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. 16h ago

    September 22, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 22, 2026.==================================A major financial boost has been secured for the Cobden Men’s Shed, following the announcement of the twenty twenty-six, twenty twenty-seven Men’s Shed Funding Program recipients.====================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council is encouraging the community to attend upcoming information sessions regarding the Draft Revenue and Rating Plan.The draft plan includes proposed changes that could affect local property owners.Drop-in sessions will be held to allow residents to speak directly with staff and ask questions before making a submission. ====================================================================Australian Dairy Farmers has welcomed the Federal Government's decision to reinstate agriculture as a priority occupation for skilled visa processing.Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed Ministerial Direction one-one-nine will be updated to include agricultural roles among priority visas.A-D-F President and Pomborneit dairy farmer Ben Bennett described the policy update as a positive step forward, while continuing calls for the existing processing backlog to be cleared quickly. ====================================================================Young Corangamite residents aged ten to twenty-one can attend free dance and karate workshops at Skipton Rising on Tuesday, September twenty-ninth.Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the event held at the Mechanics Institute Community Hall, includes a hip hop and acro session, a free barbecue, and a traditional karate class.====================================================================South West T-A-F-E has cemented its position as Victoria's premier vocational education provider, winning the twenty twenty-six Large Training Provider of the Year.====================================================================The T-A-C is urging Colac Otway and Corangamite drivers to prioritise safety these September school holidays.With one hundred and eighty-six lives lost on Victorian roads this year, that’s thirty-one fewer than twenty twenty-five.However, eighteen fatalities occurred during last year's September break.TAC CEO Tracy Slatter reminded everyone to slow down and avoid driving tired.====================================================================AND IN SPORTIt was a tough day at the office for the Cobden Bombers in the Hampden League Reserve Grand Final going down to the Warrnambool Blues by 29 points.In the seniors Koroit pulled off an upset for the ages with a 13 point win against the previously undefeated North Warrnambool.====================================================================Colac export Tobyn Murray featured in Peel Thunder's WAFL premiership over the weekend.Murray kicked two goals, including the first of the match and had 18 disposals in Peel Thunder's 62-point win against Claremont on Sunday.====================================================================Cobden product Rhys Unwin has officially secured a one-year contract extension with Essendon for the twenty twenty-seven A-F-L season.The nineteen-year-old earned the new deal after recovering from an early hamstring injury to make a strong impact late in the year.Unwin impressed with a seven-tackle performance against the Swans, and showcased elite pace with a boundary-line goal assist against Port Adelaide.================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 1d ago

    September 21, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 21, 2026.====================================Colac Police are urging second-hand car buyers to utilise a new vehicle-checking program.Sergeant Stephen Bull says buyers can search a car's number plate to see if it has been reported stolen.He says this simple process helps ensure local transactions are both safe and legal.========================================================================An ancient Myrtle Beech located in the Otways has been named a finalist for the Victorian Tree of the Year twenty twenty-six.The competition celebrates significant trees that contribute to the state's natural, cultural, and community heritage.Organisers say the contest highlights the need to protect living landmarks for future generations. ========================================================================Time is running out to nominate community heroes for the twenty twenty-six Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards.Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is making a final call for submissions across sports and volunteering categories, which close on Sunday, October fourth.========================================================================Poultry owners across the Colac Otway region are being urged to remain vigilant, as H5 bird flu continues to spread among wild birds along the Victorian coastline.========================================================================Residents aged over fifty-five, people living with a disability, and their carers are invited to the upcoming Corangamite Shire Community Expo.Running from ten A-M to two P-M on Tuesday, October six, the free event at Camperdown's Theatre Royal will feature twenty-nine local community groups and support services.Mayor Kate Makin says the expo is designed to support independent living and healthy ageing. ========================================================================The Colac Otway and Corangamite shires are leading a positive downward trend in animal cruelty across the south-west.New data from R-S-P-C-A Victoria for the twenty twenty-five, twenty twenty-six year shows local municipalities are sitting at the very bottom of the state rankings for animal seizures.Fewer than five animals were removed for cruelty reasons in both the Colac Otway and Corangamite regions. ========================================================================Farmer Confidence in Victoria including the Colac Otway and Corangamite areas has rallied in the past quarter... according to the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence SurveyIt found fewer victorian farmers are expecting agricultural business conditions to decline over the next 12 months========================================================================AND IN SPORTA spectacular final-term comeback has secured the Lorne Dolphins the C-D-F-N-L Senior Football premiership.Down by seventeen points in the last quarter, the Dolphins booted five goals to win by eleven points.Paddy Hughes took home best on ground honours.========================================================================In a perfect day weather wise for football and netball on Saturday Premiers were crowned at Central Reserve,Lorne has a day out on the football field winning the senior, reserves and under 18s premierships.Irrewarra-Beeac beat the previously undefeated Western-Eagles to take out the Under 15s football, also winning the Under 17s netball.Birregurra broke a 42 year A Grade premiership drought in a thriller against the Colac Imperials.South Colac claimed the B Grade netball and the Under 12s football premierships.The Colac Imperials claimed the lower grade premierships winning C and D Grade.Alvie rounds out the days winners with a 13 and Under Netball win.========================================================================It was a day of mixed results for the Colac Otway Rovers in Grand Final action yesterday.The senior side went down 1-nil in a heartbreaking loss to Geelong SC.The Under 15s however faired much better producing a 2-nil win over Geelong City.========================================================================The Colac Tigers have celebrated their top performers at the club’s twenty twenty-six season awards night.In the senior football count, Kody Spoke and Zach Zdybel were crowned dual best and fairest winners, with Micah Robb named runner-up.On the netball court, Georgia Finn took home the A Grade best and fairest honours, finishing ahead of runner-up Monika Hammond.==================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. 6d ago

    September 16, 2026

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

  4. Sep 14

    September 15, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 15, 2026.======================================A proposal to more than double production at a Birregurra quarry has sparked a dispute between operators and neighboring farmers.While the quarry operator says the expansion will boost local economic growth, residents fear severe groundwater contamination.The farmers' lawyer, Neil Longmore, has outlined the community's environmental concerns, with the final decision now resting with the Minister for Planning.============================================================================The State Opposition has promised seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars to upgrade Winchelsea Primary School if elected.Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan and Shadow Education Minister Brad Rowswell announced the commitment, which includes security improvements and planning for a future Prep to Year Twelve school.============================================================================Colac Otway Shire Council has reached a major milestone in the Pascoe Street upgrade project in Apollo Bay, with the completion and reopening of the new Moore Street roundabout.============================================================================Colac Area Health's aged care facility, Corangamarah, has celebrated its twentieth anniversary.An afternoon tea was held last week for residents, families, staff, and volunteers to mark the milestone.Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says the celebration also acknowledged the contributions of all staff.============================================================================Preparations for the twenty twenty-seven Colac Kana Festival are underway, with the volunteer committee announcing Candyland as the official theme.============================================================================The twelve point six million dollar Point Grey redevelopment continues in Lorne, with the local pier closed from yesterday until September eighteen.Works along the Doug Stirling Track will require another closure in early October.The broader project includes a new Fishermen's Cooperative building featuring a local history space. ============================================================================Emergency crews were called to a property in Weerite on Sunday morning after a local farmer rolled his A-T-V.The Cobden S-E-S unit joined Camperdown members and Ambulance Victoria paramedics to assist in extricating the injured man.Following the rescue operation, crews successfully transported the farmer to a nearby road, where he was safely loaded into a waiting ambulance for medical treatment. ============================================================================AND IN SPORT The Hampden Football Netball League celebrated its highest achievers at the Maskell Medal awards, held at the Warrnambool Racing Club on Sunday.A number of local names were honoured on the night.Camperdown's Lauren Groen took out the Division Three netball best and fairest award, while fellow Camperdown member Rob Van den Eynde was named Official of the Year.Cobden's Archie Taylor won the football Rising Star award, and Sam Darcy was runner-up for the reserves football best and fairest.The Cobden Football Netball Club’s Neville and Denise Robertson also received the H-F-N-L Volunteer of the Year award.============================================================================Organisers of the Colac Women’s and Girls Football Come and Try Day are reporting a strong turnout following Sunday's event.Approximately seventy participants attended the session, with over one hundred and twenty people now formally registering their interest in female football across the region.Organisers say player numbers will be essential to launching the new initiative.A dedicated Facebook page has been established to keep participants and supporters updated on future developments.============================================================================Paul Gallagher has taken out A-Grade in Birregurra Golf Club's Saturday’s stroke event, carding a net sixty-six to finish ahead of runner-up Ian Rowarth on sixty-seven.In B-Grade, Mat Bowen claimed victory with a net sixty-seven, edging out runner-up John Cotton on seventy-one.The highlight of the day belonged to Geoff Downard, who scored a hole-in-one on the eighth.====================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Sep 14

    September 14, 2026

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

  6. Sep 10

    September 11, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 12, 2026.=====================================A new G-twenty-one survey reveals seventy-nine per cent of regional residents are cutting costs to manage living pressures.G21 Chair and Colac Otway Shire Mayor Jason Schram says better transport infrastructure is essential to support struggling household budgets.==========================================================================A not-for-profit community celebration inspired by Taiwan's Moon Festival is coming to town.Event Organiser Jo Crosbie says the NightSee Taiwan twenty twenty-six Night Market will be held this Sunday from two P-M to seven P-M.==========================================================================Colac agronomy student Toby Monaco is urging local residents to apply for a Demo Dairy Foundation scholarship before applications close in twenty twenty-seven.Monaco says the financial support has been vital for his own agricultural studies, encouraging others to seize the opportunity while it remains available.==========================================================================The Port Campbell Friendly Grocer has been named the Victorian Retailer of the Year for twenty twenty-six.In a major milestone for the local business, the recent announcement marks the first time a store has secured the title for three consecutive years.==========================================================================Staff at the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority, or C-M-A, have swapped their desks for kitchens to take part in the twenty twenty-six Threatened Species Bake-off.Now in its tenth year, the national event encourages Australians to create edible tributes to threatened wildlife to raise conservation awareness.Corangamite C-M-A has participated since the C-O-V-I-D nineteen lockdowns. ==========================================================================The upcoming high-risk weather season was the focus as Barwon South West agency leaders gathered for an annual preparedness briefing.FFMVic Deputy Chief Officer Mark Mellington discussed the local spring outlook and the region's fire risk for twenty twenty-six and twenty twenty-seven.==========================================================================AND IN SPORTColac Golf Club's Caleb Perry has just been added to the twenty twenty-six S-W-G-A Country Week team.Perry joins fellow local club member Hunter Togni in the squad, with the pair set to represent the South Western Golf Association in Ballarat.==========================================================================A place on CDFNL Grand Final Day is on the line for all teams that play this Saturday at Central Reserve.Lorne and will Alvie will do battle in the football.And A Grade netball action sees the Colac Imperials face Otway Districts.==========================================================================In this weekends regional soccer finals the Colac Otway Rovers seniors face Corio Bay in the Football Victoria Geelong semi finals.The Corangamite Lions Womens side also faces Sebastopol Vikings in Greater Ballarat Semi Final action.===================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Sep 9

    September 10, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 10, 2026.===================================Coragulac is in line for new early childhood infrastructure following a state government announcement.Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn has revealed a new Building Blocks Partnership with the Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited, known as D-O-B-C-E-L. ======================================================================The State Government has announced it will be redirecting Suburban Rail Loop funds into a three hundred and fifty-two million dollar regional road blitz.Five hundred thousand potholes will be repaired, alongside a new tracking website.Candidate for Polwarth Hutch Hussein says routes, including the Princes and Western Highways, will be prioritised.======================================================================A Colac-based education initiative has been named a local not-for-profit partner for Jack Johnson's twenty twenty-six Australian summer tour.Farm My School operates a market garden at Colac Secondary College, transforming school land to teach students regenerative agriculture.C-E-O James McLennan says the Johnson Ohana Foundation will match every dollar donated up to two thousand five hundred dollars.======================================================================A Timboon dairy farm is revolutionising operations with a state-of-the-art robotic milking system.Schulz Organic Dairy is introducing voluntary milking, allowing four hundred and fifty cows to set their own schedule.Operator Simon Schulz says the technology will drastically improve quality control and herd health.======================================================================Transport Victoria has completed three road rehabilitation projects across the Barwon South West region to provide smoother journeys.The upgrades include rebuilding a one point three-kilometre section of the Colac-Forrest Road, five kilometres east of Colac, where a new traffic island has also improved visibility.Other works include a one point three-kilometre section of the Deans Marsh-Lorne Road, and an eight hundred-metre stretch of the Timboon-Colac Road.The projects form part of a two hundred and fifty-five million dollar state government investment in the Great Ocean Road and its inland routes. ======================================================================The Colac Farm Safety Action Group is supporting a local R-U-O-K dinner to encourage community connection.Organiser Ann-Maree Convery says the event taking place at seven P-M tonight is at the Swan Marsh Hall.======================================================================South West Victorians can now use a new Victoria Police online tool to check if a vehicle has been stolen.The initiative aims to assist officers in recovering stolen cars much faster across the region.======================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Colac and District Football and Netball League celebrated its senior best and fairest awards last night.EMBARGOED======================================================================The Colac Cycling Club heads to Cororooke this weekend to compete for its monthly medal.Racing kicks off at one thirty P-M, after last week's Beeac event was cancelled due to inclement weather.======================================================================A century has capped off Luke Inglis's overseas cricket stint.The City United export scored an unbeaten one hundred and nineteen runs off one hundred and twenty-nine deliveries for the Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club against Epsom.=================================== See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Sep 8

    Septemeber 8, 2026

    Here is what is making news for September 08, 2026.=======================================Recent spending data reveals locals and visitors are boosting the Colac Otway economy compared to previous years.Shire Chief Executive Officer Andrew Tenni says the trend is a positive sign for regional businesses.==============================================================================Four students from Colac Secondary College have recently travelled to Parliament House, representing the Victorian Schools Garden Program and Greenlife Industry Victoria.During the visit, the students showcased their agricultural knowledge and practical skills, teaching guests how to craft newspaper pots and plant lettuce seedlings.The group also discussed the educational benefits of having the Farm My School initiative located on their school grounds. ==============================================================================An innovative South West Healthcare initiative designed to keep older people out of hospital has been named a finalist in the twenty twenty-six Victorian Public Healthcare Awards.==============================================================================Nominations are now open for the twenty twenty-six Wannon Sport and Volunteer Awards.Member for Wannon Dan Tehan is calling on the community to acknowledge local sporting achievements and the generous groups who donate their time.==============================================================================Colac and Corangamite livestock producers are being urged to remain vigilant for cattle bloat, with spring pasture growth accelerating across the region.==============================================================================Corangamite Shire is calling on residents to complete a five-minute survey to help redesign its website.The site has not had a major refresh since twenty eighteen, and Manager of Governance Gabrielle Henry says user habits have changed significantly since then.The upgrade aims to make the platform more accessible for people with disabilities, meeting international digital standards. ==============================================================================Lorne Sea Baths is set for a massive transformation into a premium wellness destination, supported by a Victorian Government grant of almost five hundred thousand dollars.Opening in January twenty twenty-seven, Wildsoul Wellness will launch a new venue at the refreshed precinct. ==============================================================================AND IN SPORTTwo Colac football products have helped lock in a Grand Final berth for Peel Thunder.Colac exports Dustin Walters and Tobyn Murray helped Peel Thunder secure a 28 point win over Claremont.Murray kicked two goals and had 17 disposals in the win.In other state league action Micah Robb's season with Werribee is over after its straight sets finals exit - going down by 16 to Port Melbourne over the weekend.==============================================================================Award winners for the CDFNL's junior competitions have been named after ceremonies last night.EMBARGOED==============================================================================The Colac Otway Rovers senior side is bound for the finals, securing second spot on the ladder following a three to one win over the Deakin Ducks.It was a tougher weekend for the rest of the club, with the women's side falling to Corio S-C one nil, and the reserves suffering a five nil loss.Meanwhile, the Corangamite Lions women's team is celebrating finals success, progressing to the next stage after claiming a four to one victory against Ballarat S-C.======================================= 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
    807
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 ACE Radio
  • Show Website
    The South West Daily