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Little Saints Early Learning Centre in Traralgon receives John Ruyg Encouragement Award to recognise its new vegetable garden

Little Saints Early Learning Centre in Traralgon has been awarded the John Ruyg Encouragement Award to recognise its recently established vegetable garden.

By news@gippsland - 10th November 2022 - Back to News

Supported by Latrobe City Council, each participating kinder and preschool has designed and planted their gardens with input from students and using a starter pack of seeds and seedlings. The biofilta wicking beds allow the gardens to grow throughout the year, without the worry of having to water them during holidays.

Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan, Josie, Bowie (John Ruyg's children), Dr Renee Paulet, Miss Karen, Miss Brooke

Encouraging revegetation

This initiative is part of Living Well Latrobe, Latrobe City Council's Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP) 2021-2025. Each garden had the opportunity to participate in the John Ruyg Encouragement Award, which is presented to gardeners in Latrobe City to acknowledge John's passion for gardens, the environment and community connection.

John was a well-respected arborist who previously worked at Latrobe City Council before starting his business, JR's Treemendous Landscapes, in 2004. A resident of Callignee, his family was one of 247 who lost their homes in the Churchill Black Saturday bushfire on 7 February 2009. After the bushfire, he worked tirelessly in support of the community to assess dangerous trees and encourage revegetation, under an initiative funded by Latrobe City Council.

Lasting legacy to inspire

Mayor of Latrobe City Cr Kellie O'Callaghan acknowledged John's partner, Dr Renee Paulet and children Josie and Bowie, for judging the award this year. "The award reflects John's lasting legacy and continues to inspire our community to enjoy gardening, improving our local environment and building communities."

"Congratulations to the students and educators at Little Saints Early Learning Centre in Traralgon who were selected as the winners of the award. It is a fantastic effort, with a variety of vegetables and indigenous plants incorporated into the design," said Mayor of Latrobe City Cr Kellie O'Callaghan.

Pictures from Latrobe City Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
  Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September.
• Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
  Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms.
• 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.
• Darren Chester welcomes new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility and inclusion
  Federal Member Darren Chester welcomed the new all-abilities ramp at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, enhancing accessibility, inclusion, and community participation, supported by local business and the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Grant.
• Bellbird Park to receive new raised pedestrian crossing improving safety and accessibility for Drouin’s busy sporting precinct
  Bellbird Park sports precinct in Drouin will receive a new raised pedestrian crossing improving safety, visibility, and accessibility for all users.
• Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
  Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents.
• Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
  Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule.
• Wellington Shire will deliver new 240L FOGO bins between April and June, with weekly organics collection starting 6 July 2026
  Wellington Shire introduces new FOGO bins from July, weekly organic waste collection, landfill shift to fortnightly, boosting recycling, reducing emissions, and improving composting across households.
• One Gippsland urges new major event to replace MotoGP, boosting tourism and regional economy
  One Gippsland urges the 2026 Victorian budget to replace MotoGP with a new major event, boosting tourism, jobs, and economic growth while supporting cultural, nature-based, and renewable energy initiatives.
• 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.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
  Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
  Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback.
• Gippsland Water invests $6.8M in new generators to ensure reliable water and wastewater services during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has invested $6.8 million in 25 new generators, strengthening emergency resilience, reducing service interruptions, protecting water and wastewater operations, and supporting the national grid when not in use.
• Darren Chester celebrates Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell Facility supporting education and regional workforce development
  Darren Chester welcomed Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell facility, celebrating its role in empowering students, supporting vocational education, and strengthening Gippsland’s workforce and regional communities.
• Expressions of interest open for new Slip Road Maritime Precinct marina berths in Paynesville boosting boating access
  East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest for new Paynesville marina berths, expanding capacity and supporting growing boating demand across the Gippsland Lakes.
• 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.
• Celebrate Korumburra Railway Precinct new skatepark with skate clinics, demos, activities and community giveaways
  Celebrate the new Korumburra Railway Precinct skatepark on Friday, 13 March, 3.30pm, with skate clinics, demonstrations, group activities, and giveaways for skateboarders, roller skaters, scooter, and bike riders.
• Melina Bath calls for fair share guarantee to deliver regional Victoria its fair infrastructure funding share
  Melina Bath says regional Victoria has long been overlooked, with Eastern communities missing infrastructure funding, and calls for a Fair Share Guarantee ensuring 25 per cent of state investment returns to regional areas.
• Craig Watts Park playground renewal completed in Neerim South community upgrade
  Baw Baw Shire Council has completed the Craig Watts Park playground renewal in Neerim South, incorporating community and student feedback, with new equipment, safety upgrades, landscaping, and the slide arriving later.
• 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.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
  Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide.
• Latrobe City Council highlights strong financial performance and community-focused progress in its 2024/2025 Annual Report presentation
  Latrobe City Council’s 2024/2025 Annual Report shows strong financial sustainability, strategic progress and disciplined planning, highlighting new health-focused development and continued delivery of essential services and infrastructure.
• Bass Coast Shire Council endorses 2026-2030 Climate Change Action Plan, strengthening its net zero emissions commitment
  Bass Coast Council has endorsed Climate Action Priority Actions 2026–2030 following a mid-term review and community consultation, strengthening its commitment to net zero emissions, resilience and local climate leadership.
• Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
  Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection.