Surf Coast beaches need “tougher” dog laws with a majority of owners ignoring regulations, according to recently-published Deakin University research. The study found compliance with laws was “low”, with 70 per cent of dogs being walked at on-leash beaches were actually off-leash, threatening local wildlife. Deakin Associate Professor Mike Weston suggested council replacing some on-leash […]

A Surf Coast councillor accused of bullying and misconduct said he is “extremely relieved” to have been cleared of the allegations last week. Councillor David Bell said he endured “months of stress” after fellow councillor Heather Wellington lodged complaints against him with the Principal Councillor Conduct Registrar last December. Cr Bell said the allegations made […]

From dish boy to award-winning entrepreneur, Geelong-born chef Tom Arnel thanks a schoolies trip for starting his international success. The former St Joseph’s 2003 graduate was accepted into economics at Deakin University but “never turned up” after something else grabbed his interest. “I went to schoolies at Lorne and I ended up getting a job […]

Geelong’s council has opposed new laws allowing the dismissal of councillors in community-initiated inquiries, calling for more time to consult ratepayers. Council on Tuesday voted unanimously against the introduction of the Local Government Bill 2019 after councillor Kylie Grzybek raised an urgent business notice. “The proposed changes are significant and we have not had the […]

Three generations of a Geelong family will appear onstage together for the first time this month in a local production of The Sound of Music. Howard Dandy, 72, joins daughter Sarah Jeffreys and granddaughter Elyssa in a “special” play for the threatre veteran of 40 years. “It’s been lovely,” he said. “I consider it an […]

A tribute show dedicated to one of the world’s best-selling artists of all time is coming to Geelong this month. Night Fever – Bee Gees Revival is the “closest” replication to a Bee Gees concert, according to group member Phil Splitter. “We’re not just a bunch of guys singing their songs,” he said. “Our recreation […]