Angus Smith

Melbourne

Associate Editor at Bendigo Times

Writer at Freelance

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Articles

Grants open to improve coastal access and safety

1 week ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

APPLICATIONS are now open for a Victorian government program offering $1.4 million in grants to improve access and safety along the state’s coastline. The Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants Program provides up to $150,000 for coastal Crown land managers, including local governments and volunteer committees, to identify and manage coastal risks.
From logs to legends: Rare vintage surfboards hit the market

1 week ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

SURFBOARDS from the golden era of Australian surfing are up for sale, as 80-year-old Torquay collector Rob Dunn clears out the final pieces of a lifetime collection. Dunn, who began surfing in 1957, is offering between 70 and 80 vintage boards dating from the 1940s to the 1980s, many of them made by pioneering Australian shapers or linked to local legends. “I’ve been collecting all my life,” he said. “It’s just what I was brought up with.
Regional tourism spend hits record $645 million

2 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

TOURISTS spent a record $40 billion in Victoria last year, according to new data from Tourism Research Australia. The latest figures show total tourism spending rose 5.8 per cent in 2023, with international visitor spending driving much of the growth. India was a standout market, with 223,000 Indian visitors spending $714 million and clocking up 12.4 million nights in Victoria – more than in any other state.
Victoria records leading cardiacarrest survival rate

2 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

VICTORIA has recorded its highest cardiac arrest survival rate on record, with 41 per cent of patients surviving to hospital discharge in 2023-24. New data from Ambulance Victoria shows the state now has the best survival rate in Australia and the third highest in the world. The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry report revealed 422 cardiac arrest patients were discharged from hospital last year, with 84 per cent returning home.
Wurdi Baerr Stadium to get showcourt upgrade

2 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

A NEW show court with tiered seating is on the way for Torquay’s Wurdi Baerr Stadium, with a contractor confirmed to begin work on the $500,000 upgrade. The federal government is funding the project through its Investing in the Community program, with installation of more than 500 seats set to begin in coming months. Corangamite Labor federal member Libby Coker joined Surf Coast Basketball Association members and parents to mark the milestone.
AEC clears Gazette News of political ad breach

2 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

THE Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has found no evidence digital publisher Gazette News or its publications breached political advertising rules, following a complaint by Liberal Senator Jane Hume. Gazette News, which operates several regional and inner-city outlets including The West Vic Brolga in the Liberal-held electorate of Wannon, was accused by Coalition MPs of acting as a front for political campaigners in the lead-up to the federal election.
Surf challenge raises awareness for mental health

2 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

LOCAL surfers are being encouraged to spend 22 hours in the water this month to raise money and awareness for mental health. The Ripple Effect Wave Challenge aims to raise $2.2 million to fund programs focused on mental health awareness, education and advocacy. Co-managing director of the Ripple Effect Foundation, Adam McMurray, said about 22 per cent of Australians experience a mental health disorder each year.
New owners found for Suma Park

3 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

THE historic Suma Park estate on the Bellarine Peninsula has been sold, with its future as a wedding and conference venue secure under new ownership. RT Edgar Bellarine agent Felix Hakins confirmed the sale of the 40-hectare Marcus Hill property, which features a grand late-Victorian homestead, historic stables, multiple cottages and sweeping views across Swan Bay and Port Phillip Heads.
Aireys Inlet top shops project moves into design phase

3 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

AIREYS Inlet’s top shops area is one step closer to a revamp, with the Surf Coast Shire appointing a landscape architect to begin detailed designs following strong community feedback. The Aireys Inlet Top Shops Design Improvements Project aims to enhance the layout and function of the precinct on the Great Ocean Road, while retaining its small-town coastal feel.
Labor commits $5.45 million to Drysdale club

3 weeks ago | timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith

A RE-ELECTED Federal Labor Government would invest $5.45 million in upgrades at Drysdale Recreation Reserve to support the Drysdale Football Netball Club. The funding would deliver two new netball courts, upgraded clubrooms, new spectator seating and lighting. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined local member Libby Coker at the club on Tuesday to make the announcement. “This is about supporting you, just as you’ve supported your community,” Mr Albanese said.