It was disappointing to learn this week the long-awaited $11 million Reid Oval upgrade has a massive design flaw.

It's not the news the community or sporting clubs wanted after an arduous campaign to secure the upgrade for the region's premier sporting complex.

The new grandstand has been slammed as a "huge mistake" and a "terrible disappointment" by Warrnambool City councillors after it was revealed the view would be obscured on game day.

The design of the grandstand does not account for spectators standing on the top level and it blocks the scorers' windows and view of coaches.

It is a crying shame after the hard work that went into securing the cash for the upgrade.

Looking forward, the council needs to highlight its priority projects so the community can rally and help push them forward.

What do Warrnambool people want to see?

Is it an upgrade to AquaZone as was mooted by councillors this week?

That idea certainly hit a note with readers, with some suggesting a complete overhaul of the ageing facility while others strongly believe diving boards should be returned.

The council has drafted a plan to conduct an aquatic feasibly study, but funding is needed for it to progress.

What about the crumbling breakwater? Is it a priority for the council?

Surely it is keeping the pressure on for the state government to fund upgrades for the failing asset.

After all, the state government is the owner of the breakwater - its not the city council or ratepayers' responsibility to fund the major works needed to repair it.

Whatever its priorities, the council needs to inform the community and keep advocating to our local MPs and state and federal governments to get projects funded.

We have seen it done before - the $10 million Reid Oval redevelopment, a new $16 million city library, $60 million Princes Highway west upgrades, the $18 million city centre street renewal - what will this council get funded?

What will be their legacy?

In other news this week, South West Credit will likely undergo a name change if a merger decision is approved, but the move is not a takeover, the bank's CEO says.

South West Credit chief executive officer David Brown said a proposal to merge with Beyond Bank - which boasts 275,000 members in comparison to SWC's 13,000 - would "almost be seamless" for both customers and staff, who would retain their jobs.

It was revealed Moyne Shire councillor Jim Doukas is refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The decision means he will be barred from visiting council buildings, attending council meetings in person, or appearing at functions or events or venues where vaccination is a requirement.

It comes as a Warrnambool resident was banned from participating in a council sanctioned outdoor walking group after declining to reveal his COVID-19 vaccination status.

The man, who wished to remain anonymous, said he was highly embarrassed and the decision was simply wrong.

The owners of a south-west business were shocked by the behaviour of a group of customers last weekend.

Timboon Fine Ice Cream's Tim Marwood and Caroline Simmons said they were extremely disappointed by the behaviour of a group of visitors from Melbourne on Sunday who abused staff when they were asked to pop on masks and show their vaccination status.

The Middle Island Penguin Project has bid farewell to its matriarch protector 'Tula' who passed away at the age of 13 on Saturday, marking the end of an era.

Tula (pictured above) protected Middle Island's penguin colony for over eight years, along with her sister Eudy who passed just five months ago at the age of 12.

The pair were the first dogs specially trained to protect Warrnambool's Little Penguin Colony. Tula retired in 2019 and had since played an integral part in training younger dogs.

Beach users have been warned to stay away from "incredibly unsafe" sand cliffs which are up to five metres high along Warrnambool's Lady Bay beach.

Mayor Richard Ziegeler raised the issue at this week's council meeting after he received a phone call which he described as "a little bit troubling" in relation to safety of people using the beach.

Warrnambool's popular beach fireworks display will return this year with the city gearing up for a colourful New Year's Eve.

The fireworks were cancelled in 2020 as the city emerged out of a long pandemic lockdown, and the city redirected the funding to more COVID-safe activities.

This was a quirky story this week: A gift of a small ornamental cow from her sister 20 years ago has grown into a collection of more than 7000 for Killarney's Vicki Jans.

The dairy farmer is selling her beloved collection as she and her husband prepare to retire and travel around Australia in a caravan.

Ms Jans said when her darling sister bought her one as a present she quickly fell in love with them.

Cobden's Alma MacDonald will be remembered for her adventurous spirit.

The 91-year-old passed away on October 18 and will be remembered for her love of her community. Read her obituary here.

The whole nation breathed a collective sigh of relief when little Cleo was found. A great news story to round out the week.

Rather than slow down after falling ill, Warrnambool resident Des Brown simply setup a chair and table and has continued to sell his poppies year after year from his iconic spot on Liebig Street.

Each year, on a white picnic table outside Sportsgirl, Mr Brown can be found selling his poppies or lending an ear to relatives of service members, rain, hail or shine.

Which Warrnambool and District Cricket Association club deserves premiership favouritism?

Russells Creek comes to mind immediately and the underlying feeling is that it's carrying the most momentum of any club into the new season. Sport journalist Nick Ansell has written this interesting analysis and you can read it by clicking here.

Orford's Anne McGrath ticked off another item from her bucket list when she filled the role as a clerk-of the-course at the big Oaks Day meeting at Flemington on Thursday.

Hampden league club Cobden is backing an experienced mentor to guide its developing list as it sizes up a return to senior footy finals.

The Bombers on Thursday unveiled former Camperdown leader Dan Casey as their new coach in a major coup for the rebuilding outfit.

Until next week, stay safe and take care.

Rachael Houlihan, deputy editor.