Zara Cuthbertson

Zara Cuthbertson grew up in Colac and took the leap into local news reporting straight out of Year 12, working as a newspaper cadet during her studies at Deakin University. Growing up in the south west, Zara is passionate about what the community she calls home has to offer. When she’s not reporting, you’ll find her at a concert or music festival, trying new restaurants and cafes, taking a walk or trying out a new hobby.

Police take 10,000 allegedly illegal cigarettes during raid of Portland business after local tip-off

The incident follows two separate tobacco raids in the Colac district and a tobacco shop fire in Cobden.

Portland

Warrnambool puts caravan park plan on hold after debate over safari tents and amenities

“Blind Freddy knows that our parks need some significant investment.”

Warrnambool

The seven best thrill-seeking activities in western Victoria

From bucket list fillers to family fun, the region has plenty to offer the adrenaline junkies.

The Polwarth candidate who joined One Nation with the click of a button

The eco-friendly business owner says her background doesn’t contradict One Nation’s commitment to scrap net zero and ban commercial renewable energy.

Politics

🐑 Dirt racers

Meet the fastest flock in Patchewollock.

State funding offers final puzzle piece for new $950,000 space for Koroit youth

A $450,000 state government commitment will help fund the first stage of the project, including a new pump track.

Moyne

Victoria is running out of gas. Experts question whether the Coalition’s plan will fill the gap

“Any new gas is likely to be more expensive than what we have now, because the cheap-to-extract gas is gone.”

Climate

Riordan backs offshore gas near Port Campbell but rules out fracking at Polwarth election forum

The strongest rebuttal of the debate came from a member of the public.

Politics

$500k for roads not used

Plus: Hamilton cinema's reshuffle.

Paying too much for power? Colac locals learn how to make their homes cheaper to run

Solar, batteries and efficient heating were on the agenda at an information night helping locals navigate home upgrades.

Colac Otway

“Spend every dollar that we’ve got”: Glenelg councillor calls out $500,000 underspend on local roads

Councillor Michael Carr has questioned how the council will deliver this year’s $4.9 million road program.

Roads

Police call arson chemist after Cobden tobacco shop goes up in flames

Fire crews spent hours tackling a blaze at a Curdie Street tobacco shop on Wednesday.

Crime

Hamilton cinema to lose 53 seats under Southern Grampians Council redesign

Just 55 of almost 4000 sessions over three years drew more than 68 people.

Southern Grampians

Pick your own: Seven farms in Western Victoria where you can pick fresh fruit this summer

Forget the supermarket shelves.

Lifestyle

Dairy profits bounce back, but farmers say recovery is far from over

Average earnings rose more than $2 to $3.31 per kilogram of milk solids, but farmers say coming back from the financial damage of drought is a long game.

Agriculture

Lorne’s “Two Fat Ladies” sculptures, Cora and Lynn, are getting a makeover

Replicas are planned to take their place after decades of sun exposure.

History

Australians buy 56 new clothing items a year. These West Vic teens are teaching others to shop second-hand instead

Op shopping, repairing clothes and upcycling are on trend.

Events

Former branch of failed State Bank hits Colac market for $1.45 million

Commonwealth Bank absorbed the State Bank of Victoria in the early 80s.

History

How many Apostles?

Plus: The history of Best’s Wines Great Western.

Minister, MP, candidate: Labor’s Michaela Settle on the fight to retain Eureka

From drought recovery and biosecurity to growing suburbs and regional roads, the MP outlines what she hopes to tackle next.

Profiles

West Vic farmers say EU trade deal falls short, but cutting emissions is paying off

Local producers have questioned the free-trade agreement, but their concerns extend beyond quotas to the climate policies that could shape their access to overseas markets.