Here is what is making news for July 1, 2026.==================================Colac Area Health is currently recruiting Community members to join a Steering Committee aimed at improving the cultural safety of cancer services in the Barwon region.

Wathaurong Aboriginal Corporation's Kim Henshaw says applications close on Monday, 13 July.
====================================================================The state government has announced funding for six Corangamite Shire initiatives through round three of the twenty-million-dollar Tiny Towns Fund.
====================================================================The possibility of regional council mergers is gaining momentum as local governments face state-imposed rate caps and reduced state and federal funding.

Colac Otway Shire Mayor and G-21 Chair Jason Schram says while the local shire is operating effectively, opportunities exist for shared resources and streamlined funding in the future.====================================================================Colac's Salvation Army has smashed its target over the month of June for the national organisations Red Shield Appeal.

Salvation Army Colac's Josiah Van Niekerk says he has been blown away by the local support.
====================================================================Lorne State Emergency Service Unit Controller Chris Jones has resigned from his position after three years in the role.

Jones stated his decision was made to balance personal, family, and professional commitments. 
====================================================================Recent June rainfall has successfully restored local water storages in Colac, Lorne, and Apollo Bay to full capacity.

While these smaller regional catchments have reached one-hundred per cent, Barwon Water reports that larger storages in the broader Geelong region remain below fifty per cent. 
====================================================================New regulations for how renewable energy and large-scale battery projects connect to the electricity grid are set to impact South West Victoria.

Replacing the current open-access system, the new rules require developers in the Colac Otway and Corangamite zones to meet strict government standards for community engagement and local benefit-sharing. 
====================================================================AND IN SPORTCamperdown netballer Piper Stephens has been selected for the Australian Under-Seventeen squad.

Following her performance at the National Championships in April, Stephens will attend a national development camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra from July six to ten.
====================================================================Colac overseas cricketers continue to perform.

Apollo Bay duo Pat Grimmer and Kai Clissold each had wins for their respective clubs.

Grimmer scored 38 in Sandford St Martin's win over Shipton Under Wychwood, and now sits on top of the ladder.

Clissold picked up 2-27 from 8 overs in Martley's win over Cookley.

City United product Luke Inglis and his club Hampton Wick Royal sit fourth in their respective competition.
====================================================================One hundred players across twenty-five teams competed in the Camperdown Golf Club’s twenty-twenty-six Robbie Burns Festival Four-Person Ambrose.

A Colac team consisting of Travis White, Caleb Perry, Ben Allen, and Luke Vickers won the Robbie Burns Shield with a net score of fifty-six point eight.

Another Colac team, featuring Paul Hanson, David Walker, Mark Ritchie, and Wayne Drayton, took out the best scratch score with sixty-three. 
==================================

Here is what is making news for July 1, 2026.==================================Colac Area Health is currently recruiting Community members to join a Steering Committee aimed at improving the cultural safety of cancer services in the Barwon region. Wathaurong Aboriginal Corporation's Kim Henshaw says applications close on Monday, 13 July. ====================================================================The state government has announced funding for six Corangamite Shire initiatives through round three of the twenty-million-dollar Tiny Towns Fund. ====================================================================The possibility of regional council mergers is gaining momentum as local governments face state-imposed rate caps and reduced state and federal funding. Colac Otway Shire Mayor and G-21 Chair Jason Schram says while the local shire is operating effectively, opportunities exist for shared resources and streamlined funding in the future.====================================================================Colac's Salvation Army has smashed its target over the month of June for the national organisations Red Shield Appeal. Salvation Army Colac's Josiah Van Niekerk says he has been blown away by the local support. ====================================================================Lorne State Emergency Service Unit Controller Chris Jones has resigned from his position after three years in the role. Jones stated his decision was made to balance personal, family, and professional commitments.&nbsp; ====================================================================Recent June rainfall has successfully restored local water storages in Colac, Lorne, and Apollo Bay to full capacity. While these smaller regional catchments have reached one-hundred per cent, Barwon Water reports that larger storages in the broader Geelong region remain below fifty per cent.&nbsp; ====================================================================New regulations for how renewable energy and large-scale battery projects connect to the electricity grid are set to impact South West Victoria. Replacing the current open-access system, the new rules require developers in the Colac Otway and Corangamite zones to meet strict government standards for community engagement and local benefit-sharing.&nbsp; ====================================================================AND IN SPORTCamperdown netballer Piper Stephens has been selected for the Australian Under-Seventeen squad. Following her performance at the National Championships in April, Stephens will attend a national development camp at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra from July six to ten. ====================================================================Colac overseas cricketers continue to perform. Apollo Bay duo Pat Grimmer and Kai Clissold each had wins for their respective clubs. Grimmer scored 38 in Sandford St Martin's win over Shipton Under Wychwood, and now sits on top of the ladder. Clissold picked up 2-27 from 8 overs in Martley's win over Cookley. City United product Luke Inglis and his club Hampton Wick Royal sit fourth in their respective competition. ====================================================================One hundred players across twenty-five teams competed in the Camperdown Golf Club&rsquo;s twenty-twenty-six Robbie Burns Festival Four-Person Ambrose. A Colac team consisting of Travis White, Caleb Perry, Ben Allen, and Luke Vickers won the Robbie Burns Shield with a net score of fifty-six point eight. Another Colac team, featuring Paul Hanson, David Walker, Mark Ritchie, and Wayne Drayton, took out the best scratch score with sixty-three.&nbsp; ==================================

The latest local news and sport stories impacting South West Victoria.

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