Here is what is making news for August 22, 2025.

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Bass Strait Freight is moving its cattle trade focus from Apollo Bay to Port Welshpool in Gippsland.

Director David Harris says the port offers better facilities and stronger support from local authorities.

Although a ban on vessels using Apollo Bay has been lifted, the company says it will continue its operations in Port Welshpool, leaving the western port largely unused for now.

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The Colac Salvation Army branch has put a community call for a van, while their's is out of service.

Team Leader Josiah Van Niekerk says it helps the branch complete important services such as food drop offs for those in need.

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Anglesea has switched on its first public EV charging station, with the Community Hub site now operational.

It’s one of four new chargers funded by the Victorian Government for the Surf Coast.

Lorne’s charger opened last summer, while works are progressing for Winchelsea’s Old Library site and Aireys Inlet’s Community Hall, both due online by year’s end.

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With minimum temperatures dropping back into low single digits across Colac Otway and Corangamite pet owners are being reminded to rug up ourselves but also make sure we're keeping our pets warm and protected from the elements.

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Two environmental groups have criticised the Victorian government over possible new petroleum exploration licences in the Otways.

The state is consulting on proposals for two permits, including one offshore between Warrnambool and Port Campbell.

Environment Victoria says more gas exploration would increase climate pollution and threaten marine life, while Friends of the Earth argues the government should focus on renewables and electrification instead.

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Camperdown has a brand-new aged care home, after South West Healthcare officially opened the 39-point-6 million dollar Leura Aged Care facility.

The two-storey, 36-bed centre, named Leura Aged Care, replaces Merindah Lodge at Camperdown Hospital and is designed around a small household model. 

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AND IN SPORT

The CDFNL heads into its final home and away round, with the top five positions confirmed in both football and netball.

In netball, Irrewarra Beeac leads the ladder, followed by Imperials in second.

This weekend, the winner of Birregurra and Alvie will claim third, with South Colac rounding out the top five.

In football, Imperials are on top, Lorne second, Alvie third, Irrewarra Beeac fourth, and Birregurra fifth.

This weekend’s fixtures include Otway Districts hosting South Colac, Imperials against Irrewarra Beeac, Lorne facing Simpson, and Apollo Bay chasing their first win against the Western Eagles.

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The Colac Tigers head into a big clash against South Barwon this weekend.

The Tigers currently sit third and South Barwon sixth, with two rounds remaining.

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The regions two Hampden League teams face off this weekend.

Camperdown hosts the Cobden Bombers with the Magpies still a slight chance to make finals.

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