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Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area February 2013Coming Events, Hot Spots, Neighbourhood Watch Safer Communities Group Reports, Quad Bike Safety, Protecting Your Property. By Malcolm Lawrence - 22nd February 2013 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
February 2013
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency 000, Mobiles 112, State the service you want ¡V Police, Ambulance or Fire.
Police: Boolarra 5169 6222, Churchill 5122 1790, Moe 5127 2222, Morwell 5131 5000
Traralgon 5174 0900
Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
Neighbourhood Watch & Safer Communities
Unit ¡V Latrobe PSA, L/S/C Brett Godden, 5131 5085, 0400 050 749.
brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au
Facebook: Senior Constable Brett
Child Protection 13 12 78, Consumer Affairs 5116 5701, Dept Primary Industry 136186.
Dispute Settlement Centre 1800 658 528, Latrobe City 1300 367 700.
Nurse on Call 1300 606 024, Poisons Information 13 11 26,
VicRoads 131170
COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS
Wednesday 20th February - Churchill District and Community Association Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm
Sat 2nd March ¡V Rotary Playground Celebration - Morwell Town Common ¡V Police/NHW Display 10 am Monday 4th March - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - - Moe RSL ¡V Albert Street, Moe ¡V 7pm
Tuesday 5th March - Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon ¡V 7pm
Wednesday 6th March - Morwell Town Meeting ¡V Morwell RSL ¡V Elgin Street, Morwell ¡V 7pm
Wednesday 13th March - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Yallourn North Bowling Club¡V7 pm
HOT SPOTS ¡V POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC¡¦S HELP
THEFT OF FIRE FIGHTING TRAILER FROM RURAL CHURCHILL PROPERTY
On Friday 8th February 2013 the victim purchased a fire fighting Rapid Spray trailer. The victim left the trailer at the side of a garage on his rural property Mackeys Road Churchill in clear view from the road.
On Sunday the 10th February 2013 the victim sighted the trailer at 9.15 a.m and when he returned at 12 noon the trailer was gone.
The trailer tank was full with 1000 litres of water. In addition to the trailer, there is a steel toolbox fixed to the front of the trailer. It is valued at $10,000.
At about 11 a.m. on the day the trailer was stolen, a male attended at the house on the property from where the trailer was stolen. This male is a person of interest for this incident and police would like to speak to him.
This person is described as male, wearing a cap, glasses, green vest and long dark hair to his shoulders.
Police urge anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5049 or Senior Constable Atkinson at Churchill Police on 5122 1790.
PROTECTING YOUR RURAL PROPERTY FROM
THEFT FROM FARMS AND COUNTRY SHEDS
Times have been tough enough for the man on the land in recent years. With so much to cope with, it is easy to forget something minor like locking your shed. That¡¦s what happened to me, and it cost me thousands of dollars¡¦ worth of equipment. I¡¦ve learned my lesson. It is pretty hard to stop determined thieves but your chances are a lot better if you make life as difficult as possible for them,¡¨ said a farmer from the Western District.
Crime Stoppers and Victoria Police are concerned about the volume of equipment, from sophisticated tractors to rolls of fencing wire, being stolen from farms. Farms are often relatively easy targets for thieves. The end result is increased insurance, security and law enforcement costs which we all have to bear.
There is a lot people living on isolated properties can do to protect themselves from thieves:
„h Be alert and secure your property
„h Remove keys from machinery
„h Lock doors of machinery cabs
„h Use lockable fuel caps
„h Store large farm equipment in secure sheds or highly visible areas
„h Store valuable equipment in a secure building out of sight, behind a locked door
„h Return broken down machinery to the shed
„h Use high security padlocks and lock outbuildings when you are not using them
„h Consider building a lockable metal cage inside a building for tool storage
„h Install outdoor security lights where you have valuable equipment
If you become aware of any information about individuals who have engaged in theft from farms and other country properties, contact your local police or Crime Stoppers. The smallest piece of information could lead to a criminal charge and a safer environment for you and your family.
Police urge anyone who may have information related to any farming or livestock theft incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5000.
JANUARY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES: There were no December or January meetings.
ROBBERY - 1 for January (Nil December) - One offender charged with robbery during January.
ASSAULTS - 6 for January (6 December) - In all incidents except one an offender has been charged. Police are waiting to interview a suspect in relation to another assault.
ARSON - 1 for January (Nil December) - On 8th January unknown offenders lit a small grass fire in Phillip Pde. The fire was lit around 5.00pm. Police are making follow up enquiries.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 10 for January (8 December) - Five offenders charged. One offender faces three counts as a result of three separate incidents whilst one person has been cautioned in relation to damage on 5th January. A vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence in Catterick Cres had ¡§KB¡¨ and ¡§BJ¡¨ written on it overnight 11th January.
BURGLARY - 3 for January (6 December) - A rural garage in Jumbuk Rd, Jeeralang Junction was entered when unknown offenders have cut a hole in a door between 7th and 9th January. Another garage was entered in Dunbar Gr overnight 13th January with power tools and an esky stolen. Two grinders and a trailer were stolen from a factory yard in McCormick St between 25th and 28th January.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for January (1 December) - Overnight 14th January unknown offenders smashed a window of the victim¡¦s vehicle allowing entry to push the vehicle along Ikara Way. Once they moved the vehicle they stripped four mag wheels, a boot lock, bonnet, battery, radiator, radio, speakers, jack and wheel brace from the vehicle.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for January (1 December) - Both vehicles stolen during January have been recovered.
THEFT - 3 for January (2 December) - On 14th January a small amplifier was stolen from the ground floor of the Leisure Centre. A trailer was stolen from the front yard of a residence in Walker Pde overnight 18th January whilst a kneeboard was stolen from a campsite at the pondage on 26th January. This is the second kneeboard to be stolen recently.
ISSUES RAISED FEBRUARY: Nil issues notified.
MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES: There were no December or January meetings.
ROBBERY - 2 for January (Nil December) - Both incidents are recorded as attempted robberies with both victims threatened with physical violence. On 18th January a female was threatened by two males demanding money which was not handed over. On 22nd January two males demanded cigarettes from a male who refused. He was assaulted before retaliating causing the offenders to run from the scene.
ASSAULT - 15 for January (29 December) - Twelve offenders charged. Police are following up suspects in relation to an assault on Princes Fwy on 24th January whilst another is being sought in relation to an assault in Kingsford St on 27th January.
ARSON - 3 for January (5 December) - All three incidents are deemed criminal damage by fire. On 1st January two youths are suspected of setting a bench alight in Dinwoodie Reserve. A vague description has been given of the youths but not enough for police to identify possible offenders. Elizabeth St Primary had two small fires lit on 13th and 16th December.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 37 for January (32 December) - Four offenders charged. 18 of the damages are either residential or vehicle windows being smashed by rocks or other implements with no attempt to enter the premises or vehicle. One of the damages involved a rock being thrown at a passing vehicle on the Princes Fwy on 9th January.
BURGLARY - 10 for January (13 December) - Burglaries were evenly spread between residential and retail premises. The Moe United Soccer Club was targeted twice in a couple of days. Overnight 10th unknown offenders broke a window on the club rooms whilst on 13th January they used the same broken window to gain access and ransacked the rooms.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 8 for January (11 Dec) - All except two occurred in residential streets or driveways. Six of the eight were either unlocked, had windows left down or were open canopies on utes. One incident involved two unlocked vehicles in a driveway with keys left in the ignition of one vehicle. The victim is probably very lucky not to have had the vehicle stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for January (4 December)
THEFT (OTHER) - 16 for January (12 December) - One offender charged. A number of the thefts relate to victims leaving the items behind or in places and walking away. Police remind the community that although there is the offence of theft by finding it is the responsibility of owners to be aware of where their property is at all times.
ISSUES RAISED FEBRUARY: Scams sent through the mail ¡V Discussion on avoiding becoming a victim. Condition of Ollerton Reserve ¡V Letter sent to Latrobe City. Will follow up with CFA.
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES: There were no December or January meetings.
ROBBERY - 3 for January (Nil December) - One offender charged with one count of armed robbery and two counts of robbery. On 19th January two offenders entered a shop in Bruton St (near Well St) and made demands for money which were not met. The offenders left the shop and were last seen in Mulcare St. On 23rd January 3 offenders entered a service station in Vestan Dr demanding money and armed with what appears to be a bat and knife. The victim locked himself in a room and the offenders left the service station.
ASSAULT - 29 for January (32 December) - In all incidents an offender or offenders have been charged with some facing multiple charges. Police are following up suspects in relation to an affray in George St on 24th January.
ARSON - 7 for January (4 December) - Two of the incidents relate to small grass fires in Commercial Rd (near railway line) and Harold St on 27th January. A stolen motor vehicle was recovered burnt out in Maryvale Rd on 11th January. CFA investigators and police are investigating a house fire in Spry St on 20th January.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 19 for January (33 December) - Eleven offenders charged. Apart from a window being damaged at the Top Pub, all other damages were in residential areas with letterboxes and windows being damaged.
BURGLARY - 15 for January (27 December) - Three offenders charged with one facing two counts. Five of the burglaries were on residential sheds/garages which had been left unlocked or open with power tools or chainsaws the main items stolen. Alcohol was also stolen in two incidents.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 3 for Jan (11 Dec) - All the thefts from motor vehicles involved the syphoning of fuel from vehicles in driveways. One incident was in Christina St on 5th January whilst two vehicles had fuel caps forced on 19th January in Haywood St.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for January (5 December) ¡V All three motor vehicles are still outstanding. They are:
FR617 a 2007 Suzuki DRZ40E motorcycle yellow/blue in colour stolen from Winston Crt 4th January, 2013.
XIM424 a 2003 Mitsubishi Sedan red in colour stolen from Buckley St on 13th January, 2013 and
YEH671 a 2011 Holden Sedan silver in colour stolen from Keat Crt on 26th January, 2013.
THEFT - 13 for January (11 December) - Two offenders charged. A purse was stolen from a handbag which had been left for a short time on a seat. Police remind the community that leaving bags behind or open in trolleys gives opportunistic thieves a walk up start to steal the items and then use the credit cards contained in them.
ISSUES RAISED FEBRUARY: Graffiti and recidivist offenders ¡V Strategies discussed ¡V March or April newsletter to be dedicated to this ongoing Latrobe wide issue.
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES: There were no December or January meetings.
ROBBERY - 2 for January (2 December) - One offender charged. Police are investigating an incident in Anderson St in which a 13-year-old male was assaulted by two males, who stole the victim¡¦s phone. The males are described as 15 ¡V 16 years, Caucasian, both wearing t-shirts and shorts. One male was wearing a red and white cap.
ASSAULT - 32 for January (29 Dec) ¡V Twenty-eight offenders charged. Police are following up suspects in relation to four other incidents. Two incidents in Kay Street on the 18th and 19th involved victims being assaulted by offenders known to them.
ARSON - 4 for Jan (1 Dec) - Police are making follow up enquiries in relation to three of the fire incidents. A stolen vehicle was set alight on Old Melbourne Rd overnight 21st January. Bushes outside a home in Chenall Cres were set alight on 30th January.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 25 for January (26 December) - Six offenders charged. Two vehicles in Park Lane and Ambrose St were damaged by graffiti and panel damage overnight 28th January. The tag ¡§MOISK¡¨ was graffitied in toilets at a licences premises in Hotham St on 22nd January.
BURGLARY - 16 for January (32 December) - Four offenders charged with two facing two counts each. Overnight 5th January unknown offenders entered a residential shed stealing a number of power tools and a trailer. Evidence suggests that the trailer was used to transport the items from the address in Norman St.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 15 for January (20 December) - One offender charged. Eight of the thefts were committed in residential driveways or outside addresses with four of the vehicles left unlocked. CD players, coins, iPods, an esky with a wallet inside and a bag containing clothing were amongst the items stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for January (4 December) - Two offenders charged with attempted theft of motor vehicle. Two of the vehicles have been recovered with one burnt out. The only outstanding vehicle is a Honda CRF150 motorcycle stolen from Kyandra Dr, Tyers on 3rd January.
THEFT - 24 for January (11 December) - Three offenders charged. Rods and reels were stolen from a boat on the front lawn of a property in Mitchell Dr on 2nd January whilst a bait board was stolen from another boat in Northern Ave on the same date.
ISSUES RAISED FEBRUARY: Tax Office scam received - Discussion re scams/phone calls targeting the Valley at the moment.
BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT
ASSAULTS - Nil for January (2 December)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - Nil for January (1 December)
BURGLARY - Nil for January (2 December)
THEFT - 1 for January (2 December) - Overnight 26th January a wood splitter was stolen from a vacant block in Limonite Rd. Evidence suggests that the splitter was dragged to a trailer before leaving the area.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES: There was no January meetings.
ASSAULT - 1 for January (2 December) - One offender charged with three counts of make threats to kill as a result of an incident in January.
ARSON - Nil for January (1 December)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for January (2 December) - One offender charged with criminal damage whilst police are following up three suspects in relation to damage to a vehicle in Quarry Rd on 12th January.
BURGLARY - Nil for January (3 December)
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - Nil for January (1 December)
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for January (1 December)
ISSUES RAISED FEBRUARY: Security Issues ¡V general discussion about household and personal security to prevent theft.
PROTECT YOUR LIVESTOCK and REPORT FARM CRIME
Many farmers fail to report livestock theft because they do not think police can do much about a relatively small scale report. But that one report might provide the final piece of information needed for an investigating officer to solve and complete a livestock investigation and charge a thief.
In 2011 Victoria Police created the Livestock and Farm Crime Specialists Group to support and improve investigations into stolen livestock and other farm crimes. Police from across the state, who already had knowledge and experience in livestock and farm crime, received additional training so they could lead investigations and be a local point of contact for farmers.
44 Agricultural liaison Officers (AGLO¡¦s) were appointed to rural areas to enhance investigations into farm crime, assist other police and to liaise with farmers and farm organisations such as the Department of Primary Industries and the Victorian Farmers Federation.
Victoria Police estimate the value of stolen livestock in Victoria at more than half a million dollars per year. It is a significant cost to farmers and ultimately to the community as a whole.
Victoria Police encourages farmers to protect themselves from stock loss by tagging their livestock and not leaving this until the day before a major sale.
The National Livestock Identification System (NLIS) is Australia¡¦s system for livestock identification. It enables livestock to be tracked from their property of birth to slaughter.
You can read more about the Livestock and Farm Crime Specialists Group and Victoria Police¡¦s AGLO¡¦s in Anthony Loncaric¡¦s report ¡§Taking Stock¡¨ in the Spring 2012 Edition of Victoria Police¡¦s ¡§Police Life¡¨ magazine. Just follow this link http://issuu.com/policelife/docs/policelife_spring_2012 or type Police Life Magazine into your search engine.
REMEMBER, NO MATTER HOW SMALL YOUR LOSS, ALWAYS REPORT LIVESTOCK THEFT.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS ¡V INVENTORY YOUR PROPERTY
Neighbourhood Watch recommends you make an itemised inventory of all your valuable household and personal items. Where possible include a model, serial number, colour, distinctive marks and approximate value. Consider inscribing your licence number on large, valuable and sturdy items such as the television, computer, DVD player etc. You can even engrave your child¡¦s bicycle but make sure you place the letter ¡¥V¡¦ (for Victoria) before your driver¡¦s licence number.
You can download a copy of our inventory at:
http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe/Forms
LOCAL LAWS - FENCES TO CONTAIN LIVESTOCK
Fencing requirements for livestock is one area covered by Latrobe City¡¦s Local Law No 2. Clause 48 deals with the effective provision of fencing.
Under this clause, the owner or occupier of land used for the grazing of livestock must ensure that fencing on that land is adequate for the purpose of preventing livestock from straying onto any adjacent road.
Local Laws Officers may serve a Notice to Comply on the owner or occupier of the land requiring him or her to install, repair, replace or modify fencing and gates to prevent the livestock on the property from straying onto any adjacent road. Failure to comply with the Notice to Comply can result in a penalty of $500.
Clause 63 prohibits the grazing of livestock on roads within the Municipality without a permit and this also carries a penalty of $500. Livestock close to roads can be a serious distraction and danger for the drivers of vehicles and we also need to take into account the welfare of the animal.
Similarly, under clause 55 owners must not drive livestock along any road more than twice in any one calendar year without a Local Livestock Permit issued by the Council.
Clause 64 reminds the community of the power given to Local Laws Officers under the Livestock Act 1994 to impound livestock or secure the livestock in a place offering safe custody where cattle are found grazing on roadsides. Any cattle found on any road within the Municipal District can be impounded:
(a) unless the livestock are enclosed by an electric fence or are in the effective control of some person;
(b) which the Council has resolved is not available for driving or grazing of livestock; or
(c) after dusk and before dawn; or
(d) where the Council has given neither Permit nor exemption allowing those cattle on that road.
In January alone this year, Local Laws Officers have responded to more than 40 incidents of livestock straying from their paddocks onto adjacent land or onto roadways. These unsafe situations can lead to the injury or death of both people and animals.
Owners of livestock are encouraged to contact administration at Local Laws on 1300 367 700 so their contact details can be added to Local Laws¡¦ Livestock Contact List. This will enable officers to contact owners in the event they are called to respond to animals located outside their boundaries.
Landowners and the owners of livestock in Latrobe City are reminded of their responsibility to properly maintain their fences.
Latrobe City¡¦s Local Law Number 2 may be viewed at: http://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Our_Services/Other_Services/Local_Laws
SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS
It is not unusual for rural burglaries to involve the theft of firearms. As we a doing a rural edition it is timely to remind firearm owners of their responsibilities and the legal requirements for the safe storage of firearms. Gun safes such as that pictured are the most secure option.
SCHEDULE 4 in the Firearms Act 1996 sets out the storage requirements for longarms as follows;
Longarm licences for category A and B longarms
(1) The firearm must be stored in a receptacle-
(a) which is constructed of hard wood or steel that is not easily penetrable; and
(b) which, if it weighs less than 150 kilograms when it is empty, must be fixed to the frame of the floor or the wall of the premises where the firearm is kept in such a manner that it is not easily removable; and
(c) which, when any firearm is stored in it, is locked with a lock of sturdy construction.
(2) If more than 15 firearms are stored on the premises where the firearm is stored, the premises must be fitted with an intruder alarm system.
(3) Any cartridge ammunition for the firearm must be stored in a locked container separate from the
receptacle in which the firearm must be stored.
To further secure your firearms you could consider building a lockable metal cage inside a farm building for firearm and tool storage and consider installing external security lights.
QUAD BIKE SAFETY ¡V DON¡¦T BECOME A STATISTIC
Police in Latrobe would like to encourage all users of quad bikes to be vigilant and ride within their limitations. Many quad bike accidents occur in remote areas, often without anyone else present. This makes the potential for serious injury or death very high.
Quad bikes continue to increase in popularity as they are useful machines for farmers in tending to crops and livestock. They are quick and efficient. However, they are also extremely dangerous when not used prudently and within safety guidelines. They are also a significant cause of death and injury on farms with approximately 10 people dying in quad bike incidents on Australian farms every year.
All quad bike users are encouraged to download or obtain a copy of the Work Safe publication ¡§A Handbook for Workplaces ¡V Quad Bikes on Farms¡¨. It emphasises quad bikes are not all-terrain vehicles. They are not stable, robust machines with ¡¥go-anywhere¡¦ capabilities.
The Work Safe handbook is for farmers, their family members, employees and contractors. It is full of quad bike information including legal and occupational health and safety requirements and includes a number of checklists to assist farmers and farm managers identify and control risks when using quad bikes.
WorkSafe¡¦s ¡§A Handbook for Workplaces ¡V Quad Bikes on Farms¡¨ can be downloaded at http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/9830aa804071f518a442fee1fb554c40/wsv1128WEBsmall.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
HOT SPOTS ¡V POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC¡¦S HELP
BURGLARY AND THEFT FROM SHED AT JEERALANG JUNCTION PROPERTY
Sometime between 9 p.m. on Monday 7th and 10 a.m. on Wednesday the 9th of January a rural shed in Jumbuk Rd, Jeeralang Junction was entered when unknown offenders cut through colourbond sheeting after failing to raise the roller door.
Property stolen included a red and black Honda lawn mower; an orange and black Stihl brush cutter; a red and black Honda brush cutter; a white gas cylinder; a green Jackaroo camp stove; a Coleman tent; a black and grey Webber camp stove; a food processor, money box full of coins, service medals, jewellery box containing bracelets, earrings and rings and a Mongoose BMX bicycle.
Police urge anyone who may have information related to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Detective Senior Constable Ferguson at Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5049.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
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Latrobe City Council has elected Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26, pledging to diversify the economy, support local industries, and create jobs for the community. - Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships. - Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe City outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland. - Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - 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. - Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support. - 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. - Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures. - Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government. - Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences. - CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability. - Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities. - Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety. - 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. - Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence. - Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government. - East Gippsland expands Whelans Group road maintenance contract, ensuring service continuity and local job retention across shire
East Gippsland Council has expanded Whelans Group’s road maintenance role, taking over areas previously managed by Cranes Asphalting, ensuring service continuity, high standards, and retention of local jobs across the shire. - Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community. - Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally. - East Gippsland Council launches pool and spa safety inspection service to ensure compliance and protect residents
East Gippsland Council reminds residents to ensure pools and spas meet safety regulations and offers a $385 Barrier Compliance Inspection Service, including inspection, report, follow-up, certification, and database lodgement. - Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide. - Gippsland’s top picnic spots: Gardens, wineries, hot springs, and historic settings for relaxing outdoor feasts
Discover Gippsland’s magical picnic spots: Broughton Hall gardens, Metung Hot Springs, The Gurdies Winery, and Old Gippstown - each offering stunning views, serene settings, and unique outdoor dining experiences. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria. - Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required. - Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem. - Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region.
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