Articles by: Hannah Toohey
War on feral cats
Otway ecologists have backed the Federal Government’s new action plan to reduce feral cat numbers and prevent them from endangering or eradicating threatened species.
Irrewarra recorded as hot property
Irrewarra is one of the “most-searched” areas in the state by property buyers, according to recently released real estate data.
Rare native rat discovery
Ecologists and researchers have discovered a threatened species in the Otways, the rare native broad-toothed rat is more prevalent than they believed.
Drivers should expect delays for Gran Fondo
Anyone between Deans Marsh, Skenes Creek, Forrest and Lorne should plan for delays this weekend due to road closures for a major cycling event.
Port Campbell lifesaver receives top honour
Living his passion at Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club has won Darcy Tribe a state award.
Pipeline work impacting road
Construction of the 19-kilometre underground pipeline linking Colac’s water supply to the Birregurra township and Geelong’s water supply is continuing, with works impacting travellers on the Colac-Lorne Road until mid-December.
Pupils dress for the occasion
Colac South-West Primary School has dressed for the occasion during Book Week, with lots of fun outfits and creative ideas on display.
Combining art and science works
Elliminyt artist Gillian Bowen-Johnston is combining her passions for arts and science by featuring in a Shirty Science initiative with quantum physicist Ben McAllister.
Hospice in the running for statewide honour
Community hospice Anam Cara House Colac is a nominee for the 2023 Community Achievement Awards Victoria.
Dream contest for dancers
Local dance school Shae’K’It Studios is set to represent Colac nationally next month, facing off in a Penrith-based dance championship.
Early fire season expected
South-west Victorians can expect a drier and warmer spring this year, with a high chance of an earlier start to the fire season.
Chinese tourists set to return
Colac Otway tourism businesses hope to see Chinese tourist numbers return to pre-COVID levels, with the country permitting its citizens to visit Australia.
Skills shine at badminton
Sacred Heart Primary School pupils have taken out top honours in an interschool badminton tournament.
Duckloads of birds gather
Flocks of hundreds of freckled ducks have provided a spectacle on Lake Colac and other district waterways in recent months.
MPs inquire into Games cancellation
Three Western Victoria MPs will serve on an inquiry into the 2026 Victorian Commonwealth Games cancellation.
Kids’ books come to life
“Crazy, annoying, stupid stories” from two of Australia’s most popular children’s storytellers will come to life on stage in Colac next month.
CAREERS: Rising up the ranks by building up skills
For 19-year-old Xavier Coxon, working at KFC Colac isn’t just about providing “excellent food and excellent service”.
CAREERS: Rewarding work at Colac Otway
With an initial plan to “semi-retire” and have a “more laid-back lifestyle”, Paul Constantinidis has been “able to achieve the latter at this stage.”
Low vacancy rates continue for Colac rentals
Colac’s rental market remains tight, with a vacancy rate of just 1.4 per cent in July, as vacancy rates drop significantly across the country.
Program empowers women
Colac participants have praised the Women Leading Locally program, which aims to inspire women to get into local government.
Exploring art therapy inspires local painter
Living at Apollo Bay and working as an artist and art therapist, Caroline Williams describes her work as “organic, instinctive mark-making strongly inspired by nature”.
Cressy railway’s fascinating story
Local author and historian Norman Houghton has produced a new book about a historic railway line that linked the northern parts of the Colac Otway Shire.
World premiere hits Geelong
Geelong Arts Centre will host the world premiere of Hells Gates, a new Australian story from the Green Room award-winning team of storymakers at The Space Company.
Tidy Towns honour for school
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria has announced its shortlist for the 2023 Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards, with Camperdown’s Mercy Regional College featured in the Education category.
