IN BRIEF

Connewarre fire under control

A GRASSFIRE that burnt 37 hectares of swampland on the Bellarine was declared safe at the weekend. The blaze, which was started by a lightning strike, broke out on Wednesday night in Connewarre, before it was declared under control late Thursday night, and then fire crews successfully completed an earth break around the fire parameter over the weekend. Locals in the Connewarre, Fenwick and Barwon Heads regions were since told it was now safe to resume normal activities.

Cancer cluster info session

AN INFORMATION session will be held in Barwon Heads later this month following a review by Victoria’s Chief Health Officer of cancer rates on the Bellarine. The review followed concerns about a potential cancer cluster and historical use of the pesticide dieldrin in the area. The open house event at 13th Beach Golf Links, 1732 Barwon Heads Road on February 25 will operate as a drop-in session, with community members welcome to attend any time between 3-7pm. Representatives from the DHHS will present the findings of the research and an overview of other work done to date. For more, turn to page 13.

Water polo comes out to play in Geelong

THE Junior Marlins – Geelong Amateur Water Polo Association is counting down to the Tri States series which will be held at Kardinia Aquatic Centre on February 16 and 17. More than 40 teams are competing from Victoria, Tasmania and Regional NSW, including mixed Under 12s, male and female under 14 and 16. There are more than 500 junior competitors taking part, with some of the best in Victoria and in the older grades in Australia. Two local teams are in the under 12s, one of which is second in the Victorian junior championships.