Here is what is making news for June 16, 2026.==============================The Bluewater team is returning home proud after attending the prestigious Aquatics and Recreation Victoria Awards last night.

While the local team didn't bring home a win this year, they were honoured to be recognised as finalists alongside some of the industry's most outstanding peers. ============================================================Locals have a unique opportunity to meet with the Victorian Commissioner for L-G-B-T-I-Q-A plus Communities, Joe Ball, later this afternoon.

Hosted at the C-O-P-A-C-C Foyer from two P-M, the informal chat invites community members to ask questions regarding L-G-B-T-I-Q-A plus issues and share any experiences of discrimination. 
============================================================The Australian Government is assessing more than thirty-six hundred submissions following a massive public consultation on offshore gas exploration.

Five areas in the Otway Basin, located offshore from Victoria and Tasmania, have been released for petroleum exploration bidding. 
============================================================Soil moisture has picked up in strong dairying areas such as the Colac Otways and Corangamite regions thanks to strong rain over the last fortnight.

Agriculture Victoria Seasonal Risk Agronomist Dale Grey says whiles its a positive start to winter, runoff is still expected to pick up in July.
============================================================Port Campbell’s own Matt Bowker has been selected as one of just twenty-four surf life saving members nationwide to attend the prestigious twenty-twenty-six National Leaders’ Masterclass.

Representing the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club, Matt will travel to Adelaide University this July for the intensive annual leadership program. 
============================================================Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is currently in Europe as part of a high-level, five-day diplomatic tour focusing on global energy security and defence policy. 
============================================================The Warrnambool Coast Guard were activated before sunrise on Saturday... to assist a fishing trawler taking on water off Port Campbell... who were unable to get a bilge pump working

The multi-agency rescue included HEMS4 and a Marine Search and Rescue jet capable of dropping life rafts
============================================================AND IN SPORTIt was a tough weekend on the mound for the Colac Braves.

The Division 1 side went down 14-3 to the Lara Wildcats.

It was a bit tighter in Division 3, however the Braves still went down 10-7 to the Deakin Blues.
============================================================It was a tough weekend on the field for the Colac Otway Rovers.

On Friday night the Rovers Division 2 side went down 2-1 to the Deakin Ducks

On Saturday the women's side went down 3-2 to the Bellarine Sharks.

The Division 3 Senior side also went down 4-1 to Barwon Heads on Sunday.
============================================================The Corangamite Lions enjoyed a successful hitout travelling to Bacchus Marsh.

The Division 1 side won 2-1 thanks to goals from Roman Fachetti and Andres Diaz.

The women's side put on 14 goals in a smashing win - Lara Graham and Lenise Mantell both bagged 5 each.

The only blemish on an otherwise perfect day was a 3-0 loss to the Reserves.
============================================================