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Neighbourhood Watch Latrobe Crimewatch News, Latrobe Police Service Area November 2013Coming Events, Hot Spots, October NHW Comunities Group Reports, Construction Site Security, Vehicle Security. By Malcolm Lawrence - 23rd November 2013 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
November 2013
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
Wednesday 11th December - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Monash Hall Reserve St, Yallourn North –7 pm Monday 3rd February. Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm
Tuesday 4th February - Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm
Wednesday 5th February - Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm
HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP LOCK IT, REMOVE IT OR LOSE IT
OFFENCE TO LEAVE YOUR VEHICLE UNLOCKED ON A ROAD.
In last month's October Crime Watch Newsletter we reported how police continue to be frustrated as they investigate the never-ending stream of avoidable thefts from motor vehicles. They are at a loss as to how to get the message through to people they need to lock their cars to deter the opportunistic thief.
At the time of last month's publication, police reported 30 incidents of thefts from cars reported in Traralgon and nearly all incidents involved vehicles unlocked or with no signs of forced entry.
With the compilation of the snap-shot crime report provided for this newsletter, for the month of October police are now reporting the incidents of theft from motor vehicle in Traralgon for the month has sky-rocketed to 41, up from the 20 reported in September.
The scary part is that these statistics only reflect incidents reported to the police. How much higher the actual figure is no-one can guess. There are bound to be numerous thefts or attempted theft from motor vehicles not reported because nothing was stolen, the value of the theft was low or the complainant was simply too embarrassed to report it.
Although four offenders have been charged with two facing seventeen counts of theft and five counts of attempted theft from motor vehicle, police report it is still extremely frustrating that 31 of the 41 theft from motor vehicles were committed on unlocked vehicles.
It is now timely to remind the public it is actually an offence to leave your car unlocked when you park it on a road and as such we would like to draw your attention to the Road Safety Road Rules 2009.
Section 213 Making a Motor Vehicle Secure
(1) This rule applies to the driver of a motor vehicle who stops and leaves the vehicle on a road, except so far as the driver is exempt from this rule under subrules (7) or (8).
(5) If the driver will be over 3 metres from the closest part of the vehicle and there is no-one left in the vehicle, the driver must -
a) if the windows of the vehicle can be secured - secure the windows immediately before leaving the vehicle; and
b) if the doors of the vehicle can be locked - lock the doors immediately after leaving the vehicle.
Penalty: 3 penalty units.
So what this means is that you must both wind up your windows and lock your doors when you leave your car. If police decide to start checking the roads for unlocked vehicles, you may very well be up for a costly on the spot fine, and just because you were too lazy or in too much of a hurry to lock your car.
Leaving cars unlocked in car parks, on the nature strip, in the street and even in your own driveway makes the vehicle more vulnerable to theft.
To prevent yourself from becoming a victim, or receiving a fine from police, follow these simple rules for the security of cars;
Always lock your car before leaving it, even when you are parked in your own driveway or a car park.
Do not leave loose change in the centre console of your car. It adds up very quickly.
Never leave valuables where they can be seen. Items such as CDs, wallets, mobile phones, iPods, laptops or personal identification sitting out in the open in a car are a temptation to thieves.
If you need to leave these items in your car place them somewhere they cannot be seen.
Surreptitiously hide your property before you get out of the car because thieves may be monitoring the car park and be watching you.
For crime prevention tips to prevent becoming a victim of theft from motor vehicle incident visit the Victoria Police web site at http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=9562
If you see any suspicious behaviour around cars, no matter how minor, report it immediately on 000. Police urge any other person who may have information related to these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Latrobe Divisional Tasking Unit on 5131 5000.
MESSAGE FROM INSPECTOR MICK WEST – LATROBE INSPECTOR REPORT SUSPICIOUS ARSON ACTIVITY IN THE BUSH
GIPPSLAND ARSON PREVENTION PROGRAM (GAPP)
The impact bushfires can have on the community can be devastating, as we all witnessed here in Gippsland in 2009 with the Delburn and Churchill complexes of fires. The potential to injure, kill, cause significant financial loss, and destroy property as well as the environment cannot be underestimated.
Gippsland emergency services are prepared for the coming bushfire season, but we need the assistance of the public in identifying and combating the causes of bushfires, both accidental and deliberate.
Local police and employees from our partner agencies in the Gippsland Arson Protection Program (GAPP) are on the lookout for suspicious behaviour in our bush and will be patrolling areas which arsonists may be targeting.
As always, we are aiming to reduce the incidence and impact of bushfire arson across Gippsland this summer.
Members of the public also have a role in ensuring community safety during every bushfire season. Be alert and if you see something, know something, then say something.
The following link will take you to our November 2012 GAPP special Edition Crime Watch Newsletter which is just as relevant today as it was 12 months ago http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe/Crime-Watch-Newsletters/2012-Latrobe-Crime-Watch-Newsletters
Also attached to this newsletter you will find our GAPP Suspicious Incident Report. Remember to keep it handy in the car or on the refrigerator. Makes notes on what you see and ring 000 if you believe what you are witnessing is someone lighting a fire or is suspicious behaviour.
OCTOBER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT
ASSAULTS - 2 for October (1 September) - In both incidents an offender has been charged with assault related offences.
ARSON September - 1 for October (Nil previous month) - The only arson incident was a stolen vehicle recovered burnt out.
BURGLARY September - 1 for October (1 previous month) - Overnight 17th October unknown persons attempted to break into the milk bar in Main St, Yinnar.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for October (1 September) - Between 6th and 11th October a white Sportscraft Half cab boat was stolen from a camping area on Morwell River Rd, Boolarra.
THEFT - 1 for October (Nil September) - A number of camping items were stolen when the above mentioned boat was taken.
CHURCHILL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)
ASSAULTS - 8 for October (3 September) - In all incidents an offender has been charged with assault related offences.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 6 for October (5 September) - Three offenders charged whilst police are following up identified suspects in relation to graffiti at the skate park. Overnight 10th October the cricket club had a window smashed however it appears no entry was gained.
BURGLARY - 4 for October (3 September) - Police are following up two identified suspects in relation to two burglaries. Between 27th September and 27th October unknown persons entered a residence in Coolaroo Pl stealing a number of electrical items whilst between 30th September and 4th October unknown persons entered a residence in Mackeys Rd.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for October (7 September) - Both thefts occurred in residential driveways with a toy boat stolen from an unlocked vehicle in Latter Gr on 10th October whilst a GPS unit was stolen from an unlocked vehicle in a driveway in Walker Pde. There were two attempted thefts in Quigley Cres (21/10/13) and Vary Crt (10/10/13.)
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for October (1 September) - One vehicle has been recovered. At the time of publication the outstanding vehicle is XMS003 a 2006 Holden sedan white in colour stolen 25/10/13 from Mc Donald Way.
THEFT - 3 for October (1 September) - One offender charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect. On 17th October a length of hose was stolen from the front yard of a residence in Cutler Cres. A photo of a male police wish to speak to can be viewed at Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page (posted 25/10/13.)
MOE POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT
ROBBERY - Nil for October (1 September)
ASSAULT - 14 for October (15 September) - In all incidents an offender was charged with assault related offences with some facing multiple charges.
ARSON - 2 for October (Nil September) - Overnight 10th October, unknown persons set paper alight under a vehicle in the front yard of a residence in Elizabeth St. On 22nd October a male on a black pit bike was seen in the vicinity of a group of trees which were set alight in McDonalds Trk, Hernes Oak.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 15 for October (22 September) - Six offenders charged. Police are making follow up enquiries in relation to a suspect for damage at a family restaurant on 18th October. Overnight 5th October a vehicle and door were damaged at two separate residences in Randall Cres.
BURGLARY - 11 for October (7 September) - A large number of the burglaries were committed on residential garages with nearly all unlocked. The residences were located in Moffat St, Mena St, Service Rd, Parer Ave and Westbury St. A lawn mower, power tools, camping and fishing equipment and medication were stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 6 for October (4 September) - Two of the thefts involved registration plates stolen from vehicles in Reservoir Rd and Narracan Rd. Four KRUZ brand 22 inch rimes were stolen from a vehicle in a yard in Lloyd St. Photos of similar rims can be viewed on Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa#!/eyewatchlatrobepsa (posted 08/10/13.)
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for October (Nil September) - The only vehicle stolen during October was recovered.
THEFT (OTHER) - 10 for October (10 September) - One offender charged with theft whilst another was charged with theft by finding. A medical centre in Albert St had copper pipe stolen from its hot water system on 18th and 20th October.
ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NOVEMBER MEETING NHW MEETING: Discussions on the ICE and Alcohol Forums, the use of vespers and mopeds on highways, theft of copper, legality of guide dogs in shops, road toll in the Valley, the police Christmas concert – no allocation of tickets for NHW. Issues Raised 'LANK' graffiti tag appearing in Newborough – please report information to Crimestoppers. People door knocking elderly residents in the early hours of the morning in Torres Street - install peep holes, consider security cameras and call police when it happens. Aggressive door knockers of government sponsored schemes wanting to install shower heads and light bulbs and power packs - legitimate scheme but check credentials. You do not have to let them into your home.
MORWELL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES TYERS)
ASSAULT - 27 for October (28 September) - In all except two incidents an offender was charged. In the two incidents where an offender has not been charged police are following up identified suspects.
ARSON - Nil for October (1 September)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 13 for Oct (29 Sept) - Nine offenders charged. A tyre was slashed and panels damaged on a vehicle in Avondale Rd overnight 24th October. Between 4th and 7th October security equipment was damaged at a premises in Monash St.
BURGLARY - 6 for October (17 September) - All except one of the burglaries were committed on residential premises with three on garages. Two of the garages were unlocked with a vehicle badge, clocks, tools, signs and cash stolen. Burglaries were committed in Rowell St, Hambleton Slope, Bolger St, Alamein St, Clarkes Rd, Hazelwood North and Dayble St.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 8 for October (3 September) - Five of the thefts were committed in residential driveways with two involving the theft of a full set of registration plates. One set has since been recovered with a suspect to be interviewed. Overnight 5th October unknown persons removed all seats from a vehicle in a car yard on Princes Hwy.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for October (4 September) - Three of the vehicles stolen during October have been recovered. The only vehicle outstanding at the time of publication is OEE533 a 1997 Hyundai Sedan Silver stolen from Sherrin St, Morwell on 17th October, 2013.
THEFT - 16 for October (9 September) - Three offenders charged. Police are following up suspects in relation to a theft at Mid Valley who were identified as a result of information received via the Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page.
ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NOVEMBER NHW MEETING: Discussions on the theft of copper, the police Christmas concert – no allocation of tickets for NHW, the new structure of NHW in the Latrobe Valley ie whole town meetings versus the small street by street areas, the difference between a burglary and theft compared to a straight theft, NHW coordinator to attend the Hazelwood Jeeralang Community Association meeting, the Gippsland Arson Prevention Program and reporting suspicious behaviour in the bush.
TRARALGON POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT
(INCLUDES GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)
ROBBERY - 3 for October (2 September) - One offender charged with armed robbery whilst two others were charged with the lesser offence of robbery.
ASSAULT - 18 for October (29 September) - In all incidents and offender/s were charged.
ARSON - 1 for October (2 September) - The only arson was a criminal damage to a vehicle in Kay St overnight 2nd October.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 17 for October (32 September) - Eight offenders charged. Overnight 26th October unknown person/s sprayed "SLAK" on a train in a yard in Traralgon. The tag has been appearing in various locations in the Latrobe area. A photo can be viewed at Eyewatch Latrobe at https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa#!/eyewatchlatrobepsa (posted 27/10/13.)
BURGLARY - 23 for October (12 September) - A number of the burglaries appear to be part of a series committed in and around Whittakers Rd. The Men’s Shed, Traralgon District Agricultural Society, Bridge Club and Football Club rooms were all broken into during October. Police have instituted more patrols but ask the community to report suspicious behaviour around these buildings.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 41 for October (20 Sept) - Four offenders charged with two facing 17 counts of theft and five counts of attempted theft from motor vehicle. It is still extremely frustrating to police that on thirty one occasions the vehicle was left unlocked. In one incident the victim was away from the vehicle for 30 minutes and had his wallet and phone stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for October (Nil September) - Two offenders charged with theft of motor vehicle during October with both vehicles recovered.
THEFT - 11 for October (13 September) - Overnight 7th October unknown offenders stole copper cabling from Hazelwood Rd whilst on the same night a trailer loaded with dirt was stolen from the front yard of a residence in Parslow Crt.
ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NOVEMBER NHW MEETING: Discussions on the theft of copper, the police Christmas concert – no allocation of tickets for NHW, NHW coordinator to attend the November Glengarry Community Association meeting, Latrobe Valley road toll, are strategies being implemented locally to target domestic violence – in the near future we hope to have the OIC of the Family Violence Unit attend a meeting; the number of theft from motor cars in Traralgon.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
The next Yallourn North Neighbourhood Watch Town Meeting will be on Wednesday 11th December at the Monash Hall Reserve St, Yallourn North, commencing at 7pm. All members of the public are invited. Please note the new venue.
ASSAULT - Nil for October (1 September)
BURGLARY - 1 for October (Nil September) - Between 5th and 10th October unknown persons attempted to gain entry to the pistol club in Latrobe River Rd.
HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP - CONSTRUCTION SITE SECURITY
Building site thefts and damages are ongoing issues for police and are continually represented in our monthly crime reports. The cost to the wider community, including business owners, owner-builders and insurance companies is huge.
It is easy and convenient for a tradespeople to leave their tools on site overnight or over the weekend once a building gets to lock- up, but if the premises or on-site shed does not have adequate security, the chances of becoming a victim increases dramatically.
Thieves target building sites for building materials and household items such as timber and roof tiles, hot water systems and air conditioning units, kitchen appliances like ovens and stove tops, kitchen fittings such as cupboards and range hoods, bathroom fittings, windows and doors, landscaping tools and items like pavers and plants.
By extension, tools and equipment being stolen out of tradies' utes is also a major issue.
Tightening your personal and business security you will lower your chances of becoming a victim. There are many ways to safeguard your property and prevent your tools, building equipment and delivered household items from being stolen by burglars and thieves who prey on inadequately secured construction site and tradies' vehicles.
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By following some of the following suggestions below you will lower your chances of becoming a victim and will assist in lowering our crime statistics.
INITIAL CONSTRUCTION STAGE
Install temporary fencing to prevent ease of access to the site and to prevent theft and damage.
Place contact details for the builder or owner on the fence so police can quickly contact you if a theft has occurred or if they have recovered property.
Develop an on-site security policy and make sure all employees and sub-contractors are aware of it.
Securely lock storage sheds with heavy duty padlock, shackle protector and chain combinations
Avoid leaving supplies unsecured.
Check your deliveries as soon as possible and check for damages or shortfalls. Report discrepancies immediately.
Make sure unrequired materials are removed from the site as soon as possible.
Install window security screens, solid wooden doors and window locks for extra security.
Install self-activating external lights or at the least install night lights
Consider using Closed Circuit Television or audible alarms
Keep accurate records of the movement of materials to/from site
Keep sites tidy and free of debris to reduce the chances of damages occurring
Consider a guard service
Speak with neighbours, ask them to report suspicious activities like removal of white goods, copper piping, spas, doors etc outside of normal building hours.
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AT LOCK-UP STAGE
Add a lock to your internal manhole to deny entry through the roof.
If electricity is connected to the site, install automatic timing devices for the lights so they turn on and off while you are away.
Lock up tools and ladders which might be used to enter the building under construction or assist the thief with the removal of your property.
Photograph and/or record all model and serial numbers of goods delivered.
Try to arrange installation of goods on the day of arrival.
Quickly dispose of packaging for white goods, air conditioners etc so as to remove indicators these goods have been delivered.
Account for master keys and make sure they are recovered from sub-contractors.
SAFEGUARDING PERSONAL EQUIPMENT
Safeguard Your Tools and Equipment from Theft
Engrave or mark your tools and equipment with the letter ‘V ’followed by your driver’s licence number.
Never leave the keys to vehicles in the ignition, especially when the vehicle is out of your sight.
Whenever possible, try to park your vehicle on site and off road.
Remove tools and equipment from unsecured vehicles and trailers at the end of each day.
Where possible lock all vehicles, trailers and storage containers.
Disable all equipment at night by removing the battery.
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RECORD AND REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Record and report suspicious activity including people loitering around vehicles, trailers and construction sites.
Record descriptions such as height, build, sex, clothing, distinctive features such as tattoos, vehicle details such as registration number, colour, make and model.
Report the suspicious behaviour to police by ringing 000 immediately. If you don't report it, at least write down your suspicions so that if anything happens you have the information at your fingertips.
Report any thefts or damages immediately to police.
Police urge anyone who may have information related to building site thefts to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here
EASTERN REGION DIVISION 5 POLICE CHRISTMAS CONCERT
INVITATIONS FOR NHW VOLUNTEERS TO ATTEND WILL BE CONSIDERED ON REQUEST
The Eastern Region Division 5 Police Showband and Pipe Band Christmas Concert is being held on Tuesday 10th December, 2013, at Kernot Hall, Princes Hwy, Morwell and will begin at 7.30pm.
This will be the last time the Police Showband (and possibly the Pipe Band) will perform in our police region.
The free concert is run by the region's Crime Prevention Officer, Leading Senior Constable David Halliday for Eastern Region Division 5 and it's a thankyou concert from the Superintendent.
Any Neighbourhood Watch Volunteer who wishes to attend this concert is encouraged to contact Leading Senior Constable David Halliday direct on 5131 5084 or email him at david.halliday@police.vic.gov.au
THIS SUMMER STAY SAFE ON THE ROAD
A MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR ROAD POLICING COMMAND ROBERT HILL
Victoria Police this week launched the Summer Stay road enforcement campaign urging road users to stay safe on our roads or face a long stay off the road this summer. Police will be saturating the state’s roads in a two-month blitz running from 15 November to 5 January to reduce road trauma over the high risk holiday season. Road users can expect to be breath-tested, drug-tested and speed checked across the state during four separate operations targeting the fatal five behaviours which are known causes of road trauma. Speed, impaired driving, fatigue, driver distraction and seatbelt offences will be the focus of the campaign which begins on 15 November with Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers). Operation RAID will be followed by Operations Break Up, Crossroads and Fresh Start with police out on the roads day and night, weekdays and weekends. Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill said everyone needed to keep the focus on road safety to continue to reduce road trauma. "Although we currently have the lowest road toll on record, we can’t become complacent. This is why we will have police saturating the roads and concentrating on those behaviours which are known to contribute to road trauma," AC Hill said. "The festive season should be about spending time with family and friends and enjoying your time off work. No one wants to be spending their holidays visiting loved ones in hospital or arranging funerals, but unfortunately for some this will be a reality." "This is not a reality that I’m willing to accept and that’s why Victoria Police is doing everything we can to combat road trauma this summer. Expect to have your car scanned and photographed, expect to be breath-tested and drug-tested and know that if you are doing the wrong thing on the roads you will be caught." "I’m asking all road users to make a commitment this summer to stay alert, stay sober, stay within the safe speed and stay alive."
This story comes from Sergeant Sharon Darcy at Victoria Police Media and the full message may be viewed at http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/news/1857-this-summer-stay-safe-on-the-road.html
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
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Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition. - Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future. - Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes. - Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding. - Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing. - Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets. - Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term. - Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors. - Liberals and Nationals to audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to unlock land for housing and industrial development
The Liberals and Nationals will audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to identify outdated restrictions, potentially unlocking land for housing and industrial development while retaining protections where mine safety and ground stability remain at risk. - Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector. - Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region. - 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. - New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland. - Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety. - The Nationals pledge $10M boost for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, supporting community hubs facing rising demand and cost pressures
The Nationals have pledged $10 million over four years for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, including $4 million for existing services and $6 million to establish and expand hubs in growing regions. - Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities. - Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record. - Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost. - Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028. - Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges. - Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding. - Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi. - 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. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - 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. - Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - 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. - 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. - Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible. - Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final. - Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation. - Nationals and Liberals pledge PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, mobile CCTV trailers and 24-Hour Moe Police Station reopening
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, mobile CCTV across the Latrobe Valley, and restoring Moe Police Station to 24-hour operations under their community safety plan. - Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer.
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