News
Colac ready to reel in anglers for second carp festival
Colac’s Catch a Carp Festival is set to return for the second time on the lake foreshore, following a successful debut event last year.
Parliamentary inquiry into bushfires now open for submissions
Otway residents who have been affected by the 2026 summer bushfires can share their lived experiences as part of a new parliamentary inquiry.
Liberals need party unity: Wannon MP
Wannon MP Dan Tehan has used a visit to the Colac region to call for unity within the Liberal Party and Coalition.
Colac Otway paramedics make big improvement to emergency response times
New data shows that Colac Otway paramedics are responding to Code One incidents more than a minute faster, with Colac among the biggest improvers in south-west Victoria.
Vandals destroy signs at dangerous Elliminyt intersection
Police are investigating damage to recently-installed stop signs at a high-risk intersection in Elliminyt.
Share feedback for satisfaction survey
Colac Otway Shire residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on the council’s performance as part of its annual community satisfaction survey.
Apollo Bay businesses open for business after ‘abysmal’ summer
A cascade of fires, floods and health scares has hollowed out visitor numbers along the Great Ocean Road, delivering a heavy blow to Apollo Bay businesses during what should have been weeks of peak summer trading.
New survey to assess disaster impact on businesses
Colac Otway business owners grappling with cancelled bookings, lost income and weeks of disruption after recent fires and flash flooding events are invited to share their experiences through a new local council survey.
Seven-month jail sentence for Colac man after business burglaries
A Colac man who broke in and stole nearly $25,000 worth of goods from a Colac computer company with a co-accused has been handed a seven-month jail sentence.
Colac man imprisoned for illegal gun and thefts
A Colac man who was found with a homemade handgun, drugs and stolen e-bikes and scooters will spend the next three months behind bars.
Duck hunting season declared, nine bag limit set
Colac and district hunters will be limited to nine game ducks a day for the 2026 hunting season.
Prioritise checking in: South-west safety plea after farm tragedy
Larpent farmer and Dairy Farmers Victoria president Mark Billing says farmers need to stay in touch with each other while working alone or remotely, with the south-west continuing to be over-represented in on-farm fatalities.
Consider layout effectiveness after bushfires
While recent bushfires have had devastating consequences for Colac district farming families, they also offer an opportunity to review and update farm layouts.
Farm program to boost business
Agriculture Victoria is inviting Colac and district farm business owners and managers to take part in a free online business program.
Cobden pool to stay shut after financial, structural issues
Cobdenhealth has announced that the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre will remain closed due to structural and financial issues, with concerns that it might not reopen.
Magistrate fines unlicensed driver $3000
A Colac district man who evaded police on the Great Ocean Road because he didn’t have a valid licence must pay a $3000 fine and is off the roads for an extra six months.
Major Apollo Bay upgrade starts, stores remain accessible
A $1.7-million road surface, drainage and pedestrian safety upgrade is underway at Apollo Bay.
Monitor burn-off piles, avoid flare ups: fire authority
CFA has issued a reminder to residents across south-west Victoria to check burn-off piles and bonfires as old as six months, following recent flare ups in the region.
Research hope to heal Otways
The Conservation Ecology Centre is hoping to fast-track urgent research and recovery efforts in Carlisle River amid warnings that the Otways is confronting a “profound ecological crisis” in the wake of recent fires.
Tehan fails to secure deputy leader position
Wannon MP Dan Tehan has lost his bid for deputy leadership of the Liberal Party.
Music in the square: Pierce Brothers set for live pop-up event
Live music is set to return to Memorial Square this month, with Colac traders encouraged to stay open later to make the most of a sea of visitors.
Couple’s resilience after fire, prepared to rebuild
Despite losing their home in unimaginable circumstances, long-time Gellibrand residents John and Jean Cochrane are finding the resilience to rebuild among a community they love.
DEMAND GROWS: District residents feeling the pinch with cost of living
Colac Salvos is seeing more demand than ever for material aid, with new people coming into the community centre each week.
Landmark restoration complete, steps open
A popular Great Ocean Road tourist attraction has reopened after eight months of being closed to the public.
