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South Gippsland's Australia Day Awards 2025 and other council project updates 11 Oct 2024

South Gippsland Australia Day Awards nominations are open until November 8, 2023. Recognize local heroes in categories such as Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year.

By news@gippsland - 11th October 2024 - Back to News

There is still time to cast your nominations for the 2025 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards. These awards are a chance to recognise and celebrate the many unsung heroes in our region. From the dedicated individual on weekend canteen duty to the organisers of events that unite our community, your nomination acknowledges the significant impact these individuals have on our community.

Nominations for the 2025 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards are open until November 8, 2023. Recognize local heroes in various categories today!

The award categories are:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Community Event of the Year

If you know someone or an event that deserves recognition for the amazing work they do, please nominate them for an award at Australia Day Awards website. Nominations close Wednesday 8 November 2023.

Ballot packs mailed

If you're enrolled to vote in the 2025 South Gippsland Shire Council elections, please check your mailboxes. Ballot packs have recently been sent out, and voters are encouraged to complete and return their ballot material by mail or to the election office at 6 - 12 Smith Street, Leongatha by 6.00pm Friday 25 October. If you haven't received your ballot pack by Tuesday 15 October, please visit Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) website to complete an online replacement ballot pack form.

If enrolled in the 2025 South Gippsland Shire Council elections, check your mailbox for ballot packs, due by 6:00 PM on October 25

Combating misinformation

Local elections are a terrific opportunity for people to help shape the future direction of their own community, but they can also attract people who either unintentionally - or intentionally - spread false or inaccurate information.

Therefore, Council is committed to correcting inaccuracies that arise in our community during the Election Period. This is to ensure community members are provided with factual information to help make an informed voting decision. For more information, please visit Correcting Inaccuracies website.

Local elections offer a chance to shape communities but can also lead to misinformation. The Council is dedicated to correcting inaccuracies during this period

Seniors month

Seniors Month is well-and-truly underway. South Gippsland Shire Council is supporting a range of events as part of this year's festivities. These include luncheons, Tai Chi, singalongs and so much more! To find an event for you, please visit Seniors Month 2024 Activities website.

Seniors Month is in full swing, with South Gippsland Shire Council supporting various events, including luncheons, Tai Chi, singalongs, and more!

3G is closing

Telstra and Optus are closing their 3G networks from 28 October 2024. Devices that depend on the 3G network won't work once it's gone. Impacted devices may include phones, smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms. To learn how to check your devices and see if your tech will be impacted, please visit 3G Closure website.

Engagement opportunities

• Cape to Cape Resilience Project - Feedback closes Sunday 13 October
• Victorian Maternal and Child Health Survey 2024 - Feedback closes Sunday 17 November

Things to do

Art connect: Open studio trail

After a successful first year, Art Connect's Open Studio Trail is back for a second time. Visit a variety of studios and venues throughout South Gippsland showcasing the artistic talent of our region. The Trail is running from Saturday 12 October to Tuesday 5 November.

Travel, discover, experience and inspire in South Gippsland. For more information and to map out an art studio trail that suits you, please visit Open Studio Trail website.

Biketoberfest 2024 returns to Leongatha this Saturday, featuring trail riding, live entertainment, and stalls. Don't miss this family-friendly event from 9 AM to 3 PM!

Biketoberfest

Biketoberfest 2024 is coming to Leongatha this weekend for its third consecutive year. This event is one for the whole family to enjoy. From trail riding and live entertainment, to stalls and so much more, Biketoberfest is a day out you won't want to miss. Head down to Bair Street, Leongatha this Saturday from 9.00am to 3.00pm.

Out on the weekend

Happening this weekend! The beloved Americana festival 'Out on the Weekend' is heading to the country, bringing a wagon load of international and local artists to Korumburra in a joyous adventure of country and western music, feasts and friendship.

This hoedown will take place at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum on Sunday 13 October from 1.30pm. Celebrate 10 years of 'Out on the Weekend' while supporting the arts in our region. For more information and to secure your tickets, please visit Out on the Weekend website.

Community training

South Gippsland Landcare: FireWise Events

Learn how specific indigenous plants can be retained or planted in strategic locations around built environments to better protect your assets from bushfire while enhancing our local biodiversity. South Gippsland Landcare are hosting three separate FireWise events to help you prepare for the upcoming fire season.

The sessions include:

• Introduction to the Fire Wise approach (online) - Tuesday 22 October from 7.00pm to 8.30pm
• FireWise Shelterbelts (Loch) - Thursday 24 October from 9.30am to 12.30pm
• FireWise Gardens (Meeniyan) - Tuesday 29 October from 9.30am to 12.30pm

For more information and to register for these events, please visit FireWise website.

Join South Gippsland Landcare's FireWise events to learn about using indigenous plants for bushfire protection and enhancing local biodiversity. Register for details!

Upcoming Council Community Training Sessions

Grants - SmartyGrants 101

• Tuesday 12 November - 1.00pm to 3.00pm
• Thursday 14 November - 6.00pm to 8.00pm - Online

Funding opportunities

Women and Leadership

Advance your career with a women's leadership scholarship. Women and Leadership Australia are offering partial scholarships of $1,000 to $6,000 to help women in select industries to participate in their world-class leadership courses.

Courses are available for women at all levels in their career. Applications close Friday 29 November. For more information and to apply, please visit Women and Leadership website.

Enhance your career with a women's leadership scholarship from Women and Leadership Australia, offering $1,000 to $6,000. Applications close November 29

Australian Seniors Aged Care Futures Grant Program

Australian Seniors is an insurance provider offering a $5,000 lump-sum grant to one lucky student to study full-time in one of the following areas:

• Aged care
• Aged care nursing
• Disability care
• Any other courses leading to similar careers as an aged carer (subject to approval)

Applications are open until 31 October with the grant being awarded in February 2025. For more information and to apply, please visit Aged Care Grant website.

Australian Seniors offers a $5,000 grant for one student pursuing full-time studies in aged care, nursing, or disability care. Applications close October 31

Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Grant

The Department of Social Services has recently opened the Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Program. This will fund the building, remodelling or purchase of new or expanded crisis or transitional accommodation. The Australian government is committed to provide $100 million over five years for crisis and transitional housing options for women and children experiencing family and domestic violence, and older women at risk of homelessness.

Grant submissions close Wednesday 13 November. For more information and to apply, please visit Crisis and Transitional Accommodation Grant website. If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT website for online chat and video call services.

Other Funding Opportunities

• Sporting Club Grants - Submissions close Friday 11 October
• Tiny Towns Fund - Submissions close Friday 25 October

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 or report it online at Snap Send Solve website.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com