Here is what is making news for February 26, 2026.================================Geelong and Colac are serving as the bookends for a major charity adventure this week as the Beyond Bitumen car rally returns to Victorian roads.
================================================================Paramedics in the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are bracing for a busy long weekend, with a reminder to locals on how to handle a snakebite emergency.
================================================================Colac Otway Shire C-E-O Andrew Tenni has been appointed to the Colac Area Health Foundation Board, bringing over twenty years of public sector experience to the role.

Mr Tenni, who previously led the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, says he is eager to contribute to the delivery of quality healthcare for the local community. 
================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council is introducing a brand-new funding stream this week specifically designed to support the region's agricultural sector.

The Trees for Farms grant will provide up to three-thousand dollars for native tree-planting projects on properties over five hectares.
================================================================Environment Victoria has formally condemned the federal government’s plan to open new areas of the Otway Basin for gas exploration.

In a submission to the Department of Industry, the group argues that the 2025 acreage release is a "plan for climate chaos" that ignores the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels. 
================================================================The Colac Otway Shire Councils feasibility Study on the future of a potential of a Colac Soccer hub is now open for public comment.

Shire Mayor Jason Schram says it will be open for comment for the next six weeks. 
================================================================AND IN SPORTAFL Barwon has delivered a stunning financial recovery, turning a six-figure loss into a thirty-four thousand dollar profit.

the region’s peak body revealed a two-hundred thousand dollar turnaround, fueled by a surge in finals revenue and a fifty-thousand dollar increase in sponsorships. ================================
================================In Corangamite Midweek Pennant Bowls Preliminary Finals action,

Winchelsea 1 has booked its pot in the grand final against Camperdown Magpies 1 after beating City 1.

Lorne 1 lost to Camperdown Magpies 2 in Division 2 who will now play Cressy 1.

In Division 3 City 3 defeated Central 2 to book a spot in the decider against Winchelsea 2.===============================
================================

Here is what is making news for February 26, 2026.================================Geelong and Colac are serving as the bookends for a major charity adventure this week as the Beyond Bitumen car rally returns to Victorian roads. ================================================================Paramedics in the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are bracing for a busy long weekend, with a reminder to locals on how to handle a snakebite emergency. ================================================================Colac Otway Shire C-E-O Andrew Tenni has been appointed to the Colac Area Health Foundation Board, bringing over twenty years of public sector experience to the role. Mr Tenni, who previously led the Magistrates&rsquo; Court of Victoria, says he is eager to contribute to the delivery of quality healthcare for the local community.&nbsp; ================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council is introducing a brand-new funding stream this week specifically designed to support the region's agricultural sector. The Trees for Farms grant will provide up to three-thousand dollars for native tree-planting projects on properties over five hectares. ================================================================Environment Victoria has formally condemned the federal government&rsquo;s plan to open new areas of the Otway Basin for gas exploration. In a submission to the Department of Industry, the group argues that the 2025 acreage release is a "plan for climate chaos" that ignores the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels.&nbsp; ================================================================The Colac Otway Shire Councils feasibility Study on the future of a potential of a Colac Soccer hub is now open for public comment. Shire Mayor Jason Schram says it will be open for comment for the next six weeks.&nbsp; ================================================================AND IN SPORTAFL Barwon has delivered a stunning financial recovery, turning a six-figure loss into a thirty-four thousand dollar profit. the region&rsquo;s peak body revealed a two-hundred thousand dollar turnaround, fueled by a surge in finals revenue and a fifty-thousand dollar increase in sponsorships. ================================ ================================In Corangamite Midweek Pennant Bowls Preliminary Finals action, Winchelsea 1 has booked its pot in the grand final against Camperdown Magpies 1 after beating City 1. Lorne 1 lost to Camperdown Magpies 2 in Division 2 who will now play Cressy 1. In Division 3 City 3 defeated Central 2 to book a spot in the decider against Winchelsea 2.=============================== ================================

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

The South West Daily

February 26, 2026

Here is what is making news for March 06, 2026.==================================Across the Corangamite region, Landcare groups and environmental volunteers are being urged to apply for a slice of three-point-five-five million dollars in state government funding.
====================================================================Maintenance is being conducted on two sections of the Cobden-Warrnambool Road

According to the Transport Victoria website... the first works began this week on a section between Curdies-Leichfield Rd and the Glenfyne-Brucknell Rd
====================================================================The Victorian Farmers Federation is demanding urgent federal intervention to protect the nation’s fragile fuel security.

Across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions, farmers rely heavily on liquid fuels to power machinery, harvest crops, and transport local produce. 
====================================================================Following the destructive January bushfires in Gellibrand, Victoria’s largest electricity distributor is trialling a world-first technology to protect regional power lines.
====================================================================Colac Otway Rovers representatives Dave Coventry and Oaklee Balboni have traveled to Melbourne to help present the Shire’s soccer facility plans to state politicians.

In a joint effort with council and Football Victoria, the group highlighted the urgent need for more pitches and female-friendly changerooms in the South West.
====================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Simpson Football and Netball Club has made the decision to withdraw its under 18s football side after a lack of numbers across preseason sessions.

Club President Aaron Crole says a duty of care had to be placed on the younger cohort of players who often played eight quarters of football last year.
====================================================================A 3 time league best and fairest is set to take to the netball courts at Gellibrand.

Multiple premiership winner for Irrewarra-Beeac and Alvie, Chelsea Hillman has signed alongside her sister and A Grade coach of Otway District Emma. 
====================================================================In this weekends Colac South West Premier Cricket Action, finals action kicks off.

Stoneyford plays Bookhaar at Cobden.

Birregurra plays Colac at Eastern Reserve.

Cobden and Alvie will play at Camperdown.

AND Storm will play Pomborneit at Warrion.
====================================================================The Hampden League has announced it's coaches for the 2026 interleague clashes against Ballarat... which will be held in Warrnambool this May

North Warrnambool Premiership coach Nathan Vardy will be the Bottle Greens Senior Coach... while Former Western Bulldogs NGA mentor Ben Walsh guides the Under 17 boys 
====================================================================

Here is what is making news for March 06, 2026.==================================Across the Corangamite region, Landcare groups and environmental volunteers are being urged to apply for a slice of three-point-five-five million dollars in state government funding. ====================================================================Maintenance is being conducted on two sections of the Cobden-Warrnambool Road According to the Transport Victoria website... the first works began this week on a section between Curdies-Leichfield Rd and the Glenfyne-Brucknell Rd ====================================================================The Victorian Farmers Federation is demanding urgent federal intervention to protect the nation&rsquo;s fragile fuel security. Across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions, farmers rely heavily on liquid fuels to power machinery, harvest crops, and transport local produce.&nbsp; ====================================================================Following the destructive January bushfires in Gellibrand, Victoria&rsquo;s largest electricity distributor is trialling a world-first technology to protect regional power lines. ====================================================================Colac Otway Rovers representatives Dave Coventry and Oaklee Balboni have traveled to Melbourne to help present the Shire&rsquo;s soccer facility plans to state politicians. In a joint effort with council and Football Victoria, the group highlighted the urgent need for more pitches and female-friendly changerooms in the South West. ====================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Simpson Football and Netball Club has made the decision to withdraw its under 18s football side after a lack of numbers across preseason sessions. Club President Aaron Crole says a duty of care had to be placed on the younger cohort of players who often played eight quarters of football last year. ====================================================================A 3 time league best and fairest is set to take to the netball courts at Gellibrand. Multiple premiership winner for Irrewarra-Beeac and Alvie, Chelsea Hillman has signed alongside her sister and A Grade coach of Otway District Emma.&nbsp; ====================================================================In this weekends Colac South West Premier Cricket Action, finals action kicks off. Stoneyford plays Bookhaar at Cobden. Birregurra plays Colac at Eastern Reserve. Cobden and Alvie will play at Camperdown. AND Storm will play Pomborneit at Warrion. ====================================================================The Hampden League has announced it's coaches for the 2026 interleague clashes against Ballarat... which will be held in Warrnambool this May North Warrnambool Premiership coach Nathan Vardy will be the Bottle Greens Senior Coach... while Former Western Bulldogs NGA mentor Ben Walsh guides the Under 17 boys&nbsp; ====================================================================

March 6, 2026

Here is what is making news for March 03, 2026.==================================A solo sailor bound for Apollo Bay was rescued after a mechanical failure left his vessel anchored in a major shipping lane.

At the entrance to Port Phillip Heads, the yacht’s anchor winch failed, causing ninety metres of heavy chain to run out and pin the vessel to the seabed. ====================================================================At the Deans Marsh Recreation Reserve, local young musicians are preparing to take over the main stage for this month’s community festival.
====================================================================In the South West, a new industry initiative called Elevate Dairy has launched to fast-track AgTech adoption on local farms.

Across the region, Gardiner Foundation C-E-O Allan Cameron says the program will match on-farm challenges with proven global technologies.====================================================================At the heart of Lorne, local traders are facing a massive financial shortfall following a series of overlapping emergencies this January.
====================================================================Support from South West residents has helped Variety the Children's Charity raise upwards of $195,000 dollars... for Victorian kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability

The annual Rally Around Victoria event at the weekend...  saw life-changing equipment provided to grateful families... including insulin pumps, specialist tricycles and wheelchairs.

The ACE Radio Variety Raffle was a major contributor to the fundraising, with the winner being Simpson local Stacey Clark.
====================================================================Across the Wannon electorate, Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is calling on local community groups to apply for the latest round of volunteer grants.

Within the program, eligible organizations can secure funding between one-thousand and five-thousand dollars to support their essential work. 
====================================================================AND IN SPORTColac's brightest football talent is amongst the 147 players, and 29 clubs chosen to represent the Geelong Falcons in 2026.

In the Boys Under 16's, Western Eagles Ingemar Borrack, South Colac's Jarryn Baker, were named.

Colac Tigers' duo Ben Rongdit and Ted Buchanan were named in the Talent League squad, alongside former Birregurra junior Hugh Coulson, while Alex Makuey was named on the futures list.
====================================================================In Corangamite Midweek Pennant Bowls Grand Finals, in Division 3 Camperdown Magpies defeated Winchelsea.

Division 2 saw Cressy 1 beat Camperdown Magpies 2.

And in Division 3 Winchelsea 2 was too strong for City 3.
====================================================================Premiership winners have been crowned in the CDCA's under 17s competitions.

Colac took out the Division 1 title winning by 30 runs against Irrewarra Black.

In Division 2 Stoneyford won by 13 against against West Warrion.
====================================================================

Here is what is making news for March 03, 2026.==================================A solo sailor bound for Apollo Bay was rescued after a mechanical failure left his vessel anchored in a major shipping lane. At the entrance to Port Phillip Heads, the yacht&rsquo;s anchor winch failed, causing ninety metres of heavy chain to run out and pin the vessel to the seabed.&nbsp;====================================================================At the Deans Marsh Recreation Reserve, local young musicians are preparing to take over the main stage for this month&rsquo;s community festival. ====================================================================In the South West, a new industry initiative called Elevate Dairy has launched to fast-track AgTech adoption on local farms. Across the region, Gardiner Foundation C-E-O Allan Cameron says the program will match on-farm challenges with proven global technologies.====================================================================At the heart of Lorne, local traders are facing a massive financial shortfall following a series of overlapping emergencies this January. ====================================================================Support from South West residents has helped Variety the Children's Charity raise upwards of $195,000 dollars... for Victorian kids who are sick, experiencing disadvantage or living with disability The annual Rally Around Victoria event at the weekend... &nbsp;saw life-changing equipment provided to grateful families... including insulin pumps, specialist tricycles and wheelchairs. The ACE Radio Variety Raffle was a major contributor to the fundraising, with the winner being Simpson local Stacey Clark. ====================================================================Across the Wannon electorate, Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is calling on local community groups to apply for the latest round of volunteer grants. Within the program, eligible organizations can secure funding between one-thousand and five-thousand dollars to support their essential work.&nbsp; ====================================================================AND IN SPORTColac's brightest football talent is amongst the 147 players, and 29 clubs chosen to represent the Geelong Falcons in 2026. In the Boys Under 16's, Western Eagles Ingemar Borrack, South Colac's Jarryn Baker, were named. Colac Tigers' duo Ben Rongdit and Ted Buchanan were named in the Talent League squad, alongside former Birregurra junior Hugh Coulson, while Alex Makuey was named on the futures list. ====================================================================In Corangamite Midweek Pennant Bowls Grand Finals, in Division 3 Camperdown Magpies defeated Winchelsea. Division 2 saw Cressy 1 beat Camperdown Magpies 2. And in Division 3 Winchelsea 2 was too strong for City 3. ====================================================================Premiership winners have been crowned in the CDCA's under 17s competitions. Colac took out the Division 1 title winning by 30 runs against Irrewarra Black. In Division 2 Stoneyford won by 13 against against West Warrion. ====================================================================

March 04, 2026

Here is what is making news for March 3, 2026.=================================At the Theatre Royal in Camperdown, music lovers are invited to a special tribute honoring those who served our country. 
==================================================================In the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions, four-in-five students are forced to leave home to pursue higher education or training.

Recent data shows that despite making up a large portion of our population, regional youth face a massive hurdle with relocation costs and mandatory unpaid work placements.

Country Education Foundation C-E-O Wendy Mason says these barriers are becoming a significant deterrent for country kids.
==================================================================The autumn firewood collection season is now officially underway across the state, but locals heading into the Otways are being told to expect a different landscape this year. 
==================================================================Motorists across Colac and Corangamite regions are being urged to fill up now as the possibility of a fuel rise is becoming more and more likely due to the conflict overseas.

Currently fuel in Colac is around $1.70 per litre.

Andrew Whitelaw of Episode 3 spoke to ACE Radio's Country Today program and says prices are expected to rise.
==================================================================In Port Campbell, the town’s current parking layout is facing its first major test following the completion of the massive streetscape revitalisation project.
==================================================================Across the Surf Coast Shire, more than one-thousand young people have shared their vision for the future through the Council’s latest Youth Survey.
==================================================================AND IN SPORTJoshua Beikoff has capped off a remarkable weekend of racing with a win in the Melbourne to Warrnambool.

The 27-year-old bike mechanic from Queensland finished ahead of fellow Australian Oliver Stenning, while Swisse rider Kevin Beffiger rounded our the top 3.

While South Australian Sophie Edwards has become the first ever multiple winner of the Warrnambool Women's Classic.
==================================================================Grand Finals have arrived for Under 17s cricket action tonight.

In Division 1 Colac plays Irrewarra at the Colac Cricket Ground.

And in Division 2 Stoneyford will take on West Warrion at Pirron Yallock.
==================================================================In the Women's cricket action Birregurra and Pomborneit Gold have booked their spots in the grand finals each recording convincing wins.

Pombo Gold scored 7-102 before Carlisle Rivers total of 56.

And Birregurra chases Simpson's total of 79 with eight wickets in hand.
==================================================================In the first weekend of Polwarth and District Tennis Association finals, Pennyroyal White smashed Cororooke.

And Colac Lawn defeated Pennyroyal Gold.

In B Grade Apollo Bay defeated Kawarren, and Beeac was too strong for Warncoort.
==================================================================

Here is what is making news for March 3, 2026.=================================At the Theatre Royal in Camperdown, music lovers are invited to a special tribute honoring those who served our country.&nbsp; ==================================================================In the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions, four-in-five students are forced to leave home to pursue higher education or training. Recent data shows that despite making up a large portion of our population, regional youth face a massive hurdle with relocation costs and mandatory unpaid work placements. Country Education Foundation C-E-O Wendy Mason says these barriers are becoming a significant deterrent for country kids. ==================================================================The autumn firewood collection season is now officially underway across the state, but locals heading into the Otways are being told to expect a different landscape this year.&nbsp; ==================================================================Motorists across Colac and Corangamite regions are being urged to fill up now as the possibility of a fuel rise is becoming more and more likely due to the conflict overseas. Currently fuel in Colac is around $1.70 per litre. Andrew Whitelaw of Episode 3 spoke to ACE Radio's Country Today program and says prices are expected to rise. ==================================================================In Port Campbell, the town&rsquo;s current parking layout is facing its first major test following the completion of the massive streetscape revitalisation project. ==================================================================Across the Surf Coast Shire, more than one-thousand young people have shared their vision for the future through the Council&rsquo;s latest Youth Survey. ==================================================================AND IN SPORTJoshua Beikoff has capped off a remarkable weekend of racing with a win in the Melbourne to Warrnambool. The 27-year-old bike mechanic from Queensland finished ahead of fellow Australian Oliver Stenning, while Swisse rider Kevin Beffiger rounded our the top 3. While South Australian Sophie Edwards has become the first ever multiple winner of the Warrnambool Women's Classic. ==================================================================Grand Finals have arrived for Under 17s cricket action tonight. In Division 1 Colac plays Irrewarra at the Colac Cricket Ground. And in Division 2 Stoneyford will take on West Warrion at Pirron Yallock. ==================================================================In the Women's cricket action Birregurra and Pomborneit Gold have booked their spots in the grand finals each recording convincing wins. Pombo Gold scored 7-102 before Carlisle Rivers total of 56. And Birregurra chases Simpson's total of 79 with eight wickets in hand. ==================================================================In the first weekend of Polwarth and District Tennis Association finals, Pennyroyal White smashed Cororooke. And Colac Lawn defeated Pennyroyal Gold. In B Grade Apollo Bay defeated Kawarren, and Beeac was too strong for Warncoort. ==================================================================

February 26, 2026

The South West Daily

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