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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

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• Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
  Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• 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.
• Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
  The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness.
• 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.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on first draft Events Strategy for future events from 27 August to 16 September 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting residents, event organisers and local businesses to comment on its first draft Events Strategy, open on Baw Baw Connect from August 27 to September 16, helping shape future event planning across the Shire.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• Nationals and Liberals pledge $5M Traralgon Tennis Centre upgrade to secure major international events and regional economic benefits
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged $5 million to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Centre, aiming to secure the Junior International and attract major events benefiting the Latrobe Valley economy.
• West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
  West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity.
• Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally.
• West Gippsland Arts Centre opens 2027 exhibition applications for artists and creatives across all visual disciplines and genres
  West Gippsland Arts Centre is inviting artists across visual disciplines to submit expressions of interest for its 2027 exhibition program, with submissions closing October 12, 2026.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions to agriculture, healthy catchments and sustainable farming futures
  West Gippsland CMA celebrates rural women’s contributions through a podcast featuring dairy farmer Jess Knight, highlighting farm life, community connections, irrigation knowledge and sustainable agricultural practices shaping the region’s future.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.