Here is what is making news for December 18, 2025.===================================An Apollo Bay local has won $3,500 in gift vouchers in the town’s Shop Local Christmas campaign.

Frances Paderno was drawn following the six-week promotion run by the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce, which encouraged residents to shop locally.
======================================================================Ambulance Victoria is reminding Colac Otway and Corangamite residents to take extra care as summer gets underway.

Paramedics say warmer weather and school holidays usually bring a rise in preventable emergencies.
======================================================================Australian Dairy Farmers has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement of a new Drought Hardship Loan... through the Regional Investment Corporation

Under the new loan, eligible Western Victorian farmers will be able to borrow up to $250,000 over five years.
======================================================================National cabinet is pushing major changes to Australia’s gun laws following the Bondi shooting, with tighter rules likely to affect farmers and recreational shooters in Colac Otway, Corangamite, and the South West. 
======================================================================The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Colac Mobile Donor Centre will be back in town this February Operating on Gravesend Street near Central Reserve.

Lifeblood will be back in Colac from February 24 to March 6.
======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will complete repairs on Peterborough's Bay Of Islands boat ramp.

Victorian Fisheries Authorities CEO Travis Dowling confirmed fees from fishing registrations helped the authority net $17,000 to complete the project.
======================================================================AND IN SPORTIn the final round of Corangamite Midweek Pennant Bowls action before the Christmas Break.

Central narrowly defeated Simpson.

City was too strong for Colac 1.

Colac 2 was beaten by Camperdown Magpies.

and Winchelsea smashed Cobden.
======================================================================Simpson Tigers have landed a big recruit heading into the 2026 season.

Jaymz Farrell crosses from Geelong West after stints with St Albans in the GFL.

The club says they welcome the speedy wing/half-back.

In other CDFNL news Otway Districts have named former Williamstown and North Ballarat VFL footballer Lane Buckwell as assistant coach.

In netball news Emma Sutherland will coach the Demons in 2026.
======================================================================

Here is what is making news for December 18, 2025.===================================An Apollo Bay local has won $3,500 in gift vouchers in the town&rsquo;s Shop Local Christmas campaign. Frances Paderno was drawn following the six-week promotion run by the Apollo Bay Chamber of Commerce, which encouraged residents to shop locally. ======================================================================Ambulance Victoria is reminding Colac Otway and Corangamite residents to take extra care as summer gets underway. Paramedics say warmer weather and school holidays usually bring a rise in preventable emergencies. ======================================================================Australian Dairy Farmers has welcomed the Federal Government&rsquo;s announcement of a new Drought Hardship Loan... through the Regional Investment Corporation Under the new loan, eligible Western Victorian farmers will be able to borrow up to $250,000 over five years. ======================================================================National cabinet is pushing major changes to Australia&rsquo;s gun laws following the Bondi shooting, with tighter rules likely to affect farmers and recreational shooters in Colac Otway, Corangamite, and the South West.&nbsp; ======================================================================The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Colac Mobile Donor Centre will be back in town this February Operating on Gravesend Street near Central Reserve. Lifeblood will be back in Colac from February 24 to March 6. ======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority will complete repairs on Peterborough's Bay Of Islands boat ramp. Victorian Fisheries Authorities CEO Travis Dowling confirmed fees from fishing registrations helped the authority net $17,000 to complete the project. ======================================================================AND IN SPORTIn the final round of Corangamite Midweek Pennant Bowls action before the Christmas Break. Central narrowly defeated Simpson. City was too strong for Colac 1. Colac 2 was beaten by Camperdown Magpies. and Winchelsea smashed Cobden. ======================================================================Simpson Tigers have landed a big recruit heading into the 2026 season. Jaymz Farrell crosses from Geelong West after stints with St Albans in the GFL. The club&nbsp;says they welcome the speedy wing/half-back. In other CDFNL news Otway Districts have named former Williamstown and North Ballarat VFL footballer Lane Buckwell as assistant coach. In netball news Emma Sutherland will coach the Demons in 2026. ======================================================================

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

The South West Daily

December 18, 2025

Here is what is making news for December 19, 2025.===========================AKD has confirmed it is selling its plantation and carbon assets.

The decision is part of a strategy to focus on its four major sawmilling sites and strengthen its position in the timber industry. 
======================================================With hot weather expected this Christmas week, South West farmers and residents are urged to be aware of grassfire risks.

Grass Fires can travel up to 25 kilometres an hour and burn quickly through tall, dry grass. Short grass under 10 centimetres is much lower risk.
======================================================A Cobden dairy farm and its owner face nearly 30 charges over alleged illegal dam works on the property.

Southern Rural Water says the charges involve building a new dam and converting an existing irrigation dam without proper approval.
======================================================Police are counting it as a lucky escape after a serious crash near Port Campbell left a dual cab ute heavily damaged but its driver unharmed.
======================================================Corangamite Shire Council is considering installing security cameras at Lake Bullen Merri following a rise in illegal dumping at the North Beach area.
======================================================The Lake Colac Holiday Park will host a reopening event on January 10 celebrating the upgrades of its amenities and facilities.

Belgravia's Ash Hobson says the upgrades open the venue up to all travellers and the night is set to thrill locals.
======================================================Colac Otway Mayor Jason Schram has been elected Chair of the Geelong Region Alliance, known as G21.

Cr Schram will lead the regional advocacy body as it pushes for fair government investment across Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Geelong, Golden Plains and Queenscliffe.
======================================================AND IN SPORTFinal training sessions have been held for the regions young cricketers aspiring to play Country Week Cricket for Colac.
The teams will be released later today.

There is one under 17s team, two under 15s, three under 13s, one under 11s team.

Country Week begins on the fifth of January.
======================================================The Colac Turf Club's Christmas Races are back this weekend with a large crowd expected to turnout for the event.

Colac Turf Club's Maree Gannon says the warm weather forecast and the day moving back to late December should ensure a large turnout.
======================================================

Here is what is making news for December 19, 2025.===========================AKD has confirmed it is selling its plantation and carbon assets. The decision is part of a strategy to focus on its four major sawmilling sites and strengthen its position in the timber industry.&nbsp; ======================================================With hot weather expected this Christmas week, South West farmers and residents are urged to be aware of grassfire risks. Grass Fires can travel up to 25 kilometres an hour and burn quickly through tall, dry grass. Short grass under 10 centimetres is much lower risk. ======================================================A Cobden dairy farm and its owner face nearly 30 charges over alleged illegal dam works on the property. Southern Rural Water says the charges involve building a new dam and converting an existing irrigation dam without proper approval. ======================================================Police are counting it as a lucky escape after a serious crash near Port Campbell left a dual cab ute heavily damaged but its driver unharmed. ======================================================Corangamite Shire Council is considering installing security cameras at Lake Bullen Merri following a rise in illegal dumping at the North Beach area. ======================================================The Lake Colac Holiday Park will host a reopening event on January 10 celebrating the upgrades of its amenities and facilities. Belgravia's Ash Hobson says the upgrades open the venue up to all travellers and the night is set to thrill locals. ======================================================Colac Otway Mayor Jason Schram has been elected Chair of the Geelong Region Alliance, known as G21. Cr Schram will lead the regional advocacy body as it pushes for fair government investment across Colac Otway, Surf Coast, Geelong, Golden Plains and Queenscliffe. ======================================================AND IN SPORTFinal training sessions have been held for the regions young cricketers aspiring to play Country Week Cricket for Colac. The teams will be released later today. There is one under 17s team, two under 15s, three under 13s, one under 11s team. Country Week begins on the fifth of January. ======================================================The Colac Turf Club's Christmas Races are back this weekend with a large crowd expected to turnout for the event. Colac Turf Club's Maree Gannon says the warm weather forecast and the day moving back to late December should ensure a large turnout. ======================================================

December 19, 2025

Here is what is making news for December 17, 2025.===============================At its December meeting, Colac Otway Shire Council reaffirmed its opposition to rezoning land at Pound Road, Colac, for 50 social and affordable housing lots.

Council says the proposal doesn’t fit the neighbourhood character and concentrates social housing in one area, despite previous discussions with Homes Victoria. 
==============================================================Surf Coast Shire Council is moving into the next stage of planning to address the complex Fairhaven landslip on the Great Ocean Road.
==============================================================A remarkable new megafauna fossil area has been discovered along the south-west Victorian coast, uncovering clues to Australia’s ancient past.
==============================================================A new national coordinator has joined efforts to tackle feral cats and foxes, which threaten wildlife and farming in Colac Otway, Corangamite, and across Australia.

Feral cats and foxes kill billions of native animals and contribute to the extinction of many species, while foxes alone cost farmers over $198 million each year.
==============================================================This Thursday night the Colac Salvation Army will be opening its centre for the Jewish community and those affected by Sunday nights events at Bondi Beach.

Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says it's just about offering community support for those affected with trauma looking for someone to speak to.
==============================================================Transport Victoria has reminded travellers to plan ahead later this week with full extreme heat time tables to take place.

Due to the forecast temperatures, an Extreme Heat timetable will be running on the Geelong, and Warrnambool lines this Thursday.
==============================================================AND IN SPORTThe Great Ocean and Otway Bike ride is back for 2026 with dates set for May 2.

The ride which travels through Forrest, Deans Marsh, Lorne and Skenes Creek is expecting more riders than ever.==============================================================Camperdown netballer Piper Stephens has been picked in the under 17s Victorian State netball team set to compete at the 2026 National Netball Championships.

The teams of 12 were selected following an extensive process that began in August, with initial squads of 50 refined to 25. 
==============================================================

Here is what is making news for December 17, 2025.===============================At its December meeting, Colac Otway Shire Council reaffirmed its opposition to rezoning land at Pound Road, Colac, for 50 social and affordable housing lots. Council says the proposal doesn&rsquo;t fit the neighbourhood character and concentrates social housing in one area, despite previous discussions with Homes Victoria.&nbsp; ==============================================================Surf Coast Shire Council is moving into the next stage of planning to address the complex Fairhaven landslip on the Great Ocean Road. ==============================================================A remarkable new megafauna fossil area has been discovered along the south-west Victorian coast, uncovering clues to Australia&rsquo;s ancient past. ==============================================================A new national coordinator has joined efforts to tackle feral cats and foxes, which threaten wildlife and farming in Colac Otway, Corangamite, and across Australia. Feral cats and foxes kill billions of native animals and contribute to the extinction of many species, while foxes alone cost farmers over $198 million each year. ==============================================================This Thursday night the Colac Salvation Army will be opening its centre for the Jewish community and those affected by Sunday nights events at Bondi Beach. Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says it's just about offering community support for those affected with trauma looking for someone to speak to. ==============================================================Transport Victoria has reminded travellers to plan ahead later this week with full extreme heat time tables to take place. Due to the forecast temperatures, an Extreme Heat timetable will be running on the Geelong, and Warrnambool lines this Thursday. ==============================================================AND IN SPORTThe Great Ocean and Otway Bike ride is back for 2026 with dates set for May 2. The ride which travels through Forrest, Deans Marsh, Lorne and Skenes Creek is expecting more riders than ever.==============================================================Camperdown netballer Piper Stephens has been picked in the under 17s Victorian State netball team set to compete at the 2026 National Netball Championships. The teams of 12 were selected following an extensive process that began in August, with initial squads of 50 refined to 25.&nbsp; ==============================================================

December 17, 2025

Here is what is making news for December 16, 2025.===============================With many locals planning trips over the Christmas–New Year break, the RACV is encouraging Victorians to explore closer to home.

New Tourism and Transport Forum data shows a strong rise in domestic travel intentions.
==============================================================Horse owners across Colac Otway regions are being urged to include their animals in farm and household fire plans.

Agriculture Victoria says horses should have access to a “safer” area with secure fencing, minimal vegetation, and a reliable water source.
==============================================================A 47-year-old man has been taken to Colac Hospital following a collision at the McDonald’s drive-through.

Emergency services were called to the scene, with Colac Police, Ambulance Victoria and MICA paramedics attending.
==============================================================A Birregurra dad is set to make Christmas extra special after winning $900,000 in the weekend’s TattsLotto draw.

The Birregurra man held one of seven division one winning entries nationally in draw 4633, each worth $919,794.14.
==============================================================Planning for Corangamite Shire Council’s 2026–27 Budget is now underway, and the community is being invited to have their say.

Residents, businesses and community groups can share priorities and project ideas online.==============================================================With Summer finally upon us and many heading away for the Christmas break, many areas across the state such as the Otways continue to be a heightened fire risk area
 
The CFA is urging anyone hitting the roads this festive season to be aware of conditions.
==============================================================AND IN SPORTIn the CDCA's women's weekend matches - Carlisle River won against West Warrion.

Pomborneit Gold was too strong for Tomahawk Creek.

Birregurra defeated Pomborneit Maroon.

Simpson beat Apollo Bay.

It was a close match with Irrewarra beating Colac by 7 runs.
==============================================================In the weekends Corangamite Pennant Bowls results - City was too strong for Central.

Colac defeated Apollo Bay.

Winchelsea 1 continued its winning ways against Simpson.

AND Camperdown Magpies were too good for Winchelsea 2.
==============================================================Otway Districts have rolled out another signing with Jackson Holmes-Henley signing on.

A utility, Holmes-Henley started his career with the Grovedale Tigers and Geelong Ammos before playing at Kolora-Noorat.
==============================================================

Here is what is making news for December 16, 2025.===============================With many locals planning trips over the Christmas&ndash;New Year break, the RACV is encouraging Victorians to explore closer to home. New Tourism and Transport Forum data shows a strong rise in domestic travel intentions. ==============================================================Horse owners across Colac Otway regions are being urged to include their animals in farm and household fire plans. Agriculture Victoria says horses should have access to a &ldquo;safer&rdquo; area with secure fencing, minimal vegetation, and a reliable water source. ==============================================================A 47-year-old man has been taken to Colac Hospital following a collision at the McDonald&rsquo;s drive-through. Emergency services were called to the scene, with Colac Police, Ambulance Victoria and MICA paramedics attending. ==============================================================A Birregurra dad is set to make Christmas extra special after winning $900,000 in the weekend&rsquo;s TattsLotto draw. The Birregurra man held one of seven division one winning entries nationally in draw 4633, each worth $919,794.14. ==============================================================Planning for Corangamite Shire Council&rsquo;s 2026&ndash;27 Budget is now underway, and the community is being invited to have their say. Residents, businesses and community groups can share priorities and project ideas online.==============================================================With Summer finally upon us and many heading away for the Christmas break, many areas across the state such as the Otways continue to be a heightened fire risk area &nbsp; The CFA is urging anyone hitting the roads this festive season to be aware of conditions. ==============================================================AND IN SPORTIn the CDCA's women's weekend matches - Carlisle River won against West Warrion. Pomborneit Gold was too strong for Tomahawk Creek. Birregurra defeated Pomborneit Maroon. Simpson beat Apollo Bay. It was a close match with Irrewarra beating Colac by 7 runs. ==============================================================In the weekends Corangamite Pennant Bowls results - City was too strong for Central. Colac defeated Apollo Bay. Winchelsea 1 continued its winning ways against Simpson. AND Camperdown Magpies were too good for Winchelsea 2. ==============================================================Otway Districts have rolled out another signing with Jackson Holmes-Henley signing on. A utility, Holmes-Henley started his career with the Grovedale Tigers and Geelong Ammos before playing at Kolora-Noorat. ==============================================================

December 18, 2025

The South West Daily

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