About the episode
Here is what is making news for January 27, 2026.============================================Residents all across the Otways are reminded to check the Emergency Victoria app frequently today, with watch and acts across much of the region.Deputy Incident Controller Alistair Drayton says today's extreme heat and blustery condition make for a challenging day to contain the fire.========================================================================================Residents in towns surrounding the Carlisle River fire have already begun evacuating ahead of extreme fire danger conditions forecast for the region.Communities including Gellibrand, Kawarren, Beech Forest, Forrest, Barongarook and parts of the Otways National Park remain at risk after the fire breached containment lines on Saturday and has now burned about 9,400 hectares.Emergency services say toodays’s weather could see the fire spread rapidly toward the southern Otways and potentially as far as Lorne and Aireys Inlet.More than 1,100 properties are affected, with relief centres open in Colac and Grovedale.========================================================================================For the first time, Corangamite Shire’s Citizen of the Year award has joint winners.Gary and Marilyn Kimber of Cobden were recognised for more than 40 years of volunteering across the Shire, including Rotary, U3A, and local community initiatives.The Young Citizens of the Year are Bentley Currell, who has raised tens of thousands for charity through cycling challenges, and Ben Matthews, recognised for his lifesaving work at Port Campbell Surf Life Saving Club.Timboon’s 150th Birthday Celebration won Community Event of the Year.========================================================================================Community members across Colac Otway Shire have been recognised at the Shire’s official Australia Day celebrations, held yesterday at the Cressy Aerodrome.Jeanette Biddle was named Citizen of the Year, recognised for her long-standing contribution to the local community.Birregurra’s Patrick Walsh received the Young Citizen of the Year award.The Apollo Bay and District Historical Society was honoured with the Culture and Connection Award, while George Roberts received the Helping Hand Award.========================================================================================The Cressy Aerodrome was packed yesterday for Australia Day celebrations.Owner Paul Lamont says it was a fantastic day for the town, with the awards highlighting the Aerodrome’s rich history perfectly.========================================================================================The Colac Otway Community Awards and Australia Day event was a roaring success out at Cressy Aerodrome yesterday.Colac Otway Shire Mayor Jason Schram says it was awesome to see an event return on Australia Day, celebrating community members across the region.========================================================================================AND IN SPORTCity United nearly pulled off a shock upset in its Sungold Cup campaign falling short by four runs to Allansford-Panmure.The Knights chased Penola's score of 93 two wickets down thanks to 67* not out from Dylan Slater in their first game.Slater starred in the second match producing 101 from 51 balls with six fours and 8 sixes.========================================================================================The Colac Kookas have wrapped up a strong weekend at the Bendigo Basketball Tournament.The under 18 boys claimed the Division One premiership, defeating Mildura Heat in the grand final.Meanwhile, the under 16 girls Division One side also impressed, reaching the semi finals before going down to Ballarat.========================================================================================See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
