Here is what is making news for September 3, 2026.====================================Shadow Minister for Public Transport Matthew Guy was at the Colac Train Station yesterday with the deployment of new V/Line trains becoming a major battleground ahead of the State election.

Earlier in the week it was announced the coalition announced new hybrid electric trains on the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines will free up 25 three car set V/Line trains to be deployed across the regional network
========================================================================Former Australian Steelers wheelchair rugby Paralympian and coach Brad Dubberley is trying to unearth the south west's next Paralympic Talent as the nation builds towards Brisbane 2032.

Regional South-West Para-Sports Talent Identification Officer Brad Dubberly says he is trying to build awareness of Paralympic Sports across the South-West Region.
========================================================================Lorne residents are being encouraged to begin their bushfire preparations early as Surf Coast Shire Council continues its ongoing fire safety efforts across the region.
========================================================================The Rotary Club of Colac Otway is urging the community to join the Walk for Respect to raise awareness against domestic violence.

The family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, October twenty-fourth, from ten thirty a-m to twelve p-m at Memorial Square in Colac. 
========================================================================A star-studded comedy lineup is heading to Camperdown, with Charlie Pickering, Elliot Goblet, and M-C Katie Wainhouse set to perform at the Theatre Royal.

The event is a partnership between Corangamite Shire Council and promoter Crimson Goat Comedy.

The show will take place on Sunday, October fourth, from two until four p-m, offering a Sunday afternoon entertainment option. 
========================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite residents can now apply for a permit to catch and sell freshwater yabbies as bait under a new two-year trial.

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling says the initiative aims to boost bait supplies, with under-eighteens able to apply for free.
========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Corangamite Lions women's team will play its first final this weekend after finishing third in the FV Greater Ballarat Women's competition.

They come up against the fourth placed Ballarat SC.

Star striker Lara Graham tookout the golden boot for the regular season with 45 goals, 15 more than second place.
========================================================================In this weekends Colac Otway Rovers fixtures the women's team faces Corio SC.

The seniors men's team faces the Deakin University Ducks, and the reserves travels to face Barwon Heads.
====================================

Here is what is making news for September 3, 2026.====================================Shadow Minister for Public Transport Matthew Guy was at the Colac Train Station yesterday with the deployment of new V/Line trains becoming a major battleground ahead of the State election. Earlier in the week it was announced the coalition announced new hybrid electric trains on the Melton and Wyndham Vale lines will free up 25 three car set V/Line trains to be deployed across the regional network ========================================================================Former Australian Steelers wheelchair rugby Paralympian and coach Brad Dubberley is trying to unearth the south west's next Paralympic Talent as the nation builds towards Brisbane 2032. Regional South-West Para-Sports Talent Identification Officer Brad Dubberly says he is trying to build awareness of Paralympic Sports across the South-West Region. ========================================================================Lorne residents are being encouraged to begin their bushfire preparations early as Surf Coast Shire Council continues its ongoing fire safety efforts across the region. ========================================================================The Rotary Club of Colac Otway is urging the community to join the Walk for Respect to raise awareness against domestic violence. The family-friendly event will take place on Saturday, October twenty-fourth, from ten thirty a-m to twelve p-m at Memorial Square in Colac.&nbsp; ========================================================================A star-studded comedy lineup is heading to Camperdown, with Charlie Pickering, Elliot Goblet, and M-C Katie Wainhouse set to perform at the Theatre Royal. The event is a partnership between Corangamite Shire Council and promoter Crimson Goat Comedy. The show will take place on Sunday, October fourth, from two until four p-m, offering a Sunday afternoon entertainment option.&nbsp; ========================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite residents can now apply for a permit to catch and sell freshwater yabbies as bait under a new two-year trial. Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling says the initiative aims to boost bait supplies, with under-eighteens able to apply for free. ========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Corangamite Lions women's team will play its first final this weekend after finishing third in the FV Greater Ballarat Women's competition. They come up against the fourth placed Ballarat SC. Star striker Lara Graham tookout the golden boot for the regular season with 45 goals, 15 more than second place. ========================================================================In this weekends Colac Otway Rovers fixtures the women's team faces Corio SC. The seniors men's team faces the Deakin University Ducks, and the reserves travels to face Barwon Heads. ====================================

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

The South West Daily

September 3, 2026

Here is what is making news for September 16, 2026.====================================Shadow Minister for Education joined local member for Polwarth Richard Riordan in Winchelsea yesterday where the Coalition announced funding pledges for upgrades to Winchelsea Primary School infastructure.

Mr Rowswell says the commitment reflected the coalitions determination to improve ageing schools across regional Victoria.
========================================================================A renovated property at the eastern gateway to Colac is poised to set a local real estate record.

Located at one ninety-five Triggs Road, Colac East, the five-bedroom, three-storey home is listed between one point nine million and two point zero five million dollars.

The mid-century inspired renovation transformed the former nineteen-nineties home, which once featured brightly coloured walls and spent one thousand days on the market before selling in twenty twenty-two.
Now, following four years of extensive work, the luxury residence could achieve Colac's first two-million-dollar residential sale.
========================================================================Colac Yacht Club Commodore Adam Chambers has secured second place overall at the R-C Laser Nationals in Q-L-D.

Fellow Colac sailor Grant Gillespie finished ninth after overcoming early radio issues. The national championship concluded on September thirteen.
========================================================================Corangamite Shire's school holiday program kicks off this Friday night.

Mayor Kate Makin says the activities will begin with the Titanga Night Stalk, with a full range of events planned across the region.
========================================================================The Victorian Government's Small Business Bus will visit Apollo Bay on Wednesday, October twenty-first, offering free advice to local entrepreneurs.

Operating between ten A-M and four P-M, the service provides one-on-one sessions with experienced advisers.

Colac Otway Shire Council CEO Andrew Tenni says bookings are essential and can be made through its Economic Development team.
========================================================================A section of the Timboon-Port Campbell Road has closed from today for three weeks to allow for vital landslip repairs.

The closure, between New Cooriemungle Road and the Cobden-Port Campbell Road, includes a local detour.

The Department of Transport and Planning says the works are part of a one hundred and fifteen million dollar upgrade program to stabilise roadsides. 
========================================================================AND IN SPORT The Camperdown Football Netball Club has appointed Cameron Spence as its assistant coach for the twenty twenty-seven season.

Spence brings extensive coaching experience to the role and will work alongside senior coach Adam Dowie to focus on player development and ongoing team performance.
========================================================================After two seasons at the helm, former Colac Imperials player Taylah Hassett has stepped down as senior coach of the Geelong Cats' V-F-L-W team.

The club announced her departure yesterday, acknowledging her success in leading the side to an eight-win season in twenty twenty-six while strongly fostering emerging local talent.
========================================================================Colac's Remy Holt has won the twenty twenty-six G-F-N-L Under Nineteens Best and Fairest award.

Holt was recognised as the top player across the competition following a standout season. 
The club praised the achievement, noting the league honour reflects her consistent performance throughout the year.
====================================

Here is what is making news for September 16, 2026.====================================Shadow Minister for Education joined local member for Polwarth Richard Riordan in Winchelsea yesterday where the Coalition announced funding pledges for upgrades to Winchelsea Primary School infastructure. Mr Rowswell says the commitment reflected the coalitions determination to improve ageing schools across regional Victoria. ========================================================================A renovated property at the eastern gateway to Colac is poised to set a local real estate record. Located at one ninety-five Triggs Road, Colac East, the five-bedroom, three-storey home is listed between one point nine million and two point zero five million dollars. The mid-century inspired renovation transformed the former nineteen-nineties home, which once featured brightly coloured walls and spent one thousand days on the market before selling in twenty twenty-two. Now, following four years of extensive work, the luxury residence could achieve Colac's first two-million-dollar residential sale. ========================================================================Colac Yacht Club Commodore Adam Chambers has secured second place overall at the R-C Laser Nationals in Q-L-D. Fellow Colac sailor Grant Gillespie finished ninth after overcoming early radio issues. The national championship concluded on September thirteen. ========================================================================Corangamite Shire's school holiday program kicks off this Friday night. Mayor Kate Makin says the activities will begin with the Titanga Night Stalk, with a full range of events planned across the region. ========================================================================The Victorian Government's Small Business Bus will visit Apollo Bay on Wednesday, October twenty-first, offering free advice to local entrepreneurs. Operating between ten A-M and four P-M, the service provides one-on-one sessions with experienced advisers. Colac Otway Shire Council CEO Andrew Tenni says bookings are essential and can be made through its Economic Development team. ========================================================================A section of the Timboon-Port Campbell Road has closed from today for three weeks to allow for vital landslip repairs. The closure, between New Cooriemungle Road and the Cobden-Port Campbell Road, includes a local detour. The Department of Transport and Planning says the works are part of a one hundred and fifteen million dollar upgrade program to stabilise roadsides.&nbsp; ========================================================================AND IN SPORT&nbsp;The Camperdown Football Netball Club has appointed Cameron Spence as its assistant coach for the twenty twenty-seven season. Spence brings extensive coaching experience to the role and will work alongside senior coach Adam Dowie to focus on player development and ongoing team performance. ========================================================================After two seasons at the helm, former Colac Imperials player Taylah Hassett has stepped down as senior coach of the Geelong Cats' V-F-L-W team. The club announced her departure yesterday, acknowledging her success in leading the side to an eight-win season in twenty twenty-six while strongly fostering emerging local talent. ========================================================================Colac's Remy Holt has won the twenty twenty-six G-F-N-L Under Nineteens Best and Fairest award. Holt was recognised as the top player across the competition following a standout season.&nbsp; The club praised the achievement, noting the league honour reflects her consistent performance throughout the year. ====================================

September 16, 2026

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.
======================================

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.&nbsp; ============================================================================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.&nbsp; ============================================================================AND IN SPORT&nbsp;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&rsquo;s Neville and Denise Robertson also received the H-F-N-L Volunteer of the Year award. ============================================================================Organisers of the Colac Women&rsquo;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&rsquo;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. ======================================

September 15, 2026

Here is what is making news for September 14, 2026.====================================Police have arrested an eighteen-year-old Elliminyt man following a rollover crash involving a stolen vehicle early yesterday morning.

The man was travelling in an Isuzu wagon when it rolled on Aireys Street at around one fifty A-M.

He was transported to hospital with minor injuries and remains under police guard.
========================================================================Mayor Jason Schram and C-E-O Andrew Tenni have taken the case for local sports funding to State Parliament.

The Colac Otway delegation met with Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos to advocate for a local home for soccer and an eight thousand seat indoor sports venue in Geelong.
========================================================================Candidate for Polwarth Hutch Hussein has officially launched her twenty twenty-six state election campaign in Colac.

The formal event was held at C-O-P-A-C-C, and was attended by Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Agriculture and Water, Michaela Settle.
========================================================================Winchelsea residents can now recycle soft plastics locally, thanks to a new twelve-month trial at the town's transfer station.
========================================================================A forty million dollar state government investment will deliver motorcycle safety upgrades to several popular tourist routes across the Colac and Otway region.
========================================================================The Catch a Carp festival has wound up at the Lake Colac foreshore with the biggest instalment yet of the event yesterday.

VFA Manager of Events and Education Belinda Yim says a perfect day weatherwise led a great family day out for people of all ages.
========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Otway Rovers are through a Grand Final after a thrilling Penalty Shootout win against Corio Bay SC.

The two couldn't be split after 90 minutes with scores tied at 3-3.

Goalkeeper Josh Coleman was the hero stopping Corio Bay's second penalty attempt.

They will take on Geelong SC next weekend in the Grand Final.

The under 15s also secured its spot in the Grand Final after a 2-nil win in extra time against Drysdale and will take on Geelong City next weekend.
========================================================================A sunny day at Central Reserve saw a great turnout to Preliminary final action in the CDFNL.

Lorne booked its spot with the Colac Imperials after a 32 point win over Alvie, however star player Paddy Hughes is under an injury cloud after leaving the field in the first quarter.

In the A Grade netball Colac Imperials had a five goal win against Otway Districts.

It was a day for thrilling matches all around with Colac Imperials winning D Grade netball in double overtime against Birregurra.

Close football encounters saw Birregurra win with a goal after the siren in the reserves against Irrewarra-Beeac and in the Under 18s, Hudson Dewar nailed a goal for Irrewarra-Beeac to down South Colac by 6 points.
========================================================================Simpson stalwart Nick Harding earned best-afield honours in the W-D-F-N-L Grand Final.

In his first season for Nirranda Harding kicked seven goals in the Grand Final, steering the Blues to a twenty-six-point win over Allansford.
========================================================================The Cobden Reserves have secured a spot in next weekend's Hampden League Grand Final after defeating South Warrnambool by forty-one points.

The Bombers will now face the Warrnambool Blues for the premiership.
====================================

Here is what is making news for September 14, 2026.====================================Police have arrested an eighteen-year-old Elliminyt man following a rollover crash involving a stolen vehicle early yesterday morning. The man was travelling in an Isuzu wagon when it rolled on Aireys Street at around one fifty A-M. He was transported to hospital with minor injuries and remains under police guard. ========================================================================Mayor Jason Schram and C-E-O Andrew Tenni have taken the case for local sports funding to State Parliament. The Colac Otway delegation met with Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos to advocate for a local home for soccer and an eight thousand seat indoor sports venue in Geelong. ========================================================================Candidate for Polwarth Hutch Hussein has officially launched her twenty twenty-six state election campaign in Colac. The formal event was held at C-O-P-A-C-C, and was attended by Minister for Rural and Regional Development, Agriculture and Water, Michaela Settle. ========================================================================Winchelsea residents can now recycle soft plastics locally, thanks to a new twelve-month trial at the town's transfer station. ========================================================================A forty million dollar state government investment will deliver motorcycle safety upgrades to several popular tourist routes across the Colac and Otway region. ========================================================================The Catch a Carp festival has wound up at the Lake Colac foreshore with the biggest instalment yet of the event yesterday. VFA Manager of Events and Education Belinda Yim says a perfect day weatherwise led a great family day out for people of all ages. ========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Otway Rovers are through a Grand Final after a thrilling Penalty Shootout win against Corio Bay SC. The two couldn't be split after 90 minutes with scores tied at 3-3. Goalkeeper Josh Coleman was the hero stopping Corio Bay's second penalty attempt. They will take on Geelong SC next weekend in the Grand Final. The under 15s also secured its spot in the Grand Final after a 2-nil win in extra time against Drysdale and will take on Geelong City next weekend. ========================================================================A sunny day at Central Reserve saw a great turnout to Preliminary final action in the CDFNL. Lorne booked its spot with the Colac Imperials after a 32 point win over Alvie, however star player Paddy Hughes is under an injury cloud after leaving the field in the first quarter. In the A Grade netball Colac Imperials had a five goal win against Otway Districts. It was a day for thrilling matches all around with Colac Imperials winning D Grade netball in double overtime against Birregurra. Close football encounters saw Birregurra win with a goal after the siren in the reserves against Irrewarra-Beeac and in the Under 18s, Hudson Dewar nailed a goal for Irrewarra-Beeac to down South Colac by 6 points. ========================================================================Simpson stalwart Nick Harding earned best-afield honours in the W-D-F-N-L Grand Final. In his first season for Nirranda Harding kicked seven goals in the Grand Final, steering the Blues to a twenty-six-point win over Allansford. ========================================================================The Cobden Reserves have secured a spot in next weekend's Hampden League Grand Final after defeating South Warrnambool by forty-one points. The Bombers will now face the Warrnambool Blues for the premiership. ====================================

September 3, 2026

The South West Daily

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