About the episode
Here is what is making news for January 12, 2026. ======================= Incident Control Officer Dale Antonysen says two fires in Carlisle River have merged together and are back burning at the moment, the Great Ocean Road has been reopened following closures after Cape Otway Fires.Antonysen praised the efforts of local firefighters with more than 200 people on the ground fighting the fires. ======================= ======================= Colac Area Health has reminded Colac Otway residents of the health impacts people may face over the coming days due to the Carlisle River, Irrewillipe and Cape Otway Bushfires.Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says checking air quality is important and residents asked to leave their residence should take their prescription medication with them. ======================= ======================= Corangamite Shire Council has praised the resilience of the Skipton district community as recovery begins following a destructive fire on Friday.A Recovery Hub opened at the Skipton Mechanics Hall yesterday.Mayor Kate Makin says council will continue working closely with the community in the days and weeks ahead. ======================= ======================= Member for Polwarth Richard Riordan says the amount of support offered around the region has been overwhelming.Mr Riordan commended the efforts of volunteers across the region from those fighting fires - to helping members seeking refuge at the Colac Showgrounds and COPACC. ======================= ======================= Bushfires spreading across the state and parts of the Otways has seen Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan declared a State of Disaster across 18 fire-affected local government areas, including Colac Otway and Corangamite Shires, and one alpine resort. ======================= ======================= Statistics are in for the Colac Police's Operation Roadwise which was in effect over the Christmas and New Year Period.Across the region 1,800 breath tests were recorded.79 speeding incidents, 7 drug drivers, 1 alcohol affected driver were detected.5 drivers disobeyed signs, 5 unauthorised drivers were detected with 19 other offences recorded. ======================= ======================= AND IN SPORT Country Week cricket has wrapped up for the Colac regions talented young cricketers.U17s action saw Colac finish fifth with three wins and two losses in the Western Waves region.U15s saw Colac play in the Barwon Central Highlands competition, with another two teams featuring in Geelong's Country Week.While four under 13s teams participated. ======================= ======================= While Lorne's Mountain to Surf race was cancelled the iconic Pier to Pub race kicked on with Samuel Short taking out the win in the men's category.Paris Olympian Lani Pallister took out her seventh straight Pier to Pub win in the female category. ======================= =======================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
