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South Gippsland celebrates the 2025 Australia Day and other council updates

South Gippsland celebrated Australia Day with various events and other council updates.

By news@gippsland - 31st January 2025 - Back to News

Over the weekend, we saw a number of Australia Day events take place around South Gippsland. Our community came together for breakfast, morning tea, lunch and even dinner. From Korumburra to Foster and the many places between, it was great to see joy, pride and unity in our community.

South Gippsland hosted various Australia Day events, featuring BBQs, outdoor activities, inspiring speakers, and community gatherings, with local groups, enjoy a sausage, and connect with others

Australia Day photography

South Gippsland Shire Council would like to congratulate all of this year's entrants to the 2025 South Gippsland Photography Competition. Deciding on a winner for the Open and Under 15 categories was extremely difficult as the photos were of an exceptional standard. Watch the video below to find out the winners of the 2025 Australia Day Photography Competition.

Customer service open hours

This is a friendly reminder that council now operates two customer service counters - Leongatha on Monday and Wednesday and Korumburra on Tuesday and Thursday - with our customer service team working across the two locations.

The Korumburra counter provides a second location to access council information, log service requests, submit registrations and make payments.

South Gippsland Shire Council confirmed acting CEO arrangements. Allison Jones serves from 8 Feb - 3 May, followed by Tony Peterson until a permanent CEO is appointed by 25 July 2025

Interim CEO arrangements

At the additional January Council Meeting, arrangements for an acting Chief Executive Office for South Gippsland Shire Council were confirmed.

Allison Jones, Council's Director of Performance and Innovation, will be Acting CEO from 8 February to 3 May. Tony Peterson, council's Director of Sustainable Infrastructure, will be Acting CEO from 4 May until the appointment of a permanent CEO. It is expected that a permanent CEO will be appointed no later than 25 July 2025.

For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council - Acting CEO Arrangements website.

Council rates are due by 17 February 2025. Payment plans available - contact 5662 9200 or rates@southgippsland.vic.gov.au for assistance. Instalment plans remain unaffected

Council Rates Due Soon

Council rates are due in full by Monday 17 February 2025. You can also organise a personalised payment plan.

Our friendly Rates team is only a call or email away. Please call 5662 9200 or email rates@southgippsland.vic.gov.au if you need assistance.

If you have already organised an instalment or payment plan, this due date does not apply. For more information, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

ArtCubes in Venus Bay

Last week, the ArtCubes moved from Foster to Venus Bay. There is an incredible lineup of artists and workshops happening from within the Cubes while they live by the coast for the next three months. Be sure to check them out before they move again!

To find out more, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Applications closing soon!

Time is running out to apply for the South Coast Community Leadership Program with applications closing midnight Sunday 2 February.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to elevate your leadership skills in 2025. For more information and to apply, please visit the South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Engagement opportunities

Shaping South Gippsland

The time to help shape South Gippsland is now! Your feedback will help us to review the Community Vision and inform development of the next four-year Council Plan.

There are plenty of opportunities to have a chat and provide your say at local events, councillor pop-ups, community surveys and online. Have your say today at the South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Weekend's pop-up events

This weekend we will be popping up at the following locations to listen to your thoughts and ideas for the future of South Gippsland:

• Saturday - Korumburra Coal Creek from 4.00pm to 6.00pm
• Sunday - Venus Bay (next to ArtCubes) from 10.00am to 11.00am
• Sunday - Sandy Point (opp General Store) from 12.00pm to 1.00pm

Let the council know, about your ideas and comments matter and make plans better! Provide your feedback through South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Summer session

This weekend, Summer Session will be taking over Coal Creek. on Saturday from 4.00pm to 8.00pm come along for an afternoon of music, food, entertainment and good vibes.

The event is free to attend, but bookings are required to secure your spot. It's a perfect way to spend a summer evening with family and friends!

Book and come in for a chilled summer evening of music, food, kids entertainment, drinks & good vibes at Coal Creek.

The Commons, a community horticulture farm in Leongatha, seeks volunteers to maintain its inclusive garden and offers learning, education, and training opportunities for all

The Commons

The Commons is a community horticulture farm, centred in the heart of Leongatha. Currently seeking volunteers to keep the community garden a space for everyone to enjoy. There are plenty of learning, education and training opportunities for people of all capabilities.

For more information, visit Leongatha Community Garden Inc. website.

Join Scouts!

Leongatha Scouts is looking for young people to join their Ventures. Venture Scouts are young people aged between 14 and 18 years old, dedicated to fun, adventure and serving the community. For more information and join the Leongatha Scouts, please head to the Leongatha Community Garden Inc. website.

Energy assistance program

The Energy Assistance Program is a free over-the-phone service designed to support Victorians who are having trouble paying their energy bills. The program provides Victorian households assistance to:

• Help navigate the energy market and access critical energy affordability supports
• Manage the rising cost of living by saving money on energy bills
• Better understand consumer rights and protections and have the confidence to take part in the energy market more often

For more information, visit Victoria State Government website.

Funding opportunities

Community grants

South Gippsland Shire Council's second round of Community Grants are now open. Community Grants are an opportunity for council to give back to local clubs and community groups who give so much to others.

Grants can be used for both minor and major projects and equipment, planning and developing reports, and festivals and events. Applications close Monday 31 March. To apply for a grant, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal

The Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal have a number of funding opportunities currently open for application:

• Strengthening Rural Communities - Round 24
  Applications closes 27 March.
• In a Good Place (mental health support)
  Applications close 11 March
• Rebuilding Futures
  Applications close 3 April
• Telstra's Connected Communities
  Applications close on 20 March

For more information and to apply, visit Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) website.

South Gippsland Shire Council's second-round Community Grants are open, supporting local clubs and groups with funding for projects, equipment, planning, festivals, and events

Change Our Game Community Activation Grant

The Victorian Government is supporting more women and girls to get involved in the sports they love with more funds for supporting clubs and organisations to encourage female participation.

This program delivers grants of up to $10,000 to community sport and recreation clubs to help inspire women and girls to take part in sport. Applications close Wednesday 26 February. To apply visit Change our Game website.

Community training calendar 2025

South Gippsland Shire Council 2025 Community Training Calendar is now available with sessions scheduled until March.

Starting with Good Governance, on Tuesday 18 February online from 7.00pm to 8.30pm. This session will teach you the basics of being a good committee member from meetings and legal responsibilities, through to different roles and delegation. Head to the South Gippsland Shire Council website to check out the upcoming sessions and book your free training.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com