Here is what is making news for June 22, 2026.===============================New data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows Criminal incidents have risen by 2.8 per cent in the Colac Otway region over the last calendar year.

1,394 incidents were recorded for the 12 month period ending in March 2026.

Colac itself accounted for 961 incidents, with breach of family violence orders the most reported crime.

The Corangamite region recorded a 15.6 per cent rise with 757 incidents recorded.

Other theft was the the leading cause of offence with Camperdown accounting for 220 of the incidents.
==============================================================Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin has travelled to State Parliament to ensure the region's voice is heard ahead of the upcoming State Election.

Joined by C-E-O David Rae, the Mayor met with government and opposition M-Ps to advocate for vital community projects.
==============================================================Emergency services were called to a landslide along the Great Ocean Road following heavy rain.

The landslip impacted one lane of traffic near Hird Street in Lorne.

A State Emergency Service spokesperson confirmed Lorne S-E-S units and VicRoads attended the scene. 
==============================================================A severe shark warning has been issued for beaches along the Great Ocean Road following the discovery of a dead whale.

The Victorian Fisheries Authority says the carcass is drawing sharks much closer to shore than usual.

While Bells Beach has been officially closed, authorities are warning surfers and swimmers to exercise extreme caution at all surrounding beaches. 
==============================================================Despite being hit hard by January's severe bushfires and storms, communities in rural areas such as Colac Otway and Corangamite remain the most generous when disaster strikes.

New data shows regional areas are highly likely to donate time and money to relief efforts. 
==============================================================South West Victorian farmer confidence has taken another hit, with Rabobank's latest quarterly survey showing a continued decline in sentiment.

The quarter two results reveal that rising input costs, particularly for fuel and fertiliser, are driving the downturn. 
==============================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends CDFNL football results it was a one sided weekend on the football field.

Lorne had a 124 point win over Western Eagles, Irrewarra-Beeac won by 107 against the Colac Imperials.

Alvie won by 66 against Apollo Bay, South Colac beat Otway Districts by 48, and Simpson had a 41 point win over Birregurra in Brad Salmon's 250th match.

There was also some smashings on the netball court with Alvie beating Apollo Bay by 42.

Lorne smashed Western Eagles by 24, Imperials beat Irrewarra-Beeac by 12.

Birregurra won by 9 against Simpson and South Colac narrowly beat Otway Districts by 3.
==============================================================A five-goal haul from Jarryn McCormack has seen Colac secure a 132 point win against North Shore in this weekends GFL action.

Leigh Gorwell was named Colac's best with the club celebrating 150 senior games for Luke Hillman.
==============================================================The Cobden Bombers nearly pulled off a huge upset in this weekends Hampden Football League action going down to South Warrnambool by only 5 points.

Campderdown were competitive but ultimately went down by 28 against Terang-Mortlake.

On the netball court, Camperdown broke through for its first win of the season against Terang-Mortlake winning by 6.

Cobden went down by 14 against South Warrnambool.
===============================

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Here is what is making news for June 19, 2026.=================================A $270,000 infrastructure investment has revitalized the Colac saleyards, which many believe will increase their longevity.

Colac Otway Shire councillor Charlie Buchanan says new investment was a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Colac saleyards.
==================================================================The Central Reserve Dog Park is progressing with trees already taken down due to their condition.

Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says those works will help prep the area.
==================================================================The State Labor Government is facing fresh criticism from Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan over persistent overcrowding and reduced seating capacity on the Warrnambool train line.
==================================================================Farmers across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are celebrating a major policy win, with the Federal Government expanding a key Capital Gains Tax concession.
==================================================================Colac’s creative community is being invited to a special discussion to explore the potential for a new local Arts Network.

Facilitated by 'Investing in Rural Futures' Community Facilitator Liz Bishop, the gathering aims to gauge local interest and discuss shared issues across the sector.
==================================================================A hit comedy celebrating Australia’s first women’s cricket match is coming to Camperdown.

The touring production of 'The Deplorables' will hit the Theatre Royal stage on Sunday, August 16. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORT
In this weekend's 2026 CDFNL action, the Otway Districts host South Colac.

Lorne will play the Western Eagles.

Alvie faces Apollo Bay.

Irrewarra-Beeac will face the Colac Imperials.

AND Birregurra travels to Simpson.
==================================================================This weekend in GFNL action the Colac Tigers look to continue to build momentum searching for its third successive win against North Shore.

Last time the two met, the Tigers won by 156 in the football.

The netballers have a scheduled bye.
==================================================================In this weekends Hampden League fixtures, Cobden will travel to take on South Warrnambool.

While Camperdown faces a big test in Terang-Mortlake.
==================================================================

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Corangamite Business Award winners will be in headlines later in the day.
Here is what is making news for June 18, 2026.================================A recent training exercise at Gibson Steps has tested the high-angle rescue capabilities of local emergency services.

V-I-C-S-E-S Port Campbell volunteers joined Victoria Police and paramedics to simulate rescuing a patient trapped at the base of the sheer cliff.
================================================================Manufacturing firm C-M-T-P is celebrating after being named a finalist in the Best Off-Site Manufacturing category at the twenty-twenty-six Queensland National Timber and Hardware Association Awards.

Management says the recognition reflects the hard work, innovation, and industry-level commitment of the entire workforce. 
================================================================The Colac Otway Shire council has had positive feedback stemming from its most recent community survey.

Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says the challenge now is to maintain momentum and keep the community happy.
================================================================A unique national competition is giving young voices in Wannon a platform to speak on major issues like agriculture, the environment, and cost-of-living pressures. 
================================================================A new funding push could help make local roads safer across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions.

Applications are now open for the twenty-twenty-six T-A-C Local Government Grant Program, targeting council-managed areas where pedestrians and cyclists are most at risk. 
================================================================Surf Coast Shire is helping young people in Lorne and Winchelsea beat the winter boredom with free, supervised school holiday sessions.
================================================================AND IN SPORT Its a big weekend on the pitch for the Colac Otway Rovers.

On Saturday the women's team plays Corio SC.

The Division 2 side will play Geelong SC, and Division travels to face the Bellarine Sharks.
================================================================The Colac Braves are set for a massive weekend of home-ground baseball.

This weekend, the club's Division One side hosts the Deakin Blues, while the Division Three squad welcomes the Bellarine Bears.
================================================================This weekend the Corangamite Lions will host Creswick SC at the Camperdown Showgrounds.

Division 1 currently sits third, looking to stay in touch with second, as the women's sit second on the ladder after seven matches.================================================================

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Here is what is making news for June 17, 2026.================================Otway Tentcare will shortly be reopening asking Colac locals to donate tents to help provide shelter for those affecting by homelessness.

Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says the winter month can be harsh, and any help would be much appreciated.
================================================================The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says Regional Victoria holds the key to the state’s future prosperity ahead of the next state election.

CEO Sally Curtain says decades of underinvestment, rising business costs, workforce shortages and growing infrastructure pressures are limiting the Colac Otway region's potential.
================================================================Lismore residents are celebrating the completion of a two-hundred-thousand-dollar footbridge replacement project, set to officially open this Sunday.
================================================================The Corangamite Shire Council is set to crown it's 2026 Business Award winners tonight.

Mayor Kate Makin says they look forward to the annual celebration. 
================================================================Otways communities affected by the January blazes are being urged to tap into a new four-hundred-thousand-dollar funding pool aimed at supporting mental health and bushfire recovery.
================================================================Dozens of Forrest residents and landholders braved rain and cold temperatures on Saturday for a community forum titled, "What’s going on with our River?".

Hosted by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority alongside Barwon Water, the event at the Forrest Community Hub detailed the current health and ongoing restoration of the upper Barwon River. 
================================================================AND IN SPORTThe future of local sport is back on the agenda for the Colac and District Football Netball League, with A-F-L Barwon launching a major twelve-month review.

Titled the Barwon Blueprint, the project will analyze competition structures, club sustainability, and competitive balance. 
================================================================A proposed shake-up by Cricket Victoria could see the Colac District Cricket Association move to the Western Waves region.

Under a new governance model aimed for the twenty-six twenty-seven season, the C-D-C-A would split from Geelong and Bellarine. ================================================================

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Here is what is making news for June 16, 2026.==============================The Bluewater team is returning home proud after attending the prestigious Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Awards last night.

While the local team didn't bring home a win this year, they were honoured to be recognised as finalists alongside some of the industry's most outstanding peers. ============================================================Locals have a unique opportunity to meet with the Victorian Commissioner for L-G-B-T-I-Q-A plus Communities, Joe Ball, later this afternoon.

Hosted at the C-O-P-A-C-C Foyer from two P-M, the informal chat invites community members to ask questions regarding L-G-B-T-I-Q-A plus issues and share any experiences of discrimination. 
============================================================The Australian Government is assessing more than thirty-six hundred submissions following a massive public consultation on offshore gas exploration.

Five areas in the Otway Basin, located offshore from Victoria and Tasmania, have been released for petroleum exploration bidding. 
============================================================Soil moisture has picked up in strong dairying areas such as the Colac Otways and Corangamite regions thanks to strong rain over the last fortnight.

Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey says whiles its a positive start to winter, runoff is still expected to pick up in July.
============================================================Port Campbell’s own Matt Bowker has been selected as one of just twenty-four surf life saving members nationwide to attend the prestigious twenty-twenty-six National Leaders’ Masterclass.

Representing the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club, Matt will travel to Adelaide University this July for the intensive annual leadership program. 
============================================================Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is currently in Europe as part of a high-level, five-day diplomatic tour focusing on global energy security and defence policy. 
============================================================The Warrnambool Coast Guard were activated before sunrise on Saturday... to assist a fishing trawler taking on water off Port Campbell... who were unable to get a bilge pump working

The multi-agency rescue included HEMS4 and a Marine Search and Rescue jet capable of dropping life rafts
============================================================AND IN SPORTIt was a tough weekend on the mound for the Colac Braves.

The Division 1 side went down 14-3 to the Lara Wildcats.

It was a bit tighter in Division 3, however the Braves still went down 10-7 to the Deakin Blues.
============================================================It was a tough weekend on the field for the Colac Otway Rovers.

On Friday night the Rovers Division 2 side went down 2-1 to the Deakin Ducks

On Saturday the women's side went down 3-2 to the Bellarine Sharks.

The Division 3 Senior side also went down 4-1 to Barwon Heads on Sunday.
============================================================The Corangamite Lions enjoyed a successful hitout travelling to Bacchus Marsh.

The Division 1 side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Roman Fachetti and Andres Diaz.

The women's side put on 14 goals in a smashing win - Lara Graham and Lenise Mantell both bagged 5 each.

The only blemish on an otherwise perfect day was a 3-0 loss to the Reserves.
============================================================

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Here is what is making news for June 12, 2026.==================================Expression of interest are open for the Colac Otway Shire's Australia Day event which made a return to the calendar at the Cressy Aerodrome earlier this year.

Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says they are looking to build on the success, and anyone is open to apply to help or host.
====================================================================Grade Six students and teachers from Birregurra Primary School are freezing for a cause this Monday, June fifteenth.

The school cohort will brave the elements for an Ice Bucket Challenge to raise vital funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease. 
===================================================================Local Police have said that last weekends activity on the roads was a massive with minimal drug and alcohol offences from the Colac Otway and Surf Coast region.

Colac Highway Patrols Jamie Kahle says more than 4,000 drug and alchohol tests were recorded across the region, with police also operating Operation Recreation to inspect local campgrounds and bike trails.
====================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite farmers are being urged to reduce their reliance on imported diesel following a new industry report.

Farmers for Climate Action has released a roadmap for transitioning to electrified machinery and local biofuels.
====================================================================Travellers heading to the Otways face an open-ended detour following a major landslip on Old Beech Forest Road.

The weekend incident south of Gellibrand left severe cracks and a gaping hole in the surface, forcing an indefinite closure.

The Colac Otway Shire Council has closed the road between the southern end at McDevitt Siding and the northern end. 
====================================================================Colac and South West parents are being urged to remain vigilant about water safety this winter.

Kidsafe Victoria C-E-O Sarah Sexton warns that household hazards pose a significant risk, as it takes just a small amount of water and very little time for a young child to drown.
====================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends CDFNL matches, South Colac hosts Simpson.

The Colac Imperials face the Otway Districts for their FightMND match.

Irrewarra-Beeac travels to Apollo Bay.

The Western Eagles face a tough test in Alvie.

And Birregurra has Lorne.
====================================================================The Colac Tigers look to continue winning form in both the netball and football this weekend hosting Geelong West at Central Reserve.

The Tigers with be without two of its footy stars with Darcy Lang unavailable and Seb Ross missing through a calf injury.
====================================================================In this weekend's Hampden League action, Cobden will play host to Portland.

Meanwhile, Camperdown is hitting the road, travelling to Gardens Oval to take on Port Fairy.====================================================================

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Here is what is making news for June 11, 2026.===============================The Colac Mobile Blood Donation Van has rolled into town and will remain parked at the Central Reserve car park on Gravesend Street until Friday, June nineteenth.

Organisers are urging Colac Otway residents to roll up their sleeves, as the national demand for blood and plasma continues to grow. 
==============================================================A wave of community upgrades is coming to small towns across the region following the announcement of the state government's latest Tiny Towns Fund round.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney has unveiled twelve local projects, including a fifty-thousand-dollar upgrade for the Cororooke Public Hall.
The Kawarren Recreation Reserve has also secured fifty thousand dollars for major development works, while the Yeodene Public Hall will receive over twenty-two thousand dollars for extensive renewal projects.
==============================================================Those in and around the Otways are being urged to ensure their firewood purchases this winter are not supporting a black market that is destroying wildlife habitat and removing thousands of trees from forests across the state. 

Illegal firewood activity is impacting forests across Victoria, particularly north of Shepparton, in the Otways, Grampians and parts of eastern Gippsland.
==============================================================Isolated seniors across the Barwon-South Western region are set to receive a much-needed boost of friendship through a new Feros Care initiative.
==============================================================The community has celebrated the success of the Farm My School Colac build at Colac Secondary College, one year on from the programs roaring success.

Colac Regenerative Farm Manager Catie Tracey says without the community, the event would have been able to happen.
==============================================================The Corangamite Shire Year Twelve Winter Ball is returning for twenty-twenty-six, and local students are invited to lead the planning.

Council is calling for a committee of Year Twelves to help decide the music, theme, and overall vibe. No prior event experience is needed. 
==============================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Braves are back in action this weekend with Division 1 hosting the Werribee Giants.
 
Division 3 has the bye.
==============================================================The Colac Otway Rovers face the Deakin Ducks in Division 2 this Friday night.

Division 3 plays Barwon Heads, and the women's team plays the Bellarine Sharks.
==============================================================A huge fortnight for Colac and District Darts Association kicked off last weekend with the Treasure Hunters Cup.

Glenn Beall tookout first place in the mens, Gale Harmsworth won the women's, and Lockie Murrell won the juniors.

Following on from the success of the event last weekend the CDDA will host its 5-a-side tournament this weekend with throwers from all across the state and more than 150 total players expected.
==============================================================

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Here is what is making news for June 10, 2026.================================36 new houses will be built in Colac thanks to construction beginning on a new Sinclair-Armstrong Street Development.

Project Developer Adam Cole says the Nook officially entered Stage 1 yesterday, selling out after launching in January.
================================================================Port Campbell police Acting Sergeant Troy Beames has been formally recognized for saving two lives in a dramatic coastal rescue.
================================================================A new virtual experience at Colac Cemetery will soon bring local history to life.

Geelong Cemeteries Trust CEO Dean Matthews says  a free mobile app will share hundreds of pre-nineteen-hundreds life stories, gathered by the Colac and District Family History Group.
================================================================Colac Otway Shire Mayor and G21 Chair Jason Schram is spearheading a campaign for the Victorian Government to overhaul coastal vegetation management rules.
================================================================Farmers impacted by the January bushfires in Carlisle River and Gellibrand are being reminded that vital recovery support remains available.

Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey says recovery can take years, and financial help can ease the burden. 
================================================================Corangamite Shire residents are invited to a free morning tea to raise awareness about elder abuse.

Mayor Kate Makin says World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday, June fifteenth, is a vital opportunity to learn how to recognise the signs of mistreatment.
================================================================AND IN SPORTSeveral Rovers juniors have been crowned winners at the Football Victoria Country Championships in Geelong over Kings Birthday weekend.

Solomon Coventry captained the under 11s to a win.

Dash Bannan also led the under 14s to a win with Jasper Milner as a teammate.

Samuel Irunga played in a win in the under 12s category.
================================================================A host of Colac and District cricketers are starring overseas in English Cricket Leagues.

Apollo Bay cricketer Pat Grimmer and his Sandford St Martin teammates sit on top of the ladder in the Cherwell Cricket League.

Apollo Bay teammate Kai Clissold has picked up 9 wickets in his opening 7 games for Martley Cricket Club in the Worcestershire County League.
================================================================

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Here is what is making news for June 09, 2026.=================================Camperdown police have led a regional crackdown on impaired drivers, detecting three major drink-driving offences in recent days.

Among those intercepted was a thirty-six-year-old Corangamite man who refused a preliminary breath test on the Hamilton Highway at Lismore, facing a mandatory two-year license disqualification. 
==================================================================A motorcyclist faces a heavy penalty after being caught traveling at over one hundred and fifty kilometers an hour near Colac.

Highway patrol officers intercepted the twenty-two-year-old Highton man on the Princes Highway at Warncoort on Monday morning during Operation Regal.
==================================================================Plans to complete the new Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre have drawn sharp criticism from Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan.
==================================================================Fish Aggregation devices have been laid off the Otways Coast in the hopes of attracting new and different fish for local anglers,

VFA CEO Travis Dowling says they look like floating discs and can be found near Lorne, and Apollo Bay.
==================================================================Communities across the Otways are set to benefit from enhanced bushfire protection as Forest Fire Management Victoria expands its network of remote heli-dip tank sites.

The specialized tanks, holding up to fifty thousand liters of water, can slash helicopter refill turnaround times by up to fifteen minutes. 
==================================================================Colac and South West drivers are being urged to watch for wildlife, with new data revealing winter as the peak period for animal collisions.

Insurance giant A-A-M-I received over twenty-four thousand wildlife claims last year, with May, June, and July identified as the worst months. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac and District league tookout a netball win over the GDFNL on Saturday 58-53 thanks to a best on court performance from Millie Sibley.

The footballers however suffered a 106 point defeat with Jett Price named Colac's best afield.
==================================================================The Colac Tigers have jumped into fifth spot in the GFNL football after a massive win against Bell Park.

The tigers won by 21 off the back of a best-on-ground 4 goal performance from Darcy Lang.

The Tigers girls also had a win on the court 56-51.
==================================================================Cobden has bragging rights in both football and netball codes after a big day at Camperdown.

The footballers secured their first win of the season with a thrilling 5 point victory.

The netballers also had a big win, defeating Camperdown by 22 goals.
==================================================================

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3CS/Mixx FM News Department 12:11 PM (4 hours ago)to ColacHi team,
Here is what is making news for June 03, 2026.=================================Most Dairy Farmers in the sector have been left disappointed by the opening milk prices, with industry leaders also saying some processors are struggling too.

Australian Dairy Farmers President and Pomborneit farmer Ben Bennett says most farmers were hoping for a price above 10 dollars per kilogram of milk solids but have had to settle for a lost less.
==================================================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man accused of holding a New South Wales woman captive at gunpoint for several days has been denied bail.
==================================================================Following the devastating January bushfires, Otways residents are set to benefit from the C-F-A’s highly successful drone trial.

The Remote Piloted Aircraft program provides fireground commanders with live aerial intelligence, including thermal imaging to detect hidden hotspots at night.
==================================================================Operation Regal will take place on the regions roads as the police up their presence over the King's Birthday long weekend.

Colac Highway Policeman Jamie Kahle says local officers will also work in partnership with DEECA to monitor the states forests.
==================================================================Corangamite Shire Council has unveiled the Curdies River Flood Study, a collaborative project aimed at reducing regional environmental risks.
==================================================================Six months on from the devastating Streatham-Skipton bushfires, a free community recovery event is being held at the Skipton Recreation Reserve.

Jointly hosted by the Corangamite and Pyrenees Shire Councils, the gathering invites all community members to share a meal and discuss the ongoing recovery process. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORTWinchelsea Bowls Club’s Max Heaton-Harris has been invited to the Bowls Victoria State Training Day on June twenty-seventh.
The high-stakes hit-out at Deer Park Bowls Club gives state-side hopefuls a major opportunity to impress selectors.

While the final squad is yet to be decided, standout performers will target the upcoming representative series against New South Wales and Western Australia.
==================================================================Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club's Andrew Vogels has been awarded life membership of the Victorian Surfboat Rowers League.

The honor recognizes his thirty-four years of dedicated service as a championship-winning competitor, coach, and committee member.
==================================================================The Junior Country Championships kick off in Geelong this King's Birthday weekend with several Colac Rovers players selected.

Representing the South West Association are Mackenzie Rocka and Ariah Johnstone.

For Football Victoria Geelong, Solomon Coventry captains the under-elevens, Samuel Irunga joins the under-twelves, Rocco Aylett is in the under-thirteens, while Jasper Milner and captain Dash Bannan line up for the under-fourteens.==================================================================

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