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. 
================================================================

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&mdash;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.&nbsp; ================================================================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. ================================================================&nbsp;Victoria&rsquo;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.&nbsp; ================================================================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&rsquo;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.&nbsp; ================================================================

The latest local news and sport stories impacting South West Victoria.

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