The latest local news and sport stories impacting South West Victoria.

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The South West Daily

March 12, 2026

Here is what is making news for March 13, 2026.================================Recent fires at Gellibrand and Carlisle River have highlighted the life-saving impact of early fire preparation.

New evaluation results from the CFA’s "Get Fire Ready" initiative show that ninety-one percent of participants took active steps to protect their properties well before the smoke appeared.================================================================A new framework for managing septic and wastewater systems is being introduced across the Corangamite Shire.
================================================================E-bike accidents are now the most common injury for teenagers aged 15 to 18, as millions of Australians embrace e-mobility.

While e-scooters are popular, the higher speeds reached by e-bikes are causing a spike in serious collisions.

Roadsafe Otway's Matt Daniels says new data shows that more accidents are occurring on bikes opposed to scooters due to the increased speeds they can reach.
================================================================Children across the South West are now better protected online following the full introduction of the Age-Restricted Material Codes this week.

These nine industry codes require tech companies, app stores, and search engines to implement meaningful protections to prevent minors from encountering inappropriate content.================================================================The sixth annual Crayfest returns to Port Campbell next weekend for a three-day celebration of local seafood, music, and art.

Committee president Lee McLeod says the festivities kick off Friday evening, March 20th, with the Flotsam and Jetsam art exhibition and live music. 
================================================================Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking has announced he will step down from the top job on June 2nd.

After fifteen months at the helm, the shock resignation has sparked rumors of a potential move into state politics ahead of the election. 
================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends Division 1 Colac South West Premier Cricket preliminary finals,

Birregurra will face Cobden.

And Stoneyford faces off against Colac.

The winners will advance to face off in the inaugural Colac South West Premier Cricket Grand Final.
================================================================Camperdown Football Netball Club is celebrating a major win off the field, with co-president Caitlin Fitzgerald selected for the 2026 A-F-L Victoria Lead Your Way program.

The initiative is designed to empower women and gender-diverse leaders by enhancing their skills and confidence on club committees.
================================================================The CDCA's lower grade competitions will wrap their season this weekend with Grand Finals.

In Division 2, Colac takes on Irrewarra at the Colac Cricket Ground.

Division 3 sees West Warrion host Apollo Bay at the Western Oval.
================================================================

Here is what is making news for March 13, 2026.================================Recent fires at Gellibrand and Carlisle River have highlighted the life-saving impact of early fire preparation. New evaluation results from the CFA&rsquo;s "Get Fire Ready" initiative show that ninety-one percent of participants took active steps to protect their properties well before the smoke appeared.================================================================A new framework for managing septic and wastewater systems is being introduced across the Corangamite Shire. ================================================================E-bike accidents are now the most common injury for teenagers aged 15 to 18, as millions of Australians embrace e-mobility. While e-scooters are popular, the higher speeds reached by e-bikes are causing a spike in serious collisions. Roadsafe Otway's Matt Daniels says new data shows that more accidents are occurring on bikes opposed to scooters due to the increased speeds they can reach. ================================================================Children across the South West are now better protected online following the full introduction of the Age-Restricted Material Codes this week. These nine industry codes require tech companies, app stores, and search engines to implement meaningful protections to prevent minors from encountering inappropriate content.================================================================The sixth annual Crayfest returns to Port Campbell next weekend for a three-day celebration of local seafood, music, and art. Committee president Lee McLeod says the festivities kick off Friday evening, March 20th, with the Flotsam and Jetsam art exhibition and live music.&nbsp; ================================================================Victorian Farmers Federation President Brett Hosking has announced he will step down from the top job on June 2nd. After fifteen months at the helm, the shock resignation has sparked rumors of a potential move into state politics ahead of the election.&nbsp; ================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends Division 1 Colac South West Premier Cricket preliminary finals, Birregurra will face Cobden. And Stoneyford faces off against Colac. The winners will advance to face off in the inaugural Colac South West Premier Cricket Grand Final. ================================================================Camperdown Football Netball Club is celebrating a major win off the field, with co-president Caitlin Fitzgerald selected for the 2026 A-F-L Victoria Lead Your Way program. The initiative is designed to empower women and gender-diverse leaders by enhancing their skills and confidence on club committees. ================================================================The CDCA's lower grade competitions will wrap their season this weekend with Grand Finals. In Division 2, Colac takes on Irrewarra at the Colac Cricket Ground. Division 3 sees West Warrion host Apollo Bay at the Western Oval. ================================================================

March 13, 2026

Here is what is making news for March 11, 2026.===================================The Colac Otway Shire is seeking community feedback on a landmark proposal to lease the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre to a private company.

Councillors met today to announce IVG Global as the preferred operator to manage the cinema, auditorium, and function spaces.======================================================================An extraordinary piece of Australian history is now on the market in Aireys Inlet as the iconic estate "Jumbunna" heads to expressions of interest.

The twenty-three-hectare property is famous for its Spanish-inspired residence, which was originally envisioned and created by the world-renowned opera soprano, Dame Joan Hammond.
======================================================================The Corangamite Rural Women’s Network is hosting an International Women’s Day workshop this Friday, March 13th.

Dynamic facilitator Helga Svendsen will lead the "Give to Gain" session at the Corangamite CMA office in Colac.
======================================================================The Colac Truck and Ute Show will hit the Colac Showgrounds this weekend with live entertainment, a show and shine, merchandise stalls and something for everyone.

Colac Fire Brigade's Dan Williams says they are expecting their biggest crowd yet with funds raised for local emergency services.
======================================================================Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin is calling on the State Government to ensure local residents receive "real benefits" from the newly announced Twelve Apostles entry fees. ======================================================================South West commuters are expressing growing frustration as V-Line continues to replace overcrowded trains with supplementary bus services.

The regional rail operator has confirmed that coaches are being deployed whenever seat reservations on the Warrnambool line are exhausted. 
======================================================================AND IN SPORTWinning ways continue for the Colac Bowls Club following their weekend victory against rival Warrnambool in the West Coast Bowls Region Weekend Pennant Final.

The team has officially qualified for the State Pennant Championships at Moama Bowling Club, starting April 25th.======================================================================The pathway from local footy to the big stage is wide open for South West talent this season as thirty-eight Barwon-region players secure V-F-L contracts.

Leading the charge for the C-D-F-N-L is Lorne standout Charlie McCartin, who has officially signed on for the 2026 state-league campaign.

Colac Tigers stars Ethan Liddle and Jack Skinner have also locked in spots at Geelong and Port Melbourne respectively.
======================================================================The Colac Imperials have bolstered their 2026 roster with the massive triple-signing of the Sanders brothers.

Nick Sanders makes a permanent move to the club from St Joseph’s in the G-F-L, bringing elite wing and half-back experience.

He is joined by brothers Will and Oliver, who both arrive from Newtown following successful stints in the Geelong junior and senior systems.
======================================================================

Here is what is making news for March 11, 2026.===================================The Colac Otway Shire is seeking community feedback on a landmark proposal to lease the Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre to a private company. Councillors met today to announce IVG Global as the preferred operator to manage the cinema, auditorium, and function spaces.======================================================================An extraordinary piece of Australian history is now on the market in Aireys Inlet as the iconic estate "Jumbunna" heads to expressions of interest. The twenty-three-hectare property is famous for its Spanish-inspired residence, which was originally envisioned and created by the world-renowned opera soprano, Dame Joan Hammond. ======================================================================The Corangamite Rural Women&rsquo;s Network is hosting an International Women&rsquo;s Day workshop this Friday, March 13th. Dynamic facilitator Helga Svendsen will lead the "Give to Gain" session at the Corangamite CMA office in Colac. ======================================================================The Colac Truck and Ute Show will hit the Colac Showgrounds this weekend with live entertainment, a show and shine, merchandise stalls and something for everyone. Colac Fire Brigade's Dan Williams says they are expecting their biggest crowd yet with funds raised for local emergency services. ======================================================================Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin is calling on the State Government to ensure local residents receive "real benefits" from the newly announced Twelve Apostles entry fees.&nbsp;======================================================================South West commuters are expressing growing frustration as V-Line continues to replace overcrowded trains with supplementary bus services. The regional rail operator has confirmed that coaches are being deployed whenever seat reservations on the Warrnambool line are exhausted.&nbsp; ======================================================================AND IN SPORTWinning ways continue for the Colac Bowls Club following their weekend victory against rival Warrnambool in the West Coast Bowls Region Weekend Pennant Final. The team has officially qualified for the State Pennant Championships at Moama Bowling Club, starting April 25th.======================================================================The pathway from local footy to the big stage is wide open for South West talent this season as thirty-eight Barwon-region players secure V-F-L contracts. Leading the charge for the C-D-F-N-L is Lorne standout Charlie McCartin, who has officially signed on for the 2026 state-league campaign. Colac Tigers stars Ethan Liddle and Jack Skinner have also locked in spots at Geelong and Port Melbourne respectively. ======================================================================The Colac Imperials have bolstered their 2026 roster with the massive triple-signing of the Sanders brothers. Nick Sanders makes a permanent move to the club from St Joseph&rsquo;s in the G-F-L, bringing elite wing and half-back experience. He is joined by brothers Will and Oliver, who both arrive from Newtown following successful stints in the Geelong junior and senior systems. ======================================================================

March 11, 2026

Here is what is making news for March 06, 2026.==================================Across the Corangamite region, Landcare groups and environmental volunteers are being urged to apply for a slice of three-point-five-five million dollars in state government funding.
====================================================================Maintenance is being conducted on two sections of the Cobden-Warrnambool Road

According to the Transport Victoria website... the first works began this week on a section between Curdies-Leichfield Rd and the Glenfyne-Brucknell Rd
====================================================================The Victorian Farmers Federation is demanding urgent federal intervention to protect the nation’s fragile fuel security.

Across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions, farmers rely heavily on liquid fuels to power machinery, harvest crops, and transport local produce. 
====================================================================Following the destructive January bushfires in Gellibrand, Victoria’s largest electricity distributor is trialling a world-first technology to protect regional power lines.
====================================================================Colac Otway Rovers representatives Dave Coventry and Oaklee Balboni have traveled to Melbourne to help present the Shire’s soccer facility plans to state politicians.

In a joint effort with council and Football Victoria, the group highlighted the urgent need for more pitches and female-friendly changerooms in the South West.
====================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Simpson Football and Netball Club has made the decision to withdraw its under 18s football side after a lack of numbers across preseason sessions.

Club President Aaron Crole says a duty of care had to be placed on the younger cohort of players who often played eight quarters of football last year.
====================================================================A 3 time league best and fairest is set to take to the netball courts at Gellibrand.

Multiple premiership winner for Irrewarra-Beeac and Alvie, Chelsea Hillman has signed alongside her sister and A Grade coach of Otway District Emma. 
====================================================================In this weekends Colac South West Premier Cricket Action, finals action kicks off.

Stoneyford plays Bookhaar at Cobden.

Birregurra plays Colac at Eastern Reserve.

Cobden and Alvie will play at Camperdown.

AND Storm will play Pomborneit at Warrion.
====================================================================The Hampden League has announced it's coaches for the 2026 interleague clashes against Ballarat... which will be held in Warrnambool this May

North Warrnambool Premiership coach Nathan Vardy will be the Bottle Greens Senior Coach... while Former Western Bulldogs NGA mentor Ben Walsh guides the Under 17 boys 
====================================================================

Here is what is making news for March 06, 2026.==================================Across the Corangamite region, Landcare groups and environmental volunteers are being urged to apply for a slice of three-point-five-five million dollars in state government funding. ====================================================================Maintenance is being conducted on two sections of the Cobden-Warrnambool Road According to the Transport Victoria website... the first works began this week on a section between Curdies-Leichfield Rd and the Glenfyne-Brucknell Rd ====================================================================The Victorian Farmers Federation is demanding urgent federal intervention to protect the nation&rsquo;s fragile fuel security. Across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions, farmers rely heavily on liquid fuels to power machinery, harvest crops, and transport local produce.&nbsp; ====================================================================Following the destructive January bushfires in Gellibrand, Victoria&rsquo;s largest electricity distributor is trialling a world-first technology to protect regional power lines. ====================================================================Colac Otway Rovers representatives Dave Coventry and Oaklee Balboni have traveled to Melbourne to help present the Shire&rsquo;s soccer facility plans to state politicians. In a joint effort with council and Football Victoria, the group highlighted the urgent need for more pitches and female-friendly changerooms in the South West. ====================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Simpson Football and Netball Club has made the decision to withdraw its under 18s football side after a lack of numbers across preseason sessions. Club President Aaron Crole says a duty of care had to be placed on the younger cohort of players who often played eight quarters of football last year. ====================================================================A 3 time league best and fairest is set to take to the netball courts at Gellibrand. Multiple premiership winner for Irrewarra-Beeac and Alvie, Chelsea Hillman has signed alongside her sister and A Grade coach of Otway District Emma.&nbsp; ====================================================================In this weekends Colac South West Premier Cricket Action, finals action kicks off. Stoneyford plays Bookhaar at Cobden. Birregurra plays Colac at Eastern Reserve. Cobden and Alvie will play at Camperdown. AND Storm will play Pomborneit at Warrion. ====================================================================The Hampden League has announced it's coaches for the 2026 interleague clashes against Ballarat... which will be held in Warrnambool this May North Warrnambool Premiership coach Nathan Vardy will be the Bottle Greens Senior Coach... while Former Western Bulldogs NGA mentor Ben Walsh guides the Under 17 boys&nbsp; ====================================================================

March 12, 2026

The South West Daily

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