SOUTH WEST LOCAL NEWS- WEDNESDAY MAY 27TH-2026

This morning on South West Local News.

Investigations continue into a stabbing in North Warrnambool, with three people injured.

Cyclists allegedly targeted on a popular training route, with staples scattered on the road.

The fate of Port Fairy’s embattled Belfast Aquatic Centre, decided at this month's council meeting.

And in sport, A rooster becomes an eagle, thanks to the mid-season draft in the AFL.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

This morning on Southwest Local News... Investigations continue into a stabbing in North Warnerville with three people injured. Cyclists allegedly targeted on a popular training route with staples scattered on the road. The fate of Port Ferry's embattled Belfast Aquatic Centre decided at this month's council meeting. And in sport, a rooster becomes an eagle thanks to the mid-season draft in the AFL.

SPEAKER_00 0:28

Live from Silverball Studios in Warnable. This is Southwest Local News with Shauna Rogers.

SPEAKER_01 0:36

Good morning and welcome to Southwest Local News. Investigations are continuing into a stabbing in North Warnerville yesterday, which led to three people being taken to hospital with lacerations. Police were called to an address in Peter Street, Warnable, about 1.20 p.m. after reports of a home invasion. Officers have been told a group of people attended the address and stabbed two men and assaulted a woman before leaving. Detectives are requesting anyone with CCTV of the incident to come forward to help with the investigation. Cyclists have been allegedly targeted on the Wongum Road training circuit after dozens of staples were found scattered on the bike path along the popular route. According to a police spokesperson, it appears the staples were strategically placed on the roadside where cyclists frequently ride while training. Police are concerned that while the incident has already led to punctures, there is a real risk that punctures could lead to a more catastrophic event.

SPEAKER_04 2:34

The decision itself is quite clear. But the weight, as you Councillor Foss said, in the room is massive. I've had my own kids' birthday parties there. I've met with Councillor Ryan about running for council there. I've met you know people, I've rehabilitated my own shoulder in there, I've watched people rehabilitate their bodies and their minds in that service. What happens in there can happen again. How we do that, we have documents and strategic plans, and you know, as as Councillor Foster said, we need unity within our community to work together to be able to reimagine what's possible. We have geothermal in Port Ferry. There's a multitude of wonderful options and ideas. But as uh Councillor Murray and Councillor Foster have said, we see the blue fish and we hear you and we see you, and it is a very, very difficult time. But we have a financial responsibility to all our ratepayers, and it would be financial madness to try and repair that building, unfortunately.

SPEAKER_01 3:44

Glenelgeshire Council adopted its first ever position statement aimed at strengthening Aboriginal inclusion at its monthly meeting last night. The framework covers land traditionally cared for the Gundijimara, Jadajwali, and Boandic peoples. Mayor Karen Stevens says the document commits the council to telling the Shire's history with truth and honesty. She emphasised that the practical goal is to embed truth and respect into everyday practice and council's decisions. The statement will guide future partnerships and the utilization of public spaces across South West Victoria.

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We recognize that Portland holds a substantial moment in the history as the site of Victoria's first permanent European settlement. These events have had lasting impact that continue to be felt by Bundajemara people today. As a council, we have a shared commitment to strengthen how the municipality acknowledges, interprets, and presents its history through expanding the news of signage, plaques, and public art as important tools to truth telling.

SPEAKER_01 5:37

Rad Health Chief Executive Alistair Stevig says the funds will strengthen local health services, including free GP clinics and addiction support. The $22,000 total has been distributed among several local not-for-profits used by club members over the years. Other recipients include the Neil Porter Legacy, the Southwest Neonatal Unit, and the Warnable Historical Society, which also received the club's memorabilia. Formed in 1907, the Historic Sporting Club officially wound up its operations at the end of 2025. The historic town of Caston is gearing up for a massive June-long weekend with all eyes on the 2026 Australian Kelpie Muster, which celebrates its 30th year this year. While crowds will flock to local favourites like the Kelpie High Jump and the Stockman's Challenge, the real tension is building ahead of Sunday's working dog auction. There is a palpable buzz in the air this year, with organisers hoping a standout dog can finally shatter the long-standing 2021 world record of $35,200. Festival president Karen Stevens says the sheer quality of the working dogs nominated this year has expectations at an all-time high.

SPEAKER_02 7:00

But of course, you know, we're busily also organizing the Kelping Festival for the Main Street on Saturday. So lots of fun to be had, and you know, there will be some celebrations. So we will have a celebration on the Saturday night, but um always a good family-free event on Saturday, and then of course the auction on Sunday when we get down to the serious business. So whether we break our barrier of uh 35,200 for a working dog this year will remain to be seen, Liam, on Sunday afternoon after three.

SPEAKER_01 7:45

The Logan's Beach viewing platform is officially buzzing this week after the season's first Southern Wright whales were spotted right off the Waterville coast. Local whale watchers braving the winter chill were treated to a spectacular show as the massive marine mammals settled into the shallow waters below. The highly anticipated arrival marks the start of the annual winter migration from sub-Antarctic waters into our corner of the southwest. With the bay serving as a vital nursery, residents and visitors are reminded to keep a respectful distance as the mothers prepare to give birth and nurse their calves over the coming months. Crankmart Shire Council has unveiled its draft 2026-2027 budget, maintaining stable community services despite a massive spike in fuel costs linked to conflict in the Middle East. The plan features a $19.05 million capital works program, locking in nearly $10 million to upgrade roads, alongside major funding for the Narragid Landfill and Turang Stadium. To balance the books, rates will rise by the state cap of 2.75%, while waste charges will increase by 6.67% due to the high levies and fuel pressures. The community has two weeks to review the document online at kerangmite.vic.gov.au with all public feedback due before 5 pm on Tuesday, June the 19th. Southwest residents are being urged to turn overlooked backyard olives into liquid gold as the annual fruit rescue initiative returns this weekend. Organisers are aiming to collect more than a ton of fruit to be processed into fresh community olive oil by the Grampians Olive Company. Locals can participate by harvesting their own trees, volunteering to pick or registering unused trees for others to harvest. Drop-off points will be open this Sunday afternoon at community hubs in Warnable, Croyd and Port Ferry. Finally, the Southwest Dairy Ladies Luncheon has announced its return for 2026 with a focus on celebrating the resilience and the leadership of women working in the agricultural sector. Organisers confirmed this morning that history-making jockey and national icon Michelle Payne will headline the event as the keynote speaker. Payne is expected to share insights into her career journey, drawing parallels between the grit required in elite racing with determination shown by regional dairy communities. The annual gathering serves as a major networking platform aimed at connecting local producers, industry professionals, and regional advocates over a formal lunch. The committee reports strong early interest with ticket allocations now open to the public through the official Southwest Dairy website. Time to take a look at some sport news now. First in AFL, former South Warnable product Marcus Herbin is officially heading to the AFL after being picked up by the West Coast Eagles. The 23-year-old utility was taken by the club with pick 13 during Tuesday night's midseason rookie draft. The selection rewards a stellar run of form for Herbert, who won Geelong's VFL best and fairest last year and has been averaging over 27 disposals this season. Eagles recruiters noted they were won over by the defender midfielders' composure under pressure and clean ball skills. The versatile Hamden League graduate is expected to arrive in Perth this week to link up with his new West Coast teammates. In Speedway, the stakes just got a whole lot higher on the clay at Sungold Stadium. The annual December blockbuster honours Warnable's own spring car legend, Max Dumsney. And this year's cash injection is locked in to draw the biggest names in the business. Expect a star-studded field of drivers to push their limits on the high banks for a shot at the ultimate payday and ultimate bragging rights. The Allensford Football Netball Club is gearing up for a massive weekend as they play host to rival All Collegians for the annual Heart Kids Shield. The home side's dominant form was on full display just last week in round seven, where they dismantled Pamure by a staggering 141 points, winning 187 to 46. Old Collegians will face the ultimate test, trying to halt a firing Allensford attack that has cleared margins of 68, 69, and 29 points over their last month of football. Beyond the crucial premiership points on the line, both local communities are expected to turn out in droves to support and raise vital funds for the Heart Kids Foundation. Finally, Regional Victoria's biggest indoor pickleball showdown is coming to Warnable Stadium next month. The 2026 Hustle Warnable Pickleball Open will run over the King's birthday long weekend from June the 5th to June the 8th. A massive field of 527 registered players will battle it out across 22 indoor courts in singles, doubles, and mixed divisions. As a designated Tier 2 event, the tournament offers competitors a crucial opportunity to secure Australian ranking points. Additionally, the high-energy showdown has been selected by Pickleball Victoria as an official leg of the prestigious season-long Victorian Rally series. Around the southwest, partly cloudy for the days ahead with a chance of morning fog with light winds, and Friday morning expecting a foggy start around the Mortlake and Camperdown area. Fairly cold throughout Thursday and around the state on Friday, temperatures are dropping as well. Now to the forecast. Over in Port Ferry tomorrow, a partly cloudy day with a chance of fog in the morning and light winds. For Friday, a top of 16 degrees with north to northwesterly winds for a chance of morning fog. As for Saturday, partly cloudy conditions and a very high chance of showers with overnight temperatures falling to eight. Over in Malt Lake, tomorrow a partly cloudy day with a top of 16 degrees and a chance of morning fog. On Friday, a cloudy day with a top of 15 and light winds throughout most of the day and approaching from the north. And 16 degrees for Saturday with only 4mm to fall in the morning. In the Kolak and Camperdown region, tomorrow a partly cloudy day with a top of 16 degrees. On Friday morning, fog does approach with a top of 15 degrees and only 1mm to fall. Saturday topping at 16 degrees with only 5mm and light winds. Shifting on along the coast and around the region, tomorrow a partly cloudy day topping at 16 degrees and a chance of morning fog in Port Campbell. On Friday, north to northwesterly winds about with temperatures falling to 6. On the weekend, a top of 16 with a partly cloudy day and northwesterly winds, with overnight temperatures dropping to 8. An inwarnable, a partly cloudy day tomorrow, most likely at night paired with light winds. A shower throughout Friday with a top of 15 degrees, and as for Saturday, topping at 16 with up to 9mm on the way. That's it from your Southwest Local News team this morning, and thank you for tuning in. Remember that you can also watch this bulletin online at SouthwestLocalnews.com.au. Until Saturday morning with peace. Have a great day.