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

MUST READ

Nov 5, 2026

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

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

Pub Chat

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

Nov 12, 2026

•

1 min read

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

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

Nov 12, 2026

•

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.

Nov 12, 2026

•

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.

Nov 11, 2026

•

1 min read

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.

Nov 11, 2026

•

3 min read

⭕️ Cigarette wars in the West

Plus: Ballarat's request to the Prime Minister

⭕️ 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

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

Where to pick up a new hobby in the West

Resin art, rock climbing and rare trades await.

Pub Chat

The people of Wendouree are keeping it simple. Are candidates listening?

It’s not rocket science - roads, housing, hospitals, development, parking. The usual stuff.

Ballarat

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

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

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

TRENDING

⭕️ 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

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

Where to pick up a new hobby in the West

The people of Wendouree are keeping it simple. Are candidates listening?

The seven best thrill-seeking activities in western Victoria

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

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

STAY CONNECTED