Articles by: A Staff Reporter
Shipwreck, settlers and famous shore
What began as a book capturing a family’s historical tale is now a novel bringing light to a notorious Moonlight Head shipwreck.
Nominate changemakers
Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan is calling on Colac and district residents to recognise someone special in the community, with nominations open for the annual Polwarth Medal.
Hooded plovers’ fragile journey
A conservation ranger is urging people to stay clear of hooded plovers on coastal beaches to give the birds the best chance at survival, after more than 40 eggs were counted in the Otway region.
Koa named as first 2026 bub
Colac’s Louise Harvey and Cam Robertson have welcomed the first baby born in the city for 2026.
Harbour prepping for major works in April
Work is progressing at the Apollo Bay Harbour as part of the precinct’s redevelopment, officials say.
Countdown is on for start of first term
With two weeks to go until the 2026 school year begins, Colac and district children and parents are starting to dust off the school books in preparation for the year ahead.
District fatality victim identified
A local woman has died in a Colac district crash while trying to leave the area because of fires, police say.
More cost support for childcare
Eligible Colac and district families can now receive three days of subsided childcare each week, following a new Federal Government initiative.
Praise for home hospital program
A Colac-based healthcare program has been working wonders for district patients including a Colac district police officer.
Fantastic find spotted along Lorne beach
A rare tropical discovery at Lorne has sparked curiosity with beachgoers this week.
Disqualified L-plater never had a licence
A woman caught driving with a disqualified learner’s permit is off the roads for an extra two months.
Delays on district road
Colac district motorists travelling on the Cobden-Stonyford Road will need to add an extra 10 minutes to their journey while the key agricultural route is upgraded over the next few months.
Get set for rail disruptions
Colac and district train travellers heading to Melbourne are being warned to plan ahead with disruptions set for the Warrnambool and Geelong train lines this month.
Letters to the editor
Planning is key to charging EVs Your reporter (Colac Herald, 5/1) highlights the difficulties and frustrations sometimes experienced by electric vehicle (EV) users when it is necessary to charge vehicles at public chargers. The current provision of DC fast-chargers is a little like extensive housing suburbs that are built without the essential supports – ie. […]
Three more division one winners in Colac
The new year is off to great start for three Colac Lotto customers, with each winning $169,000 from a $16 million draw.
Services on alert after declaration
Colac and district residents are set to swelter through 40 degree weather today, with the CFA declaring the first Total Fire Ban Day for the district for summer.
More jobs filled across shire
Unemployment has dropped in Colac Otway Shire, latest data shows, while a Colac training expert is confident about employment across the district in 2026.
Work order over arrow threat
A Colac man who threatened to shoot his former neighbour with an arrow has been ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid community work.
Smaller solutions for housing
A housing solutions supporter says a concept being pioneered in the United States could help the crisis in Colac Otway Shire.
Momentum growing at flower farm
From little things, big things grow – and that is certainly the case for Kawarren flower farmers Kerri McLennan and Andrew Leaf.
Shearer sets sights on states
Winchelsea shearer Maxi Armistead has big hopes for this year after a successful 2025 season.
Keep an eye out for caterpillar
After increasing reports of native armyworms, Agriculture Victoria is encouraging Colac and district farmers to know the difference between native and invasive species.
Farmer reappointed to role, ready to respond
The State Government has reappointed Peter Tuohey as its rural assistance commissioner to continue supporting rural and regional farming communities.
Revegetation grants help deliver native results
Landholders in the Heytesbury district can improve their properties and help the environment with the next wave of a high demand program.
