Here is what is making news for July 4, 2026.================================A man will face court this month after trying to evade police by driving a B-M-W through paddocks near Birregurra.

Colac Highway Patrol's Jamie Kahle says officers apprehended the driver, uncovering drugs and more than nine thousand dollars cash inside the vehicle.================================================================A prime piece of Lorne real estate is up for grabs, with tenders opening for a new café operator at the Point Grey precinct.
================================================================The Cancer Council is calling on Colac locals to raise funds for the Frank Minchington Centre at Colac Area Health to Support Daffodil Day.

The Daffodil Day Appeal is officially on August 20, raising funds for world-class cancer research.

Locally Colac Secondary College is supporting efforts to raise funds to show support for the 150,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer each year.
================================================================The Colac Fire Brigade has celebrated its one hundred and thirty-ninth anniversary, honouring dedicated volunteers at its annual dinner.

Joined by Mayor Jason Schram and state fire officials, the brigade presented Adam Box with the prestigious Firefighter of the Year and Most Turnouts awards.

Shane Richardson secured the Golden Airhorn, while Tyson Brandt received the Captain’s Award. 
================================================================Preparations are well underway for this weekend's Colac Area Health Foundation Winter Fest.

Chief Executive Officer Fiona Brew says the event, held this Sunday at the Colac Showgrounds, will help raise vital funds for the hospital's new wellbeing centre.
================================================================A massive environmental restoration project is getting underway along Colac's Barongarook Creek, with the community invited to help plant native vegetation.
================================================================AND IN SPORTIn the weekends Baseball results - The Colac Braves senior side lost 13-3 to the Deakin Blues.

The Division 3 side had a close result with an 8-6 loss to the Bellarine Bears.
================================================================It was a weekend of mixed results for the Corangamite Lions as they hosted the Ballarat Soccer Club.

The seniors won 1-nil, the reserves lost 3-2 while the women's played out a 1-1 draw.
================================================================It was a mixed weekend of results for the Colac Otway Rovers over the weekend.

The seniors had a 1-nil win over Ocean Grove.

While the reserves played 2 matches over the weekend - a 4-1 loss on Friday night and then a 2-1 loss to Deakin University on Sunday.

The women's also had a 3-nil loss to Corio SC on Saturday.
================================

Here is what is making news for July 4, 2026.================================A man will face court this month after trying to evade police by driving a B-M-W through paddocks near Birregurra. Colac Highway Patrol's Jamie Kahle says officers apprehended the driver, uncovering drugs and more than nine thousand dollars cash inside the vehicle.================================================================A prime piece of Lorne real estate is up for grabs, with tenders opening for a new caf&eacute; operator at the Point Grey precinct. ================================================================The Cancer Council is calling on Colac locals to raise funds for the Frank Minchington Centre at Colac Area Health to Support Daffodil Day. The Daffodil Day Appeal is officially on August 20, raising funds for world-class cancer research. Locally Colac Secondary College is supporting efforts to raise funds to show support for the 150,000 Australians diagnosed with cancer each year. ================================================================The Colac Fire Brigade has celebrated its one hundred and thirty-ninth anniversary, honouring dedicated volunteers at its annual dinner. Joined by Mayor Jason Schram and state fire officials, the brigade presented Adam Box with the prestigious Firefighter of the Year and Most Turnouts awards. Shane Richardson secured the Golden Airhorn, while Tyson Brandt received the Captain&rsquo;s Award.&nbsp; ================================================================Preparations are well underway for this weekend's Colac Area Health Foundation Winter Fest. Chief Executive Officer Fiona Brew says the event, held this Sunday at the Colac Showgrounds, will help raise vital funds for the hospital's new wellbeing centre. ================================================================A massive environmental restoration project is getting underway along Colac's Barongarook Creek, with the community invited to help plant native vegetation. ================================================================AND IN SPORTIn the weekends Baseball results - The Colac Braves senior side lost 13-3 to the Deakin Blues. The Division 3 side had a close result with an 8-6 loss to the Bellarine Bears. ================================================================It was a weekend of mixed results for the Corangamite Lions as they hosted the Ballarat Soccer Club. The seniors won 1-nil, the reserves lost 3-2 while the women's played out a 1-1 draw. ================================================================It was a mixed weekend of results for the Colac Otway Rovers over the weekend. The seniors had a 1-nil win over Ocean Grove. While the reserves played 2 matches over the weekend - a 4-1 loss on Friday night and then a 2-1 loss to Deakin University on Sunday. The women's also had a 3-nil loss to Corio SC on Saturday. ================================

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

The South West Daily

August 4, 2026

Here is what is making news for August 19, 2026.======================================Locals in Colac and Weerite will benefit from stronger freight routes, with upgrades to three bridges on the Princes Highway West now complete.

The fifteen point one four million dollar project has strengthened forty-year-old rail bridges at Weerite, Allansford, and Dennington.

The Australian and Victorian governments jointly funded the works to handle modern traffic volumes and heavy vehicles. 
============================================================================Growing demands for artificial intelligence have sparked fears in the south-west that prime agricultural land could be sacrificed for power infrastructure.

Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the region must not be industrialised to feed energy-hungry data centres in Melbourne.

With global data centre electricity use expected to double by twenty thirty, local leaders are demanding a seat at the table for planning decisions to ensure food security and farming remain the top priority.
============================================================================Colac Area Health has successfully hosted its third research symposium, focusing on a range of local health issues.

Chief Executive Officer Fiona Brew says strong partnerships with nearby education organisations mean Colac continues to punch above its weight in medical research.
============================================================================Barwon South West residents are being urged to take precautions against swooping birds as spring approaches.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action says swooping is a natural, temporary behaviour used by native birds to protect their young.

Wildlife emergencies manager Tony English says people should avoid known hotspots, move calmly, and wear protective headgear. 
============================================================================A new bushfire prediction model developed by the CFA could offer greater protection for communities along the Great Ocean Road.

CFA Predictive Services Specialist Andy Ackland has created the Fuel Availability Factor, an alternative to drought indexes that have been used for sixty years.

By analysing soil moisture data from the Bureau of Meteorology, the new system offers a more accurate picture of landscape dryness. 
============================================================================Land has been set aside for a new Colac Otway Rovers Soccer Club facility, but funding is still needed.

Polwarth MP Richard Riordan says a permanent home is long overdue, with the club now lobbying all levels of government to secure the necessary construction money.
============================================================================South-west Victorian clubs have dominated the Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence, taking home a raft of major honours.
Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club won the President’s Award for its outstanding response to flash flooding at Wye River.

Apollo Bay's Evelyn Lyons was named Member Trainer of the Year.

Lorne Surf Life Saving Club’s Lucas Karlson won the Youth Lifesaver of the Year, while Heath Armstrong won the Membership and Leadership Development Award.

Port Campbell’s James Green took home the Graeme Long Memorial Medal Volunteer of the Year. 

Finally, Heather’s Swim School became the first private facility in Victoria to achieve gold status in the state Pool Safety Assessment.
============================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Kookas have officially announced their men’s and women’s squads for the upcoming twenty twenty-six Country Basketball League season.

Twelve athletes have been selected for the women's team, including Jessica Anderson, Indi Cameron, Isla Casey, and Nikki Clover.

The men's squad features fifteen players, with Luka Gerber, Isaac Moran, Nate Parker, and William Smith among those representing Colac.
============================================================================The Colac Braves have wrapped up their 2026 baseball season with its results from last weekend.

Division 1 went down 12-0 against the Guild All Stars.

The Division 3 side went down 18-5 to the Corio Tigers.
============================================================================Apollo Bay Cricket Club has announced its second signing for the twenty twenty-six, twenty twenty-seven season, welcoming Owen Birchley.

Arriving from Martley Cricket Club, the top-order batsman and leg-spin bowler boasts over two thousand runs and nearly two hundred wickets.============================================================================Western Eagles ruckman Elijah Reid will spend the summer up north after signing with Darwin based Wanderers Football Club.

Reid will be joined by fellow Eagles on-baller Luke Fish for the upcoming Northern Territory Football League Season.
======================================

Here is what is making news for August 19, 2026.======================================Locals in Colac and Weerite will benefit from stronger freight routes, with upgrades to three bridges on the Princes Highway West now complete. The fifteen point one four million dollar project has strengthened forty-year-old rail bridges at Weerite, Allansford, and Dennington. The Australian and Victorian governments jointly funded the works to handle modern traffic volumes and heavy vehicles.&nbsp; ============================================================================Growing demands for artificial intelligence have sparked fears in the south-west that prime agricultural land could be sacrificed for power infrastructure. Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the region must not be industrialised to feed energy-hungry data centres in Melbourne. With global data centre electricity use expected to double by twenty thirty, local leaders are demanding a seat at the table for planning decisions to ensure food security and farming remain the top priority. ============================================================================Colac Area Health has successfully hosted its third research symposium, focusing on a range of local health issues. Chief Executive Officer Fiona Brew says strong partnerships with nearby education organisations mean Colac continues to punch above its weight in medical research. ============================================================================Barwon South West residents are being urged to take precautions against swooping birds as spring approaches. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action says swooping is a natural, temporary behaviour used by native birds to protect their young. Wildlife emergencies manager Tony English says people should avoid known hotspots, move calmly, and wear protective headgear.&nbsp; ============================================================================A new bushfire prediction model developed by the CFA could offer greater protection for communities along the Great Ocean Road. CFA Predictive Services Specialist Andy Ackland has created the Fuel Availability Factor, an alternative to drought indexes that have been used for sixty years. By analysing soil moisture data from the Bureau of Meteorology, the new system offers a more accurate picture of landscape dryness.&nbsp; ============================================================================Land has been set aside for a new Colac Otway Rovers Soccer Club facility, but funding is still needed. Polwarth MP Richard Riordan says a permanent home is long overdue, with the club now lobbying all levels of government to secure the necessary construction money. ============================================================================South-west Victorian clubs have dominated the Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence, taking home a raft of major honours. Apollo Bay Surf Life Saving Club won the President&rsquo;s Award for its outstanding response to flash flooding at Wye River. Apollo Bay's Evelyn Lyons was named Member Trainer of the Year. Lorne Surf Life Saving Club&rsquo;s Lucas Karlson won the Youth Lifesaver of the Year, while Heath Armstrong won the Membership and Leadership Development Award. Port Campbell&rsquo;s James Green took home the Graeme Long Memorial Medal Volunteer of the Year.&nbsp; Finally, Heather&rsquo;s Swim School became the first private facility in Victoria to achieve gold status in the state Pool Safety Assessment. ============================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Kookas have officially announced their men&rsquo;s and women&rsquo;s squads for the upcoming twenty twenty-six Country Basketball League season. Twelve athletes have been selected for the women's team, including Jessica Anderson, Indi Cameron, Isla Casey, and Nikki Clover. The men's squad features fifteen players, with Luka Gerber, Isaac Moran, Nate Parker, and William Smith among those representing Colac. ============================================================================The Colac Braves have wrapped up their 2026 baseball season with its results from last weekend. Division 1 went down 12-0 against the Guild All Stars. The Division 3 side went down 18-5 to the Corio Tigers. ============================================================================Apollo Bay Cricket Club has announced its second signing for the twenty twenty-six, twenty twenty-seven season, welcoming Owen Birchley. Arriving from Martley Cricket Club, the top-order batsman and leg-spin bowler boasts over two thousand runs and nearly two hundred wickets.============================================================================Western Eagles ruckman Elijah Reid will spend the summer up north after signing with Darwin based Wanderers Football Club. Reid will be joined by fellow Eagles on-baller Luke Fish for the upcoming Northern Territory Football League Season. ======================================

August 19, 2026

Here is what is making news for August 18, 2026.==================================Concerned parents in Apollo Bay are rallying for support after their local childcare centre was denied federal funding.

The service, which has run for twenty years, was reportedly rejected by the Community Child Care Fund without explanation.

Locals warn the centre is at risk of closure unless the decision is overturned, and are urging their local MPs to urgently intervene.====================================================================Farmers across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are being urged to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season.

Agriculture Victoria is hosting a farm fire preparedness webinar on Wednesday, September second, at seven p-m.

Land Management Extension Officer Kylie Macreadie says early planning is essential to reduce stress and protect property, livestock, and staff. 
====================================================================A premier south-west Victorian dairy operation south of Colac has been listed for sale with a twenty million dollar price tag.

Located at Carlisle River, the six hundred and fifty-one hectare Otway Milk enterprise is being offered on a walk-in, walk-out basis.

The farm currently milks seven hundred Holstein-Friesian cows, producing over five million litres of milk annually. 
====================================================================The latest August release of Dairy News Australia's August ABVs report has highlighted the strength of South West Victoria’s dairy industry.

Terang's Emu Banks Holstein herd, owned by Bryan and Jo Dickson, retained the number one position. Breeders in Noorat, Terang, and Bambra were also recognised.

Bryan Dickson credits the region's strong performance to the large quantity of dedicated local dairy producers.
====================================================================Corangamite Shire Council is calling on residents, businesses, and community groups to provide feedback on a proposed planning scheme amendment aimed at improving the Timboon town centre.
====================================================================Christmas by the Lake is searching for businesses to sponsor the event for its fifth instalment.

Ace Radio Colac General Manager Nick Hay says those interested in sponsoring the event which raises money for the Colac Area Health Foundation should reach out to the station.
====================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Tigers Premiership player Zara Walters is set to leave the Melbourne Vixens prior to the twenty twenty-seven Super Netball season.

Having debuted in twenty twenty-four, Walters featured in thirty-nine games across three seasons.

During her tenure with the club, she won Rookie of the Year honours and helped secure the Vixens' twenty twenty-five premiership.
====================================================================It wasn't a great weekend for the Corangamite Lions Football Club as the seniors had a 2-nil lost to the Forest Rangers.

The Lions women's team played out a 2-2 draw.
====================================================================Colac football exports starred at state league level over the weekend.

Brisbane Lions Will McLachlan kicked 4 goals 4, in the Lions 103 point demolition of Gold Coast.

Micah Robb had 15 touches and kicked 1 goal 4 in Werribee's 59 point win against Sandringham.

In the WAFL Tobyn Murray had 15 disposals and kicked 2 goals 1 in Peel Thunder's loss to West Coast.
====================================================================The Colac Otway Rovers had a mixed weekend on the soccer pitch with the Seniors winning 1-nil against Corio Bay.

The reserves lost 4-nil to Bell Park SC.
==================================

Here is what is making news for August 18, 2026.==================================Concerned parents in Apollo Bay are rallying for support after their local childcare centre was denied federal funding. The service, which has run for twenty years, was reportedly rejected by the Community Child Care Fund without explanation. Locals warn the centre is at risk of closure unless the decision is overturned, and are urging their local MPs to urgently intervene.====================================================================Farmers across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are being urged to prepare for the upcoming bushfire season. Agriculture Victoria is hosting a farm fire preparedness webinar on Wednesday, September second, at seven p-m. Land Management Extension Officer Kylie Macreadie says early planning is essential to reduce stress and protect property, livestock, and staff.&nbsp; ====================================================================A premier south-west Victorian dairy operation south of Colac has been listed for sale with a twenty million dollar price tag. Located at Carlisle River, the six hundred and fifty-one hectare Otway Milk enterprise is being offered on a walk-in, walk-out basis. The farm currently milks seven hundred Holstein-Friesian cows, producing over five million litres of milk annually.&nbsp; ====================================================================The latest August release of Dairy News Australia's August ABVs report has highlighted the strength of South West Victoria&rsquo;s dairy industry. Terang's Emu Banks Holstein herd, owned by Bryan and Jo Dickson, retained the number one position. Breeders in Noorat, Terang, and Bambra were also recognised. Bryan Dickson credits the region's strong performance to the large quantity of dedicated local dairy producers. ====================================================================Corangamite Shire Council is calling on residents, businesses, and community groups to provide feedback on a proposed planning scheme amendment aimed at improving the Timboon town centre. ====================================================================Christmas by the Lake is searching for businesses to sponsor the event for its fifth instalment. Ace Radio Colac General Manager Nick Hay says those interested in sponsoring the event which raises money for the Colac Area Health Foundation should reach out to the station. ====================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Tigers Premiership player Zara Walters is set to leave the Melbourne Vixens prior to the twenty twenty-seven Super Netball season. Having debuted in twenty twenty-four, Walters featured in thirty-nine games across three seasons. During her tenure with the club, she won Rookie of the Year honours and helped secure the Vixens' twenty twenty-five premiership. ====================================================================It wasn't a great weekend for the Corangamite Lions Football Club as the seniors had a 2-nil lost to the Forest Rangers. The Lions women's team played out a 2-2 draw. ====================================================================Colac football exports starred at state league level over the weekend. Brisbane Lions Will McLachlan kicked 4 goals 4, in the Lions 103 point demolition of Gold Coast. Micah Robb had 15 touches and kicked 1 goal 4 in Werribee's 59 point win against Sandringham. In the WAFL Tobyn Murray had 15 disposals and kicked 2 goals 1 in Peel Thunder's loss to West Coast. ====================================================================The Colac Otway Rovers had a mixed weekend on the soccer pitch with the Seniors winning 1-nil against Corio Bay. The reserves lost 4-nil to Bell Park SC. ==================================

August 18, 2026

Here is what is making news for August 17, 2026.====================================The third annual Graze the Day festival returns to the Timboon Amphitheatre on Saturday, November twenty-eight.

The event will feature live music from Smoke Stack Rhino, Flynn Gurry, and The Hootie Tooties.
========================================================================Corangamite Shire residents are being encouraged to nominate for six vacant roles on the Mount Noorat Management Committee.

Corangamite Shire Deputy Mayor Laurie Hickey says the committee is looking for a broad range of skills. 
========================================================================Fire crews have successfully contained a hay bale fire at a property in Winchelsea.

The blaze broke out, with firefighters arriving to find fifty bales well alight.

According to the Winchelsea Fire Brigade, another one hundred unburnt bales and a large pile of chaff were at risk.
========================================================================V-Line passengers on the Warrnambool line will soon be able to use tap-and-go payment for their train journeys.

The state government has announced contactless payments via bank card, phone, or smartwatch will launch at stations on the Warrnambool line from September thirteenth.
========================================================================Angling clubs across the Colac Otway, Corangamite, and Surf Coast regions are being urged to apply for the latest round of state fishing grants.

Up to ten thousand dollars is available per club to upgrade facilities, grow memberships, and expand community programs. 
========================================================================Princetown received a shoutout in federal parliament from local Member for Wannon Dan Tehan following its efforts to reopen the general store.

Me Tehan says its fantastic to see the local business resume operations along the Great Ocean Road.
========================================================================South West TAFE is on the hunt for the region's next WorldSkills champion, hoping to follow the success of a recent world finalist.

A record number of entrants are expected after a significant expansion of skills categories on offer

Two years ago just six skills were contested... while this year their will be 17 on offer
========================================================================The Lake Purrumbete Angling Club has wrapped up a successful Annual General Meeting, with a strong committee re-elected to guide its future.

A major highlight of the night was the announcement of two new Life Members, Marie and Darren Jopling. ========================================================================AND IN SPORTThree matches in CDFNL action were decided by more than 90 points in this weekends action.

South Colac smashed Otway Districts by 116.

Colac Imperials defeated Irrewarra-Beeac by 93.

and Alvie thumped Apollo Bay 118.

In closer football results Birregurra shocked Simpson with an 11 point win.

and Lorne took care of the Western Eagles by 40.

Over on the netball court the Western Eagles upset Lorne by 6.

Birregurra narrowly won against Simpson by 1 goal.

Alvie defeated Apollo Bay.

South Colac won against Otway Districts.

and Colac Imperials had a narrow 4-goal win over Irrewarra-Beeac.
========================================================================In this weekends Colac Tigers results the Tigers netballers had a good day out on the netball court beating St Albans by 31 goals.

On the football field the Tigers had a 40 point win.
========================================================================In this weekends Hampden League action it was Camperdown who were victorious over Cobden by 15 point in the football.

On the netball court it was Cobden won by 31 goals over Camperdown.
========================================================================

Here is what is making news for August 17, 2026.====================================The third annual Graze the Day festival returns to the Timboon Amphitheatre on Saturday, November twenty-eight. The event will feature live music from Smoke Stack Rhino, Flynn Gurry, and The Hootie Tooties. ========================================================================Corangamite Shire residents are being encouraged to nominate for six vacant roles on the Mount Noorat Management Committee. Corangamite Shire Deputy Mayor Laurie Hickey says the committee is looking for a broad range of skills.&nbsp; ========================================================================Fire crews have successfully contained a hay bale fire at a property in Winchelsea. The blaze broke out, with firefighters arriving to find fifty bales well alight. According to the Winchelsea Fire Brigade, another one hundred unburnt bales and a large pile of chaff were at risk. ========================================================================V-Line passengers on the Warrnambool line will soon be able to use tap-and-go payment for their train journeys. The state government has announced contactless payments via bank card, phone, or smartwatch will launch at stations on the Warrnambool line from September thirteenth. ========================================================================Angling clubs across the Colac Otway, Corangamite, and Surf Coast regions are being urged to apply for the latest round of state fishing grants. Up to ten thousand dollars is available per club to upgrade facilities, grow memberships, and expand community programs.&nbsp; ========================================================================Princetown received a shoutout in federal parliament from local Member for Wannon Dan Tehan following its efforts to reopen the general store. Me Tehan says its fantastic to see the local business resume operations along the Great Ocean Road. ========================================================================South West TAFE is on the hunt for the region's next WorldSkills champion, hoping to follow the success of a recent world finalist. A record number of entrants are expected after a significant expansion of skills categories on offer Two years ago just six skills were contested... while this year their will be 17 on offer ========================================================================The Lake Purrumbete Angling Club has wrapped up a successful Annual General Meeting, with a strong committee re-elected to guide its future. A major highlight of the night was the announcement of two new Life Members, Marie and Darren Jopling.&nbsp;========================================================================AND IN SPORTThree matches in CDFNL action were decided by more than 90 points in this weekends action. South Colac smashed Otway Districts by 116. Colac Imperials defeated Irrewarra-Beeac by 93. and Alvie thumped Apollo Bay 118. In closer football results Birregurra shocked Simpson with an 11 point win. and Lorne took care of the Western Eagles by 40. Over on the netball court the Western Eagles upset Lorne by 6. Birregurra narrowly won against Simpson by 1 goal. Alvie defeated Apollo Bay. South Colac won against Otway Districts. and Colac Imperials had a narrow 4-goal win over Irrewarra-Beeac. ========================================================================In this weekends Colac Tigers results the Tigers netballers had a good day out on the netball court beating St Albans by 31 goals. On the football field the Tigers had a 40 point win. ========================================================================In this weekends Hampden League action it was Camperdown who were victorious over Cobden by 15 point in the football. On the netball court it was Cobden won by 31 goals over Camperdown. ========================================================================

August 4, 2026

The South West Daily

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