Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Wellington shire residents now eligible for storm recovery assistance from Federal governmentFunding to provide assistance to the residents affected by the storm in their recovery process. By news@gippsland - 2nd July 2021 - Back to News Residents in Wellington affected by the recent floods and storms are now eligible for Federal Government assistance. Local MP Darren Chester welcomed the announcement and said eligible residents could make claims from today, Friday July 2, 2021.
Local MP Darren Chester welcomed the announcement of Wellington now being eligible for Federal Government assistance following recent storms and floods
Short-term income support
Mr Chester said, "The Federal Government has included an additional five local government areas, including Wellington, to be eligible for the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) and the Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA),"
"The AGDRP provides a one-off payment of $1,000 for eligible adults and $400 for eligible children who have experienced a significant loss such as a damaged home or serious injury."
"This cash boost is designed to provided support straight away and assist with any immediate costs. The DRA provides short-term income support for up to 13 weeks, for those whose income has been affected due to the storms."
Support to ensure residents
Mr Chester said this support would ensure residents could get back on their feet and continue the recovery process. "The storms and flooding we saw throughout Gippsland were unprecedented and it is important that those affected are supported in their recovery, the recovery process will take time and it's important we continue to work together and come back stronger as a region."
Baw Baw, Cardinia, Mornington Peninsula and South Gippsland are also now eligible for Federal Government assistance. Eligible recipients can call 180 22 66 to make a claim. For further information including eligibility, visit storm recovery assistance.
Darren Chestester web page.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30. - Wellington Shire Council 2026 hard waste collection returns this spring for convenient household clean-up and recycling
Wellington Shire Council’s annual hard waste collection returns from September 28 to October 30, offering residents convenient disposal of unwanted household items, including e-waste, while supporting recycling and reducing illegal dumping. - Wellington Shire Council backs campaign seeking greater rural investment, improved roads, infrastructure funding and regional economic growth
Wellington Shire Council is backing Rural Councils Victoria’s campaign for greater investment in rural infrastructure, including roads, community facilities and a proposed $1 billion regional productivity and growth fund. - Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on three strategies guiding local economic growth, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure through 2037
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three strategies covering economic development, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure, with consultation open until November 8, 2026, to guide priorities and investment through 2037. - Wellington Shire Council updates flood mapping to improve safety, planning, climate resilience and development decisions across the municipality
Wellington Shire Council is updating flood mapping and planning controls, incorporating climate impacts, to improve safety, guide development and manage flood risks. Public submissions close 2 November 2026. - Wellington Shire Council retains three-bin waste system as landfill waste falls, delivering savings and supporting long-term waste management
Wellington Shire Council will retain its three-bin kerbside waste service after landfill waste fell more than 40 per cent, reducing disposal costs and supporting lower household waste charges. - Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils. - Wellington Shire dog attacks decline, but council urges owners to secure pets and practise responsible dog ownership
Wellington Shire recorded 64 dog attack reports over the past year, down from 93. Council urges owners to secure dogs, supervise children and practise responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents. - Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is. - 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. - 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. - Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability. - Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections by 8 November 2026
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections. Residents can complete an online survey from October 12 to November 8, 2026. - Sale residents urged to safely dispose of hazardous household chemicals at free Detox Your Home event on 10 October 2026
Wellington Shire residents can safely dispose of unwanted hazardous household chemicals at a free Detox Your Home event in Sale, helping protect waterways, people, animals and the environment. - Darren Chester joined Wellington Shire representatives to welcome 57 new citizens at The Wedge ceremony
Wellington Shire welcomed 57 new Australian citizens at The Wedge, with Federal Member Darren Chester and council representatives celebrating their milestone and contributions to Gippsland communities. - South Gippsland residents invited to shape future heritage precincts across four townships through community consultation
South Gippsland Shire Council is inviting residents across Loch, Fish Creek, Toora and Korumburra to help shape and protect their townships' unique heritage character. - Free green waste disposal helps East Gippsland residents prepare properties for upcoming bushfire season from 1 to 30 November 2026
East Gippsland residents can dispose of eligible green waste free throughout November to reduce bushfire risks. Council also encourages safe gas bottle disposal and separating green waste from general rubbish to save fees. - East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on first draft Events Strategy for future events from 27 August to 16 September 2026
Baw Baw Shire is inviting residents, event organisers and local businesses to comment on its first draft Events Strategy, open on Baw Baw Connect from August 27 to September 16, helping shape future event planning across the Shire. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges community advocacy for major projects ahead of Victorian state election
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging residents to support advocacy for the Rokeby to Noojee Trail Extension and urgent Warragul-Drouin intersection upgrades ahead of the Victorian state election. - 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. - Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3. - Baw Baw Shire Council wins Resilient Australia Award for inclusive emergency preparedness initiative supporting vulnerable communities
Baw Baw Shire Council won a Resilient Australia Award for its inclusive emergency preparedness initiative, helping vulnerable residents and children build digital skills, resilience and readiness for future disasters. - Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment. - East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming 1 October 2026, allowing access to other networks during eligible natural disasters
East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming, activated by Telstra, Optus and TPG on October 1, 2026, allowing access to other networks for essential calls, texts and limited data during eligible disasters. - East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M election funding to unlock 600 new homes through Lucknow drainage upgrades
East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lucknow drainage upgrades, enabling up to 600 new homes while addressing flooding and supporting sustainable growth. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election. - Baw Baw Shire Council Pop-Up Playgroups wins Victorian early years award for promoting children’s health, wellbeing and community connections
Baw Baw Shire Council’s Pop-Up Playgroups has won a 2026 Victorian Early Years Award, recognising its inclusive approach to supporting children’s wellbeing and connecting local families through play. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on proposed planning amendment updating flood maps across several towns by 29 January 2027
Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking submissions on proposed flood mapping updates affecting 1,438 additional properties, with changes covering Warragul, Yarragon, Trafalgar and surrounding communities. Submissions close January 29, 2027. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives. - 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. - Baw Baw Shire Council Annual Report highlights major achievements, $23.9M road investment and community improvements in 2025-26
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2025-26 Annual Report highlights facility upgrades, more than $400,000 in community grants, a new emergency dashboard and $23.9 million invested in road improvements. - Baw Baw Shire endorses revised Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation and build trust in council decisions
Baw Baw Shire councillors have unanimously endorsed a revised Community Engagement Policy, aiming to strengthen community participation, ensure meaningful feedback and build greater trust in Council’s decision-making processes. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges Victorian election candidates to cut red tape and boost farm gate tourism opportunities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reduce red tape and ease planning restrictions on farm gate businesses, reforms could boost agritourism, support local producers, create jobs and strengthen regional tourism. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Anthony Petherbridge as third new director following organisational restructure
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Anthony Petherbridge as Director Community and Planning Services following its restructure, joining two new directors and bringing extensive strategic planning and executive-level local government experience. - Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks feedback on new waste charge proposal with various session dates in September and feedback closing on 21 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is consulting on a proposed waste charge for all rateable properties, aiming to fairly share costs and improve transparency around community waste services. - East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft policy to strengthen engagement and decision-making until 21 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation, clarify engagement expectations and ensure community input informs council decision-making. Submissions close 21 October 2026. - East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity. - 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. - Baw Baw Shire Council keeps fortnightly red bins, weekly FOGO collections despite petition calling for weekly rubbish service
Baw Baw Council will retain fortnightly red-bin and weekly FOGO collections despite a 6,139-signature petition seeking weekly rubbish services, citing $173,000 annual costs and reduced landfill waste. - East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes. - Baw Baw Shire Council launches the return of Gippy Girls Can in September with something for every woman
Gippy Girls Can returns across Baw Baw in September, offering women and girls welcoming, beginner-friendly and affordable opportunities to try new activities, get active and connect. - Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors. - Baw Baw Shire Council to consider cost of returning to weekly red-bin collections
Baw Baw Council will investigate the costs and implications of restoring weekly red-bin collections after a 6,139-signature petition highlighted strong community concern over the FOGO changes. - East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M to upgrade Lakes Entrance drainage, protect communities and unlock 1,500 new housing lots
East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lakes Entrance drainage upgrades to reduce flood risk, protect communities and support development of 1,500 housing lots. - 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. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak. - Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo. - East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool. - Latrobe City launches recycling guide for National Recycling Week to help residents improve household recycling habits
Latrobe City Council has launched a Recycling Guide for National Recycling Week, helping residents sort household waste correctly, reduce contamination, improve recycling habits and keep more materials out of landfill. - 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. - Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking. - 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. - Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson appointed as Baw Baw Shire new directors following recent organisational restructure
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Nathan Kearsley and Jill Colson as new directors following a restructure reducing its executive leadership team from five to three. - 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. - Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season. - Melina Bath announces $53.6M boost to patient travel assistance for regional Victorians under Nationals-Liberal government
Melina Bath says a proposed $53.6 million boost to Victoria’s patient transport assistance would increase accommodation and travel reimbursements, easing healthcare costs for regional patients travelling long distances for specialist treatment. - Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities. - Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation. - 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. - Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access. - 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 Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities. - Farmers denied refunds despite biosecurity overcharging and government cost recovery surplus
DAFF will not refund farmers despite collecting $26 million in excess biosecurity fees between 2024 and 2026. An Auditor-General report identified cost recovery management failures, prompting calls for greater transparency and fairer charges. - 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. - Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks. - Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions. - West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity. - East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks community members, reflects on achievements and highlights upcoming projects in final annual mayoral column
East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth thanks residents for their contributions, highlights upcoming projects and community celebrations, and encourages feedback on the Bairnsdale 2050 Strategy before concluding her annual mayoral column.
|
|
