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Latrobe City leaders meet with Prime MinisterLatrobe City mayor, Councillor Kellie O’Callaghan and Chief Executive Officer Gary Van Driel today met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to discuss Latrobe City’s Plan for a just and respectful community led economic transition. By Portal Admin - 25th November 2016 - Back to News Cr O’Callaghan said the meeting was extremely positive.
"The Prime Minister was warm, engaged and interested to hear about our community post the Hazelwood closure announcement.," Cr O’Callaghan said.
"We discussed with the Prime Minister our focus on a community-centred approach and on the need to build upon our strengths in innovation, engineering and manufacturing.
"We talked at length about the need to boost rail services to our municipality and noted that there has been no significant upgrades since completion of the Regional Fast Rail project in 2005/06.
Cr O’Callaghan said there was considerable discussion around government department decentralisation, noting the success of ASIC in Traralgon.
"We also discussed with the Prime Minister our transition document, ‘A Strength Led Transition’, and the importance of an economic transition which empowers the community and builds employment pathways for Hazelwood workers as well as young people," she said.
"Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester was instrumental in securing this important meeting.
"Our thanks to Darren Chester and his staff for being our hosts today; Darren’s endeavours to bring the concerns and aspirations of the Latrobe City community to the halls of Federal Parliament has been outstanding."
Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan, CEO Gary Van Driel and General Managers Sara Rhodes-Ward and Sarah Cumming today met with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Member for McMillan Russell Broadbent to discuss Council’s plan for a just and dignified transition for the Latrobe City community.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull discusses a just and respectful community led economic transition with Latrobe City Council leaders.
Media Enquiries:
Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Latrobe City Mayor
Telephone: 0400 696 324
Cr Graeme Middlemiss, Latrobe City Deputy Mayor
Telephone: 0417 379 059
Media Relations Office
Telephone: 5128 5458
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates Mayor Nathan Hersey on reappointment as One Gippsland Chair, recognising his leadership, commitment to regional collaboration, and ongoing advocacy for economy, social, and infrastructure priorities. - 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. - 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. - Proposed library and learning centre changes aim to reduce costs while meeting community needs in Baw Baw Shire
Baw Baw Shire Council proposes adjustments to the Library and Learning Centre, removing basement and timber structure to stay within budget while delivering community, cultural, and co‑working spaces. - East Gippsland Shire Mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth's Christmas message
A Christmas message celebrating East Gippsland’s community spirit, kindness and connection, encouraging care for one another, support for local businesses, warm hospitality for visitors, gratitude for workers this season together. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - Gippsland Water appoints Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to the board, bringing experience, diversity and community focus
Gippsland Water has appointed Sam Muir and Kellie O’Callaghan to its Board, bringing diverse experience, strong community engagement, and fresh perspectives, while outgoing directors Jo Benvenuti and Chris Badger are acknowledged. - Mallacoota’s Bryce Watts-Parker wins 2025 NextGen Landcare Award for inspiring environmental leadership, recovery projects
Mallacoota’s Bryce Watts-Parker won the 2025 NextGen Landcare Award for leading environmental projects, including the Endemic Garden and community nursery, inspiring ecological recovery and community engagement in East Gippsland. - Share your update and present to South Gippsland Shire Councillors on issues that are important to you or your community on 4 March 2026
Friends of Agnes Falls and Gippsland Agroforestry will present to Council at Venus Bay Community Centre, 2pm, 4 March. Presentations are monthly; all community members are welcome to attend. - Bass Coast Shire Council re-elected Cr Rochelle Halstead as Mayor and Cr Brett Tessari as Deputy Mayor
Bass Coast Shire Council has re-elected Cr Rochelle Halstead as Mayor and Cr Brett Tessari as Deputy Mayor, starting a new term guided by long-term plans and strategic priorities. - Discover Noojee historic Trestle Bridge, explore lush forests, rail trails, waterfalls, and heritage sites in charming old timber town
Explore Noojee historic trestle bridge, Victoria’s tallest, stroll rail trails, chase waterfalls, fish the Latrobe River, and enjoy cafés, pubs, lush forests, and the majestic Ada Tree nearby. - Melina Bath says Labor’s energy transition mismanagement is driving higher prices and household cost-of-living pressures
Eastern Victorian households face rising electricity and gas prices, with ABS data showing sharp increases and Labor blamed for mismanaging the energy transition. - Darren Chester prioritises national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fisheries, forestry and local industry resilience through strategy
New Shadow Minister Darren Chester will prioritise national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fishers, forestry, and local communities through strategic investments, policy reforms, and protection of prime agricultural land. - Cr Gilligan nominated for Mary Rogers Award, for protecting South Gippsland’s coastline and advancing storm surge solutions
Councillor Gilligan was nominated for the Mary Rogers Award, recognising her leadership in protecting South Gippsland’s coastline and securing $80,000 to explore innovative Venus Bay saltmarsh storm surge solutions.
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