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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.

By news@gippsland - 19th September 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has commended the thoughtfulness and passion of student leaders at Orbost Community College, following a recent visit where he spent time discussing issues that matter to young people in East Gippsland.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Orbost Community College student leaders Molly, Asha, Ruby, Isabella, Montanna, Amy, Gabby, Kayden, William and Mia

Listening to youth

Mr Chester said the students raised a wide range of topics during their conversation, including education, sport, regional health and mental health services, the local economy, and the role governments should play in building a strong and positive future for Orbost and the surrounding region.

"I'm always impressed by the maturity, optimism and community spirit of our young leaders. Their ideas and perspectives are a powerful reminder of why we must continue to invest in regional communities and create opportunities for the next generation," Mr Chester said.

Mr Chester thanked the school community for the invitation and praised the student leaders for their engagement. "I want to thank the staff and students of Orbost Community College for the warm welcome and for such a valuable conversation. Listening to the next generation is critical to ensuring we deliver policies and programs that support young people, their families and their communities," he said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• New Bairnsdale footpath to improve access between Princes Highway and key health and community facilities
  A new 280-metre concrete footpath will link Bairnsdale’s Princes Highway with key health and community facilities, improving safety and accessibility for pedestrians, with construction beginning September 21 and lasting six weeks.
• Latrobe City urges state election candidates to back economic transformation, infrastructure investment, job creation and community safety priorities
  Latrobe City Council is urging Victorian election candidates to commit funding for economic development, infrastructure, job creation and community safety ahead of Yallourn Power Station 2028 closure.
• Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
  The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
  East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers upgraded sporting facilities, accessibility and community infrastructure
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has undergone a $1.39 million redevelopment, delivering accessible cricket facilities, upgraded amenities, improved drainage, resurfacing and safety improvements through state government and Latrobe City Council funding.
• East Gippsland Council endorses public toilet review to improve cleanliness, safety and maintenance across 88 facilities
  East Gippsland Council has endorsed a strategy to improve management of 88 public toilets, prioritising cleanliness, safety and maintenance through community feedback, targeted cleaning and better monitoring, with no facility closures proposed.
• State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
  Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection.
• Record entries celebrate Gippsland’s beauty in 2027 #lovegippsland calendar photography competition winners announcement
  Almost 500 photographs were entered in Darren Chester’s 2027 #lovegippsland calendar competition, with 13 selected images showcasing Gippsland’s landscapes, wildlife and communities, including three major prize-winning photographs.
• Southern Rural Water manages Gippsland storages during rainfall, balancing flood risks, water supplies and community safety
  Southern Rural Water managed Gippsland water storages during significant weekend rainfall, using controlled releases to create capacity, reduce flood risks and protect community safety and water supplies.
• Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
  Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations.
• Latrobe City Councillors recognised for years of dedicated service and commitment to local communities and regional leadership
  Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson received the Mayor Emeritus Award, while councillors Dale Harriman and Darren Howe marked 15 and 10 years of service. Council also secured adoption of five regional policy motions.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.
• Baw Baw Shire Council Pop-Up Playgroups wins Victorian early years award for promoting children’s health, wellbeing and community connections
  Baw Baw Shire Council’s Pop-Up Playgroups has won a 2026 Victorian Early Years Award, recognising its inclusive approach to supporting children’s wellbeing and connecting local families through play.
• Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
  Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council
• East Gippsland library members gain free access to digital magazines across lifestyle, travel, health, technology and entertainment categories
  East Gippsland library members can enjoy free digital magazines through ePress, covering travel, food, lifestyle, health and more. Accessible anytime through BorrowBox, the service helps households save on subscription costs.
• East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming 1 October 2026, allowing access to other networks during eligible natural disasters
  East Gippsland Shire Council welcomes Temporary Disaster Roaming, activated by Telstra, Optus and TPG on October 1, 2026, allowing access to other networks for essential calls, texts and limited data during eligible disasters.
• East Gippsland welcomes 27 new Australians from 13 countries at citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day
  East Gippsland welcomed 27 new Australians from 13 countries at a citizenship ceremony in Lucknow, celebrating Australian Citizenship Day and the diversity new citizens bring to the community.
• East Gippsland and Wellington farmers' 'Looking Ahead Farmer Survey' extended until 9 October 2026
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election.
• East Gippsland Agriculture Tour showcases innovation, resilience and collaboration across the region's diverse farming sector
  ASAC members toured East Gippsland agricultural businesses, exploring sustainable farming, weed management, technology and dairy practices while strengthening industry connections and informing future regional agricultural priorities.
• East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
  East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
  East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand.
• East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
  East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness.
• East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
  East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity.
• East Gippsland Council welcomes Nationals’ pledge for new Lakes Entrance CFA Station after years of advocacy for improved emergency services
  East Gippsland Council has welcomed The Nationals’ pledge for a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, addressing outdated facilities, improving emergency response capabilities and supporting volunteer firefighters after more than 20 years of advocacy.
• East Gippsland Jobs Expo connects job seekers with employers, training providers and career opportunities across the region on 8 October 2026
  East Gippsland Jobs Expo on October 8 will connect job seekers with employers, training providers and employment services, showcasing local career pathways and workforce opportunities across the region.
• East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
  East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently.
• East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies.
• East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
  East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability.
• East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
  East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces.
• East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
  East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M to upgrade Lakes Entrance drainage, protect communities and unlock 1,500 new housing lots
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lakes Entrance drainage upgrades to reduce flood risk, protect communities and support development of 1,500 housing lots.
• East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
  East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online.
• East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
  East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks $4M election funding to unlock 600 new homes through Lucknow drainage upgrades
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $4 million for Lucknow drainage upgrades, enabling up to 600 new homes while addressing flooding and supporting sustainable growth.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems and prevent failures
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds property owners to maintain onsite wastewater systems, including regular servicing and septic pumping, to prevent failures and protect households, neighbours and the environment.
• East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
  East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
• East Gippsland Council calls for ESVF levy reform ahead of November Victorian state election
  East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding.
• East Gippsland Shire Council calls for election funding to unlock thousands of homes across the shire
  East Gippsland Council is seeking $12 million in Victorian Election funding for infrastructure projects in Paynesville, Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, supporting thousands of new homes.
• Latrobe Housing Summit explores collaborative solutions to meet growing regional housing demand and support future economic development
  Latrobe City Council’s Housing Summit brought together government, industry and community leaders to address rising housing demand, improve affordability and develop solutions supporting regional growth, investment and population increases.
• East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
  Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises.
• Bairnsdale Library unveils upgraded outdoor spaces with new shade structures, refreshed courtyard and improved facilities for community activities
  Bairnsdale Library has unveiled upgraded outdoor spaces featuring two louvred shade structures, refreshed courtyard landscaping and vegetable beds, supported by $79,104 in Living Libraries Infrastructure Program funding.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• Youth board opportunity to help shape the future of West Gippsland’s Catchments and natural environment
  West Gippsland CMA is seeking an Associate Board Member aged 18–34 to contribute youth perspectives on natural resource management. Gain governance skills, training and mentorship. Apply with a resume and cover letter by 30 November 2026.
• Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
  Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is.
• Morwell Historical Society opens exhibition celebrating Northway Family’s pioneering legacy and Hazelwood’s early history for community visitors
  Federal and state MPs opened Morwell Historical Society’s Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition, showcasing three generations of Hazelwood pioneers through photographs, documents and maps until November 29.
• Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
  Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability.
• Free green waste disposal helps East Gippsland residents prepare properties for upcoming bushfire season from 1 to 30 November 2026
  East Gippsland residents can dispose of eligible green waste free throughout November to reduce bushfire risks. Council also encourages safe gas bottle disposal and separating green waste from general rubbish to save fees.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Regional ambulance response times deteriorate across Eastern Victoria under Labor, Melina Bath demands answers from Carroll government
  Melina Bath has criticised deteriorating ambulance response times across eastern Victoria, saying every local government area is worse than 12 years ago and calling on Labor to restore timely emergency care.
• Gippsland Water's people's panel brings 50 customers together to help shape future plans and pricing priorities for the region
  Gippsland Water's People's Panel has brought together 50 randomly selected customers to help shape future plans and make recommendations influencing the corporation's 2028-33 Price Submission.
• Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band.
• Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections by 8 November 2026
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections. Residents can complete an online survey from October 12 to November 8, 2026.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
  Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints Anthony Petherbridge as third new director following organisational restructure
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Anthony Petherbridge as Director Community and Planning Services following its restructure, joining two new directors and bringing extensive strategic planning and executive-level local government experience.
• Baw Baw book boxes bring free children’s books and reading opportunities to communities across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul
  Baw Baw Shire Council and Drouin Men’s Shed have installed community book boxes across Drouin, Longwarry and Warragul, offering free children’s books while encouraging literacy, reading and family connections.
• Yarram Pool installs new accessibility pod to improve safety, comfort and inclusion for residents with mobility challenges
  Yarram Pool has installed a new accessibility pod following community feedback, providing safer, more comfortable water access for residents with mobility challenges ahead of the summer swimming season.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• Palm Lake Resort Paynesville welcomes 100th resident, boosting East Gippsland’s retirement living and local economic growth
  Palm Lake Resort Paynesville has welcomed its 100th resident, highlighting growing demand for retirement living and investment supporting local businesses and economic activity across East Gippsland.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions to agriculture, healthy catchments and sustainable farming futures
  West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions through a podcast featuring dairy farmer Jess Knight, highlighting farm life, community connections, irrigation knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices shaping the region’s future.
• Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
  Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million program.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.