The South West Daily

Here is what is making news for October 18, 2026.====================================15 drug drivers have been detected in Colac across the entirety of October showing a concerning rise in poor driver behaviours. Colac Highway Patrol's Jamie Kahle says the consequences of driving under the influence of illicit substances can be catastrophic. ========================================================...

Here is what is making news for October 27, 2026.===================================South west Victoria is officially in the preparedness stage ahead of what is expected to be another busy fire season. Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Mark Hildebrandt is urging all locals to have a fire safety plan in place. ======================================================================The expanding services...

Here is what is making news for October 27, 2026.======================================Two Corangamite Shire Councillors have been honoured at the state's local government awards. Mayor Kate Makin received the Mayor Emeritus Award for three years in the top job, while Councillor Jo Beard was recognised for a massive fifteen years of service to the community. Reflecting on the recognition, Cr Makin...

Here is what is making news for October 23, 2026.======================================The Rotary Club of Colac Otway are urging the community to say no to domestic violence at tomorrow's Walk for Respect. The Otway Edit's Founder April Burton says the event will kick off at Memorial Square from ten-thirty am, the event features influential guest speakers, including Jodie Hill from Women’s H...

Here is what is making news for October 22, 2026.===================================The Federal Government is seeking feedback from dairy farmers on how to make milk pricing more transparent. Many in the industry find current payment structures difficult to understand and compare. Colac farmer Mark Billing appeared on Ace Radio's Country Today to speak about the issue. ============================...

Here is what is making news for October 21, 2026.===================================Conservation works are officially underway at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, with scaffolding currently being erected around the iconic tower. Built in eighteen-forty-eight, it is Australia's oldest surviving mainland lighthouse. Management says the specialist works will preserve the landmark for future gene...

Here is what is making news for October 20, 2026.=======================================The Whopper is officially coming to Colac on October twenty-nine, with Hungry Jack's set to open its doors on Murray Street. Restaurant Manager Daniel Locke says excitement is already brewing for the highly anticipated launch. ==============================================================================The Gre...

More than one-point-one million dollars is being injected into Colac Otway sporting facilities to encourage local participation. The massive investment is backed by a major state government grant, funding three key initiatives. The Colac Imperials will benefit from a new netball pavilion at Western Reserve, while the Central Reserve Hockey Field will receive upgraded LED lighting to support local...

Here is what is making news for October 16, 2026.===================================Colac SES volunteers are celebrating a major boost to their emergency response capabilities, successfully securing funding for a second support four-wheel-drive vehicle. The unit says the addition is a fantastic outcome that will allow them to deploy an extra crew during severe weather events and emergencies, keepi...

Here is what is making news for October 15, 2026.=====================================The Colac Otway Shire Council is in a strong financial position, recording an operating surplus of almost eleven-point-seven million dollars for the recent financial year. Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says the massive result is a nine-and-a-half million dollar improvement on the previous year, with total re...

Here is what is making news for October 14, 2026.===============================Locals wanting to hear directly from election candidates have three upcoming forums to choose from across the district. The first event takes place at the Colac Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 24 at 4 pm, supported by Freedom for Faith. The Camperdown Golf Club will then host a forum on Thursday, October 29 at...

Here is what is making news for October 13, 2026.====================================A long-term project aimed at protecting Apollo Bay’s key water source is gaining momentum, with thousands of native plants set to line the Barham River corridor. The first of forty thousand plants were put into the ground at a community event in late August, helping filter river sediments and boost biodivers...

Here is what is making news for October 12, 2026.===================================Works to improve safety on the Birregurra-Forrest Road at Barwon Downs are officially complete. Transport Victoria has installed two raised safety platforms on approaches to a notorious bend to reduce vehicle speeds. The completed project aims to improve safety for all road users on the busy stretch. ==============...

Here is what is making news for October 9, 2026.=================================The Colac Kindness Network is making an urgent plea for a new home, with their deadline to vacate their current premises looming this week. Michelle Koorn says the charity has operated from the Central Arcade since twenty twenty-two, but outgrew the space and has been searching for a new base for almost two years. ===...

Here is what is making news for October 7, 2026.================================The new $126 million dollar visitor centre at the Twelve Apostles will open to the public next week An official opening of the Keerray Woorroong Visitor Centre was held yesterday... which includes a 230-seat cafe, visitor information spaces and facilities, and a rooftop lookout Victorian Minister for Rural and Regional...

Here is what is making news for October 07, 2026.=====================================The Colac Stockmans Challenge is returning to the Colac Pony Club Grounds this weekend. Event organiser Sarah Chant says following last year's success, the two-day event on Saturday and Sunday promises an exciting showcase of incredible horsemanship, skill, and local competition. =================================...

Here is what is making news for October 6, 2026.===================================Fotowatio Renewable Ventures Australia has officially commissioned its new one-hundred-megawatt Terang Battery Energy Storage System. ======================================================================Motorcyclists and drivers across the South West are being urged to look out for one another as Motorcyclist Aware...

Here is what is making news for October 05, 2026.===================================With October marking National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, residents across the South West are urged to check their bodies for anything out of the ordinary. Colac Area Health McGrath Breast Care Nurse  Charlotte Henry says early detection is crucial. ==========================================================...

Here is what is making news for October 1, 2026.==================================Yesterday's KidsFest event expanded the smash hit success of last years events with much needed funds raised for local community initiatives. Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says the community event will see money invested straight back into programs the local Salvo's run for the regions youth. ============...

Here is what is making news for September 30, 2026.========================================Residents in Colac, Barongarook, Yeo, and Carlisle River are being encouraged to prepare for the upcoming fire season by attending a local Get Fire Ready workshop. ================================================================================The Colac Kids Festival is happening today at the Bluewater Leisu...

Here is what is making news for September 29, 2026.====================================Regional alliance G-Twenty-One has welcomed the Victorian Government's Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan, but is calling for stronger protections for strategic employment land. Chair and Colac Otway Shire Mayor Jason Schram says the plan addresses key concerns regarding renewable energy, water use, and traffic...

Here is what is making news for September 28, 2026.===================================Passengers travelling on the Warrnambool Line will soon have access to more seats, with the State Government announcing the introduction of six-carriage V-Locity trains. From Friday, October twenty-three, the longer trains will operate on busy Friday evening and weekend services. Minister for Public Transport Vic...

Here is what is making news for September 24, 2026.====================================The Colac Otway Shire Council is preparing for another harsh bushfire season across the region with preparations fully underway. Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says council officers will be out running some free property visits this spring. ========================================================================Men's sh...

Here is what is making news for September 23, 2026.=====================================Barwon Water is proceeding with plans for a new reticulated wastewater system in Forrest. The water corporation has endorsed a business case to address health and environmental risks caused by aging septic tanks. Detailed design work for sewer networks, on-site pressure units, and a water recycling facility at...

Here is what is making news for September 22, 2026.==================================A major financial boost has been secured for the Cobden Men’s Shed, following the announcement of the twenty twenty-six, twenty twenty-seven Men’s Shed Funding Program recipients. ====================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council is encouraging the community...