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South Gippsland autumn 2026 update with business breakfast, grants, events, opportunities and jobs expo on 19 March 2026

South Gippsland Jobs Expo on 19 March in Leongatha offers job opportunities, career advice and training pathways, alongside a business breakfast, community events, grants, road safety upgrades, skatepark opening and council updates.

By news@gippsland - 12th March 2026 - Back to News

Whether you're looking for a new role or considering a career change, the Jobs Expo is your chance to:

• Chat with employers who are hiring now
• Get help with resume writing and interviews
• Find information on apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE and university education
• Grab a coffee voucher and a snag from the sausage sizzle

The event will take place on:

• When: Thursday 19 March, 10.00am - 2.00pm
• Where: Memorial Hall, 6-8 McCartin Street, Leongatha

To learn more, visit South Gippsland Shire Council Jobs Expo page.

Join the South Gippsland Jobs Expo offering careers advice, employers, training pathways and free sausage sizzle in Leongatha on 19 March 2026

Jobs Expo business breakfast

We’re inviting local businesses to join us for the South Gippsland Jobs Expo Business Breakfast, proudly sponsored by Marinus Link. This free event is an opportunity to network, hear about upcoming regional opportunities, and connect with industry leaders and community partners.

If you own or run a business in South Gippsland, come down for coffee, brekky and a chat. Bookings are essential.

• When: Thursday 19 March from 7.30am to 9.30am
• Where: Council Chambers, Michael Place, Leongatha

To register for the Breakfast, please complete the form.

Safer local roads

This initiative will deliver targeted road safety upgrades across seven key locations throughout South Gippsland, helping to create safer streets for all road users. The Project is made possible through $2 million in funding from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and includes the:

• Installation of speed cushions
• Mini roundabouts
• Pedestrian crossings
• Reduced speed limits in busy areas

All designed to improve safety and accessibility for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. Explore interactive maps that show the planned works in each of the seven locations. For more information, visit the Safe Local Roads and Street page.

Skateboarders, skaters, scooter and bike riders invited to Korumburra Railway Precinct skatepark opening, March 13, with clinics, demonstrations, activities and giveaways

Korumburra skatepark opening

Calling all skateboarders, rollerskaters, scooter and bike riders, and community members! Join us for the opening of the new skatepark designed by East West.

• Where: Skatepark, Korumburra Railway Precinct
• When: Friday 13 March, 3.30pm

Grow Skate Society will be hosting a skate clinic and demonstrations, group activity, and giveaways.

What’s on South Gippsland

Good Friday Fundraiser: Rock'n'Roll Dance

Come on down and have a boogie to music by Charles Chatellier and DJ Jeff and Susanne. Enjoy a raffle, vintage classic car display from South Gippsland Historical Auto Club, a sausage sizzle, and tea and coffee. All profits will be donated to the Good Friday Appeal, supporting the Royal Children's Hospital.

• Where: Dakers Centre, 23 Smith Street, Leongatha
• When: Friday 3 April, 12.00pm - 5.00pm

Join the Good Friday Rock'n'Roll Dance at Dakers Centre, Leongatha, April 3, with music, raffle, car display, sausage sizzle, supporting the Royal Children's Hospital

Coal Creek Paranormal Experience Tour

On the spookiest of dates, Friday the 13th, Hide and Seek Paraquest returns to Coal Creek for a paranormal investigation after dark.

• Where: Coal Creek, 12 Silkstone Road, Korumburra
• When: Friday 13 March, 7.30pm - 11.00pm

For more information, head to Visit South Gippsland website.

Your community

Community Training

Council is partnering with Volunteering Gippsland and other Gippsland councils to offer community training. The training will be held simultaneously at venues across Gippsland, with the speaker presenting live at one location and streamed to the others. All sessions in South Gippsland will be held at the Korumburra Library - Myli but you are welcome to attend whichever location suits you best.

• All sessions
• Place: Korumburra Library - Myli - My Community Library, Korumburra Hub, 15 Little Commercial Street
• Time: 6.00pm - 8.00pm

Volunteer Life Cycle with Hazel Maynard - Tuesday 17 March

• This session walks you through every stage of the volunteer journey, providing practical tools to build a stronger, more connected volunteer team.

Your Roadmap to Community Success: Strategic Planning with Damen Francis - Tuesday 21 April

• Whether your group is new to strategic planning or ready for a refresh, learn to map out a future that’s focused, realistic and community-driven.

Power in Partnership with Gabbie Farnham - Tuesday 26 May

• This session teaches you how to build lasting partnerships that boost your group’s impact, turning shared ideas into shared action.

To read more, head to South Gippsland Shire Council - Community Training page.

Seeking Live4Life Instructors

The Live4Life South Gippsland Partnership Group is seeking community members to undertake Mental Health First Aid Australia’s Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor training. If you are interested in taking on this rewarding role, please read the EOI criteria and submit your EOI by Sunday 29 March.

Friends of Mossvale Park Community Survey

The Friends of Mossvale Park are seeking your feedback to inform their new Master Plan, which includes a 20-year vision for the park. They are looking to find out what the community wants for the park and what improvements could be made.

To complete the survey, head to Friends of Mossvale Park Master Plan Development Community survey. The survey closes on 29 March at 5.00pm.

Friends of Mossvale Park invite community feedback for their 20-year Master Plan survey, sharing ideas and improvements by 29 March, 5.00pm

Renew Sustainable Living Series: Adding Home Battery Storage

This 90-minute webinar is ideal for people who already have solar and are considering adding home battery storage.

• When: 12 March, 7.00pm - 8.30pm
• Register using the Zoom site

Funding opportunity

Telstra's Connected Communities Grants

This program supports communities across Australia, including remote and rural areas, to embrace new technology and improve digital capabilities and literacy. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for community non-profit organisations for equipment and programs that equip individuals with the skills to live, learn and work in a digital society. For more information, head to Telstra website. Applications close on 17 March at 5.00pm.

Telstra Connected Communities grants provide up to $10,000 for Australian non-profits to improve digital skills, technology access, applications close 17 March, 5.00pm

Sporting Club Grants Program

This program provides funding for community sports clubs and recreation groups across Victoria. to address barriers to participation, for projects including:

• Purchasing uniforms and equipment
• Increasing equity, diversity and inclusiveness
• Providing opportunities for community collaboration

To learn more, visit Victoria State Government website. Applications close on 7 April 4.00pm.

Get Active Victoria offers eligible families up to $200 off kids’ sports fees, uniforms, or equipment. Apply by 2 April, 10.00am

Kids Voucher Program

This Get Active Victoria program aims to help eligible families get their kids involved in sport and other active recreational pursuits. If your child is eligible, you may get up to $200 off the cost of membership and registration fees, uniforms or equipment.

To be eligible your child must be aged 18 years old or younger and be named on a Medicare Card and a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. To learn more, head to Sport and Recreation Victoria website. Applications close on 2 April at 10.00am.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.
• Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
  Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages.
• Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
  A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
  Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries.
• New Lakes Entrance fire station prioritised ahead of 2026 state election
  Council is urging the Victorian government to fund a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, replacing the 90-year-old facility to improve emergency response, safety, capacity and regional resilience.
• Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
  Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation.
• Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
  Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability.
• Melina Bath condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, with Victoria recording nearly twice New South Wales' victims
  Melina Bath has condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, citing Victoria's high theft rate and major increases across eastern Victoria, while calling for more police, stronger bail laws and tougher sentencing.
• Carran Carran restoration project strengthens river health, habitat connectivity and flood resilience across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's long-term Carran Carran restoration project is improving river health, reducing flood-related avulsion risks, restoring habitat connectivity, controlling willows and supporting native fish, agriculture and communities.
• New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
  Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment.
• Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
  Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo.
• Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
  Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
  The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record.
• New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland.
• Draft Omeo District Place Plan released for after 10 months of consultation for final community feedback until 2 October 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council has released the draft Omeo District Place Plan for feedback, prioritising health, education, housing, employment, social connection, environmental care and emergency preparedness. Submissions close October 2.
• Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years.
• Marlo's Healeys road timber bridge to be replaced with stronger steel structure built for 100 years
  East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Marlo’s ageing Healeys Road timber bridge with a $642,780 steel structure, improving safety, access, load capacity and long-term reliability for local users.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance.
• Darren Chester calls for Aged Care Minister's resignation over home support delays
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called for Aged Care Minister Sam Rae's resignation, citing lengthy Support at Home delays, unanswered assistance requests and thousands of deaths while awaiting support.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery launches spring season with five exhibitions and live mural creation on 19 September 2026 In Morwell
  Latrobe Regional Gallery will launch its Spring Season on Saturday, September 19, featuring five exhibitions and a live monumental mural by Japanese-Australian artist Twoone/Hiroyasu Tsuri during the Morwell event.
• Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
  Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• Morwell Rose Festival returns with blooms, aerial acrobatics, night lights, workshops and family entertainment from 6-7 November 2026
  Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities.
• Wilsons Promontory whale watching offers front-row seats to annual migration
  Wanderer Adventures offers seasonal whale watching cruises from Tidal River at Wilsons Promontory, bringing passengers close to migrating humpback and southern right whales, fur seals and spectacular coastal scenery aboard eco-tourism vessels.
• Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
  Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Reliable water access drives Busch Organics' sustainable farming success and secures its fourth-generation future in East Gippsland
  Busch Organics relies on Mitchell River and groundwater to sustain organic vegetable production, while soil moisture technology, sustainable practices and family farming strengthen productivity and future generations.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.