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Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates

Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!

By news@gippsland - 9th October 2025 - Back to News

Eat Drink Play Gippsland is almost here and tickets are flying! Don't miss your chance to be part of this incredible celebration of local flavour, music, and community. Inspired by the Eat Drink Gippsland Guide, this vibrant festival brings together the region's top food and drink producers for a full day of indulgence and entertainment. From 11.00am to 5.00pm, soak up the sunshine as you sip, sample, and savour Gippsland's finest.

Saturday 18 October - Experience a vibrant festival showcasing Gippsland’s finest food, drink, and music in one unforgettable day and night celebration

Then, from 6.00pm to 10.00pm, let loose and dance the night away to live music under the stars, or do both! The newly redeveloped Railway Precinct in Leongatha will be a buzzing hub of delicious bites, refreshing drinks, and great vibes. Kids can join the fun too, with face painting, a playground, and mini-golf to keep them smiling.

Time’s running out - grab your tickets now and be part of this incredible event happening right here in South Gippsland. For more information, head to Visit Gippsland website.

Share your ideas about South Gippsland’s future with Councillors over a cuppa and give feedback on key projects

Coffee with a councillor

Have a chat and share your ideas about the future of South Gippsland with councillors over a nice, hot cuppa.

• When: Wednesday 22 October, 12.30pm to 1.00pm.
• Where: Venus Bay Community Centre

The event will also provide a chance to offer feedback on several key engagement opportunities.

The new walkway links Commercial and Little Commercial Streets, improving access, safety, and amenity with benches, lighting, CCTV, and landscaping

Korumburra pedestrian link

The new walkway connects the upper section of Commercial Street to Little Commercial Street, providing easy access to carparking and the Korumburra Hub. It features benches and a water fountain, plus lighting and CCTV to improve visibility and safety.

This project was funded through the Korumburra Streetscape Project which includes $5 million from the Victorian government's Community Infrastructure Loan Scheme and funding from council. Further landscaping will be carried out soon so keep your eyes out for some greenery.

Leongatha rail trail detour

To prepare for the upcoming Eat Drink Play Gippsland festival, the car park behind Bair Street will close from 8.00pm on Tuesday 14 October. Following this, the Leongatha Railway Precinct will be closed from 8.00pm Thursday 16 October until 7.00am Sunday 19 October to allow for full event setup and pack-down. If you are travelling along the Great Southern Rail Trail during this time, please detour via Bair Street. Directive signs will be available to assist trail users.

Staff spotlight: Pam

Pam has been working for South Gippsland Shire Council for over 35 years as a member of the Parks and Gardens team and is currently working in the mowing crew. Pam's passion for her work and community is inspiring. We're grateful to have such an experienced and dedicated team member, especially now that spring has sprung and the crew is hard-pressed to keep the grass around South Gippsland under control.

Landcare AGM and launch

In celebration of 30 years of the South Gippsland Landcare Network, a commemorative book titled Our Quiet Achievers has been compiled. It will be launched at Fleet Wines with guest speakers Claire Hetzel, CEO of Landcare Victoria, and Tom McIntosh, Member for East Melbourne. The ordinary business of the AGM will follow.

• When: Sunday 26 October, 1.00pm
• Where: Fleet Wines, 154 Old Korumburra Road, Leongatha

Note: Tickets must be purchased by 17 October, 5.00pm

Celebrate 30 years of South Gippsland Landcare Network at Fleet Wines with guest speakers and AGM. Book tickets by 17 October

Teens in Business Awards

Do you know a young person who embodies the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of young people across Australia? Consider nominating them for the Teens in Business Awards 2025. The Awards shine a spotlight on young changemakers who are building businesses, solving problems, and creating impact in their communities. Entries close Wednesday 15 October. To know more, visit Teens in Business Awards website.

Celebrate Children's Week 2025 with The Flying Bookworm's lively storytelling sessions in Meeniyan. Two sessions available - bookings essential

The Flying Bookworm

This Children's Week 2025, embark on a magical journey into the world of books, with The Flying Bookworm. Coming to Meeniyan, the sessions will consist of theatrical presentations of popular stories and poems, perfect for bright young minds.

• When: Wednesday 22 October⁠
• Session 1: 10.00am to 10.45am
• Session 2: 11.30am to 12.15pm.
• ⁠Where: Meeniyan Hall, 97 Whitelaw Street, Meeniyan

Bookings are essential. For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Play Well Expo

The South Gippsland Play Well Expo is a celebration of community sport, designed especially for women and girls to explore giving AFL, soccer, cricket or netball a try.

• When: Saturday 25 October⁠, 10.00am to 12.00pm
• ⁠Where: SPLASH, 52A Roughead Street, Leongatha

This free, family-friendly expo brings together local clubs, community leaders, and inspiring role models for a day full of activities, conversation, and celebration. For more information, visit GippSport website.

Garage Sale Trail

There is still time to register for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail. This is Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt. Registering is free and means your garage sale will be listed on a national map. Once registered, you will be able to download posters, flyers and even social media tiles.

No garage? No problem! Stalls are available at the Buckley Park Community Farm Car Boot Sale in Fish Creek on Saturday 9 November from 9.00pm to 1.00pm. The Garage Sale Trail is happening over two weekends - 8-9 and 15-16 November. View the sales in South Gippsland at the link below. To know more, visit Garage Sale Trail website.

Food system alliance

The Bass Coast South Gippsland Food System Alliance invites the entire community to join a movement aimed at building a local food system rooted in resilience, fairness, and connection. They are hosting a series of community engagement sessions to collect input that will help to shape the project. For events information, visit humanitix website.

Join the Bass Coast South Gippsland Food System Alliance's community sessions to help build a fair, resilient, and connected local food system

Your community

Discover South Gippsland: Local Favourites from the Visitor Information Centre

More inspiration from John Grenville, Tourism Information Officer

"I am always amazed by the beauty of the towns in South Gippsland and Foster is no exception. The wonderful flower beds are a highlight and are now in full bloom, soon to be replaced by the summer display. Council's gardeners do a fantastic job with the colourful flowers and vegetables. We often see people picking their greens for dinner from the roundabout outside the Visitor Centre, which is encouraged by the gardeners. We receive very positive feedback about what a beautiful town Foster is from locals and visitors alike .
If you haven't visited for a while, add it to your calendar. There are bush walks in Foster Flora Reserve and eateries of all sorts to tempt your palette."

Happy exploring,
The VIC Team.

Families are invited to share feedback on the upcoming Pre-Prep transition, expanding access to 20 hours of early learning from 2027

Community engagement

Pre-prep Consultation

Families are receiving greater access to early childhood education as part of the Victorian government's Best Start, Best Life initiative. Four-Year-Old-Kindergarten is becoming Pre-Prep, with families able to access up to 20 hours of Pre-Prep from 2027. Council is inviting parents, carers of young children, and people planning for a family to share their thoughts on the upcoming transition via an online survey and upcoming focus group sessions. To send your feedback, visit Your Say South Gippsland website.

Grants up to $25,000 support regional sport inclusion through specialised equipment and uniforms. Apply by Wednesday, 19 November

All Abilities Participation Grants for Regional Sport

The grants of up to $25,000 to purchase specialised or modified equipment and uniforms to enable safe and inclusive participation. Applications close Wednesday 19 November.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website and Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.
• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
  Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
  Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government, calling Myki's delayed tap-and-go rollout a "mythical unicorn," outdated and incompatible
  Victoria's long-promised tap-and-go public transport system has been delayed until 2028, leaving commuters, especially in regional areas, still reliant on outdated Myki cards and paper tickets
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 27 August 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council's 27 August meeting covered petitions, Warragul planning permits, Aberfeldy roadworks, draft strategies, community consultation, governance updates, with meetings live-streamed and open for public participation.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
  Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection.
• Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
  Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
  Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
  Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
  Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
  Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal.
• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior honoured for Warragul Station Park artwork celebrating culture, community and family legacy
  Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior's cockatoo design now features in Warragul Station Park, honouring Kurnai and Gunditjmara heritage, community ties, and his family legacy alongside uncle Lionel Rose's iconic statue.
• Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
  Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety.