Here is what is making news for December 9, 2025.===================================A Beeac man charged over a shooting linked to child exploitation material has lost his bid to have the case heard in a lower court.

At a recent magistrates’ hearing, the court heard the incident involved premeditation, planning, and a firearm, with elements of deception after the event. 
======================================================================Young people in Colac are leading a bold new campaign against vaping. 
Students from Colac Secondary College and Lake Colac School have designed posters, pavement stickers, and a video to raise awareness of vaping risks. 
======================================================================EPA Victoria has fined a South West operator more than six thousand dollars after a permitted vegetation burn was found to include prohibited industrial waste. 
======================================================================New data shows rental properties across Colac and the South West need minimum energy efficiency standards.

A survey reveals more than two-thirds of Australian renters avoid heating or cooling to save on bills, while 40% can’t keep their homes comfortable without using lots of energy. 
======================================================================A troubled teen with a record of commercial break-ins in both Warrnambool and Colac is facing new charges after an incident in Harris Street on Saturday. 
======================================================================Scotts Creek farmer and Corangamite Shire Councillor Jamie Vogels has warned of the increasing input cost many farmers are facing.

Cr Vogels says affordable energy is becoming increasingly important, and questioned the impact of the drought taskforce which was assembled earlier this year.
======================================================================AND IN SPORTAFL Barwon is excited to officially unveil the 2026 Colac & District Football Netball League fixture.

Alvie and Irrewarra-Beeac will launch the season on Saturday 28 March at Central Reserve in a standalone fixture.
======================================================================17-year-old Indiana Cameron from the Colac Kookas has won the 2025 CBL Women's South West Season MVP award.

She was the competition's leading scorer with 230 points and a member of the All Star 5.
======================================================================The CDCA's women's cricket saw all matches completed across the weekend.

Simpson was too strong for West Warrion.

Pomborneit Gold rolled through Apollo Bay.

Birregurra defeated Colac.

Irrewarra narrowly beat Tomahawk Creek.

AND Carlisle River smashed Pomborneit Maroon.
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