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

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 3, 2025

Councils push for housing infrastructure funding

PERI Urban Councils Victoria (PUCV) is urging federal and state governments to fund infrastructure for housing developments in high-growth regional zones. A delegation led by...

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 26, 2025

Free TAFE legislation moves closer to becoming law

THE federal government's plan to make free TAFE a permanent fixture has moved a step closer after legislation passed the House of Representatives. The bill,...

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...

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 22, 2025

Southern Ocean win sparks community celebration in Torquay

A MAJOR victory in the fight to protect the Southern Ocean from offshore gas exploration will be marked with a celebration in Torquay this...

February 21, 2025

Bellbrae fire brigade left without mains water despite critical role

THE Bellbrae Volunteer Fire Brigade serves as a key staging area for catastrophic bushfires in the Otway Ranges, yet it remains without a mains...

February 19, 2025

Music industry benefits fromnew grants and advisory council

VICTORIAN musicians, venues and industry professionals will have new opportunities for funding and support as the State Government rolls out fresh initiatives to strengthen...

February 18, 2025

Lauren Green launches campaign for Wannon

COMMUNITY advocate Lauren Green will contest the federal seat of Wannon for the Greens, campaigning on climate action, cost-of-living relief and public services in...

February 18, 2025

New seismic blasting project delayed as community prepares to celebrate major victory

PLANS for new seismic blasting off the south-west Victorian coast have been sent back for further review, marking the third time the offshore regulator...

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...

February 9, 2025

TV drama being filmed in Anglesea

PRODUCTION of a new six-part drama series, The Family Next Door, will bring mystery and intrigue to Anglesea and Victoria's Surf Coast, along with...

January 28, 2025

Save Nicky: Surf Coast’s star fights for charity in the jungle

SURF Coast local Nicky Buckley is taking on the challenges of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! in South Africa’s Kruger National...

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 22, 2025

Heritage sites restored through disaster recovery grants

A PROGRAM to revive Victoria's heritage landmarks damaged by natural disasters has delivered its first grants, helping repair sites across the state. Planning Minister Sonya...

January 22, 2025

Community group sounds alarm on PFAS Threat

COMMUNITY groups are calling for urgent federal intervention to address the growing threat of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) pollution in Australia's waterways. Clean Ocean...

January 22, 2025

Drivers warned about hidden car hazards

VICTORIAN motorists are being urged to think twice about what they leave in their vehicles, with everyday items posing safety risks or potential damage...

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

Second seismic blasting proposal sparks urgent calls for marine protection

THE offshore regulator is considering a seismic blasting proposal off Victoria's south-west coast, as conservation groups and residents voice concerns over its potential impact...

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...