Articles by: Hannah Toohey

Research reveals growing crisis for families
For this National Homelessness Week, statistics from multiple charities and organisations have shone a light on families doing it tough.

No serious injuries in head-on crash
Lorne Police say it is “only good fortune” that a head-on crash along a district road did not result in more serious injury or death.

Minor quake shakes coast
A minor earthquake has hit south of Apollo Bay, but it is doubtful that the tremor was felt by many residents.

A soft spot for Suffolk sheep
Pia Cotter and her family have continued a tradition that has spanned about 15 years and started from their Beeac farm.

Singer shines on a new stage
Stage star Thomas McGuane has reflected on his televised performance in front of his biggest-ever crowd – with a live audience more than seven times the population of Colac.

Love stands the test of time
Colac’s Kevin and Lurlene Weir say they have shared a “lucky life” as they reach their 70th wedding anniversary today.

Organ donations can change lives
“I’m the luckiest man.” Yeo resident Bryon Stephenson is filled with gratitude every day after receiving a life-saving heart transplant almost two years ago.

Tapestry of adventures, memories
Frances Albertella’s home has been filled with chapters of her life, with fascinating paintings, decorations and furniture lending itself to a memory or adventure.

Creativity shines for charity
Colac and district guests have channelled their inner agricultural artists in the name of a good cause.

Volunteer efforts boosted with district grants
Corangamite Shire councillors have thanked volunteers for their efforts within the community after endorsing grant funding worth almost $180,000.

Preps mark 100 days of school
Colac West Primary’s Prep students have achieved 100 days of learning, forming friendships and growing in leaps and bounds.

Faulty heater causes blaze
A faulty electric heater has sparked a fire that “fully involved” a shed in Colac.

Sentencing sparks debate
A magistrate’s message to a young victim of family violence has sparked community discussion about the need for court sentencing to fit the crime.

Rewarding roles with riding club
Riding for the Disabled Colac volunteer Michael Bergin says the social side of the organisation keeps him “involved in the community”.

Olympic hurdler remembered
Olympian Robert Joyce is being remembered for his athletic abilities and being “a mentor and friend” to his loved ones.

Officers investigating car blaze
Police are investigating a Yeodene car fire that engulfed the vehicle on the weekend.

Burnout risk for workers
There is a high chance that Colac and district workers are facing burn out, with a new Beyond Blue community poll showing one in two Australians commonly experience it.

Lamb prices rise like ewe wouldn’t believe
With heavy lamb prices continuing to fetch record highs around the state, Colac district voices have weighed in on whether the good run will continue.

Push to bring family to Colac
Colac man Wichjial Makuey hopes to have his sister, nieces and nephews join him in Australia to finally experience safety and security.

Lion’s heart for helping
“It’s the enjoyment of giving something back.” Lions Club of Colac has been behind vital projects in the community for decades, and volunteers have been at the heart of it.

Region set to receive $14M coverage boost
Telstra is set to roll out new or improved mobile coverage across the Barwon South West region, including at locations like Colac and Forrest.

Project preserves history
While Colac and District History Group members love to look back in time, they will have their sights set on the future as they tackle a new project.

Alleged firearm offences linked to Camperdown
Police investigators have executed search warrants in and around Camperdown for alleged firearms offences.

Witnesses sought after intersection incident
Colac Police are appealing for information after a motorist fled a crash scene west of Colac.

