Articles by: Greta Lannen
Program planning begins
The steering committee for a farmer transition program has wasted no time in starting the planning process, after the program received State Government funding last week.
Colac band calls time after almost four decades
After almost four decades as the reigning sound of Colac’s weddings, balls, swings and school dances, the Frank Lawrence Old Time Dance Band will close on a dulcet note.
Youth mental health under the spotlight
Improving mental health in Colac must start at a school level, a Colac school wellbeing officer says.
Couple’s enduring love drives 60-year marriage
Dolores and Rex Murrell’s love story began at Cressy Bakery more than six decades ago.
Crash corner worries residents
Barwon Downs residents and Polwarth MP Richard Riordan are calling for the redesign of a dangerous corner at the township where more than 30 incidents have occurred in the past year.
Sisters share century-long bond
Former Colac district woman Violet Stephens says she won’t feel any different when she turns 104 on Sunday.
Fossils found near Cape Otway
A fossilised riverbed at Cape Otway continues to yield fascinating 107-million-year-old dinosaur fossils, revealing insights into the lives of the ancient reptiles.
Man back at work after losing limb
An Apollo Bay man says he has remained positive despite losing a leg to flesh-eating bacteria.
Mental health work honoured
Colac’s Orange Door has earned recognition for its promotion of positive mental health and wellbeing in the community at the Colac Otway Mental Health Week awards.
Obesity rate surging across Colac region
Overweight and obesity rates are almost 20 per cent higher in Colac Otway than in Melbourne, with more people overweight in regional areas than in metro areas.
Flu rates fall after busy season
Colac and district has had six times more flu cases this year than last year, as a virulent strain swept the region.
Hair donor wants to help kids
The journey of a classmate’s sister has inspired Colac’s Tessa Tucker-Schwan to shave her head and donate her hair to charity.
Apollo Bay protestors want climate action
Apollo Bay environmentalist Lisa Deppeler has led a group of Apollo Bay residents at Melbourne’s climate strike.
Video link for coastal patients
Lorne and Apollo Bay residents will now have access to specialist emergency doctors after hours, thanks to a new video link.
Push for access to health trials
Barwon Downs resident Jamie Bell is advocating for easier access to clinical trials for people in regional areas, saying it is an issue affecting people across the country.
Water works hurting business
A Colac business has said Barwon Water road closures and detours have led to a decline in customers, after having less than a week’s notice of the works.
Rising stage star heading to Korea
Colac-raised actor Ryan Quinn will travel overseas for the experience of a lifetime, taking his musical theatre career to new heights.
Scout’s eye-opening adventure
Colac’s Teá Rabbette has returned home from a “once in a lifetime opportunity” at the World Scout Jamboree.
Concerns over disability services privatisation
November’s privatisation of Victorian disability services could lead to more cases of abuse and a higher turnover of staff at Colac group homes, a union says.
Warnings as region braces for cold snap
Snow could fall in the Otways today with forecasts of damaging high winds.
Bag ban brings up challenges
A state-wide plastic bag ban will cause cost issues for Colac businesses as they consider alternate options such as paper and reusable bags.
Laboratory experience for budding scientists
Some of Colac’s future scientists have had a look into their possible careers after a week-long visit to the Gene Technology Access Centre in Melbourne.
Speeding drivers shock schoolkids
Students and staff at Colac Specialist School have expressed their concerns about dangerous driving on Wilson Street, causing risky situations for students and parents.
Pledge to keep health services
Colac Area Health is assuring the community that it will maintain service levels, despite the “disappointing” closure of a private pathology laboratory at the hospital.
