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. 11h ago

    October 28, 2026

    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. ==================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 1d ago

    October 27, 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.=================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 2d ago

    October 26, 2026

    Here is what is making news for October 27, 2026.======================================Two Corangamite Shire Councillors have been honoured at the state's local government awards.Mayor Kate Makin received the Mayor Emeritus Award for three years in the top job, while Councillor Jo Beard was recognised for a massive fifteen years of service to the community.Reflecting on the recognition, Cr Makin says serving as Mayor had been one of the greatest privileges of her life.============================================================================A health warning has been issued for Lake Bullen Merri, with visitors urged to avoid all water contact due to a blue-green algae bloom.The naturally occurring algae produces toxins in warm weather, posing a risk to humans and pets.Authorities advise against swimming, keeping pets away from the shoreline, and never using the lake water for drinking or cooking.If you come into contact with the water, wash immediately with fresh water and seek medical advice if unwell. ============================================================================A motorcyclist in his seventies is fighting for his life in a Melbourne hospital after crashing into a barrier on the Winchelsea-Deans Marsh Road.An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed a specialist air ambulance helicopter, along with intensive care paramedics, treated the rider at the scene for severe injuries.He was airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in a critical condition. ============================================================================Stage two works are officially underway to complete the two-kilometre Barwon River loop in Winchelsea.Construction has begun on a brand new pedestrian bridge below Armytage Street, alongside two viewing platforms to help locals enjoy the natural environment.Surf Coast Shire Mayor Libby Stapleton says the project will make it easier for people to walk and ride between different parts of the growing town. ============================================================================Ahead of the upcoming State Election, residents across Colac and the South West are being reminded to ensure they are correctly enrolled to vote.Enrolment is compulsory for all Victorian Australian citizens aged eighteen and over. ============================================================================Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has welcomed recent Coalition-led changes to Labor's Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation legislation, calling it a win for regional communities.============================================================================Premier Ben Carroll has unveiled a major healthcare pledge to reduce emergency department wait times across the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions.If re-elected, a Labor Government promises to expand twelve hospitals by an average of twenty-five per cent.The plan includes funding for two-hundred-and-fifty extra beds and fifteen-hundred new healthcare workers.============================================================================AND IN SPORTIt was a massive weekend of run-scoring in Colac South West Premier Cricket, with five batsmen bringing up centuries.Despite an unbeaten one hundred and nine from James Rowans, Birregurra couldn't hold off Alvie.Ecklin posted a massive four hundred and five to demolish Woorndoo by two hundred and seventy-seven runs, led by Jamie Dewell's spectacular one hundred and fifty-four not out.Stoneyford proved too strong for Simpson, fueled by centuries from Ben Grinter, who made one hundred and forty-eight, and Nick Harding with an unbeaten one hundred and five. Bookhaar secured a thrilling victory over Cobden with just three balls remaining, thanks to Lachie Green's brilliant flat hundred.In other matches across the premier division, Heytesbury-Princetown completely smashed Pomborneit,Colac recorded a solid win over City United,and Irrewarra edged out Apollo Bay in a narrow finish.============================================================================In the weekends Polwarth Tennis Association action, Cororooke beat Colac Lawnand Pennyroyal White smashed Pennyroyal Black.In B Grade matches Beeac defeated Apollo Bay.Kawarren had a good win against Warncoort,AND Cororooke beat Deans Marsh.============================================================================In the weekends Corangamite Weekend Pennant Bowls action, Colac had a smashing win against Apollo Bay.Central beat Camperdown Magpies White.City was too good for Lorne.And Camperdown Magpies Black had a win against Simpson.====================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. 5d ago

    October 23, 2026

    Here is what is making news for October 23, 2026.======================================The Rotary Club of Colac Otway are urging the community to say no to domestic violence at tomorrow's Walk for Respect.The Otway Edit's Founder April Burton says the event will kick off at Memorial Square from ten-thirty am, the event features influential guest speakers, including Jodie Hill from Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon South West.============================================================================An elected Liberals and Nationals Government has pledged two million dollars towards redeveloping the Birregurra Recreation Reserve pavilion.Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan says the sixty-year-old facility no longer meets modern accessibility standards or the needs of growing football, netball, and cricket clubs.The project features modular designs by local manufacturer EchidnaBuilt to deliver modern, inclusive change rooms, social spaces, and community facilities.============================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council is investigating a major fish death event in Barongarook Creek, with preliminary findings pointing to critically low oxygen levels.Centred near Bromfield Street, the event was first reported on October twenty-first.Council's Doug McNeill says crews are removing dead fish from public land to manage the impact on amenity, while coordinating a wider clean-up with relevant agencies. ============================================================================Six-car carriage services begin on the Warrnambool Line from today.The longer trains will initially roll out across busy Friday and weekend services to help ease congestion.Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora has welcomed the move, calling it a pleasing upgrade for local commuters.============================================================================Australian Olympian Mia Gross is heading to the region this Sunday to inspire the next generation of local talent.Serving as event patron for the Mortlake Gift at D-C Farran Oval, Mia will host a free junior athletics clinic at ten am before racing kicks off.============================================================================Organisers of the Walk the Walk Festival twenty-twenty-six are sending out a heartfelt thank you to all who attended in the rain.The rainy walk served as a powerful reminder of the importance of showing up for one another on harder days. ============================================================================Dairy farmers across south-west Victoria are experiencing a welcome turnaround, with a new report showing improved returns and growing confidence.The latest Victorian Dairy Farm Monitor Project report reveals eighty-six of ninety surveyed farms recorded positive profits following recent tough seasons.Minister for Agriculture Michaela Settle says better seasonal conditions, combined with state government drought grants of up to ten thousand dollars for south-west producers, have helped local farmers rebuild feed reserves, boost milk production, and drive the state's biggest jump in profitability.============================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends Corangamite Weekend Pennant Bowls fixtures, Apollo Bay hosts Colac.Camperdown Magpies White faces Central.Lorne travels to City Bowls Club.AND Simpson will take on Camperdown Magpies Black.============================================================================A massive weekend of Colac South West Premier Cricket is coming up with a full schedule of fixtures.Alvie will host Birregurra on their home pitch,while Woorndoo faces off against Ecklin.In other highly anticipated matches, Pomborneit will do battle with the Heytesbury-Princetown Storm,and Bookaar plays Cobden.Meanwhile, City United faces a big test when they take on Colac.Rounding out the weekend’s premier division action, Apollo Bay plays Irrewarra,and Stoneyford will face Simpson.============================================================================In this weekends Polwarth and District Tennis Association matches - Colac Lawn will face off against Corooke.While Pennyroyal White plays Pennyroyal Black.In B Grade Kawarren takes on Warncoort.Deans Marsh will do battle with Cororooke.AND Beeac Magpies hosts Apollo Bay.====================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. 6d ago

    October 22, 2026

    Here is what is making news for October 22, 2026.===================================The Federal Government is seeking feedback from dairy farmers on how to make milk pricing more transparent.Many in the industry find current payment structures difficult to understand and compare.Colac farmer Mark Billing appeared on Ace Radio's Country Today to speak about the issue.======================================================================Forest Fire Management Victoria’s newest recruits are gearing up for the upcoming bushfire season, with intensive training camps underway across the state, including right here in Colac.This year, an additional one-hundred-and-thirty-three seasonal firefighters have joined the ranks, bringing the seasonal workforce to six-hundred-and-thirty-three.Acting Chief Fire Officer Aaron Kennedy says the recruits are undergoing two weeks of classroom and field-based learning to prepare for challenging environments. ======================================================================More than half of young people feel overwhelmed by social media, according to new research from headspace.To mark headspace Day, the organization is encouraging youth to simply "do nothing" to support their mental health.Headspace Colac Centre Manager Simon Buggy says taking an intentional pause—like putting your phone away for fifteen minutes—can help create vital moments to reset amidst daily online pressures.======================================================================Maintenance works are now complete at the Bay of Islands boat ramp in Peterborough.VFA Director of Fisheries Management and Boating Luke O'Sullivan says the project was funded by boating licence and registration fees through the Better Boating Fund, ensuring improved access and durability for years to come.======================================================================The Colac Scavenger Hunt is officially underway, encouraging locals to explore the town and support local businesses.Running until Monday, October twenty-sixth, participants can search for hidden items across participating stores for their chance to win a share of eight-hundred-and-fifty dollars in prizes.Proudly brought to you by the South West Community Foundation’s Colac Community Fund, the event is also raising vital money to support the local community. ======================================================================Candidate for Polwarth Hutch Hussein has welcomed a twenty-six-thousand-dollar state government grant for local weed management.The Heytesbury WeedWise project will fund field days and workshops targeting blackberry and ragwort across Corangamite, Heytesbury, and Camperdown.Ms Hussein says the funding will boost coordinated weed control and empower the community.======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Victorian Athletics League season kicks off this weekend with the Cobden and Mortlake Gifts.Action begins at Cobden on Saturday, before moving to Mortlake's D-C Farran Oval on Sunday.Four hundred athletes will compete for more than twelve thousand dollars in prize money across both days. ======================================================================Olympic gold medallist Jakara Anthony is swapping her skis for a bike this summer, taking on a new role as an ambassador for the twenty-twenty-seven Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.The announcement comes just one day after she revealed she was hitting the brakes on her skiing career.Anthony met with Cadel Evans to launch the event countdown, noting that cycling was a regular part of her ski training.======================================================================In Corangamite Bowls Midweek Pennant results Camperdown Magpies 1 were too strong for Simpson.City had a solid win against Central.Colac defeated Cressy.AND Cobden was too good for Camperdown Magpies 2=================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. 6d ago

    October 21, 2026

    Here is what is making news for October 21, 2026.===================================Conservation works are officially underway at the historic Cape Otway Lightstation, with scaffolding currently being erected around the iconic tower.Built in eighteen-forty-eight, it is Australia's oldest surviving mainland lighthouse.Management says the specialist works will preserve the landmark for future generations. ======================================================================EstuaryWatch Victoria will celebrate twenty years of citizen science with a free community event in Princetown this Saturday.Victorian EstuaryWatch Co-ordinator Justine Holmes says since launching on the Great Ocean Road, more than forty-six-hundred volunteers have monitored local waterways, helping improve environmental management.======================================================================Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has expressed his shock following an attack on federal MP Helen Haines, strongly condemning the political violence.Mr Tehan says his thoughts are with Haines and her family, noting the MP, who grew up in Colac, is strong and will fight hard in her recovery.======================================================================Monday night saw State MP Gayle Tierney visit Colac to deliver a massive boost for local sporting facilities.She made a funding announcement at Western Reserve Oval, followed by the official opening of the Eastern Reserve Netball lighting upgrade.======================================================================Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police have joined forces to launch a new statewide campaign aimed at disrupting copper theft.The campaign, Copper Theft: It's more than metal, encourages Colac locals to report information about copper theft offences in the community, copper theft across Victoria has increased 175% between 2018 and 2026.Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Officer Stella Smith says community reporting plays a critical role.======================================================================The Colac and District Farm Safety Action Group is hosting a special R U OK? Dinner to support mental health and connection within the local farming community.Taking place at the TiTree Hotel in Warrion on Wednesday, October twenty-first, the evening will feature live music from Homesick Joe and an insightful talk by local dairy farmer and mental health advocate Jason Smith.======================================================================AND IN SPORTWarrion will play host to the opening round of the Cricket Victoria Under Sixteen Boys Country Cup this Sunday, October twenty-five.The at the premier venue of south-west cricket - the Warrion Recreation Reserve, will see the Western Waves take on the Central Highlanders in a one-day clash.The coin toss will take place at ten-thirty am, ahead of the first ball at eleven am.======================================================================Two netball exports have been recognised at the Victorian Netball League's Team of the Year Award.Colac premiership netball Indya Foorde was recognised in the Championship Team of the Year.Camperdown's Piper Stephens was named in the Under 23 Team of the Year.======================================================================Camperdown netballer Piper Stephens has been crowned joint Most Valuable Player in the Victorian Netball League’s twenty-three and under division.The sixteen-year-old shared the honour at the Netball Victoria Community Awards following an outstanding debut season with the Geelong Cougars.Coach Mel Savage praised the Camperdown Magpies product, saying her best is still to come.======================================================================The Terang Harness Racing Club is planning a million-dollar upgrade to build a new training center aimed at helping young trainers kickstart their careers.South West Coast MP Roma Britnell has pledged four hundred thousand dollars toward the project ahead of the November state election.=================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Oct 19

    October 20, 2026

    Here is what is making news for October 20, 2026.=======================================The Whopper is officially coming to Colac on October twenty-nine, with Hungry Jack's set to open its doors on Murray Street.Restaurant Manager Daniel Locke says excitement is already brewing for the highly anticipated launch.==============================================================================The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority is urging beachgoers at Port Campbell to keep their distance from a resting juvenile elephant seal.The animal has a stingray barb lodged in its neck but has been assessed by the Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit.Experts advise that the seal is incredibly resilient and should be left alone, as medical intervention poses a greater risk to its health. ==============================================================================The Colac Lawn Tennis Club has unveiled an ambitious new masterplan, aiming to install court lighting by winter twenty-twenty-seven.Club member Bronwyn Calvert says Colac is the only town of its size in Victoria without lit courts.The club is launching a sixty-five-thousand-dollar fundraising campaign to bring year-round, evening tennis to Colac.==============================================================================Colac’s Spence Construction is celebrating a major achievement after school-based carpentry apprentice Archie Walker took home top honours at South West TAFE.Archie was awarded the twenty-twenty-six High Achieving Student Award in Carpentry in recognition of his outstanding hard work and dedication.Spence Construction says they are incredibly proud to have Archie on their team and look forward to watching his trade career continue to grow across the region.==============================================================================Crowds have packed into the Twelve Apostles following the long-awaited opening of its new 126-million-dollar visitor centre.The facility enjoyed a bumper first couple of days over the weekend, with General Manager Andre Smaniotto thrilled by the massive public response since doors opened on Friday.==============================================================================Registrations are officially open for the twenty-twenty-seven AKD Otway Trail Run.Set to take place on Sunday, March twenty-first, the event will guide runners along the historic Old Beechy Rail Trail to Gellibrand Hall.Event organiser Jenna Robinson says proceeds from the entry fees will help fund local community initiatives.==============================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Kookas men's side has continued its winning streak in Country Basketball League action, claiming a seventeen-point victory over the Portland Coasters.Luka Gerber led the charge for Colac, topping the scoresheet with twenty-nine points.Meanwhile, the Kookas women suffered their first loss of the season in a heartbreaker, falling to Portland by just a single point after a valiant late comeback fell short.==============================================================================It was a big opening weekend for round one of the C-D-C-A women's cricket competition.Simpson started their season in style with a huge one-hundred-and-seven-run win over Colac.Tomahawk Creek secured a victory against Pomborneit Maroon,Apollo Bay edged out Birregurra in a narrow finish,and Pomborneit Gold registered a big win over Carlisle River.==============================================================================The South Western Golf Association is celebrating back-to-back Victorian Junior Country Regions titles, taking out the twenty-twenty-six championship at Terang Golf Club over the weekend.The local course also saw the Murray Darling Golf Association claim the net title.Meanwhile, Olive Spitty and Archie Alston impressed by winning their respective Junior Country Championships.======================================= See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Oct 18

    October 19, 2026

    More than one-point-one million dollars is being injected into Colac Otway sporting facilities to encourage local participation.The massive investment is backed by a major state government grant, funding three key initiatives.The Colac Imperials will benefit from a new netball pavilion at Western Reserve, while the Central Reserve Hockey Field will receive upgraded LED lighting to support local soccer matches. ==================================================================Corangamite Shire residents have the chance to speak directly with Mayor Kate Makin at her upcoming Listening Posts this week.She will visit Derrinallum, Darlington, Noorat, and Terang this Wednesday, before wrapping up the tour at Benallack’s Sports in Camperdown on Thursday.==================================================================Winchelsea families are invited to celebrate Children’s Week with a massive free event at Riverbank Playground.Running from twelve-thirty to two-thirty next Thursday, October twenty-nine, the afternoon will feature nature play, science experiments, and creative crafts for the kids.Surf Coast Shire Councillor Joel Grist is encouraging parents and grandparents to head along, enjoy the outdoors, and make some new social connections.==================================================================Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has welcomed a move to block federal government cuts to the private health insurance rebate for over sixty-fives.The Coalition and the Greens joined forces in parliament last week to strike down the Governments proposed changes. ==================================================================South West Healthcare has been recognised at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards for a groundbreaking emergency department initiative.Taking out the Care in the Community category, the health service was praised for its Geriatric Assessment program, which helps older patients receive more care at home. ==================================================================Warrnambool detectives have released fresh CCTV footage as they close in on a person of interest over a targeted house fire in Cobden earlier this year.The deliberate blaze broke out on Mitchell Street in February, threatening a father and his two children who narrowly escaped.Footage shows a man splashing accelerant on the home, before fleeing in a silver Mazda Three towards Camperdown. ==================================================================The agricultural property market across the Colac Otway and Corangamite shires is expected to remain strong for the rest of twenty-twenty-six.The Australian Property Institute says valuers' sentiment has seen a slight lift since the September quarter, now sitting comfortably above neutral at five-point-six. ==================================================================AND IN SPORTIn a massive first round of Colac South West Premier Cricket City United posted a massive total of 321 to down Cobden by 176 runs.A Matthew Love 140 not out saw Heytesbury-Princetown record a win against Apollo Bay.Birregurra cruised to a seven wicket victory against Ecklin.Colac had a convincing win against Camperdown.Simpson smashed Woorndoo by 104 runs.Stoneyford had a win against Pomborneit.AND Alvie had a comfortable win against Bookaar.==================================================================IN round 2 Polwarth tennis action Pennyroyal White had a resounding win against Colac Lawn.Cororooke also had a win against Pennyoyal Black.In Division B action Beeac had a win against Kawarren,Deans Marsh has a narrow win against Colac Lawn.And Apollo Bay smashed Cororooke.==================================================================In Corangamite's Weekend Pennant Bowls results Apollo Bay had its second straight win against the Camperdown Magpies White.Colac was back on the winners list with a thumping win against City.Central was too strong for Simpson.AND Camperdown Magpies Black was too good for Lorne.================================= 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.

Information

  • Creator
    ACE Radio
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    831
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ACE Radio
  • Show Website
    The South West Daily