THE south-west was battered by a fierce storm on Thursday night, with damaging winds and even hail causing damage to trees and property.

ICE is now the most consumed illicit drug in Regional Victoria, with a 30 per cent jump in usage recorded between December 2020 and April this year.

GROUND was officially broken at Kyeema Support Services’ My Place Portland project yesterday, with work on the $1.6 million specialist disability accommodation soon underway. Full story in Friday's Observer.

ANYONE who has driven through Narrawong – and we presume that should include just about every Observer reader – cannot fail to have noticed the manicured grass archway and plant stall on the Nolan St corner. Full story in Friday's Observer.

ONE of Glenelg Shire’s largest annual events is set to go ahead in 2022. More details in Friday's Observer.

MACARTHUR’S Music in the Vines festival returns on February 5, 2022 and is shaping up to be the biggest yet – all tickets were sold out in less than two weeks.

THE facilities at Penshurst and District Health Service (PDHS) are set to look completely different as part of a new $6.8 million upgrade beginning next week.

AFTER many false starts due to COVID-19, Dramus Theatre presents its ‘Clutching at Straws’ production this week.

ONE Portland youngster is giving back to those with breast cancer, with a head shave, raffle and a number of other events planned to raise funds for the vital cause. Full details in Tuesday's Observer.

APPLICATIONS for the Leadership Great South Coast (LGSC) Community Leadership Program are closing soon, with one program alumni encouraging interested community members to throw their hat in the ring. Full story in Tuesday's Observer.