SOUTH WEST LOCAL NEWS- FRIDAY MAY 29TH-2026

This morning on South West Local News

One airlifted to hospital after a horror two-car accident in Kirkstall.

The end of an era, the McLean (Mc-Lane) family puts the Allansford Hotel on the market.

Progress made as the Warrnambool Tech School opens its doors for a look at the build.

And in Sport, the Hampden League unveils a new Wellbeing program for young people.

Transcript

SPEAKER_06 0:00

This morning on Southwest Local News, one airlifted to hospital after a horror two-car accident in Kirkstall. The end of an era for the McLean family puts the Allensford Hotel on the market. Progress made as the Warnable Tech School opens its doors for a look at the building. And in sport, the Hampton League unveils a new well-being program for young people.

SPEAKER_00 0:28

Live from Silver Ball Studios in Warnum, this is Southwest Local News with Shayna Rogers.

SPEAKER_06 0:36

Good morning and welcome to Southwest Local News. Police and Emergency Services to a collision in Kirkstall last night. It is understood that a Nissan Pulser and a Mitsubishi Pajero collided at the intersection of Penshurst Port Ferry and Penshurst Warnable Roads about 8 p.m. The driver of the Nissan, a 35-year-old Queensland man, was airlifted to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Three dogs were located deceased inside the vehicle. Yesterday, the director of Southwest Tech School announced that the project is well on track. Here's more.

SPEAKER_09 1:49

So we're here at Southwest Tech School in Marnable. It's going to serve the whole region, every school across the whole Southwest region. It's very exciting to see the progress on the project.

SPEAKER_06 2:02

The Southwest Tech School is set to officially open on September the 17th, with construction expected to finish by early August. Partnering with Southwest TAFE, the school will deliver free, hands-on programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

SPEAKER_09 2:20

Students can develop an interest in a leading-edge technology space right here at home in the South West. And they might go away to study or they might be able to continue their studies. And of course, we also have our renewable trade training centre out at Sherwood Park, which you might have seen a few weeks earlier.

SPEAKER_06 2:45

Director Rowan Kidd says programs are planned to roll out from term four. The project was first announced in the 2023-2024 Victorian State budget with an investment of $116 million.

SPEAKER_09 2:59

This is not only good for the future of young people in our region, it's also good for our industries and our employers who are increasingly looking for people with skills and technology interests and the Southwest Tech School is one of six new tech schools across Victoria, alongside Hume, Dandinong, Brimbank, Wangarata, and Frankston. Well, we're all coming across AI and uh other versions of automation on our social media and on our phones and computers. And new things are going to be constantly developing, and that positions our young people to bear the cutting edge of new ideas and also the cutting edge of problem solving for our regional community right here at home.

SPEAKER_06 3:51

The $12.65 million project also includes the relocation of automotive studies in South West HAFE's Sherwood Park campus.

SPEAKER_03 4:00

So we're on time, we're on budget. I've just finished, almost finished hiring the rest of the staff. So we've got staff, we've got programs written, we've got equipment purchased, which is one of those things, you know, when I say to people there had been a hundred iterations in the design process, and I check on the bill daily just because I'm interested, just to see to get to this point from when it was an automotive facility for TAFE, gutted out completely now to see the spaces in, and we can describe to you like we did today the technology that will be in this space. And it's not just about kids learning tech, it's about using tech to become um follow a design thinking process to solve problems, to solve problems, future problems that you know that they will have to in their lives. So, yeah, super excited.

SPEAKER_06 4:42

Shauna Rogers, Southwest Local News. As the Southern Wright whale migrates to the South West, Deka has emphasised the importance in ensuring that Logan's Beach Whale Nursery is a safe place for whales to have their calves. For water users like surfers, boaters and fishermen, this means abiding distance restrictions throughout whale season. Whales are heavily protected in Victorian waters under the Wildlife Act of 1975, with penalties of up to $150,000 when breached.

SPEAKER_02 5:15

It's not uncommon for them to arrive in May. Uh I mean peak season is usually July to August, but um I think out of the 40 odd years that we've been monitoring Southern Wright whales in Victoria, uh they've first arrived in May, about a quarter of of that of that time. So it's not completely unusual, but uh it's great that we've got two um two whales have arrived this week and they've been sighted off Logan's Beach and most recently down near Portland, which is great. The Southern Wright whales are particularly vulnerable to disturbance and also to boat strike. Um one thing that uh fishers and boaters just need to be aware of is that they don't have a dorsal fin, so they're not that easy to see. In fact, they can look like a kind of a big floating log, really. Um so sometimes they're really difficult to see until you're almost on top of them. Uh the regulations require that uh boats need to stay at least 200 metres away from um from whales and jet skis 300 metres and um surfers 50 metres, and if people are flying drones, of course there are other regulations around drones, but they need to stay at least 500 metres away. So noting the small population, you know, as I said, there's 300 uh about 300 southern right whales in total. Um of those, about 68 are females. Uh so carving happens every three to four years, so it's a very slow cycle, and so ensuring that they get absolute peace and quiet to be able to carve successfully is really important. So um people out on the water have a really important role to play in keeping keeping disturbance uh to a minimum.

SPEAKER_06 6:59

After 38 years of family ownership, Allensford's historic junction hotel has been put up for sale. Owner Di McLean says the bittersweet decision comes after 25 years of her running the popular venue. The thriving community hub features a bar, dining, 10 motel rooms, and a public laundromat. Known for its sports sponsorship and major charity fundraisers, the pub has been a vital part of the local community. McLean says she is looking forward to spending more time with her family and potentially travelling in the future.

SPEAKER_08 7:33

It's been a wonderful part of our life for well, obviously 38 years since my parents have owned it, and um I've been here 25 years this year, so yeah, definitely a big part of our lives. But um unfortunately all all good things come to an end at some stage, and um, yeah, it was just the right time for us at the moment. Yeah, obviously, um there's quite a few facets to the business. We have the the 10 motel rooms out the back. We've also got the public laundromat, which is um well um yeah, well used um by the by the locals and alike, and um, yeah, and then obviously the you know the meals and and the bar, and yeah, so there's um there's a lot of facets to it. It's um it it really is a lifestyle. It's um uh you sort of become a part of the business, and um yeah, and hopefully uh the next people that take it on will be able to um to continue that.

SPEAKER_06 8:21

Motorists and riders are being reminded that the majority of Victoria's seasonal park and forest road closures will begin on June the 11th. Authorities enforce these temporary winter closures every year following the Kin's birthday long weekend to ensure visitor safety and prevent severe road damage. Authorised officers will be patrolling busy areas over the long weekend to educate the public before stepping up surveillance and enforcement during the closure period. Drivers and trail bike riders face severe penalties for breaking the rules with maximum court-prosecuted fines reaching over $4,000. Visitors are urged to check the Forest Fire Management Victoria website for track closures and download the Vic Emergency app before heading out. Families across Southwest Victoria are being invited to participate in new research aimed at improving mental health and well-being support for parents and caregivers in regional communities. Brofee Family Youth Services is partnering with Deakin University's Lifespan Institute on the project, which is now seeking local families with children aged 0 to 12 years to take part. The research will focus on improving access to evidence-based mental health support for families living in rural and regional areas where distance, serviceability, and privacy can create barriers to accessing help.

SPEAKER_07 9:50

For this particular project, we're hoping to recruit about 240 families across Victoria, and we hope that many of those will be from the southwest region where you are. And to yeah, we just we'd love so families of children 0 to 12 years of age. And we're focusing on those years because we know from research that families with young children are often the hardest hit in communities because of the everyday pressures of family life and work with young children. Um, it can just take that little bit of an extra toll on the family relationships on parenting.

SPEAKER_06 10:37

Youth and community workers from across the Great South Coast are being invited to attend a professional development conference aimed at strengthening collaboration and supporting young people. Beyond Borders, breaking down the silos will feature keynote speakers, youth voices, networking opportunities, and practical workshops. Organizers say the event is designed to help services work together more effectively for better outcomes for young people.

SPEAKER_05 11:06

The first day we're hearing from young youth workers who are living and working in the communities that they often grew up in. And how we want to hear how are they managing that that role change and that switch from being a friend or a colleague or a neighbor to being a worker and a supporter and what we can do in the industry to support them and to do that wraparound moving forward. On the second day, we're gonna hear from a group of young people who are currently involved in or are running projects that are working well for young people. Um so these are from across the Great South Coast, um, and we're gonna hear directly from them about why this program works and kind of share that bit of gold.

SPEAKER_06 11:48

Port Ferry has been named a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards for the small town category. Moinshire Mayor Jordan Lockett says the nomination is a reflection of the town's phenomenal tourism offerings, rich history, and vibrant community spirit. Mayor Lockett credited local businesses, volunteers, and event organisers for working together to make the coastal town a premier destination. He adds that the recognition also shines a light on the broader Moine region, encouraging visitors to explore more of the local Shire. The annual awards celebrate regional communities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to tourism and delivering exceptional visitor experiences. Residents and visitors are being urged to jump online and cast their vote for Port Ferry before voting closes. Flagged as cracked lips and high temperatures, Darrell booked himself a medical checkup to have his life turned upside down. Diagnosed late April with acute myeloid leukemia, Darrell is a father to a young family and receiving this news has altered his life overnight. Local off-roading and adventuring group Rum Runners is applying their efforts to a fundraiser held this Saturday to help support Darrell and his family. The Rum Runners are inviting the public to come along and join the ride for Dazza.

SPEAKER_10 13:14

As soon as Nigel reached out and said we're doing a fundraiser, we were the first people to say what do you need? Um Do you need us to plot out a run for you? Do you need us to do you just want money from us? What do you need? Just say what you need and we'll be there and we'll do what we can. We very quickly turned around and became supporters in the run. So, you know, we're helping lead and guide and get people to where they've got to go. Uh, but yeah, it's it it wasn't even a question.

SPEAKER_06 13:40

There should be two interviews.

SPEAKER_01 13:43

Uh so on the day we're going to be leaving here for a morning with the BP, getting as much people from Morning as we can, heading out towards Camperdam where we'll meet the uh the big conglomeration, the big herd, and then we'll do a massive ride around. Um, taking in the money, we'll be you know managing corners and and all that sort of good stuff, making sure everyone's safe and within you know distance of each other and and and sort of just making a big rally and you know connecting arms for each other.

SPEAKER_06 14:06

Formerly known as the Dispatcher, Apple TV unveiled its first glimpse of the series that was filmed in Warner, Last Seen. The filming of Last Scene brought out 300 staff to the Southwest and employed 400 locals to be extras. The crew spent days filming at iconic locations like the Warnable Breakwater, Flagstaff Hill, and along Hopkins Point Road. Proposed back in 2024, Council expected it to inject $1 million into the local economy. Last scene is due to make its global debut on September the 9th, and you might just spot a local or two. First making news in sport, the Hampton Football Netball League has launched a major new mental health initiative to support its sporting community. Multiple Karroi Premiership coach Chris McLaren will head the League-Wide Wellbeing program, offering holistic support to players, coaches, and officials. McLaren brings over 20 years of Western District mentoring experience to the role, backed by lifeline training and strong connections to the elite AFL welfare programs. League President Shane Trailful says local clubs are the perfect place to guide young men and women through life's challenges. The program is available immediately at both individual and club levels across the entire Hamden League competition. The top two teams in Warnerbull District Football Netball League are set to collide this Saturday when ladder leaders Allensford host second-placed Old Collegians at the Allensford Recreation Reserve. It shapes up as a classic battle of styles, matching the Cats powerhouse offence against a disciplined Old Collegians outfit that has dropped only one game this season. Bragging riots are on the line early in the day as well, with old collegians currently sitting first in the reserve slider, just ahead of a second place Allensford.

SPEAKER_04 16:20

Yeah, no, the boys are looking forward to the game. Obviously, we know it's going to be a big game. I think the results probably don't show how good of a side that collegians are. So we won't go into this game, you know, thinking that it's going to be an easy win. By any means, we know we're up for a hard contest, so yeah, looking forward to it. And then obviously each grade tomorrow, so each grade for netball and football, there's a best on ground medal, a half kids medal. Uh we've got something special, I think, for the under-11s as well. So yeah, like it'll be a really good day and um looking forward to it. The boys have got a really good jumper this year, it's probably the best one we've done. So and the girls have got the dresses the match, so yeah, looking forward to that.

SPEAKER_06 16:55

Fitz Media and the Warnerbull District Football Netball League have announced it will conclude its live streaming product after tomorrow's Allensford and Old Collegians blockbuster. It follows a successful two seasons with the inclusion of a Netball broadcast adding to its popularity last year. Rising operational expenses, including ongoing staffing, production, equipment, and connectivity costs, were cited as the primary reason for the premature conclusion. Local supporters can tune in to the final broadcast this Saturday, May 30th, featuring the Heart Kids round fixture between Ellensford and Old Collegians. Tomorrow in Port Ferry, a top of 16 degrees with 6mm to fall and a cloudy day with winds from the northwest. As for Sunday, showers are easing with a top of 15 degrees. 15 on Monday with up to 10 millimetres to fall and a thunderstorm in the west. Shifting over to Malt Lake, showers throughout the weekend. Tomorrow a top of 16 degrees and up to 5mm to fall, 2mm to fall on Sunday with northwesterly winds. Monday topping at 13 degrees, 35 kilometre winds, and dropping to as low as 4 overnight. In the Kalak and Camperdown region, winds are approaching lightly from the northwest. A cloudy day on Sunday with showers with up to 10 millimetres to fall on Monday with light winds. Over in the coast to Port Campbell, tomorrow 15mm to fall with temperatures up to 15. Still plenty of rain on Sunday with 9mm and a top of 14 degrees. On Monday, a top of 14 and 15 millimetres with northwesterly winds coming in at 35 kilometres per hour. Home to Warnable tomorrow showers with a top of 16 degrees and up to 10 millimetres to fall. On Sunday, a top of 14 degrees with windy conditions, 8mm and a massive 20mm on Monday with northerly winds. Rain and winds are due to persist until Wednesday. 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 Tuesday morning with peace. Have a great weekend.