Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Early Christmas present for Franklin Park childrenWhile the children of Franklin Park Estate may be getting lots of new toys for Christmas, one of the best presents has already been delivered by the community; their new playground equipment. By Latrobe Shire Council - 16th December 2004 - Back to News Latrobe City Councillor Sheridan Bond, said that the new playground facility was now progressing well with the play equipment already installed and further construction and landscape projects nearing completion.
"The slides, swings, towers, climbing frames, monkey bars and rockers have now been erected on a safety bed of mulch covering a considerable area," Cr Bond explained.
Cr Bond said that the Franklin Street Community Park Action Group and Council staff had been working closely together on the development of the playground since a public meeting was held in April this year.
"Council has worked in partnership with the Action Group to co-ordinate the project. With the help of Council’s recreation services staff, the new equipment has now been installed and it is great that the children of the estate have a playground to use, particularly with the long summer holidays coming up," Cr Bond said.
Spokesperson for the Action Group, Aaron Bryce, said there are a number of other projects to be completed. "The contractor has completed the concrete footings for the sections of the front wall and the digging out of the gravel footpath has started. It is hoped that the walls and pathways will be completed by Christmas, weather permitting. Lights will also be installed on the front pathway by February next year," Mr Bryce said.
"The design and development of the park had been intricate in terms of addressing both safety and floodplain issues. It’s been a challenging but ultimately fulfilling process. Residents and local businesses have put in long hours, willingly donating their time and skills to ensure that the children have a safe and fun play area. The community effort has been invaluable and the end result is a Community Park which we are proud to call our own," Mr Bryce said.
"Safety issues regarding the proximity of the road to the playground area were addressed early in the development of the Community Park and will be continually assessed."
Cr Proctor said that funding for the project had been gathered from a number of sources.
"While the Franklin Park developer left some funds in trust for the development of a play area, the Action Group has also accessed Council’s community grants program, and raised funds themselves through donations and fundraising activities in the local area. Council also purchased vacant land adjacent to the playground to allow the project to proceed to stage two," Cr Proctor explained.
"The Action Group and Council staff should be congratulated on the way they have worked together to create this playground for the children of Franklin Park. Families now have a wonderful play area close at hand.
"Projects like this help to create a magnificent community spirit and show what can be achieved when residents and Council work in partnership together," Cr Proctor concluded.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- Bass Coast Christmas Giving Trees set up to support local families in need this festive season
Bass Coast Shire Council’s Christmas Giving Trees are collecting gifts, gift cards, and food to support local families, with donations accepted at Customer Service Centres until early December. - Darren Chester's Christmas reflection mixes Gippsland joy with national grief, unity, gratitude and hope for Australia
Darren Chester reflects on Gippsland Christmas, mourning Bondi Beach victims, appreciating essential workers, and urging unity, gratitude, and hope while wishing everyone a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season. - Wellington Early Years Expo returns, offering free family fun, services and play-based activities for young children on 30 April 2026
The 2026 Wellington Early Years Expo returns to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale on Thursday 30 April inviting families to enjoy an afternoon of learning and connection for children aged 0–5 years. - South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, highlights skatepark opening, Australia Day awards, community programs, seasonal bin changes, and upcoming events. - Bellbird Park to receive new raised pedestrian crossing improving safety and accessibility for Drouin’s busy sporting precinct
Bellbird Park sports precinct in Drouin will receive a new raised pedestrian crossing improving safety, visibility, and accessibility for all users. - Craig Watts Park playground renewal completed in Neerim South community upgrade
Baw Baw Shire Council has completed the Craig Watts Park playground renewal in Neerim South, incorporating community and student feedback, with new equipment, safety upgrades, landscaping, and the slide arriving later. - Buckley Park Community Farm receives $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant for irrigation, hothouse and sustainable food production upgrades
Buckley Park Community Farm received a $10,000 South Gippsland Water grant, funding irrigation upgrades, a chlorine filter, and a hothouse system to boost sustainability and local food production. - Kay Street Car Park construction progressing smoothly, delivering major new parking capacity for Traralgon CBD by 2026
Construction of Traralgon’s five-level Kay Street Car Park is progressing on schedule for mid-2026, delivering 430 new CBD spaces and supporting local businesses, accessibility, and future regional growth. - Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South closing temporarily for upgrades from 28 January to 31 March 2026
Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South will be upgraded with new climbing, swing, and junior play zones, closing 28 January to 31 March 2026, as part of Council’s renewal program. - Draft Lion’s Park Master Plan prioritises inclusivity, safety and recreation for young women and girls, shaping Sale’s key community open space
The Draft Lion’s Park Master Plan focuses on inclusive, safe spaces, especially for young women and girls, guiding staged improvements and inviting community feedback to shape Sale’s key open space. - East Gippsland children share ideas, hopes, and concerns to shape community and celebrate local voices through MFEG project
Nearly 800 East Gippsland children shared ideas and concerns through the MFEG project, highlighting community connection, recreation, environment, and social care, with postcards now displayed across local towns. - Livingstone Park Omeo spillway and bridge works begin, improving flood resilience, access and environment on 20 April 2026
Construction of a new spillway and bridge at Omeo’s Livingstone Park begins 20 April, improving flood resilience, safety, access, and environmental protection, with completion expected by late June. - Yarragon’s Dowton Park unveils $3.965M pavilion, boosting community sport, accessibility, sustainability and future regional growth
A $3.965 million pavilion at Yarragon’s Dowton Park has opened, delivering upgraded facilities, sustainability features and improved amenities supporting local sport, community participation and future regional growth. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens 5 December , boosting tourism, economy, and year-round adventure opportunities
Omeo’s new mountain bike park officially opens December 5, creating a year-round adventure destination, boosting tourism, supporting the local economy, and celebrating community collaboration with a full weekend of events. - Mallacoota Skate Park Competition returns November 8, promising community fun, BMX, skateboarding, and prizes
Mallacoota Skate Park Competition on 8 November 2025 will feature BMX and skateboarding contests, learn-to-skate sessions, prizes, music, and food, celebrating community, inclusivity, and active recreation for all ages. - Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, delivering world-class trails, boosting tourism, community, and local economy
Omeo’s 114-kilometre, $10 million mountain bike park has officially opened, offering world-class trails, boosting tourism, energising local businesses, and celebrating years of community vision, planning, and collaboration. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, offering 114km trails, boosting local tourism, recreation, and economy
Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens Friday, featuring 114 km trails, community events, amenities, and safety measures, transforming the town into a year-round alpine adventure and tourism destination. - East Gippsland Council warns pets aren’t presents, urges thoughtful, responsible lifelong commitment this Christmas season
East Gippsland Council urges residents to avoid gifting pets impulsively this Christmas, emphasizing lifelong commitment, care, and responsibility, suggesting adoption vouchers or sponsorships as thoughtful alternatives. - 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. - Yarragon’s $3.9M Dowton Park Pavilion progressing, boosting local sport, community facilities and infrastructure by March 2026
Construction of Yarragon’s $3.9 million Dowton Park pavilion is progressing well, with steel framing, utilities, and key facilities underway, set for completion and community use by March 2026. - Sunset Strip Bike Jump Park opens on Phillip Island delivering new riding facility for all ages
Bass Coast Shire Council opened the Sunset Strip Bike Jump Park on Phillip Island, creating a purpose-built riding facility for all ages as the first project under its mountain bike, BMX and pump track strategy. - Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season. - Mallacoota’s Bryce Watts-Parker wins 2025 NextGen Landcare Award for inspiring environmental leadership, recovery projects
Mallacoota’s Bryce Watts-Parker won the 2025 NextGen Landcare Award for leading environmental projects, including the Endemic Garden and community nursery, inspiring ecological recovery and community engagement in East Gippsland. - Latrobe City endorses Victory Park master plan guiding staged Traralgon park upgrades, enhancing community, recreation and connectivity
Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Victory Park precinct master plan for Traralgon, guiding staged upgrades across five parks to improve recreation, environment, connectivity and community spaces. - Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park wins 2025 Geographic Naming Award, celebrating local heritage and community contributions
Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park, still under construction, has won the 2025 Geographic Naming Award, recognising Mrs Malacarne lifelong contributions and the community-led naming process. - V/Line Gippsland timetable changes delay early trains, creating challenges for Latrobe Valley commuters and early-shift workers
VLine Gippsland timetable changes delay early trains, affecting Latrobe Valley commuters and workers, prompting council to request a review to reinstate earlier services and support employment and community needs. - Celebrate Korumburra Railway Precinct new skatepark with skate clinics, demos, activities and community giveaways
Celebrate the new Korumburra Railway Precinct skatepark on Friday, 13 March, 3.30pm, with skate clinics, demonstrations, group activities, and giveaways for skateboarders, roller skaters, scooter, and bike riders. - Farm World 2026 at Lardner Park: Ag exhibitions, motocross, rodeo, animals, food, and family fun
Farm World 2026 at Lardner Park features motocross, rodeo, animal encounters, ag exhibits, hands-on farming experiences, food and drink, and family-friendly activities, celebrating Victoria’s largest regional agricultural event. - East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together. - Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026. - 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. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - Life Saving Victoria urges parents to continue children’s swimming lessons to meet water safety benchmarks and prevent drowning risks
Life Saving Victoria warns many children to stop swimming lessons early, falling short of water safety benchmarks, urging parents to continue lessons to ensure skills, safety, and survival in pools and open water. - Life Saving Victoria urges parents to continue children’s swimming lessons to meet water safety benchmarks and prevent drowning risks
Life Saving Victoria warns many children to stop swimming lessons early, falling short of water safety benchmarks, urging parents to continue lessons to ensure skills, safety, and survival in pools and open water. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to advance Nyora early childhood education centre, ensuring local families equitable kindergarten access
The Nationals urge the Allan government to partner with the Nyora community, enabling a local early childhood education centre for equitable, convenient kindergarten access for rural families. - Bass Coast Cultural Venues presents the 2026 Wonthaggi International Film Festival at The Union Theatre from 17- 19 April 2026
Bass Coast Cultural Venues presents the 14th Wonthaggi International Film Festival this April, showcasing powerful international stories, special screenings, Q&A sessions, and celebrating community at The Union Theatre. - Share your update and present to South Gippsland Shire Councillors on issues that are important to you or your community on 4 March 2026
Friends of Agnes Falls and Gippsland Agroforestry will present to Council at Venus Bay Community Centre, 2pm, 4 March. Presentations are monthly; all community members are welcome to attend. - East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays. - Danny O'Brien calls on Allan government to support Nyora early childhood education centre, improving access and community connections
The Nationals urge the Allan government to collaborate with Nyora community and education stakeholders to establish a local early childhood centre, improving access, school transitions, enrolments, and long-term community sustainability. - Bass Coast Shire Council presents free Woolamai Beach Safety event featuring Dr Rip’s 'Science of the Surf' on 7 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host a free, family-friendly beach safety event at Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club on 7 March 2026, featuring Professor Rob Brander’s Science of the Surf and live rip demonstration. - Bass Coast Shire Council presents Creative Industries Marketing Workshop at The Union Theatre in Wonthaggi on 21 July 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council’s free creative industries workshop offers marketing, PR and media insights, business support advice, and networking opportunities for artists, musicians and event organisers at Wonthaggi Union Theatre. - 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. - Yarragon stalwart honoured as Rollo Street Park renamed Angela Malacarne Park community tribute
Baw Baw Shire Council renamed Rollo Street Park to Angela Malacarne Park, honouring longtime teacher. The redeveloped Yarragon site reopened March 21, unveiling new features with family, councillors and Harriet Shing attending. - 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. - Baw Baw Library and Learning Centre reaches milestone with early works contract awarded to Becon Constructions
Baw Baw Shire Council advances its new Library and Learning Centre project with early works awarded to Becon Constructions, marking progress on site preparation and infrastructure for the $30 million development. - Community feedback supports retaining Moe Gardens Caravan Park as affordable short-stay accommodation in Latrobe City
Latrobe City Council received 223 community submissions supporting Moe Gardens Caravan Park’s retention as low-cost accommodation, with a report on its future to return to Council February 2026. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior honoured for Warragul Station Park artwork celebrating culture, community and family legacy
Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior's cockatoo design now features in Warragul Station Park, honouring Kurnai and Gunditjmara heritage, community ties, and his family legacy alongside uncle Lionel Rose's iconic statue. - East Gippsland Libraries join Big Summer Read, inspiring children to read, build literacy, and combat the ‘summer slide’
This summer, East Gippsland Libraries join the Big Summer Read, encouraging children aged 0-18 to read, build literacy skills, earn badges, and stay engaged while combating the "summer slide." - Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026. - Omeo celebrates opening of 114 km world-class mountain bike park set to transform regional adventure tourism
Omeo has opened a $10 million, 114-kilometre mountain bike park, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and celebrating new streetscape and flood-recovery works that strengthen the town’s recreation spaces and future growth. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts free Pop-up Playgroups for children on various dates from 30 October to 12 December 2025
Baw Baw Shire invites families to free Pop-up Playgroups with themed activities, crafts, music, storytime, and outdoor fun for children aged 0 - 5, fostering connection, learning, and community engagement. - East Gippsland Water urges customers facing hardship to seek support options early to manage bills and reduce financial stress
East Gippsland Water is reminding customers facing financial difficulty to seek early support, offering flexible payment plans, hardship assistance and access to concession and relief schemes. - Mallacoota community invited to share ideas for long-term future of Foreshore Holiday Park drop-in sessions on 10 and 13 April 2026
Mallacoota residents and park users are invited to informal drop-in sessions to share feedback, helping shape the Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park master plan and guide its future improvements. - Mallacoota streetscape upgrade complete, enhancing safety, drainage and landscape ahead of busy Christmas holiday season
Mallacoota’s upgraded streetscape, funded with $1.5 million, improves pedestrian safety, drainage, and landscaping, preparing the coastal town for a busy Christmas holiday season, says local MP Darren Chester. - Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs. - Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending. - Bairnsdale's Shannon Waters Estate residents receive new digital water meters as East Gippsland Water expands roll-out
Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial. - Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors. - East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025. - 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. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland South women to participate in free BreastScreen Victoria program for early breast cancer detection
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges women aged 50-74 to use free BreastScreen Victoria services, improving early detection, reversing post-pandemic screening declines, and saving lives. - ACA warns Federal under-16 social media ban may increase risks, create unintended consequences for children online
The Aligned Council of Australia warns the Federal under-16 social media ban risks pushing children into unsafe online spaces, creating new privacy, policing, and criminal exploitation challenges nationwide. - Latrobe City Council welcomes Shred Fest free skate celebration at Moe Skate Park 18 April 2026
Latrobe City Council welcomes Shred Fest at Moe Skate Park on April 18, 10am–5pm, featuring Nike Skateboarding pros, workshops, demonstrations, competitions, entertainment, free activities, and food for all ages. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - Baw Baw Shire Council and community celebrate official opening of Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee
Baw Baw Shire Council and the community officially opened Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee, honoring her bravery during the 1939 Black Friday bushfires, with festivities, Santa, and a Christmas celebration. - Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - Explore the 2026 Adventure range this May with new models, upgrades and free camping innovations on 8-9 May 2026
Explore the upgraded 2026 Adventure range on May 8-9, featuring J-Pod, Adventurer 48V and Crosstrak models, with expert guidance for free camping enthusiasts. - Newhaven residents invited to shape safer roads, transport and future traffic planning through community feedback until 27 May 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking Newhaven community feedback on transport and road safety to inform a Local Area Traffic Management Plan improving movement, safety, infrastructure planning and future funding priorities. - Gippsland Water’s mobile trailer supports community events while promoting health, sustainability and reducing single-use plastic
Gippsland Water’s mobile water trailer supports community events, providing free drinking water, promoting healthy choices, reducing single-use plastics, and enhancing public and environmental health across the region in 2026. - Dock Cafe upgrade at Port of Sale ensures minimal disruption while enhancing community space ahead of reopening in 5 June 2026
Wellington Shire Council is pleased to share news of a short upgrade planned for the Dock Cafe, located at the Port of Sale. The works will help ensure the cafe continues to be a welcoming place for locals and visitors to enjoy. - Mallacoota’s new purpose-built Respite Care Centre opens, providing local residents high-quality recovery support close to home
The new Mallacoota Respite Care Centre provides local residents with high-quality, home-like recovery support, keeping them connected to the community while enhancing safety and healthcare services for years to come. - Gilsenan Reserve in Paynesville to gain modern, accessible public toilets supporting playground, skate park, and markets
Paynesville’s Gilsenan Reserve will get modern, accessible public toilets by June 2026, supporting playground, skate park, and market users, while ensuring minimal disruption and ongoing community updates during construction. - Check new 11-digit account reference numbers for accurate South Gippsland Water bill payments after July 2025 system upgrade
South Gippsland Water reminds customers to use their new 11-digit account reference number when paying bills after the July 2025 billing system upgrade. Payments using old numbers will no longer be processed. - 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. - Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers. - Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection
Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer. - Melina Bath criticises politicised VEAC, failing land management, while $1.4M could fund bushfire prevention, environmental services
Melina Bath warns Victorian hunters and anglers against reduced services as Labor pushes VFA-GMA merger, urging proper funding, training, and enforcement to protect compliance, sustainability, and regional outdoor traditions. - Labor opens new junior school facilities at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Drouin campus
The Allan Labor government opened new junior school facilities at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Drouin Campus following a $9.1 million investment supporting modern learning spaces, staff amenities and improved facilities for students. - 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. - Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support. - One Gippsland urges new major event to replace MotoGP, boosting tourism and regional economy
One Gippsland urges the 2026 Victorian budget to replace MotoGP with a new major event, boosting tourism, jobs, and economic growth while supporting cultural, nature-based, and renewable energy initiatives. - 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. - Melina Bath urges fair firearm reforms protecting law-abiding owners while maintaining community safety in Victoria
Melina Bath urges fair firearm law reforms, protecting responsible owners’ rights while strengthening enforcement against crime and improving safety through evidence-based, proportionate measures. - Baw Baw Shire introduces new e-waste units in Warragul and Drouin, funded by Victoria, enabling safe disposal of batteries and electronics
Baw Baw Shire introduces new e-waste drop-off units in Warragul and Drouin, improving safe battery and electronics recycling for the community. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Baw Baw Council launches new emergency dashboard providing reliable, centralised local updates before, during and after emergencies
Baw Baw Council has launched a new Emergency Dashboard, providing residents with a single, reliable platform for real-time updates, warnings, and essential information before, during, and after emergencies on all devices. - Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms. - Proposed library and learning centre changes aim to reduce costs while meeting community needs in Baw Baw Shire
Baw Baw Shire Council proposes adjustments to the Library and Learning Centre, removing basement and timber structure to stay within budget while delivering community, cultural, and co‑working spaces. - East Gippsland welcomes 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale ceremony, celebrating diversity, and shared Australian values
East Gippsland welcomed 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale, celebrating diversity, community spirit, and contributions of residents embracing their new Australian citizenship. - Darren Chester welcomes new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility and inclusion
Federal Member Darren Chester welcomed the new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility, inclusion, and community participation, supported by local business and the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Grant. - Mayor Cr John White reflects on busy September: Sport, community, citizenship, infrastructure, and engagement across East Gippsland
September was a busy, rewarding month for East Gippsland, with community events, sports, citizenship ceremonies, infrastructure projects, policy consultations, and initiatives boosting local tourism and engagement. - Bass Coast Shire Council renews environmental partnerships and Landcare collaboration agreements for another four years
Bass Coast Shire Council has renewed key environmental partnerships with Landcare and Western Port Biosphere for four more years, supporting biodiversity, community programs, and ongoing conservation and sustainability efforts. - Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region. - Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents. - Official opening of the new flood-proof Traralgon Recreation Reserve Multiuse Pavilion on 17 April 2026
Traralgon Recreation Reserve’s new flood recovery pavilion opens April 17, featuring modern sports facilities, funded by federal, state and council partnerships, restoring community infrastructure damaged in 2021 floods. - East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard. - Wellington Shire will deliver new 240L FOGO bins between April and June, with weekly organics collection starting 6 July 2026
Wellington Shire introduces new FOGO bins from July, weekly organic waste collection, landfill shift to fortnightly, boosting recycling, reducing emissions, and improving composting across households. - Allan Labor government reverses Newhaven Jetty closure following persistent community and Nationals’ advocacy victory
The Allan government has reversed Newhaven Jetty’s permanent closure after 18 months of Nationals’ advocacy and tireless community campaigning, securing a safe, accessible jetty for locals and visitors - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson criticises State Budget for favouring metro community connectors funding over regions
Latrobe City Mayor urges fair State Budget funding, criticising metro focus of Community Connectors program and calling for stronger regional support and engagement on community safety. - Latrobe City Council renews YMCA contract to continue leading programs at GRAC facility
Latrobe City Council renews YMCA Victoria’s contract to operate GRAC, ensuring continued community access, health programs, local employment, and social benefits, with 400,000 visits expected in 2026. - Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead recognised as Mary Rogers Award finalist for leadership, resilience, and mentoring women
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead has been named a finalist for the 2025 Mary Rogers Award, recognising her leadership, resilience, community service, and mentoring of emerging female leaders in local government. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - Gippsland Water invests $6.8M in new generators to ensure reliable water and wastewater services during emergencies
Gippsland Water has invested $6.8 million in 25 new generators, strengthening emergency resilience, reducing service interruptions, protecting water and wastewater operations, and supporting the national grid when not in use. - Baw Baw Draft Budget invests millions in roads, sporting projects and infrastructure while seeking community feedback until 14 May 2026
Baw Baw $127.5 million Draft Budget includes $50.9 million for infrastructure, major sporting upgrades, road projects and long-term planning, with community feedback open until 14 May. - Expressions of interest open for new Slip Road Maritime Precinct marina berths in Paynesville boosting boating access
East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest for new Paynesville marina berths, expanding capacity and supporting growing boating demand across the Gippsland Lakes. - 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. - East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits. - Darren Chester celebrates Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell Facility supporting education and regional workforce development
Darren Chester welcomed Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell facility, celebrating its role in empowering students, supporting vocational education, and strengthening Gippsland’s workforce and regional communities. - Jodie Ashworth elected mayor of East Gippsland Shire Council, committed to strong, transparent, collaborative leadership
Paynesville’s Jodie Ashworth elected Mayor of East Gippsland, bringing leadership, community experience, and commitment to strong governance, transparency, and strategic, future-focused planning for the region. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
- South Gippsland animal registration renewals due on 10 April and other council projects update
Autumn 2026 update: renew pet registrations by April 10, book flu and MMR vaccinations, bid on impounded vehicles, attend council events, workshops, grants, and local community programs across South Gippsland. - Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide. - 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. - Meet with South Gippsland Mayor Hersey to discuss ideas or issues that matter to you and your community and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council is offering multiple opportunities for community engagement, upcoming events, free workshops, grants, vaccination sessions, and council services throughout Summer 2026 for residents and local businesses. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Bass Coast Shire Council awards contract for new Thompson Reserve pavilion, boosting Inverloch sport and community facilities
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded Kubale Constructions to build a modern Thompson Reserve pavilion, enhancing facilities, supporting local clubs, and promoting inclusive sport opportunities for women, girls and the community. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland landholders to understand new property taxes and reporting obligations effective from 1 January 2026
Danny O’Brien urged Gippsland landholders to understand new property taxes and reporting obligations from 1 January 2026, warning compliance is essential to avoid penalties despite Nationals’ opposition. - ANZAC Day dawn services honour Australian and New Zealand service members, their sacrifice, courage and enduring national legacy
Australians gather at dawn on ANZAC Day to honour service members, reflect on sacrifice, and remember all who served in wars, peacekeeping, and humanitarian missions. - Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to provide feedback on the new Alan Croxford Playground design by 20 March 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council invites community feedback on two new Alan Croxford Playground designs, aiming to create a safe, engaging, and family-friendly space in Rawson through the Playground Renewal Program. - East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges. - Be enchanted by magical vistas overlooking a winding river and forested gorge in stunning Tyers Park
Discover Peterson's Lookout in Tyers Park, a short walk leading to breathtaking gorge and river views. Enjoy golden-hour scenery, nearby trails, wineries, eateries, and cultural attractions for a perfect Gippsland getaway. - Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
|
|