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Australia Day Awards nominations for 2024 and other updates from South Gippsland Shire Council

South Gippsland Shire Australia Day Awards and other updates on council projects.

By news@gippsland - 2nd November 2023 - Back to News

Time is running out to make your 2024 Australia Day Award nominations. The awards are the perfect opportunity to highlight the achievements of local South Gippsland residents and events. 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 page. Nominations close Wednesday 8 November 2023.

Hurry, submit your nominations for the 2024 Australia Day Awards to celebrate South Gippsland residents and events. Time is running out!

Children's Week 2023

Last week council celebrated Children's Week with Myli - My Community Library at Coal Creek. The theme for Children's Week 2023 is "Children have the right to relax, play and take part in activities they enjoy".

The special event was a joyful celebration of childhood and showcased the greatness of our youngest little locals. Considering the recent weather, we were wrapped with the turn out (around 130 attendees). The outdoor event really emphasised the important role nature plays in a child's development.

There were plenty of fun and engaging activities for the children as they lined up to get their faces painted, pet a variety of animals at the petting zoo, made nature bracelets and joined in song and dance with the magnificent Rachel and Heather from Myli. It was a wonderful day full of smiles and happiness from our youngest members of the community.

Council marked Children's Week 2023 at Coal Creek with Myli - My Community Library, embracing the theme: 'Children's right to relax, play, and enjoy activities'

All Hallows Eve at Coal Creek

The spooky side of Coal Creek was on show this week at their Hallows Eve celebration. Coal Creek was packed with children and families enjoying the scary-side of life. A big thank you to everyone who came along made Halloween a 'scary' yet joyous event for everyone who attended.

Coal Creek's Hallows Eve showcased its spooky side, with families enjoying the Halloween festivities, creating a memorable and joyous event

Green Waste Amnesty Period

Council's annual Green Waste Amnesty period is starting soon. The amnesty will run from 4 November until 31 December 2023 Residents can dispose of their green waste for free at any of council's transfer stations until the end of the amnesty period.

The amnesty aims to encourage residents to prepare their properties for the fire season by removing potential fire hazards. To view the list of excluded plant species and find your closest transfer station, please go to Green Waste Amnesty Period page.

Green Waste Amnesty by the council starts November 4 - December 31, 2023. Dispose of green waste free at transfer stations to enhance fire safety

Container deposit scheme

Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) has officially kicked off. The scheme rewards Victorians with a 10-cent refund for every eligible can, carton and bottle they return to a participating drop off station.

It is part of important work that is transforming Victoria's waste and recycling system. A number of drop off stations are located around the Shire. To view your closest station, please visit Container Deposit Scheme page.

Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme is live, offering a 10-cent refund for each eligible can, carton, or bottle returned at participating stations

Great Victorian Bike Ride

The Bicycle Network's Great Victorian Bike Ride is coming to South Gippsland this December. This year, riders will be setting up camp in Fish Creek on Saturday 2 December. With approximately 2,000 riders participating in the event and support from 500 staff and volunteers, the Great Vic is a great opportunity to showcase our region's warm hospitality through organised events and activities.

To find out more about this exciting event coming to our region, please visit GVBR page.

On December 2, Fish Creek hosts the Great Vic cycling event, uniting 2,000 riders and 500 staff/volunteers to highlight warm regional hospitality

Leongatha Railway Precinct mural

The Leongatha Railway Precinct Mural Project has now commenced. The mural is being painted by muralist, Ash Taylor, who was selected following a public voting process. Ash's concept design combines ecologically significant flora and fauna with a contemporary design and engaging colours receiving 56 per cent of the votes. The mural is being painted on the back of the Bair Street shops and will soon bring the black canvas to life.

Ash has a background in visual communications and worked in graphic design before moving her career to muralism. She has completed large-scale murals in Queensland, New South Wales and Western Australia and recently facilitated a workshop in Brisbane to teach artists techniques to scale artworks to mural sized proportions.

The mural is estimated to take three weeks to complete. People are welcome to come to the precinct site to observe the mural take shape. To view Ash's final mural concept, please visit Ash Taylor website.

Leongatha Railway Precinct Mural Project is underway, led by muralist Ash Taylor, chosen by public vote for their ecological and vibrant concept design

Princes Street Korumburra

Help us make the Princes Street, Korumburra school precinct safer. Pedestrian safety, increasing volumes of turning traffic, speeding traffic and the lack of safe drop off and pick up parking zones along Princes Street, Korumburra school precinct has been brought to council's attention by a number of community members.

As a result of this, South Gippsland Shire Council is investigating pedestrian and traffic management options to improve this area. The project will focus on the area in the image below, which stretches from South Gippsland Highway to the roundabout with Guys Road, Bridge Street and Shellcot Road.

Council is wanting to hear from school communities, local residents and businesses, bus operators, emergency services and the wider community to gain insights into local and school traffic. Please provide your feedback at Princes Street, Korumburra page. Feedback closes Friday 8 December 2023.

Draft general local law

At the October council meeting, council endorsed a draft General Local Law for consideration by the South Gippsland Community. The draft document was developed following an initial round of community consultation earlier this year.

Initially, this second round of consultation was to close on Thursday 2 November, but has now been extended to allow more time for the community to review and provide their feedback. To provide your feedback. please visit Draft General Local Law page.

In the October Council Meeting, a draft General Local Law was approved for South Gippsland Community's consideration, following prior community feedback

Good sport awards

Enter the 2023 Good Sports Awards and win cash for your club! The Good Sports Awards are the ultimate trophy, paying tribute to the volunteers at the heart and soul of community sport and celebrating the best clubs across Australia. The seven award categories are:

• Club of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year
• Mental Health Excellence Award
• Safe Transport Award
• Community Club Award
• Junior Club of the Year
• New Club of the Year

Nominations for the 2023 Good Sports Awards close on Sunday 12 November. For more information and to make a submission, please visit Good Sport Awards website.

VicEmergency Gippsland

Stay alert and aware of emergency-related information by following the VicEmergency Gippsland Facebook page. The VicEmergency Gippsland Facebook page aims to deliver targeted and localised information to the community, to help residents to prepare before, during, and after an emergency. You can follow the Facebook page at VicEmergency Gippsland.

Community events

Fishy Stories Festival

The two-day festival in Fish Creek is where families both local and visiting will converge in Fish Creek for a weekend of free workshops by authors and illustrators, ticketed children's performances and events including all day storytelling and story making. Fishy Stories is on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November. For more information, please visit Fishy Stories page.

Charley Crockett at Coal Creek

Charley Crockett will be coming to Coal Creek in February 2024! From Texas to Tamworth, the award-winning country and western superstar returns to Australia with his band, The Blue Drifters. Joining Charley and The Blue Drifters on the road will be highly celebrated Indigenous soul queen, Emma Donovan. Performing new music from her first solo album which captures the heart of nostalgic Australian country gospel. For tickets and tour info, head toCharley Crockett's website.

Funding opportunitites

Get Active Kids Voucher Program

Round seven of the Get Active Kids Voucher Program is now open! Eligible families can apply for a $200 voucher and use them at their registered Get Active Kids Voucher Activity Provider without having to worry about upfront costs. These vouchers can help pay for sporting equipment, uniforms and even memberships for a range of activities like cricket and dance.

The program is open to children aged between 0 and 18 years. Get in quick as applications close when the voucher allocation has been exhausted. For more information and to apply, please visit Get Active Kid Voucher Program page.

Local history grants program

The Local History Grants Program (LHGP) encourages and fosters community activities that preserve, record and share the local, social and community history of Victoria and Victorians. The Program provides grants of up to $15,000 and supports the efforts of the many community groups and organisations that collect and preserve materials and memories from Victoria's past.

It aims to encourage collaboration and partnerships between volunteer groups to undertake projects, as well as to develop skills and resources to support community collections, while increasing the opportunities for the public to engage with the past.

The Program is administered by Public Record Office Victoria on behalf of the State Government of Victoria. Applications close midnight Monday 11 December 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit Local History Grants Program page.

South Gippsland creative fund

South Gippsland Shire Council is very excited to launch the South Gippsland Creative Fund! This new council initiative is designed to support and encourage creative endeavour across the Shire. The fund will award 10 lots of $1,000 to South Gippsland creative individuals, groups or businesses.

If you are a South Gippsland resident, or if your business or group is based in the South Gippsland Shire, you are eligible to apply. Applications close 5.00pm Thursday 23 November. For more information and to apply, please visit South Gippsland Creative Fund page.

Preparing for the fire season

South Gippsland Shire Council is working alongside the Country Fire Association (CFA) to deliver an online session about preparing your property for the fire season. Learn how to safeguard your property this fire season with expert guidance from the CFA.

The session is completely free and available to both residents across the shire (particularly in high bushfire risk areas) and non-resident homeowners. The online session will be held Tuesday 14 November from 7.00pm to 8.00pm. For more information and to register, please visit Fire Season page.

Community updates

Garage Sale trail

Extending the life of stuff you no longer need by passing it on to someone new, not only saves it from landfill, but also ensures that the raw materials and energy used to make it are used to their greatest possible extent. It's a huge win for the planet.

Garage Sale Trail is a fantastic two weekend event but also a wonderful initiative that offers a wealth of resources for anyone looking to sell second hand items, discover fashion fixes and foster connections with neighbours through hosting a sale.

The following tutorials are great resources to prepare for the event and contain a plethora of recycling tips and tricks to implement in your everyday life.

• Second hand selling and what it takes to make it
• The second hand fashion fix
• Good neighbours change the world

Australia's festival of pre-loved stuff is happening on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 November, and Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November 2023, nation-wide. It's not too late to register your sale! For more information and to register, please check out The Garage Sale Trail page.

Snap Send Solve

Spotted a dangerous pothole? Or maybe some broken playground equipment? Get it fixed quickly and easily using Snap Send Solve. It's free! Download an app to your phone or report it below.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website and South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  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.
• 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.
• Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
  Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change.
• Gippsland Water Customer Satisfaction Survey opens from 1 to 17 October, feedback chance to win $100 bill credits
  Gippsland Water’s annual customer satisfaction survey runs October 1-17, allowing all customers to provide feedback and enter a draw to win one of ten $100 bill credits.
• Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
  Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects.
• Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities.
• East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
  East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges.
• Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
  Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives.
• Gippsland's diverse landscapes and bold winemakers offering flavours as varied and unforgettable as the region itself
  From wild coastlines to rugged ranges, Gippsland delivers bold landscapes and diverse wines. At Eat Drink Play Gippsland, explore unique flavours, passionate winemakers, and stories bottled across this Switzerland-sized wine region.
• West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
  West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.
• 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.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
  Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients.
• East Gippsland Water invites community feedback through annual customer satisfaction survey this October
  East Gippsland Water is inviting customers to complete its annual satisfaction survey, providing feedback on water quality, service, and community engagement. Responses will guide future improvements and participants can win a $100 bill credit.
• East Gippsland Water celebrates talented young artists in National Water Week Poster Competition 2025
  East Gippsland Water has announced winners of its National Water Week poster competition, celebrating young artists who showcased creativity and water conservation awareness under the theme "Water Heroes: Save Every Drop."
• East Gippsland libraries launch CloudLibrary, offering free eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere
  East Gippsland Libraries have launched CloudLibrary, giving members free access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere, supporting learning, leisure, and digital inclusion across the region.
• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• 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.
• 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 residents invited to author talk on Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham on 10 September 2025
  Author Stephen Whiteside will present Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham, sharing remarkable stories of resilience, adventure, and history at special East Gippsland library talks on Wednesday 10 September.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate.
• Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
  Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit.
• Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes.
• Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office.
• 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.
• Danny O’Brien thanks Gippsland community for generosity supporting foster children’s Christmas Giving Tree appeal
  Danny O’Brien thanked Gippslanders for their generosity in supporting the Giving Tree appeal, helping ensure foster children receive Christmas gifts and feel remembered, valued, and cared for this holiday season.
• Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
  Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads.
• 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.
• Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
  Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
• Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
  EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers.
• Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
  Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers.
• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
  Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra.
• Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
  Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety.
• Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
  Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026.
• 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.
• 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.
• Victoria’s scenic drive from Gippsland Lakes to Wangaratta through picturesque towns and alpine landscapes
  Travel Victoria’s iconic Great Alpine Road, winding from Gippsland Lakes to Wangaratta through lush spring landscapes, vibrant towns, roaring rivers and perfect camping weather - an unforgettable journey for adventurous travellers.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
• Entries close for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar showcasing iconic scenes across Gippsland
  Entries have closed for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar, with 344 stunning photos submitted capturing Gippsland's iconic landscapes. Winners will feature in the free 2026 calendar, distributed later this year.
• Darren Chester met Tom Harms in Canberra, praising his WorldSkills selection as testament to talent and community support
  Maffra apprentice Tom Harms will represent Australia in Electrical Installations at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, after excelling through national trials. Darren Chester praised his achievement as Gippsland talent showcased globally.
• Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
  Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
  Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'.
• Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
  Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools.
• Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience.
• Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
  Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem.
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Darren Chester supports Tribunal decision to defend veterans' right, opposing Albanese government plan limiting Acts of Gallantry review
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal will defend veterans' rights at a Senate inquiry, opposing the Albanese government's plan to impose a 20-year limit on reviewing acts of gallantry.
• Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
  Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance.