Here is what is making news for April 22, 2026.==============================A very special visitor will be in the Colac region this weekend with Australia's Governor General - Ms Sam Moyston touching down this Sunday morning.

Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says having someone as high profile as the Governor-General shows the strength of community that was displayed during the earlier months of this year.
============================================================Its a jam-packed weekend for the Colac RSL opening the doors for returned servicemen, guest speakers and even national media outlets.

Colac RSL President Peter Wilkes says preparations are underway for a mammoth weekend for the local branch.
============================================================The State Government's decision to extend free public transport for another month statewide has drawn fresh criticism from its opposition especially in the South West.

Despite the announcement of free public transport for the month of April, buses replaced much of the Warrnambool lines trains as lineworks were completed with many locals opting to drive anyway, to stop overcrowding and for ease of travel.

Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan says the Warrnambool line has long deteriorated and been forgotten about.
============================================================The Curdies River Coordinating Committee is inviting locals to an event celebrating one of the regions critical waterways on May 16th.
============================================================Crime has been on the rise with incidents ranging from business to private property damage.

Colac Police sergeant Michelle Delaney says its a shame to see criminal damage incidents across the region.
============================================================New ABS data shows the Corangamite Shire’s population has continued its long-term decline, falling to 15,712 residents.

While there was a small natural increase of just twelve people last year, more residents are leaving for other parts of the country than arriving.
============================================================AND IN SPORTThere will be a Colac flavour to Anzac Day preparations in Adelaide this weekend with former Irrewarra-Beeac footballer Ryley Walker featuring in the curtain raiser for Port Adelaide and Geelong's Saturday night fixture.

Walker will represent the Australian Defence Force after strong form for the Royal Australian Navy Football Team, and will play on the Adelaide Oval this Saturday against the Combined Emergency Services.
============================================================Corangamite Lions have locked in their leadership for twenty-twenty-six. Seb Hulme and Roman Fachetti have been named co-captains for the Division One Men’s side.

Josh Laverty will take the reins as captain for the Division Two squad.
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Here is what is making news for April 22, 2026.=================================A thirty-four-year-old Colac district man has been hit with ten charges following a major investigation into stolen livestock.

Police allege that forty cattle were taken from a Pirron Yallock property in late February and later recovered at an abattoir in Tongala, over three hundred kilometres away.

The charges include four theft-related offences and six counts under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.

Following his arrest by Colac detectives, the man has been released and will face court at a later date.
==================================================================The Victorian Government has announced a record funding pool for emergency volunteers, specifically targeting brigades with limited fundraising capacity.

For Colac Otway stations that battled the recent January blazes with decades-old equipment, this is a vital opportunity to modernize.
==================================================================The winners of the 2026 Youth Art Futures Competition have been revealed, showcasing the incredible talent of artists aged twelve to twenty-five.

In the senior category, Syria Parrott took home first place for her piece titled Ether, while Isabelle Pilley claimed the top prize for the twelve-to-eighteen-year-olds. 
==================================================================Sunnyside House has approached the Corangamite Shire with a plan to build a new community wellbeing centre and dementia wing.
==================================================================Eligible older residents across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions will soon have access to free RSV vaccinations.

The Federal Government has officially added the jab to the National Immunisation Program, with the rollout set to begin next month.

Catherine Hughes from the Immunisation Foundation of Australia has welcomed the move, highlighting its importance for protecting vulnerable seniors.
==================================================================With students returning to school this week across Colac and Corangamite, drivers are being reminded to observe speed limits in school zones.

While some schools have permanent reduced speed limits in place, others only apply during set times.

Roadsafe’s Andy Milbourne is urging motorists to slow down and take extra care.
==================================================================AND IN SPORTIt was a successful hitout for Colac's under 12 contingent of basketballers with the Under 12 Girls reaching the quarter finals of their respective division.

The Girls had wins against Leongatha, and Phillip Island before falling to Echuca in the Quarter Finals.

The Boys had wins on Friday against Mansfield and Warracknabeal.

Reaching the Quarter Finals on Saturday the Boys defeated Warracknabeal and Bendigo before losing to Wallan.
==================================================================Colac’s Nash Charles is a national medalist after clinching Bronze at the Junior Athletics Championships in Brisbane.

Nash secured the podium finish with a massive new personal best of 12.32 metres in the triple jump.
==================================================================The Colac Braves Division One team showed early intent this weekend but were eventually overrun in a twenty-to-six loss.

Kyne Watts was the standout at the plate with three R-B-Is, while Brendan Delorenzo worked hard through five innings on the mound.

Meanwhile, in a much tighter contest at Bellarine, the Division Three side fought to the end but narrowly went down two-to-one.
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Here is what is making news for April 20, 2026.=====================================The finalists for the 2026 Corangamite Business Awards have been officially named.

From more than fifty nominations, fifteen local businesses have qualified as finalists, with three selected in each of the five categories.

Mayor Kate Makin congratulated the finalists, noting the high level of service and community impact shown by all nominees.
==========================================================================Tomorrow and Wednesday will see a Yan Yan Gurt West farm transformed into a place of conversation about better farm practices.

The 2026 Grounded Festival rings together international, national and local food and farming experts to explore better ways to care for land, soil, water, animals and communities.

Local and Farm Host Andrew Stewart says the festival will have many experts able to provide a different opinions to farming programs.
==========================================================================Movember is among those leading calls for routine mental health screening of new fathers in regions like the South West following the release of a new report

Michael Wilson from the Movember Institute of Men's Health says the report suggests more needs to be done to support new dads 
==========================================================================Wannon M-P Dan Tehan has extended a sincere thank you to all local groups who submitted expressions of interest for the 2025–26 Volunteer Grants Program.

The program offers grants between one and five thousand dollars to help community organisations support their volunteers.
==========================================================================The Victorian Farmers Federation's nominations for the Horticulture Council are still open.

Locals can nominate to be the Western Representative, which represents the Corangamite, Glenelg Hopkins and Wimmera regions.
==========================================================================A twenty-eight-year-old Winchelsea man has learned an expensive lesson after being fined ten thousand dollars in the Geelong Magistrates Court.

The court heard he entered the Otway Forest Park in August last year to chop down trees because he was "cold" and wanted wood to burn immediately.
==========================================================================AND IN SPORTIn the weekend's CDFNL action - the story of the round was the breakthrough win for Apollo Bay with a 3 point win over Birregurra in the football.

It was Apollo Bay's first win since round 12 in 2024.

Lorne defeated Colac Imperials by 23 points.

Alvie defeated South Colac by 87, Irrewarra-Beeac beat Otway by 66, and Simpson also caused an upset victorious over the Western Eagles by 17.

In the netball results Birregurra smashed Apollo Bay by 72 goals.

Irrewarra-Beeac notched its first win against Otway.

Colac Imperials defeated Lorne, South Colac was too strong for Alvie, and Simpson won against the Western Eagles.
==========================================================================The Colac Tigers are on the board for 2026 after a 16 point win against the Geelong West Giants.

The Tigers netballers also had win 56-51 over Geelong West.
==========================================================================In Hampden League results - the Cobden Bombers defeated Port Fairy by 11 points in the football, while Hamilton was too strong for Camperdown by 54.

On the netball courts - Cobden lost by one goal, while Camperdown drew with Hamilton.
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Here is what is making news for April 10, 2026.================================A south-west drone spraying business has been convicted and fined fifteen thousand dollars in the Colac Magistrates' Court following a significant spray-drift incident.
================================================================The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority is working with local councils and V-I-C-S-E-S to deliver a series of vital flood studies across the region.

Research is currently focused on priority areas including the Curdies Catchment, Barham River, and Anglesea, assessing how intense rain events and climate change may impact local infrastructure.
================================================================South West commuters are bracing for a month of travel chaos as V/Line shifts the Warrnambool line to a coach-replacement timetable starting April tomorrow.
================================================================The Western Eagles will start their season on the road as the Irrewillipe Recreation Reserve has been deemed unsuitable for play.

The ground was used as a vital staging area for emergency vehicles during the January bushfires, leaving the surface damaged by heavy traffic. 
================================================================The Great Ocean Road is set to become a stage for some of the state’s best contemporary artists as Victorian Vibes hits the road.

The free live music series, backed by the State Government, will deliver surprise pop-up performances in venues and unexpected street locations. 
================================================================The Friends Of the Colac Botanic Gardens are having an Autumn fundraising plant sale tomorrow.
Beginning at 10am the volunteer group will run the sale until noon.

It's the perfect opportunity for Colac's green thumbs to restock ahead of winter, and prepare for next spring.
================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Otway Rovers will travel down the highway for a Saturday night fixture against the Warrnambool Wolves.

It's the first ever time the Colac Otway Rovers have featured in the South West Cup - which features teams from Warrnambool, Hamilton and Port Fairy.

Rovers Coach Darren Balboni says he is looking to see how some new recruits play.
================================================================CDFNL Action resumes this weekend with Otway Districts hosting the Simpson Tigers.

Irrewarra Beeac travels to South Colac.

While Birregurra faces the Western Eagles.
================================================================The Colac Tigers begin their 2026 campaign at home tomorrow.

The Tigers face the reigning premiers in St Mary's in a twilight fixture.

Kicking off at 4.30pm the day also has two big events with the Ladies on the Hill and Buddy Day.
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Here is what is making news for April 08, 2026.====================================The Salvation Army Colac kicks off its mini movers program today aimed at getting kids outdoors and involved in sport.

Local team leader Josiah Van Niekerk says the program is a great way to get kids moving, active and engaging in healthy habits.
========================================================================Blaze Aid is searching for more volunteers to help out as they look to help rebuild key infrastructure destroyed in January fires.

The organisation posted on social media saying they are low on volunteers at their Gellibrand base camp.
========================================================================Colac Area Health is set to receive a significant boost as part of a twenty-million-dollar state government investment into mental health and addiction services.

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, announced nearly two-hundred-and-sixty-five thousand dollars for the Connor Street facility. 
========================================================================After decades of being moved between the school, the pool, and the lifesaving club, Lorne’s Anzac Memorial finally has a permanent home.
========================================================================The Surf Coast Shire has officially earned ECO Destination Certification, marking a major milestone for sustainable tourism in the region.
========================================================================It's a massive weekend down at Lake Colac's foreshore this weekend with the second instalment of the Catch-a-carp festival.

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling is looking forward to this Sunday after the success of the events launch last year.========================================================================AND IN SPORTIt was a massive weekend for the regions local football exports at State League Level.

A trio of Colac Tigers exports delivered starring performances.

Brisbane Lions forward Will McLachlan kicked 2 goals, 3 and had 20 touches against Sandringham.

Cooper Stephens had 31 disposals and a goal for East Perth against Subiaco.

And Fremantle's Tobyn Murray kicked 2 goals in his first WAFL match for Peel Thunder.========================================================================Cycling legend Cadel Evans is calling on visitors to return to Lorne following a summer marred by fires and floods.

The Lorne Stay & Win competition launches this Thursday, offering a chance to win local spend cards valued at up to five hundred dollars.

The thirty-three-thousand-dollar prize pool was generously donated by professional cycling teams after the cancellation of January’s Surf Coast Classic.
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Here is what is making news for April 7, 2026.=================================Regional communities have once again demonstrated their generosity, contributing significantly to the 2026 Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal raising nearly $6 million from a Australia wide total of more than $25 million.

Colac played its part raising 37-thousand-900-and-59 dollars.

Nearby towns such as Cobden raised more than 18,00 dollars, Camperdown 38,000, and Apollo Bay just under $18,000 dollars.
==================================================================Tourism leaders say regional Victoria has held strong over the Easter long weekend, with iconic destinations reporting high visitation.

Lisa Patroni, C-E-O of the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, says the Great Ocean Road, Grampians, and Sovereign Hill have all seen a significant influx of travelers over the past four days.==================================================================VicGrid has completed its latest consultation on Victoria’s renewable energy zones, receiving five-hundred-and-eighty submissions from across the state.

The draft Central Highlands zone, which spans the Corangamite, Golden Plains, and Pyrenees shires, is now under final assessment. ==================================================================An investigation into Victoria’s deadly summer bushfires has been delayed, sparking fears that vital safety recommendations won't be ready before the next fire season.

The Inspector General for Emergency Management will now wait until a separate parliamentary inquiry is finished before starting her review.

While Premier Jacinta Allan initially promised a swift investigation, Nationals Leader Danny O’Brien says any delay in getting answers for affected communities is unacceptable.==================================================================The Lorne and Cobden communities are celebrating a massive expansion of the Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.
==================================================================Four-year-old kindergarten is being transformed across the Corangamite Shire as the state’s Pre-Prep rollout officially begins.

Minister Lizzie Blandthorn announced that local families are among those in twelve new regional areas now eligible for increased hours of play-based learning. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORTGood Friday Footy saw varying results in the CDFNL.

The Colac Imperials defeated Alvie in last years Grand Final rematch by 20 points.

While Lorne flexed its muscles in the Coastal Cup to down Apollo Bay by 86 points.

On the netball Court Imps beat Alvie 46-44, and Lorne was 41 goal victors against Apollo Bay.
==================================================================It was a rough first ever opening match for the Surf Coast Suns as they were handed a 148 point drubbing at the hands of cross-town rivals Torquay in their first ever club match.

The Suns - captained by former Irrewarra-Beeac footballers Dylan Flanigan and Joss Howlett, also featured former Bombers Mitch Gaunt, and 2023 Jack Mahoney medallist Tyler Flanigan.
==================================================================G-F-L action kicked off at Lorne over the weekend with St Joseph's clinical in a ninety-one-point win over Leopold.

The regular season officially begins this Saturday with the Colac Tigers hosting St Mary's.
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Here is what is making news for March 02, 2026.================================Authorities have confirmed that two pythons discovered at an Apollo Bay property on Monday were stolen.

An investigation into the incident revealed the reptiles had been taken from their rightful owner, who has since come forward. 
================================================================Nearly eighty percent of marine rescues are for avoidable issues like engine failure or running out of fuel.

Safe Transport Victoria's Shane Leversha says Before launching along the Great Ocean Road this Easter, check your batteries and ensure you have a third of your fuel in reserve.
================================================================Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester is demanding "less talk and more action" to combat the European carp crisis.

Speaking in Federal Parliament, Mr. Chester backed the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s push for a 2028 release date for the carp herpes virus.

He warned that the invasive species now makes up ninety percent of fish biomass in some waterways, destroying the biodiversity in places such as Lake Colac. 
================================================================Police are highlighting the power of home surveillance after an eighteen-year-old was arrested following a series of raids at Colac addresses.

The man has been charged with twelve offences, including burglary and thefts from vehicles across Camperdown and Warrnambool in March.
================================================================Colac Otway Shire is inviting residents to help shape the future of local travel.

Feedback is now open on a new draft policy to prioritise upgrades across sixteen-hundred kilometres of council roads.

Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says residents can visit the council website to have your say before Tuesday, May 5th.
================================================================Local Police will be out in force over the Easter Long weekend, with an increased presence and testing sites to be set up across the region.

Colac Police Spokesperson Jamie Kahle says Colac Police wants to ensure everyone stays as safe as they can this weekend through Operation Nexus.
================================================================Colac’s ambulance station is one of several regional branches welcoming new faces this week.

Minister for Ambulance Services, Mary-Anne Thomas says A cohort of twenty graduate paramedics has officially hit the road, with four specifically assigned to the Barwon South West region.
================================================================AND IN SPORTTwo CDFNL matches await this weekend with the 2025 Grand Final rematch between the Colac Imperials and Alvie Swans.

The Coastal Cup will also take place with Apollo Bay heading to Lorne.
================================================================Five talented Colac soccer players have been selected for the 2026 Geelong Representative teams.

Jasper Milner, Rocco Aylett, and Samuel Irunga join the elite squads, alongside Dash Bannan and Solomon Coventry, who have both been named captains of their respective age groups.
================================================================Lorne police are investigating a break-in at the Deans Marsh Cricket Club.

Intruders smashed windows to gain entry and stole a significant quantity of spirits and cider.

Authorities discovered a large amount of blood at the scene, suggesting an offender was injured during the crime.

Anyone with information on the theft or suspicious injuries is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
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Here is what is making news for April 1, 2026.================================The Federal and State Governments have announced a significant funding boost to help bushfire-affected residents in the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires rebuild.
================================================================Everyone across the Colac Otway region and beyond is invited to Colac's Botanic Gardens to help raised funds for the Royal Children's Hospital, Good Friday Appeal.

Ace Radio Colac's General Manager Nick Hay says the day features something for everyone with sport activities and crafts, as well as Stumpy the train, Colac Jumping Castles, The Bulla van and of course Easter Bunny will stop by for a Easter Egg Hunt.
================================================================Drivers across Colac and the South West are being urged to stay alert as animal collisions hit a record high.

New figures from NRMA Insurance reveal fifteen-thousand animals were hit on Australian roads over the past year—a twenty-one percent increase on 2024.

Executive Manager for Claims, Nick Kirkovski, says says regional motorists must remain extra vigilant at dawn and dusk.
================================================================Ten weeks after devastating fires swept through the Corangamite Shire, Mayor Kate Makin says the work to rebuild is far from over.

While the fires have left the headlines, council staff remain in daily contact with families across Skipton, Larralea, and Simpson.

Currently, twenty-one families in the Skipton area are receiving intensive case support as they navigate the long road home. 
================================================================The T-A-C is urging South West drivers to prioritize rest before hitting the road this Easter.

With traffic volumes set to spike, motorists are encouraged to utilise the Driver Reviver site on the Princes Highway in Colac.
================================================================ Victoria’s toughest bail laws are in full effect, targeting repeat offenders to prioritise community safety.

The new "second-strike" rule means anyone already on bail for an indictable offence who commits another will no longer benefit from the presumption of bail. 
================================================================AND IN SPORTThe CDFNL has taken out the Under 17s Barwon Junior Netball Championships in Geelong after a 5 goals victory over the Bellarine.

Colac 50, defeated the Bellarine 45 with Irrewarra-Beeac's Emmy Frith named the League Best and Fairest.

Lorne's Asha McNaughton won the league award in the Under 13s.
================================================================It was a podium finish for Cobden’s own Blake Walsh at Premier Speedway Event.

In a high-stakes battle for the 2026 Tire Factory Wingless Sprints Victorian Title, Walsh steered the S-1 machine to a second-place finish, trailing only A-1 Tyson Martin. 
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Here is what is making news from March 31, 2026.====================================Colac Highway Patrol are appealing for Witnesses on Sunday afternoon near Queen and Hearn Street.

Local spokesperson Jamie Kahle spoke with Ace Radio yesterday and says a car was clocked doing 130 kilometres per hour in a 50 zone and driving erratically.
========================================================================A significant 120-acre rural holding has been listed for sale in Barwon Downs.

The property at 55 Wineshanty Road is being marketed by Charles Stewart as a "blue-chip" opportunity for both cattle grazing and fodder production. 
========================================================================South West residents can expect to see smoke across the horizon as Forest Fire Management Victoria ramps up its autumn burning program.

With 29 burns scheduled across the region covering over 14,000 hectares, crews are taking advantage of stable conditions to reduce fuel loads near Great Ocean Road communities.========================================================================Leading industry experts in the fuel sector are calling for government intervention following a deepening crisis causing prices to skyrocket.

CEO of the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association, Rowan Lee spoke with Ace Radio's Country Today program saying action is needed urgently.
========================================================================VOICED BY AIDEN Corangamite Shire residents are invited to boost their wellbeing with a series of free nutrition sessions at the Camperdown RSL.========================================================================South West Coast MP Roma Britnell says she's been inundated with querie. following the State Government's announcement of free travel on public transport over the coming month

The VLine website states during the free travel period coaches can continue to be booked as normal. but seat reservations are not available on several train lines including the Warrnambool Line

Local Members including Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan and Ms Britnell say it's already causing concerns. 
========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Basketball Association has wrapped up its domestic basketball season with premiers and MVP's crowned.

South tookout the A Grade men's title.

The Wings beat the Aces in the A Grade women's title.

Janelle Monaghan was the A Grade Women's MVP, and Luka Gerber won the Men's.
========================================================================Colac's Division 1 Pennant Golf team produced a solid hitout to beat The Sands 5-2.

Division 4 also had a resounding win against Torquay.

In Division 3 Women's Pennant, Colac sits on top of the ladder after a win against Portarlington.
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Here is what is making news for March 30, 2026.=============================Cattle stolen from a Pirron Yallock property in February have been returned amid ongoing investigations from local Police.

Police spokesperson Stephen Bull says a result following the theft is expected to come in the coming days. 
==========================================================The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority is joining forces with regional partners to develop a new long-term plan for the state's water security.

The Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy will tackle the challenges of a warmer and drier future, focusing on everything from agriculture to environmental health. 
==========================================================A tip-off from a Lavers Hill local has helped police capture a wanted 27-year-old man who allegedly rammed a divisional van earlier this week.

Officers from Colac and Birregurra coordinated a tactical response after the suspect was seen at a local café. 
==========================================================Corangamite Shire Council is reassuring residents that essential services will remain uninterrupted despite diesel prices in Camperdown soaring above three dollars per litre.

CEO David Rae says while the spike is significant, all kerbside collections—including waste, recycling, and FOGO—are continuing as scheduled. 
==========================================================With fuel prices putting the squeeze on South West households, the State Government is stepping in with an immediate cost-of-living fix.

From tomorrow all public transport across Victoria will be completely free for one month.

For Colac and Warrnambool commuters, this means no fares on V/Line trains and local buses until the end of April. 
==========================================================G21 is calling on the Victorian Government to invest in revitalising CBDs across the region in order to drive economic growth, jobs, housing supply and community wellbeing.

G21 Chair and Colac Otway Shire Mayor Jason Schram, says coordinated CBD investment across the region is critical to long‐term economic resilience.
==========================================================Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has called for increased urgency from the federal government as the fuel crisis depends.

Mr Tehan says it has been more than a month since the Iran conflict broke out and there has still been limited actions to fix the skyrocketing prices of fuel.
==========================================================AND IN SPORTThe CDFNL season kicked off which reigning premier Alvie picking up where they left off last season.

The Swans recorded a 15 point win against the Irrewarra-Beeac Bombers.

Jesse Williamson kicked 3 for Alvie, while Charlie Morrissy snagged 3 for the Bombers.==========================================================The Final Four remain in the Colac Golf Club's 2026 Captains Trophy after a big weekend of Golf.

Ros Monaghan, Sheryl Langdon, Julie Baud and Jill Rodger remain with the next round of play on April 7.
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