Articles by: Naomi Newcombe
Beeac accused to face County
A Beeac man accused of a non-fatal shooting will learn his fate next year from a County Court Judge after failing to get his case heard in a lower court.
Prison sentence for former bikie
A Colac man who was caught with an inactive drug lab in his house has been sentenced to nine months in prison.
Boost to shire’s public spaces
New foreshore furniture, Colac fountain renovations and Apollo Bay road resurfacing are some of the projects Colac Otway Shire Council is delivering to enhance the shire’s public spaces.
Council seeking recreation experiences
Colac Otway clubs and women in sport are invited to share their experience of recreation in the region.
Hospital converting house
Apollo Bay’s health service is planning to free up patient rooms in its hospital by moving corporate staff from the main building to a neighbouring house that would be converted into an office.
Riordan loses portfolios in cabinet shake-up
Polwarth MP Richard Riordan says he’s looking forward to spending more time in the region following his relegation to the Liberal Party’s backbench.
Colac rec centre lease to explore opportunities
Colac Otway Shire Council is offering up one of its premier recreation centres for lease.
Meeting made for 2026
Colac Otway Shire Council has locked in its 2026 meeting dates—and lunchtime meetings are here to stay.
Local outfit bidding for premier event
Colac and district’s shearing industry could be set to spotlight on a national stage if a local contractor can win a bid to host the world shearing championships.
Waterway is set for restoration
Colac district community members have joined in on the journey to restore Barongarook Creek.
Council road grant hopes
Colac Otway Shire Council is hoping to get funding for three road safety projects including an upgrade to a notorious Elliminyt intersection.
Trial would attract tasty treats
Key Colac locations could be home to a range of food trucks over summer, with Colac Otway Shire Council calling out for vendors to deliver unique menus.
Northern Otways on risk list
Colac and district fire brigades are gearing up for an intense summer, with a new report revealing there’s a heightened risk of fires in the Otways despite recent rain.
14-DAY STAYS: Meredith Park camping limited to fortnight
Camping will remain at Meredith Park but there will be a limit of 14 days for campers.
Mapping impacts ‘second city’
Changes to national flood regulations have ruled out potential housing development sites in Colac’s Deans Creek area, shifting the focus for a $1-million precinct plan.
Bikie bought chemicals in bid to leave gang
A Colac man was in hiding from an illegal motorcycle gang when the group found him and allegedly forced him to buy chemicals to manufacture drugs, a court has heard.
Separate cat curfews and review for on-leash areas
Colac Otway cats are set to be divided under a plan for separate curfews, which will apply depending on when the feline was first registered.
Larpent club set for 2026 reunion
Almost 75 years since its inception, the Larpent Young Farmers group is gathering to reminisce on all the hallmarks of the old days.
Council looking for feedback on Camperdown master plan
Corangamite Shire Council is welcoming submissions to its Draft Arboretum Masterplan.
Limit backflip a ‘victory’: MP
The Federal Government has called off plans to lower speed limits to 70 kilometres an hour on regional roads, with a Colac district MP saying “common sense has finally prevailed”.
E-scooters, e-bikes ‘not a gift’
Colac Police are urging parents to think again if they are planning on buying their children e-bikes or e-scooters for Christmas this year, reminding residents of the strict rules that come with riding.
Farm effort shows spirit of Colac
Twenty-four hours of work, more than 500 people and almost 100 garden beds stretching more than two kilometres.
Woman fined for city assault
A woman who pushed another woman into a bush in Colac’s Connor Street must stay out of trouble for the next year and donate $400.
Expensive lesson for district driver
A district man who lost his licence after racking up $10,000 in unpaid fines has added an extra $400 to his total for driving while suspended at Winchelsea.
