Here is what is making news for October 22, 2026.===================================The Federal Government is seeking feedback from dairy farmers on how to make milk pricing more transparent.

Many in the industry find current payment structures difficult to understand and compare.

Colac farmer Mark Billing appeared on Ace Radio's Country Today to speak about the issue.
======================================================================Forest Fire Management Victoria’s newest recruits are gearing up for the upcoming bushfire season, with intensive training camps underway across the state, including right here in Colac.

This year, an additional one-hundred-and-thirty-three seasonal firefighters have joined the ranks, bringing the seasonal workforce to six-hundred-and-thirty-three.

Acting Chief Fire Officer Aaron Kennedy says the recruits are undergoing two weeks of classroom and field-based learning to prepare for challenging environments. 
======================================================================More than half of young people feel overwhelmed by social media, according to new research from headspace.

To mark headspace Day, the organization is encouraging youth to simply "do nothing" to support their mental health.

Headspace Colac Centre Manager Simon Buggy says taking an intentional pause—like putting your phone away for fifteen minutes—can help create vital moments to reset amidst daily online pressures.
======================================================================Maintenance works are now complete at the Bay of Islands boat ramp in Peterborough.

VFA Director of Fisheries Management and Boating Luke O'Sullivan says the project was funded by boating licence and registration fees through the Better Boating Fund, ensuring improved access and durability for years to come.
======================================================================The Colac Scavenger Hunt is officially underway, encouraging locals to explore the town and support local businesses.

Running until Monday, October twenty-sixth, participants can search for hidden items across participating stores for their chance to win a share of eight-hundred-and-fifty dollars in prizes.

Proudly brought to you by the South West Community Foundation’s Colac Community Fund, the event is also raising vital money to support the local community. 
======================================================================Candidate for Polwarth Hutch Hussein has welcomed a twenty-six-thousand-dollar state government grant for local weed management.

The Heytesbury WeedWise project will fund field days and workshops targeting blackberry and ragwort across Corangamite, Heytesbury, and Camperdown.

Ms Hussein says the funding will boost coordinated weed control and empower the community.
======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Victorian Athletics League season kicks off this weekend with the Cobden and Mortlake Gifts.
Action begins at Cobden on Saturday, before moving to Mortlake's D-C Farran Oval on Sunday.

Four hundred athletes will compete for more than twelve thousand dollars in prize money across both days. 
======================================================================Olympic gold medallist Jakara Anthony is swapping her skis for a bike this summer, taking on a new role as an ambassador for the twenty-twenty-seven Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

The announcement comes just one day after she revealed she was hitting the brakes on her skiing career.

Anthony met with Cadel Evans to launch the event countdown, noting that cycling was a regular part of her ski training.
======================================================================In Corangamite Bowls Midweek Pennant results Camperdown Magpies 1 were too strong for Simpson.

City had a solid win against Central.

Colac defeated Cressy.

AND Cobden was too good for Camperdown Magpies 2
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