Articles by: Alex Baird
Bumper racing season awaits
Traditional events and new initiatives have the Colac Turf Club priced as unbackable favourites to produce a racing season to remember.
Men invited to the table
A new mental health initiative encouraging men to build mateship in a safe space is being launched in Colac next week.
Toy Library opens in the Bay
Apollo Bay kids have a whole new world of exploring to do thanks to a community initiative.
Thoughts with Israeli friends
New Apollo Bay school teacher Corey Bolton says he would return to Israel in a heartbeat with his young family to stand by his friends during the country’s current war crisis.
Site a solution for arts group
With an affordable housing option seemingly off the table at 69 McLachlan Street, Apollo Bay artists are pleading for it to become a makers’ space for the town’s thriving creative community.
Still celebrating the reward of a bold decision
Kennett River’s Matt Bain will be forever grateful his wife Brooke twisted his arm to make a last-ditch attempt to watch his beloved Pies win an AFL premiership live at the MCG.
Lorne theatre confidence
A community leader is confident Lorne’s iconic theatre will remain a key part of the tourist town in the future as its original self.
College cow’s local flavour
Apollo Bay P-12 College pupils could get more than a freebee at the local ice cream shop if their artwork promoting the dairy industry is recognised on a national scale.
Stamp of approval for iconic road
Tourists think the Great Ocean Road is a Mickey Mouse location, and now it has the stamp of approval.
Leaders hope for positive review on harbour plans
Community leaders hope upgrades to the Apollo Bay harbour will match the original plans when a review is complete for the new authority in charge of the project.
Community feedback key to reserve upgrade
A passionate Apollo Bay community member says plans for much-needed upgrades to the town’s recreation reserve are in better shape 18 months down the track after GORCAPA sought feedback from residents.
AFL focus for Bay photographer
A photo of pure elation behind the scenes with this year’s Geelong league premiers has once again put Apollo Bay photographer Amber Noseda in the spotlight of the AFL’s Footy Focus competition.
Teen on the cusp of senior state debut
Geelong coach Stephen Field says Colac teenager Aanliya Cheeran is on the cusp of making her debut for Victoria in senior women’s cricket’s national competition as she prepares for a historic weekend with the Cats.
Vixens contract not official
Colac rising star Zara Walters is yet to sign with the Melbourne Vixens as elite netballers continue working through a Collective Players Agreement with the sport’s governing body.
Mulgrew move thrills mentor
New South Colac coach Brad Surkitt says he hopes he can get the best out of returning Roos footballer Clay Mulgrew.
Hole-in-one continues golfer’s impressive journey
Golf has come somewhat naturally for Colac’s Mark Ritchie, who has reached single-figure handicap status and now has a hole-in-one on his home course less than a decade after taking up the sport.
Surkitt says he’s ready for first coaching gig
First-year senior footy coach Brad Surkitt says he had plenty of influential mentors to take notes from as he prepares to take the reins of South Colac.
Colac Lawn gears up for 100-year celebrations
Mark “Butch” Robinson can’t wait to relive the glory days of the Colac Lawn Tennis courts and bring the next generation along for the ride during 100-year celebrations of the iconic club.
Roo beauty – South Colac announces new coach
South Colac officials got their wish of landing an accomplished footballer with connections to the area to coach the club next year.
Is McMahon the key to City’s chances?
Could Rebecca McMahon hold the key to City regaining its place at the top of midweek pennant bowls?
Demons add to legacy
Emma Sutherland and Alex Burnett added to their footy and netball legacies at Otway Districts with more best-and-fairest crowns at the club in 2023.
Behind the scenes after Brisbane’s three-peat
Ros Monaghan says watching the Brisbane Lions celebrate their famous three-peat behind closed doors was just like being back at Central Reserve after one of Colac’s premiership wins.
Local connections to boost Birregurra
Two CDCA premiership players and a state under-19 cricketer, all with connections to Birregurra, have the Saints primed for a red-hot crack at finals in 2023-24.
Retirement plans on hold
Irrewarra-Beeac champion Rachel Rodger is one of Colac district netball’s greatest to ever hit the court and she says this year’s premiership wouldn’t be a bad way to finish a career like no other.
