SOUTH WEST LOCAL NEWS- FRIDAY MAY 15TH-2026

This morning on South West Local News. 

Local Police appeal for witnesses, helping to identify an erratic driver 

A Hay shed and its contents were destroyed by fire at The Sisters.

Almost 80 thousand dollars raised for the Leila Rose Foundation at the Carnival.

And in sport a Football Netball Club makes a tough call to recess its senior footy team.

Transcript

SPEAKER_20 0:00

This morning on Southwest Local News. Local police appealing for witnesses helping to identify an erratic driver. A hay shed and its contents were destroyed by a fire at the sisters. Almost$80,000 raised for the Leela Rose Foundation at the carnival. And in sport, a football netball club makes a tough call to recess its senior footy team.

SPEAKER_00 0:28

Live from Silver Ball Studios in Warnham. This is Southwest Local News with Shauna Rogers.

SPEAKER_20 0:36

Good morning and welcome to Southwest Local News. Local police are seeking information from the community about an alleged erratic driver on the Princess Highway. The vehicle in question was a dark grey twin cab Toyota Hilux, which was seen driving west between No Tuk and Terang on Wednesday, May the 13th at around 11am. According to police, they received a number of calls to Triple Zero about the car and are hoping to find any dash cam footage to help identify the driver. If anyone has any information about the incident, they are asked to contact crime stoppers on 1-800-333-0000 or contact the Warner Police.

SPEAKER_01 2:38

We've been very lucky that Warner's been a fantastic supporter of the Layla Rose Foundation. You know, we've had uh great support from uh the Warnerwell Racing Club over the years, and having volunteers who are willing to put up their hands and help us make uh raise some important funds is very great.

SPEAKER_18 2:53

So proud of the result this year, and really we we provide a platform, but we have to give full credit to the Layla Rose Foundation for their creativity uh in in how they raise their profile this year, how they raised the money, in how they engaged with the audience, um, and just also how they how they thought about it and and how they made sure that they could raise the most we've ever raised as part of the jump initiative.

SPEAKER_20 3:16

Federal member for Wan and Danteen returned from trade talks in Taiwan this week regarding the long-term supply of diesel in Australia and other key sectors such as agriculture and critical minerals. The local MP led the cross-party delegation on a five-day visit, which included high-level discussions with senior government leaders and ministerial officials. Australia's major import from Taiwan is refined petroleum, with approximately$3.6 billion worth imported in 2024. There are worldwide concerns about the supply of fuel caused by the ongoing conflict between the USA and the Middle East. Dan says the talks in Taiwan were extremely positive, but there are still underlying concerns about the fuel supply.

SPEAKER_14 4:22

But the the key thing was that, you know, it has to be resolved by the end of July, otherwise we're going to start seeing the consequences again. The world had large, large reserves, especially of fossil fuels, of oil and diesel and and and petrol and jet fuel. They're being eaten into, and unless we can get this get this resolved in a couple of months, then we're going to see it start hitting this again. I mean, we've already seen it locally with the price of fertiliser and diesel. Um, but you know, we really need to see this resolve.

SPEAKER_20 4:59

Local Gundijamara and Kira Wong man Joey Chatfield has designed the Guernseys the Western Bulldogs will wear in this year's Sir Doug Nichols round. According to Joey, the Guernsey design centres around protection, respect and connection. Dedicated to his late grandparents, the design draws strongly on traditional and environmental elements while honouring Gundi Jamara and Kure Worong cultural heritage. Speaking on the club's Facebook page and on the YouTube channel, Joey explained that the Guernsey represents the people and the ancestors honoured in tradition.

SPEAKER_16 5:35

Love art and I love storytelling, and like Edwards had a bit to do, you know, tapped me on the shoulder and said, listen, there's something happening. Uh, will you be interested alongside others? I made an 11th hour decision to put my application in, a little bit of profile as well. I was lucky enough to get it, and uh it was in late 2024 I was appointed, and obviously not without the interruption of last year's jumper. Um I was very happy to get the 2026 jumper, knowing it was a 10-year celebration uh of their premiership, but it's it's a natural process for me to tell stories and reflect on what the jump was about because I lived there, I breathed it, I know my culture, I know my connections to the country, and importantly what my ancestors have gone through and what we'll continue in fighting for. So, yeah, that's how it all came about.

SPEAKER_20 6:28

And you can watch that full video on Southwestlocalnews.com.au. A delegation of Warnable City Council and other leaders will head to Asia to represent the region. Mayor Ben Blaine will be joined on the visit by Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mason, Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism General Manager Liz Price, Krangamite Chires Manager, Economy and Prosperity Caddy McMahon, and Warnerville Hospitality Operator John Watson. The trip will take place in Warnable's sister cities in Japan and China and will also visit Shanghai and Beijing. The visit is aimed at further strengthening cultural and economic ties. The delegation leaves on May the 12th and returns on May the 27th. The Illua based chapter of riding for the disabled Victoria has joined a statewide campaign.

SPEAKER_08 7:20

Why is it important for people with a disability to ride a horse?

SPEAKER_11 7:23

RDA provides therapeutic riding services across the whole of Australia. It's been in operation for an excess of 60 years now, and we have riders from as young as age three right through to age 65. And they come here at our centre for a riding 20 to 30 minutes, and it has fantastic social, physical, and mental benefits.

SPEAKER_08 7:45

Across the state, riding for the disabled has more than 1,000 people with disabilities on its wait list to participate in horse riding. The organisation is hoping to raise$300,000 before June 30th and is halfway there with$12,000 raised. Michael McCluskey highlights a new initiative that Williams Racing has adopted and encourages other racing stables to do the same.

SPEAKER_11 8:09

Locally here we're very lucky. We've teamed up with Matthew Williams and Ultra Williams and all the staff at the Williams Racing. Currently they run a very good scheme where if one of the horses wins a trophy race, they will set up an auction amongst all the owners. The winning bidder puts in the money, they get the trophy, and thankfully, RDA here at Warnable gets that money contributed to our fundraising.

SPEAKER_08 8:34

Speaking to the RDA coach, Natalie Monaghan, she hides the impact it has on the participants' lives.

SPEAKER_21 8:42

Oh, it's fantastic. That's what it's all about. We get a lot of um pleasure from watching them progress as the weeks go on. Um, they get a lot out of it. Um, we get great feedback from the teachers that their motor skills have improved, their speech, um, their balance, um uh so many benefits. It's fantastic. A lot of the kids get very attached to the ponies during the course of the year. Um, and they we try and keep uh the same pony to the same rider each week so they can develop that bond. Um we see that progress. There's lots of cattles, lots of pats, lots of time just spent um patting and loving the horses, and there's so many benefits to that as well. Um, yeah, we we're very lucky that we've got access to quite a few horses, and we ourselves breed um breed the horses and develop them along, and we're lucky that um we have got experience like Michael and a few other members of um Pony Club, they they're very good at sourcing the horses and spotting a good horse, which is fantastic.

SPEAKER_08 9:45

If you're considering a new volunteer venture, consider RDA. Reese Jansen reporting for Southwest Local News.

SPEAKER_20 9:52

Thank you, Reese. The international sensation that is Eurovision returns to Warnable later this month, but with a local flair. Warnavision will see local musicians representing their country of choice going head-to-head in performances. Proceeds raised will go to Warnable and District hospice, and the winner will be determined by a cash-based voting system. On top of the main prize, there is also an opportunity for the audience to come away with an award, the best Eurovision style outfit. Tickets are available via the Warnavision website. Warnable in District is preparing to celebrate Idahobbit Day in style. Idahobbit Day is on Sunday, May the 17th, with a film screening at Mozart Hall on the day. A community celebration will be held at the Neurite Primary School Hall. This will include drag bingo, stiletto throwing, and guest speakers. Early celebrations took place with a flag raising. This included a youth meet at the Lighthouse Theatre and a flag raising ceremony at the Civic Green.

SPEAKER_19 10:52

Great to see great support. We've still got a lot of work to do in that space. Um, and the more that we can promote events like this with inclusion is absolutely fantastic.

SPEAKER_20 11:02

And what made you put your hand up to raise the flag today?

SPEAKER_03 11:05

Um no one else would. So, and I've got to fight for this community and I've got to, you know, show what I am and who I am to whoever I can, Area.

SPEAKER_20 11:15

Neighbouring town Port Ferry has been recognised as one of the top 100 towns to travel to in Australia, according to the Australian Traveller. The 20-year-old cult favourite magazine named 20 Victoria in its towns list. Port Ferry notched up fourth on the national list. The town was crowned Australia's top festival and events town thanks to its long history of being the home of the Port Ferry Folk Festival, the Literary Weekend, and the winter weekends. Finally, the Warnerbuller Stadford Aria competition returns for 2026. Entries are now open for the$5,000 award with six finalists to go head to head. Tickets are also available for people who would like to attend the event as members of the audience.

SPEAKER_15 11:59

We're expecting 12. We can accommodate 18. So far, 12 has enrolled. There might be a little bit more. Of those 12 people, they all sing on the Saturday in three different sessions, starting at 11am. So at 11am, each one of them will sing a leader, and then there'll be a short break. And then at 2 30 there is Zoom, and there they sing an art song, and also uh a number from any oratorio. And then in the evening it is the heater for the RL, which is the big one. So after this is done, the adjudicator, who is Lee Ann Keegan is here, she's from Melbourne, very accomplished. She will then announce six finalists. And at this moment, those six finalists will know that they are going to be competing in the big event, which will be Sunday at 2 30 in the same venue. And then on the Sunday, what happens is each of these finalists will sing two arias. And after they've sung their arias, Lee Ann will then announce the winner of the big winner. And he or she will take home five grand.

SPEAKER_17 13:04

See how much people grow in 12 months. I mean, we've got some people coming back this year for the ARIA. And in the five years or six years I've been helping out with the ARIA. Just seeing some of those people coming back and growing, how much they've grown, not only in stature, and see how far they've come as singers, but to see the confidence that comes it comes. And to actually it them to have them walk in the door and say, oh, thank heavens, we're home. And that in itself, for them to be able to come and say that type of thing, is just a wonderful thing for us.

SPEAKER_20 13:48

Time to take a look at some local sport now. The Dennington Football Netball Club has made the tough decision to put its senior football team in recess for the remainder of the 2026 season. The decision follows ongoing discussions among the club, Wannable District Football Netball League officials and key stakeholders regarding the current position of the senior football program, the challenges being experienced on and off the field. 16-year-old Angus Ewing is ranked 10th in the world among under-18s after winning gold at the Australian Championships in Discus. Ewing is set to hit the world stage in Darwin on Tuesday, competing in what's considered Oceania's biggest athletics event. As Ewing heads to Darwin to represent Australia, he said he's keen for the competition.

SPEAKER_04 15:04

And it's just an amazing opportunity to be able to represent my country at this like competition, it's just first time competing for Australia, it would just be an amazing experience, and so excited to just get up there and show them what I've got and through.

SPEAKER_20 15:20

Speaking to Ewing's coach Mark Jens from Phoenix Performance, he's certain he's got a good chance to place.

SPEAKER_12 15:27

Yeah, so he's in the space now of being able to apply for um national pathway um uh programmes within Athletics Australia, so he's he's um at that distance where he can um look at so they look at people that could potentially medal at world juniors and Olympic Games and all of those sort of things. So yeah, he's right at that spot now. So I'd you know we'll put in application, see how that goes. But yeah, the I think the older he gets, the more opportunities he's gonna have come his way if everything keeps going in the in the direction that it is. So um, yeah, so Athletics Australia and the Victorian Institute of Sport are areas that would um yeah definitely look at supporting him. Um but yeah, like it's um yeah, just taking sort of one step at a time, I suppose, with all of that.

SPEAKER_20 16:06

Thousands of people will take part in the Great Ocean Road Running Festival this Sunday. Athletes will compete in eight distances, including endurance, trail, and fun runs, as well as a 1.5 kilometre kids gallop. The ultra marathon, ultra and the half marathons are sold out, and traffic will be closed between Lawn and Skeins Creek. The standout event from Lawn to Apollo Bay Hotel stretches over 60 kilometres and is titled the Ecosa Ultra Marathon.

SPEAKER_13 16:36

Gradation Road is is a is a beautiful tourism destination for you know Victoria. So we definitely thank Visa Victoria and the local councils and uh and in particular the community for being really supportive of this event and allowing us to close the road uh for our runners for the once throughout the year. Um we're the only running event that is allowed to close it throughout the year. So we definitely thank all the agencies, all the uh local councils, and and in particular, as I said, the community who really get behind the event also. So we've got a great relationship with the community down here, and ultimately at the heart of it is the community. So um we're just we're just the ones that are coming down to put on this great event and and um you know uh alongside the community.

SPEAKER_20 17:20

This weekend the Southwest Hockey Club is sending four teams to go play in Melbourne for the junior country championships. Southwest hockey has under-18s, under-14 boys' teams, and under-16 and under-14 girls' teams. They are set to play against regional teams like Ballarat, Geelong and Gippsland. Coordinator Kath Byrd is enthusiastic about the team's preparation for the competition.

SPEAKER_02 17:43

I've been training now for six weeks, so we have a fairly strong um preseason, I suppose you call it. Um, and uh we even had a practice match in Hamilton, so that was over the Easter school holidays, which was really good, a really good warm-up for all the teams to get out on the pitch. Um so we come up against some very strong associations. Um so really we go in with the focus of uh participation, doing our best, and each team just uh getting out there on the pitch and having lots of fun over the weekend.

SPEAKER_20 18:13

This week is a particularly special week for women in sport, and Reese Jansen has more.

SPEAKER_08 18:19

This week is Women in Sport Week. Women in Sport Week is all about promoting equity between female and male sports and helping professional female athletes.

SPEAKER_05 18:27

I feel like uh men are seen as like stronger, more athletic, while women are seen as weaker and less reliable when it they're both just as strong, just as reliable.

SPEAKER_06 18:38

It's great for female to play sports, especially in the southwest, because it's more of a regional area, so it's a good way for people to connect together and make new friends and stay connected with community.

SPEAKER_10 18:48

Women don't get talked about enough even for their skill levels, like there's women just as good as men, but they just don't get enough of like talked about just because they're women. Yeah.

SPEAKER_08 18:57

And how do you think girls' footy, you've mentioned that, um, compares to the men's footy?

SPEAKER_10 19:02

Um, we don't get as many supporters and stuff, but it's still we're getting good treatment and stuff, and Warnerville's been really good to us with the girls' football.

SPEAKER_09 19:09

Women wear so many hats these days. I think it's really important for them to have an outlet and to have um to look after their mental health. And I think playing sports, it gives you um happy hormones and um it it allows you to socialize where we're not isolated. Um it doesn't open so many doors to friendship and for for connection. Which we lack these days.

SPEAKER_07 19:33

Um I know that everyone's just so willing to learn. Like it's obviously quite uh mentally tolling sort of game, um, and it can go either way very quickly, but it's just such a nice, enjoyable environment. Everyone loves to be there. And at the end of the game it's still competitive, but uh enjoyment sort of overrules all of that.

SPEAKER_06 19:52

I think it's really important. We've seen in our club there's some girls who would have to play in the under-17s boys' grade, which you know the quite big boys at times compared to some of the younger, smaller girls. So it's much nicer to see that the girls can have their own league and sort of have a good go against themselves and have that equal opportunity and have a fair opportunity to really excel in their own sport in their own league.

SPEAKER_08 20:16

I'm Rhys Jansen. Here's your weather forecast. Around the southwest, it'll be cloudy for the coming days and foggy starts. Now further into the forecast. Tomorrow in Port Ferry are top of 20 degrees with 15 mil to fall. As for Sunday, showers are due to ease with a top of 18 degrees, partly cloudy on Monday with a top of 18 and a chance of morning fog. Shifting inland to Malt Lake, 19 tomorrow with showers on their way and light winds. On Sunday, it will be a cloudy day with showers in the morning and the afternoon. As for Monday, a partly cloudy day with a medium chance of fog and a top of 18. In the Kolak and Camperdown region tomorrow, a top of 7 mm a top of 21. 18 on Sunday with a cloudy day. Monday, a top of 17 and a medium chance of showers. In Cape Otway tomorrow, showers are increasing with a top of 20 and 9mm to fall. On Sunday, the rain is settling with 15 millimetres on its way, topping at 17 degrees with a south to southwesterly winds. As for Monday, showers will be easing with only 1 mm expected and a top of 17 degrees. Home to Warnable, a cloudy day tomorrow with a light winds and up to 7mm to fall. On Sunday, light winds are becoming southwesterly with a top of 18 degrees. To start off the week with a top of 18 degrees with a partly cloudy day. That's the weather for this weekend. I'm Reese Jansen. Back to you, Shauna.

SPEAKER_20 21:48

Thank you, Reese. And Rhys has been doing work experience with us this week and she's done an incredible job. That's it from your Southwest local news team this morning, and thank you for tuning in. Remember that you can also Also watch this bulletin online at southwestlocalnews.com.au. Until Tuesday morning with peace. Have a great weekend.