Articles by: Hannah Toohey

Chopper called to the rescue
A woman has been winched to safety in the second beach rescue off the Otways coast in a matter of weeks.

Spike in work violence reports
“Our message to the community is clear – aggression or violence towards healthcare workers is never acceptable.”

Patrollers nabbing speeders
Colac and district has avoided any major trauma across the Melbourne Cup long weekend, but the latest statewide road policing operation recorded a spike in speeding offences.

Demand strong ahead of season
With the new lamb season yet to begin for Colac and district, there has been a correction in the national sheep and lamb market.

BABY BYPASS: Praise for health service amid fewer Colac births
Mothers have praised maternity care at Colac’s hospital, but figures reveal the number of babies born in the city has dropped by more than half.

Colac’s new ride for independence
Riding for the Disabled Colac has marked a special milestone with a carriage christening this week.

Sweet reward for Colac chef
A Colac pastry chef has received a special nationwide accolade for her sweet disposition.

Police seize weapons at Cobden, man to face court over charges
A Cobden man is facing multiple charges relating to firearms following a national week of police action.

District dodges worst damage
Wild winds across south-west Victoria and beyond saw weather records broken this week, as SES crews attended to fallen trees and debris.

Officials seeing local spike in virus
With peak flu season over in Victoria, another virus has had a notably strong presence in Colac this year.

Millions for Dyson bid
An independent candidate for Wannon received more than $2 million in campaign donations towards his unsuccessful bid, newly released figures show.

Festival organisers ready for weekend
The countdown is on for Colac Area Health Foundation’s Otways Winter Festival, with a seasonal shift to spring.

Patients turning to virtual department
Colac Area Health has indicated that an increasing number of patients are turning to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, reducing pressure on the hospital’s Urgent Care Centre.

Farmers doubt Bureau outlook
Farmers across the Colac district have echoed concerns about the unreliability of the Bureau of Meteorology’s long-range predictions, choosing to draw upon other resources for a plan of action.

Educator welcomes tech rules
Colac education figures have weighed in on newly announced technology changes for students, which include screen time limits and changes to the supply of laptops and tablets.

Party leader visits plantations
A former Queensland senator has taken a tour across south-west Victoria, including to plantations in the Simpson district.

