Federal Member for Wannon Dan Tehan returned from trade talks in Taiwan this week regarding the long-term supply of Diesel in Australia, and other key sectors such as Agriculture and critical minerals.

The local MP led the cross-party delegation on a five-day visit, which included high-level discussions with senior government leaders and ministerial officials.

Australia’s major import from Taiwan is refined petroleum, with approximately $3.6 billion worth imported in 2024.

There are worldwide concerns about the supply of fuel, caused by the ongoing conflict between the USA and the Middle East.

According to the MP, Australia is well into its reserve stockpile of Diesel and Jet Fuel, and if there isn’t any development in the conflict by July, there are fears Australia could face a huge crisis.

Dan says the talks in Taiwan were extremely positive, but there are still underlying concerns about fuel supply.

The post FUEL CRISIS – LOCAL MP LEADS DELEGATION TO TAIWAN first appeared on South West Local News.

A hay shed, along with its contents, has been destroyed by Fire at The Sisters.

According to CFA, Fire crews attended the property at around 8am on Sunday, to find a hay shed fully involved.

It’s understood that more than 800 bales went up in flames, along with a ute and a feeder, causing over $500,000 worth of damage.

Aside from the property damage, the fire has created a significant shortfall in feed ahead of winter.

It’s believed the fire was caused by spontaneous combustion, a chemical imbalance in hay triggered by moisture.

It’s believed there have been over 30 fires caused by combustion in the region since the onset of summer.

The post $500,000 DAMAGE CAUSED BY HAYSHED FIRE first appeared on South West Local News.

Local Police are seeking information from the community about an alleged erratic driver on the Princes Highway.

The vehicle in question was a dark grey twin-cab Toyota Hilux, which was seen driving west between Gnotuk and Terang on Wednesday, May 13th, at around 11am.

According to police, they received a number of calls to triple zero about the car and are hoping to find any dashcam footage to help identify the driver.

If anyone has any information about the incident, they are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 00 or Warrnambool Police.

The post POLICE SEEK INFORMATION ABOUT ERRATIC DRIVER first appeared on South West Local News.

The Warrnambool Racing Club (WRC), along with the Leila Rose Foundation (LRF), have today announced an incredible new record for donations raised during the 2026 TAB May Racing Carnival.

The iconic 3-day carnival, held earlier in the month at Warrnambool Racecourse, saw tens of thousands of racegoers donating to LRF via various fundraising initiatives that will now go towards supporting families affected by rare childhood cancers.

The partnership between WRC and LRF was announced in early November where the LRF were presented with the top level of funding within WRC’s 2025-26 JUMP: A Charity Partner Initiative (JUMP initiative) at a morning tea.

With post-Carnival tallying now complete, the LRF achieved an incredible $57,543 in donations. This record amount triggered a cap-out of the dollar-for-dollar matching provided by Beyond Bank, who will also contribute a further $20,000 to the total, taking the final figure raised to nearly the $80 thousand dollar mark.

Dr Andrew Chow, Founding Director of LRF, said “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated volunteers, sponsors, the Warrnambool Racing Club, and Beyond Bank Australia and we are deeply grateful for their generosity, unwavering support and for helping shine a light on the important work of the Leila Rose Foundation.”

Dr Chow continued, “This was a true community effort, with Warrnambool businesses generously supporting the campaign by selling Leila Rose Foundation pins, race day crowds getting behind us and all with the incredible backing of Beyond Bank.”

Warrnambool Racing Club Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Danielle Keilar, said “We are beyond thrilled for the Leila Rose Foundation and their outstanding fundraising efforts at this year’s Carnival. For such a small group of dedicated volunteers to achieve another record-breaking result through the JUMP: A Charity Partner Initiative is exceptional.”

Ms Keilar also added that, “The local and extended racing community continue to demonstrate the passion they have not only for the Carnival, but also for the important causes supported by our Charity Partners.

As the initiative continues to grow year on year, it’s fantastic to see past and present JUMP Charity Partners come together and support one another. The sense of community behind the initiative is incredibly special, and the result achieved this year is something we’re very proud of.

WRC Committee Member and JUMP initiative chair, Maree Lane, said the partnership with LRF exemplified the community spirit at the heart of the May Racing Carnival.

“The response from racegoers and the Warrnambool community this year has been outstanding. The Leila Rose Foundation brought real initiative to this partnership, introducing fundraising badges for the first time – something no previous JUMP partner has done – and it clearly resonated with the crowd.”

Ms Lane also commented that, “What’s been equally impressive is the way our charity partners are supporting one another: the Foundation has been in active conversation with last year’s recipients, the Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club, to learn from their experience, and is already preparing resources to help future JUMP partners hit the ground running.

This is exactly the kind of community spirit the May Racing Carnival is built on, and we couldn’t be prouder of this result.”

Grant Howland, Community Development Manager at Beyond Bank, stated “The Leila Rose Foundation is clearly an outstanding cause and we are so honoured to partner with them as they support families going through the toughest of times. Community is at the heart of everything we do, and we are proud to partner with more than 5000 not-for-profit groups and clubs around Australia.”

Mr Howland also added, “Because we are so deeply invested in local communities, we have the privilege of seeing first-hand not only the hard work of these charities but also the real outcomes they deliver for people everywhere.”

The post ALMOST $80,000 DONATED TO LEILA ROSE FOUNDATION FROM PARTNERSHIP first appeared on South West Local News.

Local Police are concerned about a new way local offenders are attempting to break into locked cars.

It follows a recent spike in car thefts in the Western Victorian Police Region, with investigators identifying that key cloning technology is causing significant concerns for Police.

It’s prompted calls for locals to install additional anti-theft measures, as the devices are providing opportunistic thieves with a way to override car security systems without keys.

Police allege they used key-mimicking devices to steal up to 21 cars between January and March this year.

According to Detective Acting Inspector Chris Asenjo, up to 30 per cent of cars stolen in Warrnambool in 2026 may have been taken by thieves using the devices.

The post NEW TECH AIDING OPPORTUNISTIC THIEVES first appeared on South West Local News.

Local Peek Whurrong and Kirrae Whurrong artist Bailey Mifsud, known by her artistic name Merinda Gunya has completed a mural at Marvel Stadium that will be on display for the next two years.

Located near Gate 9, the mural features her iconic pastel colour palette.

It was commissioned as part of the AFL’s Sir Douglas Nicholls Round, with the commission also including a sherrin football.

This follows fellow local artist Sheree Johnstone’s affiliation with the Geelong Cats last year, having designed the club’s 2025 Sir Douglas Nicholls Round jerseys.

The post WATCH – LOCAL ARTIST FEATURED AT MARVEL STADIUM first appeared on South West Local News.

An 18-year-old pilot attempting to break a Guinness World Record touched down in Warrnambool last night as part of her 15000 km journey to circumnavigate the Country.

Rose Donald is no inside her final legs of the journey, as she attempts to become the youngest female Pilot to achieve the feat.

She departed Warrnambool en route to Hobart, before heading back north to Mallacoota and finishing at Essendon.

Rose has raised more than 70 thousand dollars for Little Wings as part of the journey, which supports sick children get transport to hospitals.

By the end of the trip Rose will have enough hours to finish her commercial pilot’s license, and she says its always been a dream to attempt the record since the age of 14.

The post WATCH – YOUNG PILOT ON HOME STRETCH FOR WORLD RECORD first appeared on South West Local News.

The Albanese Government passed down its 2026/27 budget overnight, but it’s been slammed by the Federal Member for Wannon, who accused it of imposing more taxes on the Australian people.

The MP has also expressed the budget as city-centric, singling out funding for the Victorian State Government’s suburban rail loop as taking priority over crumbling regional roads.

Dan believes that the billions of dollars allocated to help that particular project could have gone a long way in helping fund urgent road repairs across the state, and of course, in Wannon.

Aside from the lack of funding for roads, the decision to drop crucial funding to repairing blackspots in rural areas is also a slap in the face to regional Australians.

Watch Dan’s full interview below.

The post ‘CITY CENTRIC’ BUDGET BAD FOR THE REGION first appeared on South West Local News.

Trains have resumed on the Warrnambool Line today following the completion of a new stabling yard, track upgrades and maintenance works along the line.

The stabling yard at Warrnambool Station allows V/Line to house trains overnight and ensure the Warrnambool Line continues to provide a reliable service for passengers.

V/Line is running more services than ever before on the Warrnambool Line, with passengers now having access to five daily return services seven days a week, providing more travel options at different times of the day.

Safety and reliability have also been improved on the line through upgrades to more than 60 level crossings and the introduction of modern VLocity trains

The post V/LINE TRAIN SERVICE RESUMES first appeared on South West Local News.

The 19-year-old offender charged with attempting to steal a car while holding its owner at knife point has skipped court, prompting a warrant for their arrest.

Nate Morris-Cowan was scheduled to appear in the Warrnambool County Court yesterday for a plea hearing.

It comes after Morris-Cowan pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated carjacking in May last year, after approaching a 71-year-old male with a machete in a Dennington Shopping Centre.

If anyone has seen Morris-Cowan, they are urged to contact Warrnambool Police or Crime Stoppers.

The post WARRANT ISSUED FOR ATTEMPTED CAR JACKING first appeared on South West Local News.

Port Fairy has been named Australia’s top Festival and Events town and listed 4th in Australia’s top 100 towns list.

Port Fairy is one of 20 towns across the state making the list, thanks to it’s rich cultural calendar anchored by the world famous Port Fairy Folk Festival, historic streetscapes and enduring seaside charm.

“It’s far enough from Melbourne that it hasn’t been fully overrun by tourists and retains its charm, says panellist Adrian Williams.

Victoria’s strong showing spans every travel style, from country towns and food hubs to wellness retreats, beach escapes and cultural centres, reflecting the state’s remarkable variety within a hours drive.

Beechworth ranked second nationally in the Country category, praised for its heritage streets, standout food and access to wineries and hikes.

Closer to our region, Lorne finished 11th on the list, and in conjunction with Meeniyan cemented Victoria’s ever-growing reputation as a food and wine destination, while Daylesford once again proved its wellness credentials coming in 12th.

Regional cities also made their mark, with Geelong (No. 34), Ballarat (No. 50) and Bendigo (No. 74 recognised for their arts, culture and thriving local scenes.

The post PORT FAIRY LEADS THE STATE IN NATIONAL AWARDS first appeared on South West Local News.

Road Trauma Awareness Month has commenced, and the Road Trauma Support Group, Amber Community are coming to Warrnambool to raise awareness. 

The “Shine a Light on Road Safety” event will be held on Sunday, the 17th of May.

With the aim of bringing together families, individuals and workplaces to honour lives lost and support those affected by road trauma.

Funds raised through the campaign allow the Amber community to deliver free counselling. peer support and evidence-based education programs for people affected by road trauma. 

The Transport Accident Commission reports that 94 lives have been lost on Victorian roads within the last 12 months. 

The post SUPPORT FOR THOSE AFFECTED BY ROADSAFETY first appeared on South West Local News.

For the first time since 2014 a Council-led delegation will journey to Japanese sister city, Miura.

The delegation will continue on to visit Chinese sister city Changchun, which will be Council’s first visit since 2018.

“This has been a while in the planning and we are really looking forward to these visits,” Warrnambool Mayor Cr Blain said.

“In the years since we visited Changchun and Miura we have hosted a number of delegations and we now have an opportunity to visit, renew relationships and see how Miura and Changchun have changed.

The Mayor recently met Japan’s Melbourne Consul-General Foruya Tokuro, who was excited about the trip and had spoken to Miura officials.

“Our sister city status with Miura was formally established in 1992,” Cr Blain said. 

“It’s a relationship that centres around education and cultural exchange, with a number of Warrnambool residents having enjoyed cultural exchanges through study or employment.

“Our relationship with Changchun was formalised in 2012 and has a focus on culture and economic development.”

Accompanying Cr Blain will be Council Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism General Manager Liz Price, Corangamite Shire’s Manager Economy and Prosperity Katy McMahon while Warrnambool hospitality operator Jon Watson will be part of the Miura visit. 

Miura is a coastal city, 50km south of Tokyo. It has a population of about 39,000 and is sustained by the fishing and tourism industries.

The delegation will also meet representatives of the Victorian Government’s “Global Victoria” initiative in Tokyo.

Changchun is situated in China’s north-east. The city’s urban population is more than 6 million The average summer temperature is 22.3 degrees while the average winter temperature is a chilly -15.7 degrees.

Changchun is a manufacturing centre and is home to factories which produce cars for brands including Volkswagen and Audi.

The delegation will also visit Shanghai and Beijing.

“Global Victoria has a strong presence in China and we’ll see first-hand what opportunities exist for Warrnambool and South West businesses,” Cr Blain said.

“Victoria is Australia’s largest supplier of food and fibre products to China and the South West is a major food and fibre producing area.

“We also plan to visit Vic House, a showroom and event space where producers can display Victorian goods and connect with Chinese buyers.”

Note: Cr Blain and Mr Mason are paying for their own flights and intercity train travel. 
 

The post MAYOR & CEO TO VISIT SISTER CITY first appeared on South West Local News.

The Heywood SES Unit is on the hunt for some members with a special skill.

The unit is calling out for chainsaw operators.

At the moment, the unit has only two on its books, placing a big load on these members.

Given Heywood’s forested location, many SES jobs involve fallen trees.

The unit is keen to hear from new members and will also be ramping up chainsaw training for existing members.

The post HEYWOOD SES IS ON THE HUNT first appeared on South West Local News.

Charges are yet to be laid in relation to the death of a koala in Koroit, with police confirming they are not the lead agency in the investigation.

In a statement to South West Local News, Victoria Police said the matter was under investigation by the Victorian conservation regulator.

Police said the conservation regulator interviewed the man and has primacy of the investigation.

A spokesperson from the conservation regulator said its investigation was progressing, but no charges have been laid at this time.

A person of interest was interviewed regarding the incident at the time.An online petition calling for the Victorian Animal Care and Protection bill to be tabled in Parliament has now exceeded 1,800 signatures.

According to Mosswood Wildlife, Victoria‘s animal cruelty laws are some of the weakest in the country.

If the law is updated in the Parliament, it would recognise all animals as sentient beings, meaning they are capable of feelings such as pain and pleasure, outlining minimum care requirements – including food, water, shelter, hygiene and exercise.

It will also introduce a new high-level offence for intentionally causing unreasonable harm, pain, or distress to an animal.

The incident involved a vehicle allegedly being used to drag a koala along a roadway in Koroit on March 25.

The koala died from its injuries.

To sign the petition you can click the link below.

The post INVESTIGATIONS INTO KOALA DEATH CONTINUE – CHARGES YET TO BE LAID first appeared on South West Local News.

Organisers of this year’s Mother’s Day Classic continue to be blown away by the community’s support, with more than 400 people taking part again on Sunday.

Now in its 29th year, the annual event has raised almost $43m for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Two years ago, the event began donating money to Ovarian Cancer research and has almost reached $3m in donations.

It’s believed that another $30,000 was raised at Sunday’s event, and according to ambassador Susanah Gleeson, it’s amazing to see how much the event has grown over the years.

“I just hope it grows more and more”, Susannah said.

“Unfortunately, cancer seems to be something that touches every single person; everybody has had either somebody in their family, or knows somebody that’s gone through a cancer journey”, she said.

Participants taking part in the event also do so in honour of men in their families who have also succumbed to cancer.

Barney Johns lost his father-in-law to the disease and took part in the 2026 event in memory of him.

“My father-in-law passed last year, so cancer has been present in our family too, unfortunately”, Barney said.

“We are all here as a family just for a run and a walk,” he said.

The post WATCH – MOTHERS DAY CLASSIC SUCCESS first appeared on South West Local News.

Over the past few weeks, we have been seeing some comments surrounding links not loading on our new website, so we did some investigating, and what we found was staggering.

According to our web development team, the server the site is hosted on couldn’t keep up with the traffic, reaching numbers double the expected monthly volume in just a few days.

The numbers we are seeing in our analytics match that diagnosis, so we have taken steps to give the site more power to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

That said, traffic on the site continues to increase each week, so we expect to encounter further issues down the track. We are working behind the scenes to make additional improvements – we just didn’t expect the amount of traffic so soon after the site’s launch.

We would like to thank those of you who took the time to alert us to links that weren’t working and ‘site crashes’. 

It helped us diagnose the cause and implement safeguards to prevent it from happening again.

If you run into any issues again, be sure to message or email us so we can get our web development team onto it.

A huge shout-out to Jai from Iron Digital and Andrew from Isanet for the continued support.

The post YOU’VE SPOKEN IN VOLUMES (LITERALLY) – SO WE HAVE LISTENED first appeared on South West Local News.

Warrnambool Police will ramp up patrols around Warrnambool’s iconic Fletcher Jones Factory site, as trespassers, squatters and vandals continue to access parts of the building.

Over the past few months, there has been dozens of security breaches at the site, causing those who work at either the business centre, or for the site’s owner directly to fear for their safety.

In recent weeks there has been people living in corners of unstable middle section of the site, going to such lengths as running heaters, microwaves and music players.

There has also been people caught doing drugs, and defacing the walls with offensive messages.

The middle section of the site is being assessed by Heritage Victoria and the State Government to determine whether it meets criteria for demolition due to safety concerns.

While the site is under constant security surveillance, it hasn’t stopped intruders from attempting to steal building equipment and other materials from inside the factory.

The biggest concern is the extensive collection of motor vehicles stored at the factory, and while that section is in accessible, extra measures are being taken to protect them.

If anyone witnesses people inside the buildings, they are urged to contact Warrnambool Police immediately or, alternatively, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The post POLICE TO RAMP UP PATROLS AT FLETCHER JONES SITE first appeared on South West Local News.

PICTURE: WARRNAMBOOL SES

A man in his 30’s was lucky to escape with minor injuries after rolling his vehicle in Dennington/Illowa early Sunday Morning.

Emergency services responded to a triple zero call to the intersection of the Princes Highway and Conns Lane just before 1:30AM.

According to Police a Holden Astra had lost control, crashed, and flipped, before the sole occupant was assisted by CFA, SES and Ambulance Victoria.

The 32-year-old man from Churchill was out of the vehicle on arrival of police and had somewhat minor injuries considering the crash.

He was taken to hospital by Ambulance Victoria for observation. The scene was cleaned up and the vehicle towed.

The post ONE INJURED IN MOTHERS DAY ROAD ACCIDENT first appeared on South West Local News.

Emergency Services attended a two vehicle accident just during morning peak hour on Monday morning.

All services attended the intersection of Caramut and Walsh Road just after 8:30.

Crews arrived to that there was no one trapped.

According to Ambulance Victoria, Paramedics attended patients were assessed at the scene, but there was no one seriously injured.

The collision led to some minor traffic disruption on the highway while crews worked to clear the scene.

According to Fire Rescue Victoria, crews arrived at the scene within seven minutes after multiple calls to triple zero.

They remained on scene, and the incident was deemed safe just after 8:45 AM.

The post MORNING PEAK HOUR ACCIDENT IN WEST WARRNAMBOOL. first appeared on South West Local News.