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South Gippsland Shire Mayor Clare Williams elected president of Australian Local Government Women's Association and more council updates

South Gippsland Shire Council update for the community, their projects and programs.

By news@gippsland - 9th May 2024 - Back to News

Mayor Clare Williams of South Gippsland Shire Council has been elected the President of the Australian Local Government Women's Association (ALGWA) - Victoria. This prestigious appointment is a testament to our Mayor's dedication and leadership in promoting local government.

Mayor Clare Williams chosen as ALGWA - Victoria President, reflecting dedication to promoting women's participation and voices in local government

Women in local government

The Association aims to increase the participation of women as councillors and officers in local government, ensuring their voices are heard and respected. Congratulations to Mayor Clare Williams on this well-deserved achievement!

Mayor Clare Williams said, "I'm thrilled to be the president of ALGWA Victoria, I will amplify voices, advocate for gender equality, and continue breaking down barriers, paving the way for more women to take leadership positions in local government."

2025 Kindergarten Registrations

Attention all parents and guardians! Registrations for three- and four-year-old kindergarten in 2025 are now open. To register, simply head to council's website, complete the online registration form and nominate your top three kindergarten preferences. To be included in first-round offers, registrations must be received by 30 June 2024. To find out more, or to register, please visit Kinder 2025 website.

Expect 30-minute delays on Great Southern Rail Trail between Bair Street and Simons Lane in Leongatha due to tree removal

Great Southern rail trail

Works to remove a hazardous tree along the Great Southern Rail Trail will be taking place tomorrow (Friday 10 May). Expect delays of up to 30 minutes along the section of the Rail Trail between Bair Street and Simons Lane in Leongatha. The works will be taking place from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

Minister Steve Dimopoulos extends funding for disaster waste disposal at Mirboo North Transfer Station, requiring property address for coverage, extension ends on 30 June 2024

Free disaster waste disposal

South Gippsland Shire Council recently received confirmation from the Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos, that funding support to assist with the free disposal of disaster waste at the Mirboo North Transfer Station has been extended.

This extension has been provided due to the significant scale of impacts on the Mirboo North and surrounding area. In order for disposal to be covered under this extended program, people disposing of disaster waste at the Mirboo North Transfer Station will need to provide the property address of where the waste has come from.

Mirboo North transfer

The extension ends on 30 June 2024. To support this, the Mirboo North Transfer Station will be operating under extended hours until 30 June 2024. These hours are:

• Monday and Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: 1.00pm to 5.00pm
• Thursday: Closed
• Friday: 1.00pm to 5.00pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 9.00am to 4.00pm

If you have any questions about the extension, please contact council on 5662 9200. Disaster waste is defined as any material deposited on a property by an emergency (green waste generated by the emergency), or material damaged by the emergency that is required to be disposed of as part of the recovery from the emergency.

South Gippsland Shire Council and Mirboo North Community Recovery Working Group host free community gathering for residents on 22 May 2024 at Mirboo North Shire Hall

Storm recovery session

Join South Gippsland Shire Council and the Mirboo North Community Recovery Working Group as they host a free evening where residents can come together. Guest speaker Dr Rob Gordon will share his insights into practical and emotional responses after events such as those experienced during the February storm.

Dr Rob Gordon PhD is a clinical psychologist who has over 30 years of experience working with people and communities after traumatic events such as storms, bushfires and floods.

Session details:

• Date: Wednesday 22 May
• Time: 5.30pm to 7.45pm
• Place: Mirboo North Shire Hall

This is a FREE session, however for catering purposes please register your attendance at Storm Recovery Session website.

Visit Leongatha's Memorial Hall to discuss VicGrid's Draft Renewable Energy Zone Community Benefits Plan on 22 May 2024 and share your feedback

VicGrid

Drop into Memorial Hall, Leongatha to chat to VicGrid about their Draft Renewable Energy Zone Community Benefits Plan.You can provide your feedback at either a drop-in session or community workshop.

Please note that if you are wanting to attend the community workshop, you will need to register your attendance. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available. Here are the details:

• When: 22 May
• Where: Memorial Hall Leongatha
• Drop-in Session; From 3.00pm to 5.00pm
• Community Workshop: 6.00pm to 7.30pm

If you need any support to attend, please email vicgrid@deeca.vic.gov.au. To register for the community workshop, please visit VicGrid Community Workshop website.

Dispose of toxic household chemicals free at Sustainability Victoria's Detox Your Home events, ensuring safe recovery or disposal. Drive-through, contactless for safety on 8 June 2024

Detox Your Home

Drop off your household chemicals for FREE at the Wonthaggi Transfer Station. The Detox Your Home event is taking place Saturday 8 June from 9.00am to 12.00pm - bookings are essential. Accepted items include weed killers, herbicides, pool chemicals, fuels, cooking oil and lots more! To register, please visit Detox Your Home website.

Local artist Melanie Caple finishes mural on 42 Commercial Street. Visit Korumburra to see it firsthand

Korumburra Mural

Have you been to Korumburra lately? If so, you've probably seen local artist Melanie Caple working on a mural on the external wall of 42 Commercial Street. We are thrilled to share that the mural is now complete.Be sure to head over to Korumburra to check it out in person.

Save the date! Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival transforms the town into a tea cosy paradise from May 18 to May 25

Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival

Mark it in your calendar, the Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival is right around the corner. From Saturday 18 to Sunday 25 May, the town of Fish Creek transforms into a hub of tea cosy delight. The Festival will be an exhibition of traditional and contemporary cosies showcasing the boundless imagination of the entrants.

Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival program includes Devonshire teas, craft workshops, artistic performances, gallery exhibitions and the very popular Bendigo Bank Village Market Day. Be sure not to miss this biannual event! For more information, please visit Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival website.

Loch Village Food and Wine Festival

Save the date! The Loch Village Food and Wine Festival is happening Sunday 9 June from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Meet the people behind our wineries, breweries, great produce and eateries, celebrating some of what South Gippsland has to offer.

Enjoy beer and wine tastings, local restaurant pop-ups, international food trucks, live music and the festival vibes before exploring the historical village. To purchase your tickets, please visit Loch Village Food and Wine Festival website.

Impound of vehicle

Council impounded the following vehicle in accordance with Schedule 11 of the Local Government Act 1989 on 8 May 20204 from Louis Road, Venus Bay.

• Vehicle Make: Mitsubishi
• Vehicle Type: Hatchback
• Colour: Silver
• Year: 1998
• Engine Number: JMFMNCJ2AXU000723

Unless the vehicle is collected and relevant fees paid within fourteen (14) days of the date of this notice, the vehicle will be offered for sale to the public. For enquiries, please contact our Community Safety team on 5662 9200 during office hours.

Grant writing workshop

This month South Gippsland Shire Council is hosting a suite of FREE community workshops on Volunteer Recruitment and Retention. This two-part workshop series will focus on helpful tips and innovative strategies for community groups to attract and keep volunteers. Part 1 of the workshop will focus on Volunteer Recruitment and Part 2 will focus on Volunteer Retention. With workshop details:

New Ways for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention - Part 1

• Tuesday 14 May - Korumburra Hub from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
• Wednesday 15 May - Online from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

New Ways for Volunteer Recruitment and Retention - Part 2

• Tuesday 21 May - Council Chambers, Leongatha from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
• Wednesday 22 May - Online from 6.00pm to 8.00pm

We recommend you attend both Part 1 and 2 for the most comprehensive learning opportunity. For more information and the register, please visit Community Training website.

Transport and planning

The Victorian Government's Department of Transport and Planning are looking for drivers of cars, trucks, and heavy vehicles, as well as riders of motorcycles and bicycles, to tell them about their experience using the Tarwin Lower Road/ Buffalo Tarwin Lower Road roundabout.

Your feedback and views will feed into the overall understanding of the safety and function of compact roundabouts, and what this means to road users and road safety outcomes in Victoria. A focus session will be held at the Inverloch Community Hub on Tuesday 21 May from 4.30pm to 6.00pm.

For the opportunity to be part of the session please complete the short two-minute pre-qualification survey. This is to ensure there is a broad selection of representatives. With limited places, all survey respondents will receive confirmation of their participation by email. For more information and to complete the survey, please visit Compact Roundabout Focus Group website.

The Victorian gig fund

If you're an established Victorian live music venue, a 10,000 Gigs: The Victorian Gig Fund grant can provide grants of up to $10,000 a year to go towards Victorian artists' fees for gigs at their venues.

The Victorian Gig Fund is part of the Victorian Government's commitment to back 10,0000 live music gigs across the state in the next four years. The program will create more paid opportunities for local artists, from those just starting out to established acts, and give Victorian music lovers the chance to see more local live music. Applications close 2.00pm Friday 17 May.

Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants aid netball clubs nationwide, promoting healthy nutrition for young players during training and matches. Apply now!

Woolworth pick fresh grant

Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants, support grassroots netball clubs and associations across Australia. Over the past six years, the funding stream has provided support to over 311 netball clubs across the country.

Grants of up to $8,000 are available as well as $20,000 for the People's Choice Award. This is a funding opportunity your netball club won't want to miss. For more information and to apply, please visit Pick Fresh Play Fresh website. Submissions close 11.59pm Sunday 7 July.

Telstra footy country grants

Applications are now open for Telstra Footy Country Grants. Local footy clubs across Australia will have the opportunity to apply for grants up to $20,000 to help strengthen, sustain and grow local footy in three strategic areas:

• Grow and assist volunteer capacity
• Grow and diversify participation
• Improve club environments and experiences

To give your footy club a chance to secure funding please visit Telstra Footy Country Grants website. Submissions close 5.00pm Wednesday 7 August.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website and Netball Victoria Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
  Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.
• Tim Bull slams 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.
• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
• Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
  The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Danny O'Brien condemns Labor for empty social housing amid growing waitlists and rental shortages in Gippsland
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for leaving social housing vacant as waitlists grow, citing fewer homes, shrinking rental availability, rising costs, and failed policies driving investment away in Gippsland South.
• Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
  The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• 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.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• 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.
• 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.
• Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
  The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy.
• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.