Articles by: Hannah Toohey
Charlie the King of Parkes
Not many teenagers spend their 16th birthday performing at an Elvis festival.
Otillia marks new generation
Meet Otillia Alger, who is the first baby born in Colac in 2025.
Teddies to take flight at Birre
It’s a magical spectacle and a day of fun – teddies floating through the air at Birregurra.
Weaner sale yards almost 2600
The Birregurra Steer, Weaner and Female Sale has set in hopes for a positive season to come.
More venues needed in Colac
An online post has sparked discussion about how to re-energise the city’s nightlife.
Colac rocker remembered
Tributes are continuing to roll in for old-school Colac rocker Stuart Wood, who was instrumental to the local music scene.
Campfire caused Otways blaze
Colac Crime Investigation Unit are continuing to appeal for witnesses at last week’s Cape Otway blaze, which was caused by a campfire.
Two injured during Gellibrand rollover
A car rollover at Gellibrand left two people injured on the weekend, with crews also attending an accident on the Great Ocean Road.
Leaders laud locals’ response
CFA District Six assistant chief fire officer Craig Brittain says Cape Otway’s bushfire “definitely could have been a lot more serious than what it was”, due to the extremely dry terrain this season.
Police investigate cause of accident
Police are still investigating the cause of a single-vehicle road incident at Deans Marsh.
Aircraft prepared for fire response
Two aircraft stationed in the Colac district are ready to respond over the summer season, including the biggest single-engine helicopter in the world.
Brigades praised for giving aid
CFA District Six assistant chief fire officer Craig Brittain has thanked all district brigade members who attended the Grampians bushfires, which was declared contained this week.
Multiple fires during ban day
With illegal campfires recurring at Meredith Park across the weekend, multiple CFA members have issued fresh warnings to campers.
Fire volunteers commended
After responding to more than 285 calls last year, the Colac Fire Brigade is looking ahead to new challenges and achievements in 2025.
Yards prepared for largest sale
The biggest weaner sale of the year is set to return to Colac this week, with an expectation of quality pulling in buyers from beyond Victoria’s borders.
Very big year for little Cressy
For the small town of Cressy, 2024 was all about putting the area on the map and pulling people to the region.
Colac CFA supports Grampians
A quiet Christmas and New Year period locally led to Colac Fire Brigade offering a helping hand to the fire-stricken Grampians region.
Kinder teachers back where it all began
After leaving Apollo Bay for decades, an invisible string has pulled Eliza Lee and Deanne Lenehan back to the town – teaching at the same kindergarten they attended together 50 years ago.
Season changes management
With this year bringing unprecedented drought conditions for parts of south-west Victoria, Mary Ann Holt has adapted to taking resourceful measures on the farm.
Rescuers reflecting on incredible effort
SES Colac Unit controller Steve Tevelein has looked back on the unit’s busiest year on record, with crews attending more than 415 incidents across 2024.
Tools down for talented techie
After starting a telephone and data service company in Colac more than three decades ago, Terry Stevens is ready to sign out.
Community joins for brilliant $20K fundraiser
Colac and district’s community has dug deep at this year’s Christmas by the Lake event, raising about $20,000 for Colac Area Health Foundation.
Weather impacts trees and power
Monday’s high heat and winds across the Colac Otway region resulted in power outages, trees down and even a water rescue.
Outage concerns resident
Kawarren resident Lindsay Riches says being left without any mobile phone service on a day of extreme fire danger is “pretty poor”.
