The South West Daily

Here is what is making news for October 16, 2025.===============================The Colac Water Pipeline upgrade has reached a major milestone, with another stage of works now complete. Barwon Water has finished a 4.3-kilometre section through the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park, part of a $13.5 million investment. Crews are now preparing to start the next stage near Barongarook be...

Here is what is making news for October 15, 2025. Will update headlines tomorrow with Midweek Pennant Bowls results.========================================================Bluewater Leisure Centre is launching women’s-only swim nights from this Friday, running weekly for six weeks. ======================================================The introduction of Victoria’s Emergency Services V...

Here is what is making news for October 14, 2025.================================National Carers Week will be celebrated across the Colac Otway region this week. The recognition began on Monday and will continue through until this Saturday. Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says carers are incredibly important and something the community should be thankful for. =====================================...

Here is what is making news for October 13, 2025.==================================A stunning Birregurra property, featured in the Victorian Open Garden scheme, has hit the market. The 3883-square-metre country retreat combines a restored Victorian-era cottage with a modern open-plan extension. ====================================================================The Colac and District Chamber of Co...

Here is what is making news for October 10, 2025.====================================Communities across the Barwon South West region are becoming better equipped to save lives from cardiac arrest through the Heart Safe Communities program. ========================================================================Car lovers and collectors, the Colac Swap Meet & Market is on this Sunday at the Col...

Here is what is making news for October 09, 2025.===============================Corangamite Shire Council is backing community concerns about the proposed Mumblin Wind Farm south-west of Cobden. ==============================================================From October 21, the Game Management Authority will conduct its annual survey of Victoria’s game ducks, including sites in Colac, Apollo...

Here is what is making news for October 8, 2025.=====================================The Camperdown Show is back this Saturday - with the theme Paddock to Pavillion. The annual agriculture show has run for more than 150 years. ==========================================================================The Heytesbury Landcare network will be running a free event answering all questions on carbon farm...

Here is what is making news for October 7, 2025.=====================================Camping in comfort is coming to Apollo Bay with a new eco-safari glamping experience along the Great Ocean Road. Twenty eco-safari tents will be set up between the beach and Barham River, with options including private ensuites and stunning river views. ========================================================...

Here is what is making news for October 6, 2025.===============================As students return for Term 4, drivers across the Colac Otway region are reminded that school zones are back in effect from this morning. Speed limits will apply between 8 and 9:30am, and again from 2:30 to 4pm. ==============================================================With Mental Health Week beginning on Saturday,...

Here is what is making news on October 3, 2025.================================The Otway Fly Treetop Adventure is entering a new era, with TreeClimb founder Seb Packer taking ownership of the iconic attraction. Packer says his focus is on enhancing visitor experiences while preserving the park’s unique connection to nature. ================================================================A fr...

Here is what is making news for October 2, 2025.==================================The Corangamite Shire Council has locked in its road sealing contract for the 2025–26 financial year. The joint contract with Warrnambool City Council is expected to deliver better efficiency and reduced costs. ====================================================================The first ever KidsFest at Colac'...

Here is what is making news for October 01, 2025.===============================Ambulance Victoria is urging Colac residents to brush up on CPR skills as cardiac arrests hit record levels across the state.  ==============================================================The Corangamite CMA is launching its new Small Blocks Big Dreams workshop series in partnership with the Heytesbury District L...

Here is what is making news for September 30, 2025.=============================The newly formed Apostles Group CFA has been launched in District 6, merging Cobden and Timboon brigades. ==========================================================The Apollo Bay Theatre Collective will light up the Great Ocean Road with community theatre. Since starting in 2023 with just seven members, the group has g...

=========================Colac Otway Shire has adopted a new strategy to guide footpath upgrades across Colac, Elliminyt and Apollo Bay. The review highlights more than 14 kilometres of new paths needed, with funding staged over coming years. Council CEO Andrew Tenni says $200,000 has been set aside in the 2025/26 budget, more than doubling last year’s allocation. ===========================...

Here is what is making news for September 25.===============================Cressy Aerodrome will host Colac Otway Shire’s official Australia Day celebrations in 2026. Council has approved the venue following an expression of interest process, with the event to include the Shire’s annual community awards. ==============================================================Drivers heading to...

Here is what is making news for September 24, 2025.=====================================This Grand Final Long Weekend, authorities are reminding campers across Victoria to follow campfire rules. Forest Fire Management, CFA, Parks Victoria, and the Conservation Regulator say poorly extinguished fires can smoulder for days and reignite.  =========================================================...

Here is what is making news for September 23, 2025.============================Corangamite Shire Council has renewed its partnership with Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism and neighbouring councils to strengthen the region’s visitor economy. Deputy Mayor Laurie Hickey says tourism is a key growth sector for the shire, alongside agriculture, and the partnership helps showcase attractions like...

Here is what is making news for September 22, 2025.================================Locals with a passion for aviation or community development are being urged to nominate for the Cobden Aerodrome committee. Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the Council-owned aerodrome is managed by volunteers, who play a key role in guiding its operations. ====================================================...

Here is what is making news for September 19, 2025================================The State Government has announced it will cover property rates for affected producers, easing pressure during tough conditions. Agriculture Minister Ros Spence says the initiative will provide immediate relief to struggling farming families. ================================================================EPA Victori...

Here is what is making news for September 17, 2025.======================================An iconic Colac pub is set for a mid-October reopening with a modernised feel. Director of the Austral, Sam Benjamin says he can't wait for the community to re-enter the doors of the Union Hotel. ============================================================================The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Au...

Here is what is making news for September 15, 2025.=============================A series of information sessions will be held this week ahead of the Great Vic Bike Ride returning to the Great Ocean Road in November. Sessions begin in Mortlake tonight, move to Koroit tomorrow, and wrap up in Port Campbell on Wednesday. ==========================================================Back by popular demand...

Here is what is making news for September 12, 2025.===========================Emergency Service leaders and representatives from partner agencies from across the Barwon South West region... came together yesterday for an annual pre-season briefing CFA Deputy Chief Officer South West Region Adrian Gutsche... says it's a timely chance for agencies to get together... as they continue preparations for...

Here is what is making news for September 10.===================================Bendigo Bank has released its annual agricultural exports report, and it has been the second-highest year on record, as total agricultural exports rose by $5 billion dollars…. driven mainly by a booming red meat market. Thanks to Victoria's strong meat production - especially in the states South West - it has re...

Here is what is making news for September 12, 2025.================================The long-awaited redevelopment of Apollo Bay Harbour is set to begin before Christmas, after the final plan was officially approved. Upgrades include new dining options, the return of the wet fish market, an outdoor terrace, and a refreshed Port Operations depot with workshop, toilets, and a viewing deck. ==========...

Here is what is making news for September 9, 2025.============================A violent street confrontation in Camperdown has been finalised in court. The January 2024 incident involved seven people, some as young as 16, clashing on Bowen Street with bats, machetes, hammers and knives.========================================================Locals across Colac Otway and Corangamite regions who are...