Portarlington was buzzing over the long weekend with the National Celtic Festival in full swing. Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went along.

The post Celtic Festival draws thousands appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

The Bellarine community is invited to have their say on a cat curfew review to reduce the impact on native birds and animals.

The City of Greater Geelong Council has created a survey for people to share their thoughts on the current curfew and whether any changes are needed.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said he hoped everyone would participate in the discussion whether they lived in an urban or rural area and whether they owned a cat or not.

The City understands that cats are treasured companions for many people throughout our region, he said.

The rules that outline how cats need to be contained are crucial, similar to the regulations that require dogs to be securely enclosed on their owners property.

The current order requires cats to be confined to their owners property from sunset to sunrise.

Kardinia Ward councillor Bruce Harwood said a key goal of the review was to help create a safe community for cats, native wildlife, and the broader environment.

Along with assisting us protect our native wildlife, a curfew is important in the safety of our beloved pets, he said.

It reduces the chances of a cat getting lost, being struck by a vehicle, fighting with other animals or picking up diseases.

A curfew also helps with neighbourhood relations, avoiding cats spraying, calling, and defecating in gardens.

The cat curfew review forms part of the Citys Domestic Animal Management Plan 2022 to 2025 actions to investigate a 24-hour cat confinement option to address cat behaviour.

The survey is available online at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/catcurfew or as a hard copy from the Citys Customer Service Centre until Sunday, July 16.

The post Cat curfew survey invitation appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Voice photographer Ivan Kemp went to Grinter Reserve, Newcomb, on Saturday June 10 and captured these images from the Ocean Grove vs Newcomb Power 17 & Under Division 2, B Grade and A Grade games.

The post Grubbers turn off the Power appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Queenscliff breathed new life back into the Bellarine Football league finals race with a win against fellow contender Anglesea on Saturday June 10.

The Coutas are in sixth spot and level on points with Geelong Amateur.

The 11-point win was soured somewhat with teenager Sol Bowtell taken to hospital with a collapsed lung.

With Anglesea and Geelong Amateur both losing, Queenscliff is now well and truly in the race for a finals spot.

Che Durran was best for the Coutas Daniel De Gois kicked four goals and Will Baker three.

For Anglesea, coach Jordan Keras was best while Dylan Pettingill took his seasons goal tally to 38 with a haul of four.

Anglesea remains in fourth spot on the ladder and faces Newcomb this week while Queenscliff takes on the unbeaten Torquay.

Tom Ruggles booted 10 goals in Drysdales 134-point win against rivals Portarlington.

The Hawks booted 26 goals for the afternoon with Jack Hargreaves contributing six and Ben Fennell five.

Stephen Walton was Ports best and Zach Mevissen kicked three goals.

Drysdale has an eight-point gap in third spot and looks destined for the double chance come finals time.

Ocean Grove got back onto the winners list with a 32-point victory against Newcomb.

Youngster Jet Kneebone continued his impressive form with another top game and Josh Horton snagged four goals.

Andrew Steele went back to the forward line and kicked four goals for the Power while Ryan Jackman played well.

Barwon Heads thrashed Geelong Amateur for the second time this season.

The 71-point win was dominated by young gun Ollie Wiltshire, who kicked five goals while Mitch Phelps booted four and Brock Close three to take his seasons haul to 36.

Riley Ferguson was Ammos best and Josh Grabowski kicked three of his sides seven goals.

Torquay continued on its winning way with a 48-point triumph over Modewarre.

The Tigers led by only two points at the long break, but a seven goal to none third term sealed the win.

Chase Loftus was Torquays best while the ever reliable Josh Finch was Moddas best.

The post Coutas rise to the challenge appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Dr Raymond (Ray) Adams has been given the Kings Birthday Honours AM for his significant service in education and psychometric testing.

The Fairhaven man has worked in educational research for more than 20 years and was the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) design leader.

Thats really been a highlight, he said.

PISA is incredibly influential in policy settings about education worldwide, and I was the designer of that for the whole world internationally.

Ray has had roles across many organisations, including the Australian Council for Education Research and the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.

He said he fell into education and psychometric testing many years ago.

I have an interest in education, statistics and mathematics and so its a combination of those two areas, he said.

I got involved in comparing student achievement outcomes across countries, and I found that incredibly interesting.

It was eye opening in the sense of becoming aware of education all around the world and how its a challenge that the whole world faces.

Ray said his favourite part about working in his career often changed, but he liked helping people and felt honoured to receive the Member of the Order (AM) award.

I spend a lot of my time now working with offsiders, typically younger people, helping them contribute in their own way, he said.

I have a fairly severe disability, and it means I need 24-hour care. I can only keep doing what I do because of my wife. It makes me continue to live a satisfying life.

The post Raymond (Ray) Adams AM appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Geelongs Dr Margaret Grigg has received an OAM for her close to 40 years of service in the mental health field.

The Forensicare chief executive officer has had many health roles in organisations like Victorias Department of Health, Mind Australia and the World Health Organisation.

I spent 12 months working internationally for the World Health Organisation in early mental health policy, and that it was an amazing time, she said.

A real highlight for me was following the Victorian bushfires (Black Friday 2009). I coordinated Victorias psychosocial response to the bushfires, and that was such an incredible time.

It was an opportunity to really support incredibly traumatised individuals, communities and really make a difference.

Margaret had received the National Emergency Medal in 2012 and said it didnt feel quite real to receive the OAM.

I feel a bit undeserving of it but also privileged, she said.

Ive worked with people whove taught me so much, and I think mental health is an incredibly important conversation for us to have in the community.

I think about the people Ive worked with or known in the context of a long career working in the mental health area, and I can think of many people who are more brave and deserving than me.

Margaret said she was endlessly amazed by peoples courage, and it was necessary to maintain hope in the mental health field.

I have met so many people who have found their way through the most horrendous experiences, she said.

If I could encourage one nurse to come and work in mental health, that would make me super happy.

Its meaningful work where you make real differences in the lives of people.

The post Margaret Grigg OAM appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Ask anyone on the Bellarine, or greater Geelong for that matter, who is interested in cricket and chances are they know Ian Caldwell.

The Belmont resident loves the game and its that passion that resulted in him being the recipient of an OAM this week.

A veteran of more than 500 games for his beloved Portarlington Cricket Club, Mr Caldwells presence as a player, administrator and umpire is well known throughout the region.

Mr Caldwell still plays for Geelong Seniors and has been president of the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association since 2013.

He is a life member of Portarlington and the BPCA and is Director of the Victorian Country Cricket League Barwon Region.

But despite the decades playing, overseeing and umpiring the sport he loves, its the people along the way that have made it worthwhile.

The opportunity to meet wonderful people and form friendships has been the best part, he said.

When I go down to Port at the beginning of the season and catch up with friends, youre catching up with family. It adds quality to your life.

As a custodian of the game its up to you to do good and leave the status of the game in the same condition if not better.

Mr Caldwell said the nomination came as a total surprise.

I was in a bit of a state of shock, he said.

Its not something that youre expecting. Im the fifth person connected with Port to get a national award.

Other than cricket, Mr Caldwell is currently treasurer of Geelong Friends of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and has been secretary of the American Civil War Roundtable of Australia for 12 years.

The post Ian Caldwell OAM appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Portarlingtons Rieny Nieuwenhof is a proud owner of an OAM for his service to veterans, their families, and the community.

The Australian Army veteran did a tour in Vietnam in 1971 and understands the need to look after the men and women who have served.

I know the difficulties that veterans have gone through since the time they were in Vietnam and then of course afterwards, he said.

That experience of Vietnam has, for many veterans, left a very deep and traumatic marking on their consciousness.

Theyve not only suffered physical problems, but they also have major psychological issues as well as a result of their experience in the war zone.

Rieny said that receiving the Kings Birthday Honours OAM award for helping veterans was very special.

Its a great honour to be recognised for the work that Ive been doing, he said.

I didnt expect that would happen at all. I suppose like many recipients of these awards, you do it because you want to, and you do it on a volunteer basis.

Rieny said he joined the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia Geelong and District Sub Branch after finishing his professional teaching career and has been the president there since 2013.

My main work has been the welfare of veterans and their families helping them in various ways, particularly in the welfare and social area, he said.

Veterans, whether theyre Vietnam Veterans or any other veterans, have served their country and done a fantastic job putting their lives on the line if necessary.

They need to be acknowledged, recognised, and people need to appreciate what theyve gone through.

The post Rieny Nieuwenhof OAM appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

160 YEARS AGO IN GEELONG

(From the pages of the Geelong Chronicle)

In February 1863, Mr W. Stoneham, a Geelong musician and bandmaster, announced that he had much pleasure in giving a grand operatic entertainment at the Theatre Royal, Malop Street, Geelong.

He was assisted by Miss Octavia Hamilton, Mr Farquharson and members of the chorus of Lysters Opera Company, Melbourne. Mr Megson was the solo violinist and musical director; Mr Stockmeyer, the pianist.

The program included arias from Meyerbeers, Les Huguenots, and Wallaces, Maritana.

Songs from Donizettis, LElixir dAmore (The Elixir of Love) and Lucrezia Borgia were performed. A duet from Verdis, Il Trovatore (The Troubador) rounded out the nights entertainment.

Most of the operas had been composed in the 1830s and 1840s but were still popular with audiences. Verdis opera was the most recent, having been composed in 1852.

Mr Stoneham was to see that the private boxes at the theatre were made suitable for the reception of ladies. (By reducing the number of chairs in the private boxes, room could be made for fashionable ladies in large, hooped skirts.) Seats in the private boxes were priced at 5 shillings; stalls 2 shillings; and the pit 1 shilling. The advertisement ended with a sentence we are familiar with today: Smoking will be strictly prohibited in any part of the House.

There was to be another concert at the Theatre Royal on the following night but there had been a mix up about renting the theatre and Miss Hamilton and Mr Farquharson performed instead at the Temperance Hall, Little Malop Street.

Reviews were glowing: Miss Hamilton seems to improve in voice and artistic skill every time we hear her. Of Mr Farquharson, there was an additional depth and sonorousness to his glorious voice and he has developed a greater flexibility.

Then, as today, opera is a very expensive form of theatre to perform. After the move to the smaller venue, Mr Stoneham was unable to make a profit on his venture. Despite his singers

good reviews, the impresario was left the poorer for his efforts.

This article was provided by the Geelong Historical Society. For enquiries, email admin@geelonghistoricalsociety.org.au or write C/- P.O. Box 7129, Geelong West, 3218.

The post Opera in Geelong appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Geelongs Big Freeze went off without a hitch at Mortimer Oval, Drysdale on Sunday June 4. Independent photographer Ivan Kemp was there and took a walk around after the sliding to see what everyone was up to while the main footy game was on.

The post Out & about appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Life Saving Victoria (LSV) has issued an urgent reminder warning boaters and fishers, including those from Melton and Moorabool, of their risk of drowning during the month of June, as one in five fatal drownings during this month in the past 20 years involved people fishing or boating.

Victorians drowning risk increases further on the Kings Birthday long weekend, with Victorians 68 per cent more likely to drown on a public holiday than any other day of the year.

LSV research and evaluation manager Dr Hannah Calverley said the colder weather should not stop water safety being front of mind for those spending time in, on or around water this winter.

With Melbourne winter getting underway, your risk of death by drowning may be the last thing on your mind, especially if you are fishing or boating and dont plan on entering the water, however, you can never relax when it comes to water safety, she said.

Unintentional entry was a factor in 41 per cent of fatal drownings in the past decade and concerningly, in about four in five boating related drowning deaths during this time, the victims were not wearing a lifejacket, or their lifejacket was ill-fitting or incorrect for the activity or conditions.

This is why lifejackets are a non-negotiable piece of safety equipment for anyone boating or fishing, to buy you time to survive should you end up in the water. You wouldnt hesitate to put on your seatbelt when getting in the car and you should think of wearing your lifejacket while on the boat equally as important.

Safe Transport Victoria manager recreational boating safety Gareth Johnson reminded boaters and fishers to know the three and stay safe out on the water this winter.

Suddenly entering cold water can be life threatening, with the risk of boaters experiencing cold shock and hypothermia, he said.

Know the three: Remember to always wear a lifejacket, carry two waterproof communication devices and know the weather before and during your trip.

Since July 1 2022, 52 people have drowned in Victorian waters. This is eleven more than the ten-year average and of the 52 fatal drowning incidents, 66 per cent occurred in inland or coastal waterways, and 34 per cent were around the home or within other bodies of water.

The post Winter boaters and fishers urged not to cast aside water safety warnings appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

More than 20 years ago Toyota lit up the automotive world with the introduction of the Prius petrol / electric hybrid car. The sedans asymmetric hybrid fuel saving system became the mainstay of the automobile makers electric vehicles, even becoming the power plant of choice for taxis around the world.

Needless to say, this did not go un-noticed with Toyotas luxe auto partner Lexus plugging in to the development for its range of saloons and SUVs. Latest model to take the petrol / electric path is the fifth (fourth in Australia) generation RX SUV.

The hybrid makes up eight of the 14 variants on offer Down Under and comes in front- or all-wheel drive. Prices start at $87,500, plus on-road costs, for the RX350h Luxury FWD and top out at $126,000 for the RX500h F Sport Performance AWD.

The Luxury grade as standard has bi-LED headlamps, daytime running lamps, front and rear fog lamps, heated and drivers side auto-dimming exterior mirrors, rear privacy glass, roof rails and 19-inch alloy wheels with a five-spoke design combining a bright machined finish and dark grey metallic surface treatment. Despite being well equipped for the price, there is a choice of two enhancement packs to add further to the ownership experience.

For example, the test vehicle, an RX 350h Luxury AWD, was fitted with Enhancement Package 1, which consists of Panoramic roof with slide, leather-accented upholstery, drivers seat memory, easy access entry (seat and steering wheel), heated and ventilated front seats, high-grade instrument cluster and head-up displays, touch sensor-type steering wheel controls, smart key card and wireless smartphone charger. This would set back the buyer an extra $5500.

The Lexus five-years unlimited kilometre warranty applies to all RX models. Capped price servicing has been extended from three to five years and is set at $695 for each scheduled service, with intervals set at 12 months or 15,000 km. All RXs come with a three-year subscription to Lexus Encore owner benefits program.

STYLING

The trademark Lexus spindle grille continues to evolve into a more laid-back look with removal of the chrome frame, allowing the edges of the diamond grille to integrate with the vehicles body. However, with a more vertical orientation and wide air intakes flanking, the front end retains the robust theme of the original spindle

Headlight cues come from the seamlessly integrated look of NX and LX SUV siblings, featuring Lexuss signature L-shaped daytime running lights. and a three-projector high / low-beam lamp with adaptive high-beam technology, while fog and cornering lamps are nicely integrated into the lower side air intakes.

At the rear, the new LED tail-light signature of the Lexus SUV line-up is defined by a full-width LED light along the tailgate, flanked by L-shaped tail lights. L-E-X-U-S lettering, no longer the L badge, runs across the tailgate in keeping with the current...