Here is what is making news for October 17, 2025.==============================One in three people in Colac will need blood during their lifetime — and you can help make sure it’s there when it’s needed most.

The Colac Mobile Blood Donor Centre will be set up at Gravesend Street, near the Bowls Club at Central Reserve, from November 11 to 21.
============================================================Corangamite Shire Council is offering free workshops to help residents keep their homes cool this summer.

Going Green Solutions will run sessions on DIY secondary glazing, draught sealing, and other easy, low-cost upgrades. 
============================================================The Gardiner Foundation has announced the recipients of its inaugural Community Development Grants... which has seen six projects supported in South West Victoria

CEO Allan Cameron says the program was offered across the State's three dairy regions 
============================================================The Gran Fondo cycling race will see parts of the Great Ocean Road closed over the weekend to ensure safety for those completing.

Department of Transport spokesperson Andrew Crook says those looking to travel along the Great Ocean Road should be wary of increased traffic and look to take alternative routes.
============================================================Independent schools in the Barwon region are growing rapidly, with enrolments increasing three times faster than in government and Catholic schools.
============================================================An offshore rig is set to start drilling off Port Campbell and Peterborough to explore new gas fields and help ease Victoria’s supply shortfall.

The Transocean Equinox rig will house 140 workers on 21-day rotations, flown in from Warrnambool. ============================================================AND IN SPORTIt's a historic weekend for South West cricket with the first round of Colac-South West Premier Cricket.

The newly formed competition between Colac and South West Cricket Association's will see Birregurra play Camperdown.

Simpson plays Cobden.

Woorndoo hosts Irrewarra.

Alvie will play Ecklin.

Pomborneit faces Colac.

City United will play Bookhaar.

And Stoneyford takes on Storm.
============================================================The Colac Kookas are back in action this weekend.

The men host Hamilton on Saturday, and travel to Mount Gambier on Sunday.

The women's host Portland tomorrow and also travel to Mt Gambier on Sunday.
============================================================Corangamite weekend pennant bowls action kicks off this weekend.

Apollo Bay hosts Colac.

The Camperdown Magpies take on Winchelsea.

Central versus City.

and Winchelsea will play Simpson.
============================================================In round 2 action of the Polwarth and District Tennis Association action -

In A grade Cororooke takes on Pennyroyal White.

Colac Lawn faces Pennyroyal Gold.

In B Grade Deans Marsh faces Colac Lawn.

Beeac plays Cororooke Gold.

Cororooke Blue has Warncoort.

and Apollo Bay takes on Kawarren.
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