Here is what is making news for July 22, 2026.=================================The Colac community is invited to the opening of the Colac Neighbourhood House which will take place on Thursday July 30th.

Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says the grand opening will feature a free barbecue, and an opportunity to discover the wide range of activities, services and support the facility offers.
==================================================================The Cobden Uniting Church Opportunity Shop has been forced to spend $2000 on security cameras due to a rise in theft and rule breakers.

A Facebook post made on July 18th says the overwhelming support from the community has been overshadowed by excessive poor behaviour and theft.

The post says the poor behaviour forced the op shop to spend thousands on new equipment and highlights how the group pours its heart into the work to support the community.
==================================================================Farmsafe Australia is working with Colac Otway and Corangamite residents to demonstrate safe, practical agricultural practices.

Executive Officer Stevi Howdle told Ace Radio's Country Today program that the agriculture industry records a disproportionate number of fatalities compared to other trades, with statistics showing a farm accident claims an Australian life every six days.
==================================================================Recruitment is officially underway for people to help manage Victoria’s iconic Twelve Apostles, with the new $126 million dollar Visitor Centre to be opened later this year.
==================================================================Mental Health advocate Warren Davies, also known as the Unbreakable Farmer will share disaster recovery tips with the Skipton and Laralea communities over a steak dinner.
=================================================================='Colac Rifle Club shooter James Hay will represent Australia in the World F-Class Championship in Bisley, UK next month.

The World Championships features Six days of practice sessions, warm-up matches, and team preparations and three days of individual competition followed by international team matches.
==================================================================AND IN SPORTSeveral regional junior cricketers have been selected for the Western Waves representative squads for the upcoming season.

In the under-sixteen boys' category, Colac's Fred Melville and Irrewarra's Ted Hay were named in the squad, alongside Cobden players Ben Vogels and Michael Benallack.

The under-fifteen girls' squad features a strong local contingent, including Tomahawk Creek trio Crystal Tull, Jemma Howat, and Natalie Farquharson.

They are joined in the squad by Pomborneit's Emily Reynolds and Bookaar's Stella Hinds.
==================================================================History has been made over the weekend with the Senior Men's clash between South Colac and Birregurra seeing an all Female umpiring group.

It is the second time in Colac & District Football Netball League history the event has occurred.

The feat was achieved by Field Umpires Linda Knight, Ahnika Lennie and Jess Heath, Boundary umpires Marissa Whitehead, Charlotte Wilson and Charlotte McKinnon, and goal umpires Penny Serle and Anna Rowland.
==================================================================Camperdown export Ken Hinkley as been named as the inaugural coach of the AFL's freshest team - the Tasmania Devils.

Less than 12 months after being moved on from Port Adelaide, Hinkley has signed a five year deal for the team which will enter the league in 2028.
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