Here is what is making news for July 17, 2026.================================A unique property in the hills above Skenes Creek has been listed for sale for one-million six-hundred-and-forty-thousand dollars.

The timber house was designed and built in nineteen-eighty-four by the late architect Paul McDonald.

Spanning an almost thirty-hectare block, the three-bedroom Apollo Bay home features extensive balconies, an open living area, and a main suite with ceiling-height windows.
================================================================A public meeting will take place this Sunday at the Lake View Colac Cafe to help those wanting to understand diabetes.

Colac teacher Todd Klein is launching an initiative to Better Understand Diabetes and provide a support network for those living with the condition across the region.
================================================================Construction of the new healthcare worker accommodation on Colac's Miller Street is on track for a September completion.

Built by local construction company B-D-H, the sixteen-unit development aims to address regional staffing shortages.

Colac Area Health C-E-O Fiona Brew stated the housing will help draw younger medical professionals to the local health service.
================================================================Colac Area Health is offering free, practical assistance to local residents affected by the recent fires through the Emergency Recovery Support Program.

Drop-in sessions are being held at the Carlisle River School every Wednesday from one-thirty to three-thirty p-m during the school term.

The program assists community members with accessing financial, legal, and government services, alongside completing forms. 
================================================================Cobden residents have gathered in the South West to witness the unveiling of a redesigned giant butter block at Pioneer Park, marking Western Star's one-hundredth anniversary.

The monument now displays the brand's centenary packaging for its two-hundred-and-fifty-gram salted butter. Western Star has operated locally for one-hundred years.
================================================================The CrossXpollination twenty-twenty-six exhibition is now running at the Colac Civic Hall.

Presented by the Colac Makers' Space and Community Art Space, Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says the display features a variety of new and returning textile works.
================================================================In Colac, the new Neighbourhood House will officially open at the Youth and Recreation Centre on six Myers Street.

The grand opening takes place on Thursday, July thirtieth, from eleven a-m to two p-m.

The event features a free barbecue provided by the Rotary Club of Colac Otway, five-dollar barista coffee, and a performance by the Colac Chorale. 
================================================================Today is the last day for South West residents to have their say on the most dangerous roads across the region through RACV's My Country Road Survey.

RACV Head of Policy James Williams says the My Country Road Survey was launched to make your voice heard about dangerous or poorly maintained regional roads in Victoria by completing the 5-minute survey online.
================================================================Two people have been hospitalized after their vehicle struck a pothole on the Princes Highway at Warncoort, near Colac.

Emergency services responded to the incident on Wednesday at approximately three-fifty p-m.

Police officers conducting a speed detection operation witnessed the Holden Commodore blow a front tyre, lose control, and strike a barrier.

A man and a woman in their thirties were transported to Geelong hospital in a stable condition with upper body injuries.
================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends CDFNL Football and Netball fixtures, Otway Districts host Lorne.
South Colac plays Birregurra.

The Western Eagles do battle with the Colac Imperials.

The Simpson Tigers travel down to Apollo Bay.

AND Irrewarra-Beeac faces Alvie.
================================================================It's a must win battle for the Colac Tigers in the football this weekend as they take on Bell Park at Hi Sushi Oval.

A win would draw the Tigers level with Bell Park for wins on the ladder and shape its potential finals tilt.
================================================================In this weekends local Hampden football and netball matches.

The Cobden Bomber host the Hamilton Kangaroos.

and Camperdown faces the Warrnambool Blues.
================================================================Camperdown will be on the hunt for a new netball coach with Jill Leader stepping down from the role for 2027.

Geelong-based Leader took over the role in 2025, previously working with the Geelong Cougars in the Victorian Netball League.
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