The South West Daily

ACE Radio

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

  1. 2d ago

    June 12, 2026

    Here is what is making news for June 12, 2026.==================================Expression of interest are open for the Colac Otway Shire's Australia Day event which made a return to the calendar at the Cressy Aerodrome earlier this year.Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says they are looking to build on the success, and anyone is open to apply to help or host.====================================================================Grade Six students and teachers from Birregurra Primary School are freezing for a cause this Monday, June fifteenth.The school cohort will brave the elements for an Ice Bucket Challenge to raise vital funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease. ===================================================================Local Police have said that last weekends activity on the roads was a massive with minimal drug and alcohol offences from the Colac Otway and Surf Coast region.Colac Highway Patrols Jamie Kahle says more than 4,000 drug and alchohol tests were recorded across the region, with police also operating Operation Recreation to inspect local campgrounds and bike trails.====================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite farmers are being urged to reduce their reliance on imported diesel following a new industry report.Farmers for Climate Action has released a roadmap for transitioning to electrified machinery and local biofuels.====================================================================Travellers heading to the Otways face an open-ended detour following a major landslip on Old Beech Forest Road.The weekend incident south of Gellibrand left severe cracks and a gaping hole in the surface, forcing an indefinite closure.The Colac Otway Shire Council has closed the road between the southern end at McDevitt Siding and the northern end. ====================================================================Colac and South West parents are being urged to remain vigilant about water safety this winter.Kidsafe Victoria C-E-O Sarah Sexton warns that household hazards pose a significant risk, as it takes just a small amount of water and very little time for a young child to drown.====================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends CDFNL matches, South Colac hosts Simpson.The Colac Imperials face the Otway Districts for their FightMND match.Irrewarra-Beeac travels to Apollo Bay.The Western Eagles face a tough test in Alvie.And Birregurra has Lorne.====================================================================The Colac Tigers look to continue winning form in both the netball and football this weekend hosting Geelong West at Central Reserve.The Tigers with be without two of its footy stars with Darcy Lang unavailable and Seb Ross missing through a calf injury.====================================================================In this weekend's Hampden League action, Cobden will play host to Portland.Meanwhile, Camperdown is hitting the road, travelling to Gardens Oval to take on Port Fairy.==================================================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  2. 3d ago

    June 11, 2026

    Here is what is making news for June 11, 2026.===============================The Colac Mobile Blood Donation Van has rolled into town and will remain parked at the Central Reserve car park on Gravesend Street until Friday, June nineteenth.Organisers are urging Colac Otway residents to roll up their sleeves, as the national demand for blood and plasma continues to grow. ==============================================================A wave of community upgrades is coming to small towns across the region following the announcement of the state government's latest Tiny Towns Fund round.Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney has unveiled twelve local projects, including a fifty-thousand-dollar upgrade for the Cororooke Public Hall.The Kawarren Recreation Reserve has also secured fifty thousand dollars for major development works, while the Yeodene Public Hall will receive over twenty-two thousand dollars for extensive renewal projects.==============================================================Those in and around the Otways are being urged to ensure their firewood purchases this winter are not supporting a black market that is destroying wildlife habitat and removing thousands of trees from forests across the state. Illegal firewood activity is impacting forests across Victoria, particularly north of Shepparton, in the Otways, Grampians and parts of eastern Gippsland.==============================================================Isolated seniors across the Barwon-South Western region are set to receive a much-needed boost of friendship through a new Feros Care initiative.==============================================================The community has celebrated the success of the Farm My School Colac build at Colac Secondary College, one year on from the programs roaring success.Colac Regenerative Farm Manager Catie Tracey says without the community, the event would have been able to happen.==============================================================The Corangamite Shire Year Twelve Winter Ball is returning for twenty-twenty-six, and local students are invited to lead the planning.Council is calling for a committee of Year Twelves to help decide the music, theme, and overall vibe. No prior event experience is needed. ==============================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac Braves are back in action this weekend with Division 1 hosting the Werribee Giants. Division 3 has the bye.==============================================================The Colac Otway Rovers face the Deakin Ducks in Division 2 this Friday night.Division 3 plays Barwon Heads, and the women's team plays the Bellarine Sharks.==============================================================A huge fortnight for Colac and District Darts Association kicked off last weekend with the Treasure Hunters Cup.Glenn Beall tookout first place in the mens, Gale Harmsworth won the women's, and Lockie Murrell won the juniors.Following on from the success of the event last weekend the CDDA will host its 5-a-side tournament this weekend with throwers from all across the state and more than 150 total players expected.============================================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  3. 4d ago

    June 10, 2026

    Here is what is making news for June 10, 2026.================================36 new houses will be built in Colac thanks to construction beginning on a new Sinclair-Armstrong Street Development.Project Developer Adam Cole says the Nook officially entered Stage 1 yesterday, selling out after launching in January.================================================================Port Campbell police Acting Sergeant Troy Beames has been formally recognized for saving two lives in a dramatic coastal rescue.================================================================A new virtual experience at Colac Cemetery will soon bring local history to life.Geelong Cemeteries Trust CEO Dean Matthews says  a free mobile app will share hundreds of pre-nineteen-hundreds life stories, gathered by the Colac and District Family History Group.================================================================Colac Otway Shire Mayor and G21 Chair Jason Schram is spearheading a campaign for the Victorian Government to overhaul coastal vegetation management rules.================================================================Farmers impacted by the January bushfires in Carlisle River and Gellibrand are being reminded that vital recovery support remains available.Rural Assistance Commissioner Peter Tuohey says recovery can take years, and financial help can ease the burden. ================================================================Corangamite Shire residents are invited to a free morning tea to raise awareness about elder abuse.Mayor Kate Makin says World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday, June fifteenth, is a vital opportunity to learn how to recognise the signs of mistreatment.================================================================AND IN SPORTSeveral Rovers juniors have been crowned winners at the Football Victoria Country Championships in Geelong over Kings Birthday weekend.Solomon Coventry captained the under 11s to a win.Dash Bannan also led the under 14s to a win with Jasper Milner as a teammate.Samuel Irunga played in a win in the under 12s category.================================================================A host of Colac and District cricketers are starring overseas in English Cricket Leagues.Apollo Bay cricketer Pat Grimmer and his Sandford St Martin teammates sit on top of the ladder in the Cherwell Cricket League.Apollo Bay teammate Kai Clissold has picked up 9 wickets in his opening 7 games for Martley Cricket Club in the Worcestershire County League.================================================================ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  4. 5d ago

    June 09, 2026

    Here is what is making news for June 09, 2026.=================================Camperdown police have led a regional crackdown on impaired drivers, detecting three major drink-driving offences in recent days.Among those intercepted was a thirty-six-year-old Corangamite man who refused a preliminary breath test on the Hamilton Highway at Lismore, facing a mandatory two-year license disqualification. ==================================================================A motorcyclist faces a heavy penalty after being caught traveling at over one hundred and fifty kilometers an hour near Colac.Highway patrol officers intercepted the twenty-two-year-old Highton man on the Princes Highway at Warncoort on Monday morning during Operation Regal.==================================================================Plans to complete the new Twelve Apostles Visitor Centre have drawn sharp criticism from Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan.==================================================================Fish Aggregation devices have been laid off the Otways Coast in the hopes of attracting new and different fish for local anglers,VFA CEO Travis Dowling says they look like floating discs and can be found near Lorne, and Apollo Bay.==================================================================Communities across the Otways are set to benefit from enhanced bushfire protection as Forest Fire Management Victoria expands its network of remote heli-dip tank sites.The specialized tanks, holding up to fifty thousand liters of water, can slash helicopter refill turnaround times by up to fifteen minutes. ==================================================================Colac and South West drivers are being urged to watch for wildlife, with new data revealing winter as the peak period for animal collisions.Insurance giant A-A-M-I received over twenty-four thousand wildlife claims last year, with May, June, and July identified as the worst months. ==================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac and District league tookout a netball win over the GDFNL on Saturday 58-53 thanks to a best on court performance from Millie Sibley.The footballers however suffered a 106 point defeat with Jett Price named Colac's best afield.==================================================================The Colac Tigers have jumped into fifth spot in the GFNL football after a massive win against Bell Park.The tigers won by 21 off the back of a best-on-ground 4 goal performance from Darcy Lang.The Tigers girls also had a win on the court 56-51.==================================================================Cobden has bragging rights in both football and netball codes after a big day at Camperdown.The footballers secured their first win of the season with a thrilling 5 point victory.The netballers also had a big win, defeating Camperdown by 22 goals.================================================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  5. Jun 4

    June 04, 2026

    3CS/Mixx FM News Department 12:11 PM (4 hours ago)to ColacHi team,Here is what is making news for June 03, 2026.=================================Most Dairy Farmers in the sector have been left disappointed by the opening milk prices, with industry leaders also saying some processors are struggling too.Australian Dairy Farmers President and Pomborneit farmer Ben Bennett says most farmers were hoping for a price above 10 dollars per kilogram of milk solids but have had to settle for a lost less.==================================================================A sixty-year-old Camperdown man accused of holding a New South Wales woman captive at gunpoint for several days has been denied bail.==================================================================Following the devastating January bushfires, Otways residents are set to benefit from the C-F-A’s highly successful drone trial.The Remote Piloted Aircraft program provides fireground commanders with live aerial intelligence, including thermal imaging to detect hidden hotspots at night.==================================================================Operation Regal will take place on the regions roads as the police up their presence over the King's Birthday long weekend.Colac Highway Policeman Jamie Kahle says local officers will also work in partnership with DEECA to monitor the states forests.==================================================================Corangamite Shire Council has unveiled the Curdies River Flood Study, a collaborative project aimed at reducing regional environmental risks.==================================================================Six months on from the devastating Streatham-Skipton bushfires, a free community recovery event is being held at the Skipton Recreation Reserve.Jointly hosted by the Corangamite and Pyrenees Shire Councils, the gathering invites all community members to share a meal and discuss the ongoing recovery process. ==================================================================AND IN SPORTWinchelsea Bowls Club’s Max Heaton-Harris has been invited to the Bowls Victoria State Training Day on June twenty-seventh.The high-stakes hit-out at Deer Park Bowls Club gives state-side hopefuls a major opportunity to impress selectors.While the final squad is yet to be decided, standout performers will target the upcoming representative series against New South Wales and Western Australia.==================================================================Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club's Andrew Vogels has been awarded life membership of the Victorian Surfboat Rowers League.The honor recognizes his thirty-four years of dedicated service as a championship-winning competitor, coach, and committee member.==================================================================The Junior Country Championships kick off in Geelong this King's Birthday weekend with several Colac Rovers players selected.Representing the South West Association are Mackenzie Rocka and Ariah Johnstone.For Football Victoria Geelong, Solomon Coventry captains the under-elevens, Samuel Irunga joins the under-twelves, Rocco Aylett is in the under-thirteens, while Jasper Milner and captain Dash Bannan line up for the under-fourteens.================================================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  6. Jun 4

    June 05, 2026

    Here is what is making news for June 05, 2026.=====================================The R-A-C-V has launched its My Country Road survey, urging residents across the Colac Otway and Corangamite Shires to flag safety concerns on dangerous regional routes.==========================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite drivers are being urged to exercise extreme caution on the roads as winter conditions and King's Birthday long weekend traffic create hazardous driving environments.==========================================================================National parks operated by Parks Victoria will be closed this long weekend as workers go on strike disputing pay with the State Government.Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says while it is disappointing given the start to the year the region has had in terms of tourism, there will still be some offerings for those looking to capitalise on the long weekend.==========================================================================The Lorne Pier has officially reopened to the public just in time for the busy long weekend rush.While the pier itself is fully accessible, visitors are reminded that construction fencing and closures remain active around the broader work site.==========================================================================The Push-Up Challenge is officially underway, with the team at headspace Colac leading the local charge.Over the next twenty-four days, participants will complete three thousand three hundred and seven push-ups, a number honoring the lives lost to suicide in Australia in twenty-twenty-four. ==========================================================================Black field crickets remain active in the south west, as a dry and warm autumn provided favourable conditions.Dairy extension officer Michele Jolliffe says identifying and controlling this native species now can help prevent future damage to pastures and crops.==========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac District Football Netball League has finalized its senior squads for this weekend's highly anticipated interleague clash against the Geelong District League.Leading the senior netballers at Winchelsea's Eastern Reserve is captain Hayley Foster, supported by vice-captain Janelle Monaghan.Meanwhile, the senior football side will be led by co-captains Elijah Reid and Sam Mulgrew, alongside vice-captain Luke O’Shannassy.Both matches are scheduled to kick off this Saturday at two p-m.==========================================================================Kardinia Park will continue to host the Geelong Football Netball League grand finals until at least the end of twenty-twenty-eight.A new three-year agreement has been secured by A-F-L Barwon, the Geelong Cats, and the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust.The iconic G-M-H-B-A Stadium remains the only A-F-L venue in Victoria to host a community league decider, ensuring local players and fans experience a world-class stage.==========================================================================This weekends Hampden League sees a crosstown rivalry match for the regions teams.Camperdown will host Cobden in a must win clash for both sides.==========================================================================This weekend the Colac Tigers look to get back on the winners list as they take on Bell Park.If the Tigers beat Bell Park in the football, they will leapfrog them into fifth spot.========================================================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  7. Jun 2

    June 03, 2026

    Here is what is making news for June 03, 2026.================================Warrnambool rail line passengers are adjusting to a major overhaul of the regional public transport network following the return of the V/Line booking system.================================================================A taskforce targeting environmental destruction has charged five men for constructing illegal trailbike tracks on protected public land in the Otways.================================================================Bulla Dairy Foods has announced its opening farmgate milk price for the 2026–2027 season at $9.15 to $9.95 per kilogram of milk solids.Bulla Dairy Foods Director and Acting CEO James Downey says ongoing feedback from farmers has helped the company maintain a competitive price amid rising input costs.================================================================Corangamite Shire’s new Positive Ageing, Access and Inclusion Reference Group is driving community-led improvements for elderly residents and people with disabilities.Since forming in January, the committee has met twice to help guide council infrastructure projects and services. ================================================================A major community consultation phase has launched as Barwon Water designs its long-term plan to secure regional water resources for the next half-century.================================================================Anam Cara Colac has officially launched its Annual Community Appeal to help sustain its vital hospice services.The community-funded facility provides compassionate palliative care and dignity for residents living with life-limiting illnesses. ================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Golf Club member Fiona Scott has taken out the Winchelsea Women’s Ladies Open  A Grade title with a fabulous round of 85.Beeac Golf Clubs Lyndal McLean also scored Hole-In-One  at the Quarry.================================================================The Hampden League had a massive day out at the Netball Victoria Western zone titles in Warrnambool.The league took out the Under 13 Championship , Under 15 Championship, Under 15 Reserves and Under 17 Championship TitlesThey will now compete at the Melbourne State Titles in a few weeks time.================================================================The twenty-twenty-six Annual Treasure Hunters Open darts tournament is coming to Commerce Hall at the Colac Showgrounds this Sunday.Open exclusively to past C-D-D-A members and Colac district residents, the free event features a thousand-dollar prize pool.================================================================ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min
  8. Jun 1

    June 2, 2026

    Here is what is making news for June 2, 2026.===============================Apostle Whey Cheese has taken out the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Victorian Small Business Awards.Founder Julian Benson says the major accolade is a testament to his dedicated staff for helping create a much-loved local product.==============================================================The Camperdown Fire Brigade has celebrated the dedication of its volunteers at its annual presentation night.Service milestones ranging from ten to forty-five years were recognized, alongside eleven volunteers who received the prestigious National Medal for long and diligent service.==============================================================Colac's cinema is undergoing a major management transition, closing for up to eight weeks for vital facility upgrades. ==============================================================The Corangamite Shire is rallying residents to support Camperdown and Port Campbell after both towns reached the finals of the Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards.==============================================================Lorne’s ongoing battle with bin-raiding cockatoos could soon be over, with five hundred specialized "bin aprons" hitting the town's red-lid bins.Developed by the Lorne Men’s Shed, the recycled plastic attachments fit over the lids, preventing the clever birds from gaining a grip.==============================================================Regional councils are demanding urgent upgrades to aging telecommunications networks following severe network failures during recent natural disasters.A collective representing peri-urban municipalities has detailed the escalating public safety risks in a submission to the summer fires inquiry.The report highlights severe connectivity blackouts during the January floods at Wye River and Lorne, where grid congestion left tourists and residents unable to receive timely emergency alerts or contact families.==============================================================AND IN SPORTIn the weekends Colac Otway Rovers fixtures - Division 2 went down 3-1 to Drysdale with Desire Irunga scoring the only major.In Division 3 Nathan Haynes and Jimson Johnny scored in the 2-2 draw.The women's side went down 5-0 to Surf Coast on Saturday.==============================================================It was a tough weekend on the diamond for the Colac Braves, with both baseball divisions suffering losses.Division One fell fourteen-three on the road against the Lara Wildcats, while Division Three went down in a closer ten-seven battle against Deakin.==============================================================It was a high scoring encounter in the Corangamite Lions fixture against the Forest Rangers.Matthew Lyne and Roman Fachetti both scored braces however it wasn't enough as they went down 5-4.Division 2 lost 2-1, and the senior women's side went down 5-1.============================================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min

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