News
Man arrested, charged in Cobden shooting
Armed crime squad detectives have charged a man following a shooting in Cobden last week.
Resilience at Gellibrand
Chris Smith is one of many landowners who spent a scorching Tuesday defending their property from fire in Gellibrand.
Worker housing initiative for Colac and coast
A $2-million joint project has kicked off to help deliver a blueprint for future housing in Colac and Apollo Bay.
Volunteers honoured in awards
An Apollo Bay stalwart has been named Colac Otway Shire’s Citizen of the Year for her long-standing commitment to the community.
Carers concerned for wildlife
Concerns for wildlife are growing as the Carlisle River bushfire continues to burn, with crews particularly worried for birdlife and marsupials.
District bunkers down for brutal Otways fire front
Hundreds of residents in the Otways have evacuated as the region reels from the worst bushfire conditions seen in a decade.
Big crowd hits Cressy
Spirits were high at Colac Otway Shire’s first official Australia Day event at the Cressy Aerodrome.
Slow down for return to school
Colac and district motorists are being urged to slow down around schools with term one kicking off this week.
CFA annual report shows first peak in four years
The CFA’s newest annual report shows a boost in government funding, as political disputes continue at a state level.
Corangamite citizens of the year recognised
Dual winners have been named for the 2026 Corangamite Shire Australia Day awards.
Otways schools wait for safe return to classrooms
Schools across the Otways are facing uncertainty amid fire activity, with students originally set to commence term one this week.
Letters to the editor
No shame in seeking support
Operation detects speeders
Highway Patrol officers have detected a speeding spike in a statewide four-day operation for the Australia Day long weekend.
Man dies in Beech Forest tractor incident
A man has died at Beech Forest after being struck by a tractor while baling hay.
Information appeal after cricket club burglary
Police are investigating a break-in at a Colac district cricket venue.
Hundreds evacuate to centres
Colac Otway residents have sought shelter from the ongoing Otways fires at the city’s showgrounds and found comfort in numbers.
Leave now, not tomorrow: controller
ICC Colac deputy controller Alistair Drayton has told a press conference in Colac that residents in identified areas in the Otways need to action their safety plans and leave their properties before the fire risk increases tomorrow.
LIVE: Otways Fires Updates
See the latest updates about the Otways bushfires at this public breaking news page.
Convoy set to roll through Colac
A convoy of 40 trucks from south-west Victoria are set to deliver a hay run of about 2000 bales to fire-affected areas in other parts of the state.
Recovery grants and loans available after fires
Farmers across the Otways who have been impacted by ongoing bushfires can now access dedicated financial assistance.
Study into regenerative farming
A Melbourne master’s student from the Otways is calling on Colac and district farmers to play their part in the future of agriculture through regenerative practices.
Former scout leader among OAM recipients
A former Colac district scout leader has been recognised for her more than 30-year contribution with an Order of Australia Medal.
Lions stalwart recognised for lifetime of service
Colac Lions’ secretary Phillip Johnson’s commitment to his community has earned him a Medal of the Order of Australia today.
NOT OVER: Otways bushfire threatens properties
High heat across the weekend has caused the Carlisle River bushfire to jump containment lines, with the burn area in the Otways now reaching 8500 hectares.
