Here is what is making news for April 30, 2026.==================================Local fishing clubs are set for a major boost.

The Colac Anglers Club and the Otway Regional Sports Fishing Club have both grants in V-F-A funding for equipment and facility upgrades.
====================================================================Corangamite Shire is taking a major step toward future-proofing early years services in Skipton.

Council has officially authorized a funding application to the Victorian School Building Authority to expand the local kindergarten. 
====================================================================Big names in entertainment are expected to add Colac to their national tours.

Following Council's decision to discuss outsourcing COPACC management to I-V-G, CEO Andrew Tenni says the venue is poised to attract a higher caliber of touring artists.
====================================================================Despite no comment regarding overcrowding or the need for increased services, V/Line has announced that trains will return a week early following a massive infrastructure blitz.

CEO Will Tieppo says sixteen million dollars has been spent on critical renewals, including bridge repairs and track works. 
====================================================================Patients across Colac and the South West could miss out on life-saving breakthroughs unless the state’s medical research sector receives an urgent funding boost.

Ten of Victoria’s leading institutes are reportedly facing closure without immediate help in the upcoming state budget.==================================
==================================Farmers in Deans Marsh and business owners along the Great Ocean Road are set to receive continued rate relief in the new Surf Coast Shire Draft Budget.
==================================
==================================AND IN SPORTThis weekend the Colac Braves Division 1 side will travel to take on the Guild All-Stars at the Geelong Baseball Centre.

The Division 3 side will also travel facing the Corio Tigers.
==================================
==================================Simpson will be without gun Ryleigh McVilly this weekend after receiving a rough conduct charge against Irrewarra-Beeac.

The incident occurred in the first quarter and was graded as careless, high impact and high contact.
==================================
==================================The Colac Otway Rovers are hunting for a bounce-back win following a tough round of defeats.

The senior side is set to face Surf Coast F-C while the Reserves travel to take on Barwon’s third-division team in grading matches.
==================================
==================================

Here is what is making news for April 30, 2026.==================================Local fishing clubs are set for a major boost. The Colac Anglers Club and the Otway Regional Sports Fishing Club have both grants in V-F-A funding for equipment and facility upgrades. ====================================================================Corangamite Shire is taking a major step toward future-proofing early years services in Skipton. Council has officially authorized a funding application to the Victorian School Building Authority to expand the local kindergarten.&nbsp; ====================================================================Big names in entertainment are expected to add Colac to their national tours. Following Council's decision to discuss outsourcing COPACC management to I-V-G, CEO Andrew Tenni says the venue is poised to attract a higher caliber of touring artists. ====================================================================Despite no comment regarding overcrowding or the need for increased services, V/Line has announced that trains will return a week early following a massive infrastructure blitz. CEO Will Tieppo says sixteen million dollars has been spent on critical renewals, including bridge repairs and track works.&nbsp; ====================================================================Patients across Colac and the South West could miss out on life-saving breakthroughs unless the state&rsquo;s medical research sector receives an urgent funding boost. Ten of Victoria&rsquo;s leading institutes are reportedly facing closure without immediate help in the upcoming state budget.================================== ==================================Farmers in Deans Marsh and business owners along the Great Ocean Road are set to receive continued rate relief in the new Surf Coast Shire Draft Budget. ================================== ==================================AND IN SPORTThis weekend the Colac Braves Division 1 side will travel to take on the Guild All-Stars at the Geelong Baseball Centre. The Division 3 side will also travel facing the Corio Tigers. ================================== ==================================Simpson will be without gun Ryleigh McVilly this weekend after receiving a rough conduct charge against Irrewarra-Beeac. The incident occurred in the first quarter and was graded as careless, high impact and high contact. ================================== ==================================The Colac Otway Rovers are hunting for a bounce-back win following a tough round of defeats. The senior side is set to face Surf Coast F-C while the Reserves travel to take on Barwon&rsquo;s third-division team in grading matches. ================================== ==================================

The latest local news and sport stories impacting South West Victoria.

Presented by the newsroom of 3CS & Mixx FM.

The South West Daily

April 30, 2026

Here is what is making news for May 13, 2026.===================================As cost-of-living pressures continue to impact households, Barwon Water is beginning a major consultation process regarding future water prices and service standards.
======================================================================With the fire season now behind us, emergency services are urging Colac Otway and Corangamite residents to register their burn-offs to prevent unnecessary callouts.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook warns that despite recent rain, unusually warm autumn weather makes care essential.

The quickest way to notify authorities is through the Fire Permits Victoria website. 
======================================================================A million-dollar support package is being rolled out across eleven local government areas, including Colac Otway, to combat the effects of the South West drought.
======================================================================Lorne is celebrating a top spot in Australian Traveller’s annual rankings, coming in at eleventh in the country.

The coastal favorite led a strong showing for the Surf Coast, with Torquay and Geelong also making the top one hundred list.

Port Fairy was the highest-ranking town in along the Great Ocean, narrowly missing a podium finish in fourth place. 
======================================================================Sewell's Lawyers Biggest Morning Tea is back for 2026 to raise funds and foster community connection for locals impacted by cancer.

Sewell's Layer Nick Lenehan-Anderson says everyone is encouraged to donate or attend in helping raise funds for the Cancer Council.
======================================================================A thirty-two-year-old father from Skipton has admitted to more than thirty charges in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court following a series of dangerous driving incidents.

The court heard the man was repeatedly caught driving unlicensed and with drugs in his system throughout last year.======================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Gun Club shooter Penny Smith has reached a new career high, claiming World Cup Gold in Kazakhstan while shattering a world record.

The twenty-twenty-four Olympic Bronze Medalist delivered a flawless performance in the Women’s Trap Final, shooting a perfect thirty out of thirty.

Smith’s clinical display obliterated the previous world record of twenty-four, further cementing her status as one of the world’s elite competitors.
======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Running Festival returns this weekend, with more than ten thousand participants and visitors expected in South West Victoria.

Stretching from Lorne to Apollo Bay, the event provides a rare chance to experience the iconic road completely free of traffic. 
======================================================================Two high-profile reports have emerged from the weekend’s regional football action.

In the C-D-F-N-L, Alvie’s Dominic Dare faces a three-match ban for striking Simpson’s Sam Rial.

Meanwhile, in the G-F-N-L, Colac’s Jack Slater is facing two weeks for rough conduct against St Albans.

Both players can reduce their suspensions by one week if they elect to enter an early guilty plea.
======================================================================

Here is what is making&nbsp;news for May 13, 2026.===================================As cost-of-living pressures continue to impact households, Barwon Water is beginning a major consultation process regarding future water prices and service standards. ======================================================================With the fire season now behind us, emergency services are urging Colac Otway and Corangamite residents to register their burn-offs to prevent unnecessary callouts. CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook warns that despite recent rain, unusually warm autumn weather makes care essential. The quickest way to notify authorities is through the Fire Permits Victoria website.&nbsp; ======================================================================A million-dollar support package is being rolled out across eleven local government areas, including Colac Otway, to combat the effects of the South West drought. ======================================================================Lorne is celebrating a top spot in Australian Traveller&rsquo;s annual rankings, coming in at eleventh in the country. The coastal favorite led a strong showing for the Surf Coast, with Torquay and Geelong also making the top one hundred list. Port Fairy was the highest-ranking town in along the Great Ocean, narrowly missing a podium finish in fourth place.&nbsp; ======================================================================Sewell's Lawyers Biggest Morning Tea is back for 2026 to raise funds and foster community connection for locals impacted by cancer. Sewell's Layer Nick Lenehan-Anderson says everyone is encouraged to donate or attend in helping raise funds for the Cancer Council. ======================================================================A thirty-two-year-old father from Skipton has admitted to more than thirty charges in the Ballarat Magistrates&rsquo; Court following a series of dangerous driving incidents. The court heard the man was repeatedly caught driving unlicensed and with drugs in his system throughout last year.======================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Gun Club shooter Penny Smith has reached a new career high, claiming World Cup Gold in Kazakhstan while shattering a world record. The twenty-twenty-four Olympic Bronze Medalist delivered a flawless performance in the Women&rsquo;s Trap Final, shooting a perfect thirty out of thirty. Smith&rsquo;s clinical display obliterated the previous world record of twenty-four, further cementing her status as one of the world&rsquo;s elite competitors. ======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Running Festival returns this weekend, with more than ten thousand participants and visitors expected in South West Victoria. Stretching from Lorne to Apollo Bay, the event provides a rare chance to experience the iconic road completely free of traffic.&nbsp; ======================================================================Two high-profile reports have emerged from the weekend&rsquo;s regional football action. In the C-D-F-N-L, Alvie&rsquo;s Dominic Dare faces a three-match ban for striking Simpson&rsquo;s Sam Rial. Meanwhile, in the G-F-N-L, Colac&rsquo;s Jack Slater is facing two weeks for rough conduct against St Albans. Both players can reduce their suspensions by one week if they elect to enter an early guilty plea. ======================================================================

May 13, 2026

Here is what is making news for May 12, 2026.=================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man has been refused bail after allegedly holding a woman captive at gunpoint for several days.

The court heard the New South Wales woman managed to escape on May seventh by convincing her captor she needed to take her pet bird to a vet.

She was later found in the central business district by a member of the public who alerted police. 
==================================================================Agriculture Victoria is offering a series of workshops this week to help regional farmers navigate complex financial decisions during the current drought.
Agriculture Victoria program manager Aimee McCutcheon says these events provide technical advice and allow farmers to share challenges with specialists.

Producers in the Skipton region can discuss drought management and fire recovery opportunities while connecting with like-minded farmers. 
==================================================================Live music returned to the Great Ocean Road over the weekend as Lorne hosted a major free pop-up event.

The seaside town became a live music hub for the day as part of the Victorian Vibes series.

Crowds from across the region gathered along the coast to watch performances in the unique outdoor setting. 
==================================================================Applications are now open for a new Resilient Farming Course tailored for producers in the Upper Barwon, Warrnambool, and Otway regions.

This five-day program, running from August to November, focuses on sustainable techniques to build profitable and ecologically sound farming systems. 
==================================================================Residents across Colac and the Corangamite region are looking to todays’s federal budget for relief from rising costs.

With fuel and energy prices climbing alongside inflation, productivity in the South West has taken a significant hit.

Innes Willox from the Australian Industry Group says difficult choices are needed now to protect the future of our regional areas.
==================================================================One Nation’s recent victory in the Farrer by-election is being viewed as a warning to the Coalition ahead of the Victorian state election.

The result suggests a growing trend of regional voters moving away from major parties as they seek alternative representation.

Political expert Dr. Zareh Ghazarian says the minor party’s plan to run local candidates could trigger a voting shift in the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Braves were much more competitive in this weekends matches with the Division 1 side going down 14-5 to the Bellarine Bears.

Division 3 recorded a win over Deakin Gold winning 8-5.
==================================================================The Corangamite Lions had a successful outing against Daylesford and Hepburn United.

The Lions senior side won 6-1, with the women's winning 5-1.

The men's seniors currently sit second on the ladder behind Ballarat SC, while the women's sit second behind Forest Rangers SC.
==================================================================In the weekends Colac Otway Rovers results the Reserves went down 5-3 to Corio SC on Friday night.

Armstrong United won by 6 goals in the women's fixture while the seniors won by forfeit against Corio Bay.
==================================================================It's been a massive couple of weeks on the local golf scene.

Colac Golfer Hunter Togni was crowned The Sands Golf Club's Club Champion for 2026.

The women's Division 4 side from Colac won the South West Golf Association's Pennant with Colac defeating Clifton Springs 4-1 at Barwon Valley.
=================================

Here is what is making news for May 12, 2026.=================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man has been refused bail after allegedly holding a woman captive at gunpoint for several days. The court heard the New South Wales woman managed to escape on May seventh by convincing her captor she needed to take her pet bird to a vet. She was later found in the central business district by a member of the public who alerted police.&nbsp; ==================================================================Agriculture Victoria is offering a series of workshops this week to help regional farmers navigate complex financial decisions during the current drought. Agriculture Victoria program manager Aimee McCutcheon says these events provide technical advice and allow farmers to share challenges with specialists. Producers in the Skipton region can discuss drought management and fire recovery opportunities while connecting with like-minded farmers.&nbsp; ==================================================================Live music returned to the Great Ocean Road over the weekend as Lorne hosted a major free pop-up event. The seaside town became a live music hub for the day as part of the Victorian Vibes series. Crowds from across the region gathered along the coast to watch performances in the unique outdoor setting.&nbsp; ==================================================================Applications are now open for a new Resilient Farming Course tailored for producers in the Upper Barwon, Warrnambool, and Otway regions. This five-day program, running from August to November, focuses on sustainable techniques to build profitable and ecologically sound farming systems.&nbsp; ==================================================================Residents across Colac and the Corangamite region are looking to todays&rsquo;s federal budget for relief from rising costs. With fuel and energy prices climbing alongside inflation, productivity in the South West has taken a significant hit. Innes Willox from the Australian Industry Group says difficult choices are needed now to protect the future of our regional areas. ==================================================================One Nation&rsquo;s recent victory in the Farrer by-election is being viewed as a warning to the Coalition ahead of the Victorian state election. The result suggests a growing trend of regional voters moving away from major parties as they seek alternative representation. Political expert Dr. Zareh Ghazarian says the minor party&rsquo;s plan to run local candidates could trigger a voting shift in the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions.&nbsp; ==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Braves were much more competitive in this weekends matches with the Division 1 side going down 14-5 to the Bellarine Bears. Division 3 recorded a win over Deakin Gold winning 8-5. ==================================================================The Corangamite Lions had a successful outing against Daylesford and Hepburn United. The Lions senior side won 6-1, with the women's winning 5-1. The men's seniors currently sit second on the ladder behind Ballarat SC, while the women's sit second behind Forest Rangers SC. ==================================================================In the weekends Colac Otway Rovers results the Reserves went down 5-3 to Corio SC on Friday night. Armstrong United won by 6 goals in the women's fixture while the seniors won by forfeit against Corio Bay. ==================================================================It's been a massive couple of weeks on the local golf scene. Colac Golfer Hunter Togni was crowned The Sands Golf Club's Club Champion for 2026. The women's Division 4 side from Colac won the South West Golf Association's Pennant with Colac defeating Clifton Springs 4-1 at Barwon Valley. =================================

May 12, 2026

Here is what is making news for May 11, 2026.=================================Ahead of the federal budget's release tomorrow Member for Wannon Dan Tehan says early forecasts don't look good for those across the South West.

Mr Tehan says he will watch eagerly, especially looking towards negative gearing capital gains tax concessions.
==================================================================Commuters on the Geelong line are facing more evening disruptions starting tonight as V/Line begins scheduled maintenance night works.

From today through until May thirteenth, coaches will replace evening trains between Southern Cross and Waurn Ponds.

For those traveling this evening, city-bound coaches start at eight-p-m and Waurn Ponds-bound services at nine-p-m. 
==================================================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man has successfully appealed a twelve-month jail sentence for the sexual assault of his teenage granddaughter.

The man appeared in the Warrnambool County Court on May eighth, where his jail term was reduced to seven months. 
==================================================================Colac School Students are encouraged to prepare to walk to school with the annual Walk to School Day this Friday May 17th with Walk to School events taking place the following week.

Colac Police's Stef Ward says by simply walking to school healthy habits are being taught and encouraged. 
==================================================================The Corangamite Shire Council has expressed strong disappointment after the State Budget overlooked funding for the Skipton Recreation Reserve.

Mayor Kate Makin says the lack of support for the bushfire-struck community sends a discouraging message to residents still working to rebuild.
==================================================================Colac Area Health’s Alcohol and Other Drug Program is receiving over two hundred and sixty thousand dollars in funding from the state government.

The investment will provide better consulting rooms and increased privacy for clients.

New telehealth options are also being introduced to create a more welcoming and accessible space for those seeking help in the region.
==================================================================The Colac Otway Shire is calling for public input on its revised Draft Asset Management Policy.

This document serves as the primary framework for how the council maintains and upgrades essential community infrastructure, including roads, drains, and public buildings.
==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe weekends CDFNL football results saw some drubbings with Lorne defeating Irrewarra-Beeac by 72.

The Colac Imperials ran away 99 point winners over Apollo Bay.

Alvie won by eight points over Simpson in a close encounter.

On the netball court Lorne has a narrow 5 goal win over Irrewarra-Beeac.

Colac Imperials smashed Apollo Bay,

and Alvie closely beat Simpson.
==================================================================The Colac Tigers are back on the winners list after a 31 point football win over St Albans

Micah Robb was named the Tigers best on ground after his four goal performance.

The netballers also recorded a massive 41 goal win over St Albans.
==================================================================In the weekends Hampden League results Cobden suffered a 54 point defeat in the football to North Warrnambool.

while Camperdown didn't fair much better going down by 76 to Koroit.

In the netball Cobden flipped the result winning by 19, while Camperdown went down to Koroit by 16.
==================================================================

Here is what is making news for May 11, 2026.=================================Ahead of the federal budget's release tomorrow Member for Wannon Dan Tehan says early forecasts don't look good for those across the South West. Mr Tehan says he will watch eagerly, especially looking towards negative gearing capital gains tax concessions. ==================================================================Commuters on the Geelong line are facing more evening disruptions starting tonight as V/Line begins scheduled maintenance night works. From today through until May thirteenth, coaches will replace evening trains between Southern Cross and Waurn Ponds. For those traveling this evening, city-bound coaches start at eight-p-m and Waurn Ponds-bound services at nine-p-m.&nbsp; ==================================================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man has successfully appealed a twelve-month jail sentence for the sexual assault of his teenage granddaughter. The man appeared in the Warrnambool County Court on May eighth, where his jail term was reduced to seven months.&nbsp; ==================================================================Colac School Students are encouraged to prepare to walk to school with the annual Walk to School Day this Friday May 17th with Walk to School events taking place the following week. Colac Police's Stef Ward says by simply walking to school healthy habits are being taught and encouraged.&nbsp; ==================================================================The Corangamite Shire Council has expressed strong disappointment after the State Budget overlooked funding for the Skipton Recreation Reserve. Mayor Kate Makin says the lack of support for the bushfire-struck community sends a discouraging message to residents still working to rebuild. ==================================================================Colac Area Health&rsquo;s Alcohol and Other Drug Program is receiving over two hundred and sixty thousand dollars in funding from the state government. The investment will provide better consulting rooms and increased privacy for clients. New telehealth options are also being introduced to create a more welcoming and accessible space for those seeking help in the region. ==================================================================The Colac Otway Shire is calling for public input on its revised Draft Asset Management Policy. This document serves as the primary framework for how the council maintains and upgrades essential community infrastructure, including roads, drains, and public buildings. ==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe weekends CDFNL football results saw some drubbings with Lorne defeating Irrewarra-Beeac by 72. The Colac Imperials ran away 99 point winners over Apollo Bay. Alvie won by eight points over Simpson in a close encounter. On the netball court Lorne has a narrow 5 goal win over Irrewarra-Beeac. Colac Imperials smashed Apollo Bay, and Alvie closely beat Simpson. ==================================================================The Colac Tigers are back on the winners list after a 31 point football win over St Albans Micah Robb was named the Tigers best on ground after his four goal performance. The netballers also recorded a massive 41 goal win over St Albans. ==================================================================In the weekends Hampden League results Cobden suffered a 54 point defeat in the football to North Warrnambool. while Camperdown didn't fair much better going down by 76 to Koroit. In the netball Cobden flipped the result winning by 19, while Camperdown went down to Koroit by 16. ==================================================================

April 30, 2026

The South West Daily

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