Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Swimming lessons in Primary SchoolsMember for Morwell Russell Northe said today that the State Government needed to clarify aspects of its swimming lessons for primary school student’s initiative. By Portal Admin - 1st December 2016 - Back to News "Whilst we support the notion of all primary school students learning how to swim; questions remain on who will actually pay for the swimming lessons and where will these swim lessons take place," Mr Northe said.
"If this program is implemented it is imperative we have adequate facilities such a much needed upgrade to the Traralgon swimming pool."
Mr Northe said after two years and thousands of petition signatures the community were still calling on the Andrews Labor Government to provide vital funding to help build a new Traralgon heated indoor pool.
"Prior to the 2014 election the Liberal Nationals committed $9 million towards a new Traralgon heated indoor pool yet the Andrews Government has rejected calls for funding to be allocated towards this important facility," Mr Northe said.
"Thousands of primary school students in Traralgon and surrounding towns would benefit from a Traralgon public heated indoor pool facilitating 'learn to swim' programs."
Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath said that rural and regional schools are already constrained by tight budgets and it’s not good enough for Daniel Andrews to not find funding for this important initiative.
"The Premier has no trouble finding a cool $1.3 million for its controversial Safe Schools program, but cannot find a single dollar for this program which will save lives," Ms Bath said.
"Sadly 43 people have drowned over the past year and it is a reminder to be vigilant and play it safe by the water."
This week is Water Safety Week running from 28 November – 4 December and aims to raise awareness about water safety.
Media contact: 5133 9088
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- 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. - Darren Chester praised Longford Primary School students for strong understanding of Australian democracy after visiting classes
Darren Chester praised Longford Primary School students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy after visiting classes, discussing Parliament, answering questions, and commending their engagement, curiosity, and leadership knowledge. - Darren Chester applauds Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, showcasing student enthusiasm and schools' vital role in regional life
Darren Chester joined Tim Bull at Metung Primary Footy Colours Day, praising student enthusiasm, community spirit, and schools' vital role in fostering connections, participation, and regional community life through fun events - 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. - 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. - Darren Chester congratulates Glengarry Primary 2026 student leaders, inspiring future community, volunteer and civic leadership development
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester congratulated Glengarry Primary 2026 student leaders, encouraging them to embrace leadership, teamwork, and service as they develop skills to positively impact their community. - Head south to Lake Tyers Beach, admire Stony Creek Trestle Bridge, enjoy swimming, fishing, picnics, then dine at Lake Tyers Beach Tavern
Morwell River Falls Reserve, near Boolarra, offers a fern-filled valley, cascading waterfalls, and scenic pools, just over two hours from Melbourne, perfect for a short, peaceful bushland walk. - Darren Chester congratulates Nambrok-Denison Primary student leaders, celebrating confidence, responsibility and community impact in 2026
Gippsland MP Darren Chester congratulated Nambrok-Denison Primary’s 2026 student leaders, highlighting leadership’s role in building confidence, responsibility, community engagement, and fostering future civic and volunteering contributions. - Danny O'Brien celebrates Gippsland South schools receiving VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants to boost cooking and gardening education
Danny O'Brien has congratulated five Gippsland South primary schools awarded VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants, supporting hands-on cooking, gardening, and healthy eating education to build students' lifelong skills, and sustainability awareness. - Danny O'Brien visits Gippsland schools honouring Anzac Legacy by planting 100 lone pines across Victoria
Gippsland schools joined the "100 Lone Pines Project," with Danny O’Brien delivering seedlings, connecting students to Gallipoli history and honoring the Anzac legacy through planting descendant pines across Victoria. - Gippsland Water encourages schools to join a free monitoring program reducing water loss and costs
Gippsland Water is urging schools to join a free water monitoring program using digital metering to detect leaks, reduce costs and improve efficiency. - Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
Melina Bath encourages regional cricket clubs, schools, and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants supporting facility upgrades and inclusive participation opportunities. Applications close 27 March 2026. - 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. - Nationals pledge early school support program to identify children's learning needs and help Gippsland families access services
The Nationals have pledged a Successful School Starters program, embedding specialists in schools and providing $500 subsidies for assessments to help Foundation students access earlier learning and developmental support. - Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy. - Martin Cameron backs school starters program providing early neurodiversity support for Victorian prep students and families
Martin Cameron has backed the Successful School Starters Program, offering early neurodiversity assessments, specialist support and $500 diagnostic subsidies for Victorian prep students from 2028. - 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. - Danny O’Brien says Gippsland school project delays highlight need for fair regional infrastructure funding
Gippsland school project delays highlight calls for fair regional infrastructure funding, with The Nationals advocating guaranteed investment to deliver long-promised education upgrades. - Tim Bull questions rising school toilet refurbishment costs and seeks explanation from Education Minister
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has questioned the Education Minister over rising school toilet block refurbishment costs, calling for explanations on significant recent cost increases. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to prioritise urgent upgrades for Gippsland schools in poor condition
Melina Bath urges Allan Government to urgently upgrade Gippsland schools, highlighting 2025 report revealing many in poor condition, with ageing infrastructure and maintenance deficits impacting students’ education. - Latrobe City seeks community members for its Visitor Economy Advisory Committee to support tourism, events and regional growth, EOI closes 5 July 2026
Latrobe City Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for its new Visitor Economy Advisory Committee, inviting community members with tourism, events and business experience to support regional growth and strategy delivery. - Morwell Rose Festival returns with blooms, aerial acrobatics, night lights, workshops and family entertainment from 6-7 November 2026
Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. - Morwell Gun Club unveils world-class olympic trap shooting upgrades, boosting training, competition and accessibility
Morwell Gun Club completed major upgrades under the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, including new Olympic trap ranges, lighting, shelters and facilities, boosting training, accessibility, local jobs and Gippsland’s sporting opportunities. - Morwell River Ward Councillor Tracie Lund resigns, prompting Latrobe City by-election and community engagement process
Morwell River Ward Councillor Tracie Lund has resigned from Latrobe City Council. A by-election will be held, with the VEC managing nominations and voting to fill the vacancy. - Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects. - Youth advocates for Baw Baw ( YABBies ) offer school holidays fun with free creative, active events for Baw Baw Youth on April 2026
Baw Baw’s YABBies are hosting free April school holiday events, including sushi making, painting, and skatepark activities, offering safe, fun, and engaging opportunities for youth aged 12–17 to connect and learn. - Latrobe Leisure Morwell earns Gold Safety Accreditation for highest aquatic safety standards recognition achieved
Latrobe Leisure Morwell earned Life Saving Victoria’s Gold Safety Accreditation after achieving 100 percent compliance and a safety score above 95 percent, recognising exceptional aquatic safety, operations and risk management standards. - Martin Cameron criticises Labor government over delayed Morwell sobering-up facility, broken promises and lack of ministerial accountability
Martin Cameron criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to deliver the promised Morwell sobering-up facility, ignoring repeated parliamentary questions, leaving the Latrobe Valley without adequate public intoxication support. - Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien. - Gippsland Water upgrades Morwell wastewater treatment plant aerator to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs
Gippsland Water has installed a new high-speed aerator at Morwell's wastewater treatment plant, improving treatment efficiency, reducing energy use and lowering long-term operating costs. - Danny O’Brien said the state’s fuel price app is ineffective, though price transparency tools like Servo Saver can help strained household budgets
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges state and federal governments to secure regional fuel supply, warning rising costs, panic-buying, and supply restrictions threaten farmers, transport, essential services, and local households. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - Discover Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest with nature, water fun, walks, and local gems
Blue Pool in Briagolong State Forest offers swimming, walking trails, and camping, with nearby pubs, breweries, and attractions providing a perfect Gippsland getaway for nature, adventure, and local experiences. - 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. - Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth. - Gippsland welcomes $50M Renewable Energy TAFE Centre in Morwell, boosting jobs and regional transition to renewable energy future
One Gippsland welcomes $50 million investment in Morwell Renewable Energy TAFE Centre, boosting workforce training and supporting Gippsland’s clean energy transition and future job growth. - 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. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Gippsland students impress Darren Chester with their understanding of Australian democracy and government
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised St Mary’s Primary School Maffra students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy, Parliament and government during a recent civics visit and discussion. - Tim Bull calls on the state government to prioritise commercial fishers in fuel supply efforts amid ongoing shortages
Tim Bull urges State Government to prioritise fuel access for commercial fishers, highlighting their economic and food production role, while seeking federal excise relief amid rising costs and industry pressures. - Melina Bath demands Allan government tackle rising Latrobe Valley crime after alleged violent Morwell supermarket carjacking incident
The Nationals' Melina Bath has called on the Allan government to address rising Latrobe Valley crime, urging stronger policing and tougher laws following an alleged violent carjacking in Morwell. - Melina Bath joined Principal Jason Horton and students planting Gallipoli Lone Pine tree
Tanjil South Primary School students planted a Lone Pine seedling under the "100 Lone Pines Project" to honour ANZAC history, preserving Gallipoli’s legacy and strengthening community remembrance of Australia’s wartime sacrifices. - Melina Bath invites community to apply for CSEF Grants Open 2026, supporting eligible families with school camps, sports, excursions costs
Eligible families can now apply for the 2026 Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, helping cover costs of school camps, excursions, sports, and outdoor education through their child’s school. - Danny O’Brien said poor dental health is tied to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and mental health impacts
Gippslanders now face almost two-year waits for public dental care, with Danny O’Brien blaming a decade of Labor for doubled delays, escalating health risks and under-resourced regional clinics. - Melina Bath said The Nationals will continue standing with regional Victorians and sporting shooting community
Common sense has prevailed after proposals to cap firearm numbers per licence were scrapped, with Danny O’Brien crediting strong advocacy from law-abiding owners, sporting clubs and shooting organisations across Victoria wide support. - Melina Bath said CFA volunteers face risks due to aging equipment and $55M funding shortfall since 2020
The CFA faces a $50 million deficit as volunteers fight fires with aging equipment, with funding lagging inflation despite Allan Labor’s claims, exposing ongoing crisis and growing pressure on brigades. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - Bass Coast Council lobbies state government on key regional priorities ahead of 2026 election talks
Bass Coast Council meets state government leaders to advocate for funding across tourism, sport, infrastructure, coastal protection and major regional development priorities ahead of the 2026 election. - Melina Bath said a VAGO report exposed ongoing failures in bushfire risk and fuel management
A VAGO report has raised concerns about Victoria’s bushfire risk management, citing unreliable assessments, inconsistent fuel reduction practices, and ongoing failures to improve data accuracy and transparency under the Allan Labor government. - Inverloch students plant 1,000 indigenous plants to strengthen wildlife corridor and boost regional biodiversity conservation
Twenty Inverloch Kongwak Primary School students planted 1,000 indigenous plants, helping create a wildlife corridor that supports native species and strengthens regional biodiversity. - Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses. - The Nationals reaffirmed support for shooters, hunters and farmers at Morwell forum opposing firearm law threats
The Nationals held a Morwell forum supporting firearm owners, with leaders and 150 attendees opposing proposed law changes, criticising a Victorian firearms review and pledging to protect rights of lawful shooters, hunters and farmers. - Melina Bath demands action on rising crime following alleged violent Morwell supermarket carjacking incident
Melina Bath has urged the Allan government to address rising crime after an alleged Morwell carjacking, citing increasing offence rates and calling for more police and tougher laws. - Night lights, performances, attractions and tourism - International Rose Garden Festival Morwell returns on 6 and 7 November 2026
International Rose Garden Festival Morwell returns 2026 with free community celebration, night lights, performances, attractions and strong tourism support from government and sponsors. - Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery. - East Gippsland CMA and Fishcare engage Tambo Upper students in river learning and habitat restoration
Tambo Upper Primary students joined CMA and Fishcare on the Tambo River for hands-on learning about fish habitat, fishing, and river ecosystem restoration. - Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
|
|
