E-scooter fire prompts safety warning
THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) has issued a warning to community members to be careful when charging devices with lithium-ion batteries and to only...
Early screening of Australian film to benefit CFA
AN EARLY preview screening of Eric Bana's latest film will be held next week at the Lorne Theatre to raise money for the CFA. Set...
Road safety and public order the focus for long weekend
AS THE region gears up for a long weekend of mega events, community members are being asked to remain patient in the face of...
New outdoor cinema to open
An outdoor cinema will open at Barwon Edge next month offering movie lovers a program of classic hits, nostalgic flicks and family-favourite films down...
Rising beverage prices dampen enthusiasm for container deposit scheme
TWO months on from its launch across the state, community members remain divided on the success of the container deposit scheme (CDS). The CDS, which...
Freshwater Creek Steiner School gets $2.2m boost
TWO new classrooms are among upgrades slated for Freshwater Creek Steiner School this year. Works will total $2.2 million and involve the construction of a...
Surf Coast faces childcare challenge
MANY families across the region are waiting more than 12 months to secure childcare as the sector battles ongoing staffing shortages and growing demand...
Four-legged therapist offers unconditional support at the SAFV Centre
A THERAPY dog has joined the team at the Sexual Assault and Family Violence (SAFV) Centre as a permanent staff member, offering support to...
Salty souls and Seaforth
Cayla and Heidi Fin moved to the Bellarine Peninsula in 2018 and have never looked back. They joined the Portarlington CFA, got to know their...
Community, music and markets: Nightjar Festival delivers on all fronts
TORQUAY's favourite summer event, the Nightjar Festival, concluded its 2024 run last week, following its triumphant return to the town. Set across four nights, festival...
Local talent to shine in Strictly Ballroom
REIMAGINED as a musical, Baz Lurhmann's beloved film Strictly Ballroom is headed to the Geelong stage this month. The show will be held at the...
Paralympian’s decade-long fight for beach access pays off
A FORMER Paralympian and Anglesea resident is celebrating the installation of a beach accessibility mat at Point Roadknight Beach after ten years of advocacy. Elle...
Grants connecting Victorians with local producers
THE Victorian government has announced the launch of a new $1 million grant program designed to showcase food and beverages being produced across the...
Local waterways affected by blue-green algae
COMMUNITY members are advised to avoid contact with waterholes in Drysdale and Newtown after high levels of blue-green algae were detected during routine monitoring. The...
Forged with passion
Amanda O'Neill knows jewellery. The master jeweller has spent the past 25 years creating wearable pieces of art for clients based both in Australia and...
Don’t rush, don’t click, don’t pay: Tips to avoid impersonation scams
THE National Anti-Scam Centre is urging consumers to stop and ask themselves if they know who they are communicating with, as financial losses from...
SUMMER IN: The Surf Coast
WITH its rugged cliffs, pristine beaches and lush landscapes, there's plenty to see and do on the Surf Coast. Enjoy the region's surf, landmarks and...
Secret gardens of Anglesea: Explore hidden oases for a weekend
TWO private coastal gardens in Anglesea will open to the public next weekend, offering tranquillity and inspiration to garden lovers alike. Peter Shaw, author and...
Come for the music, stay for the experience
Legendary US rock band Dinosaur Jr. is headed to Geelong next month to headline the second instalment of Tent Pole: A Musical Jamboree. The festival...
Inquiry calls for major boost to social housing in Victoria
A STATE inquiry into the rental and housing affordability crisis has called on the government to increase the number of public and community homes...
You are what you eat
A Surf Coast-based father of four has constructed an urban garden on his property in Wensleydale to help reduce the cost of grocery bills...
Nightjar Festival dazzles crowds in victorious return
CROWDS flocked to the Torquay Common last night for the debut of the Nightjar Festival’s new format, enjoying an electrifying night of music, art...
SUMMER IN: Geelong
SUMMER in Geelong beckons with its vibrant atmosphere, outdoor experiences, and lively food scene. Here's your guide to the perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and...
SUMMER IN: The Bellarine Peninsula
WHETHER you're interested in exploring nature, enjoying local food and wine, or relaxing on the beach, the Bellarine Peninsula has something to offer. Make the...