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Latrobe Neighbourhood Watch Crime Watch News April 2012

Coming Events, Drink Spiking at Moe, Operation in Latrobe, Neighbourhood Watch Communities Group Reports, Outstanding Stolen Vehicles, Gippsland Dispute Settlement Centre.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 17th April 2012 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News

Latrobe Police Service Area

Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities

JUNE 2011

IMPORTANT

NUMBERS

Emergency 000, Mobiles 112, State the service you want – 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 – 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

Monday 16th April – LTB2 (Traralgon west end) Meeting – Traralgon RSL – 7.30 pm

Tuesday 17th April - LTB3 (Freeman Park area) - Traralgon Secondary College – 7.30 pm

Wednesday 25th April 2011 – Churchill Town/CDCA Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm

Tuesday 1st May 2012 – Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm

Wednesday 2nd May 2012 – Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm

Monday 7th May 2012 – Moe/Newborough Town Meeting – Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm Thursday 10th May 2012 - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm

Wednesday 6th June 2012 - Yallourn North Town Meeting–Yallourn North Bowling Club–7.30 pm

HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP

DRINK SPIKING AT MOE

At about 11.30 p.m. on 30th March a female victim was at a Rock n Roll night at Moe RSL when she left her drink at her table and went outside for a short time. On her return she continued to consume her drink and then noticed something white floating in it. On closer inspection she observed the remnants of a white tablet on the bottom of the glass. Within minutes she collapsed, lost consciousness and had an elevated heart rate. An ambulance and police were called. En route to hospital she became unresponsive and went into cardiac and respiratory distress. The victim was not intoxicated prior to purchasing the drink.

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 Senior Detective Johnson at Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5049.

WE ARE THE TOLL: OPERATION CROSSROADS IN LATROBE

Police have launched the "We are the toll" campaign and it comes as police release predictions that 2012’s final road toll could be 30 to 40 deaths higher than last year. Operation Crossroads was the start of the extensive 3-month campaign with every police officer focusing on reducing road trauma over this period. For the first time police will run lock-down style operations with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. This will see up to six ANPR vans set up in close proximity around inner-Melbourne and regional areas, covering major arterials and detecting unlicensed drivers who should not be on Victorian roads. An intelligence review into road fatalities over the past three months found that speed, alcohol and pedestrian negligence had been major factors in deaths. The report showed heightened road trauma in regional areas such as the Bass Coast and Latrobe – which has experienced four road deaths already this year.

Acting Superintendent for Eastern Region Division Five, Glenn Weir said police were generally pleased with the behaviour of drivers over the Easter break.

"A large number of visitors and locals moving around during the break were monitored during Operation Crossroads. Whilst we had a number of drivers detected breaching the road rules we were generally satisfied with the way Easter transpired", he said.

Over the five days of Operation Crossroads police in Latrobe breath tested 3701 drivers with 8 being detected over the limit. An additional 120 drivers were fined for offences such as speeding and using mobile phones

Appealing to motorists to be part of the solution, not add to the problem, A/Supt Weir said, "Road safety is everyone's issue, yours, mine, neighbour’s, family and friends. That is the point of the "We Are The Toll" campaign, we’re all effected by road trauma."

Police are calling on everyone to get behind the campaign and turn around 2012’s road toll. Community members can share their road safety ideas, road trauma stories and more at the We Are The Toll Facebook page.

MARCH NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS

BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT

ASSAULTS - 3 for March (1 Feb) - Three offenders charged as a result of family violence incidents. Police are making enquiries in relation to another assault that occurred at a party.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 3 for March (2 Feb) - The school had windows damaged when offenders smashed it with a piece of concrete on 26th March. The Boolarra Landcare Old Mill Site sustained damage over the weekend of 3rd March whilst a vehicle was damaged whilst the owner was at the folk festival.

BURGLARY - 1 for March (2 Feb) - Two firearms and a cordless drill were stolen from a property on Morwell River Rd overnight on 31st March.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for March (7 Feb)

THEFT - 1 for March (1 Feb) - Palings were stolen from the Boolarra Landcare Old Mill Site.

CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)

ISSUES MARCH - Nil

ASSAULTS - 5 for March (5 Feb) - Four offenders charged with police following up a suspect in relation to another assault.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 4 for March (5 Feb) - Two offenders charged. The Churchill Primary School grounds were entered by offenders 15th March and they tore a shade sail and smashed two glass panels in the front doors. A vehicle in Switchback Rd had tyres slashed overnight 4th March.

BURGLARY - Nil for March (3 Feb))

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for March (6 Feb)

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for March (1 Feb)

THEFT - 2 for March (3 Feb) - Police are following up a suspect in relation to one of the thefts from a shop whilst eight blue fluoro lights were stolen overnight 4th March from outside Future Flicks.

ISSUES RAISED APRIL – Meeting not held at time of publishing.

MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT(INCLUDES TYERS)

PREVIOUS ISSUES - Cars parked on the nature strip – Report to Latrobe City for attention of By-Laws Officers.

SEX OFFENCES - One offender charged with indecent assault.

ROBBERY - Nil for March (2 Feb)

ASSAULT - 26 for March (20 Feb) - 22 offenders charged with some facing multiple charges. Police are following up suspects in relation to three other incidents. Eleven came to notice as a result of family violence.

ARSON - 1 for March (Nil Feb) - A vehicle was located burnt out in Derhams Lane.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 38 for March (15 Feb) - Nine offenders charged. Eleven were windows broken by rocks, bottles or unknown objects with no intent to enter premises. Six incidents involved tyres of vehicles being slashed or punctured.

BURGLARY - 16 for March (26 Feb) - Most were committed on residential premises with two committed in Hourigan Rd. Most entry was through windows with a number being through open windows.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 18 for March (9 Feb) - Nine of the vehicles were unlocked in residential driveways, outside residential addresses or in a car park. One vehicle had a window smashed to gain entry. Fuel was stolen from vehicles in Vincent Rd, Maryvale Cres and Beattie Cres whilst number plates were stolen from four vehicles.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for March (5 Feb) - Three vehicles have been recovered with WKU889 a 2007 Holden Ute White stolen from New St on 26th March, still outstanding

THEFT - 18 for March (16 Feb) - One offender charged. Four steel sewer covers were stolen from a roadwork site in Roger St around 29th March. A number of thefts occurred when people left handbags, phones or purses and walked away. Police advise against the practices of leaving these items for any length of time no matter how short.

ISSUES RAISED APRIL – Nil

MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil

ROBBERY - 1 for March (1 Feb) - One offender charged with robbery during March.

ASSAULT - 18 for March (16 Feb) - 16 offenders charged. Nine were family violence related. Offenders are being followed up in relation to two incidents with one the result of a dispute over property whilst another occurred at the Moe Railway station when four youths assaulted a male.

ARSON - 1 for March (2 Feb) - Two rubbish bins were set alight in Coalville Rd overnight on 4th March.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 28 for March (13 Feb) - Ten offenders charged or cautioned. Four were as a result of family violence. Windows were the main items damaged with offenders smashing panels with rocks or stones or unknown objects.

BURGLARY - 9 for March (13 Feb) - Three offenders charged. The majority were committed on residential premises with bikes, cash, medications and jewellery stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 11 for March (8 Feb) - All except one were committed in residential driveways or outside the victims address. Males given permission to enter a tow yard to retrieve property entered another vehicle stealing property. Three vehicles were entered overnight 21st March in the Waterloo Rd/Monte Cres area.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for March (Nil Feb) - Four have been located. YOK151 a 1985 Toyota Coupe Silver stolen from George St, Moe overnight on 29/03/12 remains outstanding.

THEFT (OTHER) - 19 for March (16 Feb) - Four offenders charged whilst police are following up suspects in two other incidents. ISSUES RAISED APRIL – Nil

TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil.

ROBBERY - 2 for March (Nil Feb) - One offender charged with armed robbery whilst police are making enquiries in relation to another robbery.

ASSAULT - 28 for March (38 Feb) - 18 offenders charged. 12 were as a result of family violence. In six incidents police are making further enquiries re suspects. A concerning factor is the number of female aggressors and the number of alcohol fuelled assaults.

ARSON - 2 for March (1 Feb) - Police are following up in relation to both incidents.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 49 for March (32 Feb) - Five offenders charged with suspects in two other incidents being followed up. 25 involved a residence or business premises having windows damaged by physical force, rocks, bricks or other objects being used to smash or crack the window.

BURGLARY - 25 for March (9 Feb) - Two offenders charged. The Traralgon Secondary College canteen was broken into three times with drinks being stolen on each occasion. The Toongabbie Golf Club was entered overnight 12th March with cash stolen. A number of sporting clubs or civic centres were also broken into.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 22 for March (14 Feb) - All except two occurred in residential streets, driveways or outside residential premises. Ten involved unlocked vehicles with property stolen including iPods, GPS units, clothing, birthday presents and wallets. Cards from a stolen purse were used to withdraw a substantial amount of cash from the victim’s account.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for March (3 Feb) - One has been recovered. P90541 a 5 x 7 Box trailer stolen on 22nd March from Airfield Rd and RUTTS a 1983 Ford Sedan Red stolen from Bonighton Crt 14th March remain outstanding.

THEFT - 18 for March (17 Feb) - Three offenders charged. A letterbox, BMX Bike, two scooters, two mobile phones and a purse are amongst the items stolen.

ISSUES RAISED APRIL – Nil.

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

ISSUES FEBRUARY – No March meeting.

ASSAULT - 1 for March (Nil Feb) - One offender charged with making threats to kill after a family violence incident in March.

ARSON - 1 for March (Nil Feb) - A fire in a bin at the Yallourn North Skate Park is being investigated.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for March (Nil Feb) - One offender charged with criminal damage. Offenders broke into the Yallourn North Football Club causing damage to doors and windows and stealing an amount of alcohol.

BURGLARY - 2 March (1 Feb) - Offenders entered an unlocked shed overnight 18th March, stealing a brush cutter and chainsaw whilst the football club was entered overnight 4th March with cans of alcohol and a keg stolen. The keg was located nearby.

THEFT - 1 for March (Nil Feb) - The only theft for the month is the theft of alcohol from the football club.

ISSUES RAISED APRIL – Graffiti on the disabled toilet at Lions Park – To Latrobe City.

NEXT MONTH’S NHW/SAFER COMMUNITY GROUP PRESENTATION

HOON DRIVING AND HOW TO REPORT IT TO POLICE

May’s presentation by our NHW Coordinator, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, will be on Hoon Driving, impoundment offences, recording the incidents and how to make an online or telephone report to Crime Stoppers.

LSC Godden invites all interested members of the Latrobe community to attend their local town meeting. Dates appear on the front of this newsletter. To arrange for this topic to be presented to your community group contact Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden on 5131 5085 or 0400 050 749.

GIPPSLAND DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTRE

The Gippsland community is now benefitting from local experience in dispute resolution with mediators who work across the region for the Dispute Settlement Centre Victoria (DSCV). Mediators were chosen from across Gippsland for their community involvement, local knowledge, life experience and their interest in Appropriate Dispute Resolution.

Operating from the Department of Justice’s Anne Street, Morwell building (on the corner of Hazelwood Road) the service provides free and neutral advice to assist people to resolve disputes.

In using mediators, residents are provided with alternatives to costly court-based dispute resolution. Residents also benefit from a dispute resolution service which uses local knowledge, local agencies and local solutions.

The aim of a DSCV is to increase residents’ capacity to resolve their own disputes through the application of early intervention strategies and by teaching conflict management skills.

Mediators work with the community to resolve a range of interpersonal disputes, including neighbourhood disputes over fences; tree issues; common property usage; family disputes; sporting clubs’ disputes with officials; workplace disagreements; noise pollution from music, parties, animals, machinery or cars; body corporate issues; planning and environmental issues; property damage; parking and other issues relating to entry to your land and shared household disputes.

The DSCV’s Reaching Agreement website features how-to videos with tips on simple and effective ways to resolve neighbourhood disputes. The videos are presented in English, Australian sign language and seven other community languages. Guides to dispute resolution services in Victoria are also available in English and ten community languages from the website. You can visit the website at www.disputes.vic.gov.au

DSCV assists both individuals and groups. It can meet cultural and communication needs for those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Mediators come from a range of cultural backgrounds and multi lingual publications are available in over 20 community languages.

DSCV also provide community education, providing speakers to explain the service. It can be contacted on 1800 658 528.

OUTSTANDING STOLEN VEHICLES

REPORT THE LOCATION OF THESE VEHICLES TO POLICE

If you see a vehicle being stolen or dumped, call 000 immediately and ask for police..

If you know where a vehicle may be located contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au

POLICE ADVISE THAT UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES ARE YOU TO APPROACH THE OFFENDERS. INSTEAD CALL POLICE ON 000.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au

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• 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.
• Melina Bath urges urgent review of neighbourhood houses funding to prevent closures and protect vital services across Gippsland
  Melina Bath urges urgent review of Neighbourhood House funding in Eastern Victoria, warning closures and service cuts threaten vital community support for vulnerable residents.
• 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.
• Morwell River Ward Councillor Tracie Lund resigns, prompting Latrobe City by-election and community engagement process
  Morwell River Ward Councillor Tracie Lund has resigned from Latrobe City Council. A by-election will be held, with the VEC managing nominations and voting to fill the vacancy.
• 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.
• V/Line Gippsland timetable changes delay early trains, creating challenges for Latrobe Valley commuters and early-shift workers
  VLine Gippsland timetable changes delay early trains, affecting Latrobe Valley commuters and workers, prompting council to request a review to reinstate earlier services and support employment and community needs.
• Danny O’Brien warns Labor’s wasteful spending threatens local Neighbourhood Houses’ future
  Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien warns Labor’s mismanaged spending risks Neighbourhood Houses, urging $11.7 million funding to prevent closures, staff cuts, and protect vital community services supporting thousands weekly.
• 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.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government deliver promised 'Youth Crime Prevention Program' for Latrobe Valley
  The Nationals are demanding the Allan government deliver the long-promised Youth Crime Prevention Program in Latrobe Valley, addressing rising youth crime, restoring diversion programs, and supporting at-risk young people effectively.
• Crime in Victoria surges to record highs under Allan Labor, leaving communities less safe, says Tim Bull
  Crime in Victoria has reached record levels under the Allan Labor government, with rising offences and family violence, police under-resourced, and weakened laws leaving communities increasingly unsafe, says Tim Bull.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Community feedback supports retaining Moe Gardens Caravan Park as affordable short-stay accommodation in Latrobe City
  Latrobe City Council received 223 community submissions supporting Moe Gardens Caravan Park’s retention as low-cost accommodation, with a report on its future to return to Council February 2026.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit.
• 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.
• Martin Cameron says community safety has declined under Labor amid rising crime and 1500 Victoria Police vacancies
  Nationals and Liberals pledge 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and restored station hours under Safer Communities Plan, addressing regional crime concerns, vacancies, and policing shortages across Latrobe Valley.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland.
• South Gippsland animal registration renewals due on 10 April and other council projects update
  Autumn 2026 update: renew pet registrations by April 10, book flu and MMR vaccinations, bid on impounded vehicles, attend council events, workshops, grants, and local community programs across South Gippsland.
• 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.
• Wellington Shire will deliver new 240L FOGO bins between April and June, with weekly organics collection starting 6 July 2026
  Wellington Shire introduces new FOGO bins from July, weekly organic waste collection, landfill shift to fortnightly, boosting recycling, reducing emissions, and improving composting across households.
• Gippsland Water’s mobile trailer supports community events while promoting health, sustainability and reducing single-use plastic
  Gippsland Water’s mobile water trailer supports community events, providing free drinking water, promoting healthy choices, reducing single-use plastics, and enhancing public and environmental health across the region in 2026.
• 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.
• City of Traralgon Band gifts council commemorative photograph after successful international remembrance tour
  The City of Traralgon Band gifted Latrobe City Council a photograph commemorating their UK and Europe Tour of Remembrance, including performances at Menin Gate and recognition with two awards.
• Martin Cameron urges urgent action to secure Traralgon Junior International and protect millions in local economic benefits
  Martin Cameron is urging urgent action from Latrobe City Council and the Allan government to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Association facilities and secure the Traralgon Junior International future and its $2.9 million economic benefits.
• Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out!
• Wellington Shire Council awards $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting events and volunteer initiatives across the Middle of Everywhere
  Wellington Shire Council has awarded $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting arts, events, sports, infrastructure, inclusion, and volunteer initiatives, strengthening participation and connection across the Middle of Everywhere region.
• Baw Baw Shire Council hosts Seniors Festival 2025, featuring free events and activities celebrating connection, creativity and positive ageing
  Baw Baw Shire celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival October 2025 with free events, workshops, garden tours, and activities, encouraging seniors to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy free public transport across Victoria.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• South Gippsland Council adopts Eftsure to securely verify vendor payments, preventing cybercrime and payment fraud risks
  South Gippsland Shire Council now uses Eftsure to securely verify vendor bank details, reducing the risk of outgoing payments being intercepted by cybercriminals or fraudsters. More information is available online.
• Gippsland Water promotes hydration and sustainability with popular portable drinking fountains at Traralgon International tennis tournament
  Gippsland Water’s portable drinking fountains at the Traralgon International help players and spectators stay hydrated, promote tap water, support community events, and reduce single-use plastic for environmental sustainability.
• South Gippsland autumn 2026 update with business breakfast, grants, events, opportunities and jobs expo on 19 March 2026
  South Gippsland Jobs Expo on 19 March in Leongatha offers job opportunities, career advice and training pathways, alongside a business breakfast, community events, grants, road safety upgrades, skatepark opening and council updates.
• The Gurdies Winery offers scenic Bass Coast views, cool-climate wines and a welcoming cellar door for locals and visitors alike
  The Gurdies Winery on Bass Coast offers stunning Western Port Bay views, cool-climate wines, a welcoming cellar door, modern winemaking facilities, and a popular venue for events and community gatherings.
• Youth advocates for Baw Baw ( YABBies ) offer school holidays fun with free creative, active events for Baw Baw Youth on April 2026
  Baw Baw’s YABBies are hosting free April school holiday events, including sushi making, painting, and skatepark activities, offering safe, fun, and engaging opportunities for youth aged 12–17 to connect and learn.
• Danny O'Brien pushes for stronger police support and community safety measure with regards to rising crime in Gippsland
  Danny O’Brien warns Gippsland crime has risen 18%, with over 30% unsolved. He urges stronger police resourcing, law enforcement, and government action to improve community safety across the region.
• East Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit, honouring events and initiatives making meaningful impact in 2026
  The 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards honoured the Winter Festival and Breast Care Support Fund for fostering connection, generosity, and community spirit across the region.