About: Ellie Claringbold

Posts by: Ellie Claringbold

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...

January 8, 2026

Childcare activity test scrapped as new three-day guarantee starts

A FEDERAL election commitment to guarantee three days of subsidised childcare a week has taken effect, with changes introduced on Monday expanding access to...

January 7, 2026

Ferry terminal to host summer movie nights

A PAIR of outdoor movie nights will bring cinema to the Queenscliff waterfront this month, with film screenings locked in beside Port Phillip Bay...

January 6, 2026

Relief as missing Portarlington man found safe

Missing Portarlington man Alan has been found safe and well, police have confirmed. The 82-year-old was located on Tuesday morning after being spotted by air...

January 6, 2026

Rhythm shifts up for Nightjar Festival’s second night

The second night of Torquay’s Nightjar Festival will lean into the strength of its line-up, bringing together soul, indie songwriting, funk-disco and late-night dance...

January 6, 2026

Concerns held for missing Portarlington man

Police are urgently searching for an 82-year-old Portarlington man, with concerns growing for his welfare. Alan was last seen about 9am on January 5 on...

January 4, 2026

Salt and graphite: A practice shaped by the sea

Emily Wright's days are shaped by two constants: making art and getting into the ocean. The Torquay-based artist, whose practice is built around graphite pencil...

January 3, 2026

Underquoting crackdown puts reserves on display

The Victorian government will introduce new laws this year to tighten rules around underquoting, requiring real estate agents to publish reserve prices at least...

January 3, 2026

Vegetables as art in new photography exhibition

A PHOTOGRAPHY exhibition featuring vegetables reimagined as playful characters will be on display in Queenscliff this month. Sydney-based artist Marie-Hélène Clauzon's photographs present everyday vegetables...

January 2, 2026

Youth myki unlocks free trips on trains, trams, buses

MORE than one million young Victorians can now travel for free on public transport, with the state's new youth myki officially active. The Victorian government...

January 2, 2026

Elle Woods steps into the spotlight

FOOTLIGHT Productions will return to the Geelong Arts Centre stage this month with the feel-good musical Legally Blonde, bringing the much-loved story of Elle...

January 2, 2026

The Tempest to debut at Leura Park Estate

Shakespeare will arrive at Leura Park Estate next summer, when Ozact Theatre Company performs The Tempest on February 13 and 14 in its first...

January 2, 2026

Bay-view yoga sessions return to Jack Rabbit

A SUMMER program pairing outdoor yoga with food and wine will return to Jack Rabbit Vineyard, as the Bellarine favourite, Yoga in the Vines,...

January 2, 2026

A gentle guide to starting the year

WITH the rush of the festive season easing, the start of the year offers space to slow the pace and reflect on what's needed...

January 2, 2026

Bron Lewis brings Chaos to Geelong

Life with three kids, a new puppy and a career in stand-up might sound intense, but for comedian Bron Lewis, it's all just excellent...

January 1, 2026

How the region’s leaders are approaching 2026

As 2026 gets underway, the Times News Group has turned to leaders across the region to find out what resolutions they are carrying into...

December 29, 2025

Where to watch New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Bellarine

FIREWORKS will once again light up the Bellarine coastline on New Year's Eve, with family-friendly celebrations planned for both Queenscliff and Portarlington. At Queenscliff Harbour,...