Here is what is making news for September 4, 2026.=======================================A special celebration is in order tomorrow with Western Star Butter celebrating its 100th birthday at Memorial Park

Managing Director David Breckenridge says Cobden has been integral to the journey of the iconic brand.
==============================================================================Year Ten student Charli Nowell is proving age is no barrier to entering agribusiness after launching Barongawood Premium Beef.

The sixteen-year-old has been rearing calves since age nine and now runs her own paddock-to-plate venture.==============================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite Shire residents are being warned to prepare for a warm and dry spring, bringing an increased risk of an early bushfire season.

Forest Fire Management Victoria Chief Fire Officer Chris Hardman says crews are conducting year-round fuel reduction and preparedness works to protect communities.

He says more than eighteen hundred frontline personnel and aerial firefighting fleets are ready to respond to outbreaks. 
==============================================================================The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority is calling on South West residents to help shape the future of local rivers, wetlands, and creeks.

Feedback is now open for the draft twenty twenty-six to twenty thirty-six Corangamite Regional Waterway Strategy.

Developed over eighteen months, the plan outlines priorities for the next decade.=======================================
=======================================A twenty-two-year-old Colac man has been charged following an early-morning burglary at a Hamilton Street venue on Tuesday.

Police allege the man, who was on bail at the time, broke into the premises around four a-m, stealing alcohol and confectionery before fleeing.

He is facing charges including burglary, theft, criminal damage, and going equipped to steal. 
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=======================================An explanation is expected early next week following the prolonged closure of N-D-I-S services in Colac.

Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan says the services are essential for some of the city's most vulnerable citizens.

The N-D-I-S says more answers will be provided in the coming days regarding the extended shutdown.
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=======================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Imperials have resigned 2025 Mahoney Medalist Bailey Scott as its coach for the 2027 season.

Despite fielding offers from the Colac Tigers and Cobden Bombers to return to higher level football, Scott has remained loyal to his junior club.
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=======================================In this weekends CDFNL Fixtures tomorrows second qualifying final will see Lorne play the Colac Imperials for a spot in the Grand Final.

In A Grade netball the Colac Imperials will also feature playing Birregurra.

In Sunday's semi finals, Alvie plays Irrewarra-Beeac in the football.

The netball will see South Colac face Otway Districts.
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=======================================In this weekends Hampden League action - the Leura Oval in Camperdown will host the second qualifying final fixtures tomorrow.

North Warrnambool face Terang-Mortlake in a huge football clash while the netball sees South Warrnambool vs Koroit.

Sunday's action sees a netball Semi Final between Warrnambool and Cobden, while the football match is Koroit and Portland.
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