Articles by Jacob Traynor
Donations pour in to support farmers
A once-in-a-lifetime tennis tour and an unforgettable scenic flight are among donated experiences that will help fund long-reaching farmer support.
Councils forced to collect new levy: lawyers
Councils including Colac Otway and Corangamite will have no choice but to collect the State Government’s controversial emergency services levy, legal advice says.

Businesses raise $50K
Corporate supporters have committed about $50,000 so far towards a grassroots farmer support program.
Newspaper issue after trader ends
A newspaper vendor at Apollo Bay says the store should be able to meet new demand following the closure of the town’s main retailer.
Hay help is coming to district
A charity group will deliver donated hay to farms in Colac Otway and Corangamite next month and in months following.

Must find feed: drought crisis is ongoing
Last week’s downpour has not alleviated the crisis facing primary producers, farmers say, while a hay drive has announced it will visit Camperdown.

Reliable records crucial amid drought, MP says
Colac received a downpour last week, official data showed – but nobody remembered it, and it didn’t appear in any rain gauges.

WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK: Support already rolling in for program
Officials are reporting a groundswell of community backing for a grassroots drought support program.