Articles by: Hannah Toohey

Colac Otway ambos experience slight time increase
Colac Otway paramedics have responded to hundreds of critical incidents in three months, with a slightly slower turnout time than the previous quarter.

WE WILL WALK: Farmers consider firefighting future with proposed levy
District farmers are considering stepping down from their firefighting roles if a proposed levy is passed in parliament this week.

Flu numbers low, RSV up
While influenza numbers are currently low across the state, Colac doctors are seeing a rise in patients with respiratory syncytial virus.

Empty effluent ponds for growth
Agriculture Victoria’s dairy industry development officer Rachael Campbell says emptying dairy effluent ponds can benefit pastures.

Otway’s international ham award
Otway Pork has taken out another accolade, winning the Best Ham category at international meat awards.

Watch out for winds
Port Campbell Sergeant David Banks has warned motorists to be mindful on the roads as seasonal changes, including high winds, impact the region.

Vital training boost
An impressive $32,000 raised from the Otway Trail Run will provide life-support paediatric and adult simulators for Colac Area Health.

Acid spill site deemed safe
Emergency services crews have responded to a hydrochloric acid spill at Camperdown.

Burning off is sparking incidents
An escaped burn-off is the confirmed cause of an out-of-control grass fire at Gellibrand on the weekend.

Labor’s drop favours Dyson, data shows
More than 100,000 Wannon votes have now been counted, and while MP Dan Tehan has retained the seat, independent candidate Alex Dyson has seen record swings in his favour, likely claiming a swathe of votes from Labor.

Dyson considering fourth tilt
Wannon independent candidate Alex Dyson is considering the possibility of contesting the seat for a fourth time.

Marmalade maker’s reputation is spreading
Elliminyt’s Heather Cardinal never expected her journey in the world of marmalade to grow as big as it has.

Burn-off warning as restrictions end
Local emergency services have issued a warning about burning off outside of the Fire Danger Period, now that Colac Otway’s restrictions have eased.

Budget includes millions for Winchelsea, Lorne
Surf Coast Shire Council has released its draft 2025-26 budget for community feedback, with significant funding allocations for Winchelsea.

MP wins Wannon
Wannon incumbent Dan Tehan will enter his sixth term as the electorate’s MP, retaining his seat in Saturday’s federal election.

Rider dies in crash near Lorne
Geelong Highway Patrol officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Eastern View near Lorne on Friday morning.

Dry district conditions double cattle numbers
Colac’s May store sale saw more than twice the advertised number of cattle sold due to dry conditions across the district.

Winch’s population set for future boom
Surf Coast Shire Council has confirmed Winchelsea will be the shire’s top location for future growth.

Trash talk should be reported
Overflowing bins at Marriner’s Lookout were the subject of online criticism during the Easter and Anzac Day period, but only one complaint went to the responsible authority.

Pumped to grow
Multiflora Nursery is set to welcome a heap of huge pumpkins for its second annual giant pumpkin competition.

Fire restrictions set to finish
Local fire restrictions are set to end tomorrow, after being in place for almost six months.

Cressy locals pay respect
Cressy Aerodome welcomed local residents and visitors to its Anzac Day service last week, bringing the community together to pay respects.

Band’s jazz connection and tour
It’s International Jazz Day today, and a local teenage band is soaking it up before they embark on an exciting tour.

Rural setting pulls Chris back
Chris Rushan’s ties to Colac have come full circle – starting as a paramedic in the city eight years ago, he is now undergoing a year of placement locally for his postgraduate medicine degree.

