Here is what is making news for March 17, 2026.===================================================A partnership between Surf Coast Council and the TAC is putting high-tech sensors in the hands of local cyclists to make regional roads friendlier for everyone.
======================================================================================================Recovery teams have successfully removed four vehicles and two camper trailers from Cumberland River beach following January’s flash flooding.

The operation was carried out at low tide last week using an excavator, after previous attempts to airlift the wrecks by helicopter were unsuccessful. 
======================================================================================================The Geelong Cats used their first home game of 2026 to thank the Gellibrand CFA Station for its work in containing and fighting fires in January.

Cats Forward Shannon Neale presented Gellibrand Fire Brigade's Paul Hicks with a fully signed jersey to say thank you for their courage and commitment fighting fires.

The Cats posted the video to their social media pages with Neale saying the jersey was a small gesture to show their appreciation.
======================================================================================================The Otways community is celebrating a massive weekend of fundraising after raising $25,400 dollars for their local fire brigades.

The Gellibrand River Hotel took to Facebook to thank everyone for their support with the funds to be evenly split between three local stations.

Carlisle River CFA, Kawarren CFA, and Gellibrand CFA will each receive $8,500, thanks to the auctions and live entertainment performances across the weekend. 
======================================================================================================The regions farmers have been asked to check over recent land tax documents which may have been incorrectly issued from the State Government.

Nick Lenehan-Anderson from Sewell's Lawyers in Colac says, it's important those across the region especially primary producers check the list of exemptions before paying the tax.======================================================================================================AND IN SPORTEMBARGOED - The first ever Bill Johnston Medal winners have been crowned following the awards night held at the Colac RSL last night.

Heytesbury-Princetown's Matthew Love adds to his 2021-22 win with Stoneyford, becoming a joint winner with Birregurra's Alex Inglis.

The dual winners polled 13 voted to take out the award.

Colac's Will Ruddell was named the Champion Player.

The Division 2 Champion player was Darryn Murrell while Division 3 was won by Rueben Dare.
======================================================================================================Colac City’s Hayley Murnane has dominated the green at the West Coast Regional Finals in Warrnambool.

Murnane secured a massive double victory, claiming both the Ladies State Singles title and the Ladies Champion of Club Champions for the region.
======================================================================================================The Wednesday night tennis season has wrapped up in style following a massive night of Grand Final action.

In Division A, the Elliminyt Hot Shots proved too strong for the Elliminyt Rippa, while Elliminyt secured the Division B flag with a win over Beeac.

Beeac White claimed the Division C title in a thriller against the Elliminyt Serves to round out the competition's most successful season to date.
======================================================================================================NOT CONFIRMED - WAITING ON THE GO AHEAD FROM JASON ARMISTEAD - SHOULD BE RIGHT THIS ARVO.The Colac Tigers have announced another boom recruit ahead of the 2026 season.

Talented youngster Hunter Wright will cross over from Golden Square in Bendigo also featuring on the Geelong Cats VFL list for 2026.

Wright has previously represented Vic Country and the Bendigo Pioneers at junior level.

The Tigers also announced Birregurra Under 18s footballer Hamish Darroch will make the move to Colac, after spending the pre season training with the Geelong Falcons.
======================================================================================================

Here is what is making news for March 17, 2026.===================================================A partnership between Surf Coast Council and the TAC is putting high-tech sensors in the hands of local cyclists to make regional roads friendlier for everyone. ======================================================================================================Recovery teams have successfully removed four vehicles and two camper trailers from Cumberland River beach following January&rsquo;s flash flooding. The operation was carried out at low tide last week using an excavator, after previous attempts to airlift the wrecks by helicopter were unsuccessful.&nbsp; ======================================================================================================The Geelong Cats used their first home game of 2026 to thank the Gellibrand CFA Station for its work in containing and fighting fires in January. Cats Forward Shannon Neale presented Gellibrand Fire Brigade's Paul Hicks with a fully signed jersey to say thank you for their courage and commitment fighting fires. The Cats posted the video to their social media pages with Neale saying the jersey was a small gesture to show their appreciation. ======================================================================================================The Otways community is celebrating a massive weekend of fundraising after raising $25,400 dollars for their local fire brigades. The Gellibrand River Hotel took to Facebook to thank everyone for their support with the funds to be evenly split between three local stations. Carlisle River CFA, Kawarren CFA, and Gellibrand CFA will each receive $8,500, thanks to the auctions and live entertainment performances across the weekend.&nbsp; ======================================================================================================The regions farmers have been asked to check over recent land tax documents which may have been incorrectly issued from the State Government. Nick Lenehan-Anderson from Sewell's Lawyers in Colac says, it's important those across the region especially primary producers check the list of exemptions before paying the tax.======================================================================================================AND IN SPORTEMBARGOED - The first ever Bill Johnston Medal winners have been crowned following the awards night held at the Colac RSL last night. Heytesbury-Princetown's Matthew Love adds to his 2021-22 win with Stoneyford, becoming a joint winner with Birregurra's Alex Inglis. The dual winners polled 13 voted to take out the award. Colac's Will Ruddell was named the Champion Player. The Division 2 Champion player was Darryn Murrell while Division 3 was won by Rueben Dare. ======================================================================================================Colac City&rsquo;s Hayley Murnane has dominated the green at the West Coast Regional Finals in Warrnambool. Murnane secured a massive double victory, claiming both the Ladies State Singles title and the Ladies Champion of Club Champions for the region. ======================================================================================================The Wednesday night tennis season has wrapped up in style following a massive night of Grand Final action. In Division A, the Elliminyt Hot Shots proved too strong for the Elliminyt Rippa, while Elliminyt secured the Division B flag with a win over Beeac. Beeac White claimed the Division C title in a thriller against the Elliminyt Serves to round out the competition's most successful season to date. ======================================================================================================NOT CONFIRMED - WAITING ON THE GO AHEAD FROM JASON ARMISTEAD - SHOULD BE RIGHT THIS ARVO.The Colac Tigers have announced another boom recruit ahead of the 2026 season. Talented youngster Hunter Wright will cross over from Golden Square in Bendigo also featuring on the Geelong Cats VFL list for 2026. Wright has previously represented Vic Country and the Bendigo Pioneers at junior level. The Tigers also announced Birregurra Under 18s footballer Hamish Darroch will make the move to Colac, after spending the pre season training with the Geelong Falcons. ======================================================================================================

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