Articles by: Zac McCarthy
Community farm continues growth
Almost two months on since the Colac community came together to build a farm in a day and now the farm is hosting volunteer days to continue growing the garden.
Peaceful read interrupted by flood
What was meant to be a peaceful week retreat to Lorne for a Colac woman resulted in her fleeing from her campsite after Thursday’s “traumatic” flash flooding.
Growing Birregurra needs upgrades
A new bus shelter in Birregurra has been welcomed by the town’s residents after two years of campaigning, but there’s still a list of hopes for future infrastructure.
Magistrate orders anger management program
A Colac district man who assaulted his wife must be on his best behaviour for the next twelve months.
First gas drill stage complete
Phase one of an explorative drilling operation off Cape Otway has been successfully completed, with work now underway to see if further commercial operation will continue in the Otway Basin.
Market looking good for 2026
Colac real estate agents believe the market will build “steadily” this year after the second half of 2025 featured increased buyer activity on the city’s real estate landscape.
Fine for offender’strain station brawl
A Colac man who got into a physical fight with his brother at Colac’s train station must pay a $250 fine.
Drink driver off the roads
A Colac man who refused to give a blood sample to police following a motorbike crash won’t be driving for two years after being charged with drink driving.
Ban for five times over limit
A two-year licence disqualification has been handed down to a Colac woman after she was caught at more than five times the legal blood alcohol limit.
Woman, 36, charged with robbery
A Camperdown woman will face court in April following an armed robbery at a Camperdown supermarket on Monday morning.
Drink driver disqualified
A Colac woman who got behind the wheel of a car at more than four times the legal alcohol limit and crashed into two fences and a power pole is off the road for the next two years.
Lifeguards on alert following multiple rescues
Twenty-five lives have been saved on local beaches this summer after dangerous Christmas conditions, with lifeguards reiterating a simple message: “swim between the flags.”
Premier price is a good sign
The annual Birregurra Weaner Sale has shown compelling prices to begin the year, leaving farmers and agents to believe 2026 could bring a change of luck from the past 18 months.
Lorne’s festive spend spike
Business is booming in Lorne with the coastal town securing the number two spending spot in Australia during the festive season, new data reveals.
Three-month ban for speeding driver
A Queensland driver caught speeding at Birregurra is off the roads for three months and must pay a $655 fine.
Chance to write new chapter
A new program is aiming to better the lives of disadvantaged youth in Colac.
Keep clear of algae bloom at Kennett
An environmental authority has issued a warning to Great Ocean Road residents and visitors following an algae bloom along the coast.
Fifty days in prison for drugs, theft, weapons
A Colac man who pleaded guilty to more than 20 charges including theft and fraud during a three-year crime spree will be released from custody in three days but must pay a $2000 fine.
Lifesaving clubs hosting hundreds of nippers
The future of Colac district surf lifesaving clubs looks secure with the next generation of lifesavers completing training at coastal beaches.
Busted at more than 150kmh at Birre
A Colac motorcyclist caught travelling at 155 kilometres an hour on the Princes Highway is off the roads for the next year.
Warning for water users as lake algae detected
Corangamite Shire Council has issued a warning to community members visiting Lake Bullen Merri after a bloom of toxic algae was detected.
Driver fined for speed, weed
An Indian student caught travelling at 140 kilometres an hour at Jancourt East while on a learner’s permit and under the influence of cannabis must pay more than $2000 in fines.
Colac sale is success so far
Colac district’s largest livestock sale has exceeded expectations and its strengths are expected to continue today.
Speeding drivers on the radar
Speeding offences have topped the list among misbehaving motorists detected by Colac Highway Patrol members during the festive period.
