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 28, 2025

Under 18s to get free Victorian public transport next year

CHILDREN across Victoria will be able to travel for free on public transport from January 1, 2026, under a major cost-of-living measure announced in...

May 18, 2025

Chance to cash in as Geelong hits recycling milestone

GEELONG residents have returned more than 103 million drink containers through Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme since its launch in November, earning nearly $11 million...

May 16, 2025

Libby Coker reflects on re-election and what comes next

A WEEK after her re-election, Libby Coker still carries the weight of the moment. "It's quite emotional," she says. "To have a role to play...

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 2, 2025

Australians head to the polls this weekend

MORE than 7,000 polling places will open across the nation tomorrow (Saturday, May 3) as Australians cast their votes in the federal election. Polling places...

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 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 16, 2025

New MRI machine cuts wait times in Norlane

A NEW MRI machine has been installed at Barwon Health North in Norlane, improving access to diagnostic imaging for patients in Geelong's northern suburbs. The...

April 9, 2025

Victoria records leading cardiacarrest survival rate

VICTORIA has recorded its highest cardiac arrest survival rate on record, with 41 per cent of patients surviving to hospital discharge in 2023-24. New data...

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 26, 2025

Victoria cracks down on engineered stone to protect workers

A BAN on the processing, manufacture, and supply of engineered stone is now fully in effect across Victoria, as authorities continue efforts to prevent...

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 5, 2025

Hundreds of animals find homes in Victorian adoption drive

A THREE-DAY adoption drive across Victoria has found homes for more than 500 animals as part of a statewide effort to encourage pet adoptions. The...

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...

March 2, 2025

Torquay to get Medicare Urgent Care Clinic

LABOR has announced plans to open a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Torquay if re-elected, following strong community advocacy for better local healthcare. The clinic...

February 24, 2025

Hathway to contest Corio for Socialist Alliance

FORMER City of Greater Geelong councillor Sarah Hathway will contest the federal seat of Corio as the Socialist Alliance candidate in the coming election. Hathway...

February 19, 2025

Victoria’s first cat management strategy launched

A NEW statewide strategy aims to improve cat welfare and protect native wildlife, with the Victorian Government rolling out its first comprehensive cat management...

February 17, 2025

Grants open to boost women’s sport participation

COMMUNITY sports clubs can apply for new funding to help increase female participation, as the Victorian government rolls out the latest round of Change...

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 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...