Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Line dancers no longer stumped by ‘bouncy’ floorMonash Hall in Yallourn North has been given a new lease of life following restumping which saw deteriorating redgum stumps replaced with concrete counterparts through a Latrobe City community grant. By Latrobe City Council - 27th March 2006 - Back to News Chair of the Monash Hall committee, Bill O’Donnell, said the redgum stumps which had been incorporated at the time of the hall’s erection, had been eaten away by dry rot to the stage where the floor had become ‘bouncy’. "It became quite apparent that without replacing the stumps, use of the hall would eventually become untenable," Mr O’Donnell said.
"Work on the restumping was undertaken by cutting some sections of floor away to provide access, and then replacing the decaying redgum stumps with new concrete products. The condition of some of the stumps removed was just amazing. Most had rotted away, almost to nothing.
"One of our key user groups, Valley Jade, a line-dancing group, are delighted the work has now been undertaken. You can imagine how concerned they were becoming as the floor condition deteriorated," Mr O’Donnell added.
Latrobe City’s deputy mayor, Cr Bruce Lougheed, said council had allocated funding of $6,500 towards the $9,500 project through a minor capital works grant, with the balance being met by the Monash Hall committee.
"Monash Hall is one of a number of halls across townships in Latrobe that provide the community with a focal point. "It is used by the primary school students, and if there’s a social event happening in the community, that’s where it’s likely to be held. It’s been the venue for many celebrations and moments of joy in our community, whilst also bearing witness to the passing of some sadder occasions," Cr Lougheed said.
Monash Hall was originally placed at the Yallourn North site by the State Electricity Commission (SEC) following the infamous landslip of 1950.
Around 8.40am on the morning of 29 June 1950, a landslide in Yallourn North saw 250,000 tons of dirt slide into the open-cut. The force of the slide cracked the bakery’s concrete floor from wall to wall and sent its five workers running into the street, leaving the bakehouse teetering on the edge of a one-hundred metre drop.
The landslip made headlines in the Melbourne Sun newspaper which told how 30 people had escaped death, claiming those working in four shops including the bank and bakehouse were lucky to be alive.
With such a blow to infrastructure, the ‘Nissan hut’ style hall was quickly moved into place by the SEC. Originally it incorporated a number of businesses such as the bakery, which had had to be abandoned because of the slip, together with a drapery, hairdresser and general store.
"The businesses operated inside Monash Hall for many years afterwards, until a new shopping area in the town was developed," Mr O’Donnell said.
"Technically it’s an ‘Armco’ building, which is a larger version of the ‘Nissan hut’," he explained. Apart from the stores that operated inside, a beautiful stage was erected for concerts and other performances; and at the other end of the hall there’s a projection room for projecting theatre movies onto the screen. You see, Monash Hall was also the local cinema," Mr O’Donnell said.
"Monash Hall has had an interesting past, and it’s great to see that the work recently undertaken has now provided it with a foundation that will see it through many years to come," Mr O’Donnell added.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- 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. - Lifeline Workshop in Warragul Library: Understanding and Preventing Family Violence for community awareness and safety
Free two‑hour session at Lifeline, held at MYLI Warragul on 25 Nov 2025 from 1‑3 pm, aims to build awareness, understanding and practical strategies to prevent family violence. - East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth. - Martin Cameron says community safety has declined under Labor amid rising crime and 1500 Victoria Police vacancies
Nationals and Liberals pledge 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and restored station hours under Safer Communities Plan, addressing regional crime concerns, vacancies, and policing shortages across Latrobe Valley. - Bass Coast Shire Council Draft Dogs in Public Places Guidelines community consultations open until 13 May 2026
Bass Coast Council has released Draft Dogs in Public Places Guidelines for consultation, supporting the Domestic Animal Management Plan with feedback open until 13 May 2026 to improve dog management. - Martin Cameron says Latrobe Valley community safety declines as crime rises six percent, police resources reduced
Martin Cameron warns Latrobe Valley community safety is worsening under Labor, citing rising crime, reduced police resources, retail theft spikes, weak bail laws, and calls for tougher prevention and policing measures. - Martin Cameron calls on Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train capacity during free travel April promotion
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train carriages, warning free travel and school holidays will overwhelm current V/Line services, creating unsafe, overcrowded conditions. - Walhalla Church Hill Road landslip repaired, fully reopened following 2022 storm recovery works completion
Repairs to the Church Hill Road landslip in Walhalla are complete, reopening the road with DRFA-funded realignment, drainage, safety barriers, and asphalt surfacing, ensuring safe travel for residents and tourists. - East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register pets, ensure safety, cleanliness, and enjoyable public spaces for everyone
East Gippsland Council urges pet owners to register animals, ensuring compliance, quick safe returns, and supporting responsible ownership for cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable community spaces. - 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. - AFL investigating alleged racism at Omeo District grand final following online video reports
AFL is investigating alleged racism at the Omeo District grand final after online videos surfaced. MP Tim Bull condemned the behaviour, stressing racism is unacceptable and must never be tolerated in community sport. - Community invited to join Walhalla project working groups shaping tourism and business opportunities for World Heritage future
Baw Baw Shire Council invites community members to join Tourism, Infrastructure, or Business Support Project Working Groups for Walhalla, helping shape sustainable development linked to the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid. - Demolition begins at Warragul Exhibition Hall, traffic changes implemented and materials salvaged for recycling and community reuse
Demolition of Warragul Exhibition Hall will begin this week, with traffic changes, asbestos removal, and material salvage for recycling, while the site will be remediated for future council consideration. - Martin Cameron says Yallourn job cuts devastate workers and mark first blow in Power Station closure
Up to 40 Yallourn Power Station jobs will be cut by 2025, sparking concern from Martin Cameron over Labor's failure to support the Latrobe Valley through the energy transition. - Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability. - Baw Baw Shire secures $102,000 AusNet grant for five rural hall upgrades, emergency generators and community resilience
Baw Baw Shire secured a $102,000 AusNet Emergency Resilience Grant for five rural halls, funding switchboard upgrades, generators, and community events to improve emergency power readiness. - 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. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - 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 - Life Saving Victoria warns of ongoing water safety risks following busy patrol season and fatalities
Life Saving Victoria urges continued vigilance over Autumn and Winter water safety risks as patrol season ends, highlighting rescues, drownings, and prevention advice. - Fish Creek Tea Cosy festival takes place in Fish Creek Memorial Hall and various locations across Fish Creek from 16-24 May 2026
From 16-24 May, Fish Creek celebrates the Tea Cosy Festival that wraps the whole town in wool, serves it with jam and cream, and makes life just a little cosier. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Marlo and Newmerella Primary students explore Snowy River through hands-on environmental learning experience with East Gippsland CMA
Marlo and Newmerella students joined the East Gippsland CMA for hands-on Snowy River activities, learning about ecology, sustainable fishing, fish and bug identification, and taking home local plants. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Darren Chester backs Stratford runner's 300 km charity challenge supporting free 3D hands in Sale
Stratford ultra-runner Chris Dixon will run 300 km in Sale to raise $50,000 for Free 3D Hands, supported by Darren Chester and local runners backing the inspiring community event. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Life Saving Victoria launches 2030 Strategic Plan and 2024/25 Annual Report, advancing water safety across Victoria
Life Saving Victoria launches its 2030 Strategic Plan and 2024/25 Annual Report, highlighting achievements, community impact, and a bold vision to prevent drowning and enhance water safety statewide. - 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. - Life Saving Victoria 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals alarming increases, with 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal incidents, exceeding 10-year averages, with rises among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and during traditionally cooler months. - Life Saving Victoria launches multilingual campaign to protect older adults around water, heat and rip currents
Life Saving Victoria has launched a multilingual campaign to help older adults, especially from multicultural communities, stay safe around water and during extreme heat across Victoria. - Life Saving Victoria report reveals alarming 52 deaths, 123 drownings, urgent water safety action needed
Life Saving Victoria’s 2024-25 Drowning Report reveals 52 deaths and 123 non-fatal drownings, with rising incidents among youth, seniors, multicultural communities, and outside traditional summer months, urging urgent water safety action. - Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend. - Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance over Easter holidays after record drowning deaths last year
Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to stay alert over Easter holidays, urging safety at beaches, pools, and waterways after last year’s record 13 drowning deaths nationwide. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Bass Coast Council releases Draft Budget 2026-27, inviting community feedback until 8 May 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council released its Draft Budget 2026-27 for consultation, outlining services and infrastructure plans, with community feedback sessions scheduled and submissions open until May 8, 2026. - Live4Life Baw Baw celebrates 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising leadership, teamwork and mental health achievements
Live4Life Baw Baw celebrated its 2025 Youth Mental Health Ambassadors, recognising their leadership, teamwork, and mental health initiatives, while marking key milestones and community achievements throughout the year. - 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. - 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. - Gippsland Live4Life youth unite at Allambee Camp, fostering confidence, teamwork and mental health awareness through outdoor activities
Live4Life Gippsland youth Crews gathered at Allambee Camp for adventure, teamwork, confidence-building, and sharing mental health awareness ideas, supported by Baw Baw Shire Council. - 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. - Bass Coast Council releases first Q1 2025-26 Performance Report, highlighting progress, finances, and key Council Plan achievements
Bass Coast Shire Council’s first Q1 2025-26 Performance Report highlights strong progress on the Council Plan, financial surplus, capital projects, strategic documents, and community initiatives, reflecting transparency and good governance. - 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. - Latrobe City Council urges coordinated workforce transition ahead of Yallourn W closure 2028
Latrobe City Council urges a coordinated workforce transition ahead of Yallourn W Power Station’s 2028 closure, supporting an Energy Industry Jobs Plan to protect workers, families, local businesses, and regional economic resilience. - Baw Baw Shire Council releases 2024/25 Annual Report highlighting growth, major projects and community achievements
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2024/25 Annual Report highlights population growth, major projects, community grants, infrastructure upgrades, and continued focus on sustainable, connected, and thriving local communities. - Reduction burn scheduled at Jepson Court Mirboo North on Friday 12 December 2025
A planned fuel reduction burn will occur at Jepson Court, Mirboo North on 12 December 2025; residents should avoid the area, take care with smoke, and follow VicEmergency updates.
|
|
