Here is what is making news for June 17, 2026.================================Otway Tentcare will shortly be reopening asking Colac locals to donate tents to help provide shelter for those affecting by homelessness.

Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says the winter month can be harsh, and any help would be much appreciated.
================================================================The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says Regional Victoria holds the key to the state’s future prosperity ahead of the next state election.

CEO Sally Curtain says decades of underinvestment, rising business costs, workforce shortages and growing infrastructure pressures are limiting the Colac Otway region's potential.
================================================================Lismore residents are celebrating the completion of a two-hundred-thousand-dollar footbridge replacement project, set to officially open this Sunday.
================================================================The Corangamite Shire Council is set to crown it's 2026 Business Award winners tonight.

Mayor Kate Makin says they look forward to the annual celebration. 
================================================================Otways communities affected by the January blazes are being urged to tap into a new four-hundred-thousand-dollar funding pool aimed at supporting mental health and bushfire recovery.
================================================================Dozens of Forrest residents and landholders braved rain and cold temperatures on Saturday for a community forum titled, "What’s going on with our River?".

Hosted by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority alongside Barwon Water, the event at the Forrest Community Hub detailed the current health and ongoing restoration of the upper Barwon River. 
================================================================AND IN SPORTThe future of local sport is back on the agenda for the Colac and District Football Netball League, with A-F-L Barwon launching a major twelve-month review.

Titled the Barwon Blueprint, the project will analyze competition structures, club sustainability, and competitive balance. 
================================================================A proposed shake-up by Cricket Victoria could see the Colac District Cricket Association move to the Western Waves region.

Under a new governance model aimed for the twenty-six twenty-seven season, the C-D-C-A would split from Geelong and Bellarine. ================================================================

Here is what is making news for June 17, 2026.================================Otway Tentcare will shortly be reopening asking Colac locals to donate tents to help provide shelter for those affecting by homelessness. Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says the winter month can be harsh, and any help would be much appreciated. ================================================================The Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry says Regional Victoria holds the key to the state&rsquo;s future prosperity ahead of the next state election. CEO Sally Curtain says decades of underinvestment, rising business costs, workforce shortages and growing infrastructure pressures are limiting the Colac Otway region's potential. ================================================================Lismore residents are celebrating the completion of a two-hundred-thousand-dollar footbridge replacement project, set to officially open this Sunday. ================================================================The Corangamite Shire Council is set to crown it's 2026 Business Award winners tonight. Mayor Kate Makin says they look forward to the annual celebration.&nbsp; ================================================================Otways communities affected by the January blazes are being urged to tap into a new four-hundred-thousand-dollar funding pool aimed at supporting mental health and bushfire recovery. ================================================================Dozens of Forrest residents and landholders braved rain and cold temperatures on Saturday for a community forum titled, "What&rsquo;s going on with our River?". Hosted by the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority alongside Barwon Water, the event at the Forrest Community Hub detailed the current health and ongoing restoration of the upper Barwon River.&nbsp; ================================================================AND IN SPORTThe future of local sport is back on the agenda for the Colac and District Football Netball League, with A-F-L Barwon launching a major twelve-month review. Titled the Barwon Blueprint, the project will analyze competition structures, club sustainability, and competitive balance.&nbsp; ================================================================A proposed shake-up by Cricket Victoria could see the Colac District Cricket Association move to the Western Waves region. Under a new governance model aimed for the twenty-six twenty-seven season, the C-D-C-A would split from Geelong and Bellarine.&nbsp;================================================================

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

The South West Daily

June 17, 2026

Here is what is making news for June 19, 2026.=================================A $270,000 infrastructure investment has revitalized the Colac saleyards, which many believe will increase their longevity.

Colac Otway Shire councillor Charlie Buchanan says new investment was a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Colac saleyards.
==================================================================The Central Reserve Dog Park is progressing with trees already taken down due to their condition.

Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says those works will help prep the area.
==================================================================The State Labor Government is facing fresh criticism from Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan over persistent overcrowding and reduced seating capacity on the Warrnambool train line.
==================================================================Farmers across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are celebrating a major policy win, with the Federal Government expanding a key Capital Gains Tax concession.
==================================================================Colac’s creative community is being invited to a special discussion to explore the potential for a new local Arts Network.

Facilitated by 'Investing in Rural Futures' Community Facilitator Liz Bishop, the gathering aims to gauge local interest and discuss shared issues across the sector.
==================================================================A hit comedy celebrating Australia’s first women’s cricket match is coming to Camperdown.

The touring production of 'The Deplorables' will hit the Theatre Royal stage on Sunday, August 16. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORT
In this weekend's 2026 CDFNL action, the Otway Districts host South Colac.

Lorne will play the Western Eagles.

Alvie faces Apollo Bay.

Irrewarra-Beeac will face the Colac Imperials.

AND Birregurra travels to Simpson.
==================================================================This weekend in GFNL action the Colac Tigers look to continue to build momentum searching for its third successive win against North Shore.

Last time the two met, the Tigers won by 156 in the football.

The netballers have a scheduled bye.
==================================================================In this weekends Hampden League fixtures, Cobden will travel to take on South Warrnambool.

While Camperdown faces a big test in Terang-Mortlake.
==================================================================

Here is what is making news for June 19, 2026.=================================A $270,000 infrastructure investment has revitalized the Colac saleyards, which many believe will increase their longevity. Colac Otway Shire councillor Charlie Buchanan says new investment was a huge vote of confidence in the future of the Colac saleyards. ==================================================================The Central Reserve Dog Park is progressing with trees already taken down due to their condition. Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says those works will help prep the area. ==================================================================The State Labor Government is facing fresh criticism from Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan over persistent overcrowding and reduced seating capacity on the Warrnambool train line. ==================================================================Farmers across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are celebrating a major policy win, with the Federal Government expanding a key Capital Gains Tax concession. ==================================================================Colac&rsquo;s creative community is being invited to a special discussion to explore the potential for a new local Arts Network. Facilitated by 'Investing in Rural Futures' Community Facilitator Liz Bishop, the gathering aims to gauge local interest and discuss shared issues across the sector. ==================================================================A hit comedy celebrating Australia&rsquo;s first women&rsquo;s cricket match is coming to Camperdown. The touring production of 'The Deplorables' will hit the Theatre Royal stage on Sunday, August 16.&nbsp; ==================================================================AND IN SPORT In this weekend's 2026 CDFNL action, the Otway Districts host South Colac. Lorne will play the Western Eagles. Alvie faces Apollo Bay. Irrewarra-Beeac will face the Colac Imperials. AND Birregurra travels to Simpson. ==================================================================This weekend in GFNL action the Colac Tigers look to continue to build momentum searching for its third successive win against North Shore. Last time the two met, the Tigers won by 156 in the football. The netballers have a scheduled bye. ==================================================================In this weekends Hampden League fixtures, Cobden will travel to take on South Warrnambool. While Camperdown faces a big test in Terang-Mortlake. ==================================================================

June 19, 2026

Corangamite Business Award winners will be in headlines later in the day.
Here is what is making news for June 18, 2026.================================A recent training exercise at Gibson Steps has tested the high-angle rescue capabilities of local emergency services.

V-I-C-S-E-S Port Campbell volunteers joined Victoria Police and paramedics to simulate rescuing a patient trapped at the base of the sheer cliff.
================================================================Manufacturing firm C-M-T-P is celebrating after being named a finalist in the Best Off-Site Manufacturing category at the twenty-twenty-six Queensland National Timber and Hardware Association Awards.

Management says the recognition reflects the hard work, innovation, and industry-level commitment of the entire workforce. 
================================================================The Colac Otway Shire council has had positive feedback stemming from its most recent community survey.

Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says the challenge now is to maintain momentum and keep the community happy.
================================================================A unique national competition is giving young voices in Wannon a platform to speak on major issues like agriculture, the environment, and cost-of-living pressures. 
================================================================A new funding push could help make local roads safer across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions.

Applications are now open for the twenty-twenty-six T-A-C Local Government Grant Program, targeting council-managed areas where pedestrians and cyclists are most at risk. 
================================================================Surf Coast Shire is helping young people in Lorne and Winchelsea beat the winter boredom with free, supervised school holiday sessions.
================================================================AND IN SPORT Its a big weekend on the pitch for the Colac Otway Rovers.

On Saturday the women's team plays Corio SC.

The Division 2 side will play Geelong SC, and Division travels to face the Bellarine Sharks.
================================================================The Colac Braves are set for a massive weekend of home-ground baseball.

This weekend, the club's Division One side hosts the Deakin Blues, while the Division Three squad welcomes the Bellarine Bears.
================================================================This weekend the Corangamite Lions will host Creswick SC at the Camperdown Showgrounds.

Division 1 currently sits third, looking to stay in touch with second, as the women's sit second on the ladder after seven matches.================================================================

Corangamite Business Award winners will be in headlines later in the day. Here is what is making news for June 18, 2026.================================A recent training exercise at Gibson Steps has tested the high-angle rescue capabilities of local emergency services. V-I-C-S-E-S Port Campbell volunteers joined Victoria Police and paramedics to simulate rescuing a patient trapped at the base of the sheer cliff. ================================================================Manufacturing firm C-M-T-P is celebrating after being named a finalist in the Best Off-Site Manufacturing category at the twenty-twenty-six Queensland National Timber and Hardware Association Awards. Management says the recognition reflects the hard work, innovation, and industry-level commitment of the entire workforce.&nbsp; ================================================================The Colac Otway Shire council has had positive feedback stemming from its most recent community survey. Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says the challenge now is to maintain momentum and keep the community happy. ================================================================A unique national competition is giving young voices in Wannon a platform to speak on major issues like agriculture, the environment, and cost-of-living pressures.&nbsp; ================================================================A new funding push could help make local roads safer across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions. Applications are now open for the twenty-twenty-six T-A-C Local Government Grant Program, targeting council-managed areas where pedestrians and cyclists are most at risk.&nbsp; ================================================================Surf Coast Shire is helping young people in Lorne and Winchelsea beat the winter boredom with free, supervised school holiday sessions. ================================================================AND IN SPORT&nbsp;Its a big weekend on the pitch for the Colac Otway Rovers. On Saturday the women's team plays Corio SC. The Division 2 side will play Geelong SC, and Division travels to face the Bellarine Sharks. ================================================================The Colac Braves are set for a massive weekend of home-ground baseball. This weekend, the club's Division One side hosts the Deakin Blues, while the Division Three squad welcomes the Bellarine Bears. ================================================================This weekend the Corangamite Lions will host Creswick SC at the Camperdown Showgrounds. Division 1 currently sits third, looking to stay in touch with second, as the women's sit second on the ladder after seven matches.================================================================

June 18, 2026

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

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.&nbsp;============================================================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.&nbsp; ============================================================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.&nbsp; ============================================================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&rsquo;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&rsquo; Masterclass. Representing the Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club, Matt will travel to Adelaide University this July for the intensive annual leadership program.&nbsp; ============================================================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.&nbsp; ============================================================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. ============================================================

June 17, 2026

The South West Daily

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