Anglesea Medical has joined the Victorian Sexual Health Network to help manage sexually transmissible infections (STI) in the Surf Coast region.

The centre partnered with the Melbourne Sexual Health Centre (MSHC) on June 13 to provide important sexual services to residents.

General practitioner Doctor Lucy Dobson said providing STI management was necessary, and it was often treatable and preventable.

Detection and treatment of STIs is not just helping the individual but multiple people, she said.

Anglesea Medical aims to provide an inclusive and confidential environment where we can test, detect and treat STIs for people of the Surf Coast and surrounding shires.

We are aiming to provide asymptomatic testing, support people requiring treatment and aid contact tracing.

Belmonts Kardinia Health also delivers sexual health services in Western Victoria Kardinia, and chief executive Michelle Heagney said the centre was able to help more people by partnering with MSHC.

By partnering with MSHC we have been able to provide additional detailed training to our GP and nursing team, she said.

Through aligning with their communications, we have seen an increase in patient numbers.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network (WVPHN) chief executive Rowena Clift said it supported the recruitment of GP clinics in the region.

WVPHN is delighted with the outcome and congratulate Anglesea Medical on securing this important partnership to deliver sexual health services in the region, she said.

More information on STI management and prevention is available at staystifree.org.au

The post More STI services in Surf Coast appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Anglesea had to work extra hard to brush off a tenacious Newcomb in round 11 of Bellarine Football League on Saturday June 17.

Anglesea had the aid of a strong breeze in the opening term and led by 26 points at the break, but the Power hit back when it was their turn to trail by 18 at half time.

A five goal to one third term had Anglesea up by 44 points at the last change, but Newcomb rallied to boot five of their own although it wasnt enough to prevent a 32-point victory to the fourth-placed Roos.

Jarrod Bacon kicked four for Anglesea while the ever reliable Andrew Steele slotted through three for Newcomb.

Modewarre continued its midseason resurgence with a 54-point win against Geelong Amateur.

The Warriors have now won three of their past four and are outside the top five only by percentage.

It was an even contest for the first half and even at three-quarter time, the game was still anyones, but six goals to one in the final term sealed the win for Modda.

Nat Matthews was best for Modda while Tom Hornsey booted six goals to take his seasons tally to 35.

Brydon Barnett was Ammos best with four goals.

Barwon Heads debuted 15-year-old Angus Ford in its huge win against Portarlington.

The occasion didnt overwhelm the youngster either with Ford picking up 16 disposals, three goal assists and booting one himself to be among the best players.

The Heads won by 140 points and rested co-coach Mitch Herbison and key forward Brock Close, but Ollie Wiltshire booted five goals and Harrison King four.

Ocean Grove took it right up to Drysdale for two and a half quarters, but the Hawks class prevailed to win by 44 points.

James Breust and Tom Ruggles booted four goals each while Josh Wooding did the same for Ocean Grove.

Torquay eventually defeated Queenscliff by 40 points, but not without a heck of a fight from the young Coutas.

Queenscliff led by eight points at half time and an upset was brewing, but the undefeated Tigers clicked into gear with eight second half goals to one.

Daniel De Gois kicked four for the Coutas while Jack Heathcote and Michael Croxford were Torquays best.

The post Roos defeat improved Newcomb appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

A former estate agent who mishandled his clients trust account funds for personal use was sentenced to 12 months in prison and a two-year Community Corrections Order in the County Court on Friday June 16.

Richard Michael Hayden, 56, of Torquay, pleaded guilty on June 5 to three offences under the Estate Agents Act 1980. These included two charges for causing almost $1.6 million in trust account deficiencies and one charge for fraudulently transferring around $776,000 in trust funds for his own use.

The court heard how Mr Hayden used these funds to pay for international holidays, entertainment, clothing, and medical costs.

Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria Nicole Rich said the outcome serves as a strong reminder that estate agents found doing the wrong thing will face serious

consequences.

Consumer Affairs Victoria will continue to hold real estate agents who misuse money to account, to protect buyers, vendors, and the integrity of the wider real estate industry, she said.

Victorians deserve to know their money can be trusted with real estate agents and this outcome serves as a serious warning to agents doing the wrong thing.

Consumer Affairs Victoria launched court proceedings against Mr Hayden following complaints from consumers between November and December 2018 who reported deposits not being paid after settlement or cancellation of a contract of sale.

Mr Hayden was the Director of Skyline Developments Pty Ltd, which traded as Ballarat agency Hayden Real Estate, when he committed the offences.

Estate agents and agents representatives must keep any consumer moneys held

temporarily, such as property sales deposits and rental payments, in a trust account to ensure the funds are protected. They must not use those funds for general business expenses or personal use.

Consumer Affairs Victoria takes a zero-tolerance approach to real estate agents

found to be breaking the law, and monitors compliance through random and annual auditing of trust accounts.

The post Real estate agent jailed appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Geelong residents are being warned to double-check their parking fines after discovering fake tickets in the region.

The City of Greater Geelong first discovered the fraudulent tickets Friday morning, June 16, which are realistic in appearance but have several distinguishing features.

City of Greater Geelong parking tickets bear an eight-digit infringement number, are entirely white, feature the offending vehicles registration plate and details, have legislative references at the top of the ticket, and include an officer ID of three numbers.

A fake ticket can be identified by having a blue band across the top of the ticket and a QR code, which are not featured on an authentic ticket.

Community Service Delivery director Robyn Stevens said residents need to remain vigilant and wary of the scam.

Were not yet fully aware of how the fraudulent tickets are being used by scammers, she said.

We strongly advise anyone receiving a suspicious-looking parking ticket not to click on any link or to use the QR code.

I encourage anyone receiving a parking ticket within Greater Geelong to take a few moments to check that it bears the features of an official City of Greater Geelong parking ticket.

The post Fake parking tickets circulating Geelong appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

There were milestones aplenty for Ocean Grove during the past fortnight with three players reaching 250, 150 and 100 games.

Tina Birch reached the 250-game milestone in Ocean Groves D Grade win against Newcomb.

Birch was also best on court in a superb display under the goalring and finished fourth in the D Grade league best and fairest award.

All of Birchs games have been with her beloved Grubbers.

Star A Grade defender Kelsey Ollis notched up 150 games in the game against Modewarre.

Ollis has won many awards over her stellar career, including four Candice Parker Medals as the best player in Ocean Groves A Grade side.

She won the BFNL A Grade best and fairest in 2018.

Ollis initially was going to miss the entire 2023 season through travel commitments, but they were put on hold and Ocean Grove is benefitting from her skills on the court this season.

Maddy Goodger played her 100th game in Ocean Groves thrilling one-goal win against Modewarre in C Grade.

A versatile player, Goodger can play at either end of the court and even through the middle.

The post Trio of Grubbers celebrate milestones appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

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 on Wednesday and Friday from 1pm to 3.15pm. Admission: $4, includes afternoon tea.

0400 500 402

Ballroom dance

Leopold Hall, 805-809 Bellarine Hwy, Saturday June 17, 7.30pm-11.30pm. Admission $10 includes supper. Music by Charles.

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.

Jane 0481-126 022, or Barbara 0419-511

Ocean Grove Senior Citizens

101 The Terrace, Ocean Grove

Weekly

Tuesday: indoor bowls, snooker and chess 1pm

Wednesday: beginner art painting class at 9.30am, bingo 1.30pm and chord club jam session for musicians 4pm

Thursday: social afternoons, cards 500 and snooker 1pm

Friday: sketching art class 9.30am, indoor bowls 1pm

Fortnightly

CWA 1st and 3rd Thursday 7.30pm

Monthly

Book group 1st Friday 1pm

Inhouse movies 3rd Wednesday 1.30pm

Ocean Grove Stamp Club 4th Wednesday 10am

5255 2996

Cards

Ocean Grove Seniors play card game 500 every Thursday at 1.15pm. If you are new to the game a quick lesson will get you in play. The core group of six players adjust to any number and you will enjoy the friendship of like-minded players. Cost: $20 annually and coffee included. At 102 The Terrace, Ocean Grove.

Lyn, 5256 2540

TOWN club

The 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. Cost: $5 per session, $54 annual fee.

Bev OMeara 0421-636 830

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. Email oceangroveevening.viewclub@gmail.com for details.

0428-546 796...

It can be easy to overlook that local councils are the only level of government to consult their community when developing a Council Plan and an annual budget.

Via conversations in the street, at councillor listening posts, at organised public forums, at council meetings and the budget submissions panel hearing we take in a variety of feedback and perspectives for more than two months from the release of the draft budget.

Even without a budget, rarely does a trip to the supermarket not involve a chat about a local council topic. Often councillors are tagged in social media complaints about issues, whether they pertain to local government or not.

So consultation is an inherent part of the role.

In preparing the budget, the team is constantly reviewing the financial position and reaffirming priorities. The aim is to find efficiencies and provide the best value to the community.

We also respond to external factors, such as a state government rate cap; costs rising due to inflation; and government grants shrinking.

Our budget is not adopted and finalised until two whole months after the public can makes its views known on the proposed budget.

Two months of commentary possibilities, media coverage and potential political manoeuvring.

Now, lets imagine trying to do something similar with other levels of government.

The federal and Victorian budgets were set in stone when they were released last month.

There were projects overlooked, grant programs discontinued, 3000 to 4000 Victorian public service job redundancies and yet no feedback was sought from taxpayers.

There is no consultation period for other levels of government. There are no submission hearings.

Their budgets dont remain in the medias gaze very long, and theres a widespread public acceptance that there is little chance of effecting change.

There is also no opportunity to address your state or federal MPs in their halls of power.

They say all politics is local and maybe thats because local politics is within reach. Literally, at Woolies.

Councillors try hard to represent the many community voices and we applaud those who contribute to the process.

Thank you for your feedback, it is welcome and appreciated.

The post Budget feedback appreciated appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Over the past few weeks, Ive been lucky to have spent the majority of my time up north in Darwin exploring a few great birdwatching spots including one of the greatest spots of them all, namely Fogg Dam.

Ive also been to Bathurst Island, which is one of the Tiwi Islands. I enjoyed experiencing some warm weather, and I managed to spot around 110 species of birds, but for the first time in Darwin I did not add to my Australian bird species list.

The highlights of my trip included seeing three barking owls (two at the Darwin Botanical Gardens and one at Howard Springs), and two rufous owls at the Botanical Gardens.

I also heard a few Barking Owls at night, which is the advantage of staying near Howard Springs.

Also, at Howard Springs a black-breasted buzzard, which is a species of raptor, flew overhead.

I initially thought it was a wedge-tailed eagle, but realised that it didnt have a wedged tail, and from a photo I was able to identify the bird.

I saw a few species of kingfishers including the red-backed, forest, sacred and collared kingfishers.

I drove to a spot known as Corrobboree Billabong that Id read about in the birdwatching book, and this was a beautiful spot, and there were many birds including two Australian pratincoles.

I didnt see many birds at Bathurst Island, but on the ferry trip from Darwin I spotted a striated heron, five grey-tailed tattlers, some gull-billed terns and a few brown boobies.

Ive only received one email from Voice readers over the past few weeks, and that was from Lynne, who has been keeping me informed of birds that have been seen at Yalukit Willam (formerly Elsternwick Park) Nature Reserve, in Melbourne.

This park used to be the Elsternwick Park golf course and has been developed into a biodiversity refuge with the aim of bringing nature back into urban areas.

The park includes a chain of ponds, wetlands, a grassy woodland, visitor facilities, and indigenous gathering places.

Lynne informed me that the following bird species have been seen and photographed in the newly created wetlands at Yalukit Willam: spotted crake, spotless crake, buff-banded rail, painted button quail, brown quail and the Baillons crake.

There is a Facebook page for the Yalukit Willam Nature Reserve where there are reports and photographs of these birds. Thanks, Lynne, for pointing this out to me.

Carla and Brian from Ocean Grove spotted a black-faced cuckoo shrike at Blue Waters Lake and sent in a photo.

The post Top End winter escape appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

The Genesis GV60 is the smallest of three SUVs from Hyundais luxury sub-brand behind the mid-sized GV70 and large GV80.

Each of the three models get different powertrain choices, the GV80 comes with turbo-petrol or diesel, as does the GV70 but with an EV option added. Our test vehicle, the GV60, is electric only.

Genesis GV60 sits on the same platform as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 with potential buyers sure to line up the three siblings alongside each other.

Firstly, while the Ioniq 5 and EV6 comes with the option of front-wheel drive, that is with single motor on the front axle, the GV60 is AWD only with a second motor on the rear axle.

Power and torque when comparing the GV60 with the AWD Ioniq 5 and EV6, is almost identical at around 234 kW and 605 Nm with the GV60s range of 454 km slightly less than the Hyundai (470 km) and Kia (484 km). The GV60 EV Performance variant lifts power to 320 kW but with no change in torque.

The most noticeable difference is price, with the GV60 EV selling for $107,700 compared with the Ioniq 5 AWD Techniq ($77,500) and the EV6 GT-Line ($87,590). All are before on-road costs.

STYLING

Though its called an SUV by Genesis, the GV60 is very coupe-like in its appearance. Its streamlined from the bonnet to the rear spoiler, has a short front overhang and sits on a long wheelbase at 2900 mm.

The Genesis signature Crest Grille is in a lower position than in other GV models that have internal combustion engines. This is to make for the different cooling requirements specific to the dedicated high-performance EV platform.

Julie says, This is a beautiful car. It has this gorgeous feminine rounded shape with a beautiful bottom. It is sort of half way between SUV and sedan.

By far the most beautiful thing about the GV60 EV we road tested is the colour aqua green sea glass. It is beautiful and light and jewel-like. Almost like an opal.

INTERIOR

The interior design of the GV60 has what Genesis says the ethos of the Beauty of White Space while seeking to create a spacious and comfortable interior.

Julie says, Combine this gorgeous exterior with a cream and sea green leather interior and this vehicle is just a delight to be in. It brings a smile to your face. With the super sleek remote you are set to drive off into the wild blue yonder.

Passengers in the rear seat have plenty of legroom although the floor is slightly higher because the battery pack is under the floor. Also, the sloping rear window may make it a little tight for those travelling there. We suggest you take anyone who will be travelling in the back seats to come along when youre considering a GV60 and see how they find the seats.

To make the GV60 more sustainable, various parts are created with eco-friendly and recycled materials. The seats, door armrests, console armrests, and crash pads are made with plant-based leather.

The...

The winner of topic three Run in the Bellarine Writing Competition is Anne Whisken with her compelling story about early settlement problems in Australia.

The judges appreciated the outstanding evocation of the terrible realities that were faced by the Indigenous people.

The early departure of the local clan for a new location, necessitated by the rampant disease brought by the colonists, adds to the momentum of the story. The characters are well depicted and the language throughout is controlled and powerful.

This topic attracted 15 entries, many of which were considered as possible winners with every entry a competent piece of writing.

Notable mentions go to Jenny Macaulay, Wes Furyk, Mark Towse and Ali Holburn.

Anne Whisken

Anne is a librarian and teacher librarian who has retired to Portarlington on Wadawurrung Country.

Her PhD focused on ways that information literacy might be taught as part of subject learning. She maintains a keen interest in libraries, including library services to the northern Bellarine.

Portarlington Neighbourhood House writing groups have helped her try creative writing.

A descendant of convict and free English and Irish, Anne grew up in North East Victoria on Jaitmathong Country and East Gippsland on Gunai/Kurnai Country, with a rich history of family story telling about the hard olden days.

She heard about the old Aboriginal people who had been there before, their tools dug up as paddocks were ploughed. There were stories of women who had run

from the north and lived on the periphery locally.

More recently, she has learned more about the impact of European diseases on Aboriginal people in the early days of invasion and how they ran to escape, tragically carrying the contagion with them.

The story prompt Run brought her to think about the harsh conditions for two sets of women who did not choose their circumstances.

Run by Anne Whisken

She was still out there. An echo of a slender tree trunk, shaped a step to the side, waiting and watching the house. Grace felt the burn of her eyes, the pull and urgency of the call.

Come. Now, now!

Grace knew the woman would leave soon. Already she had lingered too long. Her people had left weeks ago on their annual winter escape from the mountain cold down to lower sheltered gullies. But it was earlier than usual this year, their departure abrupt.

The smoke from their fires was suddenly gone, the last of the family groups glimpsed moving silently through the bush, wary eyes peering back to the north.

Then a few days back, others came, strangers, noisy in the bush, running, running. Some were found, sickened, on the tracks and her man said there were stories of bodies all the way to Sydney Cove.

Faster they run, faster it spreads, hed grunted. Saves bullets.

This man had offered Grace the chance of a ho...

It was grand final week for Tuesday Midweek and teams were primed for big results.

It was difficult to pick a favourite in Section 1 between Geelong Lawn and Surfcoast Black Torquay with both teams having convincing wins over the other during the season and the grand final was no exception.

Lawn started the match well taking the first two sets 7-5, 6-2 and from there didnt look back, taking all but the final set to end the day with a 5-1 win.

Barwon Heads and Point Lonsdale had also scored wins against each other in Section 2, but the Heads, minor premiers, were not going to squander their home court advantage, breaking Lonny in the first four sets to give them an unassailable lead and the premiership.

Aireys Inlet continued their winning form against Surfcoast Yellow when they proved victorious in Section 3. The first two sets were split between the teams, but from there Aireys pulled out a gritty 5-1 win with the remaining sets decided 7-5 or 6-4.

Aireys were not so fortunate in Section 4 when they faced Ocean Grove. With both home and away matches between the teams decided on games after drawing on sets, the match was destined to be a belter.

The first two sets went one each way, before the Grove took the upper hand winning the next two. Aireys fought back taking the fifth set, but the Grove rallied to win the last putting them ahead four sets to two, earning them the flag.

Surfcoast were guaranteed a win in Section 5 when Jan Juc Blue hosted Torquay Black.

Black had form over their counterparts through the season winning all three of their encounters, and the final was no exception. Black jumped out of the blocks taking the first five sets before Blue got themselves on the board, but the win had been sealed by Black 5-1.

The closest result of the day came in Section 6 when Clifton Springs travelled to Surfcoast Bellbrae. The teams had been evenly matched all season with each taking a 4-2 win through the season and Bellbrae getting home in the first semi by a mere two games.

The match started with each team having comfortable wins in the first two sets 6-2 and 6-1, before things tightened with the third and fourth set also going one each way, but this time with only one service break the difference, 6-4 and 6-3. Going into the final two sets the Springs held a slim two-game lead and were determined to hold on to it. The Springs put themselves well in contention when they won the fifth 6-4, but Sue Douglas and Gail Dunstan proved too strong for Bellbrae in the last, winning 6-1, pushing them ahead in the game count and producing a one- game win.

Moolap turned the tables when it mattered this week in their match against Western Heights Uniting in Section 7. In their fourth meeting for the season, Moolap scored their first win against the minor premiers, but while the score line looked one sided, with a tie-break, 7-5 and three sets at 6-4, it was a hard fought wi...

There has been some great fishing on offer this past week despite the average conditions.

Inside Corio Bay the Geelong waterfront is still holding some great fishing with pinky, salmon, trevally and flathead all taking a liking to soft plastics. Anglers fishing with baits such as bluebait are also finding success.

Clifton Springs and the Bellarine Peninsula has seen some fantastic calamari fishing going at the moment with anglers finding some absolute brutes cruising around the shallows of Clifton Springs.

Size 3.5 jigs have been working very well in natural blue colours proving the standout.

Queenscliff has fished very well for King George whiting this past week with the grass beds straight out the harbour holding lots of big whiting. Fishing the stronger tides (the ebb tide is fishing best) is going to be your best bet in tangling with a school of these tasty hard fighting fish.

Offshore Barwon Heads has still had some great fishing on offer to those bottom fishing for snapper and gummies with both species on the chew.

Fishing in 30 metres of water anywhere along the coast is holding plenty of fish. Burleying has been a key factor to those boats picking up the most fish and the best rigs have been the black magic snapper snatchers with fresh squid or salmon.

Portland fished very well to those anglers in search of bluefin tuna finding lots of fish holding in Cape Nelson in 60 metres of water with Gone Fishing keeping hot on the fishs tail and getting their customers plenty of fish.

Anglers having some good success also bottom fishing with gummy sharks to 20kg on offer. Drifting in 40 metres has been holding lots of fish.

Lake Wendouree has been a trout hotspot this past week with both browns and rainbows on the chew. This is a fantastic lake to fish if youre in a kayak, small tinny or land based.

Casting over the shallow weed beds with super shallow running jerkbaits or bent minnows are working an absolute treat with fish to 4lb on offer.

Wurdibuloc has been a popular land based location for anglers and for good reason as the trout and redfin are on the chew. The rock walls have been offering some great fishing lately with anglers casting spoon lures finding great success with trout to 5lb and redfin to 45cm chewing.

The post Bountiful fishing on offer this week appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.