Here is what is making news for September 15, 2026.======================================A proposal to more than double production at a Birregurra quarry has sparked a dispute between operators and neighboring farmers.

While the quarry operator says the expansion will boost local economic growth, residents fear severe groundwater contamination.

The farmers' lawyer, Neil Longmore, has outlined the community's environmental concerns, with the final decision now resting with the Minister for Planning.
============================================================================The State Opposition has promised seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars to upgrade Winchelsea Primary School if elected.

Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan and Shadow Education Minister Brad Rowswell announced the commitment, which includes security improvements and planning for a future Prep to Year Twelve school.
============================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council has reached a major milestone in the Pascoe Street upgrade project in Apollo Bay, with the completion and reopening of the new Moore Street roundabout.
============================================================================Colac Area Health's aged care facility, Corangamarah, has celebrated its twentieth anniversary.

An afternoon tea was held last week for residents, families, staff, and volunteers to mark the milestone.

Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says the celebration also acknowledged the contributions of all staff.
============================================================================Preparations for the twenty twenty-seven Colac Kana Festival are underway, with the volunteer committee announcing Candyland as the official theme.
============================================================================The twelve point six million dollar Point Grey redevelopment continues in Lorne, with the local pier closed from yesterday until September eighteen.

Works along the Doug Stirling Track will require another closure in early October.

The broader project includes a new Fishermen's Cooperative building featuring a local history space. 
============================================================================Emergency crews were called to a property in Weerite on Sunday morning after a local farmer rolled his A-T-V.

The Cobden S-E-S unit joined Camperdown members and Ambulance Victoria paramedics to assist in extricating the injured man.

Following the rescue operation, crews successfully transported the farmer to a nearby road, where he was safely loaded into a waiting ambulance for medical treatment. 
============================================================================AND IN SPORT The Hampden Football Netball League celebrated its highest achievers at the Maskell Medal awards, held at the Warrnambool Racing Club on Sunday.

A number of local names were honoured on the night.

Camperdown's Lauren Groen took out the Division Three netball best and fairest award, while fellow Camperdown member Rob Van den Eynde was named Official of the Year.

Cobden's Archie Taylor won the football Rising Star award, and Sam Darcy was runner-up for the reserves football best and fairest.

The Cobden Football Netball Club’s Neville and Denise Robertson also received the H-F-N-L Volunteer of the Year award.
============================================================================Organisers of the Colac Women’s and Girls Football Come and Try Day are reporting a strong turnout following Sunday's event.

Approximately seventy participants attended the session, with over one hundred and twenty people now formally registering their interest in female football across the region.

Organisers say player numbers will be essential to launching the new initiative.

A dedicated Facebook page has been established to keep participants and supporters updated on future developments.
============================================================================Paul Gallagher has taken out A-Grade in Birregurra Golf Club's Saturday’s stroke event, carding a net sixty-six to finish ahead of runner-up Ian Rowarth on sixty-seven.

In B-Grade, Mat Bowen claimed victory with a net sixty-seven, edging out runner-up John Cotton on seventy-one.

The highlight of the day belonged to Geoff Downard, who scored a hole-in-one on the eighth.
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