Articles by: Hannah Toohey
New Colac Otway platform to boost health
Deakin University researchers are calling on the Colac Otway community to share their food shopping experiences, with a new platform launching this week across the shire.
Committee’s plan to honour culture
Cultura Colac’s intercultural committee hopes to celebrate diversity and provide support by launching a series of initiatives in the city.
Surf Coast councillor guilty of misconduct
A Surf Coast Shire councillor’s month-long suspension has begun after being found guilty of misconduct.
Callout after boat breakdown
Camperdown SES crews have worked to assist two men following a boating mishap at Lake Bullen Merri.
Local care makes difference
Colac resident John Permezel says the city is “blessed” to have cancer care close to home, as he continues to navigate his own diagnosis.
Rain needed to boost hay yields
Colac and district farmers are banking on more spring rain to ensure a productive hay harvest season, following a late start to grass growth.
New Apostles group to benefit CFA brigades
Members of CFA District Six’s newly formed Apostles group are continuing their pre-summer training, with their first exercise set for next month.
Moon Festival brings a taste of Taiwan to city
Jo Crosbie’s “crazy dream” of hosting an ancient festival close to her heart is set to finally come to life.
Accused burglar faces court
A man accused of committing a $12,500 burglary at a Simpson store will remain in police custody.
A ‘marvellous’ milestone
After building a life in the district for more than 15 years, Russell Hellier is proud to have become an official Australian citizen this week.
ERODING COAST: Otways residents, rescuers respond to report
A new report warning of extreme heat, bushfire and sea levels rising half a metre should be a “wake-up call”, Colac Otway environmentalists say.
Burn-off ember causes blaze
Dry and windy conditions have caused an escaped burn-off to engulf an unoccupied structure at Barwon Downs.
Celebrated Colac club features on city stage
Cultura Colac’s homework club officer Brittany Williams has represented the city at a statewide forum.
Colac resident makes it official
For Santi Santoso, the final piece of the puzzle in her Australian journey will fall into place today.
New parking plan in works
Corangamite Shire Council is working on a formal parking strategy for Port Campbell, following seasonal and peak-period variations.
Big ideas from young journos
Lavers Hill K-12 College students have put their news hats on as they delved into the world of journalism this week.
Young fire lieutenant is thriving in leadership
Colac district resident and CFA’s youngest first lieutenant Brodie Hanks is one of the many young people that the fire authority is recognising this month.
Local leaders say Treaty will help embed change
Members of Colac and district’s Aboriginal community have weighed in on the newest step forward in Australia’s historic first Treaty.
Few seizures across shire
While new RSPCA data points to cost-of-living and drought pressures causing “basic animal neglect”, Colac Otway Shire has ranked among the lowest in the state for cruelty incidents.
Volunteers facing hurdles in rebate process
With rates notices out across the region, community members are beginning to flag confusion when applying for an Emergency Services Volunteers Fund rebate.
Petition supports family’s visa
Receiving 11th-hour visas this week will help an Afghan family start a potential new life at Apollo Bay, but some members might be left behind in harm’s way.
Steam tug’s first voyage in 20 years
A vintage model steam tug has marked its first journey on the water in two decades at Lake Colac.
Exchange student reunites with host sister
With more than 8000 kilometres between them, two women have reunited to visit Colac where they lived together 45 years ago.
Keep an eye out for displaced roos and snakes
A Colac wildlife rescuer has issued a reminder to be vigilant as spring brings an increase in wildlife sightings, from displaced kangaroos to waking snakes.
