The South West Daily

====================================================Member for Wannon Dan Tehan will show Leader of the Nationals, and Shadow Minister for Agriculture David Littleproud to the region when two come to visit on August 9. The two will spend time in Simpson and Camperdown with Mr Tehan saying the visit will be important with topics such as the drought up for discussion. ===============================...

Here is what is making news for July 25, 2025.===============================Birregurra drivers are being urged to take extra care as two massive transformer loads pass through the town over four nights. The 205-tonne transports, each 78 metres long, are moving from Geelong to Mortlake at walking pace in some sections. The first leaves GeelongPort at 1am this Saturday and is expected to reach Birr...

Here is what's making news for July 24, 2025.===============================Recent thefts across the regions have prompted a reminder from Colac Police about protecting belongings. Sergeant Michelle Delaney says CCTV footage and ensuring things are locked can go a long way to ensuring things aren't stolen. ==============================================================Corangamite Shire Council has...

Here is what is making news for Jule 23, 2025. =======================================A Dreeite farmer has been fined $75,000 and banned from owning or managing cattle for a decade, following one of the region’s worst animal cruelty cases. The man pleaded guilty to 23 charges under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, with offences spanning four years across multiple south-west properti...

Here is what is making news for July 22, 2025. ============================Stats are in for the Colac Fire Brigades past 12 months with the local station registering 309 callouts across the last financial which is its busiest on record. Colac Fire Brigade captain Dan Williams says 184 of those were in our primary area and 125 were out to support our surrounding brigades. ==========================...

Here is what is making news for July 21, 2025. ===============================Police are investigating a deadly car crash near Simpson that occurred in the early hours of yesterday morning. Emergency services were called to Tomahawk Creek Road around 3.40am, where a car had struck multiple trees. The male driver died at the scene, while a male passenger suffered serious injuries and was taken to h...

Here is what is making news for July 18, 2025. ========================A piece of Winchelsea history has hit the market - with a 120 year old former church up for sale. The former Catholic presbytery, built in 1906, sits near the Barwon River and features original period details. Going under the hammer on August 2 the property has been priced to sell at $400,000 to $440,000 dollars. ==============...

Here is what is making news for July 17, 2025. ======================Colac Otway Shire Council is inviting local groups to host next year’s Australia Day event. Expressions of Interest are open for community organisations, service clubs and not-for-profits keen to lead an inclusive, family-friendly celebration in 2026. ============================================The Corangamite Shire Council...

Here is what is making news for July 16, 2025.===============================Ambulance Victoria is pleading with the public - including Colac-Otway and Corangamite - to think twice before calling triple zero for mild illnesses. Chief Executive Jordan Emery says flu-related calls are overwhelming the system, with a sharp spike just last week. ========================================================...

Here is what is making news for July 15, 2025.==========================Young workers across Colac Otway and Corangamite are among those most at risk of burnout, according to new data from Beyond Blue. Half of Australians reported feeling burnt out in the past year — with 18 to 29-year-olds hit hardest.========================== ==========================This week marks national diabete...

Hi team, Here is what is making news across for July 14, 2025================================Police have charged two Camperdown men over an alleged armed robbery in central Colac. A 22-year-old man was reportedly attacked while walking to work on Pollack Street around 9.30pm on June 30. ================================================================Colac’s Bluewater gym is set for a ma...

Hi team, Here is what is making news for July 11, 2025.==============================Regional General Manager for Telstra Michael Marom has backed and reinforced Telstra's $14 million dollar commitment to the Barwon South West region which was announced earlier this week. Marom also says blackspots with now reception are a key area they are looking to fix.==========================================...

Here is what is making news for July 10, 2025. ====================Seventy-three local projects will share in more than $330,000 through the Colac Otway Shire Council’s Annual Grants Program. Funding has been awarded across Community, Events, and Business Grants, supporting a wide range of local initiatives. Councillor Zoe Hudgell says the grants reflect the Shire’s commitment to suppo...

Here is what is making news for July 09, 2025.==================================Ambulance unavailability has become an issue with the Colac-Otway region highlighted during a program on 3AW during the week. Shane McInness told a story from the weekend after a MICA paramedic was requested in Apollo Bay, and only one was available over 180kilometres away in Sunshine.==================================...

Here is what is making news for July 08, 2025. ====================================Families in Birregurra have a new spot to explore, with the town’s revamped playspace officially open for the school holidays. The $275,000 project at Birregurra Park includes play towers, a climbing maze, swings, and nature play features — all designed for kids of all ages and abilities. Colac Otway Shi...

Here is what is making news for July 07, 2025.=======================Farmers across Colac Otway, Corangamite, Surf Coast and the wider south west are set to benefit from a major drought support boost. The State Government has announced an extra $75 million, taking total drought support to $144 million — including cash payments for eligible farming households and property rate relief. =======...

Here is what is making news for July 3, 2025. ======================Corangamite Shire’s 2025–26 Budget has been finalised, with $55.6 million committed to projects that support growth, resilience and environmental leadership. It includes $16.7 million for capital works — covering roads, plant and equipment, and public infrastructure. (Cheers Blaise). =============================...

Here is what is making news for July 1, 2025.============================Residents across the Colac-Otway Region have been reminded by Forest Fire Management Victoria that the Firewood Collection period for Autumn officially closed on Monday. (Thanks Evie and Lea) ========================================================Corangamite Shire Council has committed $500,000 in its 2025–26 budg...

Here is what is making news for July 01, 2025. ======================Locals in Cobden are pushing to keep the doors open at the Rodney Grove Aquatic Centre. Earlier this month, operator CobdenHealth announced cutting of hours to limit expenditures. (Well done Blaise) ============================================This week in news, 73 local projects are set to share in more than $338,000. Colac Otway...

Here is what is making news for June 30, 2025. =============================Farmers in the Colac region facing dry conditions are being offered support through a new drought relief program. Barwon Water is making untreated and recycled water available from local plants to help farms stay productive. ==========================================================District 6’s HQ CFA Brigade is on t...

Here is what is making news for June 27, 2028. =============================Carers in Colac and across Victoria will soon have greater access to respite and wellbeing support, thanks to new funding from the State Government. ==========================================================Corangamite Shire is urging residents with urgent business to contact Council before Tuesday July 1 — or wait u...

Here is what is making news for June 26, 2025.==============================================There’s relief for residents in Apollo Bay, Marengo, and Skenes Creek, with Barwon Water confirming Stage 3 water restrictions will ease from July 1. Stage 2 restrictions will allow garden watering with a trigger nozzle, vehicle washing at home, and pool fills up to 2000 litres. Restrictions on hosing...

Here is what is making news for June 25, 2025.===========================There are positive signs for the Australian Bass population - with fish numbers and sizes sitting at a healthy number. Victorian Fisheries Authorities Travis Dowling says the fish which is prevalent in Lake Bullen Merri is seeing a healthy resurgence. ======================================================The Corangamite...

Here is what is making news for June 24, 2025.===============================With flu season ramping up - Colac Area Health is urging the community to rally together and keep the vulnerable safe. CEO Fiona Brew says it's a team effort to ensure everyone stays safe this winter. ==============================================================Voting closes this Friday for Camperdown's chance to take ou...

Here is what is making news for June 23, 2025. ==================Winchelsea farmers and residents are invited to a free rural community event next month focused on health, retirement, and staying connected. The Healthy, Wealthy & Wise Rural Roadshow will run from 10am to 3pm on Friday, July 18 at the Winchelsea Shire Hall. ====================================Several thousand people packed the...