The South West Daily

Here is what is making news for January 23, 2026.================================More than a dozen vehicles swept out to sea during last week’s flash flooding on the Great Ocean Road have been recovered by helicopter. VicSES operations manager Chris Longmore says a Black Hawk and marine salvage team removed the cars to protect beaches and cultural sites. =====================================...

Here is what is making news for January 22, 2026.=====================================People in regional Victoria face a higher risk of melanoma than those living in major cities, according to figures highlighted by SunSmart today. Last year, over a third of melanoma cases were diagnosed in regional areas, with residents 51% more likely to be diagnosed and 35% more likely to die from the disease t...

Here is what is making news for January 21, 2026.==========================Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision at a railway crossing in Cressy this morning. Emergency services were called to Reddies Road just after ten-fifteen, following reports a freight train had struck a car at the crossing. The two occupants of the car, who are yet to be formally identified...

Here is what is making news for January 20, 2026.==============================The Colac and Corangamite regions residents will soon have easier access to federal services, with Services Australia’s Mobile Service Centre Blue Gum touring the south west. ============================================================Colac Area Health has officially launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan...

Here is what is making news for January 16, 2026.=======================================People from all across Australia will descend on Deans Marsh this weekend for annual Deans Marsh Dog Trials The Deans Marsh Dog Trials are back from January 16 to 18 at the Deans Marsh Recreation Reserve. ==============================================================================The EPA says it understands h...

Here is what is making news for January 19, 2026.====================================Residents impacted by flash flooding across the Surf Coast and Colac Otways will receive disaster assistance, with state and federal governments activating support measures. ========================================================================Firefighters across the region have been working tirelessly over the...

Here is what is making news for January 15, 2026.=====================================Beyond Blue and other mental health agencies are reminding those across the Colac Otway regions to check in after the regions recent bushfires even if they weren't directly affected. They remind residents that extreme weather events and natural disasters can impact every aspect of our lives and it's never too ear...

Here is what is making news for January 14, 2026.========================================Police are warning tourists about swimming and walking alone on isolated, unpatrolled beaches after an English tourist had to be winched to safety. The 25-year-old became trapped by a rising tide at Wreck Beach, Moonlight Head near Lower Gellibrand. =============================================================...

Here is what is making news for January 13, 2026.===================================The Carlisle River bushfires remain active, but authorities say conditions are improving with favourable weather forecast. Helicopters have been operating over Colac, drawing water from local sources. Incident Controller Dale Antonysen says more back burning can be expected over the coming days.====================...

Here is what is making news for January 12, 2026. ======================= Incident Control Officer Dale Antonysen says two fires in Carlisle River have merged together and are back burning at the moment, the Great Ocean Road has been reopened following closures after Cape Otway Fires. Antonysen praised the efforts of local firefighters with more than 200 people on the ground fighting the fires. ==...

Here is what is making news for December 19, 2025.===========================AKD has confirmed it is selling its plantation and carbon assets. The decision is part of a strategy to focus on its four major sawmilling sites and strengthen its position in the timber industry.  ======================================================With hot weather expected this Christmas week, South West farmers...

Here is what is making news for December 18, 2025.===================================An Apollo Bay local has won $3,500 in gift vouchers in the town’s Shop Local Christmas campaign. Frances Paderno was drawn following the six-week promotion run by the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce, which encouraged residents to shop locally. ==================================================================...

Here is what is making news for December 17, 2025.===============================At its December meeting, Colac Otway Shire Council reaffirmed its opposition to rezoning land at Pound Road, Colac, for 50 social and affordable housing lots. Council says the proposal doesn’t fit the neighbourhood character and concentrates social housing in one area, despite previous discussions with Homes Vic...

Here is what is making news for December 16, 2025.===============================With many locals planning trips over the Christmas–New Year break, the RACV is encouraging Victorians to explore closer to home. New Tourism and Transport Forum data shows a strong rise in domestic travel intentions. ==============================================================Horse owners across Colac Otway re...

Here is what is making news for December 12, 2025.==========================================A free Safety Fire demonstration and information session will be held at Memorial Square in Colac later today. Colac Fire Brigade Community Safety Officer Heather Munro says its vital those across the region are prepared for a potentially dangerous fire season.========================================== ====...

Here is what is making news for December 11, 2025.==================================Cooly Rocks On is back in 2026, and Colac’s own 16-year-old Charlie Gaylard is set to light up the festival. Already a sensation after his 2024 performances, Charlie returns with a dynamic portrayal of Elvis that honours the legend while inspiring fans of all ages.  ======================================...

Here is what is making news for December 11, 2025.=====================================A group of Zimbabwean dairy farmers recently toured South West Victoria to learn about boosting herd numbers and productivity. Hosted by Genetics Australia, the week-long visit included stops at local farms such as Chris Place's Tesbury farm to expand international connections. ==================================...

Here is what is making news for December 9, 2025.===================================A Beeac man charged over a shooting linked to child exploitation material has lost his bid to have the case heard in a lower court. At a recent magistrates’ hearing, the court heard the incident involved premeditation, planning, and a firearm, with elements of deception after the event.  ================...

Here is what is making news for December 8, 2025.=================================Corangamite Shire Council has adopted its Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029, focusing on pet welfare, community safety, and environmental protection. The plan promotes responsible dog and cat ownership, incorporating community feedback and Council data. ================================= ===========...

Here is what is making news for December 5, 2025.===============================A scenic Otway property is offering wellness entrepreneurs the chance to tap into a growing native superfood industry. The home of Barramunga Superfood has hit the market atop Mt Barramunga, with sweeping views over the West Barwon Reservoir.  ==============================================================The RACV...

Here is what is making news for December 03, 2025.==================================Western Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme has marked an important achievement, with millions of containers collected since the program began. CDS Vic West Zone network operator TOMRA Cleanaway confirmed over 1 billion eligible drink containers have been returned... since the scheme’s launch in Novembe...

Here is what is making news for December 02, 2025.===============================Colac Otway Shire Council is delivering a range of projects to keep public spaces welcoming. New park furniture has been installed on the Lake Colac foreshore, drinking fountains added at Birregurra and Gellibrand, and the historic Marengo Beacon has been reinstated.  =============================================...

Here is what is making news for November 28, 2025. ==================================Colac Otway emergency service volunteers will receive new vehicles, equipment, and facility upgrades thanks to the Federal Government’s Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, or VESEP.====================================================================WorkSafe is reminding South West farmers that fi...

Here is what is making news for November 27, 2025.========================================As summer approaches across Colac Otway and Corangamite, people living in regional and rural areas are being urged to take extra care against skin cancer. Australia’s first national skin cancer scorecard highlights higher rates and poorer outcomes for those in the bush, with more than 2,000 deaths each...

Here is what is making news for November 26, 2025.===================================South West Victorians are being encouraged to help CFA track fire risk this summer by becoming citizen scientists. ======================================================================Young people in Corangamite Shire have a chance to help shape their community’s future. Council has released the draft Youth...