Articles by: Naomi Newcombe

Train station vandalism shocks district family
A Colac district family was left speechless when they returned home from a day out in Melbourne to find their car vandalised at the Colac Train Station.

Jumps removed for safety
Colac Otway Shire Council has removed homemade bike jumps along the banks of Lake Colac.

Students’ business solutions
A group of Trinity College Year 10 students have tried their hand at problem solving real-life business problems for Colac district companies.

Authority releases final Point Grey framework
The revitalisation of Lorne’s Point Grey has reached a pivotal point, with a coastal authority releasing a design framework and concept designs for the precinct.

Speedsters banned from driving, fined
A P-plater who drove at 141 kilometres an hour on the Princes Highway at Birregurra has been banned from driving for the next six months.

Spring rainfall needed for drought-affected farmers
Colac and district farmers are hoping for a wetter season to get pastures growing as spring begins to blossom.

Vandals damage gardens pond, steal goldfish
Colac police are appealing for information after the Colac Botanic Gardens pond was vandalised and goldfish were stolen.

Man charged after assaults
A Camperdown man will face court tomorrow over his alleged involvement in an affray and assaults in Melbourne.

New name for discount store
Colac’s Reject Shop is getting a name change in line with a nationwide acquisition of the company.

Job cuts across departments, sites
Colac-based dairy company Bulla has let more than 30 staff go this week as part of an operational review to overcome economic pressures it says are challenging the business.

Plea for girls to stay active
Colac girls have been given a heartfelt plea to continue being active and playing sport this Women’s Health Week.

Magistrate convicts Colac drink driver
A Colac man has the next two years to think about his alcohol consumption after he was caught driving at almost three times the legal alcohol limit.

New movement benefits teacher
An injury to her shoulder while completing an everyday task shattered Courtney Barrow’s life-long dream of becoming a dancer.

Wind gusts near 100kmh, topple district trees
Wild weather lashed the Colac district over the weekend, with SES volunteers clearing fallen trees that blocked their paths as they headed into the Otways for callouts.

Sports star shares story of strength
“Even in the darkest times, there’s always room for hope, for progress, and for pride.” Colac sportswoman Jess Woods has faced a challenging 12-month period with her health, but it’s also taught her how to be resilient in the face of uncertainty.

False legal theories misinform and disrupt
University professors and magistrates have expressed concern with a disruptive “gobbledygook” legal, which has been observed in Colac’s court.

Council seeks feedback on governance changes
Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking feedback from the community about proposed changes to the rules that guide the council and councillors when making decisions.

Wongarra dams could power house
A duo of dams proposed at rural Otways property could be a pilot trial site for a micro hydro battery, but first it will need to get Colac Otway Shire Council’s planning approval.

No more ‘second-class passengers’: MP
A Colac MP is pushing for a return to six-carriage train services to ensure district travellers aren’t left standing for hours.

EV decision sparking ire
Colac Otway Shire councillors have slammed a previous councillor group for leaving them with the decision to approve electric vehicle chargers in a Colac car park without any community consultation.

Colac’s purple patch of pride
A pop-up patch of purple at Colac’s library is sparking curiosity, connection, and celebration for Wear It Purple Day.

Award category consultation divides leaders
Colac Otway community members will have the chance to share their thoughts on new-look community award categories.

Fatigued mother fined $1000 for wire barrier collision
A Colac mother has admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel and colliding with a wire barrier while her 15-year-old daughter sat in the passenger seat.

Wake up, switch on, drive safe
Colac’s top highway cop is urging motorists not to be complacent when they get behind the wheel following recent fatalities.

