News

Hopes for image to drive change
Wongarra-based wildlife conservationist and photographer Doug Gimesy has taken out a prestigious award for his photo of wildlife road trauma.

Remarkable trek through region
A solo cyclist has taken in the sights of the Great Ocean Road during a 4000-kilometre ride from Perth to Geelong, raising funds for the Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation.

Pledge to improve train services
The Coalition has promised to immediately begin upgrades of Warrnambool rail passenger services if elected to government at the November state election.

Vote for COPACC’s future divides councillors
Colac Otway Shire councillors are going ahead with handing management of the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre to inter- national entertainment company IVG Global.

Popular falls back open after damage from floods
Lorne’s Sheoak Falls has reopened after being impacted by flash flooding earlier this year.

Council completes road, path projects
Corangamite Shire Council has completed 100 per cent of its road rehabilitation and footpath construction projects from its 2025-26 Capital Works Program.

MP jets off on Taiwan trip
Wannon MP Dan Tehan is visiting Taiwan this week, aiming to “strengthening the enduring partnership” with Australia.

Governor tours Colac district
Australia’s Governor-General Sam Mostyn has recognised the Colac Otway community for its resilience during her tour of the region on the weekend.

Greens MP to recontest at election
Western Victoria MP Sarah Mansfield is set to recontest her seat at this year’s state election.

New Surf Coast locations to drop off e-waste
E-waste collection containers will be spread across the Surf Coast Shire as part of a new campaign from Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the State Government.

Family finds safety in Australia
An Afghan family say they have found “safety and freedom” in Australia after the Apollo Bay community worked tirelessly to help bring them to a better life.

Body found at Bay harbour
Police will prepare a report for the coroner following the discovery of a body at Apollo Bay's harbour this morning.

Patrol officers crack down on speedsters in district
Highway Patrol members have nabbed a speeding driver travelling at 130 kilometres an hour east of Cressy.

Alliance pushes for upgrades to transport services
Mayors from across the region have gathered at Colac’s train station to call for upgrades to public transport services.

Music connecting generations
Colac’s own King of Rock and Roll Charlie Gaylard has kicked off Intergenerational Week 2026 by performing Elvis classics for residents at Mercy Place.

Council to vote on draft budget tomorrow
Colac Otway Shire Council is hoping to manage a “balanced budget” for the next financial year amid global and local impacts.

Safety upgrade for black spots
A notoriously dangerous intersection near Birregurra has received a $2.3 million safety boost.

Stray dog callouts surge
Corangamite Shire Council rangers have responded to almost 90 calls for stray and wandering dogs so far this year.

District unites for Anzac Day
Colac and district residents have gathered to pay their respects for Anzac Day, with commemorative events at Cressy down to Colac, through to Winchelsea and Apollo Bay.

Police urge caution amid vehicle thefts
District police are reminding residents to make sure their cars are locked and valuables are out of sight to avoid opportunistic theft.

Final days to apply for Surf Coast grants program
Surf Coast Shire Council is calling on community organisations to “drive creative action on climate change”.

Government plans to rebate car regos
The State Government has announced a 20-per-cent rebate on car registration costs to combat the recent spike in fuel prices.

Festival puts spotlight on regenerative future
The Stewarts’ regenerative farm at Deans Marsh has welcomed almost 800 people from across the world to a food and farming festival.

Submission says farmers bear brunt of fire response and standards
Agriculture and emergency response are “inseparable” in regional Victoria, south-west dairy farmer and Corangamite CFA group officer Mark Billing says.

