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South Gippsland 2025 Kindergarten registrations closing on 30 June 2024 and other council project and program updates

Register now for 2025 kindergarten (closing June 30). Mirboo North's free disaster waste disposal ends June 30. Prepare for 2024 local elections with new resources. Heywire storytelling competition and community events also featured.

By news@gippsland - 21st June 2024 - Back to News

Don't miss out on first round registrations for three- and four-year-old kindergarten in 2025. First round registrations close Sunday 30 June. If you haven't already, simply head to the link below and nominate your kindergarten preferences. To know more and to register your kindergarten, head to South Gippsland website.

Register now for 2025 kindergarten by June 30! Visit the link to choose your preferences for three- and four-year-olds

Disposal of disaster waste

Free disposal of disaster waste at the Mirboo North Transfer Station is ending on Sunday 30 June 2024. An extension to free disposal of disaster waste has been provided to this date due to the significant scale of impacts on the Mirboo North and surrounding area. Disaster waste is defined as any material

In order for disposal to be covered under this extended program, people disposing of disaster waste at the Mirboo North Transfer Station will need to provide the property address of where the waste has come from. Following Sunday 30 June, the Mirboo North Transfer Station will then return to its normal operating hours.

Free disaster waste disposal at Mirboo North Transfer Station ends June 30, 2024. Extended due to local impacts, address proof required. Normal hours resume thereafter

Local government elections 2024

A new election page has been added to Council's website to assist the community to prepare for this process. The page contains details about becoming a candidate, how to enroll, how voting works and so much more. If you are thinking of becoming a candidate, there are a number of information sessions to equip you with the tools you need to run for Council.

New election page on council's site guides candidates with enrollment, voting details, and info sessions for aspiring council members

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. As such, it's important to think carefully about all electoral information you see this election and be on the lookout for misinformation and disinformation:

Misinformation is when information is spread that is believed to be true by those who are sharing it, but which is actually incorrect. Disinformation is when information is designed to deliberately mislead and influence public opinion or obscure the truth for malicious or deceptive purposes. Thinking about running for Council? Visit South Gippsland Shire Running for council website.

Heywire competition

Heywire is a live experience storytelling competition from the ABC, calling for stories from young people aged between 16 and 22 in regional, rural and remote Australia. To be part of the Heywire competition you must share a true story about an aspect of your life.

Stories can be in any format: text, video or audio - whatever form suits you best! Entries are now open for the 2025 Competition and will close Sunday 1 September 2024. To learn more about the competition, prizes and how to get involved, please head to To learn more, visit Heywire website.

ABC Trailblazers

The Trailblazers program is for inspiring young people aged 18 to 28 who are dedicated to making regional Australia even better. Whether you're a community leader, social entrepreneur, advocate, or event organiser this program is for you.

Interested in applying for the 2025 Trailblazers program? Head to the link below to be part of a unique program that makes a real difference in the lives of young people. For more information, visit ABC Trail Blazers website.

Southern right whales

Whale season is here! You might spot southern right whales with their calves off our coast or humpback whales migrating through Victorian waters. If you see a whale, take a photo and upload it to the citizen science platform WhaleFace.

You will be helping our scientists track and monitor these majestic creatures, providing the information we need to protect them. For more information, visit DEECA Services website.

Whale season is underway! Southern right whales with calves and migrating humpbacks are in Victorian waters. Snap and share photos on WhaleFace for conservation research

Waste and resource recovery plan

As our region continues to grow and evolve, the effective management of waste becomes increasingly critical in order to preserve our environment and quality of life. Therefore, it is important Council plans the provision of waste services not just for the present but also for the foreseeable future.

Council has developed a Draft Plan to not only respond to environmental concerns but also to changing regulatory frameworks and community expectations. Feedback on the Draft Waste and Recovery Plan is now open until Sunday 7 July. To read the plan and provide your feedback, visit South Gippsland Shire Council Have Your Say website.

With our region expanding, waste management is crucial for environmental preservation and quality of life. Provide feedback on the Draft Plan by July 7

Draft Renewable Energy Zone (REZ)

VicGrid is developing a Community Benefit Plan and your feedback is needed to ensure it hits the mark for local people and communities. Victoria is currently undergoing a transition to renewable energy, replacing fossil fuels, such as coal and gas, with renewable energy resources such as solar and wind, to generate affordable and sustainable energy for the future. The Plan proposes the creation of new benefits for:

• Landholders
• Regional Communities
• Traditional Owners
• Significantly Impacted Neighbours

The Draft REZ Community Benefit Plan is currently open for community feedback until Sunday 25 June. To have your say, visit Engage Victoria website.

Future of local sports

GippSport is seeking your input for the 2024 Gippsland Sport Census. The Spot Census has been created by GippSport to gain valuable insights and understanding into the challenges faced by sporting clubs across the sector and to be able to tailor services to meet the needs of the community.

Participation in the census not only contributes to shaping the future of local sports in Gippsland but also offers your club the opportunity to win one of two $500 vouchers. The survey only takes a couple of minutes. visit Gippsport website. Submissions close Sunday 30 June 2024. To take the survey,

GippSport seeks your input for the 2024 Gippsland Sport Census to understand club challenges and tailor community services. Submit by June 30

NAIDOC Week event

South Gippsland Shire Council invites you to celebrate NAIDOC Week. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and to participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

This event will commence with a smoking ceremony which will be followed by an art workshop led by contemporary Aboriginal Artist, Kobi Sainty - activity suitable for all ages. Here are the details:

• When: Thursday 11 July from 10.00am to 12.00pm
• Where: Leongatha Dakers Centre - (23 Smith St, Leongatha)

This is a FREE event. To keep count of attendees, please register your attendance via 2024 NAIDOC Week website.

Join South Gippsland Shire Council for NAIDOC Week, celebrating First Nations cultures with a smoking ceremony and art workshop on July 11

Kickstart your business

Looking to start a business or launch a new product or service? Startup Gippsland's Kickstart your Business workshop can help! This program is designed to validate your product or service ideas and refine your business strategy to get your business off the ground. What you'll get out of the program:

• Action packed 1-day workshop
• Testing the potential of your business or product concept
• Reduce risk for your new product or service or diversify your income for existing businesses
• Creation of a concise business model using Lean Canvas
• Networking, nibbles and drinks afterwards with the other attendees

Walk away with a clear action plan ready for implementation. Plus, a one-on-one mentoring session and a catch-up session with other attendees to share your progress. Don't miss this chance to accelerate your entrepreneurial journey!

• When: Saturday 22 June 2024, 10:00am-5:00pm
• Where: Baromi Centre, Mirboo North

Learn how to find grants relevant for your business and how to be successful with your application. To register, visit Eventbrite website.

Community grants session

Do you have a question about the Council's Community Grants Program? Not sure of what the process is for applying for grants? What is SmartyGrants? The South Gippsland Shire Council's Community Grants Information Session is designed to answer your questions and boost your confidence in applying for grants.

Choose from either an in-person session Monday 24 June from 11.00am to 12.30pm or an online session Monday 24 June from 7.00pm to 8.30pm. For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Funding opportunities

Australia Post Community Grants

The 2024 Australia Post Community Grants Program is offering grants for eligible community-led, local projects that help improve connection, mental health and wellbeing.

Being connected and feeling part of a community is vital to maintaining good mental health and wellbeing. So, Australia Post aims to support organisations that are helping to make this happen.

Applications are now open. Please read the guidelines and FAQs to make sure your organisation and project are eligible before applying. Applications close 1 July 2024. To apply for a grant, visit Australia Post website.

Woolworth Pick Fresh Play Fresh Netball Grants

Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh Grants, support grassroots netball clubs and associations across Australia. Over the past six years, the funding stream has provided support to over 311 netball clubs across the country.

Grants of up to $8,000 are available as well as $20,000 for the People's Choice Award. This is a funding opportunity your netball club won't want to miss. Submissions close 11.59pm Sunday 7 July. To send your grant application, visit Woolworths Pick Fresh Play Fresh website.

Telstra Footy Country Grants

Applications are now open for Telstra Footy Country Grants. Local footy clubs across Australia will have the opportunity to apply for grants up to $20,000 to help strengthen, sustain and grow local footy in three strategic areas:

• Grow and assist volunteer capacity
• Grow and diversify participation
• Improve club environments and experiences

Submissions close 5.00pm Wednesday 7 August. To send applications, visit Telstra Footy Country grants website.

AFL Road Safety grants program

The Transport Accident Commission (TAC) Club Rewards Program is back for 2024, giving football and netball clubs the opportunity to earn a share of $600,000 in funding by participating in the mission to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on our roads.

As part of the program, all AFL Victoria-aligned clubs across regional Victoria and in the metropolitan leagues can take part and earn up to $10,000 in funding by promoting road safety in their community. This year we're tackling speeding driving. Applications open 30 May and close 25 August 2024.​ For more information, visit TAC website.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• 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.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• Darren Chester praises Orbost Community College student leaders for passion, ideas and commitment to East Gippsland's future
  Darren Chester praised Orbost Community College student leaders for their passion and ideas during discussions on education, health, economy, and community, highlighting the importance of listening to youth for regional Victoria's future.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
  Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts.
• Phillip Island gears up for the return of MotoGP and Marquee October events across Bass Coast
  Phillip Island hosts a huge October of events, headlined by the 2025 MotoGP, drawing 100,000 fans for racing, music, and entertainment, with free Community Day tickets and Cowes transformed into an entertainment hub.