Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area August 2013Safer Communities Group Reports, Trailer Security, Crime Prevention Tips, Hot Spots, Safety For The Uni Student, Why Do We Make It Easy For Crooks. By Malcolm Lawrence - 26th August 2013 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
August 2013
IMPORTANT
NUMBERS
Emergency 000, Mobiles 112, State the service you want ¡V Police, Ambulance or Fire.
Police: Boolarra 5169 6222, Churchill 5122 1790, Moe 5127 2222, Morwell 5131 5000
Traralgon 5174 0900
Crime Stoppers
1800 333 000
Neighbourhood Watch & Safer Communities
Unit ¡V Latrobe PSA, L/S/C Brett Godden, 5131 5085, 0400 050 749.
brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au
Facebook: Senior Constable Brett
Child Protection 13 12 78, Consumer Affairs 5116 5701, Dept Primary Industry 136186.
Dispute Settlement Centre 1800 658 528, Latrobe City 1300 367 700.
Nurse on Call 1300 606 024, Poisons Information 13 11 26,
VicRoads 131170
COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS
Wed 28th August - Churchill District and Community Assoc Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm
Monday 2nd September - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL ¡V Albert Street, Moe ¡V 7pm
Tuesday 3rd September - Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon ¡V 7pm
Wednesday 4th September - Morwell Town Meeting ¡V Morwell RSL ¡V Elgin Street, Morwell ¡V 7pm
Wednesday 9th October - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Yallourn North Bowling Club¡V7 pm
HOT SPOTS ¡V POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC¡¦S HELP
LATROBE VALLEY ¡V IDENTITY SOUGHT RE DECEPTIONS
Between 3rd and 17th July, 2013, multiple credit card deceptions were committed between Pakenham and Sale with the majority having been committed in the Latrobe Valley at stores such as Target and McDonalds. Property involved included mobile phones, groceries, children¡¦s toys and gift cards.
Police wish to speak to the female concerned as she may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Police urge any other person who may have information related to the identity of this female to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here or ring Warragul Criminal Investigation Unit on 5622 7111.
WHY DO WE MAKE IT SO EASY FOR CROOKS?
Police continue to be frustrated as they investigate a never-ending stream of avoidable criminal offences. Each month in our monthly newsletters we report a large number of offences that may not have occurred if a little bit of forethought was used.
Opportunistic thieves are the prime offenders in nearly
all avoidable crimes. They look for the easy target. They know it is not in everyone¡¦s nature to be constantly vigilant. They know a large proportion of the population is trusting and do not think their innocent and unthinking actions will result in their becoming the victim of a crime. The opportunistic thief preys on the unsuspecting, the vulnerable and the innocent.
Our police Community Liaison Officer, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, says ¡§Each month I compile statistics for our four local Crime Watch Newsletters, Latrobe, Bass Coast, Baw Baw and South Gippsland. I read hundreds of narratives from the crime reports so I can give the community a snapshot of the crimes police are called to by the public.¡¨
¡§It is impossible to convey just how frustrating it is to read the same thing over and over again each month. Theft from motor car ¡V car left unlocked; theft of motor car ¡V keys in the ignition and car left unlock; theft of purse ¡V stolen from a shopping trolley; burglary ¡V entry gained through unlocked door or window; theft of iPhone ¡V left unattended on a table whilst dancing; burglary and theft of lawn mower ¡V garden shed unlocked; theft of tools ¡V utility canopy unsecured; theft of quad bike ¡V farm shed not locked.¡¨
¡§I¡¦ll admit it,¡¨ says L/S/C Godden, ¡§Sometimes I think people don¡¦t care. Police find the ¡§it won¡¦t happen to me¡¨ attitude is rampant within the community. The fact that people choose not to do anything about their personal security is mind-boggling.¡¨
¡§I implore everyone across our Division to make a real effort in 2013 to make sure they do not become a victim of crime. It only takes a slight change in your behavioural routines to prevent what could cause great inconvenience or even heartache.¡¨
If you can honestly say, ¡§No, I do not.¡¨ to each of the following questions, you are well on your way to avoiding becoming a victim.
Do you leave your keys in the ignition and/or your car unlocked when you:
- Park your car in your own driveway/garage?
- Go to pay for your petrol?
- Pick the children up from school?
- Post a letter at a roadside mail box or at the post office?
- Duck into the shop to buy something?
When you go for a swim at the beach or at the swimming pool do you ¡V
- Secrete your car keys on the outside of your car so you don¡¦t have to take them onto the beach with you?
- Hide your valuables under a towel?
- Bury your valuables in the sand?
- Leave your valuable unattended whilst you swim?
At your home/place of residence do you ¡V
- Leave a spare key to the house hidden somewhere outside?
- Leave your doors unlocked when you are not at home?
- Leave your doors unlocked when you are at home?
- Leave your windows opened when you are not at home?
- Leave your garden shed/farm shed unlocked?
- Leave your garage unlocked?
- Leave garden tools and/or children¡¦s toys/bicycles unsecured in the yard?
- Leave your trailer/boat trailer/caravan unsecured in the yard or on the nature strip?
- Store the keys to your sheds/vehicles/gun safe in plain sight?
When you answer the telephone or receive an an unsolicited email have you ever ¡V
- Given personal details to the person making the unsolicited call or sending the email?
- Allowed the person making the unsolicited call or sending the email remote access to your computer?
- Given any passwords for your bank accounts/computers etc to someone purporting to represent a company or government agency?
When you are shopping , at a restaurant, at a night club/pub or at work do you ¡V
- Leave your handbag in the shopping trolley with your back turned?
- Leave your mobile phone/iPad etc on the table when you go to the toilet or to buy a drink?
- Let your credit card out of sight when you use it for a transaction?
- Leave your handbag under the desk at work?
- Leave the office door unlocked when you serve a customer?
If you answered ¡§Yes, I do¡¨ or ¡§Yes, I have¡¨ to any of the above questions, you have a high likelihood of becoming the victim of a crime, if you have not already been one.
The opportunistic thief/burglar/scammer is looking for you.
He may try one hundred cars or homes before he finds what he is looking for; unlocked cars, windows, doors or sheds.
She may make 1000 phone calls and have 999 slam the phone down in her ear. But you may the person who gives her access to your computer, your banking details or your passwords. You may be the one she takes you for every red cent you¡¦ve got.
The opportunistic thief lurks in car parks, shopping centres, restaurants, night clubs and roams the streets. So tighten your personal security. You will lower your chances of becoming a victim and will assist in lowering our crime statistics!
JULY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT
ASSAULTS - 1 for July (Nil June) - One offender charged with make threats to kill during July.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - Nil for July (1 June)
BURGLARY - Nil for July (1 June)
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for July (2 June)
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)
ASSAULTS - 3 for July (2 June) - In all three incidents an offender has been charged with assault related offences.
ARSON - Nil for July (1 June)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 5 for July (9 June) - One offender charged with criminal damage. Two vehicles incurred damaged with one in Catterick Cres overnight 7th July and the other in Cutler Cres overnight 19th July. ¡§3840¡¨ was graffitied on the underpass in Walker Pde on 18th July.
BURGLARY - 1 for July (1 June) - Between 20th and 27th July unknown offenders entered a shed in Elm Crt stealing a pressure washer and ladder.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 11 for July (1 June) - One offender charged with attempted theft from motor vehicle. All except one of the thefts were committed in residential streets or driveways with two occurring in Birch Dr, Maple Cres and Heesom Cres. Four of the vehicles were left unlocked whilst there were only two others that showed any sign of forced entry.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for July (1 June) - The only vehicle stolen during July has been recovered.
THEFT - 2 for July (4 June) - Overnight 17th July unknown offenders stole five panels of temporary fencing from Glendonald Park whilst on 25th July unknown offenders stole an eight month old female German Pointer dog from a residence in Walker Pde.
MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
ROBBERY - Nil for July (2 June)
ASSAULT - 24 for July (17 June) - Twenty-one offenders charged with assault related offences. Police are following up an identified suspect in relation to an incident in Moore St on 27th July.
ARSON - Nil for July (1 June)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 25 for July (30 June) - Six offenders charged. Five vehicles were damaged in the LCHS car park in Fowler St on 2nd July. Police ask for help in identifying two youths who were riding between vehicles on pushbikes on the day.
BURGLARY - 13 for July (12 June) - Nearly all the burglaries were committed on residential premises with windows being the most common point of entry. Overnight 13th July unknown offenders stole four tyres with distinctive rims from a back yard in Fowler St.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 7 for July (10 June) - All except one of the thefts occurred in residential streets or in driveways. A mobile phone was stolen in a half hour period that a vehicle was left unlocked in a car park at the Moe Racecourse on 12th July.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for July (1 June) - Two offenders charged and two of the vehicles have been recovered. An unregistered 2007 Honda CRF150 motor cycle red and white in colour which was stolen from Beck Bridge Rd between 21st and 27th July remains outstanding.
THEFT (OTHER) - 14 for July (12 June) - Two offenders charged. Garden plants were stolen from a residential property in Edward St overnight 2nd July whilst Moe Life Skills had a 6 x 4 blue box trailer stolen from their property overnight 4th July. A fluorescent overnight bag was stolen from the V/Line train on 14th July.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
The next Yallourn North Neighbourhood Watch Town Meeting will be on Wednesday 9th October at the Yallourn North Bowling Club in Reserve Street, Yallourn North, commencing at 7pm. All members of the public are invited.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for July (2 June) - On 12th July a lock on a gate at the Mine Lookout was damaged.
THEFT (OTHER) - 1 for July (Nil June) - Between 13th and 27th July a generator was stolen from beside a residence in North Rd. A photo of a similar generator is on the Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa#!/eyewatchlatrobepsa
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT(INCLUDES TYERS)
ROBBERY - 2 for July (Nil June) - One offender has been charged whilst police continue to investigate an armed robbery at Freedom Fuels on 7th July when an unknown male entered the store armed with a weapon and made demands for cash.
ASSAULT - 22 for July (23 June) - Twenty offenders charged with various assault related offences. Police are following up identified suspects in relation to incidents during July.
ARSON - 2 for July (1 June) - A vehicle was burnt out in Fairway Dr between 10th and 12th July whilst unknown offenders lit a small fire in a vacant shed in a yard in Brisbane St on 14th July.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 11 for July (17 June) - Five offenders charged. A number of the damages relate to windows of shops and residential addresses being smashed/cracked with rocks, bricks or any available material being thrown at them.
BURGLARY - 15 for July (15 June) - Five offenders charged. A construction site on the old KFC site in Princes Way was broken into for the third time in a few months. Tools were once again stolen. Cash and a travel bag were stolen from a shop in Tarwin St overnight 3rd July.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 14 for July (June) - Eight of the thefts were committed in car parks with four occurring at the Mid Valley Shopping Centre car park. Cash, GPS units, iPhones and an aerial were amongst the items stolen. Police remind the community not to leave items in vehicles parking in car parks.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for July (5 June) - Two offenders charged with theft of motor vehicle during July and both vehicles stolen were recovered.
THEFT - 10 for July (11 June) - Three offenders charged. A purse was stolen from the change rooms of the Leisure Centre on 2nd July. The purse had been left whilst the victim was elsewhere in the centre. Police advise against the practise of leaving purses, wallet, phones and similar items in change rooms.
Issues Raised: Gerard reported he has spoken to Advance Morwell about Graffiti removal and also spoke on Gippsland FM. There was discussions on eyewatch, the graffiti team becoming well known and on graffiti trends.
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT
(INCLUDES GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)
ROBBERY - 3 for July (Nil June) - Three offenders charged with armed robbery whilst another has been charged with attempted armed robbery amongst other offences. On 8th July a male entered the United Service station armed with a weapon and demanded cash. He has taken an amount of money and left the station.
ASSAULT - 32 for July (29 June) - Thirty-two offenders charged. Police are following up an identified suspect in relation to an incident on Princes Hwy on 6th July whilst they are investigating an incident at Mc Donalds on 31st July in which a female staff member was assaulted by another female.
ARSON - 1 for July (1 June) - A stolen vehicle was recovered burnt out in Clarkes Rd overnight 14th July.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 29 for July (64 June) - Six offenders charged. Overnight 26th and 30th July letterboxes at rural properties in Firmin St and Melrossa Rd were damaged by an unknown explosive device. A number of windows in the CBD were damaged by unknown offenders apparently kicking the windows.
BURGLARY - 13 for July (12 June) - One offender charged. Two houses under construction had items stolen from them. A premises in Bernard Ave was broken into overnight 19th July with a dishwasher, oven, shower head and arm, an air conditioner, bicycle and tool box stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 22 for July (26 June) - Two offenders charged with three counts of theft from motor vehicle. Overnight 13th July six vehicles were entered in Wood Crt and Hickox St. All six vehicles were unlocked. A number of tool boxes were stolen from work utes during the month.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for July (5 June) - Two of the vehicles stolen during July have been recovered. The only outstanding vehicle is an unregistered 1993 Nissan Sedan grey which was stolen from Gwalia St between 5th and 11th July.
THEFT - 7 for July (12 June) - A house under construction in Alamere Dr was targeted twice during the month with plumbing equipment being taken on 12th July whilst two windows and a door were stolen on 16th July.
ISSUES RAISED - Pedestrians crossings - specifically pedestrians walking straight onto the road without looking. Drivers of Motorised Mobility Devices ¡V specifically riders not driving at walking pace and not taking other pedestrians into consideration ¡V this issue was addressed in the June issue of the Latrobe Crime Watch News.
Police remind the community if they see something suspicious they should ring 000 or if they have information in relation to an offence contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au.
DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - DISPUTE SETTLEMENT CENTRE OF VICTORIA
Disputes can arise in many areas of life, whether it's a disagreement with a neighbour over tree roots or fences; disputes between members of a club; workplace disagreements; or noise pollution from animals, machinery or cars.
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria (DSCV) is a free, confidential, dispute resolution service funded by the Victorian Government.
DSCV staff can offer strategies to resolve a dispute before it gets out of hand. They can also conduct a full assessment with everyone involved to see if the dispute is suitable for mediation. Using DSCV services to resolve your dispute is a cheaper and simpler alternative to taking civil disputes through the courts.
Contact: DSCV - Gippsland on (Freecall) 1800 658 528 or (03) 5116 5761.
Alternatively, visit www.disputes.vic.gov.au or www.reachingagreement.disputes.vic.gov.au
SAFETY FOR THE UNI STUDENT
Just as February is an exciting time for our high school graduates marking the beginning of a new era as they head off to various universities across the state or perhaps interstate, so too is returning after the completion of first semester.
They've found new independence, moving out of home, discovering new friends, learning how to manage budgets and learning how to balance work and social commitments at the same time as fulfilling study requirements.
And of course there are those out there who seek to exploit the innocence of our young adults who are new to the euphoria of independence and the discovery of the wider world.
With this in mind Victoria Police have produced the brochure ¡§Student Safety in Victoria.¡¨
The brochure covers topics such as Safety When Driving, Safety in Your Home, Safety on the Streets, Using ATM¡¦s Safely, Safety at University, Safety on Public Transport and it encourages you to develop a safety plan.
SAFETY AT UNIVERSITY
- Know the layout of your college including safe paths and exits.
- Immediately contact a staff member if you observe anything suspicious or threatening .
- Move away from threatening behaviour.
- In a lift, stand near the control pad and get out if you feel uncomfortable.
- Do not leave valuables such as wallets, lap tops or mobile phones unattended.
SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT
- Where possible, travel in numbers or sit in the company of people rather than on your own.
- Check time tables in advance, avoid long waits at platforms, bus or tram stops, particularly at night.
- If a long wait is unavoidable, stay in well-lit areas or wait near local shops or public venues.
- Travel in the front carriage and sit close to the guard or driver. The driver has a radio and can call for emergency assistance if required.
- If you are harassed complain loudly and draw attention to yourself to advise others of your situation.
- If catching a taxi, where possible, sit in the back and take note of the driver¡¦s details. Where possible pre-order a taxi over the phone as the driver¡¦s details will be recorded.
THE SAFETY PLAN
- Develop a safety plan. Planning ahead may enable you to think more clearly, and provide you with the confidence to carry out the plan if things go wrong.
- Develop a network of people you can contact for assistance, such as relatives, friends, neighbours, school/ university teachers, shopkeepers and police.
- Program the emergency number 000 (zero, zero. zero) into your mobile phone.
- Tell people where you are going and what time you will return.
- Ask for help if you feel unsafe.
- Report any incident to police or college staff.
- Download ¡§Student Safety in Victoria" at: http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?a=internetBridgingPage&Media_ID=57109
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS ¡V TRAILER SECURITY
To lessen the chances of your trailer being stolen consider taking the following safety precautions;
- Register your trailer with Crimestoppers¡¦ Trailer Registry at TrailerRegistry.com.au
- Park your trailer off the street and in a well-lit, secured area, preferably in a garage, at night.
- When parking your trailer avoid parking too close to walls, high fences or vegetation, which might provide cover for the thief.
- Photograph your trailer, including identifying features and store your photos for future reference.
- Install a vehicle tracker. Trackers are small, quick and easy to install. Tracking units can deter thieves if advertised.
- Consider marking or engraving your trailer with the letter ¡¥V¡¦ for ¡¥Victoria¡¦ and your driver¡¦s licence number.
Add one or two easily identifiable markings in different places on your trailer such as:
- „h welding your initials under the draw bar.
- „h engraving your name somewhere.
- „h drill holes in a pattern recognisable by you.
If the marking is easily visible, make sure it is not easily removed and make multiple markings spread over the trailer.
If you hide your markings, do not tell anyone about them, keept the information to yourself.
Welding letters on the draw bar is the minimum measure you should take to ensure easy identification. When steel is welded its molecular structure is changed and is irreversible. If a thief grinds off your welded markings you can rub back the area and apply some battery acid which reacts with the steel revealing any welds that have been ground off.
Other examples of easily identifiable markings you can create on the body of your trailer are:
- Drilled or perforated holes are an easy way to mark your trailer. It is also difficult to cover up.
- Pressed lettering into sheet metal is an excellent form of marking your trailer It is very hard to remove without replacing pieces of the body.
- Welded Letters on checker plate surfaces are very hard to remove without leaving noticeable marks in the checker plate.
For further information visit Crimestoppers¡¦ Trailer Registry at TrailerRegistry.com.au
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS ¡V SECURITY FOR THE ROBBERY VICTIM
A robbery, as distinct from a theft or a burglary, is the theft or attempted theft of property involving the use of physical force or fear against a victim or a third person. Robberies can involve the use of weapons and these are the more serious offence of armed robbery.
If you become the victim of a robbery try to remain calm and try not to antagonise the offender or place yourself in a position likely to escalate the situation to a higher degree of assault. Remember, your life is more important than the property you are responsible for or are holding.
Instead of retaliating and defending your property, try to assess the situation and gather information to give to the police. Note any identifying features of the offender such as general description including sex, height, weight, hair and eye colour, facial hair and hair length, scars, tattoos, accent, race and clothing worn. Also the type of weapon, if one is used, car details such as make, year, model colour, registration number and if it has roof racks or mag wheels etc. The direction of travel after the offender decamps the scene is very important. Any information you can give to police may lead to an apprehension and conviction.
If you are in a building, only activate an alarm system if doing so will not place your life in danger. Do not do anything to further agitate the robber or take any drastic action.
Women are always concerned about someone trying to grab their bags when they are out in public. Here are some tips to help make you less of a target for the bag snatcher.
- Hold your bag closely to the side of your body, preferable tucked under your arm.
- Carry your bag in the hand/over the shoulder furthest from the road. This limits access for a run across the road and restricts ease of getaway for the thief.
- If your bag has a flap, make sure the clasp is facing inwards against your side.
- If your bag is grabbed, release it and if possible empty the contents onto the ground. This will prevent you being assaulted and may deter the thief from stealing some of your property as he/she will have to waste getaway time picking it up.
- Do not carry large sums of money and if withdrawing money from an ATM try to conceal how much you have withdrawn.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
Related Articles- Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships. - Latrobe City events drive tourism, economic growth and community engagement across the region
Latrobe City hosted major sporting and cultural events in 2024 - 25, attracting over 27,000 attendees and generating $23.5 million in economic impact, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as an events hub. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley. - Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection. - Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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 questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control. - Martin Cameron 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. - 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. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Martin Cameron 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. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem. - Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community. - Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts. - Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable. - From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - Baw Baw community gathers for first-ever lighting of towering eight-metre Christmas tree on 5 December 2025
The community is invited to the first lighting of an eight-metre Christmas tree in Civic Park on 5 December, with festivities, live music, and safety reminders for attendees. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria. - 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. - Martin Cameron condemns Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, pledges action to combat knife crime
Martin Cameron condemned the Allan Labor government for blocking Jack’s Law, pledging to introduce it if elected, giving police powers to combat knife crime, following its success in other Australian states. - Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region.
|
|
