Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
  Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards.
• Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
  Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards.
• Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success
  Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026.
• East Gippsland hotels and publicans recognised as finalists in 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards for Excellence across multiple categories
  East Gippsland hotels and staff are finalists in the 2026 AHA Victoria State Awards, recognising community spirit, hospitality excellence and local contributions across multiple categories.
• Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
  Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley.
• Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026.
• East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
  East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service.
• East Gippsland Council opens 2026 Australia Day Awards nominations to celebrate outstanding community contributions
  East Gippsland Council is calling for nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating individuals, groups, and events that make outstanding contributions to the community across volunteering, sport, arts, and environment.
• Nominations open for Baw Baw Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards celebrating local community champions
  Nominations are open for Baw Baw Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals, organisations, and events that make the community stronger. Entries close Friday, 24 October 2025.
• Bass Coast Community Awards celebrate outstanding volunteers, leaders and organisations strengthening local connections and community spirit
  Bass Coast Shire Council honoured five outstanding individuals and organisations at the 2026 Community Awards, recognising volunteers, leaders and community groups whose dedication strengthens connections and community spirit across Bass Coast.
• South Gippsland Kinder registrations are now open until 17 May 2026 with updates on other projects and programs
  Kinder registrations for 2027 are now open; apply by June 30, attend Leongatha Rail Trail Market info session, and contact Council Early Years team for support and enrolment details.
• Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
  The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs.
• Baw Baw Shire awards over $109,000 in community grants supporting 13 groups’ minor capital work projects
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded over $109,000 in Community Grants to 13 local groups, supporting minor capital works that improve facilities, sustainability, and community wellbeing across the shire.
• 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.
• Wellington Shire Council awards $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting events and volunteer initiatives across the Middle of Everywhere
  Wellington Shire Council has awarded $130,997 to 27 community groups supporting arts, events, sports, infrastructure, inclusion, and volunteer initiatives, strengthening participation and connection across the Middle of Everywhere region.
• Latrobe City Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
  Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories.
• Bass Coast Shire Council awards contract for new Thompson Reserve pavilion, boosting Inverloch sport and community facilities
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded Kubale Constructions to build a modern Thompson Reserve pavilion, enhancing facilities, supporting local clubs, and promoting inclusive sport opportunities for women, girls and the community.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications.
• Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
  South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications.
• From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
  From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council Awards ten local artists and groups as Arts and Culture Fund recipients 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded ten local artists and groups funding through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting creative projects, skill development, and community engagement across diverse artistic disciplines.
• East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards honours volunteers, youth leaders, and inspiring community events
  Over 200 people gathered at Lakes Entrance to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, honouring outstanding volunteers, youth leaders, and community events strengthening connection, service, and local spirit.
• Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
  Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains.
• Latrobe City Social Inclusion Action Group application is now open, submit expressions of interest by 24 April 2026
  Latrobe City Council seeks community members to join its Social Inclusion Action Group, helping guide funding decisions, strengthen connections, and improve inclusion and wellbeing, with applications open until April 24, 2026.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks nominations for 2026 Community Awards until 21 June and winners to be awarded on 16 July 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2026 Community Awards, recognising volunteers and changemakers. Nominations close 21 June, with winners announced 16 July at Berninneit, Cowes.
• Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• Bass Coast Shorts opens 2026 entries, celebrating local filmmakers, stories, heritage and new creative connections
  Submissions are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Shorts festival, celebrating local and visiting filmmakers, with screenings, networking, awards and new food-and-film events across Cowes and Wonthaggi.
• East Gippsland opens upgraded Hoddinott Reserve playground for East Bairnsdale families and community enjoyment on 16 July 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council will officially open the upgraded Hoddinott Reserve playground on July 16, celebrating new play equipment, picnic facilities, landscaping and enhanced community spaces for East Bairnsdale families.
• Bass Coast opens Sunset Strip mountain bike trails officially on 22 May 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council will officially open Sunset Strip Mountain Bike Trails on Phillip Island, featuring speeches, student test rides, community access, and a partnership-driven project supporting local recreation and development.
• Camp Woolamai chosen as finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards with voting open until 26 June 2026
  Cape Woolamai is a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards. Bass Coast Shire Council is encouraging locals and visitors to vote, recognising the town’s outstanding visitor experiences and tourism commitment.
• Baw Baw Shire Council first open community briefing, involving residents in flood mapping and fostering ongoing council-community dialogue
  Baw Baw Shire Council held its first Open Community Briefing on flood mapping, engaging 17 residents in discussions and committing to ongoing transparent community engagement on key local issues.
• Baw Baw Shire outdoor pools open December 1, offering free Thorpdale access, and extended Warragul season for all ages
  Baw Baw Shire outdoor pools open from December 1, with Thorpdale free, Warragul extended, offering fun, safe swimming for all during summer, weather permitting.
• South Gippsland Shire Australia Day photo competition is now open and other council updates
  Capture South Gippsland for the Australia Day photo competition! Open and junior categories, $500/$300 prizes. Smartphone or camera accepted. Entries close 18 January 2026, winners announced 26 January.
• South Gippsland Shire Australia Day photo competition is now open and other council updates
  Capture South Gippsland for the Australia Day photo competition! Open and junior categories, $500/$300 prizes. Smartphone or camera accepted. Entries close 18 January 2026, winners announced 26 January.
• East Gippsland CMA hosts community event on Snowy River estuary trials and environmental flow improvements
  East Gippsland CMA, with NSW DCCEEW, monitored Snowy River estuary flows to improve health, maintain open entrance, and share findings at community event 11 March 2026, Marlo Angling Club.
• Heyfield Wetlands visitors can now refill bottles and provide water for dogs using new fountain
  Heyfield Wetlands receives new drinking fountain, supporting community recreation, hydration, pets and Gippsland Water’s broader public refill network initiative.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  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.
• Expressions of interest open for new Slip Road Maritime Precinct marina berths in Paynesville boosting boating access
  East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest for new Paynesville marina berths, expanding capacity and supporting growing boating demand across the Gippsland Lakes.
• 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.
• Latrobe kindergarten enrolments open 1 May 2026, offering 15 hours weekly and open days in April and May
  Latrobe City kindergarten enrolments for 2027 open 1 May 2026 and close 30 June. Programs offer 15 hours weekly, with Open Days in April and May for families to explore Council kindergartens and Pre-Prep options.
• Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
  Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future.
• South Gippsland Shire Council update with Community grants now open until 31 August 2026
  Round One of South Gippsland Shire Council's 2026/27 Community Grants is open, offering up to $10,000 for not-for-profit projects, equipment, festivals and events. Applications close 31 August, with free information sessions across the shire.
• Melina Bath invites community to apply for CSEF Grants Open 2026, supporting eligible families with school camps, sports, excursions costs
  Eligible families can now apply for the 2026 Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, helping cover costs of school camps, excursions, sports, and outdoor education through their child’s school.
• Draft Flood Overlay Amendment for South Gippsland Planning Scheme feedback is now open, submit yours by 6 July 2026
  South Gippsland and WGCMA have released a draft planning amendment combining 10 flood studies, updating flood overlays for affected properties and seeking community feedback until 6 July 2026.
• Baw Baw Shire honours nine outstanding individuals and groups at 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony held on 22 January 2026
  Nine individuals and groups were honoured at Baw Baw Shire’s 2026 Australia Day Awards for outstanding community service, celebrated by Mayor Kate Wilson and the local community.
• Applications for Baw Baw Shire Arts and Culture with grants up to $2,000 is now open until 8 February 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council is offering grants up to $2,000 for local artists and creatives, supporting community-focused arts projects, collaboration and creative development, with applications open until 8 February 2026.
• 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.
• Darren Chester celebrates Yarram Secondary College student achievements at 2025 annual awards ceremony presentation
  Darren Chester attended Yarram Secondary College’s 2025 Awards, celebrating diverse student achievements, encouraging confidence and optimism, and acknowledging outgoing and incoming school captains leadership.
• East Gippsland Council celebrates staff contributions with annual Living Our Values Awards announcement
  East Gippsland Council honoured staff contributions with the annual Living Our Values Awards, recognising individuals and teams demonstrating respect, collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and excellence across council services and communities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council approves Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy following community feedback
  Baw Baw Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, following extensive community consultation to guide safe, vibrant, and accessible public spaces.
• Hard waste bookings, Coal Creek musicians expressions of interest and Planning Scheme feedback now open across South Gippsland
  Book hard waste collections by 18 September, apply to perform at Coal Creek Sunday Sessions by 20 August, and provide Planning Scheme feedback before 26 July 2026.
• South Gippsland Shire Council connects to the community on open conversation session and other council project updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council Connect with council sessions continue, alongside updates on waste services, kinder registrations, community events, exhibitions, safety initiatives, planning matters and local opportunities.
• Darren Chester praises Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club 2025–26 awards and volunteers
  Darren Chester congratulated Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club members at the 2025–26 awards, praising volunteers for lifesaving service, youth development, leadership and vital contribution to tourism and community safety.
• Entries for the 2026 East Gippsland Youth Art Prize open on 25 Mar until 7 August 2026
  The 2026 East Gippsland Youth Art Prize is open, inviting artists aged 12–25 to showcase creative works in a gallery exhibition celebrating youth expression and talent across the region.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates the nominees and winners of 2026 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards and other updates
  South Gippsland celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards at Meeniyan Hall, recognising outstanding citizens, youth, and community events, with winners Valerie Wilson, Erica Begg, Rhiannon Rawlins, and Loch Food and Wine Festival.
• Latrobe City Council thanks community feedback on draft Local Law, now under review for final decision
  Latrobe City Council thanks community feedback on the draft Community Amenity Local Law, which will be reviewed and considered before a final decision later this year.
• TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena showcases South Gippsland local artists’ work, open Fridays to Mondays until 20 April 2026
  TRACE: Sea Ghosts & Other Phenomena at Coal Creek showcases works by local artists across print, photography and film, open Friday to Monday and daily during school holidays until April 20.
• Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
  Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026.