Queenscliff has a team to follow in the AFLW, with Carlton indicating it is prepared to forge long-term links with our town. 

The team spent recently three days at a pre-season training camp, at YMCA Camp Wyuna, where players were put through their paces ahead of next month’s season opener. 

General Manager Nicole Graves said it was their first-ever pre-season camp, and proved to be the perfect setting.  

“We’ve had a bit of footy and a bit of rain and a bit of sun, we’ve had everything, which really suits because these girls play in summer and so the heat and the humidity has been really good for us,” Graves said. 

“The team at YMCA has been brilliant, they’ve really looked after us.

“This camp is what we thought was required to keep the girls together and keep them connected as a team… It really sets up good relationships and makes them bond better. 

“We have 11 new players coming in from the draft, a third of the team, so it’s really important that they get to know each other and it’s also good for new coach Daniel Harford to get to know them and see what they can do. 

“We only have two weeks break for Christmas, we have a month of training then they start in the first week of February.”

Carlton is the latest in a growing list of elite sporting teams choosing Queenscliff for their pre-season training, because of the amenities on offer.  

“It’s good for us because we can do the recovery in the beach, it’s still close enough to Melbourne and people have been fantastic around the town,” Graves said.

“We’re really lucky and there’s a lot of teams coming down here now. We’re already talking about next year.”

Camp Wyuna Manager Andrew Kidd said a growing number of clubs, both elite and community, were chosing Queenscliff for training camps. 
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"We have a perfect mix of parks, sporting facilities, running and walking paths and of course the beach to base a good mix of activities around."

Queenscliff cricketers have drawn the ledger in the second annual Couta Bowl 20-20 Clash, played on Saturday December 5.

Having been defeated by a team of local footballers in the first encounter, two seasons ago, the cricketers were determined to restore some pride. 

Opposing captains Tom Kidd and Tom Caddy provided solid captains knocks in the high-scoring encounter. 
Despite adopting "backyard rules" and fielding 14 players, the footballers still fell short by 30 runs - 234 to 230. 

The cricketers also scored bragging rights in the curtain-raiser U/19 match. 

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Hans Christian Anderson’s classic Little Mermaid will be brought to life on stage by the Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group these holidays - but unlike the original, this one has a happy ending. 

After last year’s sell out season of Peter Pan, the Group has  again secured the services of highly-regarded director Debbie Fraser. The mostly-local cast will play charters made famous in the Disney version of the tale, including mermaid Arial, Flounder and Sebastian the crab. 

“Peter Pan far exceeded our expectations last year and we are sure The Little Mermaid will be just as successful,” said Fraser. “It also allows for a slighter bigger cast with more younger members.”
Edwina Royce, who last year played Wendy in Peter Pan, returns in the  role of the Little Mermaid, Nieela.

Her dashing young Prince Frederick is Henry Stevenson, who recently played the title role of Shrek in the GSODA Junior Players production of the same name. Henry also played Oliver in the QLTG production back in 2012.

“Both of these two actors are quite experienced and bring a high energy to the show,” Fraser said.
Chanelle Tait, last seen in Dinkum Assorted, brings over 10 years experience to the role of Sea Witch.
Performances at Queenscliff Uniting Churchrun from January 14 to 20. Booking information if available online or from the Visitor Information Centre.
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"If you've ever swum between the flags," the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club wants
your help!

Paywave donation points are being installed in retail outlets in the borough in an all-out
effort to raise the much-needed funds needed to build its new clubhouse.

To date the community has pitched in $1.9 million towards the estimated $4.75 million project. The Victorian government has committed a further $2 million – leaving a shortfall of upwards of $650,000.

The Point Lonsdale Civic Association and Golightly Caravan Park are among groups to have already contributed to the tally.

“But we need everyone to contribute,” said Kirsten Macleod, chair of the club’s capital campaign. "Our new campaign for this summer is urging anyone who has ever swum between the flags to make a donation,” she said.

"With $650,000 left to raise, we are pulling all stops over the summer.”

The campaign includes Paywave donation tap points being installed by local retailers, so that shoppers can easily donate the pre-set amount of $3 at the counter.

Point Lonsdale IGA is the first business to install the donation point. Owner Andrew Gaylard said his store was happy to play a part in helping the local community. Local real estate agents will also participate.

“Lives are saved by our beach patrols, which rely on thousands of volunteer hours on the beach and behind the scenes. We can’t continue to offer the community this service at the highest standard without a new facility,” Ms Macleod said.

Major donations are also being sought, with contributions of $10,000 or more to be acknowledged on an Honour Wall, in the entry of the new clubhouse.

“We are tantalisingly close to achieving our aim to raise $4.75 million to build a new clubhouse,” said PLSLSC President Matthew Ponsford.

The club is aiming to demolish the existing clubhouse in March and rebuild by next summer.
The club is hopeful the Federal Government will contribute to close the funding gap, prior to this year’s election.

​For more information and to donate go to www.pointlonsdaleslsc.asn.au