Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives.
• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
  Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities.
• Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
  Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
  East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts.
• Four Gippsland students win Water Week Poster competition promoting conservation and sustainability
  Four young Gippsland artists have been recognised in Gippsland Water’s 2026 National Water Week poster competition, highlighting water conservation. Mirboo North Primary School won $500, while student Penelope placed third statewide.
• Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
  East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels.
• 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.
• Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections by 8 November 2026
  Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections. Residents can complete an online survey from October 12 to November 8, 2026.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.
• Labor announces four new regional early learning centres for 2029, expanding access to kindergarten and long daycare places
  Labor will open four new Early Learning Victoria centres in Alexandra, Drouin, Hamilton and Seymour from 2029, providing more than 400 childcare and kindergarten places across regional Victoria.
• Katie Noonan brings intimate 'Alone But All One' tour to Cowes for regional Australian audiences on 10 October 2026
  Katie Noonan brings her intimate Alone But All One tour to Cowes’ Berninneit October 10, with interview opportunities September 23 and ticket giveaways available for audiences through Gippsland.com.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Visa delays threaten regional harvest workforce as farmers and tourism employers demand urgent federal government action before summer
  Farmers, tourism operators and regional employers warn visa delays could cause critical workforce shortages during summer harvest and tourism periods, urging the Federal government to restore timely visa processing.
• East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion.
• Traralgon Netball Association scores $220,000 boost for new court lighting, creating more opportunities for players and night games
  Traralgon’s Agnes Brereton Reserve has received $220,000 for new LED lighting across 10 netball courts, helping more than 60 teams train, compete at night, expand development programs and create greater opportunities for players of all ages.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron visit Mitchell House to recognise local aged care workers and services
  Federal Member Darren Chester and State MP Martin Cameron visited Morwell Mitchell House, recognising aged care workers and highlighting the importance of accessible, compassionate local care for older Gippslanders.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Silcocks Hill Road in Toora reduced to single lane for four to six weeks during landslip repairs
  Silcocks Hill Road in Toora will operate under single-lane conditions for four to six weeks from August 17 while landslip remediation works are completed, with motorists urged to allow extra travel time.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• The Nationals and farm groups warn EPBC changes create uncertainty for farmers and land management
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan met with farm groups over concerns Labor’s EPBC changes could create uncertainty and regulatory risks. Industry wants amendments, clearer guidance, mapping, support tools and independent review.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• Sealers Cove boardwalk reopens after five years, boosting Wilsons Promontory tourism ahead of September school holidays
  Sealers Cove boardwalk at Wilsons Promontory has reopened after almost five years, following storm damage in 2021. Danny O’Brien says the restored route will benefit walkers, visitors and local tourism operators.
• Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
  Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.
• 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.
• Darren Chester says growers and industry groups are concerned Labor's visa processing pause is creating uncertainty for farmers
  Australian farmers warn delayed visa processing for seasonal and skilled workers could worsen labour shortages, disrupt harvests, reduce food production and push fresh produce prices higher for Australian families.
• Nationals and Liberals pledge PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, mobile CCTV trailers and 24-Hour Moe Police Station reopening
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, mobile CCTV across the Latrobe Valley, and restoring Moe Police Station to 24-hour operations under their community safety plan.
• Gippsland Water customers invited to complete annual satisfaction survey for chance to win $100 bill credits and help improve services
  Gippsland Water customers can complete the annual satisfaction survey from October 1 to 27, sharing feedback to improve services and entering a draw for $100 bill credits.
• South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
  South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges Victorian election candidates to cut red tape and boost farm gate tourism opportunities
  Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reduce red tape and ease planning restrictions on farm gate businesses, reforms could boost agritourism, support local producers, create jobs and strengthen regional tourism.
• Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
  A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector.
• Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally.