A recent news item highlights a program that has broadened job aspirations among young people in the Colac district. Three local young people took part and were exposed to the variety of career paths across the agricultural sector. The same listing page also features items on heifer prices recovering, a Probus club celebration, and an upcoming historic flower show. The provided text offers no detail on the program's organisers, its duration, or how many young people overall have taken part, so those specifics remain unstated.
The Dalemain Australian Marmalade Awards in Birregurra showcased a vibrant spectrum of global marmalade varieties, each offering distinct flavour profiles. Artisans from across the country presented their tangy creations to a panel of judges. The event highlighted the craftsmanship and diversity of marmalade-making in Australia. Participants included Belinda Stewart, Kylie Edwards, Jill Martin, Georgie Seebeck and Ami Hillege. The competition celebrated the rich tradition and innovation in this beloved preserve.
A free workshop in Colac on Tuesday, October 27, will help farm businesses improve their office systems and make better use of accounting software. It runs from 8.30am to 2.30pm at the DEECA Office on Gellibrand Street. Participants are asked to bring a laptop and can work through examples using their own records or a demonstration program. Topics include emailing invoices, processing batch payments, reconciling accounts, tracking fuel, grain and livestock inventory, and creating custom reports. Attendees will also learn ways to manage emails, receipts, paper records and cloud-based storage.
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A renovated home at 21 Lascelles Avenue, Manifold Heights, is on the market for $2 million to $2.2 million. McGrath agent Georgie Shaw says the outdoor space is a key drawcard, including a playground, swimming pool, covered deck with a built-in barbecue and outdoor fireplace. The red clinker brick home has a renovated kitchen, bathrooms and plantation shutters. A former games room has been enclosed to create a multipurpose pool house or extra living space. Shaw says the vendors, who are moving to acreage, have added extras that make it a ready-to-move-in home.
Free Children's Week events will be held in Torquay and Winchelsea next week, giving families activities, crafts and entertainment. The Surf Coast Shire and local early years services are hosting the events. In Torquay, activities run at Elephant Walk on Tuesday 27 October from 10am to noon, including a Science Kidz show. In Winchelsea, families can join nature play and science experiments at Riverbank Playground on Thursday 29 October from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Children's Week runs nationally from 24 October to 1 November.
More than 25 free and low-cost events for children up to 12 will run across Greater Geelong from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November. The program spans Ocean Grove, Armstrong Creek, Waurn Ponds, Lara and Norlane. A highlight is a Halloween dance party at Lara Community Centre on Friday 30 October, with music, games, costumes and spooky surprises. The City of Greater Geelong has allocated more than $20,000 through its 2026–27 Children's Week Grants program to help local organisations run activities.
Community music initiative The Sound Doctor will stage three consecutive headline shows at the historic Anglesea Memorial Hall over Melbourne Cup weekend. Queenie, Telenova and Budjerah are booked for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Founder Dr David Corbet says the support acts are a highlight, giving emerging artists a chance to perform for attentive audiences. Fremantle singer-songwriter Banjo Lucia opens for Queenie, Melbourne duo Wishlist opens the Saturday night show, and local act Wild Gloriosa joins Budjerah on Sunday. Tickets are available through The Sound Doctor website.
Nearly two thirds of Melbourne home sellers who went to auction last week sold, despite having to reveal their reserve prices early. Greater Melbourne recorded a preliminary clearance rate of 60.1% from 539 auctions, according to realestate.com.au. A three-bedroom townhouse in Reservoir sold for $831,000 after attracting five registered bidders, with a young couple buying their first home. The agent lowered the reserve after buyer feedback and then agreed to $795,000 with the owners. Nationally, the preliminary clearance rate was 41.5% from 1,593 homes scheduled for auction.
Ten-year-old Brandon Winkworth raised $500 for Bread Hub Victoria after his school charity choice was not selected. The charity matched the amount, doubling it to $1000. The money will fund vouchers for disadvantaged people in Hobsons Bay and Wyndham to use swimming and gym facilities at Laverton Community Hub and Bayfit. Laverton Community Integrated Services chief executive Michael Pernar praised the boy's efforts. Hobsons Bay mayor Diana Grima said the youngster's hard work was an inspiration. Brandon said he is proud of what he achieved.
Iramoo Community Centre is launching a 2027 fundraising calendar called Still Got It. The calendar features centre members in fun, theatrical monthly themes. Proceeds will support community programs and services. The not-for-profit centre offers a space where locals can connect, learn new skills, build friendships and take part in wellbeing activities. Local businesses and residents can get involved in the fundraising initiative.
Kings Park Primary School could move closer to a new gym after the state government promised $500,000 in planning funding, if Labor is re-elected. The money would allow planning to begin, including consultation with the school community. Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch said she had secured the commitment after advocating for better facilities at the school. Education Minister Gabrielle Williams said careful planning would help deliver the best possible upgrade for students.
Jockey Craig Williams will ride James J Braddock in this year's Melbourne Cup, despite not having ridden the four-year-old yet. The horse is trained by Joseph O'Brien, who is seeking further Cup success after previous wins with Rekindling and Twilight Payment. Williams won the 2019 Cup with Vow And Declare. He said co-owner Ozzie Kheir pressed him to commit to the ride last month. Co-owner Kevin Blake said the horse has been bouncing since arriving at Werribee from Ireland last week.
