Here is what is making news for July 24, 2026.==================================Colac sports clubs were targeted in recent break-ins.

Colac Police Sergeant Michelle Delaney says while nothing of value was stolen, the incidents have caused significant disruption and inconvenience for local volunteers.
====================================================================Tickets are on sale now for the Corangamite Year 12 Winter Ball.

Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the August 14 event is open to all Corangamite Shire Year 12 students across the region.
====================================================================Community feedback is being sought by the Colac Otway Shire Council for the Apollo Bay Structure Plan review, guiding future development across Apollo Bay, Marengo, and Skenes Creek.
====================================================================Colac’s Find Your Light Choir and Lake Colac Specialist School has teamed up with the Find Your Voice Collective to present Mad Dogs & Englishmen.

The performance is a large-scale community music project inspired by Joe Cocker's legendary live album.
====================================================================Colac and District Football Netball League clubs will join more than a thousand teams across Victoria this weekend to support the T-A-C and A-F-L Victoria Road Safety Round.

T-A-C Chief Executive Tracey Slatter says the initiative honours people impacted by road trauma while promoting safer driving behaviours across regional communities.
====================================================================Wildlife wonders in Apollo Bay is gearing up to celebrate National Science Week by offering two fantastic opportunities for environmentally curious kids.

From Saturday, August 15 to Sunday, August 23, all children can join a 75-minute Walk with Wildlife tour completely free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
====================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends Colac and District football and netball action, the Colac Imperials travel to Apollo Bay.

The Western Eagles host South Colac.

Birregurra faces Otway Districts.

Lorne will do battle with Irrewarra-Beeac.

AND Simpson versus Alvie.
====================================================================In this weekends Geelong Football and Netball League Action - the Colac Tigers football season is one the line with a huge match up at home against Leopold.

A win on the netball court would catapult the Tigers into final contention.
====================================================================In this weekends Hampden League action - our local teams each face massive tests.

Cobden travels to North Warrnambool to take on the Eagles.

And Camperdown will play Koroit.
==================================

Here is what is making news for July 24, 2026.==================================Colac sports clubs were targeted in recent break-ins. Colac Police Sergeant Michelle Delaney says while nothing of value was stolen, the incidents have caused significant disruption and inconvenience for local volunteers. ====================================================================Tickets are on sale now for the Corangamite Year 12 Winter Ball. Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the August 14 event is open to all Corangamite Shire Year 12 students across the region. ====================================================================Community feedback is being sought by the Colac Otway Shire Council for the Apollo Bay Structure Plan review, guiding future development across Apollo Bay, Marengo, and Skenes Creek. ====================================================================Colac&rsquo;s Find Your Light Choir and Lake Colac Specialist School has teamed up with the Find Your Voice Collective to present Mad Dogs &amp; Englishmen. The performance is a large-scale community music project inspired by Joe Cocker's legendary live album. ====================================================================Colac and District Football Netball League clubs will join more than a thousand teams across Victoria this weekend to support the T-A-C and A-F-L Victoria Road Safety Round. T-A-C Chief Executive Tracey Slatter says the initiative honours people impacted by road trauma while promoting safer driving behaviours across regional communities. ====================================================================Wildlife wonders in Apollo Bay is gearing up to celebrate National Science Week by offering two fantastic opportunities for environmentally curious kids. From Saturday, August 15 to Sunday, August 23, all children can join a 75-minute Walk with Wildlife tour completely free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult. ====================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends Colac and District football and netball action, the Colac Imperials travel to Apollo Bay. The Western Eagles host South Colac. Birregurra faces Otway Districts. Lorne will do battle with Irrewarra-Beeac. AND Simpson versus Alvie. ====================================================================In this weekends Geelong Football and Netball League Action - the Colac Tigers football season is one the line with a huge match up at home against Leopold. A win on the netball court would catapult the Tigers into final contention. ====================================================================In this weekends Hampden League action - our local teams each face massive tests. Cobden travels to North Warrnambool to take on the Eagles. And Camperdown will play Koroit. ==================================

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

The South West Daily

July 24, 2036

Here is what is making news for July 23, 2026.=================================Today Member for Wannon Dan Tehan will be in the Corangamite Shire visiting small businesses during the parliamentary recess

Mr Tehan says he will visit  his listening posts in Timboon, Cobden, Camperdown and finishing in Terang 
==================================================================The first stage of the Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club's redevelopment is complete.

Community members are invited to view the new facilities during a public barbecue.

The local event commences at eleven a-m on Saturday, August twenty-ninth.
==================================================================Little Galaxias, also known as Dwarf Galaxias, have been discovered in the West Barwon River for the first time in recorded history.
==================================================================The National Disability Insurance Scheme is facing criticism over its local service provisions in Colac.

Advocates are calling for an increase in social and disability support housing across the region.

The ongoing concerns follow recent reports of a local retiree unable to continue providing adequate care for a family member with a severe disability.

The N-D-I-S recently denied a care facility placement for a man whose ongoing assistance requirements had been clearly documented.
==================================================================The Upper Barwon River's animals and biodiversity is a key priority for the Corangamite Catchment in the most recent Victorian Enviromental Water Holder Seasonal Watering Plan for 2026-27.

Recommendations include improving the breeding and recruitment of various fish, platypus and waterbug species.

Focuses will also be on optimising water flow, floodplain vegetation, and the condition of the South West's resilience in dry conditions.
==================================================================The Environment Protection Authority is reminding dairy farmers in Colac Otway and Corangamite regions to check effluent systems after heavy rainfall across the winter months.

EPA Southwest Regional Manager Martha-Rose Loughnane says winter conditions could put extra pressure on effluent systems and increase the risk of pollution if local farms are not prepared.
==================================================================Emerging musicians aged twelve to twenty-five are being encouraged to perform at upcoming regional events by the Corangamite Shire Council. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORTApollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club members Calden and Evelyn Lyons have been named finalists in the 2026 Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence.

The Awards night will be held in Albert Park in Melbourne next month.
==================================================================In this weekends Colac Braves Baseball fixtures, the Division 1 side will host the Werribee Giants at Eastern Reserve.

The Division 3 side has the bye this weekend.
==================================================================In this weekends soccer fixtures the Colac Otway Rovers Senior fixtures see the women's side face the Bellarine Sharks on Saturday.

The Rovers senior men's side lines up against Corio SC, and the reserves plays Surf Coast FC.

In the Corangamite Lions weekend matches the Lions will travel to Daylesford and Hepburn United.
=================================

Here is what is making news for July 23, 2026.=================================Today Member for Wannon Dan Tehan will be in the Corangamite Shire visiting small businesses during the parliamentary recess Mr Tehan says he will visit &nbsp;his listening posts in Timboon, Cobden, Camperdown and finishing in Terang&nbsp; ==================================================================The first stage of the Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club's redevelopment is complete. Community members are invited to view the new facilities during a public barbecue. The local event commences at eleven a-m on Saturday, August twenty-ninth. ==================================================================Little Galaxias, also known as Dwarf Galaxias, have been discovered in the West Barwon River for the first time in recorded history. ==================================================================The National Disability Insurance Scheme is facing criticism over its local service provisions in Colac. Advocates are calling for an increase in social and disability support housing across the region. The ongoing concerns follow recent reports of a local retiree unable to continue providing adequate care for a family member with a severe disability. The N-D-I-S recently denied a care facility placement for a man whose ongoing assistance requirements had been clearly documented. ==================================================================The Upper Barwon River's animals and biodiversity is a key priority for the Corangamite Catchment in the most recent Victorian Enviromental Water Holder Seasonal Watering Plan for 2026-27. Recommendations include improving the breeding and recruitment of various fish, platypus and waterbug species. Focuses will also be on optimising water flow, floodplain vegetation, and the condition of the South West's resilience in dry conditions. ==================================================================The Environment Protection Authority is reminding dairy farmers in Colac Otway and Corangamite regions to check effluent systems after heavy rainfall across the winter months. EPA Southwest Regional Manager Martha-Rose Loughnane says winter conditions could put extra pressure on effluent systems and increase the risk of pollution if local farms are not prepared. ==================================================================Emerging musicians aged twelve to twenty-five are being encouraged to perform at upcoming regional events by the Corangamite Shire Council.&nbsp; ==================================================================AND IN SPORTApollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club members Calden and Evelyn Lyons have been named finalists in the 2026 Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence. The Awards night will be held in Albert Park in Melbourne next month. ==================================================================In this weekends Colac Braves Baseball fixtures, the Division 1 side will host the Werribee Giants at Eastern Reserve. The Division 3 side has the bye this weekend. ==================================================================In this weekends soccer fixtures the Colac Otway Rovers Senior fixtures see the women's side face the Bellarine Sharks on Saturday. The Rovers senior men's side lines up against Corio SC, and the reserves plays Surf Coast FC. In the Corangamite Lions weekend matches the Lions will travel to Daylesford and Hepburn United. =================================

July 23, 2026

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.
=================================

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&nbsp;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&rsquo;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 &amp; 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. =================================

July 22, 2026

Here is what is making news for July 21, 2026.===================================Two people have escaped uninjured after an incident at Apollo Bay Airport on Sunday.

Emergency Services responded to a call of an Aircraft that had left the runway after landing just before 4PM.

Advanced Life Support paramedics attended, the scene alongside police but no emergency treatment or transport was required.
======================================================================The State Government has announced additional support for communities affected by the January bushfires.

Residents in Gellibrand and Carlisle River can now access further community assistance programs.
======================================================================A nineteen-year-old Camperdown man has been sentenced to prison following multiple traffic and property offences committed across Camperdown and Colac while on bail.

The court handed down an additional eight-month jail term, adding to the two-hundred-and-fifty-one days already served in custody.  (THANK AUSTYN).
======================================================================An elderly Colac man will face trial in the Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to murdering the brother of a St Kilda premiership legend.

The case has been committed directly to the higher court, where the accused was granted fourteen days to produce his intended alibi.
 
Court documents state police allege the offence occurred between April eleventh and thirteenth, twenty-twelve. (THANK AUSTYN).
======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has provided an update on the point grey redevelopment in Lorne

The steel is up for the new Co-Op and Angling Club, and the timber work is now starting to reveal the Co-Op’s familiar roofline, which is part of the design’s nod to the original 1949 building.  (THANK AUSTYN).
======================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite farmers are being urged to exercise caution by the Victorian Farmers Federation as National Farm Safety Week begins.
======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Otway Rovers seniors had a big 3-2 win over Surf Coast FC in the weekends Soccer results.

The reserves went down 1-nil to Corio Bay SC.

The Womens side suffered a 4-1 defeat to Surf Coast FC.
======================================================================It was a good weekend for the Corangamite Lions with the women's team recording a 10-nil win over Victoria Park.

The Men's seniors also had a big win 4-1.
======================================================================The Colac Braves Division 1 side suffered a heavy 16 run defeat to the Lara Wildcats.

The Division 3 side also went down 17-1 to the Deakin Blues.
===================================

Here is what is making news for July 21, 2026.===================================Two people have escaped uninjured after an incident at Apollo Bay Airport on Sunday. Emergency Services responded to a call of an Aircraft that had left the runway after landing just before 4PM. Advanced Life Support paramedics attended, the scene alongside police but no emergency treatment or transport was required. ======================================================================The State Government has announced additional support for communities affected by the January bushfires. Residents in Gellibrand and Carlisle River can now access further community assistance programs. ======================================================================A nineteen-year-old Camperdown man has been sentenced to prison following multiple traffic and property offences committed across Camperdown and Colac while on bail. The court handed down an additional eight-month jail term, adding to the two-hundred-and-fifty-one days already served in custody.&nbsp; (THANK AUSTYN). ======================================================================An elderly Colac man will face trial in the Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to murdering the brother of a St Kilda premiership legend. The case has been committed directly to the higher court, where the accused was granted fourteen days to produce his intended alibi. &nbsp; Court documents state police allege the offence occurred between April eleventh and thirteenth, twenty-twelve.&nbsp;(THANK AUSTYN). ======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority has provided an update on the point grey redevelopment in Lorne The steel is up for the new Co-Op and Angling Club, and the timber work is now starting to reveal the Co-Op&rsquo;s familiar roofline, which is part of the design&rsquo;s nod to the original 1949 building.&nbsp; (THANK AUSTYN). ======================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite farmers are being urged to exercise caution by the Victorian Farmers Federation as National Farm Safety Week begins. ======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Otway Rovers seniors had a big 3-2 win over Surf Coast FC in the weekends Soccer results. The reserves went down 1-nil to Corio Bay SC. The Womens side suffered a 4-1 defeat to Surf Coast FC. ======================================================================It was a good weekend for the Corangamite Lions with the women's team recording a 10-nil win over Victoria Park. The Men's seniors also had a big win 4-1. ======================================================================The Colac Braves Division 1 side suffered a heavy 16 run defeat to the Lara Wildcats. The Division 3 side also went down 17-1 to the Deakin Blues. ===================================

July 24, 2036

The South West Daily

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