Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Latrobe Crime Watch News, Latrobe Police SErvice Area. March 2011 February Neighbourhood Watch/Safer Communities Group Reports for Morwell, Moe, Yallourn North, Churchill and Traralgon, Morwell Freeway By-pass, Changed Traffic Conditions in Morwell. By Malcolm Lawrence - 20th March 2011 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
MARCH 2011
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency 000 Mobiles 112 State the service you want – Police, Ambulance or Fire.
Nurse on Call 1300 606 024
Poisons Information 13 11 26
VicRoads 131170
Police:
Boolarra 5169 6222, Churchill 5122 1790, Moe 5127 2222, Morwell 5131 5000, Traralgon 5174 0900.
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Neighbourhood Watch & Safer Communities
Unit – Latrobe PSA
L/S/C Brett Godden
5131 5085
0400 050 749
brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au
Facebook: Senior Constable Brett
Child Protection 13 12 78
Consumer Affairs 5116 5701.
Dept Primary Industry 136186
Dispute Settlement Centre 1800 658 528
Latrobe City 1300 367 700
CLOSURE OF PRINCES FREEWAY MORWELL - UPDATE
Hello residents,
This is my second update regarding the Morwell Land Movement and Princess Freeway closure.
Since the first newsletter, or update there has been some slight movement of some of the cracks, but this was early on and there has been no detectable movement in terms of the cracks in the mine, the freeway or tennis court area for around 10 days now, despite two stints of rain. This is good news.
The mitigation plan is well under way with the mine engaging three drilling rigs to drill a large number of horizontal drain holes into the side of the northern batter. Some of the holes are already draining a small amount of water. This drilling will take around 20 weeks to complete as it is a long process and the holes are significant in length. VicRoads have undertaken testing of the freeway in the area and have advised that there are no detected cavities under the road, which is also great news. They are sinking some bore holes to monitor water levels. They are also installing 'real time' monitoring on the freeway. This will be of great benefit in terms of the analysis of the data it will produce.
An expert has been engaged to work with the Dept of Primary Industry, Latrobe Council, VicRoads and the mine to examine and identify a suitable solution for the stormwater outflow from Morwell which runs along the edge of the freeway so that the water cannot escape and impact the land underneath, when it travels on its way to the wetlands. This work is seen as critical to the longer term solution.
By the time you read this, VicRoads will have opened the extremities of the freeway to allow "Local" traffic access to the next off ramp. Those travelling west will be able to exit toward Churchill and the south Morwell areas and be able to go east on that ramp when returning. Those travelling east will be able to access the turnoff to Mirboo North/Leongatha. It is hoped this will ease congestion slightly.
Unfortunately the long weekend did see some delays, and I myself was caught in it as I headed east through Morwell. I am happy to say that whilst it was slow going, the traffic, at least when I went through, was quite considerate and accepting of the situation.
Looking at the Christchurch Earthquake and now the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, it puts the Morwell event into context for me. The Morwell event is an inconvenience. It can be frustrating at times and I implore all residents and travellers to be patient. Much work is being done to work through solutions which will enable the freeway to be opened as soon as humanly possible.
Regards
Geoff Newby
Superintendent
Incident Controller
MARCH NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT
FEBRUARY ISSUES - Nil
CRIME REPORT
INDECENT ASSAULT – An indecent assault was committed at the Princes Highway end of the Waterhole Creek walking track. The male offender is described as very tall, dark skinned, wearing a hoody and track suit pants. In another incident an offender has been charged with indecent assault.
ROBBERY - 4 for Feb (1 Jan) - Two offenders have been charged with robbery/armed robbery offences. Two other victims had phones or cash stolen from them by a group of youths. Enquiries are pending.
ASSAULT - 19 for Feb (16 Jan) - In nearly all cases an offender/s has been charged. A number came to notice as a result of family violence incidents. Two offenders were charged after an incident in Beattie Cres on the 11th February. Two others were charged as a result of an armed robbery.
ARSON - 2 for Feb (9 Jan) - Offenders set fire to a rubbish bin at the rear of a premises in Rintoull St. Damage was also done to a vehicle later in the month.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 36 for Feb (51 Jan) - Two offenders were charged with property damage offences. The 36 offences can be broken into three groups. Ten businesses had windows or glass doors broken by rocks or by kicking. Thirteen vehicles had windows smashed by various means. Eight residences had windows broken by either rocks or objects being thrown. Mitchell House was again targeted. Police ask the community around this village to be aware of suspicious behaviour and report it to police or Crimestoppers.
BURGLARY - 13 for Feb (27 Jan) - Most burglaries were committed after forcing entry to residential premises or sheds. There was no pattern with the offences being spread throughout town.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 2 for Feb (17 Jan) - A portable DVD player was stolen from a vehicle in Winifred St. Offenders have also attempted to steal the baby seat from the vehicle. Plates were stolen off a vehicle in a car park in Buckley St.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for Feb (8 Jan) - A four wheel drive motorbike was stolen from a shed which was also the subject of a burglary in Donald Street. The bike was later recovered by the owner. On the 1st February a vehicle which was unlocked and with the windows down was stolen from Phyllis Street. It has since been recovered and returned to the owner.
THEFT - 17 for Feb (16 Jan) - One offender was charged with theft of fuel from a service station. Police are following up suspects in a number of thefts and shop thefts. One victim was approached in a car park and offered a $20 gift card for $20 cash. When the card was redeemed it was found to have less than $2 on the card. Police remind the community if approached by someone offering gift cards or charity cards for cash to notify police ASAP. Cash was removed from an account after an ATM card was lost. The victim had the card replaced but not cancelled. Police remind the community that if you lose or have your credit/debit card stolen to have the cards cancelled not just replaced.
ISSUES RAISED MARCH – Traffic running red lights on the Jane St Bridge - Information passed to both the Highway patrol and the Strategic Advisory Group - Traffic. Brett gave an update and advice re the Princes Freeway closure.
Speed zone change from Morwell to Latrobe Hospital but no warning signage - To VicRoads via Strategic Advisory Group – Traffic.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
FEBRUARY ISSUES - nil
CRIME REPORT
ASSAULT - 1 for Feb (Nil Jan) - One offender is being followed up by police after an assault as a result of family violence.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for Feb (Nil Jan) - Both offences relate to vehicles. In the first case a suspect is being followed up for smashing a windscreen. In the second incident a vehicle was damaged by kicking.
BURGLARY - Nil for Feb (Nil Jan)
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 1 for Feb (1 Jan) - Offenders entered the Boral yard in Quarry Rd and stole a CB radio from one of the unlocked trucks. An aerial from a nearby shed was also stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for Feb (Nil Jan) - Sometime overnight on the 18th/19th February offenders stole a vehicle from the victim’s driveway. Neither vehicle has been recovered.
THEFT (OTHER) - 3 for Feb (1 Jan) - TRUEnergy have again been the target with offenders entering a yard and stealing an amount of copper wire. Police ask the community to report breaches of the fence around the power station when they see them. Offenders have stolen diesel fuel from farm machinery at a premises on McDonalds Track.
ISSUES RAISED MARCH – Third St being used as a thoroughfare due to Princes Freeway closure - Passed to Latrobe Highway patrol and to Strategic Advisory Group – Traffic.
Suspect vehicle in Somerset Rd – Information given was that it was a police member observing motorcycle activity. Brett made enquires and no police operations in place. Next time the vehicle is seen obtain a registration number and pass it onto police.
MOE MEETING and CRIME REPORT
FEBRUARY ISSUES
Vehicles (motor cycles) using the bush reserve behind Latrobe Valley Village - To Latrobe Highway Patrol. LCC informed.
Baw Baw Hotel in state of disrepair - LCC states as the building is unoccupied it has no jurisdiction. Not a police issue.
Motorised mobility devices and the impression they have complete right of way - This is an education issue.
Trucks unloading in Albert St and blocking view of oncoming traffic - Brett to follow up.
Burnt out house at Watsons Rd/John St is an eyesore needing demolition – Contact LCC or estate agent. Not a police issue.
Concern re pedestrian safety re exit stop sign positioning from lane beside Moe Town Hall. - Brett provided advice.
Compensation re land acquisitions in George St to be paid by ratepayers – Not a police/NHW issue. Take issue up with LCC.
CRIME REPORT - HOMICIDE - One offender charged with two counts of murder after an incident in High Street, Moe.
ASSAULT - 14 for Feb (23 Jan) - Ten offenders charged with assault offences. One offender charged with assault police and three counts of making threats to kill after an incident in Brownbill St. The same offender was involved in an incident the day before in Waterloo Rd. A number of offences came to police notice as a result of family violence issues.
ARSON - 2 for Feb (3 Jan) - Offenders used an accelerant to set fire to two bins outside a rural property. In the other arson offenders set fire to the kitchen sink area of a vacant house in Torres St.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 17 for Feb (18 Jan) - One offender charged as a result of a family violence incident. A large number of vehicles were damaged with windscreens being damaged by rocks, garden ornaments or other implements. Three incidents of damage occurred in the Randall Cres/King St area on the night of the 25th February when offenders splashed paint over three vehicles. The Newborough Primary School was targeted twice with a fire hydrant damaged and a window being smashed. Police ask the community to be aware of who is around schools and kinders over weekends and report any suspicious behaviour to 000.
BURGLARY - 4 for Feb (10 Jan) - Unknown offenders entered the construction site at the Newborough East Primary stealing tools from a locked box. Offenders stole a handbag that was left in a kitchen. It appears that this may be related to a male attempting to enter houses whilst the victims were present in the Lloyd St area.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 6 for Feb (17 Jan) - Whilst the drop in the number of TFMC is pleasing it is still frustrating that vehicle owners are leaving their vehicles unlocked and valuable property inside. Two laptops were stolen from from vehicles that were left unlocked, as were wallets from two other unlocked vehicles. This makes it very easy for the opportunistic thief.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for Feb (12 Jan)
THEFT (OTHER) - 12 for Feb (16 Jan) - Two handbags were stolen at the Moe Outdoor Pool on the 1st Feb. Police remind the community to be aware of their property at all times. Gunns Gully Service Station had fuel stolen on three occasions with follow-up information provided to police.
ISSUES RAISED MARCH MEETING –
NHW sign has still not been erected in High St, Moe - Brett to follow up with the depot.
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT
FEBRUARY ISSUES - Nil
CRIME REPORT - ASSAULTS - 6 for Feb (8 Jan) – Of the six incidents of assault offenders have been charged in all bar one. For the remaining incident, a brawl at the Churchill Hotel, suspects have been identified and will be followed up by police.
ARSON - Nil for Feb (Nil Jan)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 5 for Feb (12 Jan) - Two offenders were charged after an incident in Dunbar Gr. Plants were removed from the Lumen Christie School. Police ask the community to be aware of suspicious activity around schools and playgrounds especially over weekends and school holidays.
BURGLARY - 8 for Feb (7 Jan) - Two offenders have been charged with multiple counts of burglary after offences committed in Northways Rd. Two other offenders were charged after committing a burglary in Nadenbousch Rd.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for Feb (5 Jan) - Two unlocked vehicles were entered making it easy for opportunistic thieves. Stolen were a work bag with personal information and a laptop from each vehicle. Witnesses watched the offenders in one vehicle and then pursued them. Police advise when observing something like this to ring police immediately on 000.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for Feb (2 Jan)
THEFT - 5 for Feb (1 Jan) - Police remind the community to be aware of their property at all times. A number of this month’s thefts were committed when the victims left handbags/purses/mobile phones in a spot/room and then moved away from their property.
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT
FEBRUARY ISSUES - Nil
CRIME REPORT
ASSAULT - 15 Feb (18 Jan) - Five offenders charged. Alcohol and family violence are still very prevalent in Traralgon incidents.
ARSON - 2 Feb (1 Jan) - Offenders set fire to wheelie bins behind premises in Livingstone St. A house in Shakespeare St was targeted with various points of ignition along the wall. No person was injured and property damage was minimal.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 28 for Feb (24 Jan) - A large number were committed on vehicles either parked outside or in the driveways of residential premises. Various implements from stones to pieces of wood were used to damage windows. Residential windows were also targeted with cans, stones and bottles thrown for no apparent reason.
BURGLARY - 10 for Feb (11 Jan) - Most were committed on residential premises. Laptops and cash were the main items stolen. A charity tin from the bakery in Church St was stolen overnight on 23rd of Feb. Offenders removed louvres from a window at the rear of premises to gain easy access. Police advise it is a good idea to replace louvres with a solid window as a security measure.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 15 for Feb (10 Jan) – Nine of the 15 vehicles were unlocked. Of the nine eight were in residential driveways. In every incident items were left in full view of opportunistic thieves. There were three incidents in the Mafeking Rd/Gilwell Ave/Pax Rd on 13th Feb. Another 3 incidents occurred in the Duxbury Dr/St Georges Rd area on the 11th.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for Feb (6 Jan)
THEFT - 12 for Feb (10 Jan) - Two victims had their phones stolen at the entertainment precinct when they left the items sitting on tables whilst they went somewhere else in the club. Police remind the community to be vigilant about their property at all times. Handbags are also targeted by thieves in the venues. Two offenders were charged with shoplifting after a theft at Safeway on the 13th February.
ISSUES RAISED MARCH – Freeway closure - Brett provided an update and advice re the Princes Freeway closure.
Traralgon railway station precinct toilets – the graffiti in the toilets are not only an eyesore but are extremely graphic. This has previously been passed to Latrobe City Council. Brett to follow up.
To receive this newsletter electronically by email, simply email Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden at Latrobe’s Safer Community Unit at brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au requesting to be added to the electronic mail list.
TRAFFIC CHANGES AROUND MORWELL AND SURROUNDS DUE TO FREEWAY CLOSURE
Police advise the community to increase observation and exercise heightened awareness in and around the Morwell district due to increased vehicular traffic on normally low traffic volume roads during the closure of the Princes Freeway at Morwell. Police patrols have been stepped up to monitor traffic behaviour and infringement notices will be issued to offending drivers.
Real-Time Monitoring: Residents may have noticed orange trailers at the intersection of McDonalds Street and Princes Way and at Princes Way and Jane Street near the railway bridges. These are VicRoads trailers with a traffic monitoring camera attached. It is not a speed camera. This provides VicRoads with the ability to monitor traffic in the Morwell CBD in real time and to respond to incidents as they develop.
Speed Restriction Changes: East of Morwell the 100 km speed restriction has been removed and it is now a consistent 80 km per hour from Vincent Road (The Top Pub) through to Airfield Road (Latrobe Regional Hospital).
Pedestrian Safety: Changed traffic conditions in the Morwell CBD has proved problematic for pedestrians along Commercial Road and and Princes Drive. Pedestrian safety is paramount. Please be aware of pedestrians at all times.
Commercial Road Pedestrian Lights: These were previously ‘on demand’ lights meaning at times only one or two vehicles could pass before the lights changed back to red for vehicular traffic. On the recommendation of police, Vicroads have advised the cycle has now been changed and the minimum time between cycles has been increased to one minute. This will allow the increased traffic volume on Commercial Road to flow more smoothly.
Princes Drive Mid Valley Pedestrian Lights: East bound motorists have been booked for failing to stop at these traffic lights on a regular basis. The most given excuse is that the driver is not noticing the lights as they are concentrating on those at the intersection at Bridle Road. The $299 (3 points) on the spot fine is helping drivers to increase their observational skills.
Increased Traffic Volume on Back Roads: Back roads in the Latrobe Valley, particularly North Road/Brown Coalmine Road/Moe-Glengarry Road from Yallourn North through Tyres, Glengarry and onto Rosedale; Latrobe Road Morwell and then Old Melbourne Road through to Traralgon and the Traralgon West Road have have seen significant increase in traffic volume. Police are patrolling these roads and motorists are advised to be aware of local traffic and pedestrian activity in these rural areas.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
Related Articles- Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Latrobe City Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories. - 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. - 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. - Latrobe City Council invites residents to participate in 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey by phone on 16 February and 27 March 2026
Latrobe City Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey will contact 400 households by phone, gathering confidential feedback to improve services and council performance across the city. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Latrobe Regional Gallery launches Autumn 2026 season, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage and environment
Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn 2026 season opens 7 February, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage, identity, environment, and connections to place, including works by Lucy Hersey and Janina Green. - Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase. - Latrobe City outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Latrobe City Council reviews community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to refine public space improvements and concerns
Latrobe City Council has concluded community consultation on the draft Streetscape Strategy, reviewing feedback on carpark concerns, public space improvements, and long-term enhancements before finalising recommendations. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - Latrobe City Council endorses Transition Reserve Policy to drive economic diversification, growth and long-term job creation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Transition Reserve Policy to support economic diversification, fund enabling infrastructure, attract new industries, and allocate future surpluses to drive long-term regional growth and jobs. - Latrobe Regional Gallery Mainstreet Cafe fosters skill development, employment, and community engagement for all abilities
Latrobe Regional Gallery welcomes Mainstreet Cafe, an all-abilities social enterprise providing inclusive hospitality training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, fostering skills development and pathways for people of all abilities. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities. - Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities. - Latrobe City Council extends partnership with Tennis Australia to host 2027-2031 junior championships
Latrobe City Council will host the 2027–2031 AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International, showcasing elite under-18 tennis, supporting the community, and strengthening the region’s reputation for world-class sporting events. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities. - Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth. - Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City to celebrate Australia Day with free events, pools, citizenship ceremony, and community awards
Latrobe City will celebrate Australia Day with free community events, pool access, citizenship ceremonies, and awards recognising outstanding volunteers, fostering connection, fun, and community spirit across multiple towns. - Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - 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. - Latrobe City Council elects Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26
Latrobe City Council has elected Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26, pledging to diversify the economy, support local industries, and create jobs for the community. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Latrobe City events drive tourism, economic growth and community engagement across the region
Latrobe City hosted major sporting and cultural events in 2024 - 25, attracting over 27,000 attendees and generating $23.5 million in economic impact, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as an events hub. - Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships. - 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. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - 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. - Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures. - Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government. - Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences. - Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts. - Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety. - Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities. - Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence. - 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. - Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - East Gippsland expands Whelans Group road maintenance contract, ensuring service continuity and local job retention across shire
East Gippsland Council has expanded Whelans Group’s road maintenance role, taking over areas previously managed by Cranes Asphalting, ensuring service continuity, high standards, and retention of local jobs across the shire. - Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community. - East Gippsland Council launches pool and spa safety inspection service to ensure compliance and protect residents
East Gippsland Council reminds residents to ensure pools and spas meet safety regulations and offers a $385 Barrier Compliance Inspection Service, including inspection, report, follow-up, certification, and database lodgement. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region. - Geoff Rossetti’s legacy continues as son leads Freedom of Entry March honouring Sale defence community
Geoff Rossetti’s son will lead Sale’s Freedom of Entry march, honouring family legacy and the city’s longstanding Defence connection, with community celebrations continuing at Brennan Park on 19 October. - Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Defence’s legacy with Freedom of Entry march and Army community day in Sale this October
Wellington Shire Council invites residents to attend Sale’s Freedom of Entry march on 18 October and Army community day on 19 October, celebrating Defence’s historic connection with the local community. - Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents. - 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. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Tim Bull encourages local groups to apply for grants supporting veterans, preserving war memorials and heritage by 3 February 2026
Tim Bull urges local organisations to apply by 3 February 2026 for grants supporting veterans and conserving war memorials and community heritage. - Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges community groups to prepare applications for Community Project grants round 2 from 2 until 27 February 2026
Round Two of Baw Baw Shire’s Community Project Grants opens in February, offering community groups up to $5,000, with Applications by Appointment mandatory before submitting proposals by 27 February 2026. - Melina Bath urges communities to honour veterans' families and support Legacy Week fundraising efforts
Melina Bath urges communities to support Legacy Week, honouring veterans' families. Funds raised provide financial, educational and emotional support, continuing Sir Stanley Savige's century-old vision of care, compassion and mateship. - 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. - Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways. - Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre partially closes for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades over coming weeks
Parts of Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre will close temporarily for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades. Alternative facilities and adjusted programs are available during Stage 1 works. - Melina Bath encourages groups to apply for grants supporting veterans and restoring community memorials by 3 February 2026
Melina Bath backs local organisations to apply for grants supporting veterans, with funding available for facility upgrades and restoring community war memorials. Applications close 3 February 2026.
|
|
