SOUTH WEST LOCAL NEWS- MONDAY MAY 25TH-2026

This morning on South West Local News

Another broken promise as the State Government edits the mention of South West Victoria off its website.

Charges laid against a teenager found to be in possession of more than $50,000 worth of drugs.

The Glenelg Shire Council is set to deliver a position statement to strengthen Aboriginal Inclusion.

An in sport, Sweet revenge as Nirranda defeat Merrivale in an A Grade Netball Grand Final re-match.

Transcript

SPEAKER_04 0:00

This morning on Southwest Local News, another broken promise as the state government edits the mention of Southwest Victoria off its website. Charges laid against the teenager found to be in possession of more than $50,000 worth of illicit drugs. Little Shire Council set to deliver a position statement to strengthen Aboriginal inclusion and explore sweet revenge as Miranda defeat Merivile in an A-grade netball grand final pre-match.

SPEAKER_00 0:30

Live from Silverball Studios in Warnerball, this is Southwest Local News with Liam Fitzgerald.

SPEAKER_04 0:37

Good morning and welcome to Southwest Local News. Local wildlife groups have been angered after the state government edited an election promise regarding a wildlife hospital in the Southwest off Deke's website. Late last year, Southwest Local News reported concerns that our region was overlooked for the hospital after the state government announced that one would be built in Kai Abraham. On its website last year, Deke stated that $4.7 million was allocated for a wildlife hospital to be built in South West Victoria. That's now been changed to Victoria, prompting calls from advocacy groups for it to become an election promise in the lead up to the state election in November. Speaking to Fitz Media's full story, in 2023, member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermakora acknowledged that there needs to be a wildlife hospital in our region, and the state government is aware of its importance.

SPEAKER_09 1:33

Well, the distance between the South Australian border and Melbourne is vast, and the risk for wildlife is constant. So there's definitely a geographical gap between Melbourne and the border, and we definitely need something in the region.

SPEAKER_03 1:56

Obviously, we've got the ocean, we've got the bush land, we've got such a diverse ecosystem down here. Do you think, with what you know and the panels that you sit on, that it's only a matter of time before they see that we need to get something happening down in South Estatoria?

SPEAKER_09 2:11

On wildlife rescue, the government is very aware and there's some terrific engagement going on between Tracy and the DECA department. So there's a consciousness there and a lot of consultation going on. In the last budget, we've also included some money to do a good uh number, basically the numbers on how many animals are needing support and what kind of support that they need. So I really appreciate when I get an opportunity to come and visit a place like this, and and then so when I'm actually at Parliament and teeing up meetings, I can talk with authority and confidence about what's actually going on here, and there's no doubt we definitely need a facility.

SPEAKER_04 3:05

Speaking in Parliament in November last year, member for South West Coast, Roma Brittany, warned the government that the promise of a facility in the South West better not be another broken one.

SPEAKER_08 3:16

When will my community in South West Coast see construction begin on the promised wildlife hospital and see its doors open to support the carers and the land, coastal and marine animals who desperately need it? In 2023, the government committed 4.7 million to establish this vital facility. Yet more than two years later, there is no timeline, no consultation, and no visible progress. Places like Mosswood Wildlife are doing amazing work under immense pressure. They need real support, not just promises. This better not be another broken promise.

SPEAKER_04 3:56

Warnable police arrested and charged the 19-year-old Warnable man found to have been in possession of illicit drugs with a street value of more than $50,000. According to police, a search warrant was executed at a Moore Street address on Friday, locating ketamine, cannabis, MDMA, and hallucinogens. He was charged with six offences, however, police say there could be more laid as investigations continue. The man appeared in the Warnerball Magistrates Court today. The Glenalkshire Council will make a landmark declaration at its monthly council meeting tomorrow night, formally announcing its position on improving and strengthening its relationship with traditional landowners. The Glenalkshire Council position statement will signify its commitment and actions to strengthen Aboriginal inclusion in the Glenelgshire between 2026 and 2030. This document formally recognises that while colonisation affected all of Australia, Glenalk's historical context carries particular significance and that the Glenalkshire Council shares a responsibility to ensure its history is understood and shared truthfully and respectfully. The proposed actions include annual public reporting and cultural competency training, supporting truth-telling initiatives and significant local commemorations. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Glenelkshire Mayor Karen Stevens told Southwest Local News: the Glenelkshire is the European birthplace of Victoria, and that is an incredible cultural load that needs to be acknowledged.

SPEAKER_07 5:29

The Glenelkshire is the European birthplace of Victoria. So for our Indigenous residents and also for us as a council, you know, that that is an incredible cultural load that that we that we have. And um we felt it's just the time for us to make a statement. There's been so many times that we sort of thought, oh well, maybe we should, maybe we shouldn't. But it it's appropriate now for us to do it. And of course, you know, leading into reconciliation week, which will be next week.

SPEAKER_04 6:04

Warnable Spring Car Champion Corey McCullough has been named Ambassador of Alert Warnable, a local not-for-profit organisation aiming to highlight the importance of road safety. Corey was among the guest speakers at Alert Warnable's voices and views session at the Lighthouse Theatre last Thursday, the organisation's inaugural information night. The in-awareness continued on Saturday with the V96 spring car on display at the Civic Green, complementing information sessions and other activities. Alert Warnable has been founded by the Moon family following the tragic loss of 16-year-old Joel Moon in 2021. Hundreds of people attended the weekend's Warner City Council Volunteers Festival on Saturday at the Emanuel Centre. The event provided an opportunity for volunteer organisations to speak about the work they do in our community and for people living in our region to inquire about joining them. More than 40 volunteer organisations hosted stalls at the event, ranging from wildlife rescue organisations to health service providers and emergency services. Those in attendance were treated to food vans, barbecues and prizes throughout the day. Around 140 people attended Saturday night's 2026 Warner Vision events at the Wannin Rooms representing the moon. Zach Cash took out the $300 cash prize as the winner with his rendition of The Sound of Silence. The Warnable City Jazz Band won $200 for second place, while Crystal and Co took out the $100 prize for third place, representing England. Proceeds raised from the night will contribute to providing access to music programs for underprivileged students. According to organisers, the talents on display was an extremely high calibre. A major new landscape restoration project has launched in the Southwest with the ambitious goal of planting one million trees by 2040. The Land Life Southwest initiative aims to protect and restore 400 hectares of land across Warnerville and Moyne, focusing on biodiversity and regenerative agriculture. Organisers say the programme will help local farmers build drought resilience, improve soil health, and increase production despite a changing climate. The project follows 19 highly successful pilot programs on local farms, which were oversubscribed by 400%. Community members, farmers, and local organisations interested in getting involved are encouraged to contact the Warnerwell Coastcare Land Care Network. Finally, Southwest Local News wishes to join the rest of Australia in acknowledging the sad passing of Neil Danaher AO at the age of 65 today. Neil's fight against MND has helped raise more than $140 million through the Big Freeze, which spread from the MCG to places like Allensford and Hawkesdale for their own events. Locally, thousands of dollars raised through local events has helped contribute to some of the largest regional fundraising tallies in the country. On June 8th, Big Freeze 12 will head to the MCG, an event which Neil has attended since its inception. Let's take a look at some sports news from across the weekend now. First in Netball, the A-grade grand final rematch between Merivale and Naranda on Saturday went down to the wire with the Blue securing its revenge on the Tigers, winning by one goal. At quarter time, scores were level, but Naranda fought back to take a two-goal buffer into halftime. The margin remained the same at the final change, but despite the best efforts of the reigning premier, Naranda stuck it out to secure the win. Steph Townsend started with 27 goals, supported by Sophie Adams with 14, while Charlotte Howe shot one goal in the contest.

SPEAKER_06 10:24

Steph Townsend, give us a little bit of a rundown on today's game.

SPEAKER_01 10:27

Yeah, it was a um absolute firecracker, I think. It um was pretty hotly contested ball. Um a lot of momentum shifts, a lot of great pressure from both sides. Um but yeah, I mean we always know coming up against Murvale that um yeah, no matter what position they're in, they're always gonna fight. So it forced they forced us to play at times really um probably ugly Randon Nepal as opposed to what we would like to play. Um and that's credit to them. But yeah, it was uh it was a great game.

SPEAKER_06 10:54

Uh and who would you award your best on today?

SPEAKER_01 10:56

Oh I thought Matthew Jared was um she was fantastic, really, really strong under that circle, uh under the ring, and then um upon transition, just so uh uh cool, calm and collected, and she's um she's like a bloody gazelle. She is so light on her feet, and yeah, she's cruisy, and then yeah, Maddie um Craven, she was a big difference, no matter what position I put her in. Um she's a coach's dream. But yeah, I think I can't really pick a third. It was um yeah, I haven't actually had a lot of time to think, but um, yeah, I think everyone played their role. Um but coming up against yeah, Merivale, we always know that we've got to we've got to produce a really good four quarters in Apple.

SPEAKER_04 11:33

It certainly was a fantastic contest in the footy. Merivale defeated Naranda by 28 points, proving that the club has found its feet after what's been a slow start to the season. Nathan Krepp led the goals with three, Brad Bull, Josh Britton, and Manny Sandau booted two each, while Ollie Ducas, Riley McConnell, and Ben Mulquay contributed with one each. Jalen Porter was named best on ground for Merivale, with Manny Sandow and Sean Barnes rounding out the top three. Speaking after the game, Ned Bolden told WDFNL Game Day that it was an important win for the club.

SPEAKER_02 12:05

Uh we'll do, I feel like. It's getting kind of been brewing. I feel like we had a pretty good game against Allensville. I mean, that's a pretty pretty good side. I mean, they're kind of the standard, so I think across the board. I don't know, I feel like we gave it right to them and follow it through today, so hopefully momentum goes our way for a little bit.

SPEAKER_05 12:20

Absolutely. I sort of felt Paul and I were discussing in the van, especially your last quarter. We thought you were really good. You run kept going, and probably the difference was you, yourself and Charlie Porter, you probably hit your targets, the fitnesses the fitnesses there, because that was a physical game.

SPEAKER_02 12:34

Yeah, yeah, for sure. I mean it definitely helps. I mean, I can kind of fly under the radar with people like Manny and uh, you know, the Gleasons and Jalen and Dukey. I mean, I can go on and on, so it's nice for me. I kind of just go under the radar and goes alright, I suppose.

SPEAKER_05 12:46

Absolutely, and obviously only half a dozen games into your your career here at Merivale. Uh obviously a special one with two reunions on this weekend, so nice to come home with that breeze with the bar behind you.

SPEAKER_02 12:57

Yeah, I think the bar's a pretty big motivator for Merivale. Um I I don't think it's the first time Merivale would turn up for a good bar, so hopefully we just get the bar going everywhere, you can all be right.

SPEAKER_05 13:06

Awesome. Well, Ned, thanks for joining us. You're very reluctant, but come on, mate. It's never going to be hard-hitting questions here.

SPEAKER_04 13:14

Finally, in Hamden League Football and Netball, the bottle greens come away with the Clinton Bowl's John Northy Cup on Saturday, defeating the Ballarat Football Neppal League by nine points at the Reed Oval. Riley Hutchins was awarded the Umpires Best on Ground, while Lucas Edmonds was presented the Richard Nixon Medal. Over at the Netball court, the Hamden League drew with the Ballarat Football Neppel League, both finishing tight on 43 goals in the under-23 contest. Leila Monks swept the pool clean, taking out both the Umpires Best on Court and the Hamden League Football Nepal League coaches best on court medal. Cloudy coverage over the state for the next three days with showers predicted across the southwest, now to the remainder of the forecast. Wednesday 18 with a shower or two. Cloudy and 17 on Thursday with temperatures dropping to 10 degrees overnight. In Lantern Mort Lake 18 with winds tending to the east, 17 on Wednesday, partly cloudy with rain ahead, and 17 again on Thursday with 7 degrees overnight. Over to Koalak and Camperdown, a top of 17 for Tuesday with the chance of a thunderstorm in the afternoon. 17 for Wednesday with rain on the way, and a max of 17 as well for Thursday. Down to the coast, easterly winds for Tuesday with 17 degrees atop with partial cloud. Wednesday temperatures reaching 17 and a medium chance of showers, and 17 again for Thursday, also expecting showers. Home to Warnable with a top of 19 tomorrow with showers in the morning, partly cloudy and 17 on Wednesday, as for Thursday, 17, and medium chance of showers throughout the day and light winds. That's it from your Southwest Local News team this morning. Thanks for tuning in. Remember, you can also watch this bulletin online at southwestlocalnews.com.au. Until Thursday morning. Have a great day.