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

Here is what is making news for July 31, 2026.===================================The Colac Otway Shire has been working with Colac Area Health and Vic Track to strategically plan to activate Civic Spaces in the Centre of Colac.

Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says the plan was adopted by council at its meeting on Tuesday with more information accessible on the Shire's website.
======================================================================Local user groups turned out in strong numbers for yesterday's grand opening of the Colac Neighbourhood House at Central Reserve.

Coordinator Gemma Cuolahan says the move expands possibilities for the community.
======================================================================Almost three hundred and twenty thousand dollars in grant funding has been allocated to eighty-six Corangamite Shire community groups.
======================================================================A new climate resilience board game is coming to Deans Marsh and Winchelsea, and the Surf Coast Shire Council needs local volunteers to help run it.
======================================================================The 2nd Colac Sea Scout Group is gearing up for a huge weekend to celebrate World Scout Day tomorrow, August 1st.

The action kicks off tonight with annual reports and a group family camp.

Tomorrow, local youth will spread out across Colac for a town-wide scavenger hunt, one of over 45 ScoutFest events happening across Victoria. 
======================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite residents are being urged to prioritise fireplace, chimney, and flue safety this winter.

The C-F-A and F-R-V responded to a combined two hundred and twenty residential fires involving heating systems during the twenty-twenty-four to twenty-twenty-five financial year.

C-F-A Chief Officer Jason Heffernan says fireplaces should never be left unattended, as embers can escape and ignite nearby items within minutes. 
======================================================================Entries are now open for the Colac Otway Shire's twenty-twenty-six Youth Photography Competition.

Now in its fourth year, the competition invites young people aged twelve to twenty-five who live, work, or study in the shire to submit photos around the theme 'Focus: Looking Through My Lens'.

Standout entries will be displayed publicly at C-O-P-A-C-C in September.AND IN SPORT
Colac Gun Club Shooter Penny Smith has claimed Gold and equalled the world record in the World ISSF Mixed Trap Shooting Finals in China.

Paired with James Willett, the two combined to shoot a world record equalling qualifying score of 149 from 150.

In the final the two also shot a score of 37 out of 40, equalling the Trap Mixed Team's Final world record set by James Willett and Catherine Skinner in Lonato just two weeks ago.
======================================================================In this weekends CDFNL Otway Districts host the Western Eagles at Gellibrand.

South Colac plays Apollo Bay.

It's a massive clash between Alvie and Lorne.

Irrewarra-Beeac faces Birregurra,

AND Simpson has tough test against the Colac Imperials.
======================================================================The Colac Tigers football season is on the line this weekend when they travel to take on the third placed South Barwon.

The Tigers currently sit sixth, a game outside the final five.

It's also a big test for netballers who currently sit fifth, while South Barwon is third.======================================================================Both the regions Hampden's League team will take on different variations of Warrnambool this weekend.

Camperdown faces the South Warrnambool Roosters, while Cobden plays the Warrnambool Blues.
===================================
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The South West Daily

July 31, 2026

Here is what is making news for July 30, 2026.================================The Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria was tabled at Parliament this week providing recommendations and insights for locals affected by the summer bushfires.

Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says the report provides a comprehensive overview on the key issues and recommendations which can be applied locally.
================================================================A new Great South Coast settlement website has been launched to help make the relocation process easier for new migrants.

The online service brings together essential resources for everyday life, including information on housing, healthcare, education, employment, and transport.

It also details local community groups, recreation, and emergency services.

While the website provides extensive information about Warrnambool, it was collaboratively developed alongside the Moyne, Corangamite, Colac Otway, Glenelg, and Southern Grampians councils.
================================================================The Grand Opening for Colac Neighbourhood house is later this morning as the community group relocates from Miller Street toColac's Central Reserve.

 Colac Neighbourhood House coordinator Gemma Cuolahan says a range of groups will showcase what they have to offer this morning from 11am onwards.
================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite residents are being urged to prioritise fireplace, chimney, and flue safety this winter.

The C-F-A and F-R-V responded to a combined two hundred and twenty residential fires involving heating systems during the twenty-twenty-four to twenty-twenty-five financial year.
================================================================South West Anglers are invited to have their say of the proposed changes aimed at improving Victoria's unique mulloway fishery.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling says Recreational anglers are encouraged to provide their feedback on a proposed plan to change bag and size limits.
================================================================Corangamite residents are being urged to help shape the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy.

At this week's August council meeting, Councillor Jamie Vogels emphasized that the plan will determine water management for decades.

The strategy focuses on improving water security across western Victoria.

Locals can provide feedback via the Engage Victoria website until August twenty-third, with a final strategy expected in late twenty-twenty-seven.
================================================================The State Opposition is refusing to accept the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee's final report into the twenty-twenty-six Victorian summer fires.

The Liberals and Nationals have announced they will conduct their own minority report into the bushfires, which impacted regions including the Otways.

Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath, claims the recently released government report papers over deep structural flaws and significant policy failures regarding emergency management.
================================================================AND IN SPORTCobden will be without key netballer Remeny McCann for the twenty-twenty-seven season.

It has been announced she will join Dartmoor as their playing A-Grade coach.

McCann departs the Bombers as a multiple-time club Best and Fairest winner and M-V-P.

She also won the twenty-twenty-two Hampden League Best and Fairest award and is a regular Team of the Year selection.
================================================================The Simpson Cricket Club has confirmed Chathura Mallawa Wadu will return for his second year with the Tigers following his debut season.

Joining the squad is right-hand batsman and right-arm medium-fast bowler Thilan Maduranga.

The club has also secured the services of Isuru Yatagama, who will bolster the lineup as a middle-order batsman and off-spin bowler.
================================================================This weekends Soccer Fixtures sees the three Colac Otway Rovers senior sides split across three days.

The Reserves plays Friday night against Geelong Rangers.

Saturday sees the Women's team play Corio SC.

On Sunday the Seniors host Ocean Grove at Beeac.

In other leagues the Corangamite Lions host the Ballarat Soccer Club at the Camperdown Showgrounds.
================================
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July 30, 2026

Here is what is making news for July 29, 2026.====================================Following the announcement of Ben Carroll  as the new Victorian Premier, Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan says little will change locally.

Mr Riordan says the similar issues from Jacinta Allan's tenure apply.
========================================================================Local C-F-A brigades have formally recognised the Gellibrand Hotel and its owner for their significant support during the recent Otways fire campaign.

Members of the Corangamite Group recently held an appreciation dinner at the venue, where captains from the Gellibrand, Kawarren, and Carlisle River brigades presented owner Dorthe Koorn with a token of gratitude. 
========================================================================Preparations are well and truly underway for Colac Rifle Club Shooter James Hay who has the 25 and Under F Class Open Championships in a fortnight.

Hay has also been appointed to the inaugural National Rifle Association of Australia committee ahead up the upcoming Championships.
========================================================================Kirsten Diprose has been appointed as the new Board Chair for South West TAFE, replacing Brian Crook.

The communications specialist and farmer is the first chair to progress from the organisation's Observership Program, having joined the board in twenty-twenty-one.

Diprose says the region faces a critical need for trades and essential workers in health and agriculture. 
========================================================================Opening in less than three weeks, the Red Door Theatre Company's Colac production of And Juliet is nearing capacity.

The Theatre Company's Zoe Hudgell says more than 70 percent of the shows tickets have already sold out.
========================================================================Following the resignation of Jacinta Allan yesterday, the Victorian Labor Party has announced Deputy Ben Carroll as its new leader ahead of the upcoming State Election.

Under Allan's tenure, the region saw major local investments, including the one hundred and twenty-six million dollar Twelve Apostles Centre and the Great Ocean Road Regional Trails Strategy twenty-twenty-five to twenty-thirty-five.
========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Geelong Falcons have announced their twenty-twenty-six V-Line Cup squads, featuring players from twenty-one community clubs.
The matches will take place in Gippsland during the school holidays, from September twenty-first to twenty-third.

Irrewarra-Beeac's Baxter Dewar and Colac Tigers' Manny Robb, Ted Hay, and Fred Melville have all been selected for the same boys' team.

Meanwhile, Colac product and St Mary's footballer Astin McCimmon was picked for the women's squad.========================================================================Lorne footballer Kai Enticott will serve a two-week suspension following a dangerous tackle on Irrewarra-Beeac's Lachie Farr.

Enticott initially faced a three-week ban, but the penalty was reduced after Lorne accepted an early guilty plea.
========================================================================Colac Gun Club Shooter Penny Smith has wrapped up the 2026 ISSF Senior World Cup Trap Final in Hangzou, China.

Smith finished fourth with a total of 18 in the Women's Trap Final.====================================
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July 29, 2026

Here is what is making news for July 27, 2026.===============================The Colac Otway Rotary Club is organising a Walk for Respect to raise awareness about domestic violence. The community event will take place this October.
==============================================================A new housing development offering 320 residential lots was unveiled in Elliminyt.

Colac Otway Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says 'The Lookouts' already showed Strong Sales as it enters Stage 1.
==============================================================A forty-three-year-old local man has avoided a criminal conviction in the Colac Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to harassing his ex-wife.

The court heard the man made over one hundred and thirty calls in a single day, alongside previous unwanted contact. 
==============================================================A two hundred and sixty-eight acre farming property has been listed for sale at nine-ninety-nine Centre Road in Cooriemungle.

Marketed by real estate agency Charles Stewart, the agricultural enterprise features a fifty-unit rotary dairy, forty-five paddocks, and a four-bedroom family home with separate farm access. 
==============================================================Wannon MP Dan Tehan has criticised Energy Minister Chris Bowen over a massive cost blowout in a federal home battery program.

What started as a two-point-three billion dollar scheme has skyrocketed to over eight billion dollars.
==============================================================Lorne S-E-S volunteers joined emergency service partners over the weekend following a vehicle accident on Deans Marsh Road.

The incident was resolved safely through a coordinated multi-agency effort.

Lorne S-E-S thanked motorists for their patience while crews worked at the scene. 
==============================================================South West TAFE has been named a finalist for a major state honour, continuing a run of award recognition spanning almost a decade.

The institution is one of three contenders shortlisted for Victoria's Large Training Provider of the Year at the twenty-twenty-six Victorian Training Awards.

Chief Executive Officer Mark Fidge says the nomination provides significant recognition for the Colac and South West community.
==============================================================AND IN SPORTColac Tigers product Will McLachlan enjoyed a day out for the Brisbane Lions VFL side against North Melbourne.

McLachlan kicked 8 straight along with 17 disposals in the Lions 13 point win. 
==============================================================Both the regions Hampden League football teams had a difficult weekend with Cobden going down to North Warrnambool by 36 points.

Camperdown lost to Koroit by 11 points.

Cobden had a win over on the netball court by 25 against North Warrnambool but Camperdown went down by 66 to Koroit.
==============================================================The Colac Tigers footballers had a much needed win against Leopold over the weekend with the 21 point win keeping them in touch with the final five.

Luke Hillman kicked five goals and Jack Skinner was named Colac's best.

Over on the netball court the Tigers also had a 3 goal win.
==============================================================The weekend's Colac and District Football saw several big results across the weekend.

Colac Imperials won by 58 on the football field against Apollo Bay.

South Colac beat Western Eagles by 17.

Birregurra beat Otway Districts by 55.

Lorne held off Irrewarra by 27 points.

AND Alvie smashed Simpson by 63.

In the CDFNL's netball fixtures South Colac was too strong for the Western Eagles/

Birregurra beat Otway Districts.

Colac Imperials smashed Apollo Bay.

Irrewarra-Beeac defeated Lorne.

And Simpson had a 5 goal win against Alvie.
===============================
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July 27, 2026

Here is what is making news for July 24, 2026.==================================Colac sports clubs were targeted in recent break-ins.

Colac Police Sergeant Michelle Delaney says while nothing of value was stolen, the incidents have caused significant disruption and inconvenience for local volunteers.
====================================================================Tickets are on sale now for the Corangamite Year 12 Winter Ball.

Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Makin says the August 14 event is open to all Corangamite Shire Year 12 students across the region.
====================================================================Community feedback is being sought by the Colac Otway Shire Council for the Apollo Bay Structure Plan review, guiding future development across Apollo Bay, Marengo, and Skenes Creek.
====================================================================Colac's Find Your Light Choir and Lake Colac Specialist School has teamed up with the Find Your Voice Collective to present Mad Dogs & Englishmen.

The performance is a large-scale community music project inspired by Joe Cocker's legendary live album.
====================================================================Colac and District Football Netball League clubs will join more than a thousand teams across Victoria this weekend to support the T-A-C and A-F-L Victoria Road Safety Round.

T-A-C Chief Executive Tracey Slatter says the initiative honours people impacted by road trauma while promoting safer driving behaviours across regional communities.
====================================================================Wildlife wonders in Apollo Bay is gearing up to celebrate National Science Week by offering two fantastic opportunities for environmentally curious kids.

From Saturday, August 15 to Sunday, August 23, all children can join a 75-minute Walk with Wildlife tour completely free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult.
====================================================================AND IN SPORTIn this weekends Colac and District football and netball action, the Colac Imperials travel to Apollo Bay.

The Western Eagles host South Colac.

Birregurra faces Otway Districts.

Lorne will do battle with Irrewarra-Beeac.

AND Simpson versus Alvie.
====================================================================In this weekends Geelong Football and Netball League Action - the Colac Tigers football season is one the line with a huge match up at home against Leopold.

A win on the netball court would catapult the Tigers into final contention.
====================================================================In this weekends Hampden League action - our local teams each face massive tests.

Cobden travels to North Warrnambool to take on the Eagles.

And Camperdown will play Koroit.
==================================
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July 24, 2036

Here is what is making news for July 23, 2026.=================================Today Member for Wannon Dan Tehan will be in the Corangamite Shire visiting small businesses during the parliamentary recess

Mr Tehan says he will visit  his listening posts in Timboon, Cobden, Camperdown and finishing in Terang 
==================================================================The first stage of the Apollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club's redevelopment is complete.

Community members are invited to view the new facilities during a public barbecue.

The local event commences at eleven a-m on Saturday, August twenty-ninth.
==================================================================Little Galaxias, also known as Dwarf Galaxias, have been discovered in the West Barwon River for the first time in recorded history.
==================================================================The National Disability Insurance Scheme is facing criticism over its local service provisions in Colac.

Advocates are calling for an increase in social and disability support housing across the region.

The ongoing concerns follow recent reports of a local retiree unable to continue providing adequate care for a family member with a severe disability.

The N-D-I-S recently denied a care facility placement for a man whose ongoing assistance requirements had been clearly documented.
==================================================================The Upper Barwon River's animals and biodiversity is a key priority for the Corangamite Catchment in the most recent Victorian Enviromental Water Holder Seasonal Watering Plan for 2026-27.

Recommendations include improving the breeding and recruitment of various fish, platypus and waterbug species.

Focuses will also be on optimising water flow, floodplain vegetation, and the condition of the South West's resilience in dry conditions.
==================================================================The Environment Protection Authority is reminding dairy farmers in Colac Otway and Corangamite regions to check effluent systems after heavy rainfall across the winter months.

EPA Southwest Regional Manager Martha-Rose Loughnane says winter conditions could put extra pressure on effluent systems and increase the risk of pollution if local farms are not prepared.
==================================================================Emerging musicians aged twelve to twenty-five are being encouraged to perform at upcoming regional events by the Corangamite Shire Council. 
==================================================================AND IN SPORTApollo Bay Surf Lifesaving Club members Calden and Evelyn Lyons have been named finalists in the 2026 Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence.

The Awards night will be held in Albert Park in Melbourne next month.
==================================================================In this weekends Colac Braves Baseball fixtures, the Division 1 side will host the Werribee Giants at Eastern Reserve.

The Division 3 side has the bye this weekend.
==================================================================In this weekends soccer fixtures the Colac Otway Rovers Senior fixtures see the women's side face the Bellarine Sharks on Saturday.

The Rovers senior men's side lines up against Corio SC, and the reserves plays Surf Coast FC.

In the Corangamite Lions weekend matches the Lions will travel to Daylesford and Hepburn United.
=================================
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