Articles by: Billy Higgins
Parker sees bright future at Bombers
Irrewarra-Beeac coach Cam Parker credits the club’s playing group for its turnaround in fortunes, as it aims to lock in a finals double chance.
MP wants details of COVID inquiry
The State Government has refused to publicly release the findings of a review into the use of security firms during last year’s botched hotel quarantine program.
Climate group formed
Surf Coast Shire Council will become a founding member of a new regional environment partnership, and Colac Otway could soon join it.
Victoria on edge as COVID cases emerge
Victorian health authorities are on alert after new mystery cases of COVID-19 emerged this week.
Rising rent ramps up pressure on housing affordability
Colac’s rental vacancy rate is at a nine-year low and rentals are becoming unaffordable for low-income workers, new data shows, as the city remains in the grips of a housing crisis.
Final chance for Lorne Co-op
Lorne residents have a glimmer of hope to save the town’s former Fishermen’s Co-Operative building, after Surf Coast Shire Council deferred a decision to allow a Point Grey precinct development to progress.
Proposed rule could hurt regional network
A regional advocacy group fears regional mobile and internet services could be under threat, in the wake of a new competition watchdog report.
Beeac hotel’s hidden gems
A former stable behind Beeac’s Farmers Arms Hotel is home to a treasure trove of classic cars and parts, attracting visitors from far and wide to marvel at the collection.
Corangamite Shire funds community facilities, festivals
Corangamite Shire Council have signed off on more than $230,000 in community grants.
COVID-19 contacts released
Victoria has released thousands of COVID close contacts from isolation as the state emerges from its latest outbreak.
Minister misses sitting
Wannon MP Dan Tehan will miss this week’s Federal Parliament sitting in quarantine.
Progress for Apostle walk
Corangamite Shire Council has awarded another contract for its marquee Twelve Apostles Trail.
Housing news for Winchelsea
More residential land is set to become available at Winchelsea, including for elderly residents, and a petition to reopen the town’s stadium is before the council.
Creepy and kooky musical must wait
COVID-19 restrictions have forced the postponement of another Colac high school theatre production.
Boosts for city’s traders
Colac and district residents have returned to their favourite cafes and coffee haunts this week as the region’s fifth COVID-19 shutdown ended.
Winch hall in public’s hands
Winchelsea Shire Hall is back in community hands.
Council facilities re-open to public
A host of Colac Otway Shire Council services have reopened under COVID-safe measures.
SES land back up for sale
Surf Coast Shire Council will release industrial land for Winchelsea and facilitate the gifting of the town’s SES site, just a month after deferring a sale.
Colac represented at national landcare forum
Colac’s Karen O’Keefe will share her insights into the local region at a major Australia-wide landcare forum.
Lorne pub business liquidation
Liquidators will investigate amounts owed to staff at a Lorne pub that has gone into liquidation.
$1.5 million plan to help dunes
On-ground remediation and school education programs underpin a $1.5-million Federal Government investment towards local sand dune preservation.
OPENING UP: Kids return to school as footy and netball resume
Colac and district families are rejoicing with schools set to re-open today as Victoria eases out of lockdown, while football and netball will resume this weekend.
Lockdown to lift tomorrow
School, business and sport can all resume across Colac and district from tomorrow as Victoria’s lockdown lifts.
Ashlyn’s haircut on hold
Colac student Ashlyn Murnane will have more time to smash her fundraising targets for a children’s cancer charity after Victoria’s lockdown derailed her plans.
