The South West Daily

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

  1. 23h ago

    October 6, 2026

    Here is what is making news for October 6, 2026.===================================Fotowatio Renewable Ventures Australia has officially commissioned its new one-hundred-megawatt Terang Battery Energy Storage System.======================================================================Motorcyclists and drivers across the South West are being urged to look out for one another as Motorcyclist Awareness Month begins.With warmer weather bringing more riders onto local roads, the Transport Accident Commission is highlighting rider safety. ======================================================================One of the Great Ocean Road's most iconic houses has been listed for sale for the first time in decades.The landmark coastal property, known to millions who have driven the world-famous tourist route, offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity for buyers.Perched above the striking southern coastline, the architectural masterpiece boasts sweeping ocean views and an unparalleled location. ======================================================================The Gardiner Foundation has allocated grants to several projects across the South West Dairy Region... under it's 2026 Community Development Grant programProjects in Warrnambool, Terang, Timboon, Colac and at Lake Bookar are among the recipients of up to $10,000 eachCEO Allan Cameron... says they are proud to offer support to the community led initiatives... that help strengthen connection, wellbeing, inclusion and resilience in dairy communities======================================================================South West residents are being assured of continued access to in-person banking, with the Commonwealth Bank committing to keep all regional branches open until December twenty thirty.The pledge protects local branches in Colac, Camperdown, and Warrnambool.Executive Angus Sullivan says the bank will also invest one hundred and forty million dollars to upgrade regional technology and improve customer accessibility.======================================================================Live music returns to Birregurra with the second annual Birre Rec Revival taking place next month.Held at the Birregurra Mechanics Hall on Saturday, November twenty-first from two-thirty P-M, the event promises a massive day of local and regional artists.The lineup features Dr Sure’s Unusual Practice, The Carp Factory, and Left at the Avenue. ======================================================================AND IN SPORTTwo Cobden exports have claimed AFL club best and fairests after vote counts in the past week.Sam Walsh became a dual John Nicholls medallist edging out Ollie Florent and Patrick CrippsWalsh cemented himself in Carlton history, receiving a record amount of votes under this voting system, eclipsing the previous record set by Jacob Weitering (210) in 2023.Zach Merrett also became a record breaker with a seventh Crichton Medal at Essendon's awards night.The 30-year-old now sits atop the mountain alongside Bomber legends Bill Hutchison and Dick Reynolds as the only players with seven best-and-fairest honours in the 154-year history of the Club. ======================================================================Colac young rider Lotus Rothery has been crowned an Australian National Champion following a stellar performance at the twenty twenty-six Horseland Australian Interschool Championships.Competing at Werribee Park, Rothery and her pony Banjo took out the primary ninety-centimetre jumping title after securing back-to-back first-place finishes on days two and three.Rothery also secured a top-ten finish in the eighty-centimetre event and was part of the winning Victorian primary showjumping team.======================================================================The Warrnambool Greyhound Racing Club will host Victoria's largest regional Great Chase event this Thursday night, October eight.Around two hundred and twenty N-D-I-S participants and support workers from fourteen regional organisations will attend the regular race meeting from five P-M.Guests will receive a free dinner provided by the club and Greyhound Racing Victoria.The night features a three thousand five hundred dollar points game, where allocated greyhounds win funds directly for local disability groups.=================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 1d ago

    October 5, 2026

    Here is what is making news for October 05, 2026.===================================With October marking National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, residents across the South West are urged to check their bodies for anything out of the ordinary.Colac Area Health McGrath Breast Care Nurse  Charlotte Henry says early detection is crucial.======================================================================The flooding threat for the Otway Coast has officially passed. The State Emergency Service has issued a final flood watch following a weekend of heavy rainfall.Elevated areas in the Otway Ranges caught the brunt of the low-pressure system, recording between fifty and eighty millimetres, with isolated peaks reaching one hundred and fifty millimetres.======================================================================Communities across the Barwon and Great South Coast regions are being urged to prepare for future droughts with new funding from the State Government.Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle has opened phase two of the Regional Drought Resilience Planning program.Both regions can access up to one point five five million dollars for local projects. ======================================================================Colac small businesses are facing pressure following the October 1 card surcharge ban.Chamber of Commerce board member Kerrin Irvine says local operators will bear the brunt of the changes, warning shoppers to expect price rises across many stores.======================================================================Corangamite Shire is calling for locals to join several management committees.The Timboon Swimming Pool and Power Creek Reserve are hosting their Annual General Meetings this Wednesday evening.Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the Port Campbell Public Purpose Reserve will meet on Thursday at five P-M.======================================================================Colac local Nat Simmonds is preparing to cycle across the state for the Tour De Cure's Vic Discovery Tour twenty twenty-six.Kicking off in Traralgon on Sunday, November twenty-two, the event includes three days of riding.Simmonds is participating for the second time, dedicating the upcoming challenge to her mother.======================================================================AND IN SPORTCBL Basketball action returned this weekend with multiple matches taking place across the region.William Smith went off for 38 points in the Colac Kookas season opening win against the Warrnambool Seahawks by 8 on Saturday.Luka Gerber led the scoring on Sunday against the Terang Tornadoes with 21.In the women's matches the Colac Kookas had a thrilling 2 goal win against the Warrnambool Mermaids on Saturday.The women's team also had a massive 50 point win on Sunday against Terang.Indiana Cameron led the scoring in each scoring 25 and 40 respectively.======================================================================Multiple CDFNL Club's have crowned their best and fairest winners for the 2026 season.At the Colac Imperials Liam Cunningham took out the football best and fairest while Eliza Cahill won the A Grade netball netball honours.Max Hutchinson and Ruby Hall took out the top honours for Irrewarra-Beeac.While Brittany Monaghan won the A Grade Netball best and fairest at South Colac and the Brendan Monaghan won the football award.=================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 5d ago

    October 1, 2026

    Here is what is making news for October 1, 2026.==================================Yesterday's KidsFest event expanded the smash hit success of last years events with much needed funds raised for local community initiatives.Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says the community event will see money invested straight back into programs the local Salvo's run for the regions youth.====================================================================Works to install safety barriers on two sections of the Great Ocean Road near the Twelve Apostles and Loch Ard Gorge are scheduled to begin in early October.Delivered jointly by the Department of Transport and Planning and the Great Ocean Road and Parks Authority, the project will take up to three months to complete. ====================================================================It's hoped by many across the Colac community that the success of KidsFest at the Bluewater Leisure Centre opens the door for more community groups, and events across the regions.Bluewater Programs Coordinator Sam Grinton says the day showed what is possible at the facility.====================================================================The Colac Otway Shire Council has endorsed an updated Resource Recovery and Waste Management Strategy to guide operations through to twenty-thirty.A recent mid-term review revealed twenty-eight of the original seventy-six actions have been completed since the plan was adopted in twenty-twenty-one.The refreshed strategy consolidates future efforts into twenty practical initiatives under five strategic objectives. ====================================================================Yesterday’s successful KidsFest could lead to more community events at Colac Otway Shire facilities.Shire C-E-O Andrew Tenni hopes to see the festival back on the calendar next year, encouraging other regional groups to utilise council-owned venues.====================================================================The Walk the Walk Festival hits the Colac Showgrounds this weekend.The twelve or twenty-four-hour walking challenge will raise funds for local mental health programs.Jan from Let's Talk Colac says spectators can enjoy live music and food vans for a gold coin donation.====================================================================AND IN SPORTIt is time to hit the water, with the Colac Yacht Club launching its new sailing season this Saturday.Yacht Club Commodore Adam Chambers says the current water levels present another expected short season.A Learn to Sail program will run from nine A-M to twelve P-M.From one thirty P-M, sailors can enjoy a cruise or casual racing to help prepare their boats for the start of formal competition next week.====================================================================Colac's City United Cricket Club has secured a two-thousand-dollar Emergency Sporting Equipment Grant for its junior players. Announcing the funding, Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney congratulated the Knights on the successful application.Ms Tierney says the money will help young cricketers get back on the field with the equipment they need.====================================================================Colac's Central Reserve yesterday hosted the region's top under-fourteen girls' footballers for a special showcase.Playing as part of the Geelong Cats Next Generation Academy, the promising young athletes battled it out, with Team Webster ultimately defeating Team Prespakis.================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Sep 29

    September 30, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 30, 2026.========================================Residents in Colac, Barongarook, Yeo, and Carlisle River are being encouraged to prepare for the upcoming fire season by attending a local Get Fire Ready workshop.================================================================================The Colac Kids Festival is happening today at the Bluewater Leisure Centre.Running from ten A-M to three P-M, the action-packed family event features live music from The Mik Maks, free swimming, and a D-J dance party.Colac Salvation Army's Josiah Van Niekerk says entry is a five-dollar donation supporting local Salvos youth programs.================================================================================Polwarth MP Richard Riordan says Lorne's fuel supply must be secured before the upcoming fire season.The town's only service station recently ran out of fuel due to insufficient storage capacity.Mr Riordan is calling on the government to pressure Viva Energy into completing necessary tank upgrades alongside local operators before Christmas.================================================================================Victoria Police's Operation Scoreboard concluded at midnight on Monday.In the Surf Coast area, police detected thirty-five speeding offences, two drink drivers, two unlicensed drivers, and two unregistered vehicles.Colac Otway officers conducted nearly one thousand preliminary breath tests and reported no serious or fatal collisions, pleasing Sergeant Jamie Kahle.However, Sergeant Kahle noted concerns with non-locals driving twenty to fifty kilometres per hour over the limit on the Princes Highway.Meanwhile, a Monday vehicle search yielded significant cash and drugs, resulting in a Melbourne driver with four warrants being remanded.================================================================================Corangamite Shire Council is calling on the Federal Government to rethink proposed caps on backpacker workers.While Council welcomed agriculture being made a priority for skilled worker visa processing, it is urging ministers to also add Working Holiday Makers to that priority list.Council officials say backpackers are vital to local employers during peak seasons. ================================================================================Winchelsea and Deans Marsh residents will see improvements to local unsealed roads this summer, with the Surf Coast Shire Council revamping its dust suppression program.================================================================================Corangamite Shire Council is encouraging community event organisers to book its free Waste Wise Event Trailer ahead of the busy summer season.The trailer holds up to twelve bins, along with covers and flags, to help festivals and markets manage recycling and reduce landfill waste.Waste Coordinator Simone Robertson says organisers only pay standard waste disposal fees. ================================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Country Basketball League returns to the agenda this weekend, marking the start of the twenty twenty-six season for local teams.The Colac Kookas men and women will face a busy opening schedule with back-to-back clashes.On Saturday, October third, the Colac men take on the Warrnambool Seahawks, while the women face the Warrnambool Mermaids.The action continues on Sunday, October fourth, with both Colac squads matching up against the Terang Tornadoes.================================================================================Heytesbury Princetown has bolstered its senior men's cricket team for the twenty twenty-six, twenty-seven season with two new recruits.The Storm have signed experienced wicketkeeper-batter Milinda Sepala, alongside all-rounder Praveen Dilanka. ================================================================================The Victorian Athletics League season kicks off with the Cobden and Mortlake Gifts on the weekend of October twenty-four and twenty-five.Cobden will race on the Saturday, followed by Mortlake on the Sunday at D-C Farran Oval.Four hundred athletes will compete across both days for over twelve thousand dollars in prize money. ======================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Sep 28

    September 29, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 29, 2026.====================================Regional alliance G-Twenty-One has welcomed the Victorian Government's Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan, but is calling for stronger protections for strategic employment land.Chair and Colac Otway Shire Mayor Jason Schram says the plan addresses key concerns regarding renewable energy, water use, and traffic management. ========================================================================Lake Bullen Merri’s South Beach will host a free, all-abilities fishing experience on Tuesday, October twenty.The Corangamite Shire Council is encouraging residents aged fifty-five and over, and those living with a disability, to register for one of the ten available places. ========================================================================October will be a busy month for the Colac Area Health team with a range of services and information sessions provided.Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says the local health provider will provide its own sessions and events for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and National Carers Week from October 11 to 17.========================================================================The Colac Show and Shine is set to return this November. The popular event will again take place at Memorial Square on Murray Street. Organiser and Colac Otway Shire Councillor Chris Potter says funds raised from previous events have helped purchase a community defibrillator.========================================================================Warrnambool detectives investigating a suspicious house fire in Cobden earlier this year have released an image of a vehicle of interest. Emergency services were called to a Mitchell Street property at around six-fifteen A-M on February five, where a man and two children luckily escaped the burning home uninjured. Police are now seeking information regarding a silver Mazda Three spotted on the Camperdown-Cobden Road shortly after the blaze. ========================================================================A Boorcan man has accepted a sentence indication in the Warrnambool Magistrates Court over a string of rural burglaries across the south-west. The thirty-eight-year-old admitted to stealing hot water systems, copper piping, cable, and wool bales from properties in areas including Bookaar, Boorcan, and Glenormiston North. Prosecutors reduced the original twenty-plus charges. The court heard police linked the man to the crimes through phone records and items left at crime scenes. ========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Cobden Football Netball Club has announced its twenty twenty-six senior best and fairest winners. Matty Kemp secured the Andrews Cup for senior football, finishing ahead of runner-up Archie Taylor. In the open netball, Grace Taylor took top honours, with Emily Finch named runner-up and M-V-P.========================================================================Golfers from seventeen clubs descended on the Colac Golf Club for the twenty twenty-six Spence Plumbing four-person Ambrose on Friday. Division One honours went to the team of Ryan Dowie, Peter Hunter, Murray Williamson, and Scott Bowen. The undisputed highlight of the day was a spectacular hole-in-one by Craig Spence on the seventh.========================================================================Colac golfer Hunter Togni has represented the S-W-G-A Men's team during a challenging Division One contest at the Buninyong Golf Club. Competing across thirty-six holes daily in freezing conditions, the squad secured two wins and a draw in round one, but struggled against the state's best, losing both day-two matchups.==================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Sep 27

    September 28, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 28, 2026.===================================Passengers travelling on the Warrnambool Line will soon have access to more seats, with the State Government announcing the introduction of six-carriage V-Locity trains.From Friday, October twenty-three, the longer trains will operate on busy Friday evening and weekend services.Minister for Public Transport Vicki Ward says the increased capacity was made possible by the recent completion of the Warrnambool Stabling facility. ======================================================================Crime has increased in the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires for the year ending June twenty twenty-six.Crime Statistics Agency data reveals Colac Otway recorded one thousand, four hundred and twelve incidents.Corangamite Shire experienced a zero point seven percent rise to six hundred and eighty-eight incidents, with two hundred and three in Camperdown, mostly theft. ======================================================================The Corangamite Shire is teaming up with the Warrnambool City Council to deliver its twenty twenty-six to twenty twenty-seven road sealing program.The shared contract aims to reduce costs and improve efficiency.Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the program will reseal sixty-five kilometres of local roads, covering seven percent of its network.======================================================================The Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking community input to determine the future of the Barongarook Hall and tennis courts.The site's Community Asset Committee was formally disbanded in twenty twenty-three following a lack of interest, with no one stepping up to manage the facility since.Council officers hosted around twelve residents at a consultation session on Wednesday to hear ideas for the site. ======================================================================A long-term wastewater management solution has been endorsed for the township of Forrest by the Barwon Water board.Colac Otway Shire C-E-O Andrew Tenni has praised the decision, calling the infrastructure commitment a fantastic outcome for the town's future.======================================================================Equestrian fans are gearing up for the Colac Stockmans Challenge, returning on October ten and eleven at the Colac Pony Club in Elliminyt.The two-day event features four main disciplines, including dry pattern, time trial, whip cracking, and obstacles.Competitors will battle it out across five divisions, from Open down to the junior Whippersnappers. ======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Camperdown Football Netball Club has celebrated its twenty twenty-six season award winners. Charlie Lucas took out the Seniors Football Best and Fairest, finishing ahead of runner-up Cameron Spence.In the Open Netball, Piper Stephens was crowned Best and Fairest, with Sophie Conheady named runner-up.======================================================================The Otway Districts Football and Netball Club has celebrated its twenty twenty-six senior presentation night.Claire Robertson won the A Grade netball best and fairest, ahead of runner-up Chelsea Hillman.In senior football, Sam Mulgrew took top honours as best and fairest, with Charlie Avery runner-up.======================================================================The local racquetball season has concluded with straight-sets victories across both grand finals.In Division One, Bryon Hillman claimed the title once again, defeating Jono Hill twenty-one sixteen, twenty-one twelve.Meanwhile, Jason Taylor secured the Division Two premiership, beating Kayne Ogle twenty-one six, twenty-one fifteen.Organisers say both Hillman and Taylor deserved their victories after finishing on top of the ladder in their respective divisions.The association is now preparing for its next pennant season, which gets underway on October seventh.=================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Sep 23

    September 24, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 24, 2026.====================================The Colac Otway Shire Council is preparing for another harsh bushfire season across the region with preparations fully underway.Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says council officers will be out running some free property visits this spring.========================================================================Men's sheds across the Colac Otway region, including Colac, Birregurra, and Forrest, are backing a new statewide campaign calling for a state government funding boost.========================================================================Police are appealing for public assistance following the theft of a chainsaw from a Camperdown property last week.Offenders targeted a farm building on Browns Road between Wednesday evening and Friday morning, gaining entry by cutting a lock on the front door. ========================================================================The Game Management Authority will begin its annual game duck abundance survey on Monday, October fifth, with low-flying helicopter counts scheduled across the Colac Otway region and South West Victoria.========================================================================Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin and Chief Executive David Rae have concluded a two-day advocacy trip to Canberra.The local leaders met with government and opposition representatives, including Member for Wannon Dan Tehan and Regional Development Minister Kristy McBain.Discussions focused on securing predictable council funding, improved digital connectivity, and support for regional housing and childcare. ========================================================================The Surf Coast Shire Council has adopted an updated Community Engagement Policy following a recent review and community consultation.The revised policy aims to strengthen how residents are involved in local decision-making.Public feedback highlighted a strong preference for early consultation, clear explanations of what can be influenced, and a mix of online and face-to-face participation options.========================================================================Cobden Lake has been restocked with one hundred and fifty rainbow trout just in time for the spring school holidays.Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling says it's part of a state-wide program releasing forty thousand fish to encourage families and newcomers to enjoy a free outdoor fishing adventure.========================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Tigers player Zach Zdybel has been recognised for a stellar season, earning a spot in the twenty twenty-six G-F-N-L Senior Team of the Year.The club has congratulated the co-captain, praising his significant on-field impact and describing the selection as a well-deserved achievement.========================================================================The Alvie Football and Netball Club has also held its end of season awards.Hayley Foster won the A Grade netball best and fairest while Lincoln Dare won the senior football best and fairest.========================================================================Three South West football exports will have a keen eye on this weekend's twenty twenty-six A-F-L Grand Final being on the list of the competing sides.Colac’s Tobyn Murray and Cobden’s Sean Darcy are hoping Fremantle can break through for the club’s first-ever premiership.On the opposing side, Colac export Will McLachlan is backing the Brisbane Lions to secure a third consecutive flag.==================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Sep 22

    September 23, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 23, 2026.=====================================Barwon Water is proceeding with plans for a new reticulated wastewater system in Forrest.The water corporation has endorsed a business case to address health and environmental risks caused by aging septic tanks.Detailed design work for sewer networks, on-site pressure units, and a water recycling facility at Gerangamete will begin in coming months. ==========================================================================Bulla Dairy Foods has been named the twenty twenty-six Regional Exporter of the Year at the forty-seventh Governor of Victoria Export Awards.Recognized as Australia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of ice cream, the company was awarded for its sustained international sales growth.Bulla has successfully expanded its Made in Victoria dairy products into key global markets, including China, Singapore, and the Philippines. ==========================================================================Local landholders can learn how to improve farm dam water security and biodiversity at a free field day in Moriac on October 2.Corangamite C-M-A Senior Project Officer Sarah Brien says the day will discuss practical ways to turn vital water assets into thriving habitats for wildlife.==========================================================================Conservation officers are patrolling beaches in Apollo Bay and along the Great Ocean Road to protect threatened hooded plovers.Barwon South West Regulatory Program Manger Scott Nicholson says with fewer than seven hundred remaining in Victoria, authorities are urging beachgoers to obey signage and keep dogs on leashes during the nesting season, which runs until March.==========================================================================Colac Police will have an increased presence this weekend weekend for Operation Scoreboard.Colac Highway Patrol's Jamie Kahle says the operation targets road safety during the AFL Grand Finals long weekend.==========================================================================An Air Ambulance Victoria helicopter crew has winched three stranded divers from the Southern Ocean near Peterborough.The men's boat capsized at the Bay of Islands after their anchor winch broke. Bystanders on nearby cliffs called Triple Zero using a location app.MICA Flight Paramedic Heath Butler says flight paramedics completed the mid-air rescue in just nine minutes, with the men escaping uninjured.==========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe annual Amy’s Great Ocean Road Gran Fondo has seen over three thousand riders compete across multiple distances.The main event featured a one hundred and twenty-two kilometre circuit from Lorne to Apollo Bay.Competitive riders aimed for a top twenty-five percent finish in their age groups to qualify for the twenty twenty-seven U-C-I World Championships.The event serves as a major advocacy platform for cycling safety in memory of Amy Gillett.==========================================================================With the C-D-F-N-L season concluding, local clubs are officially crowning their best and fairest winners.At the Western Eagles, Luke Fish claimed the senior football top honour ahead of runner-up Elijah Reid.Remy Duynhoven secured the A Grade netball award over Zara Walker.Meanwhile, Simpson named Jayden Gass its senior football winner ahead of Thomas Leishman, with Amy Pemberton winning A Grade netball over Paige Salmon.==========================================================================Attention has already turned to twenty twenty-seven for the Otway Districts football department, with the club unveiling five new recruits.Jack and Ben Hookway are set to make the move from Simpson, while Moyston Willaura trio Brady Chandler, Darren Pedersen, and Will Pedersen have also officially signed on.===================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

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  • Creator
    ACE Radio
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    815
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ACE Radio
  • Show Website
    The South West Daily