Here is what is making news for May 06, 2026.===================================Following the summer fires across the Otways and Skipton regions, health professionals are reminding emergency service volunteers about the long term mental health impacts being a first responder might cause.

Emergency Services Lived Experiences Lead Dr Tara Lal says its becoming increasingly important that smaller remote areas offer high quality services for those that can't attend metropolitan health clinics.
======================================================================Tourism and conservation across the Colac Otway Shire have received a major boost in yesterday’s State Budget.

Nearly eight million dollars has been allocated to restore the historic Cape Otway Lightstation and renew sections of the Twelve Apostles Precinct.

The funding aims to preserve our natural beauty while upgrading infrastructure within the Great Ocean Road parks. 
======================================================================Residents and workplaces across the Colac Otway region are being encouraged to join together and have a 'cuppa for a cause' this month as part of Australia's Biggest Morning Tea.

Since 2012, the annual event has helped raise more than $200 million dollars across the country.
======================================================================Laughter, learning and river-side adventure are on the menu when families, locals and visitors come together for the Curdies Family Fun Day on Saturday 16 May, from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm at Peterborough Hall.

General Manager Community and Catchment Services Corangamite CMA Sarah Holland-Clift says free, family-friendly celebration puts the spotlight on the Curdies River and its catchment.
======================================================================There has never been a better time to book a getaway to Lorne, with a massive thirty-three thousand dollars in local spend cards up for grabs.

It is all part of the Surf Coast Shire’s "Stay and Win" initiative to support local businesses after a challenging summer of flooding and bushfire risks. 
======================================================================Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling says the Snobs Creek Hatchery's Open Day was a roaring success celebrating the premier native fish breeding facility.

Dowling says the the hatchery breed the majority of the fish used to restock South West waterways such as Lake Purrumbete and Lake Bullen Merri.
======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe C-D-F-N-L has locked in its leadership for the twenty-twenty-six Senior Interleague campaign.

Senior coach Kane Leersen will be supported by a powerhouse specialist panel, including Mahoney Medallist Bailey Scott managing the midfield and Alvie premiership footballer Patrick Seal overseeing the forwards.

Irrewarra-Beeac coach Cooper Stephens rounds out the group as the back-line lead.

This elite team will oversee a forty-two-player squad selected from across the region.
======================================================================The region’s top basketballers have been recognized with the announcement of this year's Colac Kookas Awards for Season 2025/26.

Asha Higgins and Billy Keast took out the under-twelves MVP's, Reagan Smart and Harry Callahan won the under-fourteens.

They were joined by under-sixteen stars Stella Foley and Ted Hay, and under-eighteen winners Jess Dellar and Izaac Tate.

Luka Gerber and Indi Cameron were named CBL senior MVP's.
======================================================================Mayhem Pro's Colac Carnage is gearing up to be the largest Colac wrestling event ever with a 6-way Mayhem Mosh Pit match.

Tickets are still available for the event which is at the Colac RSL this Saturday night.======================================================================