Here is what is making news for March 23, 2026.===============================A builder has now been appointed for the Colac West Primary school’s $10.2 million upgrade backed by the State Government.

Construction will begin soon on improved learning spaces for students and staff.
==============================================================Latest crime data for the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions suggests that tougher state bail laws are beginning to take effect.

Statewide, bail revocations have jumped by eighty-four per cent, keeping more serious offenders off our local streets. 
==============================================================Birregurra residents can now access a mini-library on demand following the opening of a new automated kiosk at the Community Health Centre.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos officially launched the thirty-eight-thousand-dollar facility, which allows locals to browse, borrow, and return books without waiting for the mobile library. 
==============================================================New data has highlighted the challenging situation facing many renters in Colac Otway and the Corangamite regions.

National figures reveal the cost of renting grew a further 5% over the December quarter, outstripping wages growth.
==============================================================South West Healthcare has appointed Jason Kelly as its new Disability Liaison Officer.

He will work directly with patients and carers to ensure streamlined and accessible care across the region.
==============================================================A bombshell new poll suggests the safe Liberal seat of Wannon is under threat from a massive surge in One Nation support.

The DemosAU report shows Pauline Hanson’s party is now "firmly in front" to win the regional Victorian seat if an election were held today. 
==============================================================AND IN SPORTStoneyford has been crowned the inaugural Colac South West Premier Cricket Champions after a thrilling win against Birregurra.

Stoneyford chased down Birregurra's total of 226 with two wickets in hand and 7 balls remaining.

The match didn't occur without its own controversy even gaining national media attention after Stoneyford's Ben Grinter was given out obstructing the field.
==============================================================The Polwarth and District Tennis Association has crowned its Champions with Pennyroyal White beating Colac Lawn in the A Grade decider.

B Grade action saw Beeac crowned the winners after a win against Apollo Bay.
==============================================================

Here is what is making news for March 23, 2026.===============================A builder has now been appointed for the Colac West Primary school&rsquo;s $10.2 million upgrade backed by the State Government. Construction will begin soon on improved learning spaces for students and staff. ==============================================================Latest crime data for the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions suggests that tougher state bail laws are beginning to take effect. Statewide, bail revocations have jumped by eighty-four per cent, keeping more serious offenders off our local streets.&nbsp; ==============================================================Birregurra residents can now access a mini-library on demand following the opening of a new automated kiosk at the Community Health Centre. Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos officially launched the thirty-eight-thousand-dollar facility, which allows locals to browse, borrow, and return books without waiting for the mobile library.&nbsp; ==============================================================New data has highlighted the challenging situation facing many renters in Colac Otway and the Corangamite regions. National figures reveal the cost of renting grew a further 5% over the December quarter, outstripping wages growth. ==============================================================South West Healthcare has appointed Jason Kelly as its new Disability Liaison Officer. He will work directly with patients and carers to ensure streamlined and accessible care across the region. ==============================================================A bombshell new poll suggests the safe Liberal seat of Wannon is under threat from a massive surge in One Nation support. The DemosAU report shows Pauline Hanson&rsquo;s party is now "firmly in front" to win the regional Victorian seat if an election were held today.&nbsp; ==============================================================AND IN SPORTStoneyford has been crowned the inaugural Colac South West Premier Cricket Champions after a thrilling win against Birregurra. Stoneyford chased down Birregurra's total of 226 with two wickets in hand and 7 balls remaining. The match didn't occur without its own controversy even gaining national media attention after Stoneyford's Ben Grinter was given out obstructing the field. ==============================================================The Polwarth and District Tennis Association has crowned its Champions with Pennyroyal White beating Colac Lawn in the A Grade decider. B Grade action saw Beeac crowned the winners after a win against Apollo Bay. ==============================================================

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

The South West Daily

March 23, 2026

Here is what is making news for March 02, 2026.================================Authorities have confirmed that two pythons discovered at an Apollo Bay property on Monday were stolen.

An investigation into the incident revealed the reptiles had been taken from their rightful owner, who has since come forward. 
================================================================Nearly eighty percent of marine rescues are for avoidable issues like engine failure or running out of fuel.

Safe Transport Victoria's Shane Leversha says Before launching along the Great Ocean Road this Easter, check your batteries and ensure you have a third of your fuel in reserve.
================================================================Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester is demanding "less talk and more action" to combat the European carp crisis.

Speaking in Federal Parliament, Mr. Chester backed the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s push for a 2028 release date for the carp herpes virus.

He warned that the invasive species now makes up ninety percent of fish biomass in some waterways, destroying the biodiversity in places such as Lake Colac. 
================================================================Police are highlighting the power of home surveillance after an eighteen-year-old was arrested following a series of raids at Colac addresses.

The man has been charged with twelve offences, including burglary and thefts from vehicles across Camperdown and Warrnambool in March.
================================================================Colac Otway Shire is inviting residents to help shape the future of local travel.

Feedback is now open on a new draft policy to prioritise upgrades across sixteen-hundred kilometres of council roads.

Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says residents can visit the council website to have your say before Tuesday, May 5th.
================================================================Local Police will be out in force over the Easter Long weekend, with an increased presence and testing sites to be set up across the region.

Colac Police Spokesperson Jamie Kahle says Colac Police wants to ensure everyone stays as safe as they can this weekend through Operation Nexus.
================================================================Colac’s ambulance station is one of several regional branches welcoming new faces this week.

Minister for Ambulance Services, Mary-Anne Thomas says A cohort of twenty graduate paramedics has officially hit the road, with four specifically assigned to the Barwon South West region.
================================================================AND IN SPORTTwo CDFNL matches await this weekend with the 2025 Grand Final rematch between the Colac Imperials and Alvie Swans.

The Coastal Cup will also take place with Apollo Bay heading to Lorne.
================================================================Five talented Colac soccer players have been selected for the 2026 Geelong Representative teams.

Jasper Milner, Rocco Aylett, and Samuel Irunga join the elite squads, alongside Dash Bannan and Solomon Coventry, who have both been named captains of their respective age groups.
================================================================Lorne police are investigating a break-in at the Deans Marsh Cricket Club.

Intruders smashed windows to gain entry and stole a significant quantity of spirits and cider.

Authorities discovered a large amount of blood at the scene, suggesting an offender was injured during the crime.

Anyone with information on the theft or suspicious injuries is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
================================================================

Here is what is making news for March 02, 2026.================================Authorities have confirmed that two pythons discovered at an Apollo Bay property on Monday were stolen. An investigation into the incident revealed the reptiles had been taken from their rightful owner, who has since come forward.&nbsp; ================================================================Nearly eighty percent of marine rescues are for avoidable issues like engine failure or running out of fuel. Safe Transport Victoria's Shane Leversha says Before launching along the Great Ocean Road this Easter, check your batteries and ensure you have a third of your fuel in reserve. ================================================================Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester is demanding "less talk and more action" to combat the European carp crisis. Speaking in Federal Parliament, Mr. Chester backed the Victorian Fisheries Authority&rsquo;s push for a 2028 release date for the carp herpes virus. He warned that the invasive species now makes up ninety percent of fish biomass in some waterways, destroying the biodiversity in places such as Lake Colac.&nbsp; ================================================================Police are highlighting the power of home surveillance after an eighteen-year-old was arrested following a series of raids at Colac addresses. The man has been charged with twelve offences, including burglary and thefts from vehicles across Camperdown and Warrnambool in March. ================================================================Colac Otway Shire is inviting residents to help shape the future of local travel. Feedback is now open on a new draft policy to prioritise upgrades across sixteen-hundred kilometres of council roads. Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says residents can visit the council website to have your say before Tuesday, May 5th. ================================================================Local Police will be out in force over the Easter Long weekend, with an increased presence and testing sites to be set up across the region. Colac Police Spokesperson Jamie Kahle says Colac Police wants to ensure everyone stays as safe as they can this weekend through Operation Nexus. ================================================================Colac&rsquo;s ambulance station is one of several regional branches welcoming new faces this week. Minister for Ambulance Services, Mary-Anne Thomas says A cohort of twenty graduate paramedics has officially hit the road, with four specifically assigned to the Barwon South West region. ================================================================AND IN SPORTTwo CDFNL matches await this weekend with the 2025 Grand Final rematch between the Colac Imperials and Alvie Swans. The Coastal Cup will also take place with Apollo Bay heading to Lorne. ================================================================Five talented Colac soccer players have been selected for the 2026 Geelong Representative teams. Jasper Milner, Rocco Aylett, and Samuel Irunga join the elite squads, alongside Dash Bannan and Solomon Coventry, who have both been named captains of their respective age groups. ================================================================Lorne police are investigating a break-in at the Deans Marsh Cricket Club. Intruders smashed windows to gain entry and stole a significant quantity of spirits and cider. Authorities discovered a large amount of blood at the scene, suggesting an offender was injured during the crime. Anyone with information on the theft or suspicious injuries is urged to call Crime Stoppers. ================================================================

March 02, 2026

Here is what is making news for April 1, 2026.================================The Federal and State Governments have announced a significant funding boost to help bushfire-affected residents in the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires rebuild.
================================================================Everyone across the Colac Otway region and beyond is invited to Colac's Botanic Gardens to help raised funds for the Royal Children's Hospital, Good Friday Appeal.

Ace Radio Colac's General Manager Nick Hay says the day features something for everyone with sport activities and crafts, as well as Stumpy the train, Colac Jumping Castles, The Bulla van and of course Easter Bunny will stop by for a Easter Egg Hunt.
================================================================Drivers across Colac and the South West are being urged to stay alert as animal collisions hit a record high.

New figures from NRMA Insurance reveal fifteen-thousand animals were hit on Australian roads over the past year—a twenty-one percent increase on 2024.

Executive Manager for Claims, Nick Kirkovski, says says regional motorists must remain extra vigilant at dawn and dusk.
================================================================Ten weeks after devastating fires swept through the Corangamite Shire, Mayor Kate Makin says the work to rebuild is far from over.

While the fires have left the headlines, council staff remain in daily contact with families across Skipton, Larralea, and Simpson.

Currently, twenty-one families in the Skipton area are receiving intensive case support as they navigate the long road home. 
================================================================The T-A-C is urging South West drivers to prioritize rest before hitting the road this Easter.

With traffic volumes set to spike, motorists are encouraged to utilise the Driver Reviver site on the Princes Highway in Colac.
================================================================ Victoria’s toughest bail laws are in full effect, targeting repeat offenders to prioritise community safety.

The new "second-strike" rule means anyone already on bail for an indictable offence who commits another will no longer benefit from the presumption of bail. 
================================================================AND IN SPORTThe CDFNL has taken out the Under 17s Barwon Junior Netball Championships in Geelong after a 5 goals victory over the Bellarine.

Colac 50, defeated the Bellarine 45 with Irrewarra-Beeac's Emmy Frith named the League Best and Fairest.

Lorne's Asha McNaughton won the league award in the Under 13s.
================================================================It was a podium finish for Cobden’s own Blake Walsh at Premier Speedway Event.

In a high-stakes battle for the 2026 Tire Factory Wingless Sprints Victorian Title, Walsh steered the S-1 machine to a second-place finish, trailing only A-1 Tyson Martin. 
================================================================

Here is what is making news for April 1, 2026.================================The Federal and State Governments have announced a significant funding boost to help bushfire-affected residents in the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires rebuild. ================================================================Everyone across the Colac Otway region and beyond is invited to Colac's Botanic Gardens to help raised funds for the Royal Children's Hospital, Good Friday Appeal. Ace Radio Colac's General Manager Nick Hay says the day features something for everyone with sport activities and crafts, as well as Stumpy the train, Colac Jumping Castles, The Bulla van and of course Easter Bunny will stop by for a Easter Egg Hunt. ================================================================Drivers across Colac and the South West are being urged to stay alert as animal collisions hit a record high. New figures from NRMA Insurance reveal fifteen-thousand animals were hit on Australian roads over the past year&mdash;a twenty-one percent increase on 2024. Executive Manager for Claims, Nick Kirkovski, says says regional motorists must remain extra vigilant at dawn and dusk. ================================================================Ten weeks after devastating fires swept through the Corangamite Shire, Mayor Kate Makin says the work to rebuild is far from over. While the fires have left the headlines, council staff remain in daily contact with families across Skipton, Larralea, and Simpson. Currently, twenty-one families in the Skipton area are receiving intensive case support as they navigate the long road home.&nbsp; ================================================================The T-A-C is urging South West drivers to prioritize rest before hitting the road this Easter. With traffic volumes set to spike, motorists are encouraged to utilise the Driver Reviver site on the Princes Highway in Colac. ================================================================&nbsp;Victoria&rsquo;s toughest bail laws are in full effect, targeting repeat offenders to prioritise community safety. The new "second-strike" rule means anyone already on bail for an indictable offence who commits another will no longer benefit from the presumption of bail.&nbsp; ================================================================AND IN SPORTThe CDFNL has taken out the Under 17s Barwon Junior Netball Championships in Geelong after a 5 goals victory over the Bellarine. Colac 50, defeated the Bellarine 45 with Irrewarra-Beeac's Emmy Frith named the League Best and Fairest. Lorne's Asha McNaughton won the league award in the Under 13s. ================================================================It was a podium finish for Cobden&rsquo;s own Blake Walsh at Premier Speedway Event. In a high-stakes battle for the 2026 Tire Factory Wingless Sprints Victorian Title, Walsh steered the S-1 machine to a second-place finish, trailing only A-1 Tyson Martin.&nbsp; ================================================================

April 01, 2026

Here is what is making news from March 31, 2026.====================================Colac Highway Patrol are appealing for Witnesses on Sunday afternoon near Queen and Hearn Street.

Local spokesperson Jamie Kahle spoke with Ace Radio yesterday and says a car was clocked doing 130 kilometres per hour in a 50 zone and driving erratically.
========================================================================A significant 120-acre rural holding has been listed for sale in Barwon Downs.

The property at 55 Wineshanty Road is being marketed by Charles Stewart as a "blue-chip" opportunity for both cattle grazing and fodder production. 
========================================================================South West residents can expect to see smoke across the horizon as Forest Fire Management Victoria ramps up its autumn burning program.

With 29 burns scheduled across the region covering over 14,000 hectares, crews are taking advantage of stable conditions to reduce fuel loads near Great Ocean Road communities.========================================================================Leading industry experts in the fuel sector are calling for government intervention following a deepening crisis causing prices to skyrocket.

CEO of the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association, Rowan Lee spoke with Ace Radio's Country Today program saying action is needed urgently.
========================================================================VOICED BY AIDEN Corangamite Shire residents are invited to boost their wellbeing with a series of free nutrition sessions at the Camperdown RSL.========================================================================South West Coast MP Roma Britnell says she's been inundated with querie. following the State Government's announcement of free travel on public transport over the coming month

The VLine website states during the free travel period coaches can continue to be booked as normal. but seat reservations are not available on several train lines including the Warrnambool Line

Local Members including Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan and Ms Britnell say it's already causing concerns. 
========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Basketball Association has wrapped up its domestic basketball season with premiers and MVP's crowned.

South tookout the A Grade men's title.

The Wings beat the Aces in the A Grade women's title.

Janelle Monaghan was the A Grade Women's MVP, and Luka Gerber won the Men's.
========================================================================Colac's Division 1 Pennant Golf team produced a solid hitout to beat The Sands 5-2.

Division 4 also had a resounding win against Torquay.

In Division 3 Women's Pennant, Colac sits on top of the ladder after a win against Portarlington.
========================================================================

Here is what is making news from March 31, 2026.====================================Colac Highway Patrol are appealing for Witnesses on Sunday afternoon near Queen and Hearn Street. Local spokesperson Jamie Kahle spoke with Ace Radio yesterday and says a car was clocked doing 130 kilometres per hour in a 50 zone and driving erratically. ========================================================================A significant 120-acre rural holding has been listed for sale in Barwon Downs. The property at 55 Wineshanty Road is being marketed by Charles Stewart as a "blue-chip" opportunity for both cattle grazing and fodder production.&nbsp; ========================================================================South West residents can expect to see smoke across the horizon as Forest Fire Management Victoria ramps up its autumn burning program. With 29 burns scheduled across the region covering over 14,000 hectares, crews are taking advantage of stable conditions to reduce fuel loads near Great Ocean Road communities.========================================================================Leading industry experts in the fuel sector are calling for government intervention following a deepening crisis causing prices to skyrocket. CEO of the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association, Rowan Lee spoke with Ace Radio's Country Today program saying action is needed urgently. ========================================================================VOICED BY AIDEN&nbsp;Corangamite Shire residents are invited to boost their wellbeing with a series of free nutrition sessions at the Camperdown RSL.========================================================================South West Coast MP Roma Britnell says she's been inundated with querie. following the State Government's announcement of free travel on public transport over the coming month The VLine website states during the free travel period coaches can continue to be booked as normal. but seat reservations are not available on several train lines including the Warrnambool Line Local Members including Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan and Ms Britnell say it's already causing concerns.&nbsp; ========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Basketball Association has wrapped up its domestic basketball season with premiers and MVP's crowned. South tookout the A Grade men's title. The Wings beat the Aces in the A Grade women's title. Janelle Monaghan was the A Grade Women's MVP, and Luka Gerber won the Men's. ========================================================================Colac's Division 1 Pennant Golf team produced a solid hitout to beat The Sands 5-2. Division 4 also had a resounding win against Torquay. In Division 3 Women's Pennant, Colac sits on top of the ladder after a win against Portarlington. ========================================================================

March 23, 2026

The South West Daily

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