Ocean Grove Surf Lifesaving Club has received state government funding to help its athletes compete in the Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) championships.

IRB athlete Orlagh Davison said the more than $2000 grant would allow 20 to 25 club athletes to attend New South Wales Kingscliff in July to participate in the championships.

Having the grant allows more of us to get there because it cuts the cost for all of us, she said.

Were hoping to use the grant towards our carnival fees because weve got such a big team.

The money will help pay for us to be able to compete as were quite young and a lot of us are still studying, so it was going to go towards entry fees and the carnival levy.

It might also go towards some sort of accommodation, but were pretty lucky in the fact that we can have the accommodation at a smaller price due to being such a big team.

Ms Davison said the championships were a good opportunity for the team to be together and see how everyones skills had progressed.

Thats when we all suddenly shock ourselves and the best of the best of us come out, she said.

We impress ourselves by making it through rounds, making it to the finals and sometimes some of us even have the opportunity to win medals.

Ms Davison said the grant made the IRB team feel appreciated and was thankful for the chance to show off their skills.

It helps us stay within the surf club and refines our skills for when we do need to do actual rescues, as this is why we do the sport, she said.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said he was proud to provide local sporting groups with the opportunity to showcase their skills through government funding.

Our up-and-coming athletes and future champions are putting in the hard work, he said.

Thats why we are helping them realise their sporting dreams by removing barriers associated with travel and accommodation costs.

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Bellarine MP Alison Marchant has accused the City of Greater Geelong for being ready for a photo opportunity at the opening of the Boronggook Drysdale Library when it knew it would not be able to fund its operational costs.

The new library was opened on May 5 just days after the City announced its 2023-24 budget, which exposed a shortfall in operational funding of the regions libraries.

Barwon Heads, Geelong West and Highton libraries were facing closure due to a lack of funding, but still may operate on reduced hours, including Boronggook Drysdale.

The moves have angered residents who have organised rallies and bombarded council with letters, petitions and in-person meetings in protest of the changes.

At the Boronggook Drysdale Library official opening on May 5, Ms Marchant spoke of the state governments $1 million contribution to building the library.

In my address at the official opening of the Boronggook Drysdale Library, I expressed the importance of libraries, its social impacts and significance of its addition to residents of the north Bellarine region, she said.

Stating we recognise that libraries enrich local communities by supporting a culture that values reading, learning and social connection.

It is incredibly disappointing that CoGG were ready for the photo opportunity but not prepared to fund the Boronggook Drysdale Librarys operational costs.

I congratulate the community for their continued advocacy. They have been diligent, passionate and extremely proficient in their arguments for change.

I proudly stand with the community and support their calls for the council to do better. I believe the community feels swindled, when the council were happy to grandstand at its official opening knowing full well that they would not be funding its ongoing operation adequately.

It is now time for the council to do the right thing. I respectfully ask the council to fund the GRLC fully and appropriately.

Mayor Trent Sullivan said council was hoping to secure extra funding from the state government for next years budget.

We will be having a conversation with the government over the next year in the hope of securing additional state funding to support our libraries in time for next years budget, he said.

We would appreciate Ms Marchants support to achieve this.

Reflecting the value we place in libraries, we contributed $8.156 million towards the build of the Boronggook Drysdale Library, alongside the governments $1 million.

Our proposed budget for next year includes $13.948 million towards our regions libraries, which represents a greater investment per resident than almost every other Council in Victoria.

Neither we nor the community have been told at this point what the state governments contribution to our libraries will be in 2023-24. This is a major concern considering our proposed allocation has been unde...

Surfside Primary Schools 75 grade six students put their Master Chef hats on this week.

Part of the Ocean Grove schools kitchen garden program, the Master Chef competition is a culmination of four years of work by the students, who start learning about food and cooking in grade three.

The students start learning in grade three and it all culminates in a Master Chef day that finishes off their primary school culinary tuition.

This years theme was Australian Indigenous ingredients and students prepared dishes such as Torres Strait Island fried scones, warrigal greens and saltbush risotto, anise myrtle damper and savoury muffins with a lemon myrtle butter.

Kitchen specialist Fleur Kilpatrick said while it was sad that the students had finished their culinary tuition at the school, the initiative had given them life skills.

They love it, she said.

They gain culinary skills, but they work in teams and each have a go at being the leader.

They learn teamwork and problem solving and just appreciate a lot of different flavours. We do lots of multicultural baking and cooking.

The judging panel, which included principal Peter Walsh, were impressed with the students dishes.

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A community group continues to fight against a potential development in Portarlington ahead of a VCAT case conference in June.

The City of Greater Geelongs Planning Committee opposed the permit application by 49 Newcombe Street Pty Ltd during its May 31 meeting, with the developer now taking the case to VCAT.

VCAT will hold a compulsory conference on the developers application for a proposed five-story building at 49 Newcombe Street on June 23 and a case hearing from August 30 to September 3.

The building site is close to 940.7 metres-squared and would include ten apartments with two retail shops.

Portarlington Community Association president Geoff Fary said community members were still unhappy with the proposed development despite changing the design and application.

This has been a long running and controversial issue in our little coastal town, he said.

Theres been some alterations to the design, but its still basically a five-level apartment block, which would, in the view of many, block out the vistas from the main street to the bay.

Mr Fary said the associations main objection to the development was the height and bulk of the building, which would affect the north facing views from the main street down to the bay.

He also said the community wasnt opposed to development and growth and would like to compromise with the developer.

There needs to be an acceptable alternative arrived at that meets the communitys expectations, but that doesnt see the landowner out of pocket either, he said.

We would really like for all parties to come to an arrangement whereby that land could return to public ownership and the developer would be appropriately compensated.

Spiire Property and Infrastructure Consultants senior associate Roger Munn spoke on behalf of the 49 Newcombe Street application during the May Planning Committee meeting.

Mr Munn said the application had undergone significant redesigns and consultations.

We acknowledge the uniqueness of this site and the sensitive coastal interface, he said.

The Planning Committee accepted that the loss of the current clear view to the bay is a reasonable expectation for the redevelopment of this commercial land within the towns centre.

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The awards keep on coming for Rolling Pin Pies & Cakes.

The beloved Ocean Grove shop, which has also branched out to the industrial estate, Leopold, Queenscliff and South Geelong, won two awards at Australias Best Pie and Pastie Competition run by the Baking Association of Australia.

The jumbo chunky beef won the best plain chunky beef pie and the chicken, leek and tarragon took out the best poultry pie.

Rolling Pin has now won 24 national titles in all national competitions.

Hailing from all over Australia, 380 bakeries entered over 1500 pies to be judged over the three days of the competition.

General manager Nathan Williams said the popularity of the jumbo chunky beef pie had stood the test of time.

It would be our most awarded pie ever, its won 15 gold medals, he said.

Its one of our most popular pies and it would be considering how well its been judged over the last 10 years.

The chicken, leek and tarragon pie was a darkhorse.

Tarragon wasnt a herb that I was overly familiar with, Mr Williams said.

I had one in New Zealand a few years ago. I just felt like having another crack at a creamy one. I first sent this pie to the competition last year and it scored really well and made a few tweaks. My wife thought it was a darkhorse.

Mr Williams said winning medals never gets tiring.

We were just ecstatic it (winning) never gets old, he said.

It seems to have gotten more stressful with the expectations. Im really proud that were still winning. The competition feels like its getting harder. So many bakeries are involved and theres a lot of creativity out there now.

The post Theyve done it again appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Theatre3triple2 is set to present its annual Winter Solstice 1 Act Play festival on June 16 and 17 at the Potato Shed in Drysdale.

This marks the 15th year that Theatre3triple2 has presented the festival at the Potato Shed and during that time it has presented a wide range of productions that have all been written by local writers. Ranging from comedy to drama and even tragic tales have all been brought to life during this entertaining festival.

This year there will be two plays written by local playwrights.

You Wouldnt Understand, written by Rob and Andy Jennings, tells the tale of friendships fertility and IVF and what it means to be a real family.

As the characters meet and question each others choices, the story unravels, friendships are tested and challenges faced, all over a friendly cuppa.

Directed by Petrina Dakin this is bound to make you think about IVF and families The Set Up, written by Kim Greer, tells the story of mistaken identities, mayhem and hidden secrets that are let loose as two couples meet on blind dates under the knowing eye of a barmaid who has seen it all.

There will be three performances over the weekend starting with Friday night commencing 7pm followed by two shows on Saturday with a matinee at 2pm and an evening show at 7pm.

As well as the plays there will be music in the lobby, mulled wine and fire pits to help warm you up.

Tickets potatoshed.com.au

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The National Celtic Folk Festival (NCFF) has wrapped up another successful year in Portarlington with a huge turnout over the weekend-long cultural event.

Festival director Una McAlindan said the festival was in its 19th year and was in full swing for the first year since 2019.

Ms McAlindan said the NCFF was attended by more than 15,000 people from Friday, June 9, to Monday, June 12.

We were a bit nervous about the turnout considering the economic downturn and coming back after COVID, she said.

The weather was on our side this year, which made a big difference to all the outdoor activities, but it was a really great weekend.

Its really nice when people are pumped about it, and they cant wait for next year when we havent even finished this year.

Ms McAlindan said she loved how the festival was a really good mix of community and showed the generosity of spirit of everyone that attended.

There were artists from all over Australia and the vibe was unbelievable, she said.

With the international acts, it was fantastic to finally get them here. Weve been working on getting them here for three years or more.

There was also the Geelong Gales, who were celebrating 160 years of the rules of hurling written in Geelong, so we had hurling on Sunday, which was a bit of a highlight.

They had quite a few traditional activities and in Ireland, you would traditionally be marched onto the game, so we sort of tried to recreate that and that worked really well.

The NCFF featured Celtic and Folk activities, food stalls, sporting events, and live music from Australian and International artists.

Ms McAlindan said the event was a huge success and looked forward to seeing what would happen next year.

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Queenscliff Film Festival organisers are busy putting the final touches on a weekend of film magic in August.

This eagerly awaited event promises to be a blockbuster experience, featuring an exciting lineup of five unforgettable art house films, an opening night with wine and food, entertaining panel discussion, and a delectable dinner for all film enthusiasts.

Kicking off the festival in style at the opening night on Friday August 4, prepare to be treated like a Hollywood VIP as you step onto the red carpet, greeted with a glass of wine and nibbles. Get ready to mingle with fellow cinephiles before being entertained with a panel discussion between Richard Sowada (festival director St Kilda Film Festival) in conversation with Zak Hepburn (film critic, programmer and Astor Cinema curator). Then enjoy the Australian film, Sweet As, a 2022 Australian coming-of-age drama film, directed by Jub Clerc and starring Shantae Barnes-Cowan as Murra, an Aboriginal Australian girl from a troubled family who discovers a passion for photography while participating in a youth retreat.

On Saturday August 5, prepare to be transported into different worlds as three exceptional films are shown throughout the day: Hit the Road (Iran); EO (Poland) and Close (France/Belgium).

On Sunday August 6, immerse yourself in the final film of the festival, Corsage (Germany), a fictional account of one year in the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria.

We are thrilled to bring the Queenscliff Film Festival to our beloved town, festival committee chair Rose Ott said.

This years lineup is an ode to the magic of cinema, showcasing diverse genres and narratives that will entertain, inspire, and ignite conversations. We invite everyone to join us and

celebrate the enchantment of film.

Tickets trybooking.com/CIILQ.

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Ocean Grove sits second on the Bellarine Netball League A Grade ladder after successive victories against Modewarre and Newcomb.

The Grubbers had to work hard to put away a determined Newcomb on Saturday June 10, eventually winning 58 to 44.

Defender Mia Smith said the performance on Saturday wasnt the Grubbers best for the season, but that they got the job done.

I think the whole league is a lot stronger this year which is really nice, she said.

It probably wasnt our strongest performance as a team but there were definitely patches where we played top grade netball.

Ocean Groves defence, led by star goalkeeper Kelsey Ollis, has had a makeover this season with the injection of several new players.

We pretty much had a whole new defensive end, but weve gelled quickly and we are fortunate enough to be able to rotate through four or five defenders, 21-year-old Smith said.

Ollis, Laura Ritchie and Smith herself played superb games.

Shes (Ritchie) a little jet and just plays with 100 percent intensity, Smith said.

Ocean Grove meets Drysdale this weekend in a game it is expected to win although the Hawks are only two games outside the five.

They will bring a level of physicality that we will have to be prepared for, Smith said.

They will come out really strong, its up to us to be matching their intensity and playing to our strengths.

Tina Birch played her 250th game for the Grubbers last Saturday in the unbeaten D Grade side.

Its a pretty amazing feat to play 250 games, but also 250 at the one club, Smith said.

Shes definitely a big personality around the club. Everyone knows Tina and loves her.

ROUND 10

A Grade: Ocean Grove 58 def Newcomb 44. Best: Kelsey Ollis, Laura Ritchie, Mia Smith.

B Grade: Ocean Grove 55 def Newcomb 19. Best: not supplied.

C Grade: Ocean Grove 27 def by Newcomb 27. Best: Kellie Morrish, Remi Bennett, Charlotte Teague.

D Grade: Ocean Grove 38 def Newcomb 16. Best: Tina Birch, Monet New, Maya Hamilton.

E Grade: not supplied

19 & Under: Ocean Grove bye

17 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove bye

17 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 41 def Newcomb 14. Best: Georgie Collett, Bella Wearmouth, Molly McLean.

15 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove bye

15 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove 44 def Newcomb 7. Best: Mikala Martin, Ruby Kempton, Charli Burke.

13 & Under Division 1: Ocean Grove bye

13 & Under Division 2: Ocean Grove 37 def Newcomb 2. Best: Olivia Clark, Arabella Johnson, Ava Leske.

ROUND 9

A Grade: Ocean Grove 69 def Modewarre 44. Best: Mia Smith, Ashton OBrien, Georgia Ryan.

B Grade: Ocean Grove 65 def Modewarre 33. Best: Dannie Hoiles, Gemma Bell, Lucy Sampson.

C Grade: Ocean Grove 29 def Modewarre 28. Best: Maddy Goodger, Milla Bell, Mikayla Treacy.

...

Ocean Grove Rotary hosted its prestigious Community Awards at Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club on June 6.

The nominations for the awards were open during March and April for people who lived or worked in the Southern Bellarine and judging was held during May.

The Team Member of the Year Award winner was Bayden Mellington, who was praised for his high level of service and willingness to assist residents at Ryman Healthcare Ocean Grove where he is the facilities manager. Leah Blackmore from Bellarine Veterinary practice was runner-up and has worked for 32 years as a veterinary nurse.

Volunteer Organisation of the Year Award winner was Ocean Grove Surf Life Saving Club, which is committed to emergency response and has a supportive and caring culture. Runner-up was Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Association Queenscliff.

Meaghan Vecoli of Ivy Creations, Queenscliff, was the winner in the Apprentice/Trainee of the Year Award. Meaghan is known for her friendly demeanour, willingness to learn and attention to detail.

The Small Business Excellence Award of the Year Coastline Alfresco Pty Ltd, a family business based in Ocean Grove. The business creates outdoor entertaining areas for new and existing buildings. Bellarine Chiropractic owner Scott Springer moved from Tasmania to Ocean Grove and purchased an existing business. He has introduced new concepts and methods into the organisation.

President Peter Cowburn said It is wonderful to be able to support local businesses, volunteers and staff, OG Rotary president Peter Cowburn.

The number of applications was high and they were of a high calibre.

The awards major sponsor was Barwon Heads Community Bendigo Bank. Individual awards were sponsored by: Ryman Health Care, Ocean Grove; Parade Dental Ocean Grove; Barwon Heads IGA; Ocean Grove Business Association; Barwon Heads Pharmacy; Barwon Heads Hotel; DC Roofing; Beach Terrace Cafe Ocean Grove; Chopped and Bobbed Australia; Helloworld Waurn Ponds and Point Lonsdale Guest House.

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Ocean Grove is starting to take giant strides in its quest to return as a Bellarine Football League power.

While the win-loss ratio stands at 3-7 this season, the past two weeks have shown that Dave Farrells side is on the right track.

While honourable losses are rarely spoken about, the Grubbers 36-point round nine defeat to Modewarre was a sign of things to come.

They then backed it up on Saturday in round 10 to defeat Newcomb away from home by 32 points.

I cant remember ever feeling like I did immediately after the Modewarre game, Farrell said.

I hate losing and we went out there to win, but although the scoreboard didnt reflect it and as silly as it sounds I think we did a bit. Its the clearest the boys have been without the coaches needing to point out where they got us and what we need to be better at for four quarters.

That game will be a great reference point for us moving forward training and this weeks game showed improvements on the back of that.

Ocean Grove never looked like losing against Newcomb and finally hit the scoreboard with a good spread of goalkickers.

The spread was the most pleasing part of the 17 goals we had two defenders and three mids kick goals which reinforces to the players how much of an impact they can have if we spread hard offensively and make sure we are well represented forward of the ball, Farrell said.

Weve talked a lot about, and trained to, our running patterns from the contest (and) this week is the best we have done that. We had good coverage across the ground but representation forward of the ball because they ran so hard.

Josh Horton played his first game back from a hamstring injury and starred with four goals.

Hes a genuine utility, we played him back out of necessity in the early part of the season, Farrell said.

He was top three in last years B&F as a mid and on the weekend he played as a high forward the sort of player youd love three of.

Youngster Jet Kneebone continues to impress and was named best with a starring role in the midfield.

Hes first year out of Under 18s and set the standard for our spread early in the game, Farrell said.

Trent Handreck played the game he has been threatening to. Across halfback (he) flew for his marks and looked to get involved more when we had the ball.

Ocean Groves face a tough assignment this week in Drysdale and Farrell believes his side still has to get better with its consistency.

Consistency is probably the stock response to where we can find our biggest improvement right now, he said.

The whole coaching group have worked hard to make sure there is no doubt in the players minds of how we want them to play and what our best footy looks like so now its just a matter of playing that way for longer periods, but I guess thats what the opposition are looking for too.

Farrel...

Lions Club of Ocean Grove Barwon Heads recently presented a cheque for $6000 to the Bellarine Training and Community Hubs (BTACH) Drop In group.

The funds will be used for the annual three-day September camp, which this year is at Shoreham on Westernport Bay.

Every Friday during each term, young people between the ages of 12 to 18 gather together to have fun and become involved in different group activities.

For Lexie each Friday is a chance to meet up with friends. Charlie enjoys the delicious food provided by Feed Me Bellarine.

Drop In has been operating for more than 20 years. The programs vision is to create friendship networks and along the way build resilience in a very challenging world of social media.

Stephanie looks forward to the end of the school week to relax with friends, while Nath, Maddy and Grace enjoy the various activities both at the centre and in other places.

Youth workers, Mel and Dillon, provide a safe, inclusive and fun environment where the young people can develop social skills and self- confidence.

We are hugely thankful for the ongoing support the Lions Club provide BTACH to deliver our annual camp as part of our youth Drop In program, BTACH manager Chris James said.

This camp provides a fantastic experience for young people from across our community to engage with their peers and other community members in an

environment that many have not had the opportunity to experience in their lives. The Lions Club really do help change lives in a meaningful way.

Lions Club President, Alan Daw, said that one of the primary purposes of the club is to support young people in their education as well as their social development.

Each year the club presents encouragement awards to each primary school in the area. Two Year 6 children from every school receive $100 each and a certificate of encouragement.

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The Geelong Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 170 anniversary at The Pier on Thursday June 8. More than 450 people attended the sold out event.

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