Residents encouraged to back local this Christmas
THE Surf Coast Shire is encouraging residents to support local businesses in the lead-up to Christmas, highlighting the economic importance of strong trade during...
Season of waiting ends as stadium seating cleared for use
THE retractable seating at Torquay's Wurdi Baieer Stadium will finally be in play when the Surfcoast Basketball Association (SBA) tips off in 2026, after...
Fire brigade takes on new role in life-saving medical callouts
A SURF Coast fire brigade will help boost medical response times through a new program that pairs CFA volunteers with Ambulance Victoria at cardiac...
Shire backs global initiative recognising hidden disabilities
THE Surf Coast Shire has introduced a new initiative across its Maternal Child and Family Health Services to better support people living with hidden...
Fisheries and game agencies to merge following sector cuts
THE Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the Game Management Authority (GMA) will be merged to form a new body that will oversee outdoor recreation...
Lunch celebrates inclusion and lived experience
LEISURE Networks' annual International Day of People with Disability celebration brought more than 250 people together last week for a lunchtime event shaped directly...
Victoria to act on declining organ donor numbers
The Victorian government will introduce new measures to lift the number of registered organ and tissue donors, after a parliamentary inquiry found donor registrations...
Hotter seasons drive spike in Victorian drownings
HOTTER, longer summers are driving a rise in drowning deaths across Victoria, and Life Saving Victoria's latest report shows more incidents are now occurring...
Expansive retreat at the top of town
GENEROUS in scale and impeccably presented, this three-level Apollo Bay residence delivers a flexible and highly comfortable coastal lifestyle. With four bedrooms and three...
Folk favourites set for Barwon Heads return
THE Pierce Brothers will make a much-anticipated stop in Barwon Heads next autumn, locking in an April 11 show at the Barwon Heads Hotel...
Social connection initiative gathers support ahead of January launch
An OPEN day at the Torquay Senior Citizens Centre has provided early momentum for its new Social Connect Day program, giving organisers insight into...
Pay boost lands for 200k early childhood educators
THE final stage of a 15 per cent wage rise for early childhood educators came into effect on Monday this week, lifting wages for...
Students lead colourful school makeover
THREE bold and bright murals celebrating the core values of Torquay College now take pride of place on the side of the school's gymnasium,...
Anglesea landfill running out of room
THE Surf Coast Shire says it will keep the Anglesea landfill operating for as long as capacity allows, with projections indicating the site is...
A milestone year for early learning program
A PROGRAM that has helped hundreds of local families become confident first teachers to their children is celebrating a major milestone. The Home Interaction Program...
Geelong Cemeteries Trust urges respect
GEELONG Cemeteries Trust is reminding visitors to keep dogs on a lead at all times when visiting its cemeteries and memorial parks. Trust chief executive...
Shire shares tips for a greener Christmas
WITH the festive season in full swing, the Surf Coast Shire is encouraging households to celebrate a little greener this Christmas by embracing simple,...
Police ramp up roadside drug testing in statewide crackdown
VICTORIA Police will ramp up roadside testing across the state, with officers promising to carry out more drug tests than ever before. A $21 million...
Festive fun returns to Torquay Library
THE Torquay Library will welcome families and shoppers this weekend for its annual Arts and Craft Market and Family Fun Day. Now in its fourth...
Local makers on show at Ashmore Arts
THE artists of Ashmore Arts will open their studios to the public tomorrow (Saturday, December 6) for a Christmas Open Day aimed at celebrating...
Armstrong Creek locks in permanent headspace hub
THE Surf Coast Highway will soon be home to a permanent headspace centre, with work now underway to expand access to youth mental health...
Millions committed to protect Surf Coast from rising seas
MAJOR works to address coastal erosion along the Surf Coast will be rolled out, following a $6.3 million federal funding commitment for a new...
Rents bite as more households fall into housing stress
RENTAL affordability across regional Victoria has fallen to its lowest level on record, with coastal communities on the Surf Coast and Bellarine among the...
Social connection at the heart of new initiative
A COMMUNITY initiative supporting social connection will launch in Torquay next week. The program, spearheaded by the members of the Torquay Senior Citizens Centre, will...