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.
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