Articles by: A Staff Reporter
Apollo Bay businesses open for business after ‘abysmal’ summer
A cascade of fires, floods and health scares has hollowed out visitor numbers along the Great Ocean Road, delivering a heavy blow to Apollo Bay businesses during what should have been weeks of peak summer trading.
New survey to assess disaster impact on businesses
Colac Otway business owners grappling with cancelled bookings, lost income and weeks of disruption after recent fires and flash flooding events are invited to share their experiences through a new local council survey.
Colac ready to reel in anglers for second carp festival
Colac’s Catch a Carp Festival is set to return for the second time on the lake foreshore, following a successful debut event last year.
Vandals destroy signs at dangerous Elliminyt intersection
Police are investigating damage to recently-installed stop signs at a high-risk intersection in Elliminyt.
Share feedback for satisfaction survey
Colac Otway Shire residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on the council’s performance as part of its annual community satisfaction survey.
Major Apollo Bay upgrade starts, stores remain accessible
A $1.7-million road surface, drainage and pedestrian safety upgrade is underway at Apollo Bay.
Research hope to heal Otways
The Conservation Ecology Centre is hoping to fast-track urgent research and recovery efforts in Carlisle River amid warnings that the Otways is confronting a “profound ecological crisis” in the wake of recent fires.
Tehan fails to secure deputy leader position
Wannon MP Dan Tehan has lost his bid for deputy leadership of the Liberal Party.
Landmark restoration complete, steps open
A popular Great Ocean Road tourist attraction has reopened after eight months of being closed to the public.
Solutions for healthy hearts
Colac and district residents are being encouraged to put forward bold and creative ideas to help get Aussies moving and improve their heart health.
National award for Bay artist
Otways-based musician David Bridie has taken out a prestigious award for his soundtrack for an acclaimed documentary.
Recognition for iconic image
A snapshot of two little penguins in the big city has landed Wongarra wildlife conservation photojournalist Doug Gimesy another prestigious feature in National Geographic Kids.
Students learning to protect vulnerable species
The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is urging Apollo Bay community members to abide by warnings to protect hooded plovers after two chicks hatched at Wild Dog Beach.
Gates to popular lane reopen
Colac’s popular thoroughfare between Johnstones Lane and Murray Street has reopened for foot traffic.
Township slashing underway
Corangamite Shire Council is reminding residents to take action and prepare their homes and properties amid heightened bushfire conditions.
Bright thanks to local fireys
The roller doors of the Beeac CFA shed were awash with vibrant artwork and messages of gratitude on Monday morning, as students from St Mary’s and Beeac Primary School stopped by to thank local fireys following the recent Otways fires.
Deakin research project focuses on family disaster resilience
Colac and district families grappling with the aftermath of recent bushfires, floods, and drought are invited to take part in a research project aimed at building family resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Council survey to assess Surf Coast’s performance
Surf Coast Shire residents and ratepayers may be contacted over the coming weeks as part of the 2026 Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey.
Mysterious light visible from Bay revealed as space junk
Stargazers across the Colac Otway Shire were bedazzled by sightings of a meteor-like object streaking through the skies.
Discount retailer to temporarily shut
Colac’s Reject Shop will briefly close its doors to undergo remodelling.
Increase in coastal erosion leads to sand replenishment
Urgent beach nourishment will be undertaken at Mounts Bay in Marengo this week following a significant increase in coastal erosion.
January had dry times, intense rainfall
A combination of scorching heatwaves and an intense downpour have pushed January into the record books across Colac and district.
Life stories preserved in app
A new pilot program will help share hundreds of stories of people buried in Colac.
Paddle to protest exploration
Environment groups across the Otways have condemned the Federal Government’s decision to open competitive bidding for gas and oil exploration, saying the move winds back years of community campaigning.
