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Support Daniher's Drive as it passes through Gippsland from 13 - 16 October 2022 and help fight motor neurone disease

Only one month to go to Daniher's Drive 2022, time to get this wonderful antique on the road!

By news@gippsland - 29th September 2022 - Back to News

There is less than a month to go before 80 cars and nearly 300 people depart from the MCG on the famous 'Daniher's Drive' to raise funds and awareness for FightMND. Patron Neale Daniher and 'Drive' veteran and former Demon's superstar David Neitz marked the milestone by visiting the Jayco Caravans HQ and inspecting the $62,000 Starcraft Bushpack caravan raffle prize on offer to help boost fundraising for this year's drive.

The route through the North East and Gippsland was specially chosen for the postponed 2020 and 2021 Daniher's Drive to support regions impacted by the devastating bushfires

They were joined by brothers Tim and Jeremy Smith, who will be piloting their father's restored vintage Model A Ford in the Daniher's Drive for the first time, honouring their late Dad who passed away from MND in 2020 at the age of 67.

Display of community spirit

FightMND Campaigns Director Bec Daniher said, "From our cities to our regional towns, MND touches every corner of our community and there is no stronger display of community spirit than people rallying behind the fight against MND - while having plenty of fun."

"I can't wait to take the fight against the Beast on the road again, raising awareness and connecting with communities in Victoria's North East and Gippsland."

"The people who take part in Daniher's Drive are like one big family - this event has been more than two years in the making so I have no doubt it's going to be a reunion celebration to remember."

Making impact to the people

FightMND CEO Dr. Fiona McIntosh said, "While MND is a brutal disease, we still need to find time to come together and have some fun - which is what Daniher's Drive is all about."

"We know it will take people to defeat this Beast, and it's only thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of our Drive teams and the local communities that we pass through, that we are able to make a real impact for people living with MND.

Getting back on the road

FightMND Patron Neale Daniher AO said, "With Daniher's Drive already booked out at 300 people - the best way to support our fundraising efforts is to buy a ticket in the Daniher's Drive Jayco raffle. All money raised through the raffle will go towards urgent MND research and care to improve the lives of people living with MND."

"I'd like to personally thank Gerry Ryan, the team at Jayco and all our wonderful Drive partners including Chemist Warehouse, who have joined us in the fight against the Beast this year."

"After two years of false starts, my family and I can't wait to get back on the road again for what promises to be an unforgettable Drive - spreading awareness and raising funds while having plenty of fun along the way."

From left to right, David Neitz, Neale Daniher, Scott Jones - Jayco Sales & Innovation Manager, Tim Smith, Jeremy Smith

Support the drive

Tim Smith said, "We want to support the drive and raise money for FightMND, our father was diagnosed in 2019 and sadly passed away in 2020 - and we just want to spread the word and try to raise some money for research and other things"

"The car is a 1928 Ford Model A and was imported from the USA in 1989, and it took 12 years to restore and it's been on the road for a while now and has travelled a fair bit of the country - it still goes really well and we are going to continue enjoying it, as Dad did"

In honour of their father

Jeremy Smith said, "It means a lot to have Dad's car and be part of the FightMND family as strangely enough I was never into Dad's cars and it's never been something I have loved but now to be able to do this with my brother especially is super important and to be able to honour our Dad and do something that he would have loved to have done is really great I think."

"I think for us this connection with others will be really important, people who have had the same experience as us because MND attacks people in different ways so seeing how other people's experiences vary from ours is going to be interesting, and probably a little healing for us as well and I'm looking forward to it."

Getting involved with a cause

Scott Jones - Sales and Innovation Manager Jayco said, "For us it's an amazing opportunity to get involved with a great cause and we are doing all that we can to make it a success. We were so excited and when we were approached we couldn't believe it, we actually felt lucky to be involved through good fortune and we are doing everything we can"

"This van is one of our most popular units, the Jayco Starcraft, great value and designed to be packed full of features but with a great price point - its got fridge, full ensuite, three bunks in the back of this one, so you can bring 2-3-4 kids as you need, its really flexible and versatile"

Striving in the one direction

David Neitz - Champion Demon Captain and Daniher's Drive veteran said, "The caravan is magnificent and everything you need for an awesome holiday and the car is special as well, looking forward to seeing it on the drive and being a part of it - I reckon it will go 1000 times better than our old Kombi van from a few years ago hahaha!"

"The drive has always been a big part of our old boys calendar and the entire Daniher family all get around and support and to see the entire family of the MND community to come together is amazing."

"And there has already been so much fund-raising done before we even get on the road so the energy and emotion is huge - and it is a wonderful thing to come together for the cause and we are all striving in the one direction to find a cure." Mr Neitz said.

In addition to nightly events and community activities along the route, the Drive also offers a special chance to connect with regional families who have been touched by Motor Neurone Disease (MND)

Organise your preview interview

After two years of delays, a convoy of 80 cars carrying more than 300 participants will journey through regional Victoria raising awareness and funds for FightMND, departing from Daniher's Way (MCG), they will travel approximately 895 kilometres:

• Day 1, Thur 13 October - MCG to Myrtleford via Wallan and Euroa
• Day 2, Fri 14 October - Myrtleford/Bright to Lakes Entrance via Omeo and Bruthen
• Day 3, Sat 15 October - Lakes Entrance to Warragul via Metung
• Day 4, Sun 16 October - Warragul to Melbourne

It will mark the first time in two years that the popular Drive event has returned to the road, with the opportunity to visit regional communities and support their recovery from the 2020 bushfires and the impact of COVID-19 lockdowns.

In addition to nightly events and community activities along the route, the Drive also offers a special chance to connect with regional families who have been touched by Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Jayco generously donates the 2022 model caravan worth $61,990 to support Daniher's Drive fundraising raffle with all funds raised going to FightMND

Support the fundraising

Locals can support the fundraising efforts of Daniher's Drive by:

• Purchasing a ticket in the Daniher's Drive Jayco raffle where they could win a Jayco Starcraft Bushpack Caravan, valued at $61,990. Tickets for the Daniher's Drive raffle are available online at Daniher's Drive raffle tickets page
• Come along to one of two night events - tickets available at FightMND 27 website
• Comedy and Auction Gala, Lakes Entrance - Friday 14 October ($150)
• Halloween Costume Party, Warragul - Saturday 15 October ($160)
• Head into your local Chemist Warehouse store and make an in-store donation at the counter from the 13 October - 30 November

Choose your challenge, start fundraising and help make a meaningful difference for people living with MND.

Drive background

Now in its sixth year, Daniher's Drive is an annual road trip through regional Victoria that started as a simple quest to raise awareness of MND and has since grown into a marquee regional fundraiser drawing participants from all over Australia.

There is no stronger display of camaraderie and community spirit than people coming together and rallying behind the fight against the Beast that is MND.

A proud cornerstone of the Drive is fundraising, with each team raising a minimum of $5000 to take part. However, many teams consistently exceed this target. This year, the Drive hopes to raise more than $2.5 million for FightMND.

Improving lives

Funds raised through the Drive will be invested in vital and urgent MND research and care initiatives to improve the lives of those living with MND. Daniher's Drive has helped raise more than $10 million for FightMND since it first began in 2015.

Daniher's Drive has travelled through nearly every corner of Victoria (and parts of NSW and SA) from Gippsland to the Alpine region, Central Highlands, the Wimmera-Mallee and the Great Ocean Road.

Daniher's Drive is supported by Chemist Warehouse, PSC Insurance, Jayco (National Raffle Sponsor), Bayside Coaches, CMV Trucks & Buses and Coles Express.

Help to raise funds

For the first time, Jayco, Australia's most popular brand of RVs, has stepped up to help Drive participants raise funds by generously donating a Jayco Starcraft Bushpack Caravan 2022 valued at $61,990 (RRP) as the major prize for the Daniher's Drive raffle.

With tickets costing $50 each, the Daniher's Drive raffle is open to residents in Victoria, New South Wales, Northern Territory and Tasmania until 14 October 2022. Tickets for the Daniher's Drive raffle are available online.

All funds raised through the raffle will not only support Daniher's Drive but help fund urgent MND research and care for those living with MND. Daniher's Drive is also supported by Chemist Warehouse, PSC Insurance, Bayside Coaches and CMV Trucks & Buses.

Time to get this wonderful antique on the road and on to Daniher's Drive 2022

About FightMND

FightMND exists to champion hope and lead the fight against the Beast that is Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Founded in 2014 by Neale Daniher AO, Pat Cunningham and the late Dr Ian Davis, FightMND has since grown into one of the world's largest independent funders of MND research.

FightMND is driven by a singular and urgent purpose - a world free of MND and we achieve this by:

• Funding cutting-edge MND research within Australia and globally to fast-track discoveries of potential new treatments and ultimately find a cure
• Funding vital care equipment for people living with MND so that they can maintain their independence, and dignity and have an improved quality of life
• Raising awareness and pushing MND into the spotlight

Through campaigns such as the Big Freeze, Daniher's Drive, 27 Challenge, Sockit2MND, community fundraising and general donations, FightMND raises awareness and funds to invest in the fight against MND.

Pictures from FightMND website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• East Gippsland Council adopts 2025–26 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure investment, community services and financial sustainability
  East Gippsland Shire Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights $30.4 million in capital works, community services and economic development. Despite a $7.7 million operating surplus, Council recorded a $3.1 million underlying deficit.
• East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
  East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently.
• East Gippsland coastal management plan gains ministerial approval after extensive community consultation and collaboration across region
  East Gippsland's Coastal and Marine Management Plan has received Ministerial Approval, recognising three years of community consultation and providing a shire-wide framework for sustainably managing coastal and marine environments.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
  East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand.
• East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• Gippsland small business triumphs with award-winning High Country Hooch Distilling Enterprise at Glenaladale near Bairnsdale
  High Country Hooch Distilling owners Paul and Leanne Poulter won Best New Business at the Gippsland Business Awards, growing their Glenaladale venture into a handcrafted spirits and tasting-room destination.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on future of local aquatic facilities and swimming pools before 6 December 2026
  South Gippsland Council is seeking community feedback on the future of aquatic facilities, with ageing infrastructure, changing visitation, rising costs and renewal needs under consideration. Feedback closes December 6.
• East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day
  East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.
• One Gippsland delegation met Darren Chester at Parliament House to discuss key regional infrastructure and investment priorities
  Federal Member Darren Chester met One Gippsland representatives at Parliament House to discuss regional priorities, including roads, housing, healthcare, disaster resilience, industry investment and job creation.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• East Gippsland Agriculture Tour showcases innovation, resilience and collaboration across the region's diverse farming sector
  ASAC members toured East Gippsland agricultural businesses, exploring sustainable farming, weed management, technology and dairy practices while strengthening industry connections and informing future regional agricultural priorities.
• Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers.
• Four Gippsland students win Water Week Poster competition promoting conservation and sustainability
  Four young Gippsland artists have been recognised in Gippsland Water’s 2026 National Water Week poster competition, highlighting water conservation. Mirboo North Primary School won $500, while student Penelope placed third statewide.
• Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
  Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours.
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates major $45M redevelopment and new regional sporting facilities
  Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces.
• Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
  Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
  RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• Put your phone down and connect through art at Cowes’ new Analog Art Club starting 1st of December 2026
  Analog Art Club launches at Berninneit Art Gallery, Cowes, on 1 December, offering free monthly phone-free mornings with art, creative workshops and conversations led by artists and curators. Registration is essential.
• Youth board opportunity to help shape the future of West Gippsland’s Catchments and natural environment
  West Gippsland CMA is seeking an Associate Board Member aged 18–34 to contribute youth perspectives on natural resource management. Gain governance skills, training and mentorship. Apply with a resume and cover letter by 30 November 2026.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
• Latrobe Housing Summit explores collaborative solutions to meet growing regional housing demand and support future economic development
  Latrobe City Council’s Housing Summit brought together government, industry and community leaders to address rising housing demand, improve affordability and develop solutions supporting regional growth, investment and population increases.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Martin Cameron and Melina Bath heard Gippsland builders’ concerns, pledge reforms to improve housing affordability and supply
  Martin Cameron and Melina Bath met Gippsland builders to discuss housing affordability challenges, citing rising taxes, fees and planning delays. The Nationals and Liberals propose faster approvals, increased land supply and tax relief.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
  Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges.
• Danny O’Brien urges premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien urges the Premier to delay VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s election, allowing community input and addressing landholder and environmental concerns.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• Danny O’Brien urges Premier to delay Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November state election
  Danny O’Brien is urging the Premier to delay awarding VicGrid’s Gippsland offshore wind transmission tender until after November’s state election, citing landholder concerns and unresolved environmental, financial and property impacts.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
  Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback to shape safer roads through New Road Safety Strategy Plan until 10 September 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting residents to help shape its new Road Safety Strategy through community workshops and an online survey, aiming to reduce crashes and improve safety for all road users across the shire.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• Willow Grove recreation reserve secures $360,000 lighting upgrade to improve safety and support local sport
  Willow Grove Recreation Reserve will receive a $360,000 lighting upgrade by 2028, improving safety, supporting local sporting clubs, expanding female football opportunities and assisting emergency services during critical events.
• Latrobe City Libraries offer free live music celebrating local Gippsland talent from October to December 2026
  Latrobe City Libraries will host free, family-friendly live music from local Gippsland musicians across Morwell, Traralgon and Moe from October to December 2026. No bookings are required; everyone is welcome to attend.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
  Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs.
• The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
  The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge forest restoration, fuel reduction, bushfire preparedness and regional job support across Victoria
  The Liberals and Nationals propose restoring active forest management, doubling planned burns, treating more public land, expanding firebreaks and restoring 5,000 hectares annually to reduce bushfire risks and support regional timber jobs.
• Latrobe City Council invites community feedback on Moe Town Centre future through draft plan exhibition and consultation sessions
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on Moe’s draft town centre plan, guiding future development, transport, public spaces and economic growth. Submissions close 24 November 2026, with community information sessions scheduled.
• Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
  Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.
• Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
  Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities.
• Walhalla Museum launches virtual reality experience bringing gold mining history to life for visitors through new Regional Tourism upgrade project
  Walhalla Museum has launched a $50,000-funded virtual reality experience showcasing its gold mining history, with multilingual and accessible visitor facilities supported through the Victorian government's Tiny Towns Fund.
• Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
  Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation.
• Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
  The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets.
• Latrobe City Business Festival returns with free October events connecting businesses, employers, job seekers and industry partners
  Latrobe City’s 2026 Business Festival runs October 14–23, offering free jobs expos, workshops, networking, professional development and business events connecting employers, workers, students and industry.
• Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
  Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.
• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Nationals and Liberals propose $115M apprenticeship fund to help small businesses cut training costs, address skills shortages and create local jobs
  The Nationals and Liberals have announced a proposed $115 million apprenticeship fund to cover 50 per cent of eligible training costs, supporting small businesses, and creating more local career opportunities for Gippsland youth.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
  Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.