About the episode
Here is what is making news for January 20, 2026.==============================The Colac and Corangamite regions residents will soon have easier access to federal services, with Services Australia’s Mobile Service Centre Blue Gum touring the south west.============================================================Colac Area Health has officially launched its Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan.Colac Area Health CEO Fiona Brew says it marks an important step in its ongoing commitment to strengthening relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.============================================================Community Liaison Officers have been out in force across the Colac Otway region this weekend, visiting towns near active firegrounds to share up-to-date information and answer questions.CFA Community Liaison Officers and the Mobile Education Unit visited Lavers Hill and Forrest on Saturday, returning to Forrest and stopping at Gellibrand on Sunday.============================================================Despite fighting the fires with a tanker more than 30 years old, Irrewillipe CFA Captain Ian Clark says there is a lot to be thankful for as conditions ease across the region.He says the community support and efforts from local fire agencies has been remarkable and worth high praise.============================================================The 2024-25 CFA annual report will be tabled and made publicly available today, giving Victorians a look at how funding is allocated.The report shows a $40 million truck budget replaces just 18 of nearly 700 CFA vehicles each year, leaving an aging fleet, with the oldest truck 36 years old.Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan spoke to Ace Radio's Country Today program and says right now her immediate focus is on the regions such as Colac Otway affected by fires over the last fortnight.============================================================Member for Polwarth, Richard Riordan is urging both the Victorian and Federal Governments to step up support for communities affected by recent severe weather and flooding.He says damage across campgrounds, beaches and public land in the Surf Coast, Colac Otway Shires and Great Otway National Park is significant, with mud and debris creating ongoing challenges.============================================================AND IN SPORTOtway Districts have unveiled another signing ahead of the season with Chris Pederson crossing over from Belmont.Pederson played almost 250 games with Belmont in the GDFNL. ============================================================The inaugural Warrnambool Moyne T10 women's showcase event was a success with Pomborneit's Sam Coxon featuring in the win for the Hopkins Hurricanes.The Hurricanes played the Moyne Mavericks in the grand final, with a highlight of the day being a hat-trick to Charlotte Wythe.============================================================Corangamite Weekend Pennant Bowls action has returned for 2026.Apollo Bay defeated Camperdown Magpies.Colac beat City.Winchelsea 2 was too strong for Simpson.and Winchelsea 1 was too good for Central.============================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
