Articles by: Naomi Newcombe
Monthly rainfall boost continues
The Colac district has enjoyed another day of rain, but still less than the downpour experienced earlier this month.
Finding freedom and community
Colac and district residents are invited to hear about the power of community from local refugee support groups this World Refugee Day.
Coastal trail strategy out
A new 10-year strategy will guide the future of the Great Ocean Road trails network.
Housing benefit to subdivision
An Irrewarra farmer has asked Colac Otway Shire Council to support a subdivision and house excision that would provide additional housing stock for the community.
Falling rocks close popular staircase
A popular Great Ocean Road tourist attraction has closed after heavy rain caused falling rocks.
Colac prices well below $1M national average
While the average Australian house price has reached $1 million for the first time, a local agent says Colac’s prices are still “well below the national average”.
Well-resourced, but no 24-7 plans: police
Victoria Police says Colac is “well-resourced” for officers, but has ruled out re-opening the city’s station counter 24 hours a day.
PATROLS UP: Colac police targeting “alarming” drink-driving rise
Colac Highway Patrol has labelled the weekend of wet and wintry weather a “blessing”, with little-to-no incidents across the long weekend.
Filipino flag flies high in Colac
Colac’s Filipino community has raised its national flag on the shire’s community flagpole in commemoration of Philippines Independence Day.
Woman injured in central Colac collision
Police are investigating after a car collided with a motorised scooter in Colac this week.
Colac Otway residents share budget wishlist
A neighbourhood study, drainage upgrades and a gardens conservation plan are among projects that residents want funded under Colac Otway Shire Council’s next budget.
Rotary clubs unite for drought relief fund
South-west Rotary clubs are coming together to support farming families doing it tough through the drought.
South west region welcomes weekend of rain
“It’s just a blessing.” Colac district farmers have breathed a sigh of relief after a desperately-needed deluge over the weekend.
Carving Colac district community’s history
Stonemason David Bartlett has had a monumental impact on the Colac and district community.
Plea to Colac culprit: cut the crap
A Colac business manager is calling on the culprit behind multiple unpleasant morning deliveries to stop.
Authority finalises Kennett River plan
A plan guiding the future of tourism at Kennett River has been approved.
Kennett caravan park plan approved
Kennett River’s caravan park will have a focus on sustainable tourism and biodiversity with more green open spaces and nature-based play areas.
CALLING IN AT CAMPERDOWN: Drought taskforce meets
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan has seen first-hand the impacts of drought in the south-west while meeting with her newly assembled drought taskforce.
Milk suppliers need stronger price
Dairy farmers and farming groups have expressed their disappointment with the opening milk prices for the 2025-26 season. But multiple processors have already responded by lifting their prices in recent days.
Colac ice plunge freezes agents
Colac’s Leanne Witcombe, Jake Theodore and Troy Kincaid have braved chilly temperatures aby taking part in the ice bucket challenge to raise money for motor neurone disease.
Colac bike rider fined
A Colac man will pay a $500 fine after being caught riding a stolen bike.
Upcoming Carlisle road closure
Colac district motorists are being advised of a road closure on the Carlisle-Colac Road, with a temporary bridge to be installed later this month.
Coastal requests in council budget
Improvements in Apollo Bay, additional funding for a coastal tourism body and funding for a study into a path on the Great Ocean Road are some of items Colac Otway residents want added to the council’s 2025-26 budget.
Colac Otway called to address period poverty
A women’s charity is calling on municipalities including Colac Otway Shire to take action on period poverty, following a nationwide survey.
