About: Angus Smith

Profile: Angus is a multimedia reporter at the Surf Coast Times. He has experience with breaking news, investigative and feature stories. Follow him on Twitter @angussmithh.

Posts by: Angus Smith

May 6, 2025

Access increases to free medication to reverse opioid overdoses

More people across Victoria will be able to get access to free naloxone under an expansion of the state's overdose prevention program. This week, acting...

May 5, 2025

Victorians invited to have their say on multicultural review

MULTICULTURAL and multifaith communities across Victoria are being invited to help shape the future of the state's multicultural policies and institutions. Minister for Multicultural Affairs...

April 30, 2025

New watchdog powers to target misconduct on construction sites

A NEW referral service will be set up to handle complaints about misconduct on Victorian construction sites, under legislation introduced to Parliament this week. The...

April 29, 2025

Labor promises fast track for 6,000 tradies

A RE-ELECTED Albanese Labor government will invest $78 million to help 6,000 experienced workers become fully qualified tradies under a new national program. The Advanced...

April 28, 2025

Stronger laws target hate speech in Victoria

NEW anti-vilification laws passed by the Victorian parliament will extend protections to more groups and introduce tougher penalties for serious hate speech and threats. The...

April 21, 2025

Liberals pledge $2 million for Torquay to Armstrong Creek bike path

A $2 million Liberal Party pledge would support the creation of a new dedicated bike path linking Torquay and Armstrong Creek, if the...

April 16, 2025

Victoria pushes for real increase to minimum wages

THE Victorian government has called for a real wage increase for workers on minimum and award wages as part of its submission to the...

April 15, 2025

Grants open to improve coastal access and safety

APPLICATIONS are now open for a Victorian government program offering $1.4 million in grants to improve access and safety along the state's coastline. The Coastal...

April 9, 2025

Regional tourism spend hits record $645 million

TOURISTS spent a record $40 billion in Victoria last year, according to new data from Tourism Research Australia. The latest figures show total tourism spending...

April 3, 2025

New owners found for Suma Park

THE historic Suma Park estate on the Bellarine Peninsula has been sold, with its future as a wedding and conference venue secure under new...

April 1, 2025

Labor commits $5.45 million to Drysdale club

A RE-ELECTED Federal Labor Government would invest $5.45 million in upgrades at Drysdale Recreation Reserve to support the Drysdale Football Netball Club. The funding would...

April 1, 2025

AMA backs transparency push but says fee tool overhaul must go further

THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has welcomed the federal government's commitment to improve transparency around private health costs but says broader reform is needed...

March 31, 2025

Liberals pledge $2.7 million for Geelong palliative care facility

AN ELECTED Liberal Government would commit $2.7 million to help complete the final stage of upgrades at Anam Cara House Geelong, including eight additional...

March 24, 2025

Nike exec takes the reins at Rip Curl

ASHLEY Reade has been appointed chief executive of Rip Curl and will join the surf brand in the coming months. The Victorian-raised executive will be...

March 7, 2025

Barwon Heads Airport set for upgrade with federal funding

BARWON HEADS Airport will receive a $104,695 upgrade under the federal government's Regional Airports Program, improving safety, security, and access for local aviation services. Corangamite...

March 3, 2025

$8.5 billion Medicare boost to expand bulk billing and GP access

THE federal government has pledged $8.5 billion to strengthen Medicare, promising more bulk-billed GP visits, increased doctor and nurse training, and reduced out-of-pocket costs...

February 25, 2025

Call for manuscripts as First Nations Writers Festival returns in 2025

ASPIRING First Nations writers across the region are invited to submit their manuscripts for the 2025 First Nations Writers Festival (FNWF), which celebrates Indigenous...

February 25, 2025

Federal government expands marine park protections in South-east region

THE federal government has introduced new conservation measures to protect marine biodiversity, finalising its South-east Marine Park Network Management Plan. The plan establishes 11 new marine...

January 22, 2025

Barwon Heads Road upgrade progresses to meet future demand

THE Barwon Heads Road upgrade is moving forward, with the state government announcing an adjusted scope for the project while the federal government maintains...

January 21, 2025

Reforms to improve non-emergency patient transport

VICTORIA'S non-emergency patient transport (NEPT) sector will undergo reforms to improve access, efficiency, and patient experience, with demand now at 400,000 transports annually. The state...

January 20, 2025

Reckless jet ski riders prompt water safety crackdown

A WATER safety warning has been issued following Victoria Police's Water Police Squad responding to more than 100 incidents in the first week of...

January 18, 2025

Ghanda founder Josh Rudd saves surfer in dramatic Jan Juc rescue

A young woman was pulled from treacherous surf at Jan Juc on Saturday after losing her board and being swept out in a strong...

January 16, 2025

Quiksilver founder Alan “Greeny” Green dies aged 77

ALAN “Greeny” Green, the visionary co-founder of Quiksilver who transformed surfing culture with his innovative apparel designs, died on Tuesday at his Torquay home...

December 31, 2024

Michael Turner remembered: Geelong legend passes away at 70

TRIBUTES are pouring in for former Geelong great Michael Turner, who has passed away at the age of 70 after a two-year battle with...