IT’S 138 years old and can well and truly be said to be a local icon – now the Cape Nelson Lighthouse is getting some much-needed love and care.

THE Port Fairy Folk Festival was awarded ‘Best Regional Festival’ last Tuesday at a ceremony held at Fed Square performance venue, The Edge, which hosted over 200 musical experts.

MOTORCYCLING enthusiasts of the district have something else to look forward to in the new year, with the Casterton Sporting Motorcycle Club’s Hill Climb poised to once again leave its mark on Blueberry Hill in April.

ANOTHER Norfolk Island Hibiscus, or itchy bomb tree, is set to be removed from a central Portland nature strip, with some residents concerned about the impact on the local koala population.

PORT Fairy now has an increase in the number of outdoor seating areas on offer to the public after the town saw three new parklets installed.

FOLLOWING a final recheck of all votes counted across the state for the Victorian Election held on November 26, the number of informal votes continued to increase in Lowan from the last election (taking third spot on the tally board), with 2612 or 5.7 per cent in 2022, compared with 2002 or 4.98 per cent in 2018.

WITH the holiday season upon us, Services Australia is reminding customers about changes to payments and services during the Christmas and New Year period.

IT might be hard to compare it to recent Christmases past, but Portlanders don’t appear to be taking the Scrooge route to spending up during this year’s festive season.

THE Rotary Club of Hamilton and the Southern Grampians Shire Council’s respective New Year’s Eve Street Party and fireworks display will be back again this year in Hamilton to bring some sparkle to 2023.

CHRISTMAS is upon us and as families with pets across the local region prepare for the festive season, RSPCA Victoria is urging pet owners to remain diligent and keep dangerous items out of reach.