Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Latrobe Local News

Neighbourhood Watch Latrobe Crime Watch News June 2012

Coming Events, Hot Spot Attempted Abduction at Churchill, Message from Inspector Mick West, Neighbourhood Watch Safer Communities Group Reports,Night Rider Bus Returns, Home Security Kits on the Internet, Property Inventories and Property Marking.

By Malcolm Lawrence - 15th June 2012 - Back to News

Latrobe Crime Watch News

Latrobe Police Service Area

Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities

JUNE 2012

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 13th June - Annual NHW Police Showband And Pipe Band Concert – Kernot Hall Morwell – 7pm

Thursday 21st June 2012 - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm

Wednesday 27th June 2011 – Churchill Town/CDCA Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm

Monday 2nd July 2012 – Moe/Newborough Town Meeting – Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm Tuesday 3rd July 2012 – Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm

Wednesday 4th July 2012 – Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm

Wednesday 8th August 2012 - Yallourn North Town Meeting–Yallourn North Bowling Club–7.30 pm

HOT SPOT –ATTEMPTED ABDUCTION AT CHURCHILL POLICE APPEAL FOR WITNESS TO COME FORWARD

At approximately 3 pm on Thursday the 17th of May 2012, a 16-year-old female Kurnai College student was walking from the school grounds to the Churchill CBD. While she was on the path leading to the walking track that runs between the school and the CBD she observed an "old white ute" driving out of the Leisure Centre and tooting it’s horn.

The student ignored the vehicle and continued walking. Then when standing outside "Pooh Corner" Day Care Centre the same ute drove past her a number of times. The driver of the ute then parked in the centre median car park on Phillip Parade, got out of the vehicle and approached the student. The male asked her where she was going, offered to give her a lift and told her to get in the car.

A nearby unknown male witness observing the incident then went over to the student, telling the driver she was with him and to leave her alone. The driver then returned to his vehicle.

Latrobe detectives investigating this incident are appealing to the Good Samaritan who assisted the victim to come forward. They believe the witness may have information that will assist police in their attempts to identify the driver of the utility.

Offenders Description – Male, old, bald, large build, light grey/brown beard, scruffy clothing, smelling of alcohol.

Police urge any other person who may have information related to this incident to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Detective Sergeant Smith at Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5041.

MESSAGE FROM INSPECTOR MICK WEST – LATROBE INSPECTOR

LATROBE POLICE OUT IN FORCE

We will be running at least four major operations targeting youth related incidents including assaults and petty crime. We will be increasing street patrols, including covert operations where we will patrol in plain clothes and in unmarked cars. We will be paying particular attention to public transport and transport hubs, focusing on the Valley’s four major towns, Churchill, Moe, Morwell and Traralgon.

I want the youth of the Latrobe Valley to know we are fully staffed and we will be out and about. We will be obviously visible and covertly invisible.

With school holidays starting on the 29th of June we will be rostering foot patrols in and around local shopping centres and we will not always be wearing our uniforms. We will be out to ensure no unruly behaviour occurs on the streets and in public places.

Naturally, this includes in and around our licensed venues, particularly Traralgon, where we have already increased our patrols. We are also working with licensed venue operators at our local Liquor Accord meetings. If you go to a licensed premises and display aggressive or unruly behaviour, you will be dealt with the full force of the law.

Specialist units from Melbourne will be supporting our local efforts to reduce crime in and around licensed premises by conducting weekend fly-in and fly-out operations in Latrobe.

The resumption of the Night Rider Bus service will help to clear the entertainment precinct quickly and safely and hopefully reduce early morning assaults, property damage and crime in the Traralgon area.

However, this is not an invitation for troublemakers to transfer their unruly behaviour to Churchill, Moe and Morwell. Police from these towns will be tasked to meet the bus as it arrives to ensure the orderly dispersal of patrons to home.

We challenge the drinking public to take responsibility for its conduct and to remove alcohol-fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour from our streets. I remind revellers they can be fined if they are found to be excessively drunk or behaving badly on the Valley’s streets. Criminal charges will be made where appropriate.

I urge parents to discourage their children from drinking to get drunk, instead promoting a cultural change to drinking sensibly and respecting one and other.

If we can alter the attitudes of our youth, we will reduce our crime rates and anti-social behaviour at the same time increasing their health and well-being. Our youth need to be thinking about their behaviour and individuals must take responsibility for their own alcohol intake and behaviour.

MAY NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS

BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT

ASSAULTS - 1 for May (1 April) - One offender faces three counts of assault by kicking and resist arrest.

ARSON - Nil for May (1 April)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for May (1 April) - Sometime overnight on 12th May offenders sprayed the word "ICE" on the wall of the Yinnar Milk bar. This tag also appears on a sign in Monash Way and other locations in Morwell and Trafalgar.

BURGLARY - 1 for May (4 April) - One offender charged with burglary as a result of a family violence incident.

CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)

ISSUES MAY – Nil

SEX OFFENCES - One offender charged with an offence of a sexual nature.

ASSAULTS - 5 for May (5 April) - In all incidents an offender has been charged with only one coming to notice as a result of a family violence incident.

ARSON - 1 for May (Nil April) - One offender charged with criminal damage by fire.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 6 for May (8 April) - Three offenders charged. Police are following up enquiries in relation to damage to the playground equipment at the Churchill Pre School.

BURGLARY - 4 for May (1 April) - Two of the burglaries were on residential sheds/garages. A lawnmower and soft drinks were stolen from both of the unlocked sheds. Police advise that sheds/garages and residences should be locked at all times.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for May (1 April) - All were committed in residential driveways, with three left unlocked. CD’s, sunglasses, a wallet and handbag were amongst the items stolen. A set of number plates stolen from a vehicle in Dunbar Gr. were located in Morwell.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for May (1 April) - Both vehicles have been recovered.

THEFT - 2 for May (2 April) - A trampoline was stolen from Pooh Corner Childcare Centre between 18th and 21st May. Police are making enquiries about the theft of an iPod and mobile phone that were stolen whilst a student was attending a class.

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

MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT(INCLUDES TYERS)

PREVIOUS ISSUES - Nil.

ROBBERY - 1 for May (1 April) - On 20th May a female entered the Milk Bar in Rintoull St armed with a large kitchen style knife and made a demand for money. After being refused by the proprietor she left the store empty handed.

ASSAULT - 25 for May (22 April) - 19 offenders charged. Two offenders charged with reckless conduct endangering life as a result of pursuits. Police are following up suspects in relation to assaults in Park Ave and Princes Drive.

ARSON - 1 for May (1 April) - Overnight on 7th May offenders set a rubbish/skip bin alight at the rear of the Well St shops.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 22 for May (21 April) - Six offenders charged. A number of vehicles had windscreen or mirrors damaged in residential streets or driveways. Two vehicles in Hopetoun Ave were damaged with graffiti overnight on 17th May when offenders used a white texta to draw squiggles on the panels.

BURGLARY - 14 for May (25 April) - Four offenders charged with one facing multiple burglary charges and other offences. A number of residences were entered through doors left unlocked for pets. Police advise strongly against this practice.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 30 for May (11 April) - One offender charged whilst police are looking for a suspect in relation to two thefts committed overnight in the Bridle Rd/Opal Place area. Between 15th and 22nd May the Sure Constructions site was entered five times with diesel fuel from dozers.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 14 for May (15 April) - One offender faces three counts. Eleven vehicles have been located and returned to the owners. Vehicles still outstanding are Honda CR500 dirt bike red in colour stolen on 18 May from Comans St; Pee Wee 80cc stolen on 7 May from Haywood St; Atomic Quad Bike red in colour stolen on 6 May from Angus St.

THEFT - 21 for May (13 April) - One offender charged. This offender also charged with theft from motor vehicles, theft of motor vehicles and burglary offences. An unknown young Caucasian male and a young Aboriginal female have been stealing phones within the Midvalley Shopping Centre. One of the offenders distracts the victim whilst the other steals the victim’s mobile phone.

ISSUES RAISED – Graffiti Latrobe Valley Wide – To District Information Unit and to Latrobe City Council. Untidy house in McDonald Street – Is now being well maintained.

MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil

SEX OFFENCES - Two offenders charged with offences of a sexual nature.

ROBBERY - Nil for May (1 April)

ASSAULT - 20 for May (24 April) - Sixteen offenders charged, twelve were as a result of family violence incidents. Police are following up suspects in relation to threats to kill at a service station on 29th May. A vehicle involved in a road rage incident on the freeway on 21st May is also being followed up with the driver/owner to be interviewed.

ARSON - 4 for May (1 April) - All arsons were criminal damage by fire with two involving vehicles parked in driveways or the back yard of premises. The other two were bin fires. One rubbish bin was set alight in Henry White reserve in Balfour St on the 19th May whilst a Veolia bin was set alight in Hennessey St on 18th May.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 28 for May (46 April) - Three offenders face multiple charges whilst three others will be charged as result of family violence incidents. Overnight on 5th May approximately ten vehicles in the Southwell Ave Newborough area were damaged when unknown offenders smashed windscreens.

BURGLARY - 20 for May (8 April) - Eight offenders charged with three facing four counts each and two facing two counts each. The majority of burglaries were committed in the residential area with large plasma TV’s the main item stolen. It would take two people to move these items.

THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 8 for May (9 April) - Two offenders charged. Thefts were evenly spread between industrial and residential areas. Three of the thefts were committed in Lloyd St. A number of tools were stolen from work vehicles or tool boxes attached to trucks.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for May (3 April) - Two of the vehicles have been located. The third, YYL787 a 1994 Holden sedan red stolen was from Lloyd St on 20 May and remains outstanding.

THEFT (OTHER) - 14 for May (12 April) - Seven offenders charged. A boat and trailer were stolen from a yard in Koornalla St Newborough between 2nd and 5th May. It would have taken two people to lift the boat over a vehicle parked behind.

ISSUES RAISED JUNE – Pedestrian lights in Lloyd Street, sensors not working correctly – To Latrobe City Council. Graffiti Removal Team – Receiving training from the Morwell Team.

TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT

(INCLUDES GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)

ISSUE - Has anyone been charged with the house fire in Gathercole Dr in March – One offender has been charged with criminal damage by fire (arson).

SEX OFFENCES - One offender charged with an offence of a sexual nature.

ASSAULT - 26 for May (26 April) - 25 offenders charged. Four offenders will face charges of intentionally cause serious injury, intentionally cause injury, unlawful assault and affray after incidents in Post Office Place and McDonalds.

ARSON - Nil for May (2 April)

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 26 for May (47 April) - Eleven offenders charged. Overnight on 6th May two letterboxes were damaged in Kay St. Both seemed to have been kicked or pushed over. Nearly all damages occurred in residential areas with vehicles being scratched or dented in driveways.

BURGLARY - 19 for May (16 April) -Two offenders charged. Iimis Café was broken into twice with alcohol and coins stolen on both occasions. A residential shed in Miles St was broken into three times with tools and gardening equipment stolen.

THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 13 for May (28 April) - There were six attempted TFMV where offenders failed to enter vehicles in driveways. A number of thefts occurred in the Wigg Close area around 27th May. Five of the vehicles entered were unlocked with coins stolen from them amounting to almost $60.

THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 6 for May (4 April)

One has been recovered. An amount of other property was stolen at the same time as an unregistered dirt bike from a shed in Strathcole Dr on 10th May. Vehicles yet to be recovered are: NBO189 a 1994 Toyota sedan green in colour stolen on 24/05/12 from Ormond Rd, Traralgon; FMD248 a 1989 Honda coupe silver in colour stolen on 24 May from High St; TAX410 a 2004 Hyundai sedan white in colour stolen on 19 May from Miranda Crt; Unregistered 2004 Kawasaki dirt bike KXF250 green in colour stolen on 10 May from Strathcole Dr; THH144 a 1984 Holden sedan gold stolen on 1st May from Gwalia St, Traralgon.

THEFT - 14 for May (12 April) - Two ornamental birds and two garden gnomes were stolen from Yallambee Village between 14th -18th May. A vehicle fitted with a stolen number plate stole fuel from a Traralgon Service Station on 20th May.

ISSUES RAISED JUNE – Hoon driving in Newman Cres - registration numbers, dates and times supplied. Information passed on to the Divisional Information Unit. Continue to gather information and report to police via Crimestoppers or 000 if continuous or if you can immediately identify the vehicles.

YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT

ISSUES - Graffiti in the disabled toilet at Lions Park – reported online to Latrobe City.

ASSAULT - 1 for May (1 April) - One offender charged with recklessly cause injury after a family violence incident.

PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for May (1 Nil) - One offender charged with criminal damage.

BURGLARY - 2 for May (Nil April) - Two offenders charged with burglary on the Yallourn North Football Club whilst unknown offenders took food and drinks in a burglary on the Coal Miner Takeaway overnight 27th May.

ISSUES RAISED JUNE – Nil.

NIGHT RIDER BUS RETURNS TO LATROBE

Latrobe Valley’s late night bus service from the Traralgon entertainment precinct began on Sunday 3rd of June. The new trial aims to ensure Saturday night patrons from the precinct’s pubs and clubs get home safely. It will help reduce the long lines at the taxi ranks and help to clear the CBD of loiterers, making the precinct safer.

The big selling point for the service is that there will be two security officers travelling on each bus service, ensuring the safety of passengers.

Our Latrobe Police Community Liaison Officer and Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, said "Whilst we still want people to have a good time, Victoria Police support the trial because it will help to get folks out of the area quickly and safely. We hope the trial will show a reduction in early morning assaults, damages and crime in the entertainment precinct."

LSC Godden added, "The Traralgon CBD Safety Committee should be commended for persistent lobbying to gain funding for the service. They recognised the need and refused to let the issue drop."

The service will operate in the early hours of Sunday mornings providing a transport option for people from Moe, Morwell and Churchill who want to get home from a Saturday night out in the Traralgon CBD.

Three services will operate departing from Traralgon Plaza Shopping Centre and normal public transport fees for all services will apply. The services that will run are:

HOW TO FIND HOME SECURITY KITS ON THE INTERNET

The internet is a powerful tool that the Neighbourhood Watch / Victoria Police Partnership is using to educate the community about home security and how best to prevent you becoming a victim of unscrupulous home burglars.

In recent months the three main Latrobe Valley towns have been actively targeted by thieves with 49 burglaries reported to police during April (25 in Morwell, 16 in Traralgon and 8 in Moe) and now another 53 in May (14 in Morwell, 19 in Traralgon and 20 in Moe.)

With this increase in home burglaries, we advise residents to be more security conscious about their homes and to think about how to make your home safer. Ask yourself the question "Do I have adequate security?" and then make the decision to find out more about how to make your home more secure.

Victoria Police’s Residential Information Kit is a series of fact sheets and is a useful resource to provide residents with information on home safety and other concerns around the home and neighbourhood. It includes information on burglary and theft, garage and shed security, personal safety, fraud, electronic crime, scams and door-to-door sales, vehicle safety, Party Safe, neighbourhood disputes, property damage and family violence.

The Security Assessment Guide for Residents is designed to help residents to assess the security of their home by asking you a series of security related questions. It covers potential areas of vulnerability, and provides suggestions to make homes less susceptible to crime.

The kit and guide are available as computer downloads and may be accessed at VicPol’s website. Hold your computer mouse over this link, http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=9541

At the same time holding down your control button then left click and you will be taken direct to the page.

Neighbourhood Watch’s Virtual House Tour is an interactive computer program which enables you to conduct safety and security audits on your own home using sophisticated 360° digital imaging. Learn about the importance of property marking and print out your results at the end of the tour. The Virtual House uses the Flash Plug-in and can be found at http://www.nhw.com.au/virtualhouse/virtualhouse.html

For residents who do not have access to a computer, a hard copy of the Residential Information Kit is available from our Police Community Liaison Office, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden on 5131 5085 or 0400 050 749.

PROPERTY INVENTORIES AND PROPERTY MARKING

‘Property marking’ or ‘property engraving’, previously referred to as ‘Operation Identification’ is a very simple crime prevention strategy which assists in lowering the crime rate and helps community members avoid becoming the victims of a crime. Police encourage individuals and business to compile property inventories and mark property with the owner’s unique identification mark.

The purpose behind compiling a property inventory is so you have a compact and quickly accessible information source detailing the property you own.

The purpose behind placing an identifying mark on your property is to discourage theft and to assist police in the identification and return of your property in the unfortunate event you are the victim of a burglary, robbery or theft. Marked property is less attractive to the thief and is harder to sell.

Most items can be marked with an electric engraver. Items sensitive to the vibration of an engraver or which may have its warranty voided if engraved, may be marked with an ultraviolet pen. The pens leave a chemical that is visible under an Ultra-Violet (UV) Light, but which is invisible to the naked eye. Items, which are unsuitable for marking due to their size, unique value, fragility or age, can be photographed next to a ruler or other object so a size comparison may be gauged.

Before deciding to engrave an item read your warranty to make sure you are not causing the warranty to be declared null and void.

The most accepted and easily deciphered and recognised unique identification mark for most adult Australians is your driver’s licence number. Victorians engrave their property with letter ‘V’ for Victoria before the number, New South Wales residents engrave ‘NSW’, South Australians use ‘SA’ and so on ie V12345678, NSW12345678, SA12345678 etc.

• If a person does not yet have a licence number they can use that of a relative, in the case of a child usually the parent, or friend from whom they have obtained permission to use the unique identifying number.
• Victoria Police has 24 hour access to licence numbers so if your property is stolen, the chances of items being returned to you by the police are increased.
• If you use an ultra-violet marking pen, remember that it fades over time and this can limit the protection it provides. In this case remember to check the marking from time to time and reapply when necessary.
• When inventorying and marking household or business property do not forget about items you keep outside in carports, garages, tool and garden sheds and equipment stored in boats, utilities or the boots of other vehicles.
• To increase the security and protection of your property when marking;
• When filling in the inventory remember to note identifying features such as scratches or dents;
• Borrow an engraver from your local Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator or purchase an ultra violet pen;
• Take photographs of all items and consider videoing the contents of each room so property can be described from pictures rather than memory;
• Ensure your driver's licence address details are current.
• Businesses can use the business name or use the owner’s licence number;
• Mark each item in a similar area eg. power cord entry, adjacent to serial number.
• Photograph items which are not suitable for engraving such as jewellery or paintings using a ruler or coin for size comparison;
• If you choose attach a label ‘Item marked for Identification’ which you can make on your home computer.
• Regularly overwrite items marked with an ultra violet (UV) pen.
• If you sell or dispose of the property remember to cross through the identification number or give the new owner a sales receipt, especially if you sell to a second hand dealer.
• Obtain valuations for unique or valuable possessions;
• Store the property inventories, valuations, photographs in a safe place;

Further copies the Neighbourhood Watch Property Inventory may be downloaded at the Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Website at http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe/Crime-Watch-Newsletters

NEXT MONTH’S NHW/SCG PRESENTATION - ATM SECURITY AND CARD SKIMMING

July’s presentation by our NHW Coordinator, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, will talk on security when using an automatic teller machine, identifying ATM’s that may have been compromised, PIN capturing and card skimming.

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

To contact our editor or to subscribe to our Crime Watch Newsletters, Latrobe, Baw Baw, Bass Coast or South Gippsland Crime Watch News, send an email to erd5nhwnewsletter@wideband.net.au To read past editions go to http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe and click Newsletters.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au

• Melina Bath urges urgent review of neighbourhood houses funding to prevent closures and protect vital services across Gippsland
  Melina Bath urges urgent review of Neighbourhood House funding in Eastern Victoria, warning closures and service cuts threaten vital community support for vulnerable residents.
• 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 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 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 City to celebrate Australia Day with free events, pools, citizenship ceremony, and community awards
  Latrobe City will celebrate Australia Day with free community events, pool access, citizenship ceremonies, and awards recognising outstanding volunteers, fostering connection, fun, and community spirit across multiple towns.
• 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 announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
  Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms.
• 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 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 Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
  Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories.
• Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
  Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth.
• 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 urges the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety urgent activation of Traralgon Bank Street and Princes Highway traffic lights
  Latrobe City Council urges Victorian Ministers to urgently activate the Bank Street–Princes Highway traffic lights in Traralgon, addressing safety concerns after completed works remain non-operational since 2018.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Strategy guiding growth, investment, workforce and industry diversification through 2031
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed an Economic Development Strategy to guide growth, investment, workforce development, and industry diversification, creating a vibrant, inclusive, and nationally significant industrial hub by 2031.
• 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 local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
  Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects.
• Latrobe City Council invites residents to participate in 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey by phone on 16 February and 27 March 2026
  Latrobe City Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey will contact 400 households by phone, gathering confidential feedback to improve services and council performance across the city.
• Latrobe City Council reviews community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to refine public space improvements and concerns
  Latrobe City Council has concluded community consultation on the draft Streetscape Strategy, reviewing feedback on carpark concerns, public space improvements, and long-term enhancements before finalising recommendations.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery launches Autumn 2026 season, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage and environment
  Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn 2026 season opens 7 February, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage, identity, environment, and connections to place, including works by Lucy Hersey and Janina Green.
• Latrobe City Council endorses Transition Reserve Policy to drive economic diversification, growth and long-term job creation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Transition Reserve Policy to support economic diversification, fund enabling infrastructure, attract new industries, and allocate future surpluses to drive long-term regional growth and jobs.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery Mainstreet Cafe fosters skill development, employment, and community engagement for all abilities
  Latrobe Regional Gallery welcomes Mainstreet Cafe, an all-abilities social enterprise providing inclusive hospitality training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, fostering skills development and pathways for people of all abilities.
• 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 City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities.
• Latrobe City Council extends partnership with Tennis Australia to host 2027-2031 junior championships
  Latrobe City Council will host the 2027–2031 AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International, showcasing elite under-18 tennis, supporting the community, and strengthening the region’s reputation for world-class sporting events.
• Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
  Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality.
• 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 endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
  Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities.
• Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth.
• 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 Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• Latrobe City Council 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 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 City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
  Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors.
• Latrobe City Council elects Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26
  Latrobe City Council has elected Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26, pledging to diversify the economy, support local industries, and create jobs for the community.
• 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 welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
  Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth.
• 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 outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
  Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits.
• 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 Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
  Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease.
• 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 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.
• Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
  Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention.
• Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
  Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• 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.
• Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
  Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government.
• 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.
• 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.
• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
  The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability.
• Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
  Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities.
• Gippsland’s top picnic spots: Gardens, wineries, hot springs, and historic settings for relaxing outdoor feasts
  Discover Gippsland’s magical picnic spots: Broughton Hall gardens, Metung Hot Springs, The Gurdies Winery, and Old Gippstown - each offering stunning views, serene settings, and unique outdoor dining experiences.
• 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 urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
  Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators.
• Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
  The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland.
• Carbon Calculator Events for farm emissions, accounting, and carbon farming insights for farmers
  Attend the free Carbon Calculator Events on 28 October and 11 November 2025 in Traralgon to learn carbon farming, accounting, and estimate your farm's emissions footprint. Registration required.
• Martin Cameron 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.
• Baw Baw Council extends Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026 supporting leadership continuity
  Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026, ensuring strong leadership and continuity while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery.
• Wellington Shire Council awards $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting events and volunteer initiatives across the Middle of Everywhere
  Wellington Shire Council has awarded $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting arts, events, sports, infrastructure, inclusion, and volunteer initiatives, strengthening participation and connection across the Middle of Everywhere region.
• Baw Baw Shire Council hosts Seniors Festival 2025, featuring free events and activities celebrating connection, creativity and positive ageing
  Baw Baw Shire celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival October 2025 with free events, workshops, garden tours, and activities, encouraging seniors to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy free public transport across Victoria.
• South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
  South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 26 November 2025
  At its 26 November meeting, Baw Baw Council extended Mick Cummins as Acting CEO, adopted the Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, and progressed key planning and governance decisions.
• East Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit, honouring events and initiatives making meaningful impact in 2026
  The 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards honoured the Winter Festival and Breast Care Support Fund for fostering connection, generosity, and community spirit across the region.
• Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Parks Week with various free events from 28 February to 8 March 2026
  Wellington Shire celebrates Parks Week 2026 with free and low-cost events, including Baby’s Day Out, fitness sessions, markets, walks, and family activities, encouraging community connection and outdoor enjoyment.
• 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.
• West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
  West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities.
• Phillip Island gears up for the return of MotoGP and Marquee October events across Bass Coast
  Phillip Island hosts a huge October of events, headlined by the 2025 MotoGP, drawing 100,000 fans for racing, music, and entertainment, with free Community Day tickets and Cowes transformed into an entertainment hub.
• West Gippsland CMA’s annual report showcases environmental achievements from mountain headwaters to coastal waters
  West Gippsland CMA’s Annual Report highlights major 2024–25 achievements restoring rivers, wetlands and habitats, supporting communities, protecting wildlife, and strengthening catchment health from mountain headwaters to the coast.
• West Gippsland CMA reflects on 2025, planning ahead and celebrating partnerships shaping healthy Gippsland landscapes with CMAs
  West Gippsland CMA's final 2025 episode, CEO Marty Fuller reflects on achievements, partnerships and future projects, sharing how CMAs and communities work together to care for Country and healthy landscapes nationwide.
• West Gippsland CMA champions healthy waterways, culture, community, and sustainability across the catchment
  West Gippsland CMA celebrates World Rivers Day by highlighting river health, cultural significance, and restoration efforts. Caring for 40,000km of waterways, they partner with communities to ensure resilient, thriving rivers.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.