Articles by: Hannah Toohey

Future is bright for top students
Excitement and aspirations have filled Trinity College Colac’s Year 12 graduates, following the release of ATAR scores across the state.

More grants to support emergency service crews
Victoria’s emergency services have received a further funding boost through a new grant round.

Surf Coast joining in on inclusive program
Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted the international Hidden Disability Sunflower program at maternal child and family health services across the shire.

Leadership shift for local alliance
Corangamite Shire Council’s mayor has been elected to a leadership position in the SouthWest Victoria Alliance.

High-capacity Helitack boost
Colac Airfield has become a hive of activity for a multi-agency safety session, with a new aircraft offering increased capacity this fire season.

Firefighters attend multiple burn-offs
Firefighting crews have turned out to three burn-offs in the Otways across the last week, including during the Fire Danger Period.

Rental key thief arrested, facing court
A Colac man is set to face court following a “brazen burglary” where he allegedly stole hundreds of spare rental keys from a Warrnambool real estate agency.

Woman hurt in city crash
An elderly woman has been taken to hospital following a collision at an Elliminyt intersection.

Carols spirit fuels 2026 event
Festive music, performances and community spirit have filled Memorial Square for Colac’s Carols by Candlelight.

Fire restrictions in force from today
Today marks the first day of the Fire Danger Period in Colac Otway and Corangamite shires.

Spring rain brings farmers hope
Colac’s final store cattle sale of the year has highlighted the market’s better position following an improved spring.

Drought ‘hangover’ lingering in south-west
South-west Victorian farmers have shared a mixed outlook for the approaching season, following a new report by Dairy Australia.

Officers probe crash, flag thefts
Police are continuing to investigate a crash at the Princes Highway roundabout at Colac East that left two people hospitalised.

Pay attention to roads, traffic changes: police
Police are urging caution after two collisions at separate intersections of Cape Otway Road this week.

Crews review coast response
South-west coastal emergency service crews and authorities have joined forces in a plan to be best prepared for future marine and coastal incidents.

Campaign drives safety
Two multicultural Colac residents have helped pave a new way to remind the community to drive safely.

Cliff alert: Steer clear, be mindful
A coastal authority has reminded Colac and district community members to practise safety around cliffs on the Great Ocean Road.

Tribute of thanks for cancer care
A former Cobden resident’s generous donation has led to a new development in treating Colac and district community members close to home.

Pill testing service aims for less harm
With festival season well underway, Colac and district community members are encouraged to make informed health decisions with the continuation of the State Government’s mobile pill testing trial.

Worker protection welcomed
Colac business owners have welcomed new laws that are set to protect customer-facing workers across Victoria.

Learning, leading across 20 years
All things automotive have always been a key part of Colby Platt’s life.

Taskforce targets district
A Camperdown man is among multiple alleged offenders who have been charged during a police operation in western Victoria.

Shopping small unites traders
Stores across central Colac have backed the idea of extended opening hours and shopping locally for the festive season, with one Murray Street business experiencing a record-breaking day for sales.

Construction forces closure of Lorne bushfire safety site
One of Lorne’s Bushfire Places of Last Resort will close temporarily during summer, as construction works take place for Point Grey’s redevelopment.

