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Kerryn Ellis resigns after five years, transforming South Gippsland Council and other council updates

CEO Kerryn Ellis resigned after five transformative years, guiding South Gippsland Shire Council through uncertainty and providing clear direction based on shared values and community commitment. Full statement available online.

By news@gippsland - 5th December 2024 - Back to News

Yesterday, South Gippsland Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Kerryn Ellis, tendered her resignation which was, with sadness, accepted. During her five years at Council, Kerryn has transformed the organisation, leading it out of a difficult period - mired in uncertainty - and providing a clear direction built on shared values and a commitment to community. To read Mayor Schelling's full statement, please visit the South Gippsland Shire Council - Statement from the Mayor website.

South Gippsland Shire Council CEO Kerryn Ellis resigned yesterday after five transformative years, leading the organisation through uncertainty with shared values and commitment

Congratulations Cr Hersey

The Municipal Association of Victoria has appointed South Gippsland Shire Councillor, Nathan Hersey, as Deputy President of non-metro. We wish him every success as he steps into this important role.

Grand Ridge Road will be closed from December 9-13 for landslip drainage works. Please detour via Canavans or Ferndale Road

Grand Ridge road closure

Next week, the Grand Ridge Road will be closed between Hollins Road and Canavans Road to accommodate landslip drainage works. The road will be closed from Monday 9 to Friday 13 December. If you are using this road, please detour via Canavans Road or Ferndale Road. For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council - Road hazards / closures website.

Leongatha pedestrian bridge

Check out the new pedestrian bridge at the Leongatha Railway Precinct. This foot bridge connects the Railway Precinct to Bair Street and will soon be open for everyone to enjoy. The bridge has been funded by the Australian and Victorian governments and South Gippsland Shire Council.

The new pedestrian bridge at Leongatha Railway Precinct connects to Bair Street, funded by the Australian and Victorian governments and council

Christmas giving tree

South Gippsland Shire Council has teamed up with the Salvation Army to be a collection point for this year's Christmas Food and Gift Drive. If you can, help bring a smile to someone's face this Christmas by placing unwrapped toys, clothes and non-perishable food items under our tree. Donations will be accepted at the Leongatha office (open Mon and Wed 10.00am to 3.00pm) until Thur 12 December.

South Gippsland Shire Council and Salvation Army are collecting unwrapped gifts, clothes, and food for Christmas. Donations accepted at Leongatha office until 12 December

Fire danger period

The annual Fire Danger Period is fast approaching with Monday 9 December being the day it all kicks off. This means that there will be restrictions on the use of fire throughout the community to help prevent fires from starting. Learn about what you can and cannot do whilst restrictions are in place, visit Country Fire Authority ( CFA ) website.

What's on South Gippsland

Christmas in the Boo

Head over to Mirboo North this Friday to celebrate Christmas in the Boo. With over 90 markets and food stalls, free family entertainment including:

• Face painting
• Hair braiding
• Lawn games
• Petting zoo
• Kids disco

From 5.00pm and live music from 7.00pm, you won't want to miss this wonderful community event. Hosted by Boo Events. Fun is guaranteed for the whole family! Bring your own chairs and picnic rugs and we will see you tomorrow from 5.00pm to 10.00pm at Baromi Park. For more information, proceed to Visit South Gippsland website.

Celebrate Christmas in the Boo this Friday at Baromi Park, Mirboo North. Enjoy markets, food stalls, entertainment, and live music from 5-10pm

Loch Village Christmas festival

Celebrate the spirit of Christmas at the Loch Village Christmas Festival. Shop local and celebrate the joyous season at Loch this Friday from 5.00pm to 8.00pm. For more information, proceed to Visit South Gippsland website.

Other weekend events

Prom Coast Film Society showing their monthly film
Friday 6 December from 7.30pm

Koonwarra Farmers Markets
Saturday 7 December from 8.00am to 1.00pm

Toora Lions Den Market
Saturday 7 December from 8.00am to 1.00pm

Loch Lions Summer Market
Sunday 8 December from 9.00am to 1.00pm

Kiln Opening and Christmas Expo - South Gippsland
Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 from 10.00am to 5.00pm

Foster Community Christmas Carols
Sunday 8 December from 5.00pm

Charity Golf Day at the Foster Golf Course
Sunday 8 December from 9.30pm

Community awards

Victorian Tree of the Year

Last week, the National Trust of Australia crowned South Gippsland's very own towering Mountain Ash, known as the "Mount Fatigue Giant", located in the Strzelecki Ranges, as the 2024 Victorian Tree of the Year.

The competition celebrates the vital role trees play in enriching lives. Trees are fundamental to health and wellbeing, supporting biodiversity and contributing to the creation of liveable areas. To know more visit Victorian Tree of the Year website.

South Gippsland's 'Mount Fatigue Giant,' a Mountain Ash in the Strzelecki Ranges, was named 2024 Victorian Tree of the Year

Victorian Senior of the Year Awards

Congratulations to Helen Willison for receiving a 2024 Council on the Ageing Victoria Senior Achiever Award at the Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. Since retiring to Moyarra in South Gippsland, Helen has immersed herself in the community.

She is a long-term member of Probus Korumburra and well known for her positive presence in South Gippsland. Learn more about the awards, visit Victorian Senior of the Year Awards website.

Snap Send Solve

Spotted a dangerous pothole? Or maybe some broken playground equipment? Get it reported quickly and easily using Snap Send Solve.

It's free! Download the app to your phone now.

Community engagement

EOI: Arts Advisory Committee

Council is calling for Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified and interested members of the community who would like to be part of the South Gippsland Arts Advisory Committee. The Committee is a dynamic thinktank of creative locals, whose purpose is to collaborate with Council and contribute to future planning and decision making in the delivery of the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Strategy.

For more more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Council seeks Expressions of Interest for the South Gippsland Arts Advisory Committee to collaborate on arts, culture, and creative industries planning

Seeking panelists for public art installation project

Council is seeking three qualified community members to join an exciting panel to select an artist or creative team to deliver public art in the newly constructed Koonwarra underpass.

This unique project promises to deliver a creative and high quality public art installation. Expressions of Interest are now open to join the panel. To learn more or to submit your EOI, visit South Gippsland Shire Council - Public Art Installation project website.

Community leadership program

Applications are now open for the South Coast Community Leadership Program. This free six-month course is designed to help community members build their leadership skills, explore new ways of leading, and connect with other like-minded local people. Spaces are limited so get in quick. For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council - Community Leadership Program website.

Funding opportunities

Community Grants and Sponsorship Program

Marinus Link has grant and sponsorship opportunities available for select communities in South Gippsland. Community Grants up to $5,000 are available for projects that align with the Marinus Link's Sustainability Framework.

This could include minor facility improvements, training, education, equipment, and events and activities. The Sponsorship Program ($2,500) can support organisations, events and activities in towns directly related to their project. For more information, visit To apply, visit Marinus Link website.

Sport and recreation

Community Sporting Facilities
Submissions close Monday 17 March 2025.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com