Here is what is making news for October 18, 2026.====================================15 drug drivers have been detected in Colac across the entirety of October showing a concerning rise in poor driver behaviours.

Colac Highway Patrol's Jamie Kahle says the consequences of driving under the influence of illicit substances can be catastrophic.
========================================================================Time is running out to nominate a local hero for Corangamite Shire's Australia Day Awards, with entries closing this Friday at 5 pm.

Mayor Kate Makin is urging residents to acknowledge the region's outstanding individuals and events.
========================================================================Beach Energy is in direct talks with developers to power new artificial intelligence data centres using gas from the Otway Basin.

The company intends to establish a network of gas-fired plants to meet high tech energy demands.
========================================================================As the south-west prepares for the twenty twenty-six, twenty-seven bushfire season, the state's elite airborne firefighters are ramping up their training.
========================================================================Emerging dairy leaders across the South West are being encouraged to apply for a twenty twenty-seven New Zealand study tour, organised by the Gardiner Foundation.
========================================================================Following the January Otway fires, emergency services across the south west are getting a major high-tech upgrade.

The State Government has announced a three-point-eight-million-dollar expansion of Victoria's A-I-powered bushfire camera network.
========================================================================AND IN SPORTMelbourne Football Club captain Max Gawn has been announced as the ambassador for the twenty twenty-seven T-A-C People's Ride.

Taking place this January as part of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the event brings thousands of recreational cyclists to the spectacular Surf Coast. 
========================================================================There was plenty of action at the Birregurra Golf Club on Saturday, with Sonny Tupene and Ray Bradshaw taking out the four-B-B-B event with forty-four points.

Runners-up went to Sonny Tupene Junior and Shaun Wheadon on forty-two, while Ian Rowarth and Mat Bowen finished third.

In other weekend results, Ra Tupene and Brad Smith claimed the Henderson Shield final, defeating Rowarth and Bowen two and one.
========================================================================A free All-Abilities Football program is kicking off in Colac this November.

Running every Saturday from two until three pm, the sessions will be held on the basketball courts at the Bluewater Fitness Centre.

The program runs from November seven to December twelve. 
====================================

Here is what is making news for October 18, 2026.====================================15 drug drivers have been detected in Colac across the entirety of October showing a concerning rise in poor driver behaviours. Colac Highway Patrol's Jamie Kahle says the consequences of driving under the influence of illicit substances can be catastrophic. ========================================================================Time is running out to nominate a local hero for Corangamite Shire's Australia Day Awards, with entries closing this Friday at 5 pm. Mayor Kate Makin is urging residents to acknowledge the region's outstanding individuals and events. ========================================================================Beach Energy is in direct talks with developers to power new artificial intelligence data centres using gas from the Otway Basin. The company intends to establish a network of gas-fired plants to meet high tech energy demands. ========================================================================As the south-west prepares for the twenty twenty-six, twenty-seven bushfire season, the state's elite airborne firefighters are ramping up their training. ========================================================================Emerging dairy leaders across the South West are being encouraged to apply for a twenty twenty-seven New Zealand study tour, organised by the Gardiner Foundation. ========================================================================Following the January Otway fires, emergency services across the south west are getting a major high-tech upgrade. The State Government has announced a three-point-eight-million-dollar expansion of Victoria's A-I-powered bushfire camera network. ========================================================================AND IN SPORTMelbourne Football Club captain Max Gawn has been announced as the ambassador for the twenty twenty-seven T-A-C People's Ride. Taking place this January as part of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the event brings thousands of recreational cyclists to the spectacular Surf Coast.&nbsp; ========================================================================There was plenty of action at the Birregurra Golf Club on Saturday, with Sonny Tupene and Ray Bradshaw taking out the four-B-B-B event with forty-four points. Runners-up went to Sonny Tupene Junior and Shaun Wheadon on forty-two, while Ian Rowarth and Mat Bowen finished third. In other weekend results, Ra Tupene and Brad Smith claimed the Henderson Shield final, defeating Rowarth and Bowen two and one. ========================================================================A free All-Abilities Football program is kicking off in Colac this November. Running every Saturday from two until three pm, the sessions will be held on the basketball courts at the Bluewater Fitness Centre. The program runs from November seven to December twelve.&nbsp; ====================================

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

The South West Daily

October 28, 2026

Here is what is making news for October 30, 2026.===================================Camperdown College is set to receive nearly fifty-five thousand dollars for a new, all-abilities piece of playground equipment.

It’s part of a state government push to create inclusive learning environments across Victoria.

Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney says playgrounds are essential for building friendships and confidence. 
======================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council has officially adopted its twenty-twenty-five, twenty-twenty-six Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant infrastructure investment and community recovery.

Mayor Jason Schram says the council achieved strong outcomes despite the challenges of bushfires and flash flooding earlier this year.

During the financial year, the council invested a record eighteen million dollars into capital works and distributed more than three hundred thousand dollars to support ninety-five community projects and events.
======================================================================Beach access has been restored at one of Victoria's most iconic coastal destinations, with Loch Ard Gorge reopening to the public this weekend.
======================================================================Local cricket, basketball and soccer clubs across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are being urged to become road safety champions.

The T-A-C has announced the return of its Club Participation Program, offering cash incentives to grassroots clubs that promote road safety awareness. 
======================================================================Colac Area Health and Great Ocean Road Health have secured funding for three major infrastructure projects under the state government's Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
======================================================================Victoria is just 30 days away from its state election, and the Liberal-National Coalition is currently leading in the polls.

Leader of the Opposition Jess Wilson, spoke to Ace Radio's Country Today, addressing key regional South West priorities including regional emergency service departments.======================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends Corangamite Pennant Bowls action, Central hosts Apollo Bay.

Colac will travel to Lorne.

The two Camperdown sides will face off.

and Simpson will play City Bowls Club.
======================================================================In this weekends Colac South West Premier Cricket Ecklin faces Stoneyford.

Birregurra plays Cobden.

Woorndoo hosts Alvie.

Pomborneit searches for its first win of the season against Irrewarra.

Camperdown travels to Apollo Bay.

Heytesbury Princetown will look to continue its hot start to the season against Simpson.

and Colac will take on Bookhaar.
======================================================================COLAC TIGERS COACHES EMBARGOED UNTIL 6AM
======================================================================In this weekends Polwarth Tennis Association, Pennyroyal Black plays Colac Lawn.

and Pennyroyal White takes on Cororooke.

In B Grad matches Colac Lawn faces Kawarren.

Apollo Bay hosts Deans Marsh.

Warncoort will do battle with Beeac.
======================================================================In this weekends Women's cricket action, Irrewarra faces Pomborneit Gold.

Pomborneit Maroon plays Carlisle River.

West Warrion takes on Apollo Bay.

Birregurra will do battle with Colac.

an Tomawak Creek hosts Simpson.
===================================

Here is what is making news for October 30, 2026.===================================Camperdown College is set to receive nearly fifty-five thousand dollars for a new, all-abilities piece of playground equipment. It&rsquo;s part of a state government push to create inclusive learning environments across Victoria. Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney says playgrounds are essential for building friendships and confidence.&nbsp; ======================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council has officially adopted its twenty-twenty-five, twenty-twenty-six Annual Report, highlighting a year of significant infrastructure investment and community recovery. Mayor Jason Schram says the council achieved strong outcomes despite the challenges of bushfires and flash flooding earlier this year. During the financial year, the council invested a record eighteen million dollars into capital works and distributed more than three hundred thousand dollars to support ninety-five community projects and events. ======================================================================Beach access has been restored at one of Victoria's most iconic coastal destinations, with Loch Ard Gorge reopening to the public this weekend. ======================================================================Local cricket, basketball and soccer clubs across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are being urged to become road safety champions. The T-A-C has announced the return of its Club Participation Program, offering cash incentives to grassroots clubs that promote road safety awareness.&nbsp; ======================================================================Colac Area Health and Great Ocean Road Health have secured funding for three major infrastructure projects under the state government's Regional Health Infrastructure Fund. ======================================================================Victoria is just 30 days away from its state election, and the Liberal-National Coalition is currently leading in the polls. Leader of the Opposition Jess Wilson, spoke to Ace Radio's Country Today, addressing key regional South West priorities including regional emergency service departments.======================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends Corangamite Pennant Bowls action, Central hosts Apollo Bay. Colac will travel to Lorne. The two Camperdown sides will face off. and Simpson will play City Bowls Club. ======================================================================In this weekends Colac South West Premier Cricket Ecklin faces Stoneyford. Birregurra plays Cobden. Woorndoo hosts Alvie. Pomborneit searches for its first win of the season against Irrewarra. Camperdown travels to Apollo Bay. Heytesbury Princetown will look to continue its hot start to the season against Simpson. and Colac will take on Bookhaar. ======================================================================COLAC TIGERS COACHES EMBARGOED UNTIL 6AM ======================================================================In this weekends Polwarth Tennis Association, Pennyroyal Black plays Colac Lawn. and Pennyroyal White takes on Cororooke. In B Grad matches Colac Lawn faces Kawarren. Apollo Bay hosts Deans Marsh. Warncoort will do battle with Beeac. ======================================================================In this weekends Women's cricket action, Irrewarra faces Pomborneit Gold. Pomborneit Maroon plays Carlisle River. West Warrion takes on Apollo Bay. Birregurra will do battle with Colac. an Tomawak Creek hosts Simpson. ===================================

October 30, 2026

Here is what is making news for October 29, 2026.===================================After more than fifteen years of planning, construction has officially started on the new home for the Apollo Bay Fishermen’s Co-Operative.

Funded through the Geelong City Deal and Regional Development Victoria, the multi-million-dollar Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment is being managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority. 
======================================================================Thousands are heading to the Otways for the Melbourne Cup long weekend, prompting a major campfire safety blitz.

Authorities will be patrolling local forests, targeting illegal and unattended campfires.

Conservation Regulator Director of Regulatory Operations Cal Heppell urges visitors to remember to always extinguish fires with water, not soil.
======================================================================A charity walk for cancer raising money to by fuel vouchers for those affected will take place in Colac tomorrow.

Colac local Chris Duve says locals are encouraged to attend and dress up in pink to support the cause.
======================================================================An increased police presence will be felt across the Colac region this weekend in the lead up to the Melbourne Cup with Operation Furlong.

Colac Highway Patrol's Jamie Kahle says they will be monitoring all driver behaviour ranging from phone use to driving while on substances.
======================================================================The Environment Protection Authority says recent fish deaths in Colac's Barongarook Creek are the result of natural conditions, rather than pollution.

The E-P-A has been liaising with the Colac Otway Shire and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority regarding the situation.

Authorities have determined the fish kill was caused by very low dissolved oxygen levels and high temperatures. 
======================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council has awarded a major contract for its Sealed Road Major Patching Program, backed by a one-million-dollar budget allocation.
======================================================================Investigators are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious blaze at a Cobden tobacconist yesterday morning.

An arson chemist examined the Curdie Street scene yesterday after emergency services extinguished the six-fifteen a-m fire.

Local Area Commander Dean PICKERING from Warrnambool Police says anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers.
======================================================================Warrnambool detectives have charged four people following an investigation into a targeted house fire in Cobden earlier this year.

Police executed search warrants in Camperdown and Cobden this morning, arresting two men and two women.

The charges relate to a Mitchell Street blaze in February, which engulfed the front of a home while a father and two children were inside. 
======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Ladies Open was a massive success, drawing seventy-six golfers from seventeen different clubs across the region.

Colac local Ros Brauer took out the overall title, shooting a gross score of eighty-one. Fellow Colac golfer Jayne McGlade claimed the A-Grade gross win.

Lorne Country Club dominated the A-K-D Perpetual Plate, taking out both first and second place. 
======================================================================This weekends Country Basketball League action sees a double header for both the Colac Kookas Men's and Women's teams.

The pair host the Terang Tornadoes from 3pm onwards this Saturday afternoon.
======================================================================In the Corangamite Bowls Midweek Pennant Bowls results City was too strong for Simpson

Camperdown Magpies 1 smashed Colac.

Central had a narrow win against Cobden

AND Camperdown Magpies 2 won against Cressy.
===================================

Here is what is making news for October 29, 2026.===================================After more than fifteen years of planning, construction has officially started on the new home for the Apollo Bay Fishermen&rsquo;s Co-Operative. Funded through the Geelong City Deal and Regional Development Victoria, the multi-million-dollar Apollo Bay Harbour redevelopment is being managed by the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority.&nbsp; ======================================================================Thousands are heading to the Otways for the Melbourne Cup long weekend, prompting a major campfire safety blitz. Authorities will be patrolling local forests, targeting illegal and unattended campfires. Conservation Regulator Director of Regulatory Operations Cal Heppell urges visitors to remember to always extinguish fires with water, not soil. ======================================================================A charity walk for cancer raising money to by fuel vouchers for those affected will take place in Colac tomorrow. Colac local Chris Duve says locals are encouraged to attend and dress up in pink to support the cause. ======================================================================An increased police presence will be felt across the Colac region this weekend in the lead up to the Melbourne Cup with Operation Furlong. Colac Highway Patrol's Jamie Kahle says they will be monitoring all driver behaviour ranging from phone use to driving while on substances. ======================================================================The Environment Protection Authority says recent fish deaths in Colac's Barongarook Creek are the result of natural conditions, rather than pollution. The E-P-A has been liaising with the Colac Otway Shire and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority regarding the situation. Authorities have determined the fish kill was caused by very low dissolved oxygen levels and high temperatures.&nbsp; ======================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council has awarded a major contract for its Sealed Road Major Patching Program, backed by a one-million-dollar budget allocation. ======================================================================Investigators are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious blaze at a Cobden tobacconist yesterday morning. An arson chemist examined the Curdie Street scene yesterday after emergency services extinguished the six-fifteen a-m fire. Local Area Commander Dean PICKERING from Warrnambool Police says anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers. ======================================================================Warrnambool detectives have charged four people following an investigation into a targeted house fire in Cobden earlier this year. Police executed search warrants in Camperdown and Cobden this morning, arresting two men and two women. The charges relate to a Mitchell Street blaze in February, which engulfed the front of a home while a father and two children were inside.&nbsp; ======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Ladies Open was a massive success, drawing seventy-six golfers from seventeen different clubs across the region. Colac local Ros Brauer took out the overall title, shooting a gross score of eighty-one. Fellow Colac golfer Jayne McGlade claimed the A-Grade gross win. Lorne Country Club dominated the A-K-D Perpetual Plate, taking out both first and second place.&nbsp; ======================================================================This weekends Country Basketball League action sees a double header for both the Colac Kookas Men's and Women's teams. The pair host the Terang Tornadoes from 3pm onwards this Saturday afternoon. ======================================================================In the Corangamite Bowls Midweek Pennant Bowls results City was too strong for Simpson Camperdown Magpies 1 smashed Colac. Central had a narrow win against Cobden AND Camperdown Magpies 2 won against Cressy. ===================================

October 29. 2026

Here is what is making news for October 27, 2026.===================================South west Victoria is officially in the preparedness stage ahead of what is expected to be another busy fire season.

Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Mark Hildebrandt is urging all locals to have a fire safety plan in place.
======================================================================The expanding services of Colac Area Health in Colac has seen some upgrades to client parking in Colac.

Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says further information on parking and who it caters to can be found online on the services website.
======================================================================The finalists for the 2026 Victorian Tourism Awards have been revealed, celebrating forty years of industry excellence.

Representing the Great Ocean Road region, three Colac Otway businesses have made the cut.

Bimbi Park and Lake Colac Holiday Park have both been named finalists in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category. 
======================================================================Colac West Primary School is celebrating a major achievement, with one of their own recognised at the Victorian Education Excellence Awards in Melbourne.

Prep and Grade One teacher Hayley Bone was named as one of the top three finalists in the state for the prestigious Early Career Teacher category.
======================================================================Efforts to protect the internationally significant biodiversity of the Curdies River catchment are moving in the right direction, according to a new progress report.
======================================================================The Federal Government is investing more than eight point seven million dollars to upgrade two major transport routes across the Wannon region.

Funded under the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program, the projects will deliver crucial road widening, pavement improvements, and new safety barriers. 
======================================================================Winchelsea residents are being urged to get ready for a massive summer of swimming, with the local pool officially reopening on Saturday, November twenty-eighth.
======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Apollo Bay Hawks have locked in their senior football coach for the twenty twenty-seven season, announcing talented local Joel Cooper for the top job.

He will be supported by highly respected club legends Paul Dear and Sean Permezel, along with his father, Colin Cooper.

Otway Districts has signed Birregurra ruckman Ben Matheson for the twenty twenty-seven season. 
======================================================================The twenty twenty-six, twenty-seven Victorian Athletic League season is officially underway, following a massive opening weekend at the Cobden and Mortlake Gifts.

On Saturday, Sean Miller took out the marquee Cobden Gift from the backmark, while Tiana Shilito claimed the Women's three hundred metre sash, and Mia-Rose secured the Under Eighteen title.

At Mortlake on Sunday, Holly Dobbyn powered to victory from eight metres to win the Women's one hundred and twenty metre Gift.

Georgia Foster captured the Open seventy metres, and Manaia Bremner was crowned the sixteen hundred metre Open champion.
======================================================================The Colac Kookas have put on a stellar showing at the Warrnambool Junior Seaside Classic Basketball Tournament, bringing home two championship titles.

The Under Fourteen Girls White claimed a thrilling two-point victory over the Warrnambool Mermaids in their Grand Final.

The Under Twelve Boys Green also secured silverware, defeating the Warrnambool Seahawks by twelve points.

It was a tough finish for the Under Fourteen Boys Green and Under Twelve Girls, who both finished as runners-up.

Meanwhile, the Under Sixteen Boys White and Under Fourteen Boys White both reached the semi-finals.
===================================

Here is what is making news for October 27, 2026.===================================South west Victoria is officially in the preparedness stage ahead of what is expected to be another busy fire season. Fire Rescue Victoria Commander Mark Hildebrandt is urging all locals to have a fire safety plan in place. ======================================================================The expanding services of Colac Area Health in Colac has seen some upgrades to client parking in Colac. Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says further information on parking and who it caters to can be found online on the services website. ======================================================================The finalists for the 2026 Victorian Tourism Awards have been revealed, celebrating forty years of industry excellence. Representing the Great Ocean Road region, three Colac Otway businesses have made the cut. Bimbi Park and Lake Colac Holiday Park have both been named finalists in the Caravan and Holiday Parks category.&nbsp; ======================================================================Colac West Primary School is celebrating a major achievement, with one of their own recognised at the Victorian Education Excellence Awards in Melbourne. Prep and Grade One teacher Hayley Bone was named as one of the top three finalists in the state for the prestigious Early Career Teacher category. ======================================================================Efforts to protect the internationally significant biodiversity of the Curdies River catchment are moving in the right direction, according to a new progress report. ======================================================================The Federal Government is investing more than eight point seven million dollars to upgrade two major transport routes across the Wannon region. Funded under the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program, the projects will deliver crucial road widening, pavement improvements, and new safety barriers.&nbsp; ======================================================================Winchelsea residents are being urged to get ready for a massive summer of swimming, with the local pool officially reopening on Saturday, November twenty-eighth. ======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Apollo Bay Hawks have locked in their senior football coach for the twenty twenty-seven season, announcing talented local Joel Cooper for the top job. He will be supported by highly respected club legends Paul Dear and Sean Permezel, along with his father, Colin Cooper. Otway Districts has signed Birregurra ruckman Ben Matheson for the twenty twenty-seven season.&nbsp; ======================================================================The twenty twenty-six, twenty-seven Victorian Athletic League season is officially underway, following a massive opening weekend at the Cobden and Mortlake Gifts. On Saturday, Sean Miller took out the marquee Cobden Gift from the backmark, while Tiana Shilito claimed the Women's three hundred metre sash, and Mia-Rose secured the Under Eighteen title. At Mortlake on Sunday, Holly Dobbyn powered to victory from eight metres to win the Women's one hundred and twenty metre Gift. Georgia Foster captured the Open seventy metres, and Manaia Bremner was crowned the sixteen hundred metre Open champion. ======================================================================The Colac Kookas have put on a stellar showing at the Warrnambool Junior Seaside Classic Basketball Tournament, bringing home two championship titles. The Under Fourteen Girls White claimed a thrilling two-point victory over the Warrnambool Mermaids in their Grand Final. The Under Twelve Boys Green also secured silverware, defeating the Warrnambool Seahawks by twelve points. It was a tough finish for the Under Fourteen Boys Green and Under Twelve Girls, who both finished as runners-up. Meanwhile, the Under Sixteen Boys White and Under Fourteen Boys White both reached the semi-finals. ===================================

October 28, 2026

The South West Daily

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