Articles by: Hannah Toohey
Parliamentary inquiry into bushfires now open for submissions
Otway residents who have been affected by the 2026 summer bushfires can share their lived experiences as part of a new parliamentary inquiry.
Colac Otway paramedics make big improvement to emergency response times
New data shows that Colac Otway paramedics are responding to Code One incidents more than a minute faster, with Colac among the biggest improvers in south-west Victoria.
Prioritise checking in: South-west safety plea after farm tragedy
Larpent farmer and Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing says farmers need to stay in touch with each other while working alone or remotely, with the south-west continuing to be over-represented in on-farm fatalities.
Monitor burn-off piles, avoid flare ups: fire authority
CFA has issued a reminder to residents across south-west Victoria to check burn-off piles and bonfires as old as six months, following recent flare ups in the region.
Couple’s resilience after fire, prepared to rebuild
Despite losing their home in unimaginable circumstances, long-time Gellibrand residents John and Jean Cochrane are finding the resilience to rebuild among a community they love.
Fifty years dancing through life
Valentine’s Day will be extra special tomorrow for golden couple Barry and Joy Williamson, as they celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary among loved ones.
Carlisle’s exciting year ahead
Carlisle River Primary might be small in numbers, but the school has big dreams for 2026 following recent funding boosts.
DEMAND GROWS: District residents feeling the pinch with cost of living
Colac Salvos is seeing more demand than ever for material aid, with new people coming into the community centre each week.
‘Creative powerhouse’ remembered
Birregurra stalwart Deb Chant will be remembered for her achievements in the space of conservation, teaching, art and history – and for never wasting any time.
Funding boost for health
Colac Area Health will share in a $3-million funding boost by the Good Friday Appeal and The Royal Children’s Hospital to support regional healthcare.
Valuable plate’s local connection
Victoria’s most valuable numberplate with a link to Colac could now be worth about $20 million.
Livestock losses near 8000 in west
Crews have been continuing to assess the agricultural fallout of the Otways bushfires and other fires across the state, with many farms reeling from the impacts.
First responders busy with weekend callouts
A man has been airlifted to Melbourne following a crash at Barongarook over the weekend.
Reflecting on summer season
Colac’s February store sale has seen an increase in throughput at the saleyards with recent bushfires and flash flooding contributing.
Colac Gold Cup a massive success
The latest Colac Gold Cup has been labelled as the “best ever” iteration of the event, with fierce competition, fancy frocks and good weather topping off the day.
Volunteers step up during crisis
Helping hands from across the Colac Otway community and beyond have banded together to support people in need during the Otway fires.
Further hike could be on cards
The typical Colac homeowner could see an increase of close to $100 extra per month in mortgage repayments, following the latest rate hike.
Community assists with rebuild
Separation Creek resident Peter Jacobs says he is thankful for the community’s support as he and his wife Bronwyn come to grips with having to rebuild parts of their property again.
Streamlining aids ADHD diagnoses
A Colac doctor says the positives will likely outweigh the negatives amid a new reform for the diagnosis and treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.
ADHD med supply returns, but not out of the woods
With ADHD medication stocks now steady in Colac, there are concerns that new government reforms could lead to another shortage.
Tense time for Gellibrand family
Gellibrand resident Nicole Williams says it was a “miracle” that her family’s home and livestock were saved as bushfire activity surrounded their property.
Big praise for group effort
More than 170 firefighters have called Central Reserve their temporary home, with an impressive operation set to remain for coming weeks.
SES units work to support firefighters’ efforts
Winchelsea SES has become a hive of activity, with members doing their bit to assist firefighters with responding to the Carlisle River bushfire.
CONTAINED: threat reduced, but stay alert
Emergency service crews have worked around the clock to bring the Carlisle River bushfire under control.
