Articles by: Alex Baird
Bay residents fighting against kinder auction
A petition to keep Apollo Bay’s old kinder site in community hands is circling the coastal town in another attempt to stop the sale of 69 McLachlan Street.
Young Tigers book spot in decider
Colac Tigers coach Tyson Hay says his under-14 footballers' “determination and grit” booked them a spot in a grand final after an exciting come-from-behind win.
Skipper inspires Saints
Birregurra under-18 coach Nathan Maslen says his group is inspired to perform for sidelined skipper Harry Brien and other teammates missing finals footy.
Champion footballers boost Bombers
Irrewarra-Beeac’s emerging football talents in the reserves haven’t had to look far for direction on the field in the lead-up to finals.
Composting is a team effort
Apollo Bay’s food waste crusaders are ready to let the world know about their high-tech operation doing its bit to protect the environment.
Young Eagles show promise
Young Western Eagles mentor Elijah Reid says he and co-coach Luke Fish have evolved with their under-14.5 footballers after leading a young squad to finals during a second year in charge.
Apollo Bay festival beats winter blues
Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce president and chair of the Winter Wild committee Kevin O’Connell says the festival’s importance to the coastal town is enormous during quieter times.
Community unites to celebrate
Winter Wild organisers say this year’s festival is dedicated to the Apollo Bay community and celebrating what the district offers through entertainment, produce and artistry.
Habitat restoration project starts at Lorne
A habitat restoration project will start at Lorne this week to protect and enhance the coastline.
Young couple speaks after dramatic ordeal
A young couple has spoken about their terrifying experience near Lorne when the car and camper trailer they were sleeping in was stolen.
Bay youngster’s Wild ambition
Nothing encapsulates community spirit more than a 12-year-old taking on the responsibility of organising a key event for one of Apollo Bay’s major festivals.
Fears for future of soccer with no Colac base
A junior soccer pioneer says Colac’s impressive track record of producing sporting superstars will never crack into the world game without a proper facility in the heart of the city.
Joy finds her feet in the country
Joy Whitton didn’t leave her curious nature behind when she and husband Peter Newnham ditched the city for country living at Johanna four years ago.
Lorne loo plans released
The revamp of a vital toilet block and changeroom facilities at Lorne’s beach will start in the new year after the authority behind the project revealed its design.
Family saves orphaned joey
An Apollo Bay family had a special night nursing an orphaned joey after rescuing him from his mother’s pouch.
Voice opposes Bay land sale
Apollo Bay Community Voice has moved swiftly to try to halt the sale of town’s the old kindergarten site in a statement to Colac Otway Shire Council.
CAREERS: Return to work pays off for Emma
A new journey at AKD Softwoods as a single mother didn’t stop Emma Methven from climbing the leadership ladder with the Colac company. The Simpson product is now a supervisor at AKD’s dry mill after starting as a production worker in the same department when she joined in 2017 juggling a busy life with her […]
CAREERS: A learning journey for aspiring chef
Apprentice chef Danielle Spry hopes to one day explore kitchens around Australia after learning her craft behind the scenes at Colac Hospital.
CAREERS: New roles and challenges keeping Jared engaged
What started as a trial to see what the manufacturing world was like has turned into a full-scale career for Jared Pietsch, who has grown with AKD over a 10-year period.
CAREERS: Apprentice opportunities
Justin McGuane knows the benefits of going through Westvic Staffing Solutions as an apprentice and now a boss.
Bay artists fight for a new home
A thriving new pottery group at Apollo Bay says it desperately needs a dedicated art makers’ space in town to sustain moving forward.
Big tasks ahead for coastal trail
A major walking trail linking Skenes Creek to Fairhaven is preparing for detailed design stage and a cultural heritage management plan.
Bay wants state-run childcare
Apollo Bay’s tricky childcare situation could hinge on an important State Government announcement later this year.
Club hopes to cash in on Matildas mayhem
Colac Otway Rovers officials hope they can cash in on “Matildas Mania” and create history by introducing female teams next year.
