News

  • Test can detect dead virus

    Very few recovered coronavirus patients will retest positive to the disease, an infectious diseases expert says. Barwon Health’s director of infectious diseases professor Eugene Athan said the sensitivity of the tests used to detect COVID-19 – PCR tests – meant recovered people could test positive weeks and months after recovery, though it was an occasional […]

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  • Premier won’t rule out further restrictions

    Premier Daniel Andrews has refused to rule out further lockdown restrictions across regional Victoria, despite “relatively stable” COVID-19 case numbers.

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  • Rural news in brief

    News about cattle prices, emissions reductions, avian influenza and the Westvic Dairy board.

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  • Colac chips in for hospital heart monitor

    The Colac community’s generosity has helped Colac Area Health install a new cardiac monitor that could save lives.

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  • Year-low yarding at Colac’s weekly sale

    Cattle numbers dwindled to a one-year low at Colac’s weekly market, but prices were unchanged.

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  • Farm braces for worker shortage

    A Gellibrand berry farm owner is concerned the lack of a backpacker workforce will impact his summer picking season.

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  • Say hi to a neighbour

    by Jacob Traynor 
    There’s nothing like a pandemic to help meet the neighbours.  
    Colac Otway neighbourhoods are connecting using letterbox drops to make introductions and offer assistance while stage three restrictions are in place.  
    Residents can leave their contact details as well as how they can help out, including with bins, groceries, sharing books and games, or if they are available for a chat or check-in online or over the phone.  
    Residents can print the cards from the Stay Home, Stay Connected page on the council’s website.  
    The page provides other support for the community during the pandemic, including tips for feeling good, links to community groups and online activities and mental health support.  
    “Now more than ever, we need to do everything we can to work together, stay connected and be compassionate and kind,” the council said.  
    “It’s important to know what services and support is available and ask for help if you need it – or feel fantastic by being able to help someone else.” 

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  • Crashes and fire in region

    Crashes and dangerous fire behaviour have kept emergency services occupied in Colac at the weekend.

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