Jada Mahony has been named as the 2025 Camperdown Show Junior Ambassador, selected for her community engagement in a variety of areas.

Jada said being named as the ambassador was "pretty cool".

"It was unexpected at first, but once they explained what the role was, I was pretty excited to be able to be the show ambassador," she said.

"I'm looking forward to getting out into the community, meeting some new people and checking out what everyone's doing."

After the Camperdown Show next month, she will be eligible to be nominated for the Victorian Agricultural Society Junior Show Ambassador Award.

Homecrafts steward Noelene Powling said Jada was selected as ambassador due to her achievements in the community.

"Earlier this year, she was awarded the prestigious Lions Youth of the Year, where she impressed judges with her heartfelt speech and strong community involvement," she said.

"Jada was also recognised at the Camperdown Football Netball Volunteer of the Week for her dedication and willingness to support others.

"Jada recently completed a trainer's course, which has allowed her to play an important role at the Camperdown Football Netball Club, particularly by assisting with junior football teams.

"Her commitment and enthusiasm have had a great impact on both the players and the club as a whole.

"Beyond football, Jada is also a talented sportsperson with the Pomborneit Cricket Club where she is recognised as an outstanding batswoman and bowler."

Jada also shows strong pride in her school Camperdown College, where she serves as the senior campus' joint school captain and works at the junior campus as a PE aid.

Ms Powling said her role as school captain demonstrates her leadership, responsibility and dedication to her peers and the wider community.

"Through her involvement in school, sport, volunteering and community events, Jada continues to show imitative, leadership and compassion – qualities that make her a worthy junior ambassador for 2025," she said.

Jada will be helping out during the Camperdown show on October 11, including in the homecrafts sections and in the lead-up to show day.

Council is presenting the events to celebrate the shire's seniors and provide a memorable day out with friends.

Council coordinator positive ageing access and inclusion Belinda Rowbottom said the concerts were part of the Victorian Seniors Festival which celebrates the valuable contributions of more than a million Victorians aged over 60.

"Come along and enjoy timeless 60s and 70s hits from The Stiletto Groove in Camperdown on Tuesday, October 14 and local country music legend Ian 'Bidge' Boyd in Terang on Wednesday, October 22," she said.

"The Stiletto Groove is a dynamic four-piece band that brings the energy and nostalgia.

"Expect classic tunes, great vibes and a celebration of music that never gets old.

"Do you know someone who'd love this? Spots are limited so spread the word and book your places today.

"There will be a light lunch provided after each performance, so you can chat and make some new friends."

The Stiletto Groove will perform between 11am-1pm at the Theatre Royal at 2 Bath Street, Camperdown, with bookings available online at events.humanitix.com/csc-the-stiletto-groove or by phoning council on 5593 7100.

Bidge Boyd will perform at the Terang Civic Hall (131 High Street) between 11am-1pm, with bookings available by contacting council.

Mrs Rowbottom also invited residents to flex their creativity at an Intergenerational Paint and Chat event in Cobden on Tuesday, October 21.

"That will be a great opportunity for our older residents to build connections with some of our younger people, sharing their experience and rediscovering youthful enthusiasm," she said.

"They will be joined by students from Hampden P-12 School and artist Stacey Williams will provide all materials and offer guidance."

The Paint and Sip will run out of the Cobden Civic Hall Supper Room (53-55 Victoria Street) from 10am-2pm, with residents able to book by contacting council.

As part of council's Active Seniors Program, community members can also enjoy the regular Movie of the Month on Tuesday, October 7.

'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' will screen for free at Skipton Mechanics Hall (5 Anderson Street) from 10.30am, followed by a light lunch.

Bookings can be made by phoning council on 5593 7100

"This year's Seniors Festival theme is Connect, Create, Celebrate. It invites older Victorians to come together, discover new interests and celebrate," Mrs Rowbottom said.

"It's an opportunity to connect or re-connect with your interests, skills and hobbies.

"Join in events and meet new people in-person and online.

"Create your own path and remain curious as you age.

"Join in events to build practical skills, make friendships and new social connections."

Corangamite Senior Sergeant Bill Caldow said the grand final long weekend was traditionally a busy weekend for police, with many football fans either celebrating or commiserating their team.

"Our focus is on drink-driving from pubs and parties for the grand final," he said.

"This is an operation which starts from midnight Wednesday, September 24 and runs through until Monday, September 29.

"We'll certainly have all of our units across Corangamite focused on that."

Camperdown Stadium was filled with around 70 people trying out roller-skating in a safe environment.

Warrnambool Roller Derby president and head coach Rose Ceratops said attendees didn't want to leave when the two-hour event concluded.

"I feel that so many people coming to a roller disco in a regional town is really fantastic," she said.

"We ran a host of games – we did some limbo and crawling games with our new clientele there.

"We also held a bake sale which was raising money for our junior team, who are going to a border clash event in Geelong in the coming months.

"I've had some emails already come across to me asking when the next one will be able to happen, so I'm about to start negotiating to have another roller disco by the end of the year.

"The staff at the Camperdown Stadium were really good to work with – they were really fabulous in helping us out."

Highlights included upbeat energetic music filling the stadium and a barbecue supplied by Corangamite Shire Council.

Secretary Graeme Fischer said the Corangamite News Spring Edition featured an incorrect date.

"There is no market scheduled for Friday, September 26," he said.

"This date was specifically left vacant for the Terang Colour Festival.

"However, there will be a special market on Friday, October 31 which precedes the Melbourne Cup weekend.

"This date has not been included in the Corangamite News Spring Edition."

The pothole has formed within the single open lane of the roadworks, which Western District Newspapers reported commenced last Monday.

Among those who have hit the pothole is Sally Mahony, who said it was a scary experience.

"We were just driving out of Camperdown on Friday night – we were doing around 55-60km/h, and we just hit it," she said.

"I thought our car broke in half, to be honest.

"My husband asked what it was and when we stopped we realised we'd hit a massive pothole we didn't even see until we were in it.

"My concern is what would happen if a young, inexperienced driver hit that pothole – they could come off the road.

"Luckily my husband was driving – he has lots of experience – but if an inexperienced driver hit it, it would have caused a terrible accident."

Joan Mahony has also expressed concerns about the issue, describing the moment she and fellow artist Jan Barnes hit the pothole as a "hell of a bang".

"You couldn't see it because it as raining and it was dark, so you had no way of avoiding it," she said.

"I don't know whether a truck has pushed the road material out of the hole or what happened, but it wasn't just us who hit it.

"If your car's damaged, where do you go to get it fixed.

The government's not going to put their hand in their pocket and give you some money if you've wrecked your car."

Corangamite Shire Council deputy mayor Laurie Hickey said he has had people contact him regarding the issue but is reminding residents to report highway issues to VicRoads as the Princes Highway is maintained by the State Government.

"There was roadworks done on that road – the crews knocked off over the weekend and it rained, which made a pothole develop," he said.

"A lot of people have hit it.

"It's very unfortunate – wheels going through them all the time just expanded it.

"It's got to be repaired – it's pretty horrible driving into Camperdown. It's a bit of an embarrassment, really.

"The repairs need to take place."

Sally Mahony shared Cr Hickey's sentiment, saying drivers needed to take extra caution when works pause overnight.

"Even though the roads are being worked on, at the end of the day of work they're still leaving massive holes where they were working," she said.

"It's not safe.

"The money needs to come to the country more, rather than spending it all in the city."

Western District Newspapers contacted the Department of Transport and Planning with questions regarding whether the pothole would be fixed – the Department reiterated the works would improve road condition, including potholes.

Corangamite Senior Sergeant Bill Caldow said the 44-year-old man was travelling in a vehicle between Camperdown and Terang at 8am Monday morning when police intercepted him.

"He was identified and arrested for five outstanding warrants," he said.

"He was taken before the Warrnambool Magistrates' Court on Monday afternoon on those warrants – three of which were for failure to appear.

"He was further bailed by the magistrate to appear at the Magistrates' Court on September 25."

Last Friday saw members of Corangamite Arts and the community come together to celebrate the Avenue of Trees art exhibition, which is this month's display in the Courthouse.

Corangamite Arts president Sue Hollingsworth said she was pleased with the attendance at the opening.

"We've had a good response – we've had a lot of people in during the week to look at the paintings," she said.

"It's been wonderful.

"I'm really pleased everyone's responded so well."

This year's opening is part of Corangamite Arts' annual exhibitions at the Courthouse, with a new theme each year suggested by a group member to work towards.

As Western District Newspapers reported earlier this month, the exhibition will continue to be displayed until the end of the month at 179 Manifold Street between 10am and 3pm.

The afternoon saw a number of nature-themed activities for all ages, all run alongside the display of Nicky Schonkala's Petyan Yarns art installation.

Committee secretary Frances Grundy said all activities held on the day saw strong participation and engagement.

"Even though the weather was pretty atrocious, the walk with Brett Clarke was pretty interesting and engaging," she said.

"There was lots of insight into aspects of plants on the reserve as well as questions asked about traditional usage of the area and the fact there are 13 different clans in Djargurd Wurrung meant there would have been a group, likely the Liwura Gunditj clan, who would have possibly made us of Mt Leura.

"Historically, the volcanic peaks in the area were significant to the local clans.

"There was also a highly successful plant stall from Friends of Mt Leura, who got rid of excess plants.

"We also had kids' activities and iNaturalist scavenger hunt – the aim of the hunt was to encourage regular uses of the reserves to help with citizen science – recording data to do with the plants and animals they observe."

Ms Grundy extended her gratitude to Mr Clarke for his cultural walk and sharing his culture, Emma Drake for hosting the kids activities held over the afternoon and Ms Schonkala for her art display.

She said Ms Schonkala was praised for her work throughout the event.

"We're really happy that's going to be a drawcard during the next month, at least during Petyan, which is wildflower season," Ms Grundy said.

The festival, slated for Saturday, November 1, will feature a full day of live music from 10am to 8pm, showcasing ten acts with a strong connection to the Corangamite region.

Expressions of interest are now open for solo artists, bands, duos and ensembles with a connection to the Corangamite Shire.

Applicants can be of any age group and any musical genre.

Events and creative industries team leader Tammy Young said the festival offers a unique and paid opportunity for local performers.

"Whether you live, work, or have another connection to Corangamite, we want to see you on stage," she said.

"This is a fantastic chance to showcase your talent to the community as part of a professionally staged event.

"What better venue than the iconic Theatre Royal to perform and be celebrated."

The event is proudly supported by the 10,000 Gigs: Victorian Gig Fund 2025.

To be eligible, performers must be available on the event date and for soundcheck.

Applications close Friday, October 3 at 5pm.

Interested musicians can submit their expression of interest via the online form at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/CorangamiteMusicF25.

This year's show will include a farm bike section in the Show and Shine, with event steward Kylie Spokes inviting residents to come dressed for the show or for a day on the farm.

"We're looking for four-wheelers or two-wheelers, but we're just looking for people who might have hotted up their farm bike, or there's something special about it or it might be a really old farm bike they're particularly proud of," she said.

"They'll be in the competition for a $100 prize to the best farm bike and they'll also be eligible for the People's Choice prize, which is also $100 thanks to our generous sponsors.

"We also have some vintage bikes coming from out of town.

"We'd love anybody to sign up – we have categories of the UK/Euro bike, US bikes, Japanese bikes and the People's Choice awards.

"People who fit any of these are welcome, but even if there's something who doesn't fit in those categories is welcome to come and display their bike or enter it into the People's Choice award."

Bikes entered into the Show and Shine are asked to be at the Camperdown Showgrounds by 9.30am, with judging expected to take place around 11.30am.

Ms Spokes said the aim was to encourage at least 100 bikes participating, with last year's Show and Shine featuring between 60 and 70 bikes.

Residents can enter the Show and Shine by contacting Ms Spokes on 0401 717 640.

She said entries are also open for another new event at the show.

"The Young Farmer's Challenge is a new event we've got at the show this year – we're looking for four teams of four to participate in the challenge," Ms Spokes said.

"They'll be going through a series of activities like identifying grain, doing a first aid challenge and rolling a wool bale around a course – and we've got some great prizes for that competition.

"It's for young farmers over 18 – they don't have to young in age, but young at heart."

The Get Fire Ready initiative will kick off on October 4 and 5 and run throughout the month.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said the Get Fire Ready events are designed to inform and educate the community about their local fire risks.

"The seasonal outlook warns parts of Victoria could face an increased fire risk this bushfire season and CFA is getting on the front foot to help communities across Victoria plan and prepare for bushfire season," he said.

"Get Fire Ready is about making sure every Victorian understands their fire risk, has a fire plan and knows where to get emergency information.

"More than 500 brigades across Victoria are either holding events at their station, at local community events or within the community.

"Brigades will chat to the community about their local bushfire and grassfire risks, steps they can take to prepare and where to get emergency information from."

Derrinallum will be hosting the community at their shed, located at 33 Main Street, on Saturday, October 4 between 9-11am.

Camperdown will host their Get Fire Ready event from 11am-1pm on Sunday, October 5 at 34 Fergusson Street, Camperdown.

Weerite will also be hosting a community event on October 5, with doors of their CFA shed at 3551 Princes Highway from 10am-2pm.

The Darlington CFA brigade will host a Get Fire Ready event on Sunday, October 19 at 18 Ware Street from 11am-1.30pm.

CFA is encouraging all Victorians, particularly those in high-risk areas, to attend their local Get Fire Ready event.

Mr Heffernan said bushfire preparation doesn't need to be complicated.

"Clearing gutters, mowing lawns, trimming branches, knowing where you'll go if a fire breaks out and setting a watch zone in the VicEmergency app can make a real difference in an emergency," he said.

For more information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready.

Unit controller Bray Wright said Camperdown SES received a call around 8pm on Friday, September 19 for two people having boat trouble.

"We took our boat rescue boat out and retrieved the two occupants of the boat and brought them back to the boat ramp," he said.

"They were checked out by an ambulance who was waiting there and we looked to see if we could retrieve the broken-down boat, but we weren't able to that night.

"They had all their safety gear in place, which was good."

Agriculture Victoria livestock extension officer Brittany Price said producers should plan ahead to implement flystrike prevention and control programs to assist in managing the disease.

FlyBoss is a free website resource that provides producers with specific tools for flystrike control.

Ms Price said these controls include shearing or crutching, breech modification, selective breeding, dag management, and preventative chemical treatment.

"The FlyBoss website allows producers to compare their current management system with an alternative system taking into account their location," she said.

"This can help inform decision making in relation to the dates of shearing and crutching, and preventative treatment application.

"During high-risk periods producers must inspect their stock regularly to identify and treat any fly struck sheep."

Flystrike in sheep can show up as restlessness, loss of appetite, a strong smell and visible maggots in the wool.

Ms Price said there were a number of steps to take to treat fly struck sheep.

"Shear struck wool and a 5cm barrier of clean wool around the strike close to the skin to remove maggots," she said.

"Collect the maggot-infested wool into a maggot-proof (plastic) bag and leave the bag in the sun for a couple of days to kill all maggots.

"Apply a registered flystrike dressing to the shorn area to prevent re-strike.

"Remove struck sheep from the mob and place in an isolation paddock and monitor as stuck sheep attract more blowflies.

"Cull struck sheep from breeding programs."

Ms Price said if treatment is not a viable option, humane euthanasia must be carried out.

"As with all veterinary treatments, it is essential to observe the withholding period and keep accurate records of any treatments administered," she said.

For further information on the management and treatment of flystrike, visit www.flyboss.com.au.

Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos this week announced the funding had been allocated through the latest round of the Public Libraries Funding Program to promote education and innovation among young Victorians.

The program was established to provide annual funds for councils, regional library corporations, Connected Libraries, My Community Library, Your Library and Vision Australia, and supports a range of essential community activities and services delivered every day across 293 branches state wide.

Corangamite Shire will receive $177,138 through the funding program, which will assist in funding the libraries in Camperdown, Derrinallum, Skipton, Cobden, Terang and Timboon.

Moyne Shire Council was also allocated funds through the program, with $179,458 going towards the Mortlake, Koroit, Port Fairy and Macarthur libraries through the Corangamite Moyne Library Service.

This includes everything from physical and electronic collection of items, information technology facilities, delivery of library and outreach programs, and the raft of other services provided by public libraries across Victoria.

Mr Staikos said libraries were no longer just a place to borrow books – they were places where the community can access e-resources, wifi, computers, meeting rooms, art spaces and diverse child, youth, and adult programs

"We are supporting our terrific community libraries and the endless access to knowledge, social connection and entertainment they offer all Victorians," he said.

"Our libraries offer so much more than books – they foster lifelong learning and contribute to the connections that strengthen and enrich Victorian communities."

Since 2015, the government has invested more than $498.5 million through the Public Libraries Funding Program.

For more information on the program, visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/funding-programs/public-library-funding.

A working bee was held last Sunday to maintain the greens of the south beach as well as construct a windbreak wall at the barbecue area.

Committee president Phil Russell said the project was funded by money returned from a Ritchies card a committee member had set up in recent years.

"We wanted to direct that to a project, and so the project we decided on was to put in a windbreak in the barbecue area up at South Beach," he said.

"We had a few volunteers come up on Sunday to help with that, and we had another group of people who love the lake and wanted to contribute, but they didn't want to be on a committee.

"We've now got a little add-on group of people – Friends of Lake Bullen Merri South Beach – who all rolled up with their whipper-snippers, energy and enthusiasm to attack some of the weeds in the overgrown areas up at the lake to make life a bit easier for the others.

"We then put on a barbecue and had a couple of drinks – it was a terrific day.

"The support we had with the new people has been sensational."

A total of 12 people spent the day working on the southern beach, showing the recently-developed Friends of South Beach Committee is increasing the number of volunteers maintaining the area.

"As a committee we recognized some time ago we have many in our community who would love the opportunity to contribute by volunteering to an organization like South Beach Committee of Management, but needed it to be less formal," Mr Russell said.

"The opportunity to contribute is this way has been positively received and we now have an additional group of people to support us which we greatly appreciate.

"It was an opportunity to run through the scope of works we do up there as volunteers to the new people who are interested.

"Not to waste the opportunity, they all decided to jump on their whipper snippers and help clean up some areas and with the building of the new wall.

"Among the group there was a wide range of different experiences and capabilities of the people who showed up, and we just encouraged all of them to have an input because there are certainly things that they know about they can certainly help out with – whether it be building, weed control, maintenance, or other suggestions."

Mr Russell extended his gratitude to Camperdown's Ritchies store and their Community Benefits program for enabling them to source materials locally.

"Thanks Richie's and thanks to all involved with South Beach Committee of Management and those who continue to support us and the users who help us keep South Beach at Lake Bullen Merri to the standard we can all enjoy and appreciate

"One of the committee members summed the day up in a message late yesterday – 'fantastic to see so many people helping out, what a great community we live in'."

Tickets to the 2025 raffle are now available with 10 prizes on offer, including an MG ZS Excite demo from Callaghan Motors worth $26,990, a $2500 Quest Geelong Central Getaway, a 55-inch smart TV from Camperdown Betta, a $2000 GBM Technology voucher and an array of vouchers from local businesses.

MRC business manager Judith Murfitt said the car raffle is a valued fundraiser for the college.

"We always appreciate the generous support of our sponsors, families and wider community," she said.

"Fifty years is a remarkable achievement and it's exciting to look back on the many lucky winners over the years and the ways the fundraising has benefited our school.

"We look forward to announcing our 50th winner on December 2."

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased online at www.mercy.vic.edu.au/community/car-raffle/ or via paper forms at several local businesses and events, as well as by contacting the college office on 5593 2011.

Tickets purchased before 11.59pm on October 21 will enter the early bird draw for a $1000 MRC school fees voucher, drawn the following day.

The main draw will take place on December 2, with the lucky winners announced at the end of year assembly and the college's social media.

A full list of prizes, along with terms and conditions, is available online where tickets can be purchased.

Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin said the summit will be held at the Theatre Royal in Camperdown from 9am-3pm on Thursday, October 16.

"We received excellent feedback and are delighted to once again offer Corangamite Shire youth this amazing opportunity to grow, develop and celebrate their unique voices," she said.

The summit will gather students from Year 7-12 across the shire for an interactive leadership training program.

The theme is 'My Voice Matters' and topics will include defining leadership beyond titles and roles, personal stories of leadership and overcoming challenges and encouraging participants to embrace their unique leadership potential.

Cr Makin said the summit was designed to nurture essential skills, foster collaboration and build valuable networks among young people.

"Whether attendees are passionate about community service, want to learn about different leadership styles, or simply eager to learn more about themselves, the aim is for an empowering experience for our young leaders," she said.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to build a strong, supportive network of young leaders from across the shire.

"They'll be able to share experiences and ideas while they learn how to make meaningful change.

"After a group discussion about real topics in our shire, the participants can choose one of two workshops and delve deeper into practical leadership skills or explore how they can advocate for causes they care about."

The day will conclude with the first ever Youth Panel Q and A, hearing from ten of Corangamite's young leaders.

The summit will be facilitated by Youth Leadership Academy Australia (YLAA), a youth-led not-for-profit organisation committed to empowering young Australians to lead themselves, their schools and their communities − especially in rural and regional areas.

YLAA relationship manager Sascha Howard said the engaging and tailored approach will give students opportunities to build meaningful connections, address key challenges and explore ways to drive positive change in their communities.

"We are thrilled by the success and positive outcomes of the 2024 event and are excited to collaborate once again, incorporating fresh additions and variations to enhance the experience for all participants," she said.

"At YLAA, we are passionate about empowering young people in regional and rural communities by developing their confidence, leadership and advocacy skills.

"Through interactive workshops and hands-on activities, we aim to inspire young leaders to step forward with purpose and resilience."

The event is funded by the Corangamite Shire as part of the Victorian Government Engage program with no cost to schools.

Transport to the event, morning tea and lunch will be provided.

As Western District Newspapers reported in July, residents and regular road users called for road repairs for a particularly slippery section of the Darlington-Camperdown Road after a truck rollover.

Corangamite Shire Council deputy mayor Laurie Hickey said the works were timely following the recent spate of wet weather.

"The crews are very busy doing some pressure washing of the road to increase the traction of cars and hopefully stop them slipping off the surface," he said.

The works began on Tuesday this week, with traffic control in place while crews finalised the road surface.

"It was a nice surprise and a fantastic honour to be recognised," Fryers said.

A member of the club's committee since 1990, the enjoyment of helping out and being part of the club has contributed to his longevity as a volunteer.

"I do enjoy it, for every role there is someone who has got to do it and put their hand up.

"It becomes your life, I don't know what I'd do without footy on a Saturday."

Since debuting in the club's under 16 team in 1976, Fryers has held a multitude of roles at Camperdown both on and off the field in addition to 35 years as a committee member.

A member of Camperdown's 1979 under 18 premiership team, Fryers made his senior debut in 1981, going on to play 25 senior games and 155 reserves games in black and white.

He coached the reserves in 1990 and 1991, before coaching the Magpies under 18s to the 1993 premiership, then serving as senior runner from 1993 to 1998.

"I gave it away after 1998 and they went on to win the next two flags," Fryers laughed.

The man affectionately known as 'Goose' has also had coaching and team manager roles from Auskick level right up to the under 14s, and is currently in his third year on the Leura Oval Committee of Management.

"The club is going well, it's very well administered and there's a great sense of community.

"It's hard for our kids, we just don't have the population other clubs have."

Fryers has no plans to wind back his commitment to the Magpies.

"I love every minute of being there from unlocking at the start of the day through to cleaning up and having a beer at the end.

"I'll keep going while I still enjoy it."