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Talented local children in State finals of national writing competition Local students Minh Coa and Helen Kempton have been named zone winners in the nation’s largest creative writing competition for children, ‘Nestlé Write Around Australia’. By Latrobe Shire Council - 5th October 2004 - Back to News Minh, a year five student at Albert Street Primary School, Moe; and Helen a year six student at Grey Street, Traralgon, were presented with their prizes at a special presentation today in the Council Chamber Room at the Traralgon Civic Centre. The Latrobe City Library Service has coordinated the program in the Gippsland area.
Latrobe City’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Lisa Price, presented Minh and Helen with a certificate, a $500 Australian children’s book collection for their school library and a backpack crammed full of Nestlé goodies. Eighteen other finalists also received a personal certificate and backpack.
In congratulating the children on their creativity, Cr Price said it was a credit to all the children who participated in the program resulting in the most entries ever.
"In this, the tenth anniversary year of the competition, 38,417 stories were received nationwide and we’re delighted that Minh and Helen are going on to the State finals of the competition," Cr Price said.
"The competition has highlighted the work of many intelligent, articulate, imaginative and literate young Gippslanders. These young writers are living proof that literacy and literary skills are very much alive and well in Gippsland," Cr Price said.
"One of the great things about the ‘Nestlé Write Around Australia’ program is that it encourages creativity and imagination. I’m sure that whatever these young people choose to do with their lives in the future, creativity and imagination will play an important part," Cr Price added.
Zone coordinator, Noeline Grayden, from the Latrobe City Library Service, said the zone winners were chosen after a second round of judging in the competition, where all twenty zone finalists from the area either wrote a new story or polished their original one, following a creative writing workshop held by a published Australian author.
"Latrobe City Library Service played host to author Phil Kettle who held thirteen creative writing workshops at the library in July, including a half-day session for the zone finalists," Ms Grayden explained.
"Since the program began operating nationally, the extensive learning and prize component of Nestlé Write Around Australia has seen over half a million dollars worth of Australian children’s books given to school libraries throughout the country," Ms Grayden said.
"A total of 300,000 stories have been written and submitted by children from all corners of the country. Each year the State winners’ stories are published in an official story collection and the original manuscripts of all 960 Zone finalists are archived in the Mitchell Library at the State Library of NSW."
The stories of all the zone winners are published on the website www.writearound.com.au.
Nestlé Write Around Australia is a Nestlé Australia community initiative, developed to promote literacy and creative writing skills to upper primary school children and to encourage them to utilise the resources of public libraries. The program is coordinated nationally by the State Library of New South Wales and is supported by Victorian State Library and public libraries around Australia.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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The first Cape Conran replacement cabin has finally been installed after six years, with calls to fast-track remaining bushfire recovery cabins. - Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra. - Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'. - Danny O'Brien congratulates Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds receiving state funding to enhance community facilities
Sandy Point and Loch Sport Men's Sheds have received over $43,000 in state funding to upgrade facilities, recognising their vital role in supporting men's wellbeing and community connection. - East Gippsland encourages community to celebrate volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising contributions and inspiring others
East Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to celebrate volunteers during National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising their vital contributions and encouraging nominations for the Volunteer Honour Roll, open year-round. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to obtain licences as new state licensing scheme is enforced from 1 February 2026
Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland tobacco retailers to comply with Victoria’s new licensing scheme, aiming to curb illegal sales, organised crime, and ensure consistent enforcement for safer regional communities. - Danny O’Brien says retail theft in Gippsland South has risen over 70 percent recently, threatening local businesses
Retail theft in Gippsland has soared over 70%, hitting Wellington hardest, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien calling for stronger law enforcement to protect small businesses from rising crime. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites you to submit EOI for Coal Creek food vendor on Living Heritage Days by 14 February 2026
Coal Creek seeks a local food and drink vendor for Living Heritage Days, held monthly from 7 March. Businesses can boost trade and connect with customers. Applications close 14 February. - Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens, delivering world-class trails, boosting tourism, community, and local economy
Omeo’s 114-kilometre, $10 million mountain bike park has officially opened, offering world-class trails, boosting tourism, energising local businesses, and celebrating years of community vision, planning, and collaboration. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Noojee chosen for Healthy Forest Plans Pilot with $4M funding to boost tourism and local economy
Baw Baw Shire welcomes Noojee’s $4 million Healthy Forest Plans Pilot funding, part of a $30 million Victorian government initiative to boost regional tourism, support economic transition, and create local jobs. - Wellington students explore aviation careers through industry tour across Sale and Longford facilities on 17 March 2026
Students from across Wellington Shire have taken a hands-on step into the world of aviation, experiencing firsthand the career opportunities available right on their doorstep through an Aviation Taster Tour hosted by Wellington Shire Council. - Seven students completed East Gippsland Water Vacation Student Program, gaining practical experience and development on skills
Seven university students completed East Gippsland Water’s Vacation Student Program, gaining hands-on experience in engineering, communications, IT, and environmental planning, preparing them for future careers in the water industry. - Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien. - Bass Coast Shire Council joins Victorian councils urging review of mandatory separate kerbside glass recycling bin policy
Bass Coast Council joins 35 Victorian councils urging the State Government to review mandatory glass recycling bins, seeking flexibility, transparency, cost-effectiveness and alignment with existing Container Deposit Scheme initiatives. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Darren Chester's Christmas reflection mixes Gippsland joy with national grief, unity, gratitude and hope for Australia
Darren Chester reflects on Gippsland Christmas, mourning Bondi Beach victims, appreciating essential workers, and urging unity, gratitude, and hope while wishing everyone a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year. - Drouin’s Commercial Place precinct to get $1.1M upgrades, enhancing safety, accessibility, streetscape and supporting local businesses
Construction on Drouin’s $1.1 million Commercial Place precinct upgrade begins October 2025, improving safety, accessibility, streetscape, pedestrian crossings, laneways, lighting, greenery, and community usability, completing mid-2026. - Marlo and Newmerella students experience hands-on learning at East Gippsland CMA River event
Marlo and Newmerella students explored the Snowy River at an East Gippsland CMA event, learning sustainable fishing, bug and fish identification, river health, and taking home locally grown plants. - 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. - Marlo and Newmerella Primary students explore Snowy River through hands-on environmental learning experience with East Gippsland CMA
Marlo and Newmerella students joined the East Gippsland CMA for hands-on Snowy River activities, learning about ecology, sustainable fishing, fish and bug identification, and taking home local plants. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot progresses with $2.35M tender awarded, restoring safe local access
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $2.35 million tender to rebuild Stewart Road Bridge, restoring safe access, supporting emergency services, and increasing load capacity to 44 tonnes. - Chairo and Heyfield students gain real-world political insights through engaging discussions with Darren Chester
Federal MP Darren Chester met Year 5-6 students in Traralgon and Canberra, discussing democracy, global affairs, law-making and political life, with students showing strong curiosity and insight during engaging civil conversations. - Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Gippsland Lakes Boat Show unite for national boating weekend 27 February to 1 March 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is supporting the Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Gippsland Lakes Boat Show, bringing classic vessels, parades, cruises, and foreshore entertainment to a national boating weekend. - Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead recognised as Mary Rogers Award finalist for leadership, resilience, and mentoring women
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead has been named a finalist for the 2025 Mary Rogers Award, recognising her leadership, resilience, community service, and mentoring of emerging female leaders in local government. - Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action. - Bass Coast Shire Council endorses 2026-2030 Climate Change Action Plan, strengthening its net zero emissions commitment
Bass Coast Council has endorsed Climate Action Priority Actions 2026–2030 following a mid-term review and community consultation, strengthening its commitment to net zero emissions, resilience and local climate leadership. - Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services. - Woodside Recreation Reserve receives $387,750 LED lighting upgrade improving safety, access, and evening sports opportunities for local community
The Woodside Recreation Reserve will receive a $387,750 LED lighting upgrade, improving safety, sustainability, access, and evening sports opportunities, funded by the Victorian Government, Wellington Shire Council, and local partners. - West Gippsland CMA celebrates 25 years of sustainable irrigation, transforming Gippsland farms, saving water and protecting local waterways
West Gippsland CMA's Sustainable Irrigation Program celebrates 25 years, with 1,200 projects saving 47 gigalitres annually, enhancing farm productivity, protecting waterways, and expanding beyond the Macalister Irrigation District. - Darren Chester raises concerns over gaps, inconsistencies in autism education after meeting worried local mother
Darren Chester raised concerns about gaps in autism education after meeting Metung mother Lily Martyn, whose son George may miss specialist school due to strict IQ-based eligibility criteria. - West Gippsland CMA hosts hands-on workshop 'Carbon Farming - Know your number' at Leongatha office on 24 March 2026
Join local farmer Nick Dudley for a free, hands-on workshop in Leongatha on 24 March to calculate farm emissions, use carbon calculators, and explore productivity improvements. Registration required. - Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy. - Melina Bath encourages groups to apply for grants supporting veterans and restoring community memorials by 3 February 2026
Melina Bath backs local organisations to apply for grants supporting veterans, with funding available for facility upgrades and restoring community war memorials. Applications close 3 February 2026. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates food, wine, music and stories that showcase the region's vibrant spirit
Eat Drink Play Gippsland blends local wine, food, and stories with live music, chats with growers, family fun, and creative experiences celebrating the region's vibrant culture and community spirit. - East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth. - Raise a glass to Gippsland's finest wines, brews, spirits and ciders at 'Eat Drink Play'
EAT DRINK PLAY Gippsland serves up local wines, brews, spirits, and ciders. Festival-goers can enjoy tastings, community vibes, and unique creations from some of Gippsland's best makers. - Parliamentary Inquiry visits South Gippsland to examine oil, gas decommissioning and regional transition opportunities
State Parliament’s Environment and Planning Committee visited South Gippsland to examine oil and gas decommissioning, and local government perspectives, highlighting infrastructure needs and renewable transition opportunities. - East Gippsland invites community to honour everyday heroes for 2026 Volunteer Honour Roll to be celebrated from 18-24 May 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for nominations to recognise local volunteers, with 2026 Honour Roll inductees celebrated during National Volunteer Week, showcasing their contributions and inspiring more people to volunteer. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Darren Chester welcomes St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to parliament house for insight into Australian democracy
Darren Chester welcomed St Paul's Anglican Grammar students to Parliament House, discussing democracy, civic engagement, and his role as Gippsland's representative while commending their enthusiasm and interest in national issues. - 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. - Danny O'Brien calls on Allan government to support Nyora early childhood education centre, improving access and community connections
The Nationals urge the Allan government to collaborate with Nyora community and education stakeholders to establish a local early childhood centre, improving access, school transitions, enrolments, and long-term community sustainability. - 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. - Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs. - 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. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025. - Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts. - Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades. - Danny O'Brien warns Bayside Health merger threatens Gippsland communities, confirming hidden health service consolidation
Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's Bayside Health merger, warning it will reduce local hospital autonomy, limit community input, and risk services for Gippsland residents, prioritising bureaucratic cost-saving over patient care. - Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out! - 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. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland.
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