Articles by: Hannah Toohey
A long passion for painting
Part of Irene Zappelli’s love for painting comes from showing young artists what they can achieve if they persevere with their passion.
Truck supports Otway terrain
Otways emergency service crews will be among the first to receive new vehicles under a statewide rolling fleet replacement.
Marine program aims to boost Sea Country
Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, Otways Ocean Care and the Conservation Ecology Centre have joined forces to build marine resilience along the Otways and south-west coast.
Captain credits staff for stopping fire
The quick thinking of staff has helped to stop the spread of a fire at a popular Colac café.
New fire chief is ready to lead
New acting District Six assistant chief fire officer Peter Lockwood is settling into his role and is preparing to lead the region through drought and a potential early fire season.
Structure blaze destroys home
Investigations are continuing into a fire that destroyed a historic home near Camperdown.
Lamb prices soaring amid feed challenge
A strong demand for trade lamb and 11th-hour rain has helped provide a desperately needed boost for drought-stricken sheep farmers across the region.
Council calls for feedback on town plans
Corangamite Shire Council is calling on residents to help plan the future of the shire’s largest towns.
All-abilities choir is ready to shine
After a successful concert last year, the Find Your Light all-abilities choir group is thrilled to be back for an eight-week musical journey.
More grant chances
A grant scheme that helped Forrest’s fire crew secure a new vehicle has reopened, with Colac and district emergency services encouraged to apply.
Powerful truth walk, First Nations show
A Walk for Truth through Colac and district has coincided with an acclaimed First Nations performance.
Pamper bags help women on farms
Acts of community kindness are set to give a much-needed boost to south-west Victorian women who are doing it tough on farms.
Fundraising signs a reminder of wellbeing centre goal
Eye-catching signs have popped up in the heart of Colac to serve as a reminder of an important local healthcare goal.
Vandalism plagues Port Campbell revitalisation
Corangamite Shire Council will “pursue prosecutions where possible” over a series of recent alleged vandalism incidents at Port Campbell.
SES reminder for maintenance
Although the district received a good drenching of rain in recent days, Colac SES has experienced a relatively quiet long weekend.
Colac fire boss finishes
After more than three decades of service to the CFA and almost five years as District Six assistant chief fire officer, Craig Brittain will leave behind a legacy of community service and resilience.
Stan’s fashionable forty years
From three-piece suits and bright ties to patterned pants and hats of every shade and style. A true passion for fashion has helped guide Ray Croft Colac stalwart Stan Woods during his 40 years in the clothing industry.
Research earns a high honour
Evidence continues to mount that Colac is leading the way in regional health research, with an impressive new appointment.
Humble Birregurra volunteers honoured
A former Birregurra CFA captain has received a rare honour.
State Government denies budget cuts
The State Government has refuted claims that the 2025-26 budgets for Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service and Fire Rescue Victoria have been cut.
G21 group decides to downsize
A large advocacy body that includes Colac Otway Shire has opted to downsize, getting rid of paid staff and dropping pillars.
Rate cut benefits buyers
Buyer confidence is growing in Colac, with increasing movement amid recent interest rate cuts and opportunities for entry-level property owners.
Colac collie top fur-raiser
Colac’s Megan Bridger-Darling has been part of a step for progress at a Multiple Sclerosis Walk Run and Roll event.
Extreme weather impacts dairy farm profits
Dairy Australia’s recently released Situation and Outlook for mid-year 2025 shows that recovery in Victorian regions for the year ahead is paramount to “reversing the current trends in industry confidence”.
