Articles by: Naomi Newcombe
Brigade responds to suspicious spill
Police are calling for information on a suspicious oil spill near Winchelsea this week.
Police seek theft information
Apollo Bay police have released another image of a suspected tool thief.
Men should take part in important campaign
Colac district men are encouraged to join the fight to end period poverty this month with the Share the Dignity August donation drive kicking off today.
Turntable on track for revival
Colac train lovers have celebrated the 148-year anniversary of the Colac train station opening.
Brave boys intervene in attack
A Beeac woman has expressed her gratitude for three boys who stepped in to rescue her dogs when they were being attacked along the Lake Colac foreshore.
SCRAP THE TAX: Colac Otway joins forum to keep fighting new levy
Colac Otway Shire Council has united with municipalities from across the state to discuss how to approach the new Emergency Services Volunteer Fund “tax grab”.
Perpetrator’s final chance
A Colac district man who strangled his partner while under the influence of ice has avoid a jail sentence but if he commits family violence again, he is likely to be locked up.
Record year for Colac fireys
Colac’s fire brigade has completed its busiest year on record with more than 300 callouts, with one young firefighter responding to about 90 per cent of incidents.
Unspent funds support pool pump upgrade
Apollo Bay’s P-12 College will reinvest unspent council funds to upgrade critical infrastructure at the town’s pool, ensuring the facility can continue to provide year-round access.
Community encouraged to check out plan
Colac Otway Shire Council has released its Draft 2025-2029 Council Plan with a focus on people, prosperity and place, and now it’s time for community feedback.
Woman uses fake note for McDonalds dinner
A Colac district woman who used a counterfeit $100 note to pay for her late-night McDonalds has avoided a criminal record but needs to stay out of trouble with the law for the next six months.
Councillor: Canberra conference is beneficial
A Colac Otway Shire councillor says his trip to Canberra for an Australian local government conference was well worth it.
Another childcare centre planned – but is there staff to fill it?
A planned 100-place childcare development in Colac’s Wood Street will be the fifth centre proposed in Colac in the past year.
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.
Don’t hide like Wally, get help
If you thought you found Wally riding a postie bike in Colac earlier this month, you weren’t alone.
Agent looks at bright side of cancelled sale
Colac’s August store cattle sale has been cancelled but a local stock agent says it could actually be seen as a positive.
Councillors approve fee adjustment for stock
Colac Otway Shire Council will wind back increases to some fees at the Colac Regional Saleyards in an effort to reduce costs on drought-affected farmers.
Police issue reminder after Bay tool theft
Apollo Bay police are reminding people to lock up their homes, cars and valuables after a recent theft in the coastal town.
Farmer’s cattle ban will challenge work
Officials say a Colac district farmer’s 10-year ban from owning or managing cattle will likely have a “huge impact” on his ability to work in the industry.
Team celebrates district’s efforts
The Colac community has reached a double milestone for its Good Friday Appeal fundraising –50 years supporting the cause and more than $1 million raised over the half-century.
On-farm fatalities rise, talk about risks
With 2024 recording the highest number of on-farm fatalities in more than two decades, Colac district farmers are reminded to take extra care and prevent accidents.
Coastal region benefits from another drenching
The Colac district has received another helping of rain and there’s more rain on its way this weekend.
New plan sets out framework for roads
Colac Otway Shire Council’s new road management plan puts a strong focus on proactive inspections and maintenance for its more than 1600 kilometres of public roads, the council says.
Share feedback on animal management plan
Colac Otway Shire Council is calling on community members to share their thoughts on proposed changes including a 24-hour cat curfew and a requirement for dogs to be on leads in all township areas of the shire.
