Cool Places and Relief in Place
As part of your heatwave and bushfire planning, you need to think about places you will go during heatwaves or on Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger Days.
Cool Places are indoor, air-conditioned spaces that community members can access to seek short-term respite when a severe or extreme heat health warning has been issued
Relief in Place locations are for people living in bushfire risk communities who have companion pets and do not have family and/or friends in Colac to stay with or afford to travel to larger cities on days of Extreme or Catastrophic Fire Danger.
Cool Places
Cool Places are indoor, air-conditioned spaces that community members can access to seek respite when a severe or extreme heat health warning has been issued.
The following table contains some possible examples for places it may be appropriate to spend time on such days, depending on conditions. This is obviously not an exhaustive list, and individual opening hours apply. Please use the links provided to learn more about the activities available and the operating hours for each individual business. Not all of the places listed are in Colac Otway Shire.
It is important to consider what best fits your personal circumstances. Talking to friends and family about options for what to do during heatwaves or bushfires is the best way to be prepared. Planning to stay elsewhere may be the simplest and best option.
Please also note that this is not a list of Relief in Place locations or Neighbourhood Safer Places. For information on Neighbourhood Safer Places, please visit the CFA website.
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Specific Locations
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Address
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Website or Facebook page
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Is there a cost involved?
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| Beaches |
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Apollo Bay main beach and foreshore area
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Great Ocean Road,
Apollo Bay
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No
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| Bowling |
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Colac Ten Pin Bowl
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86 Murray St, Colac
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Colac Tenpin Bowl - Colac’s 10 Pin Bowling Alley! |
Yes
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Colac Bowling Club by the Lake
Lawn Bowls
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Cnr Moore & Armstrong streets, Colac
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www.colacbowlingclub.com
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Yes
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Colac Central Bowling Club
Lawn Bowls
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115–119 Wilson St, Colac
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www.colaccentralbc.com
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Yes
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| Community Halls |
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| Apollo Bay Community Hall (Senior's) Centre |
6 Whelan Street, Apollo Bay |
https://firereadyapollobay.org.au/
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No |
| COPACC |
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COPACC
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Corner of Rae and Gellibrand streets, Colac
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www.copacc.com.au
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No
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| Library |
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Colac Community Library and Learning Centre
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173 Queen Street, Colac
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Colac Community Library & Learning Centre | Geelong Regional Libraries |
No
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| Shopping Centres |
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Large regional centres, such as Geelong, Ballarat and Warrnambool, all have a range of substantial indoor shopping centres
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No
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| Swimming Pool |
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Bluewater
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118–134 Hearn Street, Colac
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Bluewater website
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Yes
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Relief in Place Locations
What are Relief in Place locations?
Relief in Place locations are safe spaces for people living in bushfire risk areas who have companion pets and cannot stay with family or friends in Colac or afford to travel to major cities on days of Extreme Fire Danger. These locations provide support for you and your animals when needed most.
Without Pets
Access indoor venues such as COPACC, Bluewater, Salvation Army centres, or local restaurants.
With Companion Pets
The Colac Neighbourhood House is available for people with domestic companion pets (small dogs and cats).
With Pets or Large Animals
Use facilities like the Colac Regional Saleyards or Colac Showgrounds which offer holding yards, stalls and pens for your animals.
After Hours Support
After hour support depends on staff and volunteer availability. Sites may not be open beyond normal hours. Overnight stays are generally not supported - please organise alternate accommodation as part of your Personal Emergency Management Plan. If you need help creating a plan, visit the CFA Webpage or speak with your local CFA Brigade Community Officer.
Important site rules
- All visitors must follow local laws, animal control regulations, and community behaviour standards.
- All visitors must sign-in and register to assist the site Coordinator with resource management.
- No alcohol is permitted on-site, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone.
- Animals/Pets are NOT permitted to roam freely and must be tethered, on a leash or held in yards.
- Remember: These sites are also places of business—others may not be aware of your situation.
Personal Responsibilities
You are responsible for your personal safety, wellbeing, and that of your family, animals, and pets while at a Relief in Place location.