Here is what is making news for May 26, 2026.==============================More than $13,000 dollars has been raised following on from the Colac Area Health Foundation's Golf Day at the Colac Golf Course on Friday.Colac Area Health Foundation's Ami Hillage says the total couldn't have been able to raise the funds without the support from Commonwealth Bank as the event sponsor and other food and prize Sponsors============================================================With prolonged dry weather exposing sediment in dams across South West Victoria, many farmers are considering a clean-out.============================================================Colac Otway local Lawrence Maskill has been appointed as Rural Aid’s new dedicated counselor and community representative for South West Victoria.============================================================A concerning pattern of break-ins has emerged targeting local sporting clubs, with two separate venues hit just last week.The West Warrion club has reported its second break-in in six months, with thieves stealing a first aid kit, fuel drums, a battery charger, and even a security camera.Meanwhile, the Irrewarra-Beeac Football and Netball Club was also targeted, reporting a break-in last Thursday night.============================================================Lorne’s Stribling Reserve is the heartbeat of the local community, but it needs your help to stay in local hands.The Stribling Reserve Community Asset Committee is urgently seeking new volunteer members to bring fresh energy and ideas.If the committee cannot recruit enough local residents, the day-to-day management of the facility will likely revert to the Surf Coast Shire. ============================================================V/Line passengers on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines are being urged to plan ahead, with major infrastructure works set to disrupt services from this tomorrow through to Friday, May 29th.============================================================AND IN SPORTTwo Colac and District footballers have made the Victorian Under 14s football squad set to play in the National Championships in July.Lorne's Zavier Hollmer and Colac Tigers footballer Nick Jukawics were selected from a pool of 800 boys to feature in the side.============================================================In this weekend's baseball action the Colac Braves put in a good showing in both grades.Division 1 went down 6-10 to the Ballarat Royals while Division 3 had a win 9-nil against Bacchus Marsh.============================================================The Colac Otway Rovers nearly pulled off a huge comeback win over the weekend with two goals in the final 6 minutes to level the scores 3-3 against Barwon Heads.The Rovers were 3-1 down in the 83rd minute before Oaklee Balboni and Tim Brain scored.In other club news Football Victoria named Colac Otway Rovers AFC as Club Changer Club of the Month for May, recognising the club’s incredible growth, volunteer spirit and commitment to creating inclusive football opportunities in regional Victoria.============================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making news for May 25, 2026.===================================The property market surrounding Camperdown and Boorcan is experiencing a significant boom following a flurry of major dairy farm sales.Most notably, a massive six-hundred-and-thirty-seven-hectare aggregation milking eight hundred cows has been snapped up by a neighboring agricultural family.Nearby, a three-hundred-hectare corporate farm was secured by an interstate buyer relocating from New South Wales.======================================================================South West Sport is running the twenty-twenty-six Regional Community Sport Census.Corangamite Shire Deputy Mayor Laurie Hickey says Local clubs and volunteers can complete the fifteen-minute online survey to help shape future facility upgrades and support programs.======================================================================Corangamite Catchment Management Authority volunteers have converged this month for specialized training to ensure the absolute accuracy of local citizen science data.======================================================================The Aireys Inlet community has expressed deep frustration after being entirely left out of the latest state budget funding pool.Despite a high-risk summer fire season and land along the Great Ocean Road being acquired back in twenty-eighteen, local C-F-A volunteers are still being forced to operate out of an aging nineteen-eighties facility. ======================================================================Farmers across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are being reminded that strict rules apply to the use of drones for aerial chemical spraying.Agriculture Victoria emphasizes that remotely piloted aircraft must comply with the same chemical laws as traditional crop dusters. ======================================================================The removal of the Governments Black Spots programs from the Budget will be contended in coming weeks.Member for Wannon Dan Tehan says the mobile coverage upgrades and works such as the ones recently completed in Mount Noorat are crucial for small towns especially during emergency's such as the fires in the Otways earlier this year.======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Golf Club's fairytale return to Division 1 pennant golf has come to an end with the club finishing runners up after a weekend loss in the Grand Final to Barwon Heads.Barwon Heads won the Division 1 final 5-2 at Lonsdale Links.======================================================================The Colac Imperials were the big winners in this weekends CDFNL action with a 105 point win over Simpson.In other results Alvie caused a 19 point upset over Lorne, Birregurra also upset Irrewarra-Beeac.In other football results South Colac beat Apollo Bay, and the Western Eagles beat Otway Districts by 55.In the A Grade netball - Otway had a thrilling win over Otway Districts, Birregurra beat Irrewarra-Beeac.South Colac was too strong for Apollo Bay, Colac Imperials had a win over Simpson and Lorne defeated Alvie by 2 goals.======================================================================The Colac Tigers enjoyed a 156 point win over North Shore on Saturday.Adam Garner starred in his return from injury booting 5 goals.The percentage boosting win has Colac sitting 5th with a 3-3 record.======================================================================The Hampden League has secured a mixed bag of results in their weekend interleague clash against Ballarat.The under-twenty-three footballers claimed a hard-fought nine-point win, while the under-seventeen boys went down by thirty-two points.On the netball court, the under-twenty-threes played out a thrilling draw. Meanwhile, the under-eighteen girls' footy side celebrated a nail-biting one-point victory.======================================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making news for May 22, 2026.===================================A former general practitioner from Colac has been slapped with a five-year ban from practicing medicine following a tribunal ruling on professional misconduct.======================================================================Ambulance response times are improving across the Barwon South West, with paramedics reaching life-threatening cases faster thanks to a major drop in hospital gridlock.======================================================================A major joint research project by the C-F-A and Forest Fire Management Victoria has revealed crucial data on how fuel management slows down extreme blazes.======================================================================Colac's SES Unit is on the hunt for more members to join its team.They are currently recruiting for a range of exciting roles including flood and storm response, search and rescue, community education and more.VICSES says becoming part of the team means you will help your community, make new friends, learn new skills, and experience new challenges.======================================================================The South West Victoria Alliance has taken its pre-election push to the Shadow Ministry.Deputy Corangamite Shire Mayor Laurie Hickey met with Coalition politicians this week, lobbying for a one-billion-dollar Regional Growth and Liveability Fund.======================================================================Footpath renewal works have officially commenced at Colac’s Memorial Square to improve safety and accessibility.Funded through the council's Capital Works Program, the project will fix uneven surfaces and trip hazards by resurfacing the asphalt paths and realigning the historic bluestone edging.======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe local lawn bowls landscape is set for a shake-up following a new competition structure proposal for the twenty-six, twenty-seven pennant season.Under the plan, Weekend Pennant Division One will contract to six teams over fifteen rounds, while Midweek Pennant will feature a ten-team top tier. ======================================================================In this weekends CDFNL action, a full round of fixtures is in order.Colac Imperials host Simpson.Apollo Bay plays South Colac.Western Eagles are back at Irrewillipe against Otway District.Birregurra play Irrewarra-Beeac.and Lorne face Alvie in a mouthwatering clash.======================================================================This weekend the Colac Tigers take on the North Shore Seagulls at home.The Colac Tigers netballers have the week off due to North Shore not fielding an A Grade side.======================================================================Football Victoria has finalized the senior men’s divisions for the Geelong competition.The Colac Otway Rovers officially locked into both League Two and League Three for the upcoming season.======================================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making news for May 21, 2026.==================================Anti-violence advocate and football legend Phil Cleary is headed to Camperdown next month to headline a powerful community presentation.Following the tragic murder of his sister Vicki in the late nineteen-eighties, Cleary has dedicated his life to addressing Australia's domestic violence epidemic. ====================================================================A major agricultural legal battle in the South West has been delayed, with a Cobden primary producer and their farming enterprise set to face a wave of new water-related charges.====================================================================Colac and Elliminyt have officially taken out the title of Victoria's top fundraising postcode for the anti-bullying foundation, Dolly’s Dream.====================================================================The latest Situation and Outlook Report from Dairy Australia reveals the industry has steadied over the 2025-26 year, although global uncertainty is threatening late season gains for Colac Otway and Corangamite producers.====================================================================Time is running out for local business owners to register for a free information session aimed at tackling regional worker shortages.Co-hosted by the Colac Otway Shire Council and the local Chamber of Commerce, the event will explore various overseas visa worker schemes. ====================================================================A thirty-four-year-old Colac sheep shearer has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years behind bars following a violent, jealousy-fueled home invasion.====================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekend's baseball matchups the Colac Braves take on the Ballarat Royals at home in the firsts.While in Division 3 the Braves are hosts to the Bacchus Marsh Tigers.====================================================================The Hampden League is in its final stages of preparation as the Bottle Greens gear up to renew their fierce interleague rivalry with Ballarat this Saturday.Now in its fourth year, the representative fixture at Reid Oval will feature under-twenty-three and under-seventeen boys' football, a girls' footy clash, and for the first time ever, an under-twenty-three netball contest.====================================================================Colac Cricket Club will be without one of its co-captains for 2026-27 with Will Ruddell officially signing for Grovedale CC.Ruddell was the fourth highest runscorer in Colac South West Premier Cricket last season scoring 644 runs at 42.9 also picking up 20 wickets at 25.====================================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making  news for May 20, 2026.===============================Powercor has completed construction on a permanent quick-connection point for generators in Apollo Bay to combat prolonged blackouts.The town is traditionally supplied by two forty-kilometer powerlines running through the dense, steep terrain of the Great Otway National Park, making storm repairs highly difficult.==============================================================The Victorian Fisheries Authority has committed to forming a new Carp Action Alliance which aims to eradicate the fish from local waterways such as Lake Colac.VFA CEO Travis Dowling says the network will bring experts and community leaders together to mobilize meaningful action against invasive carp.==============================================================Farmers, farm workers and agricultural business employees impacted by the ongoing drought conditions in the south west can apply to be part of the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Drought Employment Program this winter.Corangamite CMA CEO Amber Clarke says the Drought Employment Program will play an important role in supporting farmers and the community.==============================================================Apollo Bay residents and visitors are being advised not to panic if they notice an influx of drones operating over the local coastline this week.A team of university researchers is currently in town to carry out long-range drone capability testing. ==============================================================The Surf Coast Shire is set to receive a massive environmental facelift, with council unveiling a brand-new public tree-planting initiative.==============================================================The final weekend of the Camperdown Theatre Company’s comedy show 'Noises Off' kicks off tomorrow night.Local performers will perform at the Theatre Royal with Michael Frayn's Noises Off. ==============================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac District Cricket Association’s highly anticipated Winter Academy officially kicks off next Monday, May twenty-fifth.Running for twelve weeks at the Eastern Reserve Indoor Facility, the elite coaching program will see the region's most committed under-thirteen, fifteen, and seventeen cricketers hit the nets.==============================================================The Heytesbury Stockfeeds Simpson Speedway has officially released its highly anticipated calendar for the upcoming twenty-twenty-six, twenty-twenty-seven season.Running from December through to April, the action kicks off on December fifth with Jim’s Race, featuring Wingless Sprints, Super Rods, and Vintages.==============================================================Colac's AFL listed talent was able to hit the scoreboard in the VFL and WAFL fixtures over the weekend.Brisbane's Will McLachlan snagged two goals against Geelong while Peel Thunder's Tobyn Murray kicked one in its win over East Fremantle.==============================================================The Colac Otway Rovers have launched a brand-new All-Abilities soccer program.Sessions run every Saturday from ten to eleven A-M at the Beeac Recreation Reserve. ==============================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making news for May 19, 2026.===================================Frontline volunteer positions are officially opening up in our immediate district, with Ambulance Victoria looking to boost its volunteer response teams in Port Campbell and Simpson.======================================================================A Cobden woman with a history of traffic offences has faced court after breaching her driving ban and being caught with illegal drugs.Police uncovered methamphetamine at her home late last year, weeks before security cameras captured her driving an unlicensed vehicle to a local service station. ======================================================================The United Dairyfarmers of Victoria will once again operate as a single entity, following a reconciliation with breakaway group Dairy Farmers Victoria.Dairy Farmers Victoria President and Larpent local says the splinter group was originally established amid industry frustration over funding cuts to the sector by the Victorian Farmers Federation.======================================================================The Warrnambool rail line and its lack of allocated funding in the proposed State budget was brought up in parliament by Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan.Mr Riordan says the service quality has dropped to its lowest functionality in its more than 150 years of history.======================================================================The state government is investing twenty-eight million dollars in high-tech road safety cameras to crack down on dangerous driving in areas such as the COLAC OTWAY REGION.TAC CEO Tracey Slatter says by marking National Road Safety Week, the T-A-C funded package includes new mobile trailers for high-risk regional roads.======================================================================A home on Estcourt Street in Terang has been targeted in a terrifying shooting incident for the third time.Police say heavy shotgun pellets destroyed the building's guttering in the latest attack, which occurred near the town's main street. ======================================================================AND IN SPORTIt was a huge weekend for the Colac Otway Rovers as they celebrated the 150 game milestone for club stalwart Lincoln Alfred in style.Alfred opened the scoring onslaught against Ocean Grove with a penalty in the 5 minute of the match.The Rovers went on to win the match 5-1.The reserves went down 8-0 to Barwon Heads.======================================================================It was a tough weekend on the mound for the Colac Braves with the Division 1 side going down 18-3.It was a high scoring encounter in Division 3 as East Belmont defeated the Braves 20-12.======================================================================It was an unfortunate weekend for the Corangamite Lions as both men's sides went down by a single goal in their fixture against Ballarat SC.The seniors lost 1-0, while the reserves went down 2-1.The women's side won their match-up 3-0.======================================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making news for May 18, 2026.================================A sixty-year-old man has been hospitalized following a serious dog attack in Camperdown.Emergency services were called to Manifold Street following reports of an animal-related incident. ================================================================A prominent fishing co-operative on the Great Ocean Road has been fined fifteen thousand dollars for breaching child employment laws.The Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative pleaded guilty in the Magistrates’ Court to thirteen offences involving three children under the age of fifteen. ================================================================Colac's search for its newest group of volunteers is underway with the countdown on for the Colac Volunteer Expo this week.The event will be held at COPACC on Tuesday.Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says its about finding volunteers across all walks of live for all different sorts of organisations. ================================================================The Federal and State governments are delivering an extra thirty-seven million dollars to assist communities such as the Otways recovering from the January bushfires.The funding package includes nearly thirty-three million dollars to construct over one hundred temporary modular homes for uninsured residents.Minister for Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward says Four million dollars will also be injected into local legal services to support families and primary producers.================================================================Two men have been heavily fined in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court following a major investigation into the illegal harvesting of native tea tree from the Otways.A seventy-four-year-old Colac man and his forty-four-year-old son were found guilty of taking protected native vegetation to sell as fencing stakes.The court heard the pair made approximately thirty thousand dollars from the illegal venture. ================================================================This week Volunteers from all across the region with Australia's National Volunteer Week kicking off today.Colac Volunteers Leaders Network's Liz Bishop says events will be on such as the Volunteer Expo at COPACC tomorrow to celebrate those who are the backbone of the community.================================================================AND IN SPORTIn the weekends Colac and District Football and Netball action,Birregurra proved too strong in the football winning by 25 againts Otway Districts, and South Colac beat the Western Eagles by 32 points.In the netball Otway Districts caused an upset to topple ladder-leaders Birregurra to notch the Demons third straight win.AND South Colac beat Western Eagles by 7.================================================================In the Hampden League's netball results Cobden had a thrilling win against Warrnambool while Camperdown suffered a heavy defeat against South Warrnambool.In the football Cobden went down by 15, and Camperdown lost by 24 points.================================================================The Colac Golf Club has advanced to the South West Golf Association’s Division One Pennant Grand Final.Playing on their home greens, Colac defeated Curlewis five matches to two in a dominant semi-final performance.The historic win cements their place in the flag decider next Sunday against Barwon Heads at Lonsdale Links.================================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making news for May 15, 2026.==============================The 2026 Apollo Bay Ladies Lunch has delivered a major win for local emergency services, with a six-thousand-dollar donation officially handed over to the Apollo Bay C-F-A.The committee says the total was raised through a combination of raffle ticket sales, waivered event fees, and generous community donations. ============================================================Details of a cold-blooded ambush have emerged in court as two regional residents were jailed for their roles in a 2025 Beeac shooting.============================================================South West police are warning motorists that a third of all cars stolen in the region this year have been taken using high-tech key-mimicking devices.The technology allows thieves to override security systems without needing physical keys, a trend that is mirroring statewide figures. ============================================================A 69-year-old Port Campbell man is facing multiple charges after being caught drink driving just weeks after losing his license for the same offense. ============================================================There’s significant progress behind the fences at Point Grey this week as the redevelopment gathers pace.The slab has now been poured for the new Lorne Aquatic and Angling Club, providing the first real look at the building’s footprint. ============================================================The Elliminyt Wetlands project is nearing the finish line, with civil construction now complete and final landscaping underway.============================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Golf Club hosts Barwon Heads Golf Club this weekend in the first round of South West Golf Association's Division 1 Pennant finals.In Colac's first year since its leap from Division 2, Colac finished on top of the ladder and looks to cement a spot in the Division 1 Pennant Grand Final.============================================================In this weekends CDFNL matches Otway Districts hope to celebrate club president Dean Mahoney's 350th senior match in style against Birregurra.While South Colac look to continue their winning momentum against the Western Eagles.============================================================In this weekends Hampden League actions the Cobden Bomber will travel to Reid Oval to take on the Warrnambool Blues.Camperdown hosts South Warrnambool at Leura Oval.============================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making news for May 14, 2026.================================A motion was carried 6-to-0 at the Colac Otway Shire Councils Submissions meeting to progress talk on the future of a soccer hub for the Colac Otway Rovers.Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says there is still heaps of work needed, but the topic will be put forward at the next council meeting.================================================================Work is finally beginning on the one-point-three million dollar upgrade of the Simpson Recreation Reserve changerooms.The project will replace dilapidated fifty-year-old facilities with a modern hub featuring home-and-away rooms, umpires' quarters, and a dedicated first-aid station. ================================================================A prolific burglar responsible for a string of high-value break-ins across Colac has been sentenced to nineteen months behind bars.The court heard the offender targeted several local businesses, including a jewelry store and a technology shop, stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of goods.================================================================With fog setting in as the region approaches winter, road users have been urged to make sure they make themselves as visible as possible to other road users.Roadsafe Otways Matt Daniels says something as simple as turning lights on or monitoring distance can reduce the rate of incidents.================================================================There were both positives and negatives from the the federal budget for the regions farmers.EQ Economics Managing Director, Warren Hogan said on Ace Radio's Country Today Program that while farmers where low on the Governments priority list changes to the capital gains trust tax were positive.================================================================New location signs will soon be welcoming visitors to the Corangamite Shire as part of a major modern upgrade.Mayor Kate Makin says the project will replace blue signs that are nearly twenty years old and, in some cases, no longer legible. ================================================================AND IN SPORTThis weekend the Colac Otway Rovers women will travel to Grovedale to take on Barwon SC on Saturday.The Men's Sunday matches include a Beeac double header with the Division 2 side playing Ocean Grove, and Division 3 facing Barwon Heads.================================================================This Sunday the Corangamite Lions travel to Ballarat for a much anticipated weekend.The Division 1 match is an early season top of the table clash, while the women's match is second verse third.================================================================The Colac Braves baseballers are on the road this weekend with the Division 1 side playing against East Belmont.Fresh off there second win of the season, the Division 3 side also takes on East Belmont.================================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here is what is making news for May 13, 2026.===================================As cost-of-living pressures continue to impact households, Barwon Water is beginning a major consultation process regarding future water prices and service standards.======================================================================With the fire season now behind us, emergency services are urging Colac Otway and Corangamite residents to register their burn-offs to prevent unnecessary callouts.CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook warns that despite recent rain, unusually warm autumn weather makes care essential.The quickest way to notify authorities is through the Fire Permits Victoria website. ======================================================================A million-dollar support package is being rolled out across eleven local government areas, including Colac Otway, to combat the effects of the South West drought.======================================================================Lorne is celebrating a top spot in Australian Traveller’s annual rankings, coming in at eleventh in the country.The coastal favorite led a strong showing for the Surf Coast, with Torquay and Geelong also making the top one hundred list.Port Fairy was the highest-ranking town in along the Great Ocean, narrowly missing a podium finish in fourth place. ======================================================================Sewell's Lawyers Biggest Morning Tea is back for 2026 to raise funds and foster community connection for locals impacted by cancer.Sewell's Layer Nick Lenehan-Anderson says everyone is encouraged to donate or attend in helping raise funds for the Cancer Council.======================================================================A thirty-two-year-old father from Skipton has admitted to more than thirty charges in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court following a series of dangerous driving incidents.The court heard the man was repeatedly caught driving unlicensed and with drugs in his system throughout last year.======================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Gun Club shooter Penny Smith has reached a new career high, claiming World Cup Gold in Kazakhstan while shattering a world record.The twenty-twenty-four Olympic Bronze Medalist delivered a flawless performance in the Women’s Trap Final, shooting a perfect thirty out of thirty.Smith’s clinical display obliterated the previous world record of twenty-four, further cementing her status as one of the world’s elite competitors.======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Running Festival returns this weekend, with more than ten thousand participants and visitors expected in South West Victoria.Stretching from Lorne to Apollo Bay, the event provides a rare chance to experience the iconic road completely free of traffic. ======================================================================Two high-profile reports have emerged from the weekend’s regional football action.In the C-D-F-N-L, Alvie’s Dominic Dare faces a three-match ban for striking Simpson’s Sam Rial.Meanwhile, in the G-F-N-L, Colac’s Jack Slater is facing two weeks for rough conduct against St Albans.Both players can reduce their suspensions by one week if they elect to enter an early guilty plea.======================================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.