About: Ellie Claringbold
January 17, 2026
Flash flood aftermath prompts warning system scrutiny
Communities along the Surf Coast have begun the long task of recovery after destructive flash flooding tore through river catchments and caravan parks on...
January 17, 2026
From fire to flood: Surf Coast hit by back-to-back emergencies
The Surf Coast has shifted from bushfire threat to flood recovery in the space of days, after destructive flash flooding tore through coastal catchments...
January 17, 2026
Drainage upgrade to shut part of High Street until Easter
MOTORISTS in Drysdale are being advised to plan for several months of disruption, with part of High Street set to close to allow for...
January 16, 2026
Town pulls together after flash flooding
An emergency relief centre was activated in Lorne on Thursday night after intense rainfall triggered evacuations and cut key road links along the Great...
January 16, 2026
Fire risk easing in Otways as crews gain ground
FIREFIGHTERS have slowed the spread of bushfires across the Otway Ranges, after days of intense fire activity placed Surf Coast communities on edge. The blazes...
January 16, 2026
Pirate fun lands at museum
FAMILIES are being encouraged to dress up and dive into a day of free activities at Queenscliffe Maritime Museum this Australia Day. The museum will...
January 15, 2026
Flash flooding triggers emergency support in Lorne
An emergency relief centre has been opened in Lorne to support residents and visitors forced to evacuate due to severe flash flooding across parts...
January 15, 2026
Three injured in Torquay crash
Three people, including two children, were injured in a crash at a busy Torquay intersection on Thursday that prompted a large emergency response. The collision...
January 15, 2026
Otways brace for flash flooding
A dangerous thunderstorm is moving across the Otway Ranges, with authorities warning of intense rainfall and the risk of life-threatening flash flooding this afternoon. A...
January 13, 2026
Beach wheelchairs introduced at Portarlington
PEOPLE with disability or reduced mobility will have improved access to Portarlington's main beach this summer, following the introduction of two beach wheelchairs. The wheelchairs...
January 13, 2026
New leadership named as G21 relaunches in slimmed-down form
THE G21 Geelong Region Alliance has appointed new leadership as it relaunches under a restructured operating model following its mid-2025 reset. Colac Otway Shire mayor,...
January 13, 2026
Woman dies following Grovedale crash
A 92-year-old woman has died following a crash in Grovedale on Monday. Emergency services were called to Heyers Road at about 12.30pm after reports a...
January 12, 2026
Pilot program targets youth employment gap
A NEW youth employment program aimed at supporting young people who are struggling to secure work has opened applications across the Geelong and Bellarine...
January 11, 2026
Mild winds still a danger as Otway fire warnings ease
Warnings around the Otway fires were downgraded on Sunday as conditions eased, but fire authorities say even mild coastal winds remain capable of driving...
January 11, 2026
Local theatre project heads to Northern Ireland
A THEATRE project developed through the National Celtic Folk Festival will take it next development step overseas this year, after being invited to undertake...
January 11, 2026
Daily yoghurt intake linked to brain changes in new study
EATING probiotic yoghurt every day may influence brain activity linked to mood and memory, according to new research from Deakin University's Food and Mood...
January 10, 2026
Major Otways fires keep communities on edge
Thick smoke rolled across the Surf Coast and Greater Geelong region this afternoon as multiple out-of-control bushfires continued to burn in the Otway Ranges. As...
January 10, 2026
Authorities warn of worsening conditions in Otways
The Otways and Surf Coast remain under serious bushfire threat today, with CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan warning powerful winds and multiple lightning-sparked fires...
January 10, 2026
State of disaster declared across Victoria as fires continue
A state of disaster has been declared across large parts of Victoria, including the Colac Otway and Golden Plains shires, as firefighters continue to...
January 9, 2026
Shelter now: Out-of-control grassfire moves towards Avalon College
Residents across Avalon, Corio and Lara have been urged to take shelter immediately as an out-of-control grassfire travelling towards Avalon College burns along Avalon...
January 9, 2026
Emergency crews battle Leopold house fire
About 10 emergency vehicles are responding to a significant structure fire at a residential property in Rebecca Drive in Leopold this afternoon, as extreme...
January 9, 2026
Nightjar Festival confirmed for tonight
Torquay’s much-loved Nightjar Festival has been given the green light to proceed this evening, despite extreme fire danger conditions across much of the region. Festival...
January 9, 2026
Five decades saving lives at sea
AFTER 50 years safeguarding local waters, the Queenscliff Coast Guard will mark its volunteer marine rescue anniversary with an open day next weekend. The Coast Guard...
January 8, 2026
Evacuations underway as fire danger reaches catastrophic level
Caravan parks along the Great Ocean Road are being evacuated as the region braces for a day of catastrophic fire danger, with authorities warning...
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Jun 20, 2026
New big box retail in Ocean Grove hits the market
Jun 20, 2026
