Articles by: Hannah Toohey

Local treatment a GORH priority
A regional health service at Apollo Bay and Lorne has prioritised creating options for patients to be treated locally this year.

Hidden garden art tells story
There’s a story behind each miniature artwork currently nestled in the Colac Botanic Gardens.

Fundraiser honours Henry
“It takes a special child to have made such an impact on a school and community in such a short time of their life.”

Fire prompts season warning
Beeac Rural Fire Brigade community safety coordinator Lucy Richardson has praised the community’s fast response after a grass fire, but warned of the upcoming fire season.

High demand for smoke help
New research suggests almost one in seven adults in Colac Otway shire is a daily smoker, while an estimated five per cent of adults in the shire currently vape.

Otways blaze still burning
An Otways blaze west of Lavers Hill remains out of control, after almost five days of burning.

Renewed calls for fire refuge
Otways community members have raised renewed concerns about where they can go on a fire danger day, after a bushfire on the weekend left some locals “confused” about their options.

Mountain challenge inspired by daughter
Barongarook West’s Tim Lucas is set to walk up Australia’s highest mountain this weekend to raise funds for Down Syndrome Victoria.

Otways on fire: Crews battle two bushfires
Corangamite group officer Mark Billing has warned of the danger of this year’s fire season, with the Otway Ranges sparking up in two separate bushfires over the weekend.

Ambulance times improve
Colac Otway’s paramedics responded to Code One incidents almost two minutes faster in recent months, latest data shows.

Caring nature guides Hayley
Long before she chose the path of perioperative nursing, Hayley Grasso knew that caring for people was what she was made for.

“Bizarre” whirlwind in district
Coragulac could have been confused with Kansas for a short time on Monday, with a “bizarre” whirlwind passing through the town.

Key projects take shape, nearing end
Key projects in Winchelsea are nearing completion, with the town’s new pool, adventure play space and Barwon River loop scheduled to open early next year.

Art treasure hunt in Botanic Gardens
The Colac Botanic Gardens have come to life this month, with the possibility of magic around every corner.

Remembrance Day: Afghanistan leaves impression
When ex-serviceman David Bennett stands at Colac’s Remembrance Day service today, he will take the time to remember those who did not return.

College appoints leaders
Colac Secondary College has crowned its new school captains for 2025.

Better feeding, smarter breeding
Pelican Rise’s Paul Meade says the first feed efficiency test results for his Limousin herd will lead to smarter breeding decisions, with more positive outcomes on the horizon.

New court for Colac community
Discussions about Colac’s need for a new basketball ring led Chris Potter and Nick Hay to give it their best shot.

Treated water for town
A long-term water supply has been secured for Birregurra, with the town now connected to Colac’s system.

Have your say on trail name
Corangamite Shire Council has joined forces with Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to propose a formal name for the new trail between Timboon and Port Campbell.

Committee job up for grabs
Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking submissions from community members interested in joining the Tirrengower Drainage Scheme advisory committee.

City looks great for races
Fashionable frocks and fabulous fascinators have starred in a host of Melbourne Cup get-togethers across Colac.

Free fun for women next week
It’s all about girl power in Colac next week, with multiple community activities on offer to celebrate This Girl Can Week.

Etched into history
Local historian Helen Paatsch has been honoured for her services to Trinity College Colac, with the school unveiling a commemorative plaque.

