COLAC OTWAY SHIRE

Help shape Colac Otway’s future - 2026-2027 Council Budget submissions now open Colac Otway Shire Council is inviting early input into the 2026-2027 Council Budget. This year, we’re starting consultation earlier to ensure community ideas are considered from the outset, not just at the end of the process. We encourage residents, businesses, and community organisations to share proposals that support services, operations, and projects across the Shire. 🗓 Submissions open on Monday 1 December 2025. Your insights can help us plan a budget that reflects community priorities. Learn more and submit your ideas: https://lnkd.in/gCg2WszN

Colac Otway Shire Council is inviting community ideas for the 2026–27 Council Budget earlier than ever, with submissions open in December and January. This new approach gives residents a greater voice at the development stage, ensuring community priorities help shape the budget from the start.

Congratulations to Cr Jason Schram who has been re-elected as Mayor of Colac Otway Shire for a second term. Congratulations also to Cr Phil Howard who was re-elected for another term as Deputy Mayor.

Congratulations to all of the winners at last night's 2025 Colac and Districts Business Awards. Congratulations, also, to the Colac and District Chamber of Commerce for reinvigorating the awards after a long hiatus. These awards are a chance to shine a spotlight on the people and organisations who make Colac Otway a great place to live, work, study and invest. Colac Otway Shire Council is proud to have supported these awards through the Events stream of our Grants Program, and it was exciting to see another great event hosted at COPACC.

Colac Otway Shire Council offers a unique and rewarding lifestyle opportunity in one of Victoria’s most picturesque regions. Nestled between the iconic Great Ocean Road and the lush Otway National Park, the Shire boasts stunning natural landscapes, vibrant communities, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn to coastal living, forest adventures, or a strong sense of community, Colac Otway provides the perfect backdrop for both professional growth and personal wellbeing. As Statutory Planner you will process a diverse range of planning and subdivision applications, provide professional advice on planning matters, and contribute to the preparation of planning reports and development of policies and strategies. The successful applicant will hold an appropriate tertiary qualification in Statutory Planning or closely related discipline and experience. Remuneration will be in accordance with the Colac Otway Shire Enterprise Agreement. Salary information: $72,597 - $82,571 per annum plus superannuation. Find out more at: https://lnkd.in/gRc7mgHJ

Colac Otway Shire Council – Statutory Planner Colac Otway Shire Council offers a unique and rewarding lifestyle opportunity in one of Victoria’s most picturesque regions. Nestled between the iconic Great Ocean Road and the lush Otway National Park, the Shire boasts stunning natural landscapes, vibrant communities, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you're drawn to coastal living, forest adventures, or a strong sense of community, Colac Otway provides the perfect backdrop for both professional growth and personal wellbeing. ·        Statutory Planner As Statutory Planner you will process a diverse range of planning and subdivision applications, provide professional advice on planning matters, and contribute to the preparation of planning reports and development of policies and strategies. The successful applicant will hold an appropriate tertiary qualification in Statutory Planning or closely related discipline and experience. Remuneration will be in accordance with the Colac Otway Shire Enterprise Agreement. Salary information: $72,597 - $82,571 per annum plus superannuation For a position description and to apply online, visit https://lnkd.in/gugWgv6d or contact People and Culture on (03) 5232 9400.

Colac Otway Shire Council’s maintenance staff have completed a project to revitalise the selling ring at the Colac Regional Saleyards.

Colac Otway Shire Council is seeking feedback on the Draft Governance Rules. The Draft Governance Rules have been developed in accordance with section 60 of the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act). Their purpose is to ensure that Council: ▪ Makes decisions on any matter fairly on the merits and with accurate and adequate information considering the interests of anyone impacted by decisions and ▪ Has decision-making processes that are transparent and robust, ensuring that all decision makers have the opportunity to express their views. Visit https://lnkd.in/gCg2WszN to provide your feedback.

Colac Otway Shire has appointed Andrew Tenni as its new Chief Executive Officer. Mayor Jason Schram said, “We are excited to announce that Andrew will be taking on the leadership role with Council. Andrew has been working in the CEO role in recent months in an interim capacity and has a very clear understanding of the overall operations of Council, having been the General Manager of Corporate Services for the past three years." Read all about Andrew Tenni's appointment on Council's website https://lnkd.in/g83KjNX8

Empowering Young Creatives in Colac Otway Colac Otway Shire Council’s Youth Engagement Team, in collaboration with Colac Otway Performing Arts and Cultural Centre (COPACC), is proud to support the next generation of artists, performers, and event professionals through a dynamic series of free workshops this September as part of Victorian Youth Fest 2025. These workshops offer young people aged 12 to 25 a hands-on opportunity to explore their passions in: 🎤 Music and stage performance 🎬 Event production and backstage operations 📣 Media, marketing, and ticketing 💡 Sound, lighting, and technical setup Participants will work alongside Council staff, COPACC professionals, and expert facilitators to co-design a youth-led music showcase celebrating the incredible talent and creativity of Colac Otway’s youth. 📍 Location: COPACC, 🎟️ Cost: Free 🗓️ When: September School Holidays If you know a young person who would love to participate visit Council's website to register https://lnkd.in/g422Ca7Z This program is proudly supported by the Victorian Government, Colac Otway Shire Council, and COPACC. 👏 A huge shoutout to the Youth Engagement Team for creating meaningful pathways for young people to discover their passions and build real-world skills.