Articles by: Hannah Toohey

Faulty heater causes blaze
A faulty electric heater has sparked a fire that “fully involved” a shed in Colac.

Sentencing sparks debate
A magistrate’s message to a young victim of family violence has sparked community discussion about the need for court sentencing to fit the crime.

Rewarding roles with riding club
Riding for the Disabled Colac volunteer Michael Bergin says the social side of the organisation keeps him “involved in the community”.

Olympic hurdler remembered
Olympian Robert Joyce is being remembered for his athletic abilities and being “a mentor and friend” to his loved ones.

Officers investigating car blaze
Police are investigating a Yeodene car fire that engulfed the vehicle on the weekend.

Burnout risk for workers
There is a high chance that Colac and district workers are facing burn out, with a new Beyond Blue community poll showing one in two Australians commonly experience it.

Lamb prices rise like ewe wouldn’t believe
With heavy lamb prices continuing to fetch record highs around the state, Colac district voices have weighed in on whether the good run will continue.

Push to bring family to Colac
Colac man Wichjial Makuey hopes to have his sister, nieces and nephews join him in Australia to finally experience safety and security.

Lion’s heart for helping
“It’s the enjoyment of giving something back.” Lions Club of Colac has been behind vital projects in the community for decades, and volunteers have been at the heart of it.

Region set to receive $14M coverage boost
Telstra is set to roll out new or improved mobile coverage across the Barwon South West region, including at locations like Colac and Forrest.

Project preserves history
While Colac and District History Group members love to look back in time, they will have their sights set on the future as they tackle a new project.

Alleged firearm offences linked to Camperdown
Police investigators have executed search warrants in and around Camperdown for alleged firearms offences.

Witnesses sought after intersection incident
Colac Police are appealing for information after a motorist fled a crash scene west of Colac.

Call to recognise abuse signs
A magistrate’s moving message has sparked conversations about unhealthy relationships and recognising signs of abuse.

Colac residents ready to shine on Sunrise
Long-time Colac supporters of Love Your Sister, Bobby and Lynne Barker, are set to appear on national television this week for the charity.

Test prepares crews for water incidents
Colac and district SES crews have made a splash for safety this week, and are ready to tackle water rescues including flood incidents.

Yoorrook report delivers reconciliation roadmap
The Yoorrook Justice Commission’s historic final report details 100 recommendations for a road to reconciliation.

Police want witnesses over district diesel spill
Police have urged motorists to be aware of road conditions after multiple incidents on district roads this week.

Co-ordinated care for network
Colac Area Heath has issued a reminder that its new grouping is “not a merger”, following the commencement of Victoria’s new local health service networks.

Residents shape council plan
Corangamite Shire Council has adopted a new council plan for the next four years, with residents’ priorities including aged care, housing and childcare.

Crews attend Colac power pole blaze
A Colac power pole has caught fire this week, while wild winds led to a conductor clash in a separate incident.

Corangamite plan boosts key towns, projects
Corangamite Shire Council’s newly adopted four-year plan will support growth at Camperdown and push for project funding at Cobden, Timboon and more.

Information sought on Bay burglaries
Apollo Bay Police are appealing for information regarding a recent string of burglaries in the town.

One airlifted in Otways incident
Two motorbike riders have been hospitalised with serious injuries, with one airlifted to Melbourne after an incident in the Otways.

