Articles by: Naomi Newcombe
Otways under control
A fire burning in the Otways for more than 10 days has now been contained.
Time running out to submit budget ideas
Colac Otway Shire residents and ratepayers have less than two weeks to submit their ideas for projects they want to see in the council’s 2026-27 budget.
Fires, floods and fallen trees occupy SES
Colac SES unit has had a massive week responding to fires, floods and fallen trees.
Fireys undertake burn outs
Hundreds of firefighters are continuing to battle a bushfire in the Otways, with burning out operations taking place across the weekend.
Recovery program opens after floods
A joint state and federal government disaster assistance package will help people in Colac Otway and Surf Coast shires recover from devastating flash flooding.
International scout leader experiences Colac
Colac’s Second Sea Scouts have made a connection with a group of scouts on the other side of the world, all thanks to a chance meeting with a German scout leader.
FIRE TO FLOOD: Colac Otway region goes from one extreme to another
Multiple cars have been swept out to sea as flash flooding took over the coast.
MP and former councillor calling time
Former Colac Otway Shire councillor and teacher Joe McCracken will step back from his Upper House role this year to focus on his family and health.
Proposed cap is a fair go
Colac and district ratepayers can expect council rate rises to stay at or below 2.75 per cent, with the State Government revealing the latest rates cap.
Woman’s guilty plea over Beeac shooting
A Colac woman accused of setting a shooting incident at Beeac in motion has pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury.
Think twice before removing kids’ jumps
New research says local councils should think about the social, educational and health benefits of homemade bike jumps before demolishing them.
Overall fall, but violence rises
Colac’s top cop says the shire remains an “overwhelmingly safe place to live”, with the latest data showing a reduction in crime.
Elliminyt project on track
It’s full steam ahead on the Elliminyt Wetlands project despite recent wet weather.
Outrage as dumping spikes
A spike in illegal rubbish dumping has sparked community outrage and a warning from Colac Otway Shire Council, with reports of discarded waste increasing more than 20 per cent over the past year.
Campers must book online at Meredith Park
People looking to camp at Meredith Park for more than 24 hours will have to secure their spot on Colac Otway Shire Council’s new online booking system.
Festive tradition making a move
Colac’s community Christmas lunch is set for a new chapter next week when the get together moves to the Colac Neighbourhood House.
Cop callout after cattle theft
Colac Police are appealing for information following the theft of almost 40 cattle from a Colac West farm this month.
Colac Otway mayor to lead advocacy group
Colac Otway Shire mayor Jason Schram says his new role as head of the G21 Geelong Region Alliance will bring the shire to the forefront of advocacy.
TEN YEARS ON: Wye community to commemorate devastating fires
The Wye River community is regathering a decade on from devastating fires, residents say.
Safety fears for closed refuge
Lorne residents say the decision to temporarily close one of the town’s bushfire places of last resort leaves residents, campers and tourists south of the township vulnerable to fire.
Community centre open for reflection
Colac Salvos’ Community Centre will open tomorrow night for residents to gather, receive support and reflect on Sydney’s mass shooting.
Police probing weekend crash
Police are investigating a single vehicle crash at Irrewillipe East.
‘Spawning event’ killed carp in lake and creek
Dead carp have been found on the banks of Lake Colac and Barongarook Creek, but authorities say the long-awaited carp virus isn’t the cause of the mass death.
Tougher sentences for youths
Colac and district youths accused of serious crimes could be headed for a higher court with the introduction of new legislation cracking down on youth offending.
