Articles by: Zac McCarthy
Request for details after tyre terror
Police are calling for information after a rogue tyre left on the Princes Highway near Winchelsea damaged multiple vehicles including two that needed towing.
Lorne local tackles channel swim
A 71-year-old former Lorne Surf Life Saving Club president has become the second-oldest person to ever swim the English Channel.
Warm weather brings fishing frenzy to waters
Hot on the Rod caught up with local angling groups and fishers across Colac and district to see what’s biting.
Dog owners cautioned after wildlife attack
A wildlife rescue group says it deals with multiple incidents a week involving dogs injuring wildlife.
Point Grey’s adapted designs
A coastal authority has released new renders of Lorne’s proposed Point Grey redevelopment and is calling for the community’s thoughts before works begin in February.
Double assault lands man in jail
An Apollo Bay man who went on a “drug bender” and assaulted a stranger and his mother has spent Christmas in jail this year.
Global cyclist calls into town
After nearly two years of travelling across the world on a bike for charity, an Irish nurse has visited a Colac hospice.
Colac driver banned after double charges
A Colac P-Plater who drove while under the influence of methylamphetamine won’t get his licence back for a year.
Bay’s silent tribute to Bondi
Only the crashing of waves was heard at Apollo Bay when lifesavers lined the beach to honour the lives lost in the Bondi tragedy.
Road operation’s increased patrols
Colac and district drivers are being urged to make safer choices behind the wheel this holiday season, with the launch of a new safety campaign.
Triple zero hoax caller convicted
A magistrate has scolded a Colac woman for making multiple drunk hoax calls to triple zero and diverting resources from real emergencies.
Platypus returning to Curdies
The platypus was thought to be extinct in the Curdies River, but the mammal’s first sighting in more than 30 years has conservationists excited about its future in the waterway.
Initiative fuels Birregurra’s water-wise win
The Birregurra community has saved more than 40 million litres of water over the past five years thanks to a joint initiative with a local water authority.
No jail for stealing life savings
A Colac teenager who stole an elderly man’s life savings has escaped a jail sentence but a magistrate says it’s his last chance.
Operation Roadwise is underway
Colac Highway Patrol acting sergeant Jake Andrews has urged Colac and district motorists to make smart decisions when they get behind the wheel this festive season.
Driver to return to court after Princetown fatalities
The driver accused of causing a fatal collision on the Great Ocean Road earlier this year has been placed on bail and will return to court next year.
Colac taxi service entering new era
A prominent Colac taxi business will remain on the road following an offer from a Geelong-based buyer.
Multiple fossils found, link to country’s history
More than 40 fossil fragments have been found along the south-west coast in a previously undiscovered area, giving historians a glimpse into Australia’s past.
Hardware store thief fined and convicted
A Colac man who stuffed hardware store items down his pants and left the store without paying has been fined $400.
Council responds to illegal dumping
A security upgrade is being considered at a popular Colac district fishing spot after a wave of illegal dumping.
Court orders assault apology
A Colac district man who pleaded guilty to sexual assault has walked away from court without a conviction.
Surf Coast service alert for risky days
Surf Coast Shire Council’s facilities and services in Lorne and Winchelsea could close during high risk fire days this summer.
Teen thief’s new charges while on bail
A Colac teenager who was granted bail after he stole an elderly man’s life savings is back in custody after committing more thefts.
Potential extension for coastal service
The Colac-to-Lorne bus service could be extended until Easter if the Department of Transport sees sufficient usage of the summer service.
