News
Magpies crown nation’s count
New results from a nation-wide bird count show that magpies are flying high after being the most-spotted bird in Australia.
Apostles top travel attractions
The Twelve Apostles have been ranked among the top 10 most ‘worth it’ attractions in the world, according to a recent study.
Recovery study continues participant callout
Families across Colac and district still confronting the impact of recent bushfires, floods and drought are encouraged to take part in a new study aiming to better understand how parents and children can be better supported through disaster recovery.
Helen’s hope for ‘miracle cure’
Apollo Bay’s Helen Healy was one of the first Australians to access a life-changing new treatment for her incurable cancer.
Disruptions on train lines
Colac and district commuters are advised to plan ahead as buses replace trains on parts of the Warrnambool and Geelong lines from today.
Youth events boosted across district
Events across Colac and district aimed at shining a light on the achievements of young people have received a well-deserved boost.
Calls for compensation fund
Colac Otway’s Climate Action Team has backed calls for a climate compensation fund to protect taxpayers from “bearing the escalating costs of climate damage”.
Letters to the editor
A fifth Australian council has just joined the Bass Coast Shire Council and others in passing a motion to support a federal fossil fuel exports levy to fund a Climate Compensation Fund.
Key to protect rural news
Country Press Australia supports the core purpose of the News Bargaining Incentive, to encourage major digital platforms to enter into fair commercial agreements with eligible Australian news publishers.
VFA great set to share anti-violence campaign
VFA legend and former MP Phil Cleary is set to bring his campaign to end violence against women to the district next week.
New face in shire’s population
Colac Otway’s population grew by just one person last year, new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows.
Local beekeeper earns sweet rewards
Barongarook beekeeper Laurence Towers has seen plenty of changes in his two decades of beekeeping but he still gets plenty of satisfaction from harvesting honey.
Plans help guide crop growers
Agriculture Victoria’s 2026 cereal and pulse disease guides are now available to help Colac and district grain growers make informed decisions on disease management this season.
Drone sprayers must obey rules
With drones increasingly being used for aerial spraying of agricultural chemicals, Agriculture Victoria is urging operators of the remotely piloted aircraft to be aware of the rules to keep people, animals and crops safe.
Inclusive Colac choir returns to stage
Returning to the stage with an uplifting and deeply heartfelt production, the Find Your Light Choir is getting ready to present their original production The Power of Music next month.
Walking festivities for district students
Colac and district schools have completed a week-long Walk to School Week event, getting active and learning safe walking habits.
Golfers tee off for foundation’s annual cause
Colac and district businesses have enjoyed a day out of community spirit, friendly competition and important fundraising for the Colac Area Health Foundation.
Sovereign citizens movement poses court risk
Sovereign citizens and anti-government extremists pose a growing danger to court staff, parliamentary documents submitted by Court Services Victoria show.
Climate clock ticks on coast for costs
By 2070, bushfires, floods and heatwaves will rack up billions of dollars worth of damage to Victoria’s infrastructure, with roads and coastlines across the Otways and Great Ocean Road posing a significant cost risk if left unadapted.
Shire’s draft growth plan on agenda
A draft economic development framework is one of the key items on Colac Otway Shire Council’s monthly meeting agenda.
Helping new arrivals settle into district
With empty spots in his Gellibrand Street kitchen and scant local applicants around to fill them, Babil owner Serdar Basolgu says sponsoring hard-working chefs and staff is worth the effort to find staff willing to work hard.
Coalition promise could fund district projects
Polwarth MP Richard Riordan says the state Coalition’s promise to deliver a quarter of infrastructure spending to regional Victoria could help deliver long-awaited district projects.
Machines removing period poverty barriers
Colac and district residents will now be able to access free period products at Colac Area Health as part of a statewide program.
Intersection’s funding boost
Colac Otway Shire Council has made a successful bid to the State Government to secure funding to complete road safety upgrades at a notorious Elliminyt intersection.
