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Business Boost For BairnsdaleA $30,000 State Government grant will boost the Bairnsdale business community, says East Gippsland Chief Executive Officer Steve Kozlowski. By East Gippsland Shire Council - 12th August 2004 - Back to News The grant of $30,000 was awarded to Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the East Gippsland Shire over two years under the Streetlife program.
"Late last year the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry took a forward thinking step and initiated a revitalisation project for the organisation," said Mr Kozlowski.
"Early this year the Chamber approached us seeking partnership in an application to the State Government for funding. Staff from Council’s Economic Development Unit worked with Chamber representatives to prepare the submission and set the goals and outcomes of the program.
"The project will be auspiced by the Shire and managed by the Chamber. It aims to breathe new life into the Chamber and the business community," Mr Kozlowski said.
He added that the funding would help bring the Bairnsdale business community together and draw on the talent and outstanding leadership potential in the town.
"Specifically, the project aims to restructure and develop the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry by redesigning its image and identity. It also aims to attract new membership and leadership to gain a wider representation of members from all sectors of the business community."
Stephen Kleinitz, the Shire’s Tourism/Business Support Coordinator said that a networking and mentoring program would be developed as part of the project.
"Essentially, the project will help open the lines of communication and give the Chamber the opportunity to appoint a project manager to work with the whole business community in Bairnsdale.
"A steering committee will be set up to ensure that the project delivered meets the needs of the town and the industries in Bairnsdale. A project manager will be appointed within the next couple of months," Mr Kleinitz said.
Minister for Small Business Marsha Thompson said Streetlife was a grass roots program designed to support the growth of small business though local community partnerships.
"The unique Streetlife approach helps tap the potential of Victoria’s energetic, vibrant and talented small business operators and the communities that they live and work in," Ms Thompson said.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently. - Baw Baw Shire Council encourages community groups to apply for 2026‑2027 grants supporting projects and minor capital works
Baw Baw Shire Council’s 2026‑2027 Community Grants Program supports not-for-profit groups with funding for projects up to $5,000 and minor capital works up to $10,000, promoting thriving, sustainable communities. - Tim Bull encourages local groups to apply for grants supporting veterans, preserving war memorials and heritage by 3 February 2026
Tim Bull urges local organisations to apply by 3 February 2026 for grants supporting veterans and conserving war memorials and community heritage. - Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development. - Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
Melina Bath encourages regional cricket clubs, schools, and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants supporting facility upgrades and inclusive participation opportunities. Applications close 27 March 2026. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges community groups to prepare applications for Community Project grants round 2 from 2 until 27 February 2026
Round Two of Baw Baw Shire’s Community Project Grants opens in February, offering community groups up to $5,000, with Applications by Appointment mandatory before submitting proposals by 27 February 2026. - East Gippsland community invited to provide feedback on Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival foreshore location and improvements
East Gippsland Council invites community feedback on continuing the Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival at its foreshore location, seeking ideas on layout, activities, accessibility, and improvements for future planning and safety. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites the community to shape draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2026-2030 by 27 March 2026
Council seeks community feedback on its draft 2026-2030 Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy, outlining five focus areas to strengthen business, tourism, workforce skills, infrastructure and sustainable regional growth. - East Gippsland Shire invites community feedback on draft Open Space Strategy to protect parks, reserves and waterways
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, a long-term plan to improve parks, reserves, trails, and waterways, with consultation open until 1 October 2025. - 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. - East Gippsland Water urges community to stop wipes and grease blocking sewers with Wipezilla campaign
East Gippsland Water’s Wipezilla campaign urges the community to prevent sewer blockages by avoiding wet wipes, grease, and food scraps, promoting education, responsible habits, and environmental protection across the region. - East Gippsland celebrates community contributions at 2026 Australia Day Awards with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador
East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards, hosted 21 January at Lakes Entrance, will honour residents’ contributions with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador, featuring live entertainment, barbecue, and community celebration. - Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening. - East Gippsland invites community input to shape Omeo district place plan and future local priorities
East Gippsland Council invites Omeo district residents to provide feedback via workshops and surveys, shaping the new Place Plan to reflect local priorities, guide council actions, and strengthen community engagement. - 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. - Bass Coast launches energy resilient hubs and emergency dashboard to strengthen community preparedness and recovery
Bass Coast Shire Council has launched Energy Resilient Community Hubs and an Emergency Dashboard to boost preparedness, strengthen local resilience, and keep communities safe, connected, and supported during emergencies and power outages. - Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning. - Skeene Creek Farm launches, driving sustainable agriculture, innovation, and resilience across East Gippsland region
Skeene Creek Farm launches near Bairnsdale, transforming underutilised land into a sustainable agriculture hub, promoting circular economy, innovation, environmental resilience, and practical research for East Gippsland farmers. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to send EOIs and apply for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants supporting local community volunteers
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippsland not-for-profits to submit EOIs for 2025-26 Volunteer Grants, offering $1,000-$5,000 to support volunteers, strengthen community connections, and remove barriers to participation. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - East Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit, honouring events and initiatives making meaningful impact in 2026
The 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards honoured the Winter Festival and Breast Care Support Fund for fostering connection, generosity, and community spirit across the region.
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