Here is what is making news for August 28, 2025.==============================Farmers across Corangamite Shire will receive a 40 per cent rebate on their rates and municipal charges this financial year.

The relief comes after the State Government allocated more than five-point-two million dollars to Council from its thirty-five-million dollar drought support package for south-west Victoria.
============================================================From next Monday, Victorians can collect firewood from designated state forest areas as the spring collection season begins.

Authorised officers will patrol south-west forests to ensure people stick to the rules – only taking fallen wood, staying within daily and yearly limits, and not selling what they collect.
============================================================Tourism Australia has launched the next chapter of its “Come and say G’day” campaign in India.

Ruby the Souvenir Kangaroo returns, joined by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sara Tendulkar, daughter of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.

The campaign showcases Australia’s iconic destinations, including the Great Ocean Road, to inspire Indian travellers to explore the country’s coast, culture and landscapes.
============================================================First home buyers across the South West... may be able to access a Federal Government scheme sooner than expected

The government's revised 5 per cent deposit scheme will begin from October, rather than January next year.
============================================================New data has revealed that Australia has recorded the highest number of drowning deaths since records began, prompting urgent warnings from Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia.

The National Drowning Report 2025, published by Royal Life Saving Australia and Surf Life Saving Australia, reveals 357 drowning deaths in the past year
============================================================A unique opportunity is opening for south-west Victorian students.

Expressions of interest are now open for the National Youth Parliament 2026, where 16 and 17-year-olds will learn how Parliament works through debates, policy workshops, and meetings with political leaders. 
============================================================AND IN SPORTSome of the South West’s brightest junior footballers have been named in the 2025 Cats Academy.

Colac’s Moses Rongdit is in the Under 14 Emerging Talent Squad.

The Under 15 Development Squad features Brody Eagle from South Colac, Diesel Ellis from the Colac Imperials, and Bayden Ward from Camperdown.
============================================================Colac's greatest football export Luke Hodge will put on the boots again tonight.

Hodge is the captain of Victoria for the Legends Game tonight at Marvel Stadiums.

Proceeds raised from donations and the match will go towards the Australian Prostate Centre.
============================================================In this weekends Colac Otway Rovers fixtures - the Colac Otway Rovers Division 1 team take on Leopold FC.

In Division 2 they face Corio Bay and Division 3 faces Drysdale.

The women's team  will take on Geelong SC.
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