Here is what is making news for May 1, 2026.================================Dramatic scenes unfolded at Waurn Ponds railway station on Wednesday morning after police pepper-sprayed and arrested two Colac men.

Officers met the V/Line bus following reports that a forty-one-year-old man had harassed and sexually assaulted a young woman who boarded at Winchelsea. 
================================================================Sergeant Jamie Kahle says "out-of-towners" are the leading cause of recent road accidents across the South West.

Colac Highway Patrol notes that people visiting the region frequently fail to monitor their speed on unfamiliar roads.
================================================================For International Day of the Midwife on May 5th, Colac Otway Shire is highlighting the importance of "continuity of care" for new parents.
================================================================With feral deer entering their peak breeding season, residents across the Corangamite region are being urged to stay alert.

Dr. Jane McKenzie from the National Feral Deer Management Program warns that as numbers grow, deer are becoming "environmental vandals" and a major risk to public safety on our roads. 
================================================================The Gellibrand and Kawarren communities are coming together this Sunday at Rex Norman Park.

Between 12 and 3 PM, residents can enjoy a free lunch and kids' activities to reconnect after the fires.

CFA Gellibrand member Paul Hicks says it should be a great day out to expand the support and recovery post bushfires earlier this year.
================================================================V/Line has apologised to travellers for disruption encountered on the Warrnambool lines Wednesday night.

Fronting a press conference yesterday V/Line Chief Operating Officer Sussanah Osborne says a power fault was the cause of the interruptions
================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends CDFNL football and netball action the Colac Imperials will be without coach Bailey Scott due to a hamstring injury against the Western Eagles.

Birregurra hosts South Colac.

Otway Districts travel down the coast to take on Lorne, and Simpson faces Apollo Bay.
================================================================The Colac Tigers have a tough task ahead in GFL football this weekend taking on the red hot South Barwon.

South Barwon comes off the back of a 104 point win against St Josephs.
================================================================In this weekend Hampden Football and Netball fixtures Cobden travels to take on Hamilton.

While Camperdown faces Warrnambool at Reid Oval.
================================================================

Here is what is making news for May 1, 2026.================================Dramatic scenes unfolded at Waurn Ponds railway station on Wednesday morning after police pepper-sprayed and arrested two Colac men. Officers met the V/Line bus following reports that a forty-one-year-old man had harassed and sexually assaulted a young woman who boarded at Winchelsea.&nbsp; ================================================================Sergeant Jamie Kahle says "out-of-towners" are the leading cause of recent road accidents across the South West. Colac Highway Patrol notes that people visiting the region frequently fail to monitor their speed on unfamiliar roads. ================================================================For International Day of the Midwife on May 5th, Colac Otway Shire is highlighting the importance of "continuity of care" for new parents. ================================================================With feral deer entering their peak breeding season, residents across the Corangamite region are being urged to stay alert. Dr. Jane McKenzie from the National Feral Deer Management Program warns that as numbers grow, deer are becoming "environmental vandals" and a major risk to public safety on our roads.&nbsp; ================================================================The Gellibrand and Kawarren communities are coming together this Sunday at Rex Norman Park. Between 12 and 3 PM, residents can enjoy a free lunch and kids' activities to reconnect after the fires. CFA Gellibrand member Paul Hicks says it should be a great day out to expand the support and recovery post bushfires earlier this year. ================================================================V/Line has apologised to travellers for disruption encountered on the Warrnambool lines Wednesday night. Fronting a press conference yesterday V/Line Chief Operating Officer Sussanah Osborne says a power fault was the cause of the interruptions ================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends CDFNL football and netball action the Colac Imperials will be without coach Bailey Scott due to a hamstring injury against the Western Eagles. Birregurra hosts South Colac. Otway Districts travel down the coast to take on Lorne, and Simpson faces Apollo Bay. ================================================================The Colac Tigers have a tough task ahead in GFL football this weekend taking on the red hot South Barwon. South Barwon comes off the back of a 104 point win against St Josephs. ================================================================In this weekend Hampden Football and Netball fixtures Cobden travels to take on Hamilton. While Camperdown faces Warrnambool at Reid Oval. ================================================================

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

The South West Daily

May 1, 2026

Here is what is making news for May 13, 2026.===================================As cost-of-living pressures continue to impact households, Barwon Water is beginning a major consultation process regarding future water prices and service standards.
======================================================================With the fire season now behind us, emergency services are urging Colac Otway and Corangamite residents to register their burn-offs to prevent unnecessary callouts.

CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook warns that despite recent rain, unusually warm autumn weather makes care essential.

The quickest way to notify authorities is through the Fire Permits Victoria website. 
======================================================================A million-dollar support package is being rolled out across eleven local government areas, including Colac Otway, to combat the effects of the South West drought.
======================================================================Lorne is celebrating a top spot in Australian Traveller’s annual rankings, coming in at eleventh in the country.

The coastal favorite led a strong showing for the Surf Coast, with Torquay and Geelong also making the top one hundred list.

Port Fairy was the highest-ranking town in along the Great Ocean, narrowly missing a podium finish in fourth place. 
======================================================================Sewell's Lawyers Biggest Morning Tea is back for 2026 to raise funds and foster community connection for locals impacted by cancer.

Sewell's Layer Nick Lenehan-Anderson says everyone is encouraged to donate or attend in helping raise funds for the Cancer Council.
======================================================================A thirty-two-year-old father from Skipton has admitted to more than thirty charges in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court following a series of dangerous driving incidents.

The court heard the man was repeatedly caught driving unlicensed and with drugs in his system throughout last year.======================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Gun Club shooter Penny Smith has reached a new career high, claiming World Cup Gold in Kazakhstan while shattering a world record.

The twenty-twenty-four Olympic Bronze Medalist delivered a flawless performance in the Women’s Trap Final, shooting a perfect thirty out of thirty.

Smith’s clinical display obliterated the previous world record of twenty-four, further cementing her status as one of the world’s elite competitors.
======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Running Festival returns this weekend, with more than ten thousand participants and visitors expected in South West Victoria.

Stretching from Lorne to Apollo Bay, the event provides a rare chance to experience the iconic road completely free of traffic. 
======================================================================Two high-profile reports have emerged from the weekend’s regional football action.

In the C-D-F-N-L, Alvie’s Dominic Dare faces a three-match ban for striking Simpson’s Sam Rial.

Meanwhile, in the G-F-N-L, Colac’s Jack Slater is facing two weeks for rough conduct against St Albans.

Both players can reduce their suspensions by one week if they elect to enter an early guilty plea.
======================================================================

Here is what is making&nbsp;news for May 13, 2026.===================================As cost-of-living pressures continue to impact households, Barwon Water is beginning a major consultation process regarding future water prices and service standards. ======================================================================With the fire season now behind us, emergency services are urging Colac Otway and Corangamite residents to register their burn-offs to prevent unnecessary callouts. CFA Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook warns that despite recent rain, unusually warm autumn weather makes care essential. The quickest way to notify authorities is through the Fire Permits Victoria website.&nbsp; ======================================================================A million-dollar support package is being rolled out across eleven local government areas, including Colac Otway, to combat the effects of the South West drought. ======================================================================Lorne is celebrating a top spot in Australian Traveller&rsquo;s annual rankings, coming in at eleventh in the country. The coastal favorite led a strong showing for the Surf Coast, with Torquay and Geelong also making the top one hundred list. Port Fairy was the highest-ranking town in along the Great Ocean, narrowly missing a podium finish in fourth place.&nbsp; ======================================================================Sewell's Lawyers Biggest Morning Tea is back for 2026 to raise funds and foster community connection for locals impacted by cancer. Sewell's Layer Nick Lenehan-Anderson says everyone is encouraged to donate or attend in helping raise funds for the Cancer Council. ======================================================================A thirty-two-year-old father from Skipton has admitted to more than thirty charges in the Ballarat Magistrates&rsquo; Court following a series of dangerous driving incidents. The court heard the man was repeatedly caught driving unlicensed and with drugs in his system throughout last year.======================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Gun Club shooter Penny Smith has reached a new career high, claiming World Cup Gold in Kazakhstan while shattering a world record. The twenty-twenty-four Olympic Bronze Medalist delivered a flawless performance in the Women&rsquo;s Trap Final, shooting a perfect thirty out of thirty. Smith&rsquo;s clinical display obliterated the previous world record of twenty-four, further cementing her status as one of the world&rsquo;s elite competitors. ======================================================================The Great Ocean Road Running Festival returns this weekend, with more than ten thousand participants and visitors expected in South West Victoria. Stretching from Lorne to Apollo Bay, the event provides a rare chance to experience the iconic road completely free of traffic.&nbsp; ======================================================================Two high-profile reports have emerged from the weekend&rsquo;s regional football action. In the C-D-F-N-L, Alvie&rsquo;s Dominic Dare faces a three-match ban for striking Simpson&rsquo;s Sam Rial. Meanwhile, in the G-F-N-L, Colac&rsquo;s Jack Slater is facing two weeks for rough conduct against St Albans. Both players can reduce their suspensions by one week if they elect to enter an early guilty plea. ======================================================================

May 13, 2026

Here is what is making news for May 12, 2026.=================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man has been refused bail after allegedly holding a woman captive at gunpoint for several days.

The court heard the New South Wales woman managed to escape on May seventh by convincing her captor she needed to take her pet bird to a vet.

She was later found in the central business district by a member of the public who alerted police. 
==================================================================Agriculture Victoria is offering a series of workshops this week to help regional farmers navigate complex financial decisions during the current drought.
Agriculture Victoria program manager Aimee McCutcheon says these events provide technical advice and allow farmers to share challenges with specialists.

Producers in the Skipton region can discuss drought management and fire recovery opportunities while connecting with like-minded farmers. 
==================================================================Live music returned to the Great Ocean Road over the weekend as Lorne hosted a major free pop-up event.

The seaside town became a live music hub for the day as part of the Victorian Vibes series.

Crowds from across the region gathered along the coast to watch performances in the unique outdoor setting. 
==================================================================Applications are now open for a new Resilient Farming Course tailored for producers in the Upper Barwon, Warrnambool, and Otway regions.

This five-day program, running from August to November, focuses on sustainable techniques to build profitable and ecologically sound farming systems. 
==================================================================Residents across Colac and the Corangamite region are looking to todays’s federal budget for relief from rising costs.

With fuel and energy prices climbing alongside inflation, productivity in the South West has taken a significant hit.

Innes Willox from the Australian Industry Group says difficult choices are needed now to protect the future of our regional areas.
==================================================================One Nation’s recent victory in the Farrer by-election is being viewed as a warning to the Coalition ahead of the Victorian state election.

The result suggests a growing trend of regional voters moving away from major parties as they seek alternative representation.

Political expert Dr. Zareh Ghazarian says the minor party’s plan to run local candidates could trigger a voting shift in the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Braves were much more competitive in this weekends matches with the Division 1 side going down 14-5 to the Bellarine Bears.

Division 3 recorded a win over Deakin Gold winning 8-5.
==================================================================The Corangamite Lions had a successful outing against Daylesford and Hepburn United.

The Lions senior side won 6-1, with the women's winning 5-1.

The men's seniors currently sit second on the ladder behind Ballarat SC, while the women's sit second behind Forest Rangers SC.
==================================================================In the weekends Colac Otway Rovers results the Reserves went down 5-3 to Corio SC on Friday night.

Armstrong United won by 6 goals in the women's fixture while the seniors won by forfeit against Corio Bay.
==================================================================It's been a massive couple of weeks on the local golf scene.

Colac Golfer Hunter Togni was crowned The Sands Golf Club's Club Champion for 2026.

The women's Division 4 side from Colac won the South West Golf Association's Pennant with Colac defeating Clifton Springs 4-1 at Barwon Valley.
=================================

Here is what is making news for May 12, 2026.=================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man has been refused bail after allegedly holding a woman captive at gunpoint for several days. The court heard the New South Wales woman managed to escape on May seventh by convincing her captor she needed to take her pet bird to a vet. She was later found in the central business district by a member of the public who alerted police.&nbsp; ==================================================================Agriculture Victoria is offering a series of workshops this week to help regional farmers navigate complex financial decisions during the current drought. Agriculture Victoria program manager Aimee McCutcheon says these events provide technical advice and allow farmers to share challenges with specialists. Producers in the Skipton region can discuss drought management and fire recovery opportunities while connecting with like-minded farmers.&nbsp; ==================================================================Live music returned to the Great Ocean Road over the weekend as Lorne hosted a major free pop-up event. The seaside town became a live music hub for the day as part of the Victorian Vibes series. Crowds from across the region gathered along the coast to watch performances in the unique outdoor setting.&nbsp; ==================================================================Applications are now open for a new Resilient Farming Course tailored for producers in the Upper Barwon, Warrnambool, and Otway regions. This five-day program, running from August to November, focuses on sustainable techniques to build profitable and ecologically sound farming systems.&nbsp; ==================================================================Residents across Colac and the Corangamite region are looking to todays&rsquo;s federal budget for relief from rising costs. With fuel and energy prices climbing alongside inflation, productivity in the South West has taken a significant hit. Innes Willox from the Australian Industry Group says difficult choices are needed now to protect the future of our regional areas. ==================================================================One Nation&rsquo;s recent victory in the Farrer by-election is being viewed as a warning to the Coalition ahead of the Victorian state election. The result suggests a growing trend of regional voters moving away from major parties as they seek alternative representation. Political expert Dr. Zareh Ghazarian says the minor party&rsquo;s plan to run local candidates could trigger a voting shift in the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions.&nbsp; ==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Braves were much more competitive in this weekends matches with the Division 1 side going down 14-5 to the Bellarine Bears. Division 3 recorded a win over Deakin Gold winning 8-5. ==================================================================The Corangamite Lions had a successful outing against Daylesford and Hepburn United. The Lions senior side won 6-1, with the women's winning 5-1. The men's seniors currently sit second on the ladder behind Ballarat SC, while the women's sit second behind Forest Rangers SC. ==================================================================In the weekends Colac Otway Rovers results the Reserves went down 5-3 to Corio SC on Friday night. Armstrong United won by 6 goals in the women's fixture while the seniors won by forfeit against Corio Bay. ==================================================================It's been a massive couple of weeks on the local golf scene. Colac Golfer Hunter Togni was crowned The Sands Golf Club's Club Champion for 2026. The women's Division 4 side from Colac won the South West Golf Association's Pennant with Colac defeating Clifton Springs 4-1 at Barwon Valley. =================================

May 12, 2026

Here is what is making news for May 11, 2026.=================================Ahead of the federal budget's release tomorrow Member for Wannon Dan Tehan says early forecasts don't look good for those across the South West.

Mr Tehan says he will watch eagerly, especially looking towards negative gearing capital gains tax concessions.
==================================================================Commuters on the Geelong line are facing more evening disruptions starting tonight as V/Line begins scheduled maintenance night works.

From today through until May thirteenth, coaches will replace evening trains between Southern Cross and Waurn Ponds.

For those traveling this evening, city-bound coaches start at eight-p-m and Waurn Ponds-bound services at nine-p-m. 
==================================================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man has successfully appealed a twelve-month jail sentence for the sexual assault of his teenage granddaughter.

The man appeared in the Warrnambool County Court on May eighth, where his jail term was reduced to seven months. 
==================================================================Colac School Students are encouraged to prepare to walk to school with the annual Walk to School Day this Friday May 17th with Walk to School events taking place the following week.

Colac Police's Stef Ward says by simply walking to school healthy habits are being taught and encouraged. 
==================================================================The Corangamite Shire Council has expressed strong disappointment after the State Budget overlooked funding for the Skipton Recreation Reserve.

Mayor Kate Makin says the lack of support for the bushfire-struck community sends a discouraging message to residents still working to rebuild.
==================================================================Colac Area Health’s Alcohol and Other Drug Program is receiving over two hundred and sixty thousand dollars in funding from the state government.

The investment will provide better consulting rooms and increased privacy for clients.

New telehealth options are also being introduced to create a more welcoming and accessible space for those seeking help in the region.
==================================================================The Colac Otway Shire is calling for public input on its revised Draft Asset Management Policy.

This document serves as the primary framework for how the council maintains and upgrades essential community infrastructure, including roads, drains, and public buildings.
==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe weekends CDFNL football results saw some drubbings with Lorne defeating Irrewarra-Beeac by 72.

The Colac Imperials ran away 99 point winners over Apollo Bay.

Alvie won by eight points over Simpson in a close encounter.

On the netball court Lorne has a narrow 5 goal win over Irrewarra-Beeac.

Colac Imperials smashed Apollo Bay,

and Alvie closely beat Simpson.
==================================================================The Colac Tigers are back on the winners list after a 31 point football win over St Albans

Micah Robb was named the Tigers best on ground after his four goal performance.

The netballers also recorded a massive 41 goal win over St Albans.
==================================================================In the weekends Hampden League results Cobden suffered a 54 point defeat in the football to North Warrnambool.

while Camperdown didn't fair much better going down by 76 to Koroit.

In the netball Cobden flipped the result winning by 19, while Camperdown went down to Koroit by 16.
==================================================================

Here is what is making news for May 11, 2026.=================================Ahead of the federal budget's release tomorrow Member for Wannon Dan Tehan says early forecasts don't look good for those across the South West. Mr Tehan says he will watch eagerly, especially looking towards negative gearing capital gains tax concessions. ==================================================================Commuters on the Geelong line are facing more evening disruptions starting tonight as V/Line begins scheduled maintenance night works. From today through until May thirteenth, coaches will replace evening trains between Southern Cross and Waurn Ponds. For those traveling this evening, city-bound coaches start at eight-p-m and Waurn Ponds-bound services at nine-p-m.&nbsp; ==================================================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man has successfully appealed a twelve-month jail sentence for the sexual assault of his teenage granddaughter. The man appeared in the Warrnambool County Court on May eighth, where his jail term was reduced to seven months.&nbsp; ==================================================================Colac School Students are encouraged to prepare to walk to school with the annual Walk to School Day this Friday May 17th with Walk to School events taking place the following week. Colac Police's Stef Ward says by simply walking to school healthy habits are being taught and encouraged.&nbsp; ==================================================================The Corangamite Shire Council has expressed strong disappointment after the State Budget overlooked funding for the Skipton Recreation Reserve. Mayor Kate Makin says the lack of support for the bushfire-struck community sends a discouraging message to residents still working to rebuild. ==================================================================Colac Area Health&rsquo;s Alcohol and Other Drug Program is receiving over two hundred and sixty thousand dollars in funding from the state government. The investment will provide better consulting rooms and increased privacy for clients. New telehealth options are also being introduced to create a more welcoming and accessible space for those seeking help in the region. ==================================================================The Colac Otway Shire is calling for public input on its revised Draft Asset Management Policy. This document serves as the primary framework for how the council maintains and upgrades essential community infrastructure, including roads, drains, and public buildings. ==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe weekends CDFNL football results saw some drubbings with Lorne defeating Irrewarra-Beeac by 72. The Colac Imperials ran away 99 point winners over Apollo Bay. Alvie won by eight points over Simpson in a close encounter. On the netball court Lorne has a narrow 5 goal win over Irrewarra-Beeac. Colac Imperials smashed Apollo Bay, and Alvie closely beat Simpson. ==================================================================The Colac Tigers are back on the winners list after a 31 point football win over St Albans Micah Robb was named the Tigers best on ground after his four goal performance. The netballers also recorded a massive 41 goal win over St Albans. ==================================================================In the weekends Hampden League results Cobden suffered a 54 point defeat in the football to North Warrnambool. while Camperdown didn't fair much better going down by 76 to Koroit. In the netball Cobden flipped the result winning by 19, while Camperdown went down to Koroit by 16. ==================================================================

May 1, 2026

The South West Daily

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