Your go-to source for local news, events, and community stories across West Vic.

MUST READ

Nov 5, 2026

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3 min read

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

Nov 2, 2026

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1 min read

Labor promises Ballarat a free dental clinic. How would it operate?

A $30,000 sign-on bonus will be offered.

News

Jul 31, 2026

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21 min read

Who can I vote for across Western Victoria at the 2026 Victorian election?

Our guide to November’s state election, who you can vote for and what they hope to achieve if they are elected into power.

Politics

Why western Victoria is getting rain during El Niño, and what it means for summer

Nov 12, 2026

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2 min read

Why western Victoria is getting rain during El Niño, and what it means for summer

Three shires have declared fire danger periods two weeks early to brace for hot, dry conditions.

CFA

Zara Cuthbertson

Admitting mental health needs are “unmet”, Labor promises $19.5 million for free appointments in Ballarat, Ararat

Nov 12, 2026

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1 min read

Admitting mental health needs are “unmet”, Labor promises $19.5 million for free appointments in Ballarat, Ararat

In Western Victoria on Thursday, Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said two new centres would be built.

Ballarat

Darcie Humphreys

THE LATEST

Lifestyle

Stop and smell the roses: Seven botanic gardens to explore in western Victoria

Nov 13, 2026

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1 min read

Stop and smell the roses: Seven botanic gardens to explore in western Victoria

You don’t need to be a green thumb to appreciate these spots, each with their own history and standout attractions.

Nov 13, 2026

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2 min read

Bev McArthur’s European trip has been referred to the anti-corruption commission. Here’s what that means

The Liberal upper house member for Western Vic claimed almost $8,000 in flights for a 31-day trip.

Nov 13, 2026

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1 min read

WATCH: Did you know Ballarat has a town crier?

Town criers are employed by local councils to make announcements in the street, and there are about 25 across the country.

Nov 13, 2026

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1 min read

Victorian Labor promises to permanently freeze emergency services tax for farmers

The levy has been a major issue since changes were first announced almost two years ago.

Nov 13, 2026

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4 min read

Newsletter: Something's fishy in Colac

Plus: Warrnambool health group hacked.

Newsletter: Something's fishy in Colac

Plus: Warrnambool health group hacked.

WATCH: Have you heard of Ballarat's "cunning" woman?

Mary Barrell was a fortune-teller during the gold rush. She caused quite the stir.

Pub Chat

Admitting mental health needs are “unmet”, Labor promises $19.5 million for free appointments in Ballarat, Ararat

In Western Victoria on Thursday, Health Minister Ingrid Stitt said two new centres would be built.

Ballarat

Why western Victoria is getting rain during El Niño, and what it means for summer

Three shires have declared fire danger periods two weeks early to brace for hot, dry conditions.

CFA

Medicare numbers and addresses exposed as West Vic healthcare group investigates cyber breach

Epichealth, which runs Warrnambool’s urgent care clinic, says it’s still working to verify the group behind the attack.

Warrnambool

⭕️ Cigarette wars in the West

Plus: Ballarat's request to the Prime Minister

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

The City of Ballarat is asking the Prime Minister for a Royal Commission into the killing of women

Ballarat’s Mayor cited the She Matters mural and the work of Sherele Moody in her push for national femicide inquiry.

Ballarat

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Your go-to source for local news, events, and community stories across West Vic.

MUST READ

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

Labor promises Ballarat a free dental clinic. How would it operate?

Who can I vote for across Western Victoria at the 2026 Victorian election?

Why western Victoria is getting rain during El Niño, and what it means for summer

Admitting mental health needs are “unmet”, Labor promises $19.5 million for free appointments in Ballarat, Ararat

THE LATEST

Stop and smell the roses: Seven botanic gardens to explore in western Victoria

Bev McArthur’s European trip has been referred to the anti-corruption commission. Here’s what that means

WATCH: Did you know Ballarat has a town crier?

Victorian Labor promises to permanently freeze emergency services tax for farmers

Newsletter: Something's fishy in Colac

TRENDING

Newsletter: Something's fishy in Colac

WATCH: Have you heard of Ballarat's "cunning" woman?

Admitting mental health needs are “unmet”, Labor promises $19.5 million for free appointments in Ballarat, Ararat

Why western Victoria is getting rain during El Niño, and what it means for summer

Medicare numbers and addresses exposed as West Vic healthcare group investigates cyber breach

⭕️ Cigarette wars in the West

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

The City of Ballarat is asking the Prime Minister for a Royal Commission into the killing of women

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