Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Collaboration Ramps up in 2020 | Made in Gippsland workshopMade in Gippsland workshop and more! By Portal Admin - 26th January 2020 - Back to News On top of the ongoing drought, the final weeks of 2019 and the start of the new year have been some of the most challenging days that East Gippsland has ever experienced. The region is now coming to grips with the widespread devastation caused by these bushfires that have to date, burnt over one million hectares. Our hearts go out to those who have been impacted by the bushfires and our sincere condolences to those who have lost a family member, colleague or friend.
With some of the fire-grounds active since mid-November, the tireless efforts of the volunteer and career firefighters along with the numerous agencies involved to preserve life and protect property have been incredible. The amazing rapid response to the crisis with support and donations flowing in locally, regionally, nationally and internationally is truly uplifting - the Aussie spirit and the love that people from all walks of life have for this country certainly shines bright in times like these.
The impact on the region's food and fibre sector has not been fully assessed, and may not be for some weeks yet. There is a direct impact with the loss of property, crops, and animals as well as indirect impact through business upheaval due to significant drops in tourist activity, road closures and employee disruption.
The Food & Fibre Gippsland team has been personally checking in with our members who are directly and indirectly impacted by the bushfires, as well as other food and fibre producers in East Gippsland. Where appropriate, we've been talking with them to understand what their immediate challenges and needs are, and what we may be able to do to help, both now and in the future.
Food & Fibre Gippsland is continuing to work on our current and pipeline projects that will play an important role in the recovery phases of impacted areas, as well as continue to support a bright and resilient future for Gippsland's broader and vitally important food & fibre sector.
As the region rebuilds, we are deeply committed to collaboratively engaging from the grassroots up to help individuals, businesses and communities get back on their feet - and as we work together with the many other agencies and organisations supporting recovery, we are in it for the long haul.
Moving Ahead with "made in Gippsland"
Think the "Made in Australia" stamp - but a Gippsland version that becomes recognised locally, nationally and internationally as a trust token that assures buyers that the product has been grown or created in Gippsland.
Collaborating with members, industry, stakeholders, educators, researchers, and community, we are working towards a future where Gippsland produce is validated via a provenance brand that consumers know, appreciate and look for.
Join us at Narkoojee Winery for a discussion forum and workshop on Wednesday the 29th of January from 9:45 am to 2:30 pm.
Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided, so it is essential to register. Click here to reserve your seat.
Held every three years, the East Gippsland Vegetable Innovation Days (EGVID) are on again from May 4 to 8 this year, with planning and planting well underway at Maddies Paddock in Lindenow.
Food & Fibre Gippsland is a supporting partner in the delivery of the event, which is set to attract over 1000 visitors to the region.
EGVID is all about showcasing innovation in vegetable production, extending knowledge and learning, and networking across the industry value chain. There are plenty more opportunities to be an EGVID sponsor, but spots are going quickly - get in touch with the event coordinator to see how your business can support this major event.
The 2020 EGVID event will also incorporate the prestigious Tenth International Spinach Conference, to be held in the Southern Hemisphere for the first time ever. The conference will cover a diverse range of presentations and discussions on market trends, food safety, climate change, technology, research, value chains and much more.
Beyond Donations – Add a bit of Gippsland to your Shopping List.
If there are Gippsland products you can buy either online or pick up via stockists in your neighbourhood or city, choosing some Gippsland produce in your weekly shop is the ongoing help that so many businesses need to get them through a challenging year.
If you're a Gippslander buy local wherever however and whenever you can, the money you spend in your community stays in your community and helps it thrive again. Every little bit counts, so thank you in advance!
And Gippsland businesses are all looking forward to welcoming visitors throughout 2020 to experience firsthand the diverse range of quality produce and products that are grown, manufactured or created in the many towns and villages across the region.
Cellar doors around Gippsland are usually crazy busy at this time of year with plenty of visitors on holidays and lots of locals getting out and about in their own regions. The entire region is hurting from the drop in tourism due to the bushfires, so if you can't visit the cellar door, do the next best thing - stock up on Gippsland wines by ordering online or over the phone!
Our winery members have a wide range of award-winning wines and they'll organise delivery direct to your door.
Don't forget to stock up on Gippsland beers from our craft brewing members as well - either online or via their stockists :
And put it on your to-do list to organize a day trip, a weekend or an even longer holiday that brings you back to the region in 2020 - there's sure to be a warm Gippsland welcome wherever you go!
Hospitality Forum #2 - February 2020
Following on from our successful first hospitality forum in mid 2019, we are bringing everyone together again.
In partnership with TAFE Gippsland, this will be a great opportunity to workshop further ideas for the future as we focus on supporting the food services and hospitality sector to build capacity, drive stronger connectivity to the region's food producers, and address logistics challenges.
With the region's growing reputation in the food tourism market, the workshop content will be designed to complement initiatives from partner organisations like Destination Gippsland and East Gippsland Marketing.
Join us to be part of the collaborative force supporting greater prosperity in the hospitality sector. Participation is free, but registrations are essential! Click here to reserve your seat.
After working closely with our Gippsland Regional Agrifood Employment Programme for many months, Workforce XS has joined Food & Fibre Gippsland as a strategic industry partner member. Workforce XS prides itself on listening carefully to fully understand the people needs of a business. Whether it is temporary staff, on-going labour hire or permanent placement they can help your business by providing the RIGHT people, RIGHT now! WorkforceXS has offices in Traralgon, Bairnsdale, Sale and Warragul. Through this network they are well placed to professionally manage the recruitment, labour hire and staffing needs of local business people.
Willarah Farm is in Mirboo North, Victoria where Will, Sarah and their little daughter Adaline, have a small herd of Speckle Park cattle, many of which were bred by industry leaders, JAD Speckle Park. In time, cattle ready for consumption will be processed locally, ensuring consumers can trace the provenance of their meat. The cattle are renowned for their docile temperaments, maternal capacity and exceptional meat quality, all traits that Will and Sarah value highly. Set along the banks of the Little Morwell River, Willarah Farm is also a beautiful Gippsland wedding venue where wedding ceremonies of all shapes and sizes can be accommodated.
Welcome to both new members-we're delighted you're in the Food & Fibre Gippsland clan and we look forward to collaborating with you in the weeks, months and years ahead!
Help put Gippsland’s Innovation Credentials on the Map!
Food & Fibre Gippsland is supported by the Food Innovation Australia Limited (FIAL) Cluster Programme and therefore part of the national food network.
FIAL (http://www.fial.com.au) is currently compiling the 2020 edition of Celebrating Australian Food and Agribusiness. They want to showcase food businesses and companies who are driving innovation, as well as businesses supporting the food and agribusiness sector by introducing innovative practices.
It could be a seafood supplier that has developed environmentally safe packaging, an Agritech business that is providing drone technology to assist with crop monitoring and management, or a new food product that is opening up new markets with innovative ingredients and presentation.
If your business or someone you know of is doing innovative things in food production, new food or farm products, technical support, packaging or in their supply chains, we'd love to hear from you! Send us an email with a few details and we will be in touch.
Food & Beverage processing industries encouraged to speak up!
Major changes are being proposed to the skills standards and qualifications that describe jobs in Australian food and beverage processing industries.
The food and beverage processing project team from Skills Impact will be consulting about these changes during February and March 2020 in a number of face-to-face locations as well as online via two webinars.
To see where and when these consultation events are being held and to register to participate, click here.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience. - Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients. - West Gippsland CMA hosts free sustainable farming workshops with local landcare groups from September 2025 to March 2026
West Gippsland CMA is hosting free farm field days September - March, showcasing sustainable agriculture, carbon farming, and local expertise. Workshops cover soil health, biodiversity, biofertilizers, and agribusiness opportunities. - Gippsland Water invests $550,000 to upgrade Peterkin Street sewer pump station, ensuring reliable wastewater services for Traralgon
Gippsland Water is investing $550,000 to upgrade Traralgon largest sewer pump station, replacing ageing pipes to ensure reliable wastewater services for 5,200 households. Works are underway and due for completion in September. - Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule. - Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Gippsland's diverse landscapes and bold winemakers offering flavours as varied and unforgettable as the region itself
From wild coastlines to rugged ranges, Gippsland delivers bold landscapes and diverse wines. At Eat Drink Play Gippsland, explore unique flavours, passionate winemakers, and stories bottled across this Switzerland-sized wine region. - 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. - East Gippsland Shire adopts fairer Raymond Island Ferry pass system, replacing portable passes with vehicle stickers from 2026/27
East Gippsland Shire Council will replace Raymond Island Ferry portable passes with vehicle stickers by 2026/27, introducing fairer allocations for residents and tenants, with interim free pass improvements effective immediately. - East Gippsland hosts Youth Agritech Expo showcasing farming futures and career pathways for young people on 17 September 2025
East Gippsland will host the Youth Agritech Expo, offering farm tours, hands-on experiences, and showcasing agricultural career pathways, technology, and innovation to inspire the next generation and build a skilled workforce. - East Gippsland Shire backs $15M Bairnsdale Airport upgrade to boost emergency response and healthcare services regionally
East Gippsland Shire Council has backed a $15 million Bairnsdale Airport upgrade, extending the runway to boost emergency response, healthcare services, and regional aviation, supported by government funding and health agencies. - 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. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges. - East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - West Gippsland CMA champions healthy waterways, culture, community, and sustainability across the catchment
West Gippsland CMA celebrates World Rivers Day by highlighting river health, cultural significance, and restoration efforts. Caring for 40,000km of waterways, they partner with communities to ensure resilient, thriving rivers. - East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption. - South Gippsland Seniors Festival offers free and low-cost events to connect, create, and celebrate together
South Gippsland celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with 60+ free and low-cost events across nine towns, inviting over-60s to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy community through sport, arts, learning, and fun. - South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised. - Eat Drink Play Gippsland celebrates local flavours, award-winning cheeses, and culinary creations from passionate regional makers
Eat Drink Play Gippsland showcases top restaurants, award-winning cheeses, and artisanal delights. From snacks to gourmet dishes, the festival celebrates local flavours and passionate makers, offering something delicious for every palate. - East Gippsland residents invited to author talk on Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham on 10 September 2025
Author Stephen Whiteside will present Pearl Bradshaw - Princess of Hotham, sharing remarkable stories of resilience, adventure, and history at special East Gippsland library talks on Wednesday 10 September. - Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia. - 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. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill. - Tim Bull urges Gippsland East households to apply for $100 Power Saving Bonus amid rising costs
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges locals to apply for the $100 Power Saving Bonus, helping households manage rising costs. Eligible residents can seek assistance at his Bairnsdale office. - 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. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment. - Danny O'Brien praises Gippsland community's generosity supporting Foster Kids after ram raid destroyed Christmas gifts
Danny O'Brien praised Gippsland's generosity after a ram raid devastated A Better Life For Foster Kids, urging continued support through toy donations, PJ Day participation, and community involvement to brighten children's lives. - 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. - Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety. - Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - 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. - Lightfoot Wines combines tradition, creativity, and Gippsland flavours with award-winning wines, regional platters, and scenic views
Perched on a limestone bluff above the Mitchell River, Lightfoot Wines blends tradition and innovation, offering tastings, regional platters, and acclaimed wines, cementing its role in Gippsland's food and drink scene. - 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 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. - Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem. - Southern Rural Water upgrades over meters across Gippsland to improve accuracy and fair water management
Southern Rural Water is replacing 1,000+ outdated meters across southern Victoria by 2026, boosting accuracy, compliance, and fair water management under national standards - with no cost to customers. - 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. - Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
|
|
