School, and Drysdale Primary School will receive $498,000 to update and refurbish its bathrooms.

“Drysdale Primary School deserves facilitiesthattheycanbeproudof,and this funding will support upgrading and refurbishing their amenities,” she said. “The competition-grade gymnasiumwillmeanmorespacefor Surfside Primary School students to learn,beactiveandgathertogetheras awholeschoolcommunity.

“I am proud to have advocated alongside the Drysdale and Surfside communities for this funding, and I am excited to see these upgrades take place.”

The state budget will also invest $104 million to acquire land for future schools in high-growth areas, including land for a new public secondaryschoolinMountDuneed.

“We are on a positive path to delivering a wonderful new public secondary school for Mount Duneed,”ParliamentarySecretaryfor EducationNinaTaylorsaid.

“The Department of Transport is continually monitoring population growth data to identify where new schoolsareneeded.

“There’s nothing more important than investing in the future of Victorianstudentsand(weare)firmly focused on making sure that every student has access to a great local publicschool.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll said it was important to ensure that every child can attend a great public school close tohome.

“Victoria is building and upgrading more schools than anywhere else in the country, and we’re not stopping,” he said. “Great local public schools make life more affordable for families and give our kids the opportunities theydeserve.”

SWF chief executive Brooke Webb said the program enabled people from Geelong and the Bellarine to take part in discussions remotely.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the festival alive with engaged audiences throughout the week,” she said.

“Audiences have embraced the events, conversations and ideas on offer, with record-breaking ticket sales across the opening weekend and strong momentum continuing since.”

The festival will be livestreamed at the Geelong library from 21 to 24 May, featuring talks from popular authors such as Yann Martel (Life of Pi), Trent Dalton (Boy Swallows Universe) and Dav Pilkey (Dog Man and Captain Underpants).

Visit events.grlc.vic.gov.au/events?t erm=sydney+writers+festival for more information or to register for an event.

Headstone Project Victoria’s Jennifer McGhie, Liz Jones and Dr Bob Marmion. (Ivan Kemp) 552658_04

Sydney Writer’s Festival’s Brooke Webb and Ann Mossop. (Belinda Rolland)

Sustainable waste for Barwon

Barwon Water will continue to transform how environmental waste is managed, with its processing capacity receiving an increase.

BarwonWaterwillbeabletocreateanew and replicable model for sustainable waste management at its Black Rock precinct, thanks to $20 million through the federal government’s Precincts and Partnerships Program.

Barwon Water chair Peta Maddy said the funding would support the organisation’s Regional Renewable Organics Network project to increase local processing capacities.

“(The project) supports the ongoing evolution of Black Rock, from the home

of a wastewater treatment plant into a world-class centre of clean resource generation,”shesaid.

“It will convert biosolids and other organic waste into beneficial products, further improving the region’s circular economyandenvironment.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said the funding would help convert organic waste from wastewater treatment, commercial woody waste and selective food and garden organics into renewable energy.

“TheBarwonWater’sBlackRockprecinct treats around 85 per cent of the Geelong region’swastewater,”hesaid.

“Thisincreasedlocalprocessingcapacity

will strengthen the region’s resilience and support future population growth and economicdevelopment.

“It is another fantastic example of how the Albanese Government is committed to investing to create jobs and unlock opportunitiesacrossourregions.”

Minister for Water Harriet Shing said the project would help reduce waste, cut emissions, create local jobs and support sustainablegrowth.

“Growing regional communities depend onresilientwaterinfrastructurethatmakes life easier, safer, and more affordable,” she said. “This innovative water infrastructure delivers real benefits for regional Victoria by turning waste into smart solutions that

All aboard, this Bellarine bus is going places

For many older people on the Bellarine Peninsula, getting to the shops isn’t the routine task that many take for granted.

For those who can no longer drive, live alone or have limited mobility, just a weeklygroceryshopcanbeoverwhelming.

That’s where Bellarine Community Health’s Going Places bus steps in.

The bus picks up eligible clients directly from their homes in communities right across the Bellarine and transports them toLeopoldGatewayPlazaShoppingCentre for a relaxed morning of shopping, coffee, and connection.

Kaye, 80, no longer drives and said the program had transformed her week.

“It means I can get out and meet people, different people,” she said.

“I’m not just at home and I feel safe.”

Each session includes about 90 minutes ofshoppingtime,followedby30minutesof socialisation.

Marion, 82, said she would be lost without the Going Places bus.

“The people that I’ve met, they keep you going,” she said. “We look forward to the next time we all meet. I’m on my own, so I look forward to it.”

Clients must be able to get on and off the bus independently and be able to shop without assistance and is available with funding from the federal government.

The bus runs on Tuesday and Thursday from Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff, Ocean Grove, Drysdale and Clifton Springs and on Wednesdays from Portarlington, St Leonards, Indented Head, Drysdale and Clifton Springs.

To book or for more information, contact phone 1800 007 224 or email intake@bch. org.au

Welcome to the Indy and Voice family Jess Hickin

Meet Jess, the newest member of the team at the Geelong Independent and Ocean Grove Voice, proudly part of Star News Group.

With extensive experience working across Melbourne’s west and southeast, Jessbringsastrongbackgroundinhelping businesses of all sizes grow through effective print and digital advertising campaigns.

Having worked with everyone from large corporations to small family-run businesses, Jess understands that every business has different goals, challenges and audiences.

Her passion is creating advertising solutions that deliver real results while helping businesses build

strong connections within their local community.

Before joining Star News Group, Jess workedintelevisionandradioadvertising, giving her a well-rounded understanding of the changing media landscape and the needs of local businesses looking to stand out in a competitive market.

Now based in the Geelong region, Jess is excited to be working with businesses throughout Geelong, Ocean Grove and surrounding areas through the Geelong Independent and Ocean Grove Voice. With readership numbers continuing to grow across both print and digital platforms, local businesses have the opportunity to connect with a trusted and highly engaged audience.

support local business, communities, and economies.”

Member for Corangamite Libby Coker said the project would be “transformational”fortheBarwonregion.

“People across the Bellarine and Surf Coast care deeply about protecting our environment while planning for the future, andthisinvestmentdeliversboth,”shesaid. “By turning organic waste into renewable energy and biochar, we’re building a cleaner, smarter circular economy here in our backyard while helping meet the needs ofourgrowingcommunity.”

Visit infrastructure.gov.au/regional for more information and a full list of funded projects.

Lions sling snags for research

By Jena Carr

Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club members spent Mother’s Day slinging sausages to raise money for breastandovariancancerresearch.

The club hosted a sausage sizzle during the Mother’s Day Classic Fun Run and Walk at Geelong’s Eastern Gardenson10May.

Secretary Warren Halnon said all proceedsraisedduringtheeventwere donated to the Mother’s Day Classic Foundation.

“The sausages and bread went down extremely well because it was a cool morning, so having a hot, tasty sausagewasgreat,”hesaid.

“We raised around $700 from just flogging snags and bread and a few drinks from around 9am to about 11am, and we had, without a doubt, thelongestqueue.”

Mr Halnon said it was a pleasure to be at the event and watch as participants challenged themselves to 5km or 10km during the Embrace andHonourWalkorFunRuncourses.

“We had several people who enjoyed their snag, came back and bought another one, so that always getsasmile,”hesaid.

“Thekidswereabletoputtheirown sauce on, so they all walked away with smiling faces and sauce running downtheirmouths.”

Visit the Mother’s Day Classic website for more information about and to donate to breast and ovarian cancer research, or visit Ocean Grove Barwon Heads Lions Club’s website to find out more about becoming a member.

Jess also understands the growing importance of combining print with online presence, with newspaper advertising and digital editorials helping boost SEO and improve visibility for local businesses online.

AspartofStarNewsGroup,Jesscanalso assist businesses looking to expand their reach beyond the Geelong region, with access to a broad network of publications across Victoria and Australia to help businesses continue to grow.

Whether you’re looking to increase brand awareness, promote a special event or grow your customer base, Jess would love to help.

To discuss advertising opportunities, contact Jess on 5249 6707.

Jess Hickin is the newest member of our team.

A group of people who use the Going Places bus program on the Bellarine Peninsula. (Supplied)

Future of music on the agenda

A free community event will give musicians, venue operators, educators and music lovers the chance to help shape the future of Geelong’s live music scene.

The 2026 Greater Geelong Live Music Summit, convened by the City of Greater Geelong, will be held at Barwon Heads Hotel on Wednesday 20 May from 4pm to 8pm.

The City has called on anyone passionate about music to register and attend the event, which will include representatives from Music Victoria, Adelaide UNESCO City of Music, Live Music Locator, as well as venue operators, performers, research-

Orange hearts for Bellarine palliative care

Vibrant orange hearts have swept through Bellarine Community Health (BCH) sites and locations across the Bellarine Peninsula to mark National Palliative Care Week.

Thisyear’sthemeis‘Gettingtotheheart of it: Big Questions. Real Answers’ and is a reminder that conversations about endof-life care, though sometimes difficult to start, are among the most meaningful.

Currently,theBCHPalliativeCareteam is supporting more than 100 patients on their end-of-life journey, providing expert symptom management, emotional support and a compassionate presence.

“Our aim by displaying the colourful hearts throughout the community is to encourage meaningful conversations and awareness of the value of good quality palliative care,” BCH palliative care social worker Natasha Dellas said.

“Bringing these symbols of compassion into public spaces helps normalise the perceptions of palliative care and what palliative care truly encompasses.

“The hearts represent the importance of dignity, compassion, comfort and support for people living with life limiting illness, their families and their carers.” The BCH Palliative Care team works closely with patients and their families to manage the symptoms of life-limiting illness, offering guidance and relief.

BCH, in collaboration with Compassionate Hearts on the Bellarine (ChoB), has brought orange heart displays to community locations across the region, including Wirrng Wirrng (Queenscliff Hub), Kingston Village Square, Ocean Grove and BCH sites at Drysdale and Portarlington.

The displays are an invitation to the community to engage with the conversation.

For more information about the BCH Palliative Care and support services, see bch.org.au and chob.org.au about ChoB.

ers and educators.

Deputy mayor Eddy Kontelj, chair of the City’s arts and culture, hospitality and live entertainment portfolio chair, said the event wasn’t a one-off, but a “checkin point to keep us moving forward with helpful, practical ideas and solutions”

“Since our last Live Music and Live Entertainment Networking Event in 2022, I’ve had strong and ongoing feedback from performers, venues and supporters encouraging us to bring people together again in this way,” he said.

“This summit is a chance for honest discussion to build connections and iden-

tify the practical steps we can take to support venues, emerging artists and activate our city.”

Member for Geelong Christine Couzens said pathways and opportunities for local artists were a central focus.

“This summit serves as a vital platform for discussions, with the aim to elevate artists, and provide upcoming musicians and industry enthusiasts pathways to perform, be seen, heard, and celebrated,” she said.

Visit geelongcity.vic.gov.au/whats-happening/events/greater-geelong-live-music-summit to register or for more information.

(Barwon Heads Hotel)

Bellarine Community Health palliative care social worker Natasha Dellas. (supplied)

Have a say on water plan

Barwon Water is seeking community feedback on its priorities and investments overthenextfiveyears.

Theregion’swatermanagementcompany has encouraged residents and businesses to help inform the development of its price submission 2028-2033, a five-year plan that outlines service standards, infrastructure and operational investments and customer prices. Customers can engage with a community panel, an online survey and pop-ups around the region through the rest oftheyearandintoearly2027.

Managing director Shaun Cumming said community input was critical to the

success of Barwon Water’s longer-term planning, given the growth of the region, a long-term decline in rainfall and cost of livingpressures.

“We’re committed to listening and learning from our customers to ensure that wedeliverwhatourcommunitiesvalueand expectfromus,”hesaid.

“We’re keen to hear from people from all walks of life, as we all benefit from safe, secureandsustainablewatersupplies.

“Wewanttoworktogethertoplanawater future that works for everyone. Your input will help to shape the choices we make for pricesubmission2028-2033.”

With the region’s population expected to grow from 370,000 to more than 500,000 by 2040, Barwon Water’s modelling suggests the organisation will need an extra 10,000 gigalitres of water each year to meet the needsofthecommunity.

Mr Cumming said the upcoming price submissioncameatavitaltime.

“Water keeps our communities healthy, our environment thriving, our economy moving, and provides deep cultural significance and connection to Country,”he said. “The price submission will look at the services we’ll provide, the new and improved infrastructure we’ll build and

Explore the faces of water at free exhibition

By Jena Carr

An Ocean Grove artist will take viewers on a journey through our ancient land as he reimagines what earth looked like before there was water.

Gordon Lingard’s Face of the Waters free exhibition features 20 paintings of contemporary landscapes.

Mr Lingard said the paintings detailed scenes of headlands, safe harbours, a place to call home and an older world.

“I just want to get people to have some

memory jolt through my paintings of when they go to the water,” he said.

“Water has many faces. You’ve got the surface, water in the air, and underneath thewater,sonotonlyisitkindofprehistoric, but it’s also very contemporary as well.

“I want my paintings always to draw some emotions out of people who are seeing them rather than try and make recognisable paintings or reproductions of something that I’ve seen.”

Mr Lingard said Face of the Waters was his fifth solo exhibition and that

his connection to spirituality was an important aspect of it.

“There’s a connection in paintings that touches not just the eye, the heart, or the mind, but also the soul and spirit,” he said.

“For me, painting is really a spiritual kind of activity in a large part because I think that’s true of any creativity for anyone.”

Face of the Waters will continue to be held at The Hive Gallery Ocean Grove until 31 May, with the exhibition open to the public from Friday to Sunday each week.

Boaters warned to watch out for whales along coast

Boaters heading out on waters along the Surf Coast should slow down and watch out for whales, with sightings expected to grow.

Southern right whales will migrate to Victorian waters, including along the Surf Coast, from their sub-Antarctic feeding grounds to birth and raise their young from MaytoOctober.

Conservation Regulator Barwon South West regulatory operations manager Glenn Sharp said boaters were encouraged to stay alert, slow down and give whales their space.

“This is an important time of year when

southern right whales return to Victoria’s coast,” he said. “Slowing down and keeping your distance on the water is one of the simplestwayspeoplecanhelpprotectthem.

“Followingtherulesaroundwhaleshelps keep everyone safe and ensures whales can usethesewaterswithoutdisturbance.”

Arthur Rylah Institute’s WhaleFace photo-identification project will continue to support conservation efforts, which encourages people to report whale sightings.

Institute director James Todd said the project recorded 95 southern right whale sightings along the Victorian coast,

maintain, and how costs will be shared acrossourcustomerbase.

“We expect this will be a period of innovation and new solutions, via a diverse program featuring a range of water savings initiatives,smarttechnologies,andmultiple watersources.”

While planning for price submission 2028-2033, Barwon Water is still delivering on the actions of its price submission 2023-2028.

Visit yoursay.barwonwater.vic.gov.au/ your-water-your-say for more information on contributing your ideas or to register for acommunitypanel.

New solar for BCN

Three local not-for-profit organisationshavereceivedfreeclean energy upgrades through Geelong Sustainability.

Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN),PhoenixHousingCo-operative and Samaritan House all received solar and/or heat pump systems from partnersuppliersWinkiSolarandToo Hot To Handle Heating and Cooling through Geelong Sustainability’s ElectricHomesProgram.

The program supports households to transition to all-electric and renewable energy through partner suppliers, with each system installed through the program contributing to donations from the suppliers to local communityorganisations.

BCN, a community-driven not-for-profit organisation that connects a wide range of environmentalgroups,landmanagers and government agencies, received a donatedrooftopsolarsystemthatwill offset the organisation’s energy use andprovidecleanenergy.

President Vicki Perrett thanked Geelong Sustainability and partner supplier Winki Solar for the new solar system.

“Bellarine Catchment Network was delightedtobechosenasacommunity recipient in Geelong Sustainability’s Electric Homes Program this year,” she said. “The donated 6.6kW rooftop solar system will significantly reduce our operating expenses and consequentlyenableustodirectmore funds towards our environmental activities and supporting our 46 membergroups.”

Geelong Sustainability co-chief executive Karnia Donkers said the Electric Homes Program was about strengtheningthewholecommunity.

“These donations mean that three organisations doing really diverse andimportantworkinourregionwill have lower running costs, warmer and more comfortable spaces, and cleaner energy powering what they do,” she said. “That’s exactly the kind ofimpactwesetouttoachieve.”

includingTorquay.

“Southern right whales, including cow-calf pairs, have been recorded across the entire Victorian coast, so it’s important that all water users are looking out for them,”hesaid.

Southern right whales are listed as endangered in Victoria, with swimmers andsurfersadvisedtostayatleast50metres away from whales, while boats must keep a distanceof200metres.

Jet skis must also keep 300 metres away from whales, and aircraft, including drones and helicopters, must stay at least 500 metresaway.

Ocean Grove artist Gordon Lingard with paintings featured in his current Face of the Waters exhibition. (Supplied)

Members of the Bellarine Catchment Network celebrate their new solar system with Geelong Sustainability CEO Karina Donkers and Winki Solar’s Steve Cox. (Taylor Cribbes)

Lots of love for Sea Views residents

Ocean Grove’s Sea Views Manor launched its Memory Support Unit on Thursday 30 April.

The unit is designed to support, engage andenrichthelivesofresidentslivingwith dementia.

The purpose-built Memory Support Unit contains a hand-knitted underwater themed wall mural donated by Bellarine Women’sWorkshop.

The installation is more than just a piece of art. It has been thoughtfully created to support residents living with dementia. The mural encourages not only visual engagement but also touch and sensory interaction, offering comfort, stimulation, enabling them to reminisce and provide a meaningful connection to their surroundings.

To celebrate the completion of the unit, Sea Views Manor held a small gathering with the residents and their families of the Memory Support Unit, alongside the wonderful group of women who dedicated their time and skill to creating the mural. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp wentalongandtookthesephotographs.

Jackie with Sally Smith from Bellarine Women’s Workshop and their hand-knitted mural. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 550261_01

The garden area. 550261_04

Laura White with her mother Anita. 550261_06

Portraits of the dementia unit residents. 550261_08

Resident Carol with Bellarine Women’s Workshop members Sue Green and Sandra Valente. 550261_07

Mary being comforted by Lisa. 550261_02

Jan admires the mural. 550261_05

Resident Carol in the garden. 550261_03

Rob Findlay with his mother Jenny. 550261_09

Jo Nursing

Teen not deﬁned by illness

Ellie-May Jury had been in and out of hospitals throughout her childhood before a new miracle drug allowed her to regain her life. With this month marking Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, Jena Carr speaks with Ellie-May and her mother Jennifer about what living with the disease looks like.

When Torquay’s Jennifer Jury gave birth to her second daughter Ellie-May17yearsago,shedidn’t know what Cystic Fibrosis (CF) was.

It was about six weeks after Ellie-May’s birth when a heel prick test (a routine procedure to test for rare or serious disorders) turned up a positive result for CF, a genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system.

“Therewasalotofemotionandfearofthe unknown, and I just wanted to know what itmeant,andifitwasaccurate,Iremember second-guessing it all,” Jennifer said.

“She hadn’t been well, like I’d noticed little things compared to her older sister, soshewasalotmoreunsettledandneeded feeding around the clock.

“What had been happening was I was pretty much feeding Ellie, but it was going through her, and she wasn’t putting on a lot of weight considering how much I was feeding her.

“Her older sister was 21 months old at that stage as well, and the doctors said there could be a slight chance that she’s got it as well. She was fine, but it was an anxious wait.”

Hospital visits and sickness were a normal part of Ellie-May’s life growing up, and she didn’t realise it was something not everykidwentthroughuntilherfirstdayof primary school.

“I ended up having about 48 surgeries in mychildhoodand52hospitaladmissions,” she said. “An appointment that you would think would just be like a normal checkup wouldturnintostayinginforweeksonend because my lung function was bad.

Finding and loving volleyball was kind of the moment that I went from surviving to living

- Ellie-May Jury

“I didn’t realise that it was a niche experience as I thought every kid went to the hospital because the people I was surroundedbywereotherkidswhowentto hospital.

“I had an IV (intravenous therapy) in my arm attached to a little backpack that I had to wear all day with a bottle of antibiotics inside it, and I remember walking into school and everyone else taking their bags off

“ButIremembermumtellingmethatI’m not allowed to take my bag off, and I was like, ’Why does everyone else get to take their bags off but I don’t?’

“IthinkgoingtoschooliswhenIrealised that something was different with me. I always knew I had CF, it just took me a while to figure out that not everyone has CF.”

At age 13, Ellie-May started taking a new miracle drug called Trikafta (used to treat CF), which has allowed her to get her life back.

“As sad as it is, I can’t remember much of my childhood being anything besides the hospital,asIwouldbeinhospitalforweeks on end and once every three months,” she said. “I just remember there being times

where I didn’t really know if I was going to ever get out of hospital, and I didn’t know if it would ever get better.

“Deathbecomesareality,andIremember facing the idea that I was going to die early, probably when I was like five years old, and I just had to accept it because there was no cure.

“During the first few months after Trikafta, I was really sick because of the amount of mucus cells coming out of my body, and then all of a sudden, things just gotbetter.

“I’m not getting sick as frequently, but whenIdogetsick,it’sprettybad,butIseem to be able to clear it a lot easier than I did whenIwasyoung.

“When I was young, I used to get these chest infections, and they would go away for a month, and they would come straight back.

“Now,wheneverIgetachestinfection,it’s there for a while, and it’s probably worse, but then it goes away, so I actually get some timetolive,whichisnice.”

Ellie-May is now 17 and plays beach volleyball alongside her Year 12 studies, with dreams of representing Australia in beachvolleyballontheinternationalstage.

“I just remember hating sports as a kid because I would always be out of breath beforeeveryoneelse,anditmademefeelso different,”shesaid.

“Now I feel like I can actually play to my full capability when I’m well...and it’s just nice to not worry about my lungs while I’m playing.

“Volleyball gave me a purpose other than just being sick, as it gave me something to

work towards and strive for other than just stayingalive.

“Finding and loving volleyball was kind of the moment that I went from surviving to living, and it’s just so different getting that clear purpose of my life and figuring out whatIwanttodo.

“As a kid, I didn’t think I would survive or be alive long enough to have a job, and even if I was alive, I didn’t know if I’d be well enough to have full-time work or get throughuni.

“Now I can actually come up with things to do in my life and...I’m hoping to do international relations and law at uni or college.”

May marks Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, with people encouraged to join the Unite65 Challenge to inspire action and raisefundsforCFresearchandprograms.

Ellie-May’s advice for other kids living with CF was to “surround yourself with people who see you as you are and not your illness”.

“I just really wish that I had persevered with hope, as hope is such an important thingtohavewhenyouhaveanillness,”she said. “It is also important to find a purpose to make you push through and have the constant belief that you will get better, and it’snotalwaysgoingtobelikethis.

“It would be so nice to live a life without the burden of CF...but I just hope someone finds a cure so that no one else has to go through what I had to go through as a child becausenokiddeservestogothroughthat.”

Visit cftogether.org.au to learn more about CF or to participate in the Unite65 Challenge.

Ellie-May Jury lives with Cystic Fibrosis.

(Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 552302_02

Ellie-May with mother Jennifer Jury. 552302_07

Ellie-May has dreams of representing Australia in beach volleyball on the international stage. 552302_05

Jen’s big road trip begins

I am writing this from a caravan park in Narrandera, NSW.

I’ve started a road trip today that is planned to last a few weeks.

Last week I had a quick visit to Bendigo yet again, as my friend Denis told me that thebarkingowlsthathehadbeenwatching were remaining in a good area for some photos.

Unfortunately, by the time I organised myself to go to Bendigo the owls were nowhere to be seen.

However, we ended up going on a drive to Diamond Dove Dam, Terrick Terrick National Park and Kow Swamp, which are all located north of Bendigo. We had a fantastic day, with the highlights being spotting nine brown falcons in an approximately 10km area between Dingee and Mitiamo, and spotting hooded and red-capped robins, a Jacky winter and a restless flycatcher at Terrik Terrik.

When we were walking in the national park I spotted the back end of a raptor in a nearbytree,whichatfirstglimpseIthought was a falcon. I was trying to tell Denis that there was a falcon behind him, but when I walked around the area to face this bird it was quite obviously a boobook owl, out in the open in broad daylight.

I managed a few photos before the owl flew off, pursued by magpies and a few other smaller birds. I was on a high the

rest of the day.

The next day I visited the family farm in Colbinabbin and saw another boobook owl that has been living in the shearing shed for a few years. There were also a pair of wedge-tailed eagles flying over the farm as well as a brown falcon.

I saw my very first shy heathwren at Diamond Dove Dam. I went there on the way home from the farm and sat on the edge of the dam and watched the birds

cooling down in the water after a hot day.

There were fuscous honeyeaters, yellow-tufted honeyeaters, silvereyes, yellow robins and buff-rumped thornbills flying in for a bath. I noticed a small grey bird with stripes in the breast, and took a few photos before it flew off. I had to wait until I got home to identify it.

ClosertohomeIreceivedamessagefrom Alan, who was walking along the Barwon River at Peers Crescent, Ocean Grove, and

he spotted a juvenile Australasian gannet paddling in the river.

Alan wrote that the bird was very docile and it paddled towards him, but was eventually scared off by some silver gulls. It is unusual for gannet to be in the river estuary environment as usually they are in the open water of Port Phillip Bay or around the coast, so I hope that this young gannet found its way back to Pope’s Eye to roost with the colony there.

Alan’s Australasian gannet at the Barwon River, Ocean Grove.

Jen’s boobook owl near Bendigo.

Jen’s shy heathwren at Diamond Dove Dam, Colbinabbin.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Protecting space

By Cr Elise Wilkinson

If there is one thing the Bellarine does well, itisopenspace.

Those of us lucky enough to live here are fortunate to have easy access to countless parks,reserves,andofcourse,ourbeautiful beaches.

These spaces are the heart of our communities, providing social, economic, andhealthandwellbeingbenefits.

They also play a vital role in protecting biodiversity, providing shade and helping usadapttoclimatechange.

This is particularly important to protect on the Bellarine as development pressure continuesacrosstheregion.

The population of Greater Geelong is forecast to grow from the existing 306,000 to reach 442,000 by 2046, representing a population increase over the next 20 years of47percent.

Alongside this population growth, the Victorian government has set Greater Geelong a State Housing Target of building almost130,000newdwellingsby2051.

As the population grows, it will put additional pressure on existing open space as well as increased demands for new and high-quality open space, delivered in the rightlocations.

That is why it is so important people take the time to read council’s Draft Open Space Strategy and give their feedback on what is importanttothem.

Thestrategysetsaclearplantoguidehow council will plan, deliver and care for open spacesintothefuturewhilealsorecognising a key challenge: not everyone has equal accesstohigh-qualityopenspace.

It also acknowledges the increasing costs to maintain and renew playgrounds, park furnitureandotherexistingassets,whichis resultinginsignificantfinancialconstraints forcouncilsacrossthecountry.

Greater Geelong’s population is growing and changing, and the places we rely on for fresh air, shade, exercise and community needtokeepup.

This strategy sets out and prioritises how we protect valuable open space, improve

spaces that need attention, and address quality, access or supply gaps where they exist.

Butastrategyonlyworksifitreflectswhat our residents need and want. Maybe you think your local park would benefit from a few more trees, or safer paths, or simply somemaintenance.

Whateveryourperspective,itisimportant youshareyourviews.

Feedback is open until 31 May at yoursay. geelongaustralia.com.au/public-spacesplanning/open-space-strategy

Another project also open for questions is the playground at Barwon Heads Tennis Club.

Theplaygroundwasinstalledin1987,and while it has plenty of charm, the equipment isattheendofitslifeandisdueforrenewal.

New play equipment will be installed in June of this year. The playground is still designed for younger children, the ones who love to swing, climb and invent games withwhateverisinfrontofthem.

The new setup will include updated swings and junior and senior slides, as well asmonkeybars,rockersandaropebridge.A seat will be added for adults keeping an eye onthings.

The size of the playground will stay the same, and the soft fall surface remains. It is not a complete redesign, but it should make the space feel fresh and more enjoyable for families.

If you live nearby or stop in regularly, please look at the plans and ask any questionsyoumayhave.

The question process is open until 4 June via yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/ BHTC-Playground

A genuine timeless classic

The cast and crew of Geelong Lyric Theatre Society invite you to be their guest when theybringoneofDisney’sbest-lovedmovies tothestage.

Featuring dazzling sets, fantastical costumes, a cast of 44 and a 22-piece orchestra, the local theatre company’s production of Beauty and the Beast tells the timeless tale of the young and courageous Belleandtheprincetrappedinthebodyofa terrifyingbeast.

Director Jame Lee, who has graced the biggest stages in Australia with shows like Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, said the production of the Disney classic wasshapinguptobe“spectacular”.

“It’s quite amazing, for the budget that a communitytheatreworkson,”hesaid.

“Callie Fry and Lainie Brookman, who areourwardrobecreators,andofcoursethe teambelowthem,havejustpulledoutsome amazingstuff

bringingthisproductiontolife.

“Themusicalversionhassuchafantastical flair to it, but for me it’s a tale about looking beyondyourfirstimpressions,”hesaid.

“Beneath all the spectacle, the music, humour and enchantment lies a reminder that kindness, compassion and the courage tochangecantransformlives.

“Especially with a Disney production, it’s aboutmakingover-the-topcharacterscome to life in a realistic way…you want them to have truth about them, an honesty about theircharacters,eventhoughtheymightbe ateapotoraclock.

“LedbyEllaWalshasBelle,AndrewSmith as the Beast, Andrew Lorenzo as Gaston, they are just pulling out performances that areabsolutelysensational.”

“There will be some incredible magical effectsthatwecan’tgiveaway,ahugecastle that will astound you…and our principals areabsolutelysensational.

Beauty and the Beast is Lee’s second directorial outing with Geelong Lyric since hereturnedtoGeelong,thecityhewasborn andraisedin,afewyearsago.

He praised the “extraordinary” local theatre community in Geelong and said his castandcrewweredoingawonderfuljobof

“I’m so just proud of what we’ve done so far…(audiences can expect) absolute wonderment,absolutejoy.Bringabigboxof Kleenexes.”

Geelong Lyric Theatre Society’s Beauty and the Beast is at the Geelong Arts Centre from Friday 22 May to Sunday 7 July. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets and moreinformation.

Get yourself ready for a racket with Minnie and the Moonrakers

The Barwon Club Hotel is set to host two unforgettable bands in an unmissable, all-out boogaloo.

Victorian High Country rhythm and blues band Minnie and the Moonrakers will headline the gig on Sunday 24 May, joined by Bass Coast surfy-blues quartet Ozone Street.

Siobhan “Minnie” O’Brien, frontwoman fortheMoonrakers,saidbothbandswould deliver “something really authentic”.

OCEAN GROVE VOICE Friday, 15 May, 2026

“I do think that there’s something really edge-of-the-seat about what we do,” she said. “We’re all seasoned musos, the riffing islightningfast,andIthrowmyselfaround the stage in this sort of untamed way…and Ithinkpeopleareabitlike,oh,whatisthis? And then they see it and they go, hell yeah.

“We’re inspired by the raw, powerful recordings of a bygone era, namely the 40s and 50s. And I’m a feminist, a mother, a wife, but I’m also an artist, so I’ve got a

story to tell.”

That story has resonated with audiences since the band formed during the COVID pandemic, performing at festivals and venues across Australia, supporting big name artists and becoming a regular act on the Blues Train.

O’Brien, a journalist by trade and author of the highly praised historical fiction novel All the Golden Light, said the key to connecting with audiences was

vulnerability.

“You have to be prepared to be vulnerable, and that’s hard, but if you get out of your own way you can start to produce something special,” she said.

“It’slike,shouldI,awomaninmidlife,be screaming like a banshee on stage? But it’s just so unbelievably cathartic and freeing to say, I don’t care. I’m just going for it.” Visit barwonclub.com.au for tickets and more information.

Geelong Lyric’s Beauty and the Beast features Cogsworth (Noah Vernon), Belle (Ella Walsh) and Madame de la Bouche (Kaitlyn Eastwood). (Ivan Kemp) 553285_05

Connewarre ward councillor Elise Wilkinson. (Supplied)

National Week

300-plus volunteers thanked by the City of Greater Geelong

The City of Greater Geelong is marking National Volunteer Week by recognising the contributions made by more than 300 volunteers across eight City programs and venues.

The 2026 theme for National Volunteer Week is ‘Your year to volunteer’, which celebrates those who give their time while inviting everyone to make 2026 a year of meaningful volunteering in ways that work forthem.

City volunteers provide support across the Bellarine Arts Centre, Family Services, Geelong Botanic Gardens, Grovedale Neighbourhood House, L2P, National Wool Museum,TourismGreaterGeelongandThe Bellarine,andStudyGeelong.

Their efforts reflect a dedication and passionformakingGreaterGeelongabetter place, as seen in Nancy Donkers, who has volunteered at Grovedale Neighbourhood Houseforfouryears,andisamemberofthe Grovedale Neighbourhood House Steering Group.

“I live in a community that I feel very privilegedtobepartof,”Nancysaid.

“Iwasasocialworkerfor38years,sonow that I’ve retired, any skills I have in social work I’d like to continue to contribute and giveback.”

Nancy also leads the Neighbourhood House’s walking group, which meets every Friday for an hour and a half around Grovedale,finishingwithacoffeetogether.

“Because I’m a walker, I volunteered to do the leaflet drops in the area to promote Grovedale Neighbourhood House and out of that came the idea that I could host the walkinggroup.”

For people considering volunteering, Nancy’sadvicewastojuststart.

“Give it a go, it’s just wonderful, it’s lovely to feel like you’re a part of something and belongsomewhere,“shesaid.

“Being able to participate in our communityinawaythathelpsyougrowand develop is very rewarding - you meet lots of peopleandgainarealsenseofbelongingin differentplaces.”

It could change your life

Emergency nurse Sarah’s life was transformed by a three-month Australian Volunteers Program placement in Papua NewGuinea.

Sarah’s role with St John’s Ambulance was broad, allowing her to engage in everything from developing standard operating procedures to training local staff

“I loved being an emergency nurse, and at that point I thought I would work in the emergency department forever, but my time with St John’s opened my eyes to how versatile nursing can be,” Sarah said.

“It’s not just about patient care, but also roles in education, project management, andmore.”

As Sarah’s interest in workforce development grew, she began to build a

professional network to support her new direction.

While on assignment, she met an Australian doctor who she still works with tothisday.

Sarah found the reality of the healthcare environment in PNG intense and often heartbreaking but was inspired by the localteam’seagernesstolearn.

Now based in Darwin, Sarah credits her time with the Australian Volunteers Programasaturningpointinherlife.

What followed was a deeper dive into global health, a Master of Global Health, a series of Pacific-focused roles, and now a PhD in strengthening Pacific health systems.

Her advice to anyone considering a volunteerassignment?

“Goforit!It’llchangeyourlife.”

MayorStretchKonteljOAMsaidNational Volunteer Week was an opportunity to champion the people making a real differencetothecommunity.

“At the City of Greater Geelong, we champion each other, and that’s especially true for our volunteers - they play such an important role supporting each other, and thewidercommunity,”hesaid.

“Volunteering for the City is a welcoming and supportive experience, where everyone’scontributionisvalued.”

“I want to take this opportunity to thank eachandeveryoneofour300volunteersfor theirpartinmakingourCityabetterplace.”

Learn more about volunteering and find opportunities at geelongcity.vic.gov.au/ volunteer

Australian volunteer Sarah Bornstein volunteers as an Ambulance Clinical Support Ofﬁcer with St John Ambulance in Port Moresby. She is pictured with colleague Stevie Nion Jnr (Harjono Djoyobisono)

Nancy Donkers has volunteered at Grovedale Neighbourhood House for four years. (Supplied)

Another win makes it three for Jenny in Bellarine writing comp

out three books of raffle tickets while Maggie attached a sign to the front of the table with Blutak: ‘Support native wildlife win a hamper drawn soon’.

Jenny Macaulay has now notched up threewinswithherlateststory,TheScam.

Unfortunately, not enough of our regular writers felt comfortable with the topic, with only 11 entrants.

Jenny’s two respectable, seemingly gentle ladies, were gradually revealed as a couple of conniving hypocrites after the opening description of their innocent looking street stall.

Highly recommend were Glenn Taylor for his apology for a lack of a scam, Sue Jager for her story about two shifty guys enjoying intruding on funerals, and Greg Jones,forhis‘surfy’storycontainingsome outstanding descriptive writing.

Wearelookingforwardtoamuchbigger response to Topic 3 and that the picture will stir your imagination.

- Alan Cobham

The Scam

By Jenny Macaulay

“Thank you young man, much appreciated,”Maggiesaidasthepasser-by locked in the legs of the card table and set it upright on the footpath.

She turned to Pam as she opened her fold-up chair.

“It’s good to see there are still decent people in this world.”

Pam unfolded her own chair and placed it on the opposite side of the table. She reached into a wicker basket and pulled

From an old Ford Transit Van parked across the road, Pam grabbed a yellow plastic washing basket and paper grocery bag which she placed on the table. Maggie grabbed two more bags and they arranged the contents in the basket. The items included canned foods, cleaning products, a large box of Weetbix, soft drinks, two bottles of red wine, packets of biscuits, rice and pasta, malt vinegar and four bags of jellied snakes. Maggie wrapped the lot in a large sheet of clear cellophane, gathering it at the top and tying it with a green ribbon.

They then both sat, their backs against the window of the fish and chip shop not due to open until 11am.

It was cool. The few on the shopping strip entered the nearby cafe, its frontage mottled with the flickering shadows of weeping lilly-pillies that burst through the footpath. Maggie looked up from her knitting just as a shimmer of cyclists whizzed by in slinky lycra. She dropped a stitch.

“Bloody hell, they’re fast,” she said. “So close together, like a big clump of glue.”

She picked up her stitch and placed the knitting needles down, smiling at their first customers.

“Two dollars each or three for five,” she said as three young women pulled up from their morning jog, barely puffing. One stepped back to read the sign.

“Support Native Wildlife,” she said. “Lovely. Do you take card?”

“Unfortunatelyourorganisationdoesn’t provide us with that sort of technology,”

replied Pam. “I’m afraid it’s cash only.”

“I’vegotcash,”saidoneofthegirls.“You can buy my coffee.” She pulled a twenty dollar note from a tiny pocket on the hip of her brightly patterned leggings. “We’ll take twenty’s worth.”

“That’s wonderful girls. Just put your phone number on the stubs and tear out the tickets. Good luck, and enjoy the rest of your day.”

750 words

Entries close Friday 19th June 2026

Entries to barrysproull@gmail.com

Winner notified by phone on Sunday 21st June 2026.

Jenny Macaulay

Jenny is a retired primary school teacher enjoying life in Portarlington facilitating art and writing groups between gardening and just appreciating a relaxed lifestyle.

Jenny organises activities where others can enjoy the experience of writing in its many forms. She facilitates a poetry group in Geelong under the umbrella of Geelong Writers and runs the Portarlington Haiku Society where members participate in a monthly competition.

Jenny also runs a drawing class at Portarlington Neighbourhood House and the occasional Sumi e workshops (Japanese ink painting) and nature journaling workshops for Bellarine Bayside Coastal Management. In her spare time she enjoys painting small watercolours of Bellarine’s beautiful surrounds.

The street came alive with the warming of the sun and the bustle of small businesses. By 10.30am they had only half a raffle book left. Maggie continued knitting as a couple of families congregated on the footpath in front of their table. While the adults conversed, two boys tore around the rubbish bins trying to tag each other. A young girl smacked her mother’s thigh constantly,

but receiving no acknowledgement, wandered over to the raffle table.

“What are you making?” she asked Maggie.

“It’s a pouch for a baby possum,” smiled Maggie, as sweetly as she could consideringherdislikeofsmallchildren.

“Why?”

“Well, if a mother possum gets knocked by a car and she has a baby in her pouch, it will die unless we can keep it warm.”

“My daddy hates possums.”

“It could also be a pouch for a baby kangaroo if I make it a bit bigger.”

“Daddy goes kangaroo shooting with Uncle Ian sometimes,” the girl said, chewing on a few strands of mousy hair.

“Well…what’s next old girl?” chuckled Pam, peering over her glasses.

Maggie stared into the little girl’s eyes, narrowing her own.

“But this bag holds baby bats which will fly out at any moment and cling to your face. Here, look.” She continued smiling as she lifted her knitting up.

“Mummy…” whimpered the girl as she fled after her mother, now some distance down the street and still deep in conversation.

“It’s probably a good time to pack up,” said Pam, noticing one of the larger chaps in the group stopping and looking back at them.

Thetwowomencarriedtheraffleprize to the van then collected the table and chairs. They arrived at their unit in the retirement village an hour later. Maggie removed the cellophane and placed the groceries in the pantry while Pam counted the raffle money.

“It’s been a while since we’ve visited the Bellarine. Let’s head out that way next week,” suggested Pam.

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• Sensational setting

• Stunning pizzas, platters & fresh local fare

• Live Music Sundays

• Wine Tastings

• Open Thurs - Sunday 11am - 5pm

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Cooking up a late autumn favourite

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, late autumn invites a slower pace and deeper ﬂavours. It is the season of roasting trays, simmering pots, and ingredients that bring warmth to the table - pumpkins, root vegetables, sage, garlic, and rich broths. Few dishes capture the comfort of the season better than a hearty roasted pumpkin and sage risotto.

A Late Autumn Favourite:

Roasted Pumpkin and Sage Risotto

Late autumn cooking is all about balance. The freshness of early harvests begins to fade, replaced by earthy vegetables and robust herbs that thrive in cooler weather. Risotto suits this transition perfectly. Its creamy texture feels indulgent without being overly heavy, while roasted pumpkin adds sweetness and colour to darker evenings.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Roasting the pumpkin caramelises its natural sugars, creating a rich ﬂavour that blends beautifully with nutty parmesan and fragrant sage. A touch of butter at the end gives the dish a silky ﬁnish that makes it ideal for family dinners or quiet nights indoors.

Ingredients:

500g pumpkin, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper

1 small onion, ﬁnely chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1½ cups arborio rice

½ cup dry white wine

5 cups warm vegetable stock

2 tablespoons butter

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½ cup grated parmesan cheese

Fresh sage leaves

Optional: toasted walnuts for garnish

Method:

1/ Begin by roasting the pumpkin at 200°C until golden and tender, usually around 25 minutes. The edges should be slightly caramelised for maximum ﬂavour.

2/ Meanwhile, gently cook the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Add the arborio rice and stir until the grains become lightly translucent. Pour

JACK RABBIT VINEYARD

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in the white wine and allow it to reduce before gradually adding warm vegetable stock, one ladle at a time.

3/ Patience is the secret to a good risotto. Stirring slowly releases the rice’s starches, creating the creamy texture that deﬁnes the dish. Once the rice is tender, fold through the roasted pumpkin, butter, parmesan, and ﬁnely chopped sage.

4/ Serve immediately with extra parmesan and toasted walnuts scattered over the top for crunch.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Ocean Grove Voice looks back through the pages of our predecessors

8 years ago 9 to 22 May, 2018

Ocean Grove Bowling Club won the prestigious CCV Best Sporting Club of the Year at a recent awards night in Melbourne.

The club celebrated the win at a gala night at Melbourne’s Sofitel Hotel.

6 years ago 20 May to 2 June, 2020

Police may be called on to investigate whether damage to a tree on council landinOceanGrovewasacriminalact.

The bracelet honey myrtle tree, in Aldebaran Road, was damaged to the point where a council arborist had to removeitbecauseitwasasafetyhazard.

4 years ago 20 May to 2 June, 2022

Barwon Heads Fire Brigade is warning residents to be careful after gas cylinders ignited at two separate households resulting in injury and property damage.

One resident suffered injuries as a result of a gas cylinder igniting while another household suffered damage to its back decking.

1 year ago 16 to 29 May, 2025

Six councils have banded together to opposethestategovernment’sproposed Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy.

City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Surf Coast Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Colac Otway Shire and Wyndham City councils met with Member for Western Victoria Sarah Mansfield to urge her to vote against the proposed levy.

International bowls at the Dome

The World Indoor Bowls Championships came to Ocean Grove with more than 32 nations competing. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was at the Dome at Ocean Grove Bowling Club for the opening day of the six-day competition on Monday 11 May.

Above: Malta’s Shaun Parnis and Rebecca Rixon. 549104_11

Right: Gillian Ng from Hong Kong China. 549104_01

Shannon McIlroy and Tayla Bruce from New Zealand. 549104_12

Amy Williams (Wales) and Sian Honor (England). 549104_10

Malaysia’s Idham watches team member Siti Nur Hadzikah as they practice. 549104_06

Tayla Bruce goes for a forehand shot. 549104_07 Carl Wood from Wales. 549104_03 Switzerland’s Lara Butler gets in some practice. 549104_05

Amy Williams from Wales. 549104_02

Left: Australian pair Corey Wedlock and Jack McShane (defending champion). 549104_09 Right: Nayan Moni Saikia and Putul Sonawal from India. 549104_08

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

Repair Cafe Bellarine

Friendly volunteer repairers will ﬁx items such as clothes, toys, furniture, electrical goods and electronic items. Ocean Grove Neighbourhood House, 1 John Dory Drive, Ocean Grove, Sunday 17 May, 12.30-3.30pm. Email for more information about future sessions or volunteering. repaircafebellarine.org.au

Quilt-in

Geelong Patchwork & Quilter’s Guild quilt-in, Geelong West Town Hall, Saturday 23 May, 10am-4pm, entry is $15. Sit and sew, guest speaker Tania Tanti, pop-up stores. wheatsheaf_quilting@hotmail.com

Ocean Grove Day VIEW

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

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Saturday 16 May, 7.30-10.30pm. Admission $10 includes supper. Music: Ben. 0400 500 402

Leopold Library

Tuesdays 2pm: Digital drop in for basic tech needs.

Free school holiday programs. All ages, all interests. 4201 0675, or grlc.vic.gov.au

Ocean Grove Snooker Club

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

Portarlington playgroup

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

Ocean Grove Library

Wednesday 20 May, 2-3pm: book chat Wednesday 3 June, 5.30-6.30pm: Growing Food, Growing Communities with Ben Shaw Tuesday 9 June, 2-3pm: AI and deepfakes Mondays 10.30-11.30am: preschool story time Tuesdays 4-5pm: youth collective (ages 12-18)

Wednesdays 9.30-10am: toddler time Thursdays 11.30-11.50am: baby time Thursdays 3.45-4.45pm: after-school program

Bellarine Presbyterian Church

Services Sunday 10am, Ocean Grove

Senior Citizens’ Clubrooms, 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

Rev Brett Cummins, 0438 218 864, or secretary Neil Mansﬁeld, 0405 064 976

The Big Read Meets every other Wednesday from February 5, 10.30am-noon, Ocean Grove

Senior Citizens’ Club, 101 The Terrace. Paul, 0425 110 792

Barefoot bowls

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

Live music

Bellarine Country Music Group meets Friday

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

nights at Belmont Park Pavilion, music 7-10pm, $10 entry all welcome.

Ocean Grove Soft Tennis

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

Megan 0439-317 344

CWA Nightlights Ocean Grove

Meets the ﬁrst and third Monday of the month, 2.30pm, Seniors Club, 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove. All welcome.

Kareen, 0419 246 346, or Janis, 5255 4585

Bellarine Women’s Workshop

Portarlington Girl Guides Hall. Meets every second Thursday, and second Saturday of the month.

Facebook: Bellarine Women’s Workshop for further details

Book club

Leopold CAE book club meets second Tuesday each month from 6.30pm. Very friendly group. New members welcome.

Shirley, 0488 055 969

Chess clubs

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

Carpet bowls

Leopold Hall 805-809 Bellarine Highway, Leopold, Wednesday and Friday, 1-3.15pm.

Admission: $4 includes afternoon tea. 0400 500 402

Scottish country dancing classes

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

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens 101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove Weekly

Tuesday: 1pm snooker, chess, indoor bowls Wednesday: bingo 1.15pm, ukulele class 1.30pm, Chord Club jam session 4pm Thursday: social afternoon, cards 500 1pm Friday: art classes 9am, social art group 1pm.

Fortnightly

1st & 3rd Monday: CWA, 2pm Paschal, 0426 889 456 Wednesday: Book club, 10.30am Paul, 0425 110 792 5255 2996, or groveseniors101@gmail.com

Springs TOWN

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

Bev, 0421 636 830

Bellarine TOWN

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

Drysdale Day VIEW

Supporting The Smith Family for fun and

friendship while supporting disadvantaged students. Meetings at Portarlington Golf Club for lunch on the fourth Friday of each month. Margaret, 0431 636 090

Ocean Grove Evening VIEW

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

Leopold VIEW

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

Drysdale Ladies Probus Club

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

Afternoon tea dance

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

CWA Drysdale

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

Writers’ group

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

Mainly Music

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

Out and about on the weekend

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp did the rounds at Queens Park, Highton, on Saturday 9 May at the Geelong Amateur vs Ocean Grove footy and netball games.

Steph Brentnall with her twin sons Arlo and Lorenzo and her mother Angie Bongart. 551274_01

Liam O’Malley with his children Maisie and Jack about to watch wife and mum Amanda in the A Grade netball for Ocean Grove. 551274_06

Mark Bongiorno with his dog Marvin. 551274_04

Shannon Graham and Anna Metcher. 551274_07

Dan Collins with his daughter Grace. 551274_12

Sienna Hassett and Melissa Simkin. 551274_03

John and Jo Toone with their daughter Ella. 551274_02

Laura Ritchie and Sarah Flaherty. 551274_09

Taya Quick and Sed Quinn. 551274_11

Emily Pietsch, Meg Patterson and Neville Hunter. 551274_10

Left: Jean Hildebrandt. 551274_08 Right: Morgan Hili and Matt McCartney with their daughter Zayah. 551274_05

•Certified

•Plastering

•Landscaping

•Gardening

•Project,

ANTENNAS

ArrowAntennas0439785703 KendallAntennaServices0404019781

AUTOMOTIVE

AutoCareOceanGrove(Repco)52551045 GardinerAutomotive52555380

CHIMNEY SWEEPS A1ChimneySweep&Co0426897479

COMPUTER SERVICES TechonDemand0400686394

CONVEYANCING SurfsideConveyancingPtyLtd 52555556

DENTAL

BCHPrivateDentalServices PointLonsdale 52580828

OceanBreezeDentalPtyLtd 0352552584

DrysdaleDentureServices RyanDavies52511683

OceanGroveDentureServices RyanDavies 52554533

ELECTRICIAN

BarwonPowerSolutions0448884322

GroveElectrical(REC16943)0404022952 TNewmanElectricalServices0432413338

FENCING CusmaFencing0421443543

FUNERAL DIRECTORS KingsFunerals52483444 WilliamSheahanFunerals52513477

TuckersFuneraland BereavementService52214788

GARDEN & HOME

MAINTENANCE

Jim’sMowing131546

HEALTH & WELLBEING

EpichealthPortarlington42067200

Epichealth

OceanGroveMarketplace52562500

Epichealth

OceanGroveOceanPlaza42460300

OPTOMETRISTS

BellarineEyecare52561295

OceanEyesOptometrists52555655

AlliedPhysiotherapy42247416 PLUMBING

A-ZPlumbingPtyLtd0352106723

0419390222

PUZZLES

To solve a Sudoku puzzle, every number from 1 to 9 must appear in: each of the nine vertical columns, each of the nine horizontal rows and each of the nine 3 x 3 boxes. Remember, no number can occur more than once in any row, column or box.

ACROSS

1 Graceful bird (4)

3 South Asian republic (10)

10 High-protein food pulses (7)

11 Largest of the Ryukyu islands, south of Japan (7)

12 Rump (8)

13 Of the nose (5)

14 Summit (4)

15 An automatic weapon (7,3)

18 Actually, truthfully (10)

20 Devoted followers (4)

21 Step-by-step guide (3,2)

23 Relating to cultivated land (8)

26 Of that (7)

27 Continuing (7)

28 Black and white (10)

29 Just (4)

DOWN

1 Senior barrister (coll) (4)

2 Said or done so often as to become tiresome (2,7)

4 Partner; colleague (9)

5 Shine (5)

6 City in southern France (7)

7 Tests (5)

8 Front-page stories (9)

9 Perfect condition (4)

14 Indifferent (9)

16 Mirthful (9)

17 Subtle change by degrees (9)

19 US writer (1817–62), Henry David – (7)

22 Revolver (5)

23 Horrible (5)

24 Carpets (4)

25 Unsightly (4)

3 LETTERS

Using the nine letters in the grid, how many words of four letters or more can you list? The centre letter must be included and each letter may only be used once. No colloquial or foreign words. No capitalised nouns, apostrophes or plural nouns ending in “s”.

Today’s Aim:

20 words: Good 30 words: Very good 40 words: Excellent

tidier, tied, tier, tiered, tired, tried, trip, tripe

1 Shandong is a coastal province in which country?

2 The SVNS is a series of tournaments in what sport? 3 Brutalist architecture ﬁrst emerged in what decade?

4 Which Australian author wrote Tenderfoot, Nine Days and Addition?

5 What is the only ﬁve-star rank in the Australian Army?

6 The High Altitude Medal is given to armed forces members of which country?

7 Name the highest-selling song released by Roy Orbison.

8 The Rebecca Yarros books FourthWing, Iron Flame and OnyxStorm are part of which fantasy series?

9 In golf, what is an albatross?

10 What nationality is Hamnet star Jessie Buckley (pictured)?

No.

New MG IM is superb driving

By Alistair Kennedy, Marque Motoring

Another week, another new brand name, although in this case it’s actually a new sub-brand.

It’s called IM and it’s the new premium electric division of MG. Think Lexus to Toyota,GenesistoHyundai,etc.

And just to confuse matters further we’re toldthatitscompletenameis‘IMPresented by MG’. Good luck with anyone actually adhering to that. To keep things simple, we’lljuststickwiththeIMnametaghere.

ThetwofirstmodelsaretheIM5andIM6, nottobeconfusedwithMI5andMI6which aretheUKgovernment’sSpyCatchers.

IM5 is a sedan, IM6 is an SUV, both around the same length with variations of fastback styling but with the IM6 around 200mmtaller.

IM6 comes in three variants. The entry-level Premium has a 75kWh lithium-ion battery charging a single, rear-mounted battery. It’s priced at $60,990 driveaway.

The mid-spec Platinum model uses a 100kWh Nickel-metal hydride (NMC) battery, also with a single rear motor. Driveawaypriceis$69,990.

Top of the range is the IM6 Performance, priced at $80,990. It uses the same 100kWh NMC battery as the Platinum, but has a second, front-mounted motor providing all-wheeldrive.

Styling

Design of the IM6 is very smooth with none of the boxiness that used to identify SUVs. In that respect it can easily be mistaken for what’s likely to be its closest competitor, the TeslaModelY.

The most common feature that attracted attention from passers-by was the unfamiliar badge that sits on the front and rear of the vehicle. It features two bars at a 45-degree angle with small round dots on either side. Just for fun, we checked and found that dot-dash-dash-dot in Morse CoderepresentstheletterP.

Whilewecouldn’tfindanysignificanceto this,thereisafunctionalaspecttothebadge at the rear where, pushing the left-hand dot openstheboot.

TheonlycluetotheIM’sfamilyconnection is also at the rear where the ‘MG Motor’ badgeappearsontheleftside.

There’s a patterned black plastic trim along the side and also at the rear below a fullwidthlightbar.

As expected, all lighting is LED with the front wraparound headlight assemblies incorporating the turn indicators sitting aboveverticaldaytimerunninglights.

There’s much more character at the rear of the car than what we found a fairly bland front.

Afull-lengthfixedpanoramicglassroofis standard on all variants. It’s double-glazed butdoesn’tcomewithaslidingsunblind.

Entry-level Premium runs on 20-inch alloy wheels, with Platinum and Performance step up to 21-inch alloy with differingdesigns.Performanceincludesred brakecalipers.

Fiveexteriorcoloursareavailable.Athena White is standard. Ares Black, Rembrandt Grey, Raphael Beige and Nevis Blue are $1000options.

Interior

The dashboard has two screens. Spanning most of the top of the dashboard is a 26.3-inchscreenthatcombinestouchscreen multimedia features on the left and an adjustable driver’s instrument cluster on theright.

A smaller, 10.5-inch, touchscreen sits on an angle at the base of the dashboard within easy reach of the driver. Virtually every feature that operates the vehicle is controlled from here, many in combination

with two rollers on the steering wheel. Even adjustingthesidemirrorsisdonehere.We’ll lookatthisissuelaterinourDrivingsection.

There is a choice of two quilted soft-touch syntheticleatherseatsineitherDoverBeige orHighlandGrey.

A ventilated wireless smartphone chargingpadisstandard.

Boot space in the IM6 Performance is 646 litres with the rear seatback folded, expanding to 1600 litres when they are folded. There’s also a 32-litre front storage space, ideal for keeping charging equipment. No spare wheel, only the typicallyunreliabletyrerepairkit.

Both driver and front passenger get poweredseatswithheating,ventilationand adjustablethighsupport.Rearseatsarealso heated.

Powertrain

IM6ispoweredbytwomotorsthatcombine to provide outputs of 572 kW and 802 Nm from The IM6 Performance is based on the same 800V architecture that’s been used in vehicles such as the Kia EV 6 and Hyundai Ionic5.Thathighervoltageprovidesgreater powerdeliveryandfasterchargingtimes.

Driving range on the WLTP combined cycle starts at 450km from the Premium 75 kWh up to 555km in the Platinum 100 kWh, dropping down to 505km with the heavier Performance.

The CCS Type 2 charge port is located at the rear left-hand side with an 11kW onboardchargingunit.

Maximum DC charging power from the 100-kWh battery is listed at 396 kW with a claimed DC charge time from 30 to 80 percentof15.2minutes.

There is a Vehicle to Load (V2L) feature withamaximumof6.6kW.

Infotainment

There are only two USB ports in the IM6, oneinthefrontandoneintherear.Bothare USB-C.

Audioinallvariantsisthroughabespoke 20-speaker system that includes four sky speakersintheheadlinerthatcanbepaired

with the vehicle’s 256-colour ambient lightingsystem.

IM6 is compatible with the MG iSMART smartphone application to remotely control functions monitoring, charging and checking vehicle location and route planning.

Safety

MG IM 6 was tested by ANCAP in July 2025 and received the maximum five-star rating. All three variants get the same features includingtheMGPilotsuite.

In addition to seven airbags there is a comprehensiveAdvancedDriverAssistance System(ADAS)withalargerangeoffeatures include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane support system, hill hold, blind spot detection, rear cross-trafficalert,drivermonitoringsystem, 360-degreecameraandsensors,rainynight mode,andautomaticparkingassistance.

Driving

Entry through the pop-out flush door handles is keyless either by touching the door handle, pressing on the key fob, using an NFC key card or the MG iSmart mobile app.

Large windows and side mirrors provide excellent visibility in these directions enhanced by side camera images that are projected onto monitors on either side of the dashboard when turn indicators are activated.

The big problem, and it’s quite serious, is rear vision. Although the rear window is quite large it lies at such an angle that it only provides a narrow slit from the driver’s mirror.

To compensate, there is a rear-pointing camera that is activated from the steering wheel buttons and displays the view onto a third monitor, this one in the centre of the dash. There are three timing options, 10 seconds, 30 seconds and two minutes after whichtheimagedisappears.

Call me old-fashioned, but I want to be abletoseewhat’sbehindmeatalltimes.

The IM6 Performance model comes with

air suspension that is operated by buttons on the side wall of the boot. It can adjust groundclearanceacrossarangeof70mm. There’s bi-directional steering that can turn the rear wheels up to 12 degrees of rear-wheel articulation that allows a low-speed ‘crabwalk’ mode to assist access totightparkingspots.

Turning circle is a class-leading 10.2 metres. By way of comparison the MG ZS smallhatchbackneeds10.4metres. With virtually every feature controlled through one or other of the touchscreens, we were faced with the usual dilemma of having to locate and adjust even the most basicoffeatures.

There is no start/stop button. All that the driver needs to do is depress the brake pedal, select either Drive or Reverse and moveaway.

Being an EV acceleration is instant and spectacular, to such an extent that the zero to 100km/h sprint can be done in just a claimed 3.4 seconds. That’s supercar territory.

Acoustic glass windows, active noise cancellation and soft-touch materials combine to provide an impressively quiet cabinridequalityintheIM6Performance Summary

ThenewMIbrandtakesMGintoalevelthat the ex-British, now Chinese, brand could hardly have envisaged a decade ago. Gone isanysuggestionofthe‘cheapandcheerful’ tagthatearlyMGmodelscarried.

Technophiles will love the IM5 and IM6 and will revel in working through the myriadofhigh-techfeatures.Traditionalists –guiltyascharged–willbefrustratedbythe relianceonthesamethingandbythelackof physicalcontrols.

To keep it in perspective there is plenty of scope for creating shortcuts including the ability to turn off some ADAS features with a single touch as well as voice activation to minimise using the screens and the annoyingalerts.

Where both parties will agree is on the superbdrivingqualities.

Gone is any suggestion of the ‘cheap and cheerful’ tag that early MG models carried. (Pictures: Supplied)

Action around the grounds

Scores, goalkickers and best players from Bellarine Football League senior games played on Saturday 9 May.

Barwon Heads 4.1(25), 4.4(28), 9.12(66), 12.20(92)

Drysdale3.1(19),8.4(52),9.7(61),10.8(68)

Goals: Barwon Heads - M. Jensen 4, D. Graham 2, C. Ward 2, J. Syddall, A. Ford, T. Mcencroe, J. Henderson. Drysdale - L. Nelis 3, J. Watson 3, J. Hopgood, H. Smith, C. Tainton, F. Chirgwin.

Best: Barwon Heads - S. Christensen, H. Hyland, J. Allen, K. Polley, A. Ford, F. Cornell. Drysdale - L. Nelis, N. Day, T. Delaney, J. Jenkins, J. Breust, C. Tainton.

Geelong Amateur 2.3(15), 5.4(34), 10.9(69), 13.11(89) Ocean Grove 1.3(9), 4.6(30), 7.9(51), 9.13(67)

Goals: Geelong Amateur - S. Lloyd 4, N. Beekmans 4, M. Day 2, H. Kershaw, R. Mattner, R. Ferguson. Ocean Grove - J. Paterson 3, L. Waldron 3, R. Devlin 2, J. Thomson.

Best: Geelong Amateur - S. Lloyd, N. Beekmans, L. Reilly, J. Tardio. Ocean Grove - L. Jarrad, J. Lange, L. Waldron, N. Bourke, J. McDonald, L. Norman.

Anglesea 4.5(29), 7.7(49), 13.11(89), 15.12(102)

Portarlington 1.3(9), 3.4(22), 6.6(42), 10.8(68)

Goals: Anglesea - A. Gras 3, J. Walters 3, J. Anderson 2, J. King 2, W. Batson, A. Braaksma, C. Hutchinson, L. Smith, N.

Around the courts

Scores and best players from Bellarine, Geelong, and Geelong & District Netball League A Grade matches played on Saturday 9 May.

BELLARINE

A Grade

Drysdale 46 def Barwon Heads 31

Best: Drysdale - Demi Grant, Sienna Butcher, Phoebe Wilson. Barwon Heads - Krystal Baker, Polly Robertson, Issey Armstrong.

Geelong Amateur 56 def Ocean Grove 52

Best: Geelong Amateur - Isabella Baker, Jessica Standfield, Eliza Oxley. Ocean Grove - Amanda O’Malley, Zanna Punshon,ShaeRowbottom.

Queenscliff 78 def Newcomb 36

Best: Queenscliff - Jessica Rankin, GeorgiaBerry,AmeliaBakker.

Portarlington 61 def Anglesea 27

Best: Portarlington - Madeline Casey, TylahMcCleish,NicoleButler.

Surf Coast 53 def Modewarre 54

Best: Surf Coast - Maloury Davis, Elisa Hall,JohannahGriffin.Modewarre-Bella Robinson, Sarah Mulqueen, Clodagh Newton.

Collins. Portarlington - B. Williamson 3, M. Turnbull 3, N. Lane 2, D. O’Brien, M. Ruiter.

Best: Anglesea - J. Anderson, J. Fulton, A. Braaksma, L. Smith, J. Walters, I. Hardman. Portarlington - K. Pickard, B. Williamson, N. McHugh, S. Greenhough, M. Turnbull, M. Fromholtz.

Queenscliff 3.3(21), 8.8(56), 11.11(77), 13.15(93)

Newcomb 3.4(22), 6.5(41), 8.8(56), 10.9(69)

Goals: Queenscliff - I. Grant 2, J. McHenry 2, J. Monahan 2, S. Bowtell 2, N. Rippon, J. McIvor-Clark, B. Jones, M. Rippon, K. Keenan.Newcomb-J.Duke3,J.Watson2, J. Duncan 2, C. Harvey, J. Saltalamacchia, O. Marshall.

Best: Queenscliff - S. Kalbfell, C. Whitley, S. Bowtell, C. Durran, N. Rippon, L. Kidd. Newcomb - L. Wagener, T. Webster, J. Taylor, C. Morrissy, J. Duke, C. Harvey.

Modewarre 2.7(19), 8.10(58), 11.15(81), 17.21(123)

Surf Coast 1.1(7), 1.1(7), 2.2(14), 2.2(14)

Goals: Modewarre - J. Motton 5, C. Joseph 4, S. Morter 2, T. Hornsey, D. Hemphill, T. Scott, J. Harrison. Surf Coast - R. Young. Best: Modewarre - O. Butler, M. Mckim, J. Motton,B.Campi,D.Hemphill,C.Joseph. Surf Coast - R. Young, D. Coleman, D. Flanigan, T. Schultz, J. Lang, T. Lee.

GEELONG

Colac 70 def St Albans 29

Best: Colac - Georgia Finn, Rachael Darwin, Louella Tomlinson. St AlbansAmyCook,MiaRobb,EbonyFrank.

Bell Park 45 def Grovedale 42 Best: Grovedale - Amy Cook, Mia Robb, EbonyFrank.

Newtown & Chilwell 54 def Leopold 53

Best: Newtown & Chilwell - Eliza Hannagan, Holly Adams-Alcock, Julia Woolley. Leopold - Natalie Heagney, HolliePhillips,AmeliaHolland.

St Joseph’s 47 def St Mary’s 42

Best: St Joseph’s - Georgette Paatsch,

Larni Howard, Kiahna Fallon. St Mary’s - Hannah FitzGerald, Ava Pierce, Eliza Brown.

GEELONG & DISTRICT

Bell Post Hill 57 def North Geelong 39

Best: Bell Post Hill - Jorja Caruso, Sharni VanDoren,AdashaBoxer.

Inverleigh 54 def Winchelsea 41

Best: Inverleigh - Nicola McLennan, Jemma Schaftenaar, Riley Baker. Winchelsea - Connie Lake, Maddison McKiernan,MegRoyal.

Belmont Lions 45 def Werribee Centrals

35 Best: Belmont Lions - Shayna Brown, Yianna Ross, Sophie Allison. Werribee

Centrals-MiaBruce,JuliaNash,Natasha Dimkovski.

Bannockburn 45 def East Geelong 29 Best: Bannockburn - Rebecca Trenerry, LilaMorris,MikaelaMinns.EastGeelong - Molly Neeson, Madeline Solly, Shannon Pietsch.

Corio 61 def Anakie 28

Best: Corio - Hannah Welsh, Erin Dillon, SarahKasparian.Anakie-VeronicaBorsi, AliceEgberts,MiaEdwards.

Thomson 72 def Geelong West Giants 24 Best: Thomson - Bree Caldwell, Amelia Jarvis, Bek Lebish. Geelong West GiantsMiaEarl,ToriHogan,TaleeaDrever.

Luke Jarrad clears the ball out of defence during the game against Newcomb in round 4 and was named best for Ocean Grove in round 6 on Saturday. (Ivan Kemp) 546305_09

Geelong Amateur’s Isabella Baker and Ocean Grove’s Amanda O’Malley compete for the ball during the Bellarine A Grade game. (Ivan Kemp) 551270_17

Finals spots unknown

LOCAL TENNIS

Donna Schoenmaekers

Tennis Geelong’s Tuesday Women’s Summer season is building with only a few ofthesevensectionswithdefinedfinalfours and with two weeks to play.

In Section 6, it looks like the four may already be decided, but with two teams less than 10 points outside the four, the last few rounds still have plenty to offer.

Ladder leaders Moolap travelled to Newcomb in a battle of first against fourth with the home team taking an upset 5-1 victory. Newcomb snuck home in two tiebreaks to start the match, which set them up for the win and put them a little closer to a second chance final.

Hamlyn Park hosted Barwon Heads and fought out a thriller with the home team winning by just one game. Barwon Heads was leading by one set and two games when Katrina Hayes and Lydia Cover (BH)

came up against Cassie Spain and Delwyn Purves (HP) in the deciding set.

Cassie and Delwyn managed to edge in front early, paving the way for a 6-3 win which tied the sets at three-all but produced a 25-24 victory on the games scoreboard.

For Barwon Heads, it was a big improvement on their previous encounter in March when Hamlyn Park triumphed 5-1 and 34-19. Best player for the home side was Cassie Spain while Sue Cole was steady for Barwon Heads.

Grovedale kept their slim chance of making finals alive, with a 4-2 away win over Bannockburn. Banno have struggled a little in their first season, but showed they are starting to find their way, taking two sets and potentially having enough of an impact to disrupt their finals chances.

Fifth placed Clifton Springs hosted third placed Portarlington, in what happened to be a battle of two halves. The Springs came

out firing, with Anong McGrath and Anne Lynn fighting through a tie-break while Lynne Treloar and Wendy McLennan consolidated the lead, winning 6-2.

McGrath and Treloar continued the goodforminthethirdwinning6-2,butthat was where the Springs locked in to turn the tide. Eden Koch and Ute Cook started the roll winning 6-1 and then backed up with Christine Smith and Mary-Jane O’Brien respectively to win 6-2, 6-2, to give the team an overall come from behind win.

At the end of the day, while the ladder positions remained the same, things becamemuchtighteratthetopofthetable, with Hamlyn Park drawing level on points with Moolap and the difference between first and fourth narrowing from 12 to six.

Clifton Springs and Grovedale still remain eight and 10 points out of the four, but with so little difference now between first and fourth, all teams need to play well to cement their places.

Highton and Lara win tennis premierships

LOCAL TENNIS

The Autumn 2026 Tennis Geelong Triples season finished with some upsets, some nailbitersandsomedecisivevictoriesamong the eight grand finals.

Section 1 featured the 10-time premiership squad Moolap Two Phones Chol hosting Highton Net Results.

Moolap were without one of their top players, Callum Davey, but still had two of thetopthreesinglesplayersinthematchup.

Moolap had a strong start, coming out on top at No 1 doubles with Lachy Edgar and Connor Chivell taking a 6-3 set over Julius Busch and Brodie Spong.

However, in his only set of the night, Highton’s Corey Hird took out a 6-4 set over Sophie De Wit. Chivell and De Wit for Moolap won their sixth set together against Spong and Andrew Grills, 6-3.

In a bit of lineup strategy, Highton’s top player Busch won 6-1 over Moolap’s Edgar, seeing Highton up by one game into the last two sets.

Busch and Grills took out a 6-4 win over Edgar and De Wit. Highton’s team captain Spong closed with a strong 6-2 win over Chivell, sealing their team’s first Triples Premiership in a 4-2 30-23 win.

Lara had a strong season in Section 2, with only one loss during the regular season and three 4-2 wins over grand final opponents Hamlyn Park H.E.A.T. Hamlyn changed their line-up going into the match and put captain Lou Arzanovski at No 1.

Lara’s No 1 player Ramona Mataruga had an undefeated singles season and only two lossesindoubles,afittingrecordforaplayer who was ranked in the top 1000 in the world in 2019.

The strategy stood a chance of paying off, with Hamlyn No 3 Zoran Roso winning 6-1 over Nicole Filippou while Mataruga and Karen Davies won 6-3 over Arzanovski and Xavier Willoughby.

The best set of the night pitted local coach and former Melbourne Pennant premiership player Karen Davies against young Willoughby with the up-and-coming Hamlyn player taking the set 6-5 in a tiebreaker.

Mataruga and Kellie Brunger won 6-3 against Arzanovski and Angelo Traficante, levelling the match on sets and games going into the last two sets.

Hamlyn’s strategy continued to go

to plan with Traficante and Willoughby winning 6-3 over Davies and Brunger. However, Mataruga stamped her mark on the match with a 6-1 win over Arzanovski, and Lara won 3-3 27-25 to claim their first premiership in only their second Triples season.

In other results, Highton’s Baseline Apologetic won 4-2 31-22 over Leopold’s Deuce of Hazard in Section 3, Geelong Lawn’s Winks Wizards finished on top in Section 4 with a 4-2 27-25 win against Lara, and Leopold Hit for Brains defeated Grovedale Four Posts 6-0 36-14.

Section 6 saw Highton Mixed Bag take the win 5-1 32-18 against Western Heights Uniting, Geelong Lawn 4 won a grudge match over Geelong Lawn 5 4-2 30-15 in Section 7, and Leopold Net Ninjas claimed victoryinSection8witha4-232-19winover Drysdale Family Three.

Conroy dominates to claim longboard championships

Point Lonsdale’s Bea Conroy earned a spot intotheWSLBellsBeachLongboardClassic afterclaimingtheOpenStateChampionship at 13th Beach on Saturday 2 May.

The final round of the Victorian Longboard Titles delivered with Conroy, along with Sam Dunton (Mornington Peninsula), will compete in the Longboard Classic in November.

Conroy dominated the Open Women’s division at 13th Beach, locking in the two highest heat totals of the event.

Surfing against former Australian champions Angela King and Emma Webb as well as young up and comer Rori Reyntjes, Conroy was calm under pressure finishing with a heat total of 15.50 points.

“It was really hard,” Conroy said. “Rori was surfing to a super high standard so I

really had to bring it. I had to make some tough decisions under priority which worked in my favour to get the win.”

Placing in second was Reyntjes who finished on 13.90 points. King finished in third on 10.80 points with Webb fourth on 7.37 points.

The final resulted in the top three surfers within 0.4 of a point of each other, however it was Dunton who ended ahead with a 14.40 heat total. Considine (Barwon Heads) finished in second place on 14.30 points and Tas Dunton (Mornington Peninsula) in third on 14.00 points and Matt Shay (Torquay) in fourth place on 10.76 points.

Both Conroy and Dunton will now compete in the WSL Bells Beach Longboard Classic set to be held at the famous break from 25 to 29 November.

Jan Juc pair claim state surf

titles

Jan Juc duo Jarvis Barrow and Heidi Abetz claimed State Champions honours at the final round of the 2026 No TXT No Wrecks Victorian Junior Surfing Titles on Phillip Island.

Bumpy conditions and consistent surf across the weekend provided the perfect stage for the state’s best emerging surfers to battle it out for Victorian titles across the Under 18, Under 16 and Under 14 divisions.

The Under 18 Boys division producedoneofthestandoutmoments oftheevent,withBarrowclaimingboth the Round 3 victory and the overall Victorian State Title. Barrow posted a combined two-wave total of 13.73 in the final to narrowly edge out Dom Kellett (13.20) and Tarvi Woods (13.17) in one of the closest heats of the event.

Barrow’s consistent performances across the three-event series secured himtheoverallchampionshipaheadof a stacked field of Victorian talent.

“Itfeelsawesome,thisismylastyear intheUnder18ssoitfeelsgoodtowin,” he said. “The final was really close and abitstressfultowardstheend,Igotthat last wave but fell and then Tarvi had one whilst I was waiting on the beach. Stoked I got it done in the end.”

In the Under 18 Girls, Chloe Muscroft claimed the Round 3 event victorywithaheattotalof8.67,however it was fellow Jan Juc surfer Abetz whose runner-up finish was enough to secure the Victorian State Title after a dominant season campaign.

“Its pretty crazy to win the State Title,” Abetz said. “This year was the first time I have ever won an event and to do it alongside all my mates is cool. I’m super happy.”

The Under 16 Boys division saw George Everist (Mornington Peninsula) take out the event win with an impressive 13.54 heat total ahead of Eden Hawken (Torquay) and Angus Kennedy (Phillip Island). Despite finishingfourthinthefinal,HarlemPec (Jan Juc) accumulated enough points across the series to secure the overall State Title.

Rose Holland (Dromana) was one of the standout performers of the weekend, taking a commanding win in theUnder16Girlsfinalwitha13.83heat total and the overall championship.

TheUnder14Boysdivisionbelonged to Torquay’s Teddy Robertson, who posted one of the highest scores of the event with a 15.43 heat total to take out the Round 3 victory and seal the title.

In the Under 14 Girls, Stevie O’Day (Jan Juc) capped off a stellar series with victory in the final round and the overall State Championship. O’Day’s excellent 15.00 heat total proved too strong for Lily White, Cobie O’Day and Edie Wouters in the final.

Jan Juc’s Heidi Abetz won the Under 18 Victorian Junior Surfing Titles. (Julie Huybrechts/Surfing Victoria )

Highton Net Results: Andrew Grills, Brodie Spong, Corey Hird and Julius Busch.

Lara: Ramona Mataruga, Karen Davies, Kellie Brunger and Nicole Filippou. (Pictures: Supplied)

Tyler Krumholz

Point Lonsdale’s Bea Conroy is off to the Longboard Classic. (Julie Huybrechts/Surfing Victoria)

Ammos stay unbeaten

Geelong Amateur hosted Ocean Grove at Queens Park on Saturday 9 May in a battle of last season’s grand finalists. This time Ammos prevailed by four goals in a classic contest and Voice photographer Ivan Kemp was there to see Ammos stay undefeated.

Left: Eliza Oxley looks inside to pass. 551270_01 Centre: Emma Jones takes the ball out of defence. 551270_03 Right: Isabella Baker wins this contest. 551270_14

Georgia Duncan patrolled the midcourt for Geelong Amateur. 551270_08

Zanna Punshon top scored for Ocean Grove with 34 goals. 551270_11

Amanda O’Malley taps the ball away from Eliza Oxley. 551270_15

Perri Jones passes forward. 551270_16

Julia Mitchell looks down the court for a teammate. 551270_19

Ammos’ playing coach Kaitlyn Sheringham. 551270_21

Georgia Duncan was strong in this contest. 551270_24

Shae Rowbottom was one of Grove’s best. 551270_20

Amanda O’Malley intercepts under the basket. 551270_25

Grubbers and Dragons show their skill

Ocean Grove hosted Bell Park at Ray Menzies Oval on Sunday 10 May in an Under 14 grading game, which the Grubbers won easily, but Voice photographer Ivan Kemp, who took these photographs, said it was much more even than the 78-point result suggested.

Charlotte Edwards runs the ball out of the backline. 552339_07

Ava Bayer kicks out of defence for Bell Park. 552339_01

India Forsyth takes a mark. 552339_02

Nelly Swanson handballs to a teammate. 552339_05

Vivien Miller kicks forward. 552339_08

Lillian O’Keefe with a centering kick. 552339_09

Annabelle Smith kicks to the goal square. 552339_11

Willow Annand kicks at goal. 552339_12

Isla Briggs about to send the Grubbers into attack. 552339_18

Elsie Smith is crunched in a tackle. 552339_20

Evie Ritchie just gets her kick away. 552339_21

Ava Beyer kicks on the run. 552339_25

BNL powerhouses in form

By Justin Flynn

Ocean Grove and Geelong Amateur have played in the past four Bellarine Netball League A Grade grand finals, so it was no surprise that their first meeting this season lived up to the hype.

Ammos won the 2022 flag followed by a Grove three-peat and although it was ‘only’ round 6, there is every indication the two powerhouses could meet again in September.

Geelong Amateur prevailed on this occasion at Queens Park on Saturday 9 May with an absorbing 56 to 52 win and remained undefeated.

Bothteamshavehadpersonnelchanges and are still getting used to different combinations.

“It was a really good game,” Geelong Amateur playing coach Kaitlyn Sheringham said.

“Both were probably two different looking teams to what we have been in the past so it was good to get out there and see what each other were like.

“It was a tight contest in the end. We pulled away, but it could have gone either way. We were lucky we got a few intercepts late in that last quarter and were able to capitalise.”

Ammos have added Bec Winch (Colac), Isabella Baker (Warrnambool), Jess Standfield (Torquay), Courtney Coutts (St Joseph’s) while Eliza Oxley has been promoted from B Grade and is enjoying a fine season in attack.

The scary thing is Sheringham said her side is still a work in progress.

“We’ve recruited a couple of really strong young players, which is always exciting,” Sheringham said.

“We’re still finding our feet, learning what combinations are working best. We made a few changes, lots of changes actually yesterday, which was really pleasing to see that whatever we put out there, we were able to hold strong.

“The girls that we’ve included into the mix have just slotted in seamlessly. We’re still working on a few things and working on combinations and so forth. But it’s a

ice group of girls who are willing to just do whatever it takes.”

Ocean Grove welcomed back defender Amanda O’Malley for her first game of the season, but lost midcourter Georgia Ryan, who was unavailable, and wing defence Gemma Bell to a knee injury. Bridgette Vos rolled an ankle at training, but battled through on Saturday, leaving coach Mel Holmes with the bare seven to take the court.

But as far as losses go, Holmes said there were way more positives than negatives.

“It was the things that we’ve worked on that are coming together,” she said.

“It was the brand of netball we’ve been wanting to bring and it’s a bit of a glimpse of the future.

“They (Ammos) were amazing and they have got a really good group and lots of depth. I think for both of us it was good to have a look (at each other).

“Formeit’saboutthethingsthatwehave been working on and starting to see that. All we need now is time together because we haven’t had one go at full training and a full team before.”

If the past two games against Torquay (2nd) and Amateur (1st) weren’t hard enough, the Grubbers face Queenscliff (4th) and Portarlington (3rd) in the next fortnight before a midseason bye.

“I think we probably match up alright with them (Queenscliff), so it will be good to see where we’re at against them as well,” Holmes said. “And then it will be about

keeping our team together and actually having time. It’s been a bit of a disruptive start, but we’ve hung on and the group vibes are really high.”

Ocean Grove will celebrate Pink Day for breast cancer on Saturday during the home fixture against Queenscliff.

Life member, former director of netball and long-time Pink Day organiser Gill Hodgson, who has just finished her own active treatment of breast cancer, is guest speaker.

“Gill and I are really close, so I think we’ll be playing with a fair bit of heart (on Saturday),” Holmes said.

“I’mlookingforwardtogettingthatdone and then celebrating and raising money and all those really positive things as well.”

Ocean Grove and Geelong Amateur produce a dour struggle

By Justin Flynn

Geelong Amateur coach Riley Kershaw said his side will need to improve as it enters a huge Bellarine Football League clash against Torquay this weekend.

Ammos defeated Ocean Grove by 22 points at Queens Park on Saturday 9 May in a game that Kershaw said probably wasn’t one that would be watched back any time soon.

“(It was) a bit of a grind on our end and to their credit they stuck around and made things hard for us,” he said.

“I felt like our skill execution and our decision making was on the lacking side for sure.

“I’dsayitwasaprettyhighturnovergame across both sides so it wouldn’t have been a great spectacle to watch.”

Before the Ocean Grove match, the past three weeks probably hasn’t been Ammo’s best considering the high standards they set with a 35-point loss to Queenscliff, a hardfought low-scoring seven point win against Barwon Heads and a thrilling one-point loss to Newcomb.

“We’re not over the moon with our form at the moment,” Kershaw said.

“However, sometimes you’ve just got to do what you’ve got to do to win. We’ve got a good challenge this week (against Torquay).

“You can’t expect to go out there, play

below par and win in this comp.”

Kershawsaidhissideneededtogetbetter at its cleanliness around the contest.

“I think we were a little bit fumbly at times and I don’t know whether that was a mindset thing,” he said.

“Cleanliness around contests, which sort of eventuates to good ball use and good decision making.”

What did please Kershaw was “winning ugly” and the senior debut of Under 18s utility Oscar Kattwinkel.

“You’ve got to be able to win ugly when games aren’t going your way or whatever it is and still find that way,” he said.

“That’s probably the most pleasing part of it that we just dug in. I never like to use injuries as an excuse or anything like that, but to see some of the guys that we’re playing in there at the moment still be able

to come through and play a role and we had a young kid from the 18s (Kattwinkel) come in and had a good crack.”

Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell said his side held its own against a seasoned opponent. The Grubbers were down by four points at half-time, but conceded five goals in the third term and couldn’t make up the deficit.

“They (Ammos) are a good side with loads of higher level experience that we know is a real advantage in the close games,” he said. “Our group wasn’t overawed and continued to press the game and create opportunities for the full four quarters. It was awesome to see the way they showed up and worked together.”

The Grubbers also had a first gamer in Levi Norman, who was named in the best players.

“Levi brings high energy to everything he does, he’s been really patient and worked hard at his game the past couple of years to the point we had full confidence he was ready to come in and play his role at 2pm,” Farrell said.

“In his first game to be voted the players’ player of the day speaks volumes for the respect he has from our playing group and is a great example to other young players in our program wanting to develop their game.”

After three consecutive away games, Farrell said the club was looking forward to getting back to Ray Menzies Oval for clashes against Queenscliff and Portarlington. He said the performances against Ammos would give the side confidence.

“I feel there will be some real excitement at training this week on the back of that and the opportunity to play at home for the first time in a month,” he said.

“The intent the players showed up with was really impressive. There had been a lot of work done to prepare and plan out how we wanted the game to look and where we might be able to get an advantage in periods of the game.

“We had a really good spread of contribution, each week there’s better connection across the ground which is really exciting.”

Main: Mel Holmes instructs Emma Jones during the game against Geelong Amateur on Saturday. (Pictures: Ivan Kemp) 551270_13 Inset: Geelong Amateur coach Kaitlyn Sheringham in action against Ocean Grove. 551270_29

Geelong Amateur coach Riley Kershaw. Ocean Grove coach Dave Farrell.

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