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.

Off the back of delivering a huge, highly-anticipated inaugural event last year, Drencher Festival is back for 2023 bringing along an impressive lineup to rattle your bones.

Taking place on Saturday, 26 August, Drencher will make its grand return to the Barwon Club, in a homage of sorts, to once again prove just why the BC has earned the reputation of an essential Aussie rock Pub with a huge and hard-hitting lineup of brilliant local and national touring acts.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

After finally getting the first event done and dusted in 22, and to moderate success, Drencher returns for another fun-filled year of toe-tapping, vein-popping, hip twirling, nail-biting, thigh-slapping, discombobulating, elbow knocking, mouth flapping, rug cutting night of hard-hitting, and unique bands thatll give you something to write home about, the event description reads.

Curated by extreme-metallers Nemesiums vocalist, Clint Williams, this years Drencher festival will feature the likes of gritty Melbourne four-piece Nephalem, Geelong metallers Smoke Witch, local legends and melodic hardcore act Detach Me, Frankston extreme metal outfit Womb to Tomb, and Death Metal and Blackened Thrash band Munitions, featuring members of renowned Melbourne bands from the likes of Join The Amish, Nemesium, Desecrator, Vulture Culture, MYC, Blunt Shovel, Shallow Grave, Dawn of Retribution and Embodied.

A highlight of the festival will be the reunion of Sydney death metal titans Automation, the pinnacle of 90s death metal.

 

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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.

The post More members to head to IRB titles appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

Its well known that we are fans of a cheeky wine or two but we also do enjoy a sale, especially when the sale comes at the hands of our beloved winemakers who decide its time to clear out the warehouse.

Yep, its back. Scotchmans Hill is bringing back the Barrel Hall Wine Sale this weekend (Saturday, 17 June and Sunday, 18 June).

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

Located at onsite at the winery inside the big, beautiful barrel hall, the sale will see prices starting at $100 per dozen (which, FYI, that works out to be $8 per bottle), individual bottles on sale from the winerys museum wine (first time ever on offer to the public), as well as those gorgeous Empty Full barrels, which will be on sale at $150 each. If you purchase a barrel just be aware you will need your own method of transport.

 

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For generations, the music of Disneys princesses has been the soundtrack to our lives.

Captivated hearts and imaginations for decades, showcasing an enduring appeal that transcends generations, these iconic characters possess a magical charm that resonates with both young and old, reminding us of the power of dreams, resilience, and inner strength while their songs have come anthems of joy, inspiration, and empowerment. These beloved musical numbers have woven their way into the hearts of fans across the globe, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. From Part of Your World in The Little Mermaid to Let It Go belted out by Elsa in Frozen, these songs have become cultural touchstones, evoking a sense of nostalgia and enchantment.

Now, for the first time, these beloved songs come to life on stage in Disney Princess The Concert, which is arriving in Geelong this October.

Presented by TEG Dainty, the Disney Princess The Concert tour will kick off on the Gold Coast in September, and head to Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Geelong, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, making Geelong its only regional stop.

Stay up to date with whats happening in and around the region here.

With a magical Music Director and enchanting Prince, the enchanting songs of Disneys princesses will be brought to life on stage by a quartet of Broadway, television, and animated film icons. Promising an unforgettable evening, expect to hear the likes of How Far Ill Go, A Whole New World, Colors of the Wind, Part of Your World, Almost There, Let It Go and more.

With the full cast due to be announced soon, your every dream will come true as larger than life animation and theatrical effects immerse the audience in pure Disney magic, while these acclaimed stars sing your favourite songs and share their exclusive, hilarious, and heartfelt behind-the-scenes stories from their time on the stage and screen.

Its the perfect opportunity to relive your VHS glory days, dress up in your favourite royal attire, and share the joy with your loved ones.

General public tickets go on sale Tuesday 20 June from 12pm. Find out more here. 

The post Disney Princess The Concert is coming to Geelong this October appeared first on Forte Magazine.

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.

The post Budding chefs get to work appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

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.

The post Portarlington opposes building development appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

The boundary-pushing dark arts, food and music festival WinterWild is returning to the Otways this August for three days of music, art, food and fire.

Far from your average festival, the annual event will be taking place on Gadubanud Country in Apollo Bay on the last weekend of winter, 2527 August, featuring performances from satanic collective Dane Blacklock & the Preachers Daughter, the formidable Jen Cloher, Harvey Sutherland and rapper RidzyRay, as well as an exciting lineup of art, winter feasts, masterclasses and much more.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Beyond the glitz of Lorne, the untamed, rugged landscape of the Southern Otways will provide a mysterious backdrop for ambitious music, food and arts programming destined to bring thousands of adventure-seeking audiences to the far reaches of the Great Ocean Road to embrace the dark beauty of winter.

The festival will kick off on Friday 25 August, opening with a Welcome to Country from Eastern Marr Aboriginal Corporation, followed by free performances from Wemba-Wemba rapper RidzyRay and other contemporary First Nations artists.

The music continues at the Apollo Bay Mechanics Institute Hall with Ngpuhi & Ngti Kahu songwriter and performer Jen Cloher, whose taut, terse brand of rock is charged with the static tension that comes with being an eternal misfit. Jen will be supported by disco-infused space-pop project Zo Fox and the Rocket Clocks, Apollo Bays beloved singer songwriter Sid ONeil, and the soulful vocals of local indie-jazz five-piece band Outtatime.

The Great Ocean Road Brewhouse will stage a night of free music with 80s legends Inked Factor, re-formed and travelling down the coast to play their distinctive blend of post-punk and prog-surf rock.

 

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<p>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.</p> <p>The jumbo chunky beef won the best plain chunky beef pie and the chicken, leek and tarragon took out the best poultry pie.</p> <p>Rolling Pin has now won 24 national titles in all national competitions.</p> <p>Hailing from all over Australia, 380 bakeries entered over 1500 pies to be judged over the three days of the competition.</p> <p>General manager Nathan Williams said the popularity of the jumbo chunky beef pie had stood the test of time.</p> <p>It would be our most awarded pie ever, its won 15 gold medals, he said.</p> <p>Its one of our most popular pies and it would be considering how well its been judged over the last 10 years.</p> <p>The chicken, leek and tarragon pie was a darkhorse.</p> <p>Tarragon wasnt a herb that I was overly familiar with, Mr Williams said.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Mr Williams said winning medals never gets tiring.</p> <p>We were just ecstatic it (winning) never gets old, he said.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The post <a href= "https://oceangrovevoice.com.au/news/16-06-2023/theyve-done-it-again/" rel="nofollow">Theyve done it again</a> appeared first on <a href="https://oceangrovevoice.com.au" rel="nofollow">Ocean Grove Voice</a>.</p>

With a live show that invites you in and makes you never want to leave, the ARIA-nominated project Georgia State Lines unique brand of country-infused melancholy yields music thats equal parts heartsick and hopeful.

The moniker of Melbourne-based songwriter and musician Georgia Delves, and her innately talented band of Tom Brooks, Laura Baxter, and Patrick Wilson will be bringing their infectious blend of both vintage and contemporary sounds and songs steeped in Tennessee sunsets to Geelong this weekend as part of the new Lightning and Rhinestones Festival.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Joining the likes of Ben Mastwyk, Freya Josephine Hollick, Patrick Wilson and more, Georgia State Line is an exceptionally exciting addition to the lineup of the new alt-country festival.

As one of the most talked about Americana acts in Australia, thanks to the refreshingly honest sound that is even parts heartsick and hopeful, Georgia State Line has been on a hot streak since their release of the highly acclaimed debut album, In Colour, released through Cheatin Heart Records/Spunk Records.

Their 2021 debut album In Colour is a coming-of-age, for not just the band but also its listeners. Their unique brand of sound feels like home, a genuine and warm acknowledgment of the infinite possibilities of life. It is no surprise that the group have been nominated for a string of highly esteemed awards including ARIA and AIR Awards, and recently took home the trophy for Best Country Work at the 2022 Music Victoria Awards. Theyve performed as part of major festivals across Australia including CMC Rocks and Tamworth Music Festival and have warmed up the stage for major international acts like Justin Townes Earle and Eilen Jewell.

Having just been named amongst the dynamic group of Australian songwriters and composers as a recipient of the 2023 APRA PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARDS (PDAs), we sat down with Georgia Delves ahead of the groups performance this Sunday.

Were looking forward to having you in Geelong for the very first Lightning and Rhinestones festival. What is it about this festival that made you keen to be involved?

Whilst I love Melbourne and the Northern suburbs of which we frequent, I always love any opportunity to diversify the venues we play through. Really excited to be playing the Barwon Club and to be featured on a bill alongside a bunch of country artists (and our peers) that are just out there doing their own thing. I think thats the most exciting part each of us belongs to a strong...

<p><p><p>When it comes to Australias most revered rock outfits, Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil are amongst the crme de la crme of classic pub rock.</p> <p>With a shared history that spans decades and an extensive catalogue of songs and albums that have become part of the nations psyche, Geelongs Elephant and Castle Hotel will be the place to be for fans of old-school rock this July as it hosts an <a href= "https://www.facebook.com/events/585920419635325">epic double headline tribute show</a>, dedicated to these two iconic bands.</p> <p><b><i>Stay up to date with all the epic events happening in and around the region <a href= "https://fortemag.com.au/entertainment/">here</a>.</i></b></p> <p>Taking place on Saturday 8 July, GOLD CHISEL, Australias No. 1 Cold Chisel Tribute Show, and The Australian MIDNIGHT OIL Tribute Show, will descend upon the main bar stage, recapturing the sound, energy and anthems of these two legendary bands with great authenticity.</p> <p>Hailed as Australias very best Cold Chisel tribute act, Gold Chisel is fronted by singer Andy Lutze and features a handpicked group of the finest musicians in the country, reproducing what has been described as the closest thing to the real deal that one could possibly imagine. Not only do GOLD CHISEL recapture the true sound and spirit of the iconic band, but they also recreate the energy and excitement that made Cold Chisel one of the largest draw cards in the history of the Australian live music scene.</p> <p>Consisting of five seasoned and accomplished players, The Australian Midnight Oil Tribute Show is simply the most dynamic and energetic Midnight Oil tribute to be found across the nation. Hailing from Melbourne, this tribute band has earned a stellar reputation over the years for their extensive catalogue of Oils hits from the early albums and EPs, such as their debut album, Head Injuries, Bird Noises & Place Without a Postcard right through to the chart smashing 10,9,8,7,6,5,4,3,2,1, Red Sails in the Sunset, Diesel & Dust and Blue Sky Mining.

Recreating the passion, energy and big, big sound that Midnight Oil were famous for in concerts such as 1982s Live at Capitol Theatre, this show is a pulsating, hot and sweaty must see for any kind of Oils fans.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <p> </p> <div style="display: flex;"> <div style= "background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> ...</div> </div> </blockquote></p></p>

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

The post Two plays for Winter Solstice appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

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.

The post Huge turnout at Celtic Festival appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

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.

The post Film fest gathers momentum appeared first on Ocean Grove Voice.

<p>Ocean Grove sits second on the Bellarine Netball League A Grade ladder after successive victories against Modewarre and Newcomb.</p> <p>The Grubbers had to work hard to put away a determined Newcomb on Saturday June 10, eventually winning 58 to 44.</p> <p>Defender Mia Smith said the performance on Saturday wasnt the Grubbers best for the season, but that they got the job done.</p> <p>I think the whole league is a lot stronger this year which is really nice, she said.</p> <p>It probably wasnt our strongest performance as a team but there were definitely patches where we played top grade netball.</p> <p>Ocean Groves defence, led by star goalkeeper Kelsey Ollis, has had a makeover this season with the injection of several new players.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>Ollis, Laura Ritchie and Smith herself played superb games.</p> <p>Shes (Ritchie) a little jet and just plays with 100 percent intensity, Smith said.</p> <p>Ocean Grove meets Drysdale this weekend in a game it is expected to win although the Hawks are only two games outside the five.</p> <p>They will bring a level of physicality that we will have to be prepared for, Smith said.</p> <p>They will come out really strong, its up to us to be matching their intensity and playing to our strengths.</p> <p>Tina Birch played her 250th game for the Grubbers last Saturday in the unbeaten D Grade side.</p> <p>Its a pretty amazing feat to play 250 games, but also 250 at the one club, Smith said.</p> <p>Shes definitely a big personality around the club. Everyone knows Tina and loves her.</p> <p>ROUND 10</p> <p>A Grade: Ocean Grove 58 def Newcomb 44. Best: Kelsey Ollis, Laura Ritchie, Mia Smith.</p> <p>B Grade: Ocean Grove 55 def Newcomb 19. Best: not supplied.</p> <p>C Grade: Ocean Grove 27 def by Newcomb 27. Best: Kellie Morrish, Remi Bennett, Charlotte Teague.</p> <p>D Grade: Ocean Grove 38 def Newcomb 16. Best: Tina Birch, Monet New, Maya Hamilton.</p> <p>E Grade: not supplied</p> <p>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:...

If youre craving a steaming hot bowl of top-notch pho out on the Bellarine this winter, youre in luck: Bellarine Pho is back and ready to dish out this quintessential winter staple for the next couple of months.

First arriving in early May last year and running until August, Bellarine Pho is a brilliant little pop-up that made its way onto the Bellarine Peninsula, setting up in the quaint town of Queenscliff at Trident Fish Bar Queenscliff. Tucked away in the corner of the local fish and chippery, the stall might have been miniature but locals didnt let its size deceive them: the pho here is big on flavour, bringing all the zest of Vietnamese street food to the diners of the Bellarine.

Stay up to date with whats happening on the foodie scene around the region here. 

Now this little gem is back for the winter month, once again becoming our latest go-to now that the regions fresher temperatures have hit.

Running until 6 August, Bellarine Pho will be operating Thursday to Sunday from 4pm to 8pm, the menu packs a punch.

 

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Ben Gerrans Spins Official Launch Party. The Deck. Geelong. 9pm. $11.40.

The post Ben Gerrans Spins Official Launch Party appeared first on Forte Magazine.