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 December 11, 2025.=====================================A group of Zimbabwean dairy farmers recently toured South West Victoria to learn about boosting herd numbers and productivity.

Hosted by Genetics Australia, the week-long visit included stops at local farms such as Chris Place's Tesbury farm to expand international connections.
==========================================================================This festive season, Corangamite Shire Council urges residents to keep waste under control by reducing, reusing, and recycling.
==========================================================================The State Government is investing in emergency service volunteers across Victoria, such as those across the South West rolling out nearly $1.4 million through the Valuing Volunteers Program. 

It comes after Colac SES received funding through the VESEP Grants, purchasing a medium rescue truck.
==========================================================================Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur is calling for urgent maintenance along the Great Ocean Road.
==========================================================================The Australian Platypus Conservancy has confirmed for the first time in 20 years that a platypus has been sighted in the Curdies River.

Platypuses were thought to be locally extinct here, with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority saying this is a huge win for biodiversity and a reason to celebrate.
==========================================================================Colac Otway and Corangamite farmers are welcoming a two-year freeze on the Emergency Services Volunteer Levy, along with an increase to the property value exemption threshold.

The Victorian Farmers Federation says the changes provide immediate financial relief during a tough period for the industry. 
==========================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Hampden League's 2026 fixture has been released... with the first round scheduled for April 11

League President Shane Threllfall... says the fixture also see's the return to a Saturday Grand Final... after a Friday decider was trialed this season 
==========================================================================Otway Districts have announced another signing ahead of season 2026.

Daniel Carr crosses over after stints with Belmont Lions and Kolora-Noorat.

Carr joins the recent addition of Rhys Scott, and Josh and Lachie Bone.
==========================================================================In the regions representative cricket results South West went down to Warrnambool Moyne by 5 wickets in a 50 over competition.

The Western Waves defeated the Central Highlands in an under 16s fixture played out at Warrion on Sunday.

Cobden's Campbell and Parker Walsh represented the Western Waves under 18s in its win against the Gippsland Pride. Parker made 90 not out from 122 balls.

The Barwon Rockets featuring Irrewarra's Ollie Melville and Xavier Cooknell also defeated the South East Sharks.
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The South West Daily

December 10, 2025

Here is what is making news for December 9, 2025.===================================A Beeac man charged over a shooting linked to child exploitation material has lost his bid to have the case heard in a lower court.

At a recent magistrates' hearing, the court heard the incident involved premeditation, planning, and a firearm, with elements of deception after the event. 
======================================================================Young people in Colac are leading a bold new campaign against vaping. 
Students from Colac Secondary College and Lake Colac School have designed posters, pavement stickers, and a video to raise awareness of vaping risks. 
======================================================================EPA Victoria has fined a South West operator more than six thousand dollars after a permitted vegetation burn was found to include prohibited industrial waste. 
======================================================================New data shows rental properties across Colac and the South West need minimum energy efficiency standards.

A survey reveals more than two-thirds of Australian renters avoid heating or cooling to save on bills, while 40% can't keep their homes comfortable without using lots of energy. 
======================================================================A troubled teen with a record of commercial break-ins in both Warrnambool and Colac is facing new charges after an incident in Harris Street on Saturday. 
======================================================================Scotts Creek farmer and Corangamite Shire Councillor Jamie Vogels has warned of the increasing input cost many farmers are facing.

Cr Vogels says affordable energy is becoming increasingly important, and questioned the impact of the drought taskforce which was assembled earlier this year.
======================================================================AND IN SPORTAFL Barwon is excited to officially unveil the 2026 Colac & District Football Netball League fixture.

Alvie and Irrewarra-Beeac will launch the season on Saturday 28 March at Central Reserve in a standalone fixture.
======================================================================17-year-old Indiana Cameron from the Colac Kookas has won the 2025 CBL Women's South West Season MVP award.

She was the competition's leading scorer with 230 points and a member of the All Star 5.
======================================================================The CDCA's women's cricket saw all matches completed across the weekend.

Simpson was too strong for West Warrion.

Pomborneit Gold rolled through Apollo Bay.

Birregurra defeated Colac.

Irrewarra narrowly beat Tomahawk Creek.

AND Carlisle River smashed Pomborneit Maroon.
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December 09, 2025

Here is what is making news for December 8, 2025.=================================Corangamite Shire Council has adopted its Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026–2029, focusing on pet welfare, community safety, and environmental protection.

The plan promotes responsible dog and cat ownership, incorporating community feedback and Council data. =================================
=================================A new survey has highlighted the growing pressure Colac Otway and Corangamite households are facing ahead of the holiday season.

Nearly half of the surveyed participants said they are stressed of choosing between buying presents and buying food.=================================
=================================Great Ocean Road Health says its on-site pharmacist program is now a key part of aged care at the Lorne Nursing Home.

Introduced early last year, the federally funded initiative places a credentialed pharmacist within the care team to improve medication safety and communication. 
=================================
=================================Local schools have received their latest NAPLAN results, with Apollo Bay P–12 finishing ninth in the Warrnambool and surrounds primary category.

Colac's best ranked primary school was Sacred Heart Primary School Colac, which achieved 585th.
=================================
=================================Victoria Police will conduct extra roadside drug tests... expand the use of technology to catch unauthorised drivers... and reduce paperwork in a major road policing boost.

The uplift, funded by the TAC as part of Victoria's road safety partnership... includes five key projects valued at over $21 million dollars
=================================
=================================Member for Wannon Dan Tehan has criticised rising energy prices ahead of Christmas.

Mr Tehan says the increases come despite earlier promises of reductions, and warns households are feeling the pressure at the worst time of year.
=================================
=================================AND IN SPORTIn a rain affected weekend of cricket only three matches saw results completed.

Bookaar chased down Cobden's total of 160 in 38 overs.

While Birregurra's 223 from 35 overs thanks to an Alex Inglis ton was too much against Alvie in a DLS affected match.

Ecklin won by DLS against Woorndoo.

Stoneyford posted 4-192 against Simpson, Apollo Bay 5-84 against Irrewarra and Storm 5-103 against Pomborneit before rain affected those matches.
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=================================In the Polwarth and District Tennis Associations weekend matches in A Grade Pennyroyal White smashed Pennyroyal Gold.

Cororooke 39 games beat Colac Lawn Lawn 31.

In B Grade - Beeac smashed Cororooke Gold.

Cororooke Blue defeated Warncoort.

And Apollo Bay was too good for Kawarren.
=================================
=================================In the Corangamite weekend Bowls - Winchelsea 1 continued its unbeaten run with a win against the Camperdown Magpies.

Apollo Bay was beaten convincingly by the City.

Colac was too good for Simpson.

and Winchelsea 2 defeated Central.
=================================
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December 08, 2025

Here is what is making news for December 5, 2025.===============================A scenic Otway property is offering wellness entrepreneurs the chance to tap into a growing native superfood industry.

The home of Barramunga Superfood has hit the market atop Mt Barramunga, with sweeping views over the West Barwon Reservoir. 
==============================================================The RACV is urging Colac-Otway and Corangamite residents to keep their keys close and stay alert this summer, after the organisation responded to over 1,000 lockout emergencies across Victoria since the start of the year.
==============================================================Corangamite Shire Council has adopted its new General Local Law 2025, replacing two older laws with a clearer, more streamlined set of rules.

The updated law aims to cut unnecessary red tape, improve public safety and amenity, and respond to community feedback. ==============================================================The South West's roads will be one of many affected with Victoria Police set to conduct an extra 25,000 roadside drug tests every year, expand the use of technology to catch unauthorised drivers and reduce paperwork so police spend more time on the road in a major safety boost.
==============================================================Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan has hit out at proposed cuts to the states P-12 schools in a parliamentary hearing.

Mr Riordan says P-12 are vital for the Polwarth community and called for funding to be reinstated.==============================================================Colac Otway Shire Council is inviting public submissions for the 2026–27 Budget.

Shire CEO Andrew Tenni says residents have until January to put forward ideas, with a Submissions Committee meeting allowing people to speak to their proposals.
==============================================================AND IN SPORTIn the Colac South West premier cricket competition matches -

Ecklin faces Woorndoo.

Simpson takes on Stoneyford.

Colac faces City United.

Irrewarra looks for a win against Apollo Bay.

It's fifth vs sixth with Alvie facing Birregurra.

second versus fourth with Bookhaar facing Cobden.

AND seventh against eighth with Pomborneit against Storm.
==============================================================In this weekends Pennant Bowls competition - it's a top of the table clash with Winchelsea 1 taking on the Camperdown Magpies.

Apollo Bay hosts City.

Simpson plays Colac.

and Winchelsea 2 will host Central.
==============================================================In the Polwarth and District Tennis Association  matches - A Grade actions sees Pennyroyal White play Pennyroyal Gold.

and Cororooke faces Colac Lawn.

In B Grade action Colac Lawn faces Deans Marsh.

Cororooke Gold plays Beeac.

Warncoort takes on Cororooke Blue.

Kawarren faces Apollo Bay.
==============================================================
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December 05, 2025

Here is what is making news for December 03, 2025.==================================Western Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme has marked an important achievement, with millions of containers collected since the program began.

CDS Vic West Zone network operator TOMRA Cleanaway confirmed over 1 billion eligible drink containers have been returned... since the scheme's launch in November 2023
====================================================================Police have charged a woman following a traffic stop on Coragulac–Beeac Road near Colac.

Officers allege she gave a false name and address, leading to a search of her vehicle.

Police say they found a range of illicit drugs, including meth, ketamine, LSD, MDMA, and heroin. 
====================================================================Surf Coast Shire Council is warning residents and visitors in Lorne and other high-risk areas to expect temporary facility closures and service disruptions on Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger days this summer.

Council staff and contractors will not work in high-risk zones at these times, which may affect kindergartens, visitor centres, sport facilities, and waste services. ====================================================================Victoria Police's VIPER Taskforce has been active across western Victoria, including Camperdown, targeting serious and organised crime.

During the operation, officers conducted firearm prohibition order checks, executed search warrants, and inspected more than 100 vehicles.

In Camperdown, a 24-year-old man was arrested after police allegedly found a machete and methamphetamine. 
====================================================================Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan has stepped down from his cabinet roles.

Mr Riordan says while it's a change, it gives him the opportunity to focus more on delivering projects and making a difference within his electorate.
====================================================================Two South West lakes have received fish restocking in the past fortnight courtesy of the Victorian Fisheries Authority.

VFA CEO Travis Dowling says it takes the total across Victoria past 178,000 fish.====================================================================AND IN SPORTThe Great Victorian Bike Ride wrapped up last week, guiding 2,000 riders along the Great Ocean Road for its 41st edition.

Participants explored Camperdown, Mortlake, Koroit, and Port Campbell, camping and enjoying hot food, live entertainment, and the stunning landscapes, including the 12 Apostles.
====================================================================Entries are now open for the Craig Spence Junior Golf Tournament.

The annual event will be held at the Colac Golf Club on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

Junior golfers from across the region are encouraged to take part, with the tournament contributing to the Victorian Junior Averages.
====================================================================PENDING RESULTSIn the Corangamite Midweek Pennant Bowls competition.

Central ___________Colac 2.

City ______ Winchelsea..

Cobden _____________ Camperdown Magpies.

and Simpson __________ Colac 1.
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December 03, 2025

Here is what is making news for December 02, 2025.===============================Colac Otway Shire Council is delivering a range of projects to keep public spaces welcoming.

New park furniture has been installed on the Lake Colac foreshore, drinking fountains added at Birregurra and Gellibrand, and the historic Marengo Beacon has been reinstated. 
==============================================================Camperdown College student and Corangamite Shire trainee Lucinda Evans has been recognised as Victoria's Best School-Based Apprentice of the Year.
==============================================================The Corangamite Shire Council has announced $6,800 in Ready Now Grants, supporting 20 community organisations across the region.
==============================================================Surf Coast Shire Council has released an award-winning video series revealing what happens to each of the four kerbside bins once they're emptied.

The short clips recently won Community Engagement Success of the Year at the national Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards. 
==============================================================The Colac Football and Netball Club,  Western Eagles FNC and the Timboon Demons are among the regions sports clubs to share a total of $700,000 for leading the way in promoting road safety in their communities.   
==============================================================WRAD Health has seen another rise in demand, recording a 12 per cent increase in patient numbers for 2024–25.

The service delivered 17,528 consults and more than 800 episodes of care for people with alcohol and other drug concerns. 
==============================================================AND IN SPORTIn the weekends Corangamite weekend pennant bowls results -

Apollo Bay was too good for Central.

Second placed Camperdown Magpies continued its strong run of form with a win against Colac.

Simpson had its second win of the season against City.

Winchelsea 1 expanded its position on top of the ladder with a crosstown win over Winchelsea 2.
==============================================================AFL Barwon has announced new life members and board appointments across the region's major leagues, with strong representation from Colac.

The GFNL board has expanded to include former Colac Football Netball Club president Nick Lang, bringing valuable leadership to the competition. 
==============================================================Birregurra Star Ethan Floyd will be on the move for 2026, signing on for GDFNL club Inverleigh.

Floyd joined Birregurra in 2023, and has previously played for Anglesea, the Colac Tigers and Geelong Cats VFL team.

Floyd joins former Winchelsea teammate Michael Bourdouvalis at Inverleigh.
==============================================================
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