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.
Receivers are selling six unfinished luxury homes at 8-12 Were Street, Brighton, for about $9 million. The asking price is only slightly more than a finished five-bedroom home on the same street sold for $8.5 million in March. Stonebridge is marketing the site, where foundations, slabs, pool structures and framing are complete. Future Property Group's David Cummins warned that taking over another developer's project could bring hidden defects, weather damage or missing paperwork. Expressions of interest close on November 19.
Melbourne buyers are being urged to act before the November 28 election, with a buyers advocate claiming early buyers could save 10 per cent. Madeleine Roberts of MR Advocacy said interstate investors are already looking at cheaper Melbourne properties, and that some homes around $2 million are being discounted by $300,000 to $400,000. Both major parties have pledged to restore Victoria's $300,000 land tax-free threshold for investment properties, though Ms Roberts questioned whether Labor could be trusted.
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Olympic skiing gold medallist Jakara Anthony will serve as an ambassador for the 2027 Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. The Barwon Heads local will join fellow ambassador and Tour de France winner Cadel Evans for the event, which includes the TAC People’s Ride. Anthony expressed excitement about participating in the ride and promoting cycling in her home region. The race will take place from 27 to 31 January 2027, featuring various events including the Surf Coast Classic and Geelong Port Family Ride.
Mortgage demand across the Loan Market Group network has fallen 24 per cent since January, with investor lodgements down as much as 44 per cent in some markets. Federal reforms will restrict negative gearing on established investment homes bought after the May budget, from July 2027, while newly built homes keep existing treatment and the 50 per cent capital gains tax discount. A survey by the Property Investment Professionals of Australia found just 4.8 per cent of respondents were more willing to buy new housing because of the preserved benefits.
The Uniting Church in Barwon Heads has created a vacant 1395 square metre battleaxe block at 71 Hitchcock Ave, directly behind its heritage-listed church. The church could receive between $3m and $3.3m from the sale. The proceeds will go back to the local congregation, which is restoring the church and building a new community and event space. The block has mixed use zoning, and listing agent Elissa Holloway says it could suit a private residence, a boutique development or a commercial concept. Expressions of interest close on December 10.
When Barwon Heads resident Daniel Vella's dog Ricky went missing, strangers joined searches to bring him home. Volunteers shared sightings through social media, and some spent hours looking. Groups such as PAWSAFE connect volunteers through suburb-based group chats, so they can respond quickly to roaming dogs. The not-for-profit relies on donations to cover petrol and rescue equipment. Milly's Search, Trap and Reunite also works with volunteers in the region, with founder Sherri Johnston saying the community is what finds the dog.
Volunteer emergency services across the Bellarine Peninsula, Surf Coast and Geelong will share in $31 million from the state government. Torquay's services receive the largest allocations, including $543,000 for the CFA brigade's vehicles and appliances. Queenscliff Coast Guard will receive $80,000 for a heavy-duty rigid inflatable boat. Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said she was proud to support local volunteers and the work they do to keep communities safe.
Doherty Building Group has won the 2026 Master Builders Victoria Residential Regional Builder of the Year award for its Sandcastle project in Connewarre. The luxury three-bedroom home was also named the state's best custom home in the $2 million to $4 million category. Its meditation room features a funnel-shaped ceiling with an operable skylight, which took three months to build. Managing director Tyson Doherty said the team had to make up some of the construction details as they went. He said the award reflected the quality of building across Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and Surf Coast.
Graham Mulroney has been awarded the Melvin Jones Diamond Lapel Pin for 53 years of community support in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove. The Lions Club of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads member and former president said the honour was a big surprise. He credited the achievements to teams working together. Mr Mulroney joined Lions in 1974 and took part in many community projects, including bushfire relief after the 2009 Victorian bushfires, which earned him an Australian Government Award.
Cyclists across the Geelong region are being asked to rate their local roads and paths during the October Biketober campaign. Participants can log rides and earn prize entries, and this year they can also rate how comfortable their routes feel. The push comes as Surf Coast Shire and the City of Greater Geelong seek state funding for a separated cycling link between Torquay and Geelong, estimated to cost $13 million. The shire is also seeking an extra $2.8 million for the highest risk section between Blackgate Road and Lower Duneed Road.
Barwon Heads will field a vastly different cricket team this season, with only one player from last year's premiership side remaining. Jacko Mallett is the sole premiership player listed and has taken over as coach. The Seagulls have lost key players like Angus Mackie and Darcy Hewitt but retain hard-hitting opener Lewy Hyland and star spinner Sam Schaller. Mallett sees the youthful squad as a chance to refresh while still contending. Barrabool has strengthened with the inclusion of Tom Scott, while Armstrong Creek has added prolific runmaker Clay Mulgrew.
Two Greater Geelong fire brigades held Get Fire Ready open days on Sunday, as the Country Fire Authority urges Victorians to prepare for a high-risk fire season. More than 175 brigades in the South West region will host open days across October and November. Community members can discuss local fire risks, create fire plans, and prepare properties with CFA volunteers.
