Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Lumen Christi students welcome Darren Chester for leadership awards and government insights at school assemblyDarren Chester visited Lumen Christi Primary School, presenting leadership awards and discussing government roles, praised students' respect, resilience, and responsibility, encouraging them to strive for excellence and take pride in their school. By news@gippsland - 19th March 2025 - Back to News Students at Lumen Christi Primary School in Churchill welcomed Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester to their school assembly to present this year's captains with their achievement awards. 
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Member for Morwell Martin Cameron with Lumen Christi Primary School's 2025 student leaders Inspiring future leadersMr Chester gave the students a brief introduction to the different levels of government, explaining the similarities and differences in the responsibilities of state MPs and federal parliamentarians, along with the everyday contributions of local politicians to support their communities. "It's always a pleasure to engage with our future leaders and share insights into government, life in Federal Parliament, and my role in Gippsland," Mr Chester said. Before presenting 2025 school leaders with their achievement certificates, Mr Chester encouraged the cohort to always try their best and never give up. He also praised the entire Lumen Christi student body for their outstanding behaviour and excellent presentation of their school. "I was very impressed not only with the respect and attention shown by the students at Lumen Christi but also with their pride and care for their school. Together, the students exemplified Lumen Christi Primary School's core values of respect, resilience, and responsibility," Mr Chester said. Student leaders recognisedMr Chester presented achievement certificates to the following students: - Billy Breheny - School Captain
- Charlotte Fairbrother - School Captain
- Harper Sanders - Vice Captain
- Hunter Yacoub - House Captain
- Anne Ng - House Captain
- Tyler Phelines - House Captain
Absent: - Audrey Cardillo - Vice Captain
Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- Darren Chester welcomes Mallacoota students to Parliament House during Canberra visit, discussing democracy and the role of elected representatives
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester welcomed Mallacoota P-12 College students to Parliament House during their Canberra visit, discussing Federal Parliament, democracy and the role of elected representatives. - 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. - Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses. - Darren Chester welcomes CBA Branch commitment, calls for stronger long-term regional banking protections across Gippsland
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s commitment to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while seeking stronger long-term protections for face-to-face banking services. - Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance. - Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance. - Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities. - Darren Chester discusses democracy, civics and federal parliament with St Paul's Year 9 students in Traralgon
Darren Chester visited St Paul's Anglican Grammar School in Traralgon, discussing civics, democracy, Parliament and community issues with engaged Year 9 students and encouraging young people to participate in Australia's democratic process. - Darren Chester joined Wellington Shire representatives to welcome 57 new citizens at The Wedge ceremony
Wellington Shire welcomed 57 new Australian citizens at The Wedge, with Federal Member Darren Chester and council representatives celebrating their milestone and contributions to Gippsland communities. - Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing. - Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and State MPs to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia’s school lunch program
Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and MPs Marty Cameron and Melina Bath to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia, providing free school lunches to disadvantaged children across Gippsland. - Darren Chester slams Victorian Labor over five-year delay in critical Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade despite federal funding
Darren Chester has slammed Victoria's Labor Government over the stalled Mallacoota-Genoa Road upgrade, despite $10m federal funding committed in 2021, saying Gippsland communities have waited five years for promised safety improvements. - Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades. - Darren Chester warns Sydney fire ant detection highlights biosecurity risks and urges swift action, surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond 2027
Darren Chester has urged swift, coordinated action after red imported fire ants were detected in Sydney, warning of risks to agriculture and calling for stronger surveillance and guaranteed eradication funding beyond June 2027. - Darren Chester visits Aussie Broadband’s Traralgon office, highlighting reliable telecommunications for Gippsland’s regional communities and businesses
Darren Chester met Aussie Broadband executives in Traralgon to discuss improving regional mobile coverage, faster internet speeds, telecommunications resilience, and investment in local jobs and skills development. - Darren Chester and Gemma Rendell back Lakes Entrance Recreation Centre and celebrate rural women’s contributions to East Gippsland
Darren Chester and Gemma Rendell back a proposed three-court recreation centre in Lakes Entrance, while Chester celebrates rural women’s contributions and supports Rendell’s campaign ahead of November’s state election. - Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester warns Gippslanders to prepare for potential mass native bird deaths following H5 bird flu detection
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to prepare for potential native bird deaths after H5 bird flu was detected at Lakes Entrance, warning of significant wildlife impacts and calling for coordinated biosecurity measures. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities. - Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families. - Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25. - Darren Chester and Martin Cameron visit Mitchell House to recognise local aged care workers and services
Federal Member Darren Chester and State MP Martin Cameron visited Morwell Mitchell House, recognising aged care workers and highlighting the importance of accessible, compassionate local care for older Gippslanders. - Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities. - Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services. - Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support. - Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra. - Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to capture region's beauty for the 2027 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition un 25 September 2026
Gippslanders are invited to enter the 2027 #lovegippsland photography competition, with 13 images selected for the calendar and entries closing September 25, 2026. - Darren Chester says growers and industry groups are concerned Labor's visa processing pause is creating uncertainty for farmers
Australian farmers warn delayed visa processing for seasonal and skilled workers could worsen labour shortages, disrupt harvests, reduce food production and push fresh produce prices higher for Australian families. - Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges. - Darren Chester congratulates Chris Dixon’s Helping Hands Running Festival team after raising $256,941 for free 3D hands
Stratford runner Chris Dixon’s Helping Hands Running Festival raised $256,941 for Free 3D Hands, supporting children with limb differences, following his world-record treadmill run and strong community participation. - One Gippsland delegation met Darren Chester at Parliament House to discuss key regional infrastructure and investment priorities
Federal Member Darren Chester met One Gippsland representatives at Parliament House to discuss regional priorities, including roads, housing, healthcare, disaster resilience, industry investment and job creation. - Gemma Rendell and Darren Chester urge Gippslanders to add vegetables daily through new healthy eating campaign
The "Get the Edge. Eat More Veg" campaign launched in Sale, urging Gippslanders to add one extra vegetable served daily while supporting local growers, jobs and health. - RMIT architecture students unveil 12 community-informed design proposals exploring the future of Omeo Justice Precinct at upcoming exhibition
RMIT architecture students will exhibit 12 community-informed proposals for Omeo Justice Precinct from November 6, exploring heritage preservation, gathering spaces and tourism through a research partnership with Council and residents. - Four Gippsland students win Water Week Poster competition promoting conservation and sustainability
Four young Gippsland artists have been recognised in Gippsland Water’s 2026 National Water Week poster competition, highlighting water conservation. Mirboo North Primary School won $500, while student Penelope placed third statewide. - Matthew Canavan welcomes Commonwealth Bank branch extension, calls for stronger government action to protect regional banking services
Nationals leader Matt Canavan welcomed Commonwealth Bank’s decision to keep 281 regional branches open until 2030, while urging the Government to protect banking access and rebuild services lost elsewhere. - Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services. - Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets. - Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire. - Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain. - Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions. - South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs. - Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities. - Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities. - Gippsland Landcare champions win Victorian awards for environmental conservation, First Nations collaboration and sustainable agriculture achievements
Two Gippsland Landcare champions have won 2026 Victorian Landcare Awards, with Moogji Aboriginal Council and Kate Mirams and Peter Neaves recognised for environmental stewardship, collaboration and sustainable agriculture. - Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3. - Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi. - East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026. - Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026. - East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts. - Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards. - East Gippsland outdoor venues prepare for summer with school holiday activities, swimming programs and swim teacher opportunities
East Gippsland outdoor facilities are preparing for summer, with Orbost Pool opening early, seasonal swimming programs returning, Aqua Run activities planned and Council recruiting and training new swim teachers. - Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures. - Gippsland families face rising cost pressures as Nationals criticise Labor government over interest rates, spending and inflation
The Nationals say rising interest rates are increasing pressure on Gippsland families, criticising Labor’s spending and inflation while outlining plans for budget discipline, tax cuts and productivity. - Nationals and Liberals pledge 10 new technical colleges, delivering hands-on training for 5,000 Victorian students
The Nationals and Liberals plan 10 new Technical Colleges across Victoria, providing 5,000 secondary students with hands-on vocational training and pathways into in-demand careers, including a new college in Gippsland. - Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing. - Venus Bay IRB Women's Rescue Team, Morrie Tatnell and Jessica Woodward recognised as one of the winners for the Life Saving Victoria Awards of Excellence 2026
Life Saving Victoria celebrates volunteer lifesavers, aquatic professionals and organisations at Awards of Excellence, recognising outstanding contributions to keeping Victoria’s waterways safe. - Maffra Show celebrates agricultural heritage, community spirit and dedicated volunteers across Gippsland’s farming districts
The Maffra Show celebrated local agriculture, farming heritage and community spirit, with Darren Chester praising volunteers, exhibitors and competitors for preserving regional traditions and supporting local businesses. - Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access. - Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative.
|
|