book and art exhibition will be rolled out again in Torquay over the next two weekends Shape Shifter was presented for the first time at Feast Studios in Torquay last Saturday to a crowd of more than 400 people hand-crafted surfboards with artwork and live music celebrating the energy driving both surfing and art Shape Shifter is a deep dive into local shaper Sergio Gomez’s journey in the shaping bay detailing more than 30 years of surf trends Mr Gomez was on hand throughout the event signing books and sharing insights from his esteemed career Event co-ordinator Zachary Riggs said expectations were blown out of the park it had a great community family driven experience for everybody “Sergio was super busy selling books and people were really impressed with how it was all put together.” Locals can come and catch the exhibition and read all about Shape Shifter at Feast Studios both tomorrow (Saturday surfboards and artwork will all be for sale and next Saturday too in the afternoon and early evening,” Mr Riggs said “We encourage people to come and get a book “We will have some entertainment too and a pizza truck out the front To order the book, head to gomezsurfboards.com/down-for-maintenance Breaking news, community, lifestyle, real estate, and sport. Boreham Wood will hope to return to the National League a year after being relegated Torquay United's hopes of promotion from National League South have ended after they lost 1-0 to Boreham Wood in their play-off semi-final Matt Rush's goal after an hour was enough to knock out the Gulls who finished second in the table on goal difference behind champions Truro City Lirak Hasani went close with a long-range effort for Torquay after 26 minutes before Gulls goalkeeper James Hamon made an excellent close-range save 11 minutes later But Rush struck after the break as he got on the end of a cross from the left at the near post to net what proved to be the winner Matt Jay went close for Torquay with an effort nine minutes later before Hamon saved superbly from Jon Benton at the other end in the first minute of stoppage time Jordan Young forced a superb save from Boreham Wood's goalkeeper in the final minute of stoppage time as the majority of the 5,721 crowd went home disappointed will face either Eastbourne Borough or Maidstone United in the final next weekend with the winners getting the second promotion place to the National League "There's a tremendous amount to be proud of but it's very difficult to see it at the minute," Torquay manager Paul Wotton told BBC Radio Devon "When you're a winner and you've lost it's a punch in the stomach "We've got a lot of work to do in the summer because we've got to better everywhere - I've got to be better everything's got to be better and it starts with me "It's raw - the elation that Boreham Wood are feeling and the deflation that we're feeling is one of the horrible sides of football." Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool & 'expected to join' Real Madrid - reaction and updates Alexander-Arnold to leave Liverpool at end of season 'Fire in my belly' led to team orders controversy The final series of Man Like Mobeen has arrived John Simm stars in the provocative 90s drama Warm-hearted comedy with Ben Miller and Sally Phillips Follow two ambitious river restoration projects Palmer's brilliance could be key moment in Chelsea's Champions League quest Europa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney VideoEuropa League 'papering over cracks' for Man Utd - Rooney Ask Me Anything the new BBC Sport service designed to serve you Bayern's 'James Bond' - how Kane clinched his first trophy Nine bolters with a shot of making the Lions squad How 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool VideoHow 'absolutely outstanding' Palmer 'destroyed' Liverpool Still number one & 'sparring' with Draper - return of Sinner Saints 'punch' favourites Leinster in game for the ages How Bournemouth turned tables on set-piece specialists Arsenal VideoHow Bournemouth turned tables on set-piece specialists Arsenal Vardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer VideoVardy the best £1m ever spent - Shearer 'Pretty special' - Leeds and Burnley's fight for Championship title Match-fixing scandal to Crucible final - fall and rise of Zhao Elton John & Happy Gilmore - McIlroy on Jimmy Fallon show 'Painful but we'll be back' - Luton's rise and fall 'Balls all over the Crucible floor' as pocket breaks during semi-final Video'Balls all over the Crucible floor' as pocket breaks during semi-final Two opposing views on football's transgender ban Varsho makes 'crazy' behind-the-back catch VideoVarsho makes 'crazy' behind-the-back catch Boreham Wood are still catching their breath - their late renaissance at home to Dorking kept their promotion hopes alive but things get no easier - they head to Torquay United next. Now it’s about who handles the pressure. Let’s take a look at what’s ahead. Torquay came within a few goals of taking the title from Truro City on a nervy final day but it wasn’t to be. The Gulls finished level on points at the top, and a mere two goal difference separated the two sides - but finishing second means they have the chance to play both play-off games at home. But they’ve got to get through this one first. Boreham Wood completed what is one of the best comebacks in their recent history mid-week, scoring three goals in the last 13 minutes including a last gasp 96th minute winner. But how much have they got left in the tank? Torquay United:Cody Cooke 20Jordan Young: 10Matt Jay: 7 Boreham Wood: Kwesi Appiah: 24Matt Rush: 17Erico Sousa: 8 Head to head:23/11/24: Boreham Wood 0-0 Torquay United01/03/25: Torquay United 2-2 Boreham Wood Paul Wotton, Torquay United: “We're on a tremendous run of form. We’ve still got a great chance of promotion. “The fans will come and pack out the stadium, we love playing at home and we don't fear anyone here. “Anyone who finishes in the play-offs has had a tremendous season and this is going to be a big test.” Luke Garrard, Boreham Wood: “There's bits like the defending that's not good enough, we need to be better in those scenarios and duels because if we defend like that against any one of the remaining teams then we're going to be in trouble. “But to go and score three goals like we did from the 82nd minute is great resilience and character. ”We got straight down to work as soon as the Dorking game finished. We know what we’ve got to do.” Pitch Hero Ltd Registered in ENGLAND | WF3 1DR | Company Number - 636 1033 Paul Wotton is in his first season at Torquay United having joined the club from Truro City last summer Torquay United manager Paul Wotton says his side will not be affected by their narrow title loss as they go into the National League South play-offs The Gulls lost out on first place in the division to Truro City last weekend and face Boreham Wood on Saturday in the play-off semi-finals A win would secure a home final against either Eastbourne Borough or Maidstone United next week "There is not one ounce of negativity that should be portrayed going into this game," Wotton told BBC Radio Devon "We've finished as the second-best team in the league "There'll be a lot of people think Truro weren't the best team in the league - they were we've got a sell out we're fully aware we're playing an excellent team Wotton's side were 4-1 winners at Hemel Hempstead on the final day of the regular season and go into the play-offs in great form They have won 10 and lost just one of their last 11 games since a 2-2 draw with Boreham Wood on 1 March including 1-0 away wins at Truro and sixth-placed Dorking Wanderers "I'm clear in my head of the team we're going to play and the way we're going to play," added Wotton "It's a game of football we need to win "You could sit there and go through all sorts of formations A bit of both with some decisions so we'll see." Police have appealed to the public as officers investigate an alleged assault in Torquay earlier this year Please call us on 1800 070 535 and we’ll help resolve the issue or try again later Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535. Monday to Friday 7:30am – 6:00pm, Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) Highton Reserve, Roslyn RoadHighton, Victoria, 3216 The Easter weekend will go down in Tracks history as we threw two of our biggest and best parties yet. Hundreds gathered in Torquay and Sydney for a night of full throttle music, high energy and good vibes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tracks Magazine (@tracksmag) Our attention now turns to our next Tracks Party at the Coolangatta Hotel on the Gold Coast on Friday 9 May when the CT comes to town. Rum Jungle will headline the night once again and they’ll be supported by Letter to Lion, Headsend and Mid Drift. Purchase tickets here. There will be heaps of giveaways from our partners including a Burzerk e-bike worth almost $4,000 Anyone who buys a ticket to any stop on the tour will be automatically entered into a draw for a chance to win Check out the galleries below which feature highlights from our Torquay (Photos by Katey Shearer) and Sydney (Photos by Andrew Christie) shows Pipe Masters worth more points and will be the final event on the 2026 schedule Join us for a night of live music from Ethan Eshuys at Curly Lewis in Bondi to help raise money for a great cause Jaleesa Vincent shows us how to be more than just surfers Jaleesa embodies self expression as she rides her own boards shaped in high heels Usually in autumn as a southern swell hits and westerly winds howl around the magical Isle off Coogee There are plenty of legends born in the surf and the sounds of the famous island The young local who is mastering the world-class waves in his backyard Tai ‘Buddha’ Graham’s winding road to success and surfing freedom Get full access to every feature from our print issues watch all of our classic films & more … the Tracks covers from the 70s & 80s are now ready for your walls Sign up to our newsletter & get social Pasta made fresh daily is championed at Pearl Any Questions? Please call 1800 070 535 Saturday & Sunday 7:00am – 11:30am (AEST) Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker (second from left) has announced the Yarra Energy Foundation will lead the delivery of the project A NEW community battery will be installed in Torquay as part of a national push to improve access to renewable energy and reduce household power costs Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker has announced the Yarra Energy Foundation will lead the delivery of the project with funding through the federal government’s Community Batteries for Household Solar program The battery will be installed in partnership with Diamond Energy which will manage its operation and integrate it into a Virtual Power Plant system designed to maximise the use of stored solar energy Ms Coker said the rollout of community batteries was an important part of the government’s energy plan “It’s incredibly exciting to have the Yarra Energy Foundation onboard to deliver this awesome project for Torquay “The rollout of community batteries is vital to making sure that everyone can share the benefits of renewable energy by storing rooftop solar energy during the day and dispatching at night where it’s needed.” The battery will be directly connected to the local grid as a ‘front-of-meter’ system meaning it can support nearby homes regardless of whether they have rooftop solar While the exact location is still being finalised Yarra Energy Foundation will conduct technical assessments and consult with landholders and the broader community Community consultation has been flagged as a priority throughout the planning and installation process Diamond Energy will also develop a retail offer for local households as part of the project The Torquay battery will be similar to the Fitzroy North community battery installed by YEF in 2022 with plans to expand on that model by delivering additional value to the grid through the Diamond Energy partnership Ms Coker said the initiative formed part of the Albanese Government’s broader Reliable Renewables plan The Torquay Business Awards for 2025 will officially launch with an event next week the awards are the pinnacle of Commerce Torquay’s events calendar and are a chance to spotlight businesses in the 3228 postcode The launch marks the beginning of Torquay’s search in finding the region’s inspiring and outstanding businesses and business leaders with the opening of award entries and nominations Commerce Torquay president Sarah Minter said they have introduced some changes this year to come back bigger and better than 2024 “Last year was the third year and we were building on the foundations laid by our friends at Rotary Club and we started to include a little bit more by way of categories,” she said “We weren’t expecting last year to be the huge success that it was we were expecting it to gradually increase but the actual number of entries and the quality of them was absolutely incredible.” this year’s awards will feature four new categories: Best new business – for a business operating less than two years The ideas for new categories came following last year’s awards and a debrief with partners where they decided there were certain areas they could have more of a focus on Ms Minter said she is excited to see what entries they receive for the new categories “The idea of a new business award was something I’d wanted to include last year but we hadn’t done it because we weren’t sure how many entries we’d receive we’ve got that capacity to build on it and celebrate more businesses.” Judging for this year’s awards has also undergone a change adding a sustainability element into the criteria alongside the current factors of business success and giving back to the community The launch will kick off at 5.30pm at Archers Torquay tickets for the event are free for Commerce Torquay members and $30 for non-members The Torquay Business Awards will be held on Thursday For tickets and more information, head to commercetorquay.com.au Torquay RSL vice-president Bob Tyler hopes the Point Danger Anzac Day Dawn Service can remain amidst rising running costs TORQUAY RSL vice-president Bob Tyler fears 2025 could be the last year of an Anzac Day dawn service at Point Danger due to rising costs Torquay RSL expects this year’s service could be greatly scaled down if the organisation had to carry the load of the estimated $80,000 in expenses Torquay RSL received limited support and government grants towards the dawn service “Anzac Day around Australia and overseas has been the time for quiet reflection to remember the service and sacrifice of all Australian men and women who have served and who continue to serve our nation today,” Mr Tyler said “It is a time for personal reflection and attending Torquay’s Dawn Service is our way we show our respect here on the Surf Coast.” Torquay’s Dawn Service has grown immensely over the years – before COVID About 10,000 people attended last year’s service Corporate sponsors have helped alleviate some of the financial burden “The fact is Torquay’s Dawn Service is a community commemoration,” Mr Tyler said “Can we afford for the RSL to bear costs which takes funding from welfare support to veterans He questioned whether the RSL needed to “retreat from Point Danger to a much smaller Anzac Day commemoration” The catafalque party stands guard at the Anzac memorial at Torquay’s Point Danger during Anzac Day a crowd of at least 10,000 people headed to Point Danger before dawn on Friday last week for the Torquay RSL’s annual service The guest speaker in Torquay was Warrant Officer Russell Kenyon who was born and raised in Geelong before serving in the RAAF for 35 years Other speakers included Corangamite federal member Libby Coker who read a message from the Prime Minister; Torquay RSL president Paul Barker who read the Anzac Requiem; Torquay RSL secretary Daryl Topp and chaplain Peter Ellis Anzac Day services were also held in Anglesea The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n \n \n \n '.concat(e,' Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response The file could not be found for a number of reasons such as the file being moved or deleted. Please check your spelling and if you still can't get to the right page try heading to the homepage for a look around If you still have problems, try contacting us and we'll do what we can to help you. Click here to get back to where you came from This $3.95m Torquay home stuns with luxury design and views A luxury Torquay home showcasing cutting-edge design and breathtaking views has hit the market with a $3.6m-$3.95m price guide And you’ll never need to wear shoes and socks once you step inside with a rare feature that the floors are heat-controlled throughout nearly the entire home Designed and built by property developer Stuart Rae, the four-bedroom, three-bathroom residence at 43 Diggers Way, Torquay offers a masterful blend of contemporary architecture RELATED: Alarming for singles: where homes cost less than $400k Craigieburn digs where owner was proposed to sells RCA: Future of gold rush Coffee Palace up in the air Set on an elevated block in one of Torquay’s most sought-after locations the home has sweeping views across Spring Creek “The block itself dictated a lot of the design,” Mr Rae said you can see right across the golf course and out to the ocean — it’s a spectacular outlook.” A bold black timber and polished concrete facade gives the home a striking street presence and polished concrete floors create a seamless blend of warmth and modernity Hydronic slab heating keeps this Bellarine Peninsula home cosy year-round A bold black timber and concrete facade makes a striking statement for potential buyers A designer kitchen serves as the heart of the home all flowing into a north-facing backyard with a built-in BBQ Mr said he’s always leaned towards a modern Spacious open-plan living area seamlessly connects to outdoor entertaining A sleek designer kitchen with premium appliances and a butler’s pantry and the concrete floors add to the contemporary feel we wanted,” he said The primary suite is a private retreat on the upper level and a luxurious ensuite with a freestanding stone bathtub and dual shower Automated blinds and smart climate control ensure effortless luxury living The basement level is designed for both practicality and entertainment Rae said comfort was a key focus throughout the build underfloor heating in the bathrooms and laundry and automated blinds ensuring the home functions effortlessly across all seasons And adding to the home’s appeal is its smart home integration which Mr Rae said would allow the buyer to control heating and automated blinds directly from their phone Soaring three-metre ceilings and polished concrete floors create modern elegance Floor-to-ceiling windows capture breathtaking ocean and golf course views “This is the second home we’ve built with hydronic slab heating the house stays a comfortable 22 to 23 degrees — you never need a jumper inside.” Jellis Craig agent Spencer Luppino said the home was built to the highest standard The master suite offers buyers a private retreat with a balcony and almost every room has a view,” he said “It’s an entertainer’s dream — buyers just need to bring the surfboards.” Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox MORE: Future Victoria: No room for cricket in shrinking back yards RCA: Waverley Park up for grabs for $20m as Hawks move out Fierce competition for Melb home that sold for first time in 70 years third parties have written and supplied the content and we are not responsible for it completeness or reliability of the information nor do we accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained in the content We do not recommend sponsored lenders or loan products and we cannot introduce you to sponsored lenders We strongly recommend that you obtain independent advice before you act on the content realestate.com.au is owned and operated by ASX-listed REA Group Ltd (REA:ASX) © REA Group Ltd. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to our Terms of Use. Two Torquay surfers have earned a golden ticket into their home event snapping up wildcard spots for this week’s Rip Curl Pro Torquay Boardriders Club’s top finish in national final Huxtable (far left) with the Torquay Boardriders team TORQUAY Boardriders has achieved its best competitive teams result finishing runner-up at the Australian Boardriders Battle National Final The local surfing club turned nearly being eliminated in the first round on Saturday into a famous weekend for all involved The event at Burleigh Heads saw 42 of the country’s best boardriding clubs take to the water for their chance at national bragging rights narrowly qualifying for the redemption round Led by the efforts of former world tour competitor Troy Brooks smashing its quarterfinal and semi-finals with high scores The finale of the event was a nail-biter between Torquay eventual winners North Shore and Mereweather Torquay kicked off in incredible fashion with standout surfer Tully Wylie locking in an 8.45 out of a possible 10 points Ellie Harrison followed with a sharp 7.28 to put Torquay out into the lead heading into the final ten minutes of the event with North Shore surfer Alister Reginato locking in a 5.88 to inch them just ahead Local star Xavier Huxtable was left needing a mid-range score to put Torquay back into the lead who was awarded the Oakley Prizm Performer of the event said he could not be any more proud of the club “It was just huge for us and for our local community “For us to firstly not even be in the event “We built momentum through every single heat and we kept getting better and went from strength to strength If someone told us at the start of the week that we’d be in it to win it For full results, head to liveheats.com/surfingaus Labor Member for Corangamite Libby Coker celebrates the announcement of a new Medicare Mental Health Centre in Torquay with supporters The centre is part of a $225 million national rollout of 31 new and upgraded Medicare Mental Health Centres funded through an Albanese Government election commitment The service will offer support to people in distress as well as ongoing care for those with more complex mental health needs Staffed by a multidisciplinary team including social workers the centre will operate extended hours and offer wraparound care Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker said the new clinic would deliver much-needed services to the region to be able to access the mental health care they need,” Coker said “Locals and their families from across our region deserve more access to free mental health care and that’s what this clinic will help deliver – it would be a huge win for our communities.” “Whether you need short-term support or ongoing care mental health service that’s backed by Medicare will be there for you and your family.” the Albanese Government has allocated $29.9 million in the 2024-25 Budget to ensure access to psychologists and psychiatrists at each site The announcement forms part of a broader $1 billion mental health package which also includes funding for headspace services and more than 1200 training places for mental health professionals and peer workers A national early intervention service will also launch on January 1 providing free mental health support to Australians without the need for a referral or a gap fee Election commitments will be delivered in line with Commonwealth Grants Rules and Principles Community members will celebrate a major win in protecting the Southern Ocean from offshore gas exploration at the Big Ocean Boogie in Torquay A MAJOR victory in the fight to protect the Southern Ocean from offshore gas exploration will be marked with a celebration in Torquay this month February 22) at the Torquay SLSC clubhouse will bring together community members and campaigners who led the push to safeguard 7.7 million hectares of ocean off Victoria’s south coast activists secured an unexpected victory when global data company TGS abruptly shelved its controversial 3D seismic blasting proposal cited shifting corporate priorities: “With competing global priorities TGS have decided not to proceed with the preparation of the Otway 3D Multi-client Marine Seismic Survey Environment Plan at this time withdrawing the current Environment Plan from NOPSEMA assessment.” The move came as a surprise to many within the movement who had been preparing for a prolonged fight operations manager at Surfrider Foundation Australia said the event would recognise the efforts of those who had fought to protect the coastline “It’s amazing to see the community move the dial on something like this; people from all different spaces and backgrounds put in the hard yards to protect the places they love – it really displays the power of uniting and using our voice “It’s not often you get a win like this so we wanted to make sure everyone can celebrate each other’s hard work.” Geotechnical company CGG is now pursuing plans for a new seismic blasting project off the south-west Victorian coast Organisers say tomorrow’s event will serve as both a celebration and a call to action for ongoing opposition The Big Ocean Boogie will feature performances from Pasiflorez a surf-rock and funk-infused band from the Northern Rivers an indie-roots musician who incorporates the yidaki (didgeridoo) into his music Funds raised will support Surfrider Foundation Australia in its mission to protect Australia’s coastline Tickets are available online via Humanitix with all proceeds going toward conservation efforts The Australian Marine Conservation Society will hold a separate public event on March 29 at Logan Beach in Warrnambool calling for an urgent moratorium on seismic blasting The Torquay Surf Beach Sea Wall has endured a battering from storms in recent months will be installed at Torquay Back Beach on Monday with a public exclusion zone to be put in place for the first half of next week The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) will introduce the temporary safety measures as works begin to repair significant damage to the beach seawall and ramp has been caused by recent storm activity Closures to the area of the beach will apply from Monday to December 19 as trucks and excavators install the giant rock bags to prevent further erosion and damage to the sea wall “Coastal erosion is one of the biggest threats facing our coastline and the rock bags are a crucial first step in preventing further deterioration,” GORCAPA planning director Cath Olive said “These works will provide temporary protection while work on a longer-term plan to protect this much-loved beach “We have experienced coastal engineers working with committed crews to get the job done “We ask beachgoers to continue respecting the safety measures in place Rock bags and excavators will be brought to the beach by trucks from Surf Beach Drive and then onto the beach near Spring Creek the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club’s lower carpark will be closed to the public Specialist engineers with expertise in marine structures and environmental conditions will oversee the works and recommend long-term plans to sustain the seawall Rock bags were recently used nearby at Cosy Corner to help reduce its coastal erosion GORCAPA also suggests beachgoers use alternate locations such as Cosy Corner or Jan Juc Beach as well as checking for patrol locations on the Beachsafe app The Surf Beach Drive carpark will be closed and beachgoers are urged to use the Voss Circuit carpark as an alternative The five Victorian state finalists in the Youth of the Year program: Amelia Hulonce THE Torquay Lions Club hosted this year’s Victorian state final for the Lions Youth of the Year Program held at Kithbrooke Country Club last month students have been participating in Youth of the Year which aims to provide an opportunity for young people to achieve success Students who participate find the experience rewarding and develop their skills associated with interview technique The contest is open to students entering their final years (Year 10 to Year 12) of schooling The final featured students from five districts within Victoria The overall winner was Sebastian Lunn from Melbourne and will go onto the national final at Traralgon on May 5 Amelia Hulonce from Portland won the award for public speaking Other finalists competing were Grace Boehnke from Dromana Olivia Woodhouse from Waverley and Oakley Tarrant from Rochester Judges at the Victorian state final were Danny Vriens For more information on Youth of the Year or the Torquay Lions Club, head to torquaylionsclub.org.au or phone on 0448 153 782 Wadawurrung Ngarrweet Uncle Mel and Wadawurrung Elder Aunty Mary exchange Pilk Purriyn message stick A TRUTH-TELLING and deep listening event led by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners will return to Torquay at sunrise on January 26 inviting the Surf Coast Shire community and visitors to reflect on the impacts of colonisation Pilk Purriyn will return for a third year at Cosy Corner It will feature testimonies from members of one of the seven Wadawurrung Traditional Owner Family Lines including Wadawurrung Ngarrweet (Senior Male Elder) Uncle Melville Robinson and his family Uncle Mel said the event provides an opportunity for the community to understand the ongoing impacts of colonisation on Wadawurrung and other First Nations people invite the community to join us at Pilk Purriyn to deeply listen to our Truth-Telling and understand the lasting impacts colonisation has had on Wadawurrung and all First Nations people,” Uncle Mel said “Wadawurrung Culture and Connection to Country extends back into the past so far back that it is almost incomprehensible “We ask you to koling wada ngitj – walk forward together – with us.” The event will include a Welcome to Country with an emphasis on deep listening and reflection People of all ages and backgrounds are invited to attend Surf Coast Shire Council mayor Mike Bodsworth said the council is proud to support the event “Council acknowledges that 26 January is a day steeped in sorrow for many First Nations people and proudly supports Wadawurrung Traditional Owners’ staging of their third Pilk Purriyn truth-telling event.” truths and ceremony they give us a profound opportunity to grow our understanding of their culture and the loss and hurt inflicted since colonisation.” We encourage community members and visitors to attend and take it all in “The breaking light of Pilk Purriyn – sunrise and a new day – and the ceaseless wash of the waves provide an evocative backdrop for reflection and sense of connection with people who have known and cared for Warri Dja – Sea Country – for millennia.” Approximately 2,500 people attended last year’s event with attendees describing it as “powerful,” “thought-provoking,” and an important opportunity for truth-telling Organisers encourage attendees to register for the free event via the Surf Coast Shire Council website to assist with planning and updates The event is presented by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation with the support of Surf Coast Shire Council and Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks More information, including accessibility support and FAQs, is available at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/PilkPurriyn IT SEEMS THE PAGE YOU'RE LOOKING FOR HAS GONE ASTRAY GO BACK TO THE HOME PAGE Jed Smith and Vaughan Blakey are sure to entertain with their funny witted surf antics HIGH energy is ensured when popular panel show Ain’t That Swell surfs into the Torquay Hotel next week Vaughan Blakey and Jed Smith will be bringing their WOZTRALIANA Swellian tour down to local shores on April 17 The boys will be up to all their usual antics and are sure to have the crowd in stitches with their funny wit and intimate surf knowledge They will be joined by big wave extraordinaries Ross Clarke-Jones and Mason Ho for the afternoon’s festivities Blakey said the Torquay live show is usually their most anticipated of the year “The Swellian show there every year is pretty much our favourite of the year “We’ve had insane nights there “This year is going to be incredible with our special guests.” He said both Clarke-Jones and Mason Ho are up there with some of the most entertaining people he knows “We are going full Eddie Aikau energy Both those guys are probably the two best guys from that contest over the last two times its run,” he added “It’ll be proper Ross Clarke-Jones hellmanism and Mason Ho would be one of the most popular guests we’ve ever had on “He’s just as entertaining in the water as he is out.” Blakey said running the event in conjunction with the Bells event has helped grow the show’s status over an extended period The boys have entertained the likes of Kelly Slater Taj Burrow and Mark Occhilupo at their Torquay shows “Because of the marquee atmosphere of Bells as a full blown classic Australian event it lifts every occasion around it to a pretty special place,” he said and there’s this festival atmosphere which turbo-charges our show.” Blakey said they are almost certain to be joined by another special guest tied in with the Rip Curl Pro event Tickets are $50 and can be purchased through Oztix. as McCartney Real Estate director Tim Carson looks on McCartney Real Estate auctioned the land at 3 Park Lane on Saturday describing the 1,011sqm block ahead of the auction as “a rare coastal opportunity with potential ocean views from a second storey” The agency stated the new owner would “secure a once-in-a-lifetime allotment in one of Torquay’s most desirable locations” Auctioneer Geoff Bennett brought the hammer down with a winning bid of $3,550,000 which was at the higher end of the expected price range McCartney Real Estate director Tim Carson said the successful bidder was a Torquay property owner who was looking to build his forever home “For us to make the top end of the range “That is arguably the best spot in Old Torquay Blocks like that just don’t come up very often.” The auction started at $3 million on a vendor bid and proceeded from there they really made the auctioneer work for it,” Mr Carson said Surf Coast Shire’s aquatic and health centre has become a reality after decades of planning with construction now underway and a new name announced A sod-turning ceremony was held for the Torquay facility on Wednesday Surf Coast Shire mayor Mike Bodsworth said community members have been pushing for the centre since 1961 and councillors started discussing ideas for the health hub in 2006 “It is very much a multi-generational build so current and future generations are going to get such value out of this facility,” he said “This centre will be a hub for community activity It will also bring joy to visitors holidaying in this region because the weather isn’t always conducive to beach-going “This is a massive milestone in the long lifetime of this project… and we know that when the weather outside is frightful Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles announced at the ceremony that the new facility would be named Wurdi Baierr (big gathering place) Aquatic and Recreation Centre featuring a logo based on a circular sand sculpture “Every word that we share in language brings the narrative of what the language word means and what it stands for,” Ms Eccles said “I have the pleasure as a Wadawurrung woman to continue to return language to our beautiful Wadawurrung country “If we think of Wurdi Baierr in the Surf Coast Shire people are able to come together and gather in the place and that will continue to grow with the aquatic centre.” Contractor Kane Constructions will conduct site preparations until early 2025 with the centre’s main construction due to start in February which is expected to be completed in late 2026 Stage one construction works on the centre will include building the 25-metre indoor pool Stage two works in planning will also include a dedicated indoor learn-to-swim pool AAPAAP Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli has hit back at Bailey Smith after the Geelong star fired an unprompted shot at his old club ahead… joins residents on the Surf Coast Highway earlier in the week holding signs in support of a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic for Torquay The clinic will take pressure off University Hospital Geelong which handled 25,524 non-urgent and semi-urgent emergency presentations in 2023-24 It is part of Labor’s $644 million expansion of urgent care services with 50 new Medicare Urgent Care Clinics planned nationwide The Torquay clinic is set to open in 2025-26 seven-day urgent care for non-life-threatening conditions said the decision followed overwhelming public support for improved healthcare services in the region “Only Labor will deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Torquay so locals can get the free urgent care they need without waiting for hours in a busy hospital emergency department,” Coker said A petition calling for a full-scale hospital in Torquay highlighted the demand for improved local healthcare “Our communities on the Surf Coast rallied behind the push for a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and I’m so proud that we will deliver this service for Torquay,” Ms Coker said “The Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will be open seven days and take pressure off our emergency departments.” The federal government has already opened 87 clinics nationwide with more than 1.2 million Australians receiving treatment at existing facilities Health minister Mark Butler said the clinics have been widely supported by medical professionals “Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are an Albanese Government initiative because we believe in Medicare and in free urgent care The Torquay clinic would provide access to urgent care for families with one-third of all urgent care clinic patients currently under 15 years old The government says its urgent care expansion will mean four in five Australians live within 20 minutes of a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic once all new sites are operational The Teskey Brothers are returing to Australia The size of Torquay is approximately 34.5sqkm and has many parks covering nearly 13.6 per cent of total area The population of Torquay in 2016 was 13,268 and by the 2021 Census the population had swelled to 18,534 showing a population growth of 30.8 per cent in the area during that time Bells Beach and Bellbrae to the equation and the area now caters for more than 25,000 permanent residents Although there has been rapid growth in the last 5 years the table has turned on Torquay continuing to be a growth town with the implementation of the Distinctive Areas and Landscapes Program now finalised and firmly imbedded in the planning scheme The catch-all piece of strategic planning policy has locked Torquay down with a hard town boundary effectively putting a halt to any further greenfield development outside the confirmed boundary for the foreseeable future Torquay originally became to be a destination for beach goers and holiday home owners after early pastoralists who settled on farms around Torquay in the 1840s-60s brought the first lots to market around 1880 The next year a town improvement association was formed and in 1892 Spring Creek was named Torquay after the popular seaside town in Devon A school was opened in 1900 in a recently built Presbyterian church Ten years later a school building was erected in Bristol Road west of the town’s main business area in Gilbert Street The school site has since been vacated for a larger campus in Torquay North and Torquay Central shopping centre has replaced it By the early 1920s Torquay had three stores Follett’s boarding house and a golf links also pioneered Torquay’s tourist trade with a wagonette service from Geelong and a bathing house on the beach around eight years later local entrepreneurs started up the Rip Curl business starting with making surf boards and branching into wet suits in 1970 The Rip Curl factory also saw the beginning of Quiksilver and its new design for boardshorts (1969) CoreLogic data indicates the predominant age group in Torquay is 0-9 years with households in Torquay being primarily couples with children and are likely to be repaying on average $2,167 per month on mortgage repayments people in Torquay work in a professional occupation “The majority of the Torquay market is still ticking along with Old Torquay and Jan Juc properties continuing to see active buyers and excellent results “Properties in the newer housing estates are travelling at a slower rate due to the volume of properties coming onto the market with investors looking to cash in on their/equity growth that they have received in the past two years and pay it off their current home loans or investing their money in other ways “We are expecting Torquay to move towards a slower market and vendors will have to be patient with their price and waiting for the right buyer “Prices should hold firm in the face of upcoming pressure but homeowners shouldn’t expect the unprecedented growth of the past two years to continue “A return to the normal market is inevitable following the meteoric rise in 2020 but we are confident that 3228 will withstand coming headwinds as it has with previous challenges The first surfing carnival was held in 1961 and local entrepreneurs started up the Rip Curl business in Torquay about eight years later The latest news as it happens across Torquay Find out what is happening & the latest breaking news in Torbay important updates and local opinions from Torquay Paignton & Brixham at the Torbay Weekly News Torquay United FC match reports & opinions and other Local sports news days out for the kids and amazing holiday ideas in Torquay Your source of news from beyond the bay covering Devon News and UK News The Torbay Weekly Business awards celebrates the accomplishments of Torbay based Businesses and brings together the Torbay Business community Paignton & Brixham from the local community & our Torbay based reporters property sales & property of the week in Torquay Get your local Torbay traffic & travel reports and airport departures in and around Torquay Please allow ads as they help fund our trusted local news content Kindly add us to your ad blocker whitelist If you want further access to Ireland's best local journalism consider contributing and/or subscribing to our free daily Newsletter Support our mission and join our community now you can subscribe for as little as €0.50 per week which will also give you access to all of our premium content and archived articles Thank you for supporting Ireland's best local journalism Founder Sam Webber at That Crafty Stitch in Madrepore Road An independent yarn shop has opened in Torquay town centre offering a creative space for both experienced crafters and complete beginners It joins a growing number of small businesses aiming to revitalise the high street at a time when many town centres are experiencing increasing vacancy rates and changes in shopping habits “I want to be part of the positive change in Torquay,” says Sam “I believe the future of high-street retail is local independent businesses others will feel encouraged to do the same But we need the local community to support us to make it work.” The shop stocks a wide range of knitting and crochet supplies including yarns in contemporary and traditional colour palettes offering guidance to newcomers and inspiration to more experienced makers Crafting has seen a resurgence in recent years particularly during the Covid-19 lockdowns Some research suggests these activities may help reduce stress improve focus and support mental wellbeing That Crafty Stitch hopes to tap into this growing interest by offering a welcoming environment for all ages and skill levels “We see a wonderful mix of people,” Sam says while others have only just picked up a hook or pair of needles That’s what I love about this craft — it’s never too late to learn.” hoping the shop can help shape a town centre of unique independent stores rather than rows of empty premises That Crafty Stitch is located at 3 Madrepore Road, Torquay, TQ1 1EY. It is open Monday-Saturday between 10am and 4pm. More information is available at www.thatcraftystitch.co.uk. " + $(".testo_articolo").html().replace(//g please subscribe and support local journalism Subscribing will allow you access to all of our premium content and archived articles To continue reading this article for FREE,please kindly register and/or log in Registration is absolutely 100% FREE and will help us personalise your experience on our sites You can also sign up to our carefully curated newsletter(s) to keep up to date with your latest local news The smaller rooms and remains of the garderobe Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez Image: Al Macphee / Miracle PR and Event Photography Subscribe or register today to discover more from DonegalLive.ie Donegal Post and Inish Times here for instant access to Donegal's premier news titles Keep up with the latest news from Donegal with our daily newsletter featuring the most important stories of the day delivered to your inbox every evening at 5pm shot 35 goals for Geelong Cougars in round 1 GEELONG Cougars are hoping to draw a big crowd when they come to Torquay for their one-off Victorian Netball League (VNL) fixture this Sunday The championship-level team will be looking to continue their winning ways against Melbourne University in Round 2 after recording a 14-goal win over the Southern Saints last weekend Geelong Netball Club president Darren Hellmann explained why the Cougars would be playing at Wurdi Baierr Stadium “It’s really the only venue suitable for us as a home venue to host a VNL game We’d rather play at a stadium in Geelong but the lack of a suitable stadium necessitates us going to Wurdi Baierr in Torquay,” he said “It’s not ideal but it’s a good stadium and been good for us so we just make the best of that opportunity.” The Cougars otherwise play most Wednesdays at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne Hellmann is confident there will be a good turnout on Sunday “Most of our athletes are local girls who have come up through Geelong football/netball which is why we get such great support from the local netball community because these girls have been in the system for a long time,” he said The netball will begin at 10.30am with a curtain-raiser exhibition match being played with the Geelong Flyers Junior Development Program This will be followed by a match between the Cougars and Melbourne University development squads and the under-23s Torquay Taphouse owner Renee Mick said they are hoping the long weekend will create a great atmosphere for locals and visitors THINGS are heating up at the Torquay Taphouse as the venue heads into the long weekend with a range of entertainment the Surf Coast location is opening its doors everyday across the Easter period showing this year’s Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach on the big screen the taphouse will screen the live event for the next four days while serving up delicious food and cold drinks The 2025 event marks the pairs first Easter as owners of the business and are eager to welcome the community in “We’re excited with the holiday season and with everyone that comes down to the Rip Curl Pro and we thought this is a great place to be to host people to watch the surfing,” Renee said “We’ve got a large projector installed great for all weather conditions and it’s an accessible venue.” the Taphouse will also be hosting a special Good Friday event complete with plenty of seafood options and the full menu on offer The fun will continue through to Easter Sunday when Nicholas Ridiculous from Bebop Circus performs two circus shows Renee said across the weekend they are hoping to create a great atmosphere for visitors and locals “Lots of families and groups of people coming in stopping off at the Taphouse before they head off on their journey further along the Great Ocean Road.” Renee and Mick are also the co-owners of Great Ocean Road Brewing and feel like the upcoming events capture the Torquay Taphouse brand “It’s a fantastic venue and since we put the screen in it’s perfect to tie in the Rip Curl Pro,” Renee said “We have Great Ocean Road Brewing and we’ve got our home on the coast now and it ties into with the roots of the venue as well because it used to be the Quicksilver headquarters.” Torquay and will be open every day over the weekend from 12 noon head to the Torquay Taphouse Facebook Page A BFNL powerhouse has recruited a former rival goalkicker who has returned to the Bellarine after a three-season break Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport Followed categories will be added to My News Defending champions Torquay has pulled off another handy off-season move by signing former Anglesea goal kicker Blake Grant who had played footy at Donald FC with friend former Roo and champion North Geelong pace ace Dale Kerr last turned out for Anglesea in an elimination final in 2021 against Ocean Grove Tigers premiership coach Dom Gleeson told this masthead Torquay had snared the ex-Roo through Grant’s friendship with fellow forward This masthead revealed Grant was one of the leading forwards in the BFNL from the past 10 seasons for total goals and kicked 65 majors over three seasons with Donald in the North Central Football League from 46 matches (“Tate’s) been sensational,” Gleeson said “Blake Grant is the other one I wanted to mention as well “Once you add those (two) to the mix we’re just as strong if not stronger than last year but obviously had ties to Anglesea.” who is returning from an ACL injury in Round 4 against the Ammos which wiped out his 2024 season had played the main role in that acquisition he’s got us two recruits this year,” he said “They’re best mates and have always wanted to play footy together “They’re getting towards the twilight of their careers and they want to play together he likes this level of footy and we know he can play this level of footy “We’re really happy to have him.” Gleeson said Anderson was “going OK” with his recovery but still had a bit of work to do: “We haven’t put a time on him hopefully he’ll be good in a few weeks.” Salary caps and player points were supposed to improve equalisation in local footy but a country coach says dramatic change is needed as clubs across Victoria are stuck in a doom loop A five-game slump has the Geelong Cougars fighting to stay in the finals mix ahead of a crunch clash against title contenders Boroondara Express on Wednesday night The sale of the old Torquay home of a legendary surfboard shaper who worked with some of surfing’s biggest names marks the end of an era The family of late Russell Graham and his wife Barbara have listed the couple’s 1520sq m property one of the largest remaining blocks in the centre of town Mr Graham was one of the pioneers of surfboard shaping on the Surf Coast teaming up with Rip Curl founders Doug Warbrick and Brian Singer in the early days to manage the fledgling company’s surfboard arm RELATED: Bailey Smith splashes $4m on Surf Coast home Torquay home featured on Grand Designs Australia relisted Spring jump for Geelong home prices A wide 30m frontage has buyers mulling options for 44 Anderson St Torquay’s front beach is at the end of the street After working with surfers like Wayne Lynch he went out on his own with Moonlight Laminating He was also instrumental in setting up the Australian National Surfing Museum in Torquay Developers and buyers looking for a dream home site are among those circling his long-time family home at 44 Anderson St, Torquay The classic weatherboard house and poolside guesthouse are expected to fetch $3m to $3.2m Torquay listing agent Tim Carson said the value lay in the scarcity of such untapped sites close to the front beach and town centre “It has been owned by the same family for 30 years so it’s a bit of an end of an era,” he said “I don’t know too many bigger blocks that are left in old Torquay than that one Decked outdoor entertainment areas overlook the swimming pool and spa Solid timber floors flow throughout much of the house The separate guesthouse is perfect for hosting overnight summer visitors “We’ve got a number of people that have looked at it that are potentially looking to develop it some people are looking to live in it potentially until they’re ready to build their forever home “There’s multiple options with it because you have got ocean views a big block of land and a 30m frontage – they are just so hard to come by.” A recently renovated main bedroom suite with floor-to-ceiling travertine tiles in the ensuite is among updates at the existing three-bedroom house which features original timber floors and decorative details in the open-plan living area the solar-heated swimming pool and spa provides extra incentive for visitors to stay overnight in the self-contained guesthouse’s bunk beds The huge front yard is perfect for cricket and kicking the footy Expressions of interest close on December 11 at 5pm QLD (13/04/2025) – North Shore Boardriders have officially claimed the title of Australia’s best boardrider club securing national glory and ultimate bragging rights at the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final setting the perfect stage for a Finals Day packed with high-stakes drama and elite-level surfing The event brought together 42 of Australia’s top boardrider clubs — all battling through state qualifying rounds to earn their place at the prestigious National Final Under the pressure of a stacked final lineup, North Shore Boardriders Club held their nerve and delivered consistent high-scoring performances from all five surfers. The victory marks their second Grand Final win cementing North Shore’s legacy in Australian surfing history and showcasing the club’s exceptional depth of talent spoke on what it felt like to win the event two times: the first time was unbelievable but it’s a little more special doing it here at Burleigh the team finally put a great heat together and everyone did amazing The final was a nail-biting battle between North Shore, Torquay keeping the crowd on edge as the heat came down to the last exchange of NRMA Insurance Power Surfers Merewether’s Morgan Cibilic kicked off the final in style posting a massive 8.50 to open their campaign strong. North Shore’s Sophie McCulloch answered back with a crucial 7.43 Torquay’s charge toward the title looked promising after standout surfer Tully Wyliedropped an 8.45 followed by Ellie Harrison’s sharp 7.28 which edged them into a narrow lead heading into the final 10 minutes But it all came down to the final surfers. North Shore’s Alister Reginato delivered a clutch 5.88 under pressure putting the club in the box seat as Torquay’s Xavier Huxtable and Merewether’s Morgan Cibilic launched their last efforts to hunt down the score As the final siren sounded and Cibilic slipped off his last wave, the North Shore club erupted on Burleigh Hill securing their place at the top of Australian club surfing Ellie Harrison from Torquay remained humble and grateful when speaking about their close loss: “I’m so proud of Torquay no matter how we do I thought it might have been our time this year but hopefully we’ll get it done at the next ABB!” Australia’s most exciting club surfing competition the Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle (ABB) Grand Final presented by NRMA Insurance following a groundbreaking 2024 edition that captivated audiences and competitors across the nation This event brings together 42 of Australia’s best boardrider clubs who have battled through state qualifiers to earn their place in this prestigious event and ultimate bragging rights in the country’s biggest grassroots surfing competition 2025 Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final RESULTS: 1ST – North Shore – 39.34 4TH – Snapper Rocks – 34.37 Jim Beam Club Spirt Award – Bungan Boardriders Club Oakley Prizm Performer – Xavier Huxtable (TORQUAY) Alister Reginato & Sophie McCulloch (NORTH SHORE) Xavier Huxtable & Ellie Harrison (TORQUAY) Morgan Cibilic & Philippa Anderson (MEREWETHER) Sheldon Simkus & Raya Campbell (SNAPPER) Chris Zaffis & Coral Durant (NORTH END) Dakoda Walters & Leihani Zoric (BYRON) Murf Layne Beachley Award – Leihani Zoric (BYRON) Murf Rabbit Bartholomew – Ocean Lancaster (MEREWETHER) Surfers 24/7 #NoTXTNoWrecks Coaching Judging Officiating Renewals Lodge A Complaint AboutOur Partners Login to your profile or Sign up to our new Surfing Portal Head to your Surfing Portal to purchase or renew memberships Head to your Surfing Portal to enter events and courses 2025) - Australians Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Jack Robinson (AUS) have claimed victory today at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy 2025) - The stage has been set for Finals Day at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.. 2025) - The fourth day of competition at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) 2025) - The field has been narrowed at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT),.. 2025) - The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy A man who was arrested following a fight in the foyer of a Torquay hotel on Sunday morning has been released pending further inquiries A brand-new bakery opened its doors over the weekend offering freshly baked sourdough loaves and a mouthwatering selection of sweet and savoury treats to satisfy all your cravings Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here A post shared by @charlie.bakery.torquay the bakery is starting strong with a delicious 10% rye 90% white sourdough bread available every day Whether you’re picking up a loaf for breakfast flavourful bread made from the finest ingredients The bakery promises to expand its sourdough offerings soon freshly baked goods with your morning coffee you’re in for a treat with their daily selection of sweet and savoury pastries keep an eye out for the upcoming arrival of ciabatta rolls perfect for sandwiches or simply enjoyed on their own Open weekdays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., the bakery is ready to serve early risers and afternoon snackers alike. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty loaf of sourdough, a flaky pastry, or a savoury pie, this new spot is sure to become your go-to destination for all things baked Swing by soon and grab your daily fix of warm Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon The best of Melbourne straight to your inbox We help you navigate a myriad of possibilities Sign up for our newsletter for the best of the city By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news Sign up for our email to enjoy Melbourne without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush) By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions. Melbourne this bathhouse could be the next big bathing destination If you're feeling like it's about time you carved out more time in your schedule to wind down and reconnect with yourself, look no further than the new About Time bathhouse on the Surf Coast which is offering an immersive escape to do just that About Time features a slate of bathing and wellness experiences Drawing on ancient bathing traditions worldwide heat and ice therapies with modern skincare and bodywork practices. There are indoor and outdoor magnesium pools for soaking The treatment menu also offers individually tailored facials and massages for a holistic wellness experience. For those seeking a more private retreat the secluded outdoor bathing areas are surrounded by native flora The space also has eight private treatment rooms It's certainly about time that the Surf Coast region gained a bathhouse and it's bound to become a popular retreat for visitors and locals alike. A number of memberships and packages are on offer from 'The Weekly', which costs $69 per week and includes unlimited bathing to 90-minute packages with access to an indoor magnesium pool, outdoor baths, cold plunges, sauna and steam room. If you want to learn more about the packages and the treatments on offer, visit the website here. Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Melbourne newsletter for the best of the city Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! twitter instagram pinterest About us Contact us The budget has confirmed funding for a major Surf Coast medical centre however the announcement is not without its critics The Torquay Front Beach seawall has been hit by significant erosion overnight TWO Torquay sporting events slated for this weekend will be altered due to significant storm damage to the Torquay Front Beach seawall the seawall was detected by beachgoers as visibly eroding with large cracks separating the seawall from the beachfront path The site was reported to the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) who have since closed the affected part of the seawall The Torquay Triathlon and Surfing Victoria Micro Groms Cup events were both slated to use Torquay Front Beach as a primary location this weekend Triathlon organisers have said they will alter the running course along the foreshore at Torquay to avoid the damaged area so we are well prepared for these things,” deputy chief warden Lisa Anderson said and we stick up on the top footpath well above the seawall “It will have an impact on community as all athletes and community will need to share the path and we ask people to be patient and co-operate with us “We will continue working with GORCAPA and relevant authorities throughout the next few days on how it will all look.” Surfing Victoria head of events and marketing Liam Robertson said his organisation was closely monitoring the situation “We are working closely with the Surf Coast Shire Council and GORPCA ahead of the event this weekend “Torquay is the primary location for the event competitors and spectators may need to use a different access to the beach “We will be communicating this to competitors before the event commences.” The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has put clear signage and hazard bunting in place as well as safe boundaries around the damaged sections and nearby ramp beachgoers can access the beach near the Spring Creek Rivermouth and are encouraged to enjoy other open areas of the beach and observe the closures to avoid any potential safety risks “We know Torquay Surf Beach is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and our teams are focused on public safety while we proactively assess options for repairs,” a GORCAPA spokesperson said and we’re collaborating with the Department of Energy and Climate Action to evaluate repair options with the goal of restoring safe access as soon as possible.” GORCAPA will be in touch with the Torquay Surf Lifesaving Club and event organisers to keep everyone informed A woman has been flown to hospital in Melbourne after a skydiving accident in Torquay