Get the appLorne, VIC 3232 · 2 stories this week
Nearby: Big Hill
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V-Line has introduced six-carriage trains on the Warrnambool Line, addressing overcrowding concerns raised by Colac and district residents after months of limited services. The new carriages aim to improve passenger capacity and comfort.
A dusty and badly worn road in Elliminyt has been nominated for sealing under the Colac Otway Shire council's 2026-27 road sealing program.
The Warrnambool Line has introduced six-carriage trains, addressing long-standing concerns from Colac and surrounding areas about overcrowding and inadequate service. This upgrade follows persistent feedback from local residents, aiming to improve passenger comfort and capacity. The new trains are expected to alleviate congestion during peak travel times, enhancing the overall travel experience for commuters. This development marks a significant step in addressing transportation needs in the region. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to enhance public transport infrastructure in response to community demands.
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Get the appThe 2026 Warrion Flower Show is set to open tomorrow, inviting gardeners, flower enthusiasts and anyone wanting more colour in their lives to attend. Marking its 114th year, the event will be held at the town's public hall. The Colac Herald, which reported the event, is cited as the source of this update, with the story dated 27 October 2026.
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.
Aireys Inlet Primary School will host its annual Aireys Fair on 31 October, running from 9am to 3pm. The fair, which has run for more than a decade, is organised by a committee of parents with help from grandparents, relatives and the wider community. It will be held alongside the Aireys Inlet Market, with rides and activities on the oval overlooking the ocean. A community-run bookstore will also operate, with all profits going back to the school.
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.
Home building approvals in Geelong have risen 34 per cent over the past year to August, close to levels last seen in the 2022 Covid boom, according to KPMG analysis of Australian Bureau of Statistics figures. The pipeline now sits at around 4000 new homes. KPMG urban economist Terry Rawnsley said the rise shows growing confidence in the city's long-term growth, but stressed that approved projects must now move through to construction. Lara has overtaken Armstrong Creek as the region's top approval area, with the activity shifting north.
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.
A Surf Coast father is hosting a free community event in Torquay to help families grieving pregnancy and child loss. Adam Bumpus lost his baby daughter Florence during labour in April 2025, after learning during pregnancy she had Trisomy 18, a condition that made survival unlikely. Flo Fest will be held on Saturday 7 November at the Torquay Surf Life Saving Club. The program includes a sunrise paddle-out, breakfast, facilitated discussions led by trained grief professionals, and a remembrance gathering by the water. Registration is required by 31 October.
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.
Stage 2a of the $318.18 million Barwon Heads Road upgrade is on track to open mid next year, six months ahead of schedule. The work between Reserve Road in Charlemont and Lake Road in Armstrong Creek adds extra lanes, shared walking and cycling paths, and upgraded intersections. Major work on Stage 2b, from Lake Road to the Lower Duneed Road roundabout in Connewarre, begins in November. Federal and Victorian governments are funding the project. Officials say the upgrades will ease congestion for the 44,000 vehicles expected daily by 2031.
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.
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Get the appTen-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.