Articles by: Alex Baird
Activist among marathon winners
Australian activist and and 2021 Australian of the Year Grace Tame was among the winners who braved brutal conditions during the weekend’s Great Ocean Road Running Festival.
Emerging Cat steps up in new-look backline
Colac Imperials coach Paul Liistro says a depleted defence has brought the best footy out of young Cat Noah Allen.
Coastal Cup inspires Curnow
Watching players perform karaoke post-match, hearing tales about the Lorne-Apollo Bay rivalry and sharing a beer with the opposition, Ed Curnow’s country footy experience hit a high-note during his first Coastal Cup.
Fun up forward for milestone Roo
South Colac coach Brad Surkitt might have a hard time getting Mitch Perkins back in defence after the Roos skipper had a field day in a rare appearance up forward.
BUYER BEWARE: Council warns investors to do homework
Colac Otway Shire Council is warning potential investors of a planned Apollo Bay development to do their research before committing anything to the Great Ocean Road property.
Del runs for conservation
Running for conservation during this weekend’s Great Ocean Road Running Festival will inspire Delaney Martin to get through her biggest challenge on two feet.
Fifty years of Father Michael
Admiring how the kids of Colac can aspire to be an AFL champion like their very own Luke Hodge or an Australian cricket captain, which Aaron Finch achieved by hitting boundaries at the Western Oval, puts a smile on Father Michael O’Toole’s face.
Historic Hawks reunite
Footballers piled onto the back of a truck and were led down the main street of Apollo Bay by a man playing the bagpipes after their achievements in 1984.
Pennant win for Bay golfers
Champion Apollo Bay golfer Vicki Hannah says a growing interest in the female ranks has played a pivotal role in landing the club a South West pennant title.
State snubs Bay surf club again
Apollo Bay surf life saving volunteers will go through another summer protecting lives with below-par facilities after being snubbed for state funding again.
Coragulac footballer reflects on premiership
Coragulac’s sole flag in the Hampden league would go on to shape the careers of a host of talented footballers in the region like Gary Kelly, who won a Maskell Medal before going on to forge a decorated career in Geelong’s major league. The former Colac local will reunite with his old Hawks teammates this Saturday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their under-18 premiership.
Harbour planning continues
The authority now leading the redevelopment of the Apollo Bay harbour says it plans to have the long-awaited project completed by “mid-2026”.
Another young tall to debut for Simpson
Simpson will unveil another tall option in attack tomorrow when teenager Jayden Gass makes his senior football debut in the Tigers’ clash against the Western Eagles.
Sam inspires Hanna’s run
Admiring Colac’s Sam Grinton’s inspiring efforts fundraising for brain cancer research and learning the devastating stats surrounding the disease signed Hanna Mueller up for this year’s Great Ocean Road half-marathon alongside her work colleague.
Salvos plan safe space for teens
Transforming Colac’s Salvos into a safe space for young people to “drop in” could be a reality from next month.
End of era for Colac Red Cross shop
An iconic Colac op shop along Murray Street has been forced to shut its doors after 21 years due to declining volunteer numbers.
Foundation’s fundraising goal ahead of festival
Apollo Bay and District Health Foundation is hoping it won’t take a marathon effort to fundraise for a life-saving piece of equipment for the community.
Cats share a close connection
As close mates, Josh Garner and Josh McDonald had plenty in common growing up together in Colac away from cricket.
Schools combine to hit a high note
A growing partnership between young musicians from Colac and Apollo Bay hit another high note during a Combined Band Workshop with schools from the district.
Locals loving LIV Golf
Returning home with a tee from Masters champion Patrick Reed, watching kids high-fiving Aussie superstar Cameron Smith and shaking the hand of Greg Norman, Colac’s Aaron Townsend says LIV Golf has given fans of the sport something to finally look forward to.
Personalised flowers for mum
Early morning trips to Melbourne to hand pick floral arrangements from suppliers will ensure mum gets the pick of the bunch from Thistle and Thorn this year.
Remembering those ‘close to our hearts’
A memorial service is being hosted in Colac ahead of Mother’s Day’s to “remember and reflect” loved ones.
A show like no other
Lovers of 80s music and a good time have a rare opportunity to hit the stage at COPACC and feature in the production All Fired Up.
Kitchen gardens to dream Landcare role
One of the secret ingredients to Abby Imhoff’s successes in life has evolved through sustainable edible gardens and what they can deliver to communities.
