Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Bairnsdale to host premier Victorian Indigenous sporting Some of Victoria’s best Indigenous sporting talent will be on display at Bairnsdale over the first Friday and Saturday of October. By Victorian Aboriginal Youth Sport & Recreation - 2nd September 2004 - Back to News The Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative (GEGAC) will host this years Victorian Aboriginal Youth Sport and Recreation Cooperative (VAYSAR) Statewide Football and Netball Carnival.
With 12 Football teams and 30 Netball team's expected to register this year with anything up to 5,000 people outside the Bairnsdale community attending the event.
"This is one of the biggest indigenous community sporting events on the calendar and we are very excited about hosting it. The committee has worked hard over the past ten months to organise the carnival. We have received great support from local community agencies and the Bairnsdale business community," said local community member and committee organiser Lidia Thorpe.
In the past the carnival ran over Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend in October each year however this year the organising committee decided to change the format to accommodate the needs of visitors travelling from the far Northern and Western areas of the State.
Mr Les Bamblett, VAYSAR Chief Executive Officer, supports the change "the idea was supported by VAYSAR because those communities having to travel long distances were very positive about the concept. We also hope that the early notice of the event has allowed participants to get the OK for some extra time off" said Mr Bamblett.
The Statewide Football Netball Carnival 2004 theme will focus on family fun activity in a strictly no drug and alcohol environment. In addition to competitors involvement the Carnival will include activities for children as well as a concert following the closing ceremony on the Saturday night.
With the formal welcome and opening to take place at the Lucknow Football Clubrooms on Thursday September 30 at 6.00 pm along with the official draw for both Football and Netball teams will be finalised.
One of the major highlights of the weekend will be the Auskick clinic conducted by Football Victoria's AFL KickStart Officer, Mr Derek Kickett along with current AFL footballers on the Saturday morning.
"I encourage all sporting fans to come along and be involved in two days of exciting football and netball. If the carnival isn’t enough for you, we are also holding a Carnival Golf Day out at the South Pines Golf Club near Lindenow kicking off at 8:00am sharp on Sunday October 3 in conjunction with the Indigenous Golf Association Victoria (IGAV) " said Mr Bamblett.
Sporting Clinics to be part of Football Netball Carnival
The local organising committee for the Indigenous Football Netball Carnival recently met with former AFL player Derek Kickett. Derek is the KickStart Development officer for Football Victoria and attended a committee meeting to offer the opportunity for an AFL KickStart clinic to be included in the Carnival program by a team that will include current AFL players (to be confirmed in the near future). Mr Kickett also announced that Football Victoria will assist with the sponsorship requirements of the Carnival. The organising committee were delighted to accept on both counts.
In addition to the Kickstart / Auskick activities, Netball Victoria will be running a similar program for new and up and coming netball players. Both activities will operate on the second day of the Carnival (Saturday) and are all-inclusive events with visiting and local indigenous and non-indigenous youth most welcome to attend.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Bairnsdale Nicholson Street Mall set for revitalisation with investor support, safety measures, and redevelopment plans
Bairnsdale Nicholson Street Mall holds redevelopment potential, with council pursuing funding, investor support, and short-term activations while addressing anti-social behaviour and ensuring safety for traders and the community. - 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. - Bairnsdale's Shannon Waters Estate residents receive new digital water meters as East Gippsland Water expands roll-out
Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial. - East Bairnsdale drain transformed into natural wetland enhancing biodiversity, stormwater management, and facilities near Jones Bay
A neglected East Bairnsdale drain has been transformed into a natural wetland near Jones Bay, enhancing stormwater management, biodiversity, flood mitigation, and community amenity through a $1.43 million collaborative project. - Third year of Bairnsdale sewer renewal project secures future wastewater system with innovative relining
Bairnsdale’s sewer renewal project enters year three, using CCTV inspections and trenchless relining to upgrade ageing pipes, reduce disruption, and improve reliability, with $650,000 annually invested and works guaranteed for 50 years. - Sardine dining in Bairnsdale showcases fresh local seafood with chef Mark Briggs’ expert touch
SARDINE Dining in Bairnsdale, led by chef Mark Briggs, serves expertly sourced Lakes Entrance seafood, refined dishes, and a stylish wine bar, earning six chef’s hats and drawing diners region-wide. - Darren Chester welcomes Bairnsdale Centre’s innovative regional healthcare expansion and access improvements
Darren Chester praised Bairnsdale’s Centre Combined Health, highlighting its innovative model improving regional access to specialists, allied health, wellness services, and addressing workforce challenges in East Gippsland. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - Independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool awarded to ensure safe operation for community and staff
Council has commissioned an independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to identify risks, necessary repairs, and upgrades, keeping the community informed while the pool remains closed. - Independent Safety Assessment Contract awarded for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, ensuring community safety, and facility compliance
East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance. - East Gippsland welcomes 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale ceremony, celebrating diversity, and shared Australian values
East Gippsland welcomed 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale, celebrating diversity, community spirit, and contributions of residents embracing their new Australian citizenship. - East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption. - East Gippsland Shire Council seeks independent safety audit quotes for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to ensure community safety
East Gippsland Shire Council seeks quotes for an independent safety audit of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to assess risks, compliance, and required remedial works, ensuring a safe environment for staff and community. - Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior honoured for Warragul Station Park artwork celebrating culture, community and family legacy
Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior's cockatoo design now features in Warragul Station Park, honouring Kurnai and Gunditjmara heritage, community ties, and his family legacy alongside uncle Lionel Rose's iconic statue. - Darren Chester welcomes $2.7M investment in cutting-edge MRI technology at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service
A $2.7 million upgrade at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service includes Australia's first MRI unit of its kind, improving diagnosis accuracy, patient comfort, and access to affordable, high-quality local healthcare. - Bass Coast hosts 2026 International Women’s Day lunch celebration guest speaker Hannah Diviney at Phillip Island Winery, Ventnor on 6 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host its 2026 International Women’s Day Lunch on 6 March at Phillip Island Winery, featuring guest speaker Hannah Diviney, celebrating women’s achievements, equality and community connection. - TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena showcases South Gippsland local artists’ work, open Fridays to Mondays until 20 April 2026
TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena at Coal Creek showcases works by local artists across print, photography and film, open Friday to Monday and daily during school holidays until April 20. - East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce. - Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires. - Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions. - East Gippsland hosts first Creative Summit, celebrating local artists, culture, community and future creativity on 28 March 2026
East Gippsland’s first Creative Summit on 28 March brings artists, performers, and creatives together to celebrate talent, connect communities, showcase projects, and shape the region’s cultural future through IMMERSIVE programs. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts Seniors Festival 2025, featuring free events and activities celebrating connection, creativity and positive ageing
Baw Baw Shire celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival October 2025 with free events, workshops, garden tours, and activities, encouraging seniors to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy free public transport across Victoria. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts free Pop-up Playgroups for children on various dates from 30 October to 12 December 2025
Baw Baw Shire invites families to free Pop-up Playgroups with themed activities, crafts, music, storytime, and outdoor fun for children aged 0 - 5, fostering connection, learning, and community engagement. - Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity amid Labor’s mismanaged renewable energy transition
Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity as Labor mismanages the renewable energy transition, delaying projects, electricity reliability, raising prices, causing gas shortages, and threatening jobs and households. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Victorian government confirms Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will remain at Phillip Island with ongoing event support
Bass Coast Council welcomes Victorian Government confirming Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix will stay at Phillip Island, rejecting Albert Park move, ensuring ongoing funding, supporting tourism, jobs, and regional community benefits beyond 2026. - Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment. - Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Latrobe City urges the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety urgent activation of Traralgon Bank Street and Princes Highway traffic lights
Latrobe City Council urges Victorian Ministers to urgently activate the Bank Street–Princes Highway traffic lights in Traralgon, addressing safety concerns after completed works remain non-operational since 2018. - Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development. - Darren Chester calls on Victorian government to prioritise rebuilding Sale College amid safety, ageing infrastructure concerns
Darren Chester has urged the Victorian government to prioritise a new single-site campus for Sale College, citing deteriorating facilities, safety concerns, and long-standing community frustration. - Darren Chester accuses Victorian Labor of endangering Gippslanders by delaying Mallacoota-Genoa road upgrades
Federal Member Darren Chester warns Victorian Labor’s inaction on Mallacoota-Genoa Road, despite $10 million funding, endangers Gippslanders, leaving critical safety upgrades delayed and road conditions increasingly unsafe. - Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy. - Bass Coast Shire Council joins Victorian councils urging review of mandatory separate kerbside glass recycling bin policy
Bass Coast Council joins 35 Victorian councils urging the State Government to review mandatory glass recycling bins, seeking flexibility, transparency, cost-effectiveness and alignment with existing Container Deposit Scheme initiatives. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Melina Bath invites local community and sporting clubs to apply for Regional All Abilities Grants by 19 November 2025
Melina Bath encourages regional clubs to apply for 2025 Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, supporting inclusive programs, specialised equipment, workforce, and disability-led initiatives. Applications close 19 November 2025. - DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026. - Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow. - Danny O’Brien encourages missed applicants to apply for round two Sporting Club Grants funding opportunities by 7 April 2026
Many Gippsland South sporting clubs and community groups secured 2025–26 Sporting Club Grants funding, boosting facilities, equipment, and volunteers, with Danny O’Brien encouraging unsuccessful clubs to apply for round two. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026. - 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. - Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards. - 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. - Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience. - Gippslander Scott Morris joins national bowel cancer advocacy push at Parliament House in Canberra
Bairnsdale Scott Morris joined Bowel Cancer Australia's Call on Canberra, sharing his stage four diagnosis to advocate for earlier screening, better treatment pathways, and urgent national action on rising early-onset bowel cancer rates. - East Gippsland Council and farmers welcome the $2.75M boost for feral pig control under the Victorian government's Protecting Biodiversity program
East Gippsland Shire Council and farmers welcome $2.75 million for feral pig control, focusing on public land, local employment, and coordinated efforts to protect agriculture, biodiversity, and regional communities. - Nicholson Street mall public toilet temporarily closed amid vandalism, anti‑social behaviour and safety concerns
The Nicholson Street Mall public toilet in Bairnsdale is temporarily closed due to repeated vandalism and anti-social behaviour, with Council working alongside traders, Victoria Police, and stakeholders on safety and revitalisation. - Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors. - Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia. - 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.
|
|
