Donna Robertson loves helping those in need with food through her role as a food services manager at genU Business Enterprises. She speaks with Jena Carr about why she calls Geelong home.

What is your connection to Geelong?

I first came to Geelong in 1996 when I went to The Gordon for the schooling component of my chef apprenticeship. At the time, I was living up on the Murry River in Corowa, New South Wales.

I would come to Geelong seven weeks a year to complete my schooling. During this time, I made friends, and once I was a qualified chef in October 1999, I decided to move here and find work.

Over the past 23 years, I have worked in many Geelong hospitality businesses in various positions such as chef, catering and events supervisor, and assistant manager.

During this time, I have learnt many transferable skills that I now use every day in my current role as food services manager at genU.

What do you like about where you live?

Geelong is home for me, my husband and two sons, 13 and 9, who love it here. Although we dont have much family support here, we have a fabulous support network around us.

The boys play football and cricket locally in Highton and enjoy the beaches we are so close to.

What, if anything, would you change about where you live?

As much as I love it here, we need to do better in the inclusiveness space.

We need to offer more support to those in need, which includes the disadvantaged, homeless, ageing and disabled populations.

Where is your favourite place to spend time?

In the kitchen with my family, as I love creating new dishes with my boys. They both love to cook and explore new foods.

I am also known for creating amazing grazing boards for when friends and family visit.

What is something people may not know about you?

I lived and worked in London for two years, from 2005 to 2006.

What do you like about your work?

I love that every day is different and that we make a positive difference in peoples lives.

My current position at genU involves overseeing eight businesses, including four canteens, two cafes, a commercial catering kitchen and a food processing kitchen with my team.

We currently offer supported employment to more than 60 NDIS clients and 226 for all genU.

My day can start between 5am and 9am, and I could be in the kitchen making sandwiches or peeling potatoes on the floor.

The conversations you have with our staff are engaging and encouraging, and its great to help them set goals and watch them strive so hard to reach them.

Some goals might be as simple as making a sandwich or as bold as travelling overseas. I truly love everything about genU and what we do.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

It is really important to support local businesses. Local business means local j...

Winner of Londons Best Tribute for its celebration of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, UK show Frankies Guys comes to the Geelong Arts Centre on Friday, August 4.

Featuring some the West Ends best and brightest, with cast credits including musicals such as Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You and Footloose, Frankies Guys offers a night of feelgood entertainment for all music lovers.

Australian producer Sam Klinger said the show was jam packed with hits, such as Oh What a Night, Sherry, Walk Like a Man and Cant Take My Eyes Off of You.

Their music really is timeless, and I think thats demonstrated by the fact that there was a cover of their song Beggin in the last year or so that made the top 40 charts, he said.

After touring the UK for 10 years, the show made its Australian premiere this week at Port Macquarie, which Klinger said was particularly touching for the casts British-Australian star Jonathan Whitlow.

Its the first time in a very long time hes been back in Australia, so we actually introduced a Frankie Valli Home.

Its really something special. I saw it for the first time (at the Port Macquarie show), and it actually evoked quite a bit of emotion for me.

Klinger said the audience had a blast at the first Australian show, and he looked forward to bringing it to audiences around Australia during the five-week tour.

While its a tribute show, its not one youre going to see down at the local pub; this is a theatrical, high-end concert, he said.

Theres lots of audience involvement, theyre very much part of the show, which is great.

For information and tickets visit geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/frankies-guys.

The post UK Frankie Valli show comes to Australia appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Regional migration is on the rise.

The combination of affordability, lifestyle, and a growing range of services on par with our capital cities is convincing more and more people to make the change.

Over the 12 months to March this year, Victoria attracted the largest share of metropolitan residents moving to regional areas.

More people left a city capital to call regional Victoria home (43 per cent) than all other states and territories, bar New South Wales, combined.

Geelong is at the forefront of this shift, which accelerated during the pandemic but shows no signs of slowing.

This social and economic boom has seen Geelong add the most jobs in larger regional Australia cities over the past three years.

Health care and social assistance, construction, professional and scientific services led the way in growing our jobs base by an average of 5.3 per cent per annum over this period.

This explosion has seen our population increase to about 280,000 people.

However, the trend of people moving to the regions and especially Geelong will only continue.

Within 20 years, we are forecast to top the major milestone of 400,000.

Managing this growth, and its associated impacts, is a challenge for all levels of government.

The jobs, the health services, transport network, childcare and education facilities, recreation and cultural experiences there is so much to consider.

But the first question people ask before considering moving somewhere is where will I live? It always starts with, and comes back to, housing.

Councils long-term Settlement Strategy aims to accommodate our coming growth through an even mix of greenfield development and urban infill.

The Armstrong Creek area is about one-third of its way to its potential population of 60,000.

After that, expansion in the next two decades will be directed to the Northern and Western Geelong Growth Areas.

Alongside this, there are many opportunities to create additional housing in existing suburbs.

Central Geelong is a major focus. The CBD will be a more vibrant and active area if more residents call it home.

Directing more medium and higher density housing stock around existing train stations is also a strategic aim.

We understand building controls will need to be in line with community expectations for their neighbourhood.

But having a higher concentration of people living close to public transport will limit traffic congestion, and provide more diversity in our housing market.

The addition of more apartments will be important for housing affordability, creating more entry points for people to purchase their own property.

Through consultation with local authorities and the community, we want to ensure a suitable mix of housing is available for existing and incoming residents.

The post...

Strewth! Audis RS 6 Avant is formidable. In fact, its almost too much car correction, wagon.

Its right up there in terms of the high-performance stuff that weve driven over the years and should not be underestimated.

I remember driving its little brother, the RS 4 Avant, on the track at Sydneys Eastern Creek, one hand on the wheel, drifting effortlessly around a left-hander.

It was an amazing experience and I can only imagine RS 6 would be even more rewarding driven flat out in an environment that can accommodate its performance potential.

Competitors include the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E63 but they cost more and dont offer the practicality of a wagon. SUVs need not apply.

STYLING

Sitting low to the ground, with pumped out guards and fat rubber, the look is understated, but youd have to be Blind Freddy not to recognise this a vehicle that should be given a wide berth.

The wider single frame grille combines a black gloss finish with an RS-specific honeycomb structure, edged by arresting air inlets that sit below the standard HD Matrix headlights (with front and rear dynamic indicators).

Audi laser lighting technology further enhances the sophisticated lighting system by doubling the range of vision when travelling at speeds of more than 70km/h.

Distinctive 22-inch Audi Sport alloys are standard, with the striking red brake calipers and 285/30 series Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 rubber.

RS 6 Avant sits at the pointy end of the RS performance range, priced from $232,200 plus on-roads.

Its partner in crime, the RS 7 Sportback, which shares the same twin turbo V8 drivetrain, is another $8000.

Its a lot but still considerably less than the S8 that we drove recently (our Lotto car) which is a nosebleed $273,000 and not as quick.

Several option packs are also available, including a sensory package, the carbon and black styling package and the RS Dynamic package plus (with ceramic brakes and raised 305 km/h speed limit).

Our test vehicle was fitted with the $2900 RS Design Package, with $1700 Inlays in carbon twill and $700 gloss black Audi rings and badges, bringing the total price to $237,500.

Exterior highlights include the black exterior styling package, panoramic glass sunroof and metallic paint.

Inside, the cabin is upholstered in Nappa leather, while the RS sport front seats are finished in Valcona leather and feature full electric adjustment, heating and lumbar support.

Comfort items include convenience key, electric tailgate, electric/heated/folding mirrors, privacy glass, power-assisted door closure and electric steering column adjustment.

A selection of eight exterior colours are available with the addition of a new crystal effect paint in Sebring black, as well as a striking matt effect paint finish via Audi exclusive.

RS 6 is covered...

Queenscliff Music Festival 2023 revealed its second artist announcement yesterday, adding another 10 artists to the bill, including Frank Turner and the Sleeping Souls (UK), Katy Steele (Little Birdie), the Merindas and bluesman Frank Sultana.

Also named in the latest reveal was Melbourne Americana band Georgia State Line, who were nominated for an ARIA last year and won Music Victoria Awards Best Country Work for 2022.

Georgia Delves, the bands singer, acoustic guitarist and principal songwriter, said she and the band were so excited to be joining QMF 2023.

I think Queenscliff is up there as one of the festivals weve been hanging out to play, she said.

Queenscliff and Port Fairy (Folk Festival) are kind of the big names in the industry in terms of folk festivals, theyre the ones you really strive to get, so were definitely ticking a little bucket list number off.

Georgia State Line have been recognised in recent years as a genuine talent in the Australian country and Americana scene, with Delves herself receiving comparisons with American legend Lucinda Williams.

Delves said playing bigger shows was still not the norm for Georgia State Line, but she was really looking forward to having the opportunity again at QMF in November.

Those moments when you play to a massive audience, its amazing, but still kind of a rarity for us, she said.

We did Port Fairy in March and one of our shows was to a very full tent, it was just a really nice moment.

Were still mostly playing small to medium audiences, and we like that. But its those moments where you feel like youre in the zone and youre doing what youre meant to be doing, its just nice.

Im just committed to a life of creating and writing music. Ive tried many other jobs and nothing brings me as much joy as stepping on stage with my band and playing songs. Its such a fulfilling creative journey.

For a full list of artists at the 2023 Queenscliff Music Festival visit www.qmf.net.au/artists.

The post QMF second artist announcement appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Its a rollercoaster in Tennis Geelongs Section 1 Girls at the end of round 10 with top spot changing three times in the last four weeks and only 17 points separating all the teams.

The six teams have now played each other twice, so with the remaining five matches, all the girls will be pushing for every game, to ensure they arent the unlucky ones to miss finals.

Geelong Lawn backed up its 4-2 round 5 win over Barwon Heads, reclaiming top spot in the process this week rolling the Heads 6-0.

While the points and games were hard fought, Lawn proved too strong, with a broken string not hindering Alex Tidlacka in her 6-3 singles win.

The Heads dropped from first to fourth with the loss, highlighting how close the battle for finals positions is.

Beachside and Surfcoast Torquay tied on sets with Torquay ahead by three games in their last meeting, but the home court advantage this week helped Beachside avenge the loss in empathic fashion, also taking a 6-0 win.

Torquay struggled in the singles, but Adele McNamara and Elyssa Mutton were pushed in the first doubles winning through 6-4 for Beachside, while Jasmine Phillips and Pearl Thompson had to fight hard for the second doubles, eventually winning 7-5, pushing the team from fourth to second.

Highton and Wandana Heights have had two of the closest results in both their matches, both level on sets and the result going to Wandana by one game in round 5, and Highton by seven games this week.

Wandana started well with Neena Cumming and Putu Coco Warita winning the first two singles, before Jemima Stansfield won the third for Highton and Wandana was unable to field a player for the fourth singles.

Cumming and Warita then teamed up to take the one doubles set 6-4.

Highton finished the morning with a win and is now only 10 points out of the four.

This week will see Geelong Lawn host Highton, Barwon Heads hosts Surfcoast Torquay and Wandana Heights faces Beachside, with every outcome likely to affect ladder positions.

Good form running into the finals couldnt be more important for all teams to give themselves the best chance of making the grand final on September 2.

The post Top spot up for grabs appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

A new photography exhibition showcases the natural beauty of Queenscliffs landscapes and inhabitants.

Queenscliff Neighbourhood Houses (QNH) Through Our Eyes gallery exhibition features works from five amateur photographers that opened on July 15 and will run to August 20 from 10am to 4pm.

Gallery committee member Jocelyn Adam said she was glad to be able to offer a very unique opportunity for the photographers to showcase their work.

Its a real thrill to watch them all come together, she said.

We like to support emerging artists and artists that havent exhibited before.

One of the five featured photographers, Dennis Parrish, said his inspiration came from his travels and that it felt a bit strange to have his photos included in the exhibition.

I like how you can play around with different angles and techniques of photographing to create an interesting image that evokes a thought or feeling, he said.

To actually see them up on the wall with people looking at them is a bit surreal, but its exciting and quite thrilling.

Mardi Simons said she liked to focus on how light, design, pattern, and colour could occur in a photo and that being included in the exhibition was exciting and rewarding.

I dont take photos with the view of exhibiting them, she said.

I take them because something there has caught my eye and because its satisfying to me.

Fran Faulkner said she used her phone to produce photos and that the exhibition came together really well.

Its nice to have people looking at them and appreciating the things weve appreciated, she said.

The exhibition will also include works by Ocean Grove photographers Grant Allen and Carole Poustie.

The post New exhibition at QNH appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Torquay Lions Club has received a Certificate of Appreciation for its teddy bears and koala project.

Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) Torquay unit controller Mark Heaysman presented the certificate to Torquay Lions service chair Catherine Rowe and Lion Bill Ferguson on Monday, July 10.

Mr Ferguson said the club distributed teddy bears and koalas to the local police, VICSES, Country Fire Authority (CFA) and ambulance personnel to give out to traumatised youth.

Those emergency response people are often the ones that deal with situations where theres trauma or some sort of emergency has occurred, he said.

We give them these bears so that they can hand them over and maybe that provides some comfort for the child and family.

Mr Ferguson said the club regularly provides teddy bears and koalas to the local emergency services and that they all do a fabulous job.

We can all visualise how children involved in some unsuspecting event can be disturbed at not understanding what is happening around them, he said.

The bears and koalas are just one other way Torquay Lions is able to serve its local community through the services of others.

Mr Ferguson said the club was looking to potentially deliver more teddy bears and koalas to needy families through Torquay Lions work with Feed Me Surf Coast.

You see a lot of people who are doing it tough and in need in that situation too, he said.

We were thinking about taking bears with us on some of those runs because its not uncommon to deliver food to a single mum with a couple of kids. So that will cheer up their day as well.

The post Lions helping children with bears appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.