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Latrobe City reminding businesses they can still access help from being affected by COVID-19 pandemic

Programs that could help local business owners in improving their businesses.

By news@gippsland - 8th July 2021 - Back to News

Latrobe City Council is reminding businesses they can still access assistance from Council to help offset some impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Council is offering business vouchers, an online library of past webinars and tailored services such as small business mentoring.

If you live in Central Gippsland - Latrobe City Gift Cards are the perfect way to please your loved ones and friends

Support to local businesses

Council also encourages shoppers to buy a Latrobe City Gift Card which can be used at participating businesses in place of cash, thereby supporting local businesses. Council is aware that businesses in Latrobe City have closed as result of loss of trade during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, both this year and last year. This has resulted in the loss of providers of goods and services in our community, as well as jobs.

Council is aware many small business-owners are fatigued by the ongoing impact of lockdowns and restrictions impacting their ability to bounce back when restrictions are lifted. On the flip side, Council is also pleased to see that a large number of new businesses opened during the pandemic.

Faith in the local economy

On average, 150 new Australian Business Numbers (ABN) are registered in Latrobe City each month. While each ABN does not always represent a new business, the number of new ABNs registered shows faith in the local economy. The key industries in which the ABNs are for are:

• Construction; health care and social assistance
• Transport, postal and warehousing
• Administration and support services
• Professional, scientific and technical services

Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Gibson said the impacts of COVID-19 on the community would never be forgotten. "I have personally seen some of my favourite businesses close due to the economic pressures this pandemic has placed upon them."

Dedicated staff to help

Cr Sharon Gibson said, "It is devastating for people who have put so much of themselves into creating businesses and then be left with no option but to close because they cannot continue to sustain financial losses while trying to pay staff and other costs. Businesses in need at this time should not delay in asking for help. Council's Business Development Team has informed and dedicated staff available to help you." she said.

Services included in the program

The Latrobe City Council Small Business Voucher program supports small businesses impacted by COVID by helping them to think strategically by accessing the services of other business providers in Latrobe City.

This program supports other businesses in the City and expands business-people's knowledge of what professional services are available locally.

Access to webinars

Business-people are able to access an online library of webinars Council has previously held, covering such topics as branding, online marketing, accounting and business law. "The Latrobe City Gift Card makes for ideal gifts for family and friends, and is also suitable for businesses to buy to reward clients. Small businesses are the very businesses that support our local clubs and community groups, so supporting them is vital." Cr Gibson said.

Further information about the business voucher program can be found at local business voucher program.

To access past webinars, let's Navigating your business.

Businesses in need of assistance can phone Council on 1300 367 700 and ask to speak to Council's Business Development Team. For information about where to buy a gift card, load up a card with cash and where to spend the card, please see Latrobe City gift cards.

Pictures from Traralgon Community Development Association Inc Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Despite business struggles recovering from pandemic Andrews Labor government budget cuts more from regional development funding
  The 2022-23 state budget confirmed Labor's funding strip from the regional development fund.
• Funding available for savvy mentors from Business Boost Program by Victorian government to help East Gippsland business recover
  Business Boost, funded by a Victorian government Local Economic Recovery grant, will initially launch in Bruthen and Buchan to help entrepreneurs and business owners to achieve their goals.
• South Gippsland Shire Council uses COVID-19 Outdoor Activation Fund to assist local businesses and communities recovery
  South Gippsland Shire Council is undertaking a number of initiatives to assist local businesses and communities to recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
• Need for a Drug Court to be established Latrobe Valley highlighted by Russell Northe
  Member for Morwell, Russell Northe has again highlighted in State Parliament the need for a Drug Court to be established in the Latrobe Valley.
• Women in Business event to be held at West Gippsland Arts Centre on 17 June 2022
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host a Women in Business event featuring Olivia White and a panel of outstanding local businesswomen for an evening full of inspiration and valuable advice to help local women meet their business goals.
• Benetas appointed as aged care provider for both Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City starting 1 July 2022
  Baw Baw Shire Council's Home Support Program and Home and Community Care Program for Younger People are set to transition to new appointed providers in July 2022.
• Northe calls for Gippsland hospice care facility in Latrobe Valley and proposed Hazelwood House in Churchill
  Message from Mr Russell Northe MP to Gippsland Hospice Family to advocate for the consideration of a dedicated hospice for the region.
• Old Methodist Church in Traralgon found to be of local historic significance to Latrobe City by heritage assessment
  A heritage assessment of Traralgon's Old Methodist Church has been received by council saying that it is found to be of local historic significance to Latrobe City.
• Morwell Centenary Rose Garden greatly improved by Friends of Garden with funding from Latrobe City Council and Advance Morwell
  Morwell Centenary Rose Garden receiving and appreciating funding support from the council to complete the installation of permanent bricks edging around garden beds.
• Community and business input on draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2025 sought by Baw Baw Shire Council
  Baw Baw Shire Council is currently seeking community and business input on the draft Economic Development and Visitor Economy Strategy 2022-2025.
• Kellie O'Callaghan elected as Mayor and Dan Clancey as Deputy Mayor for Latrobe City Council in 2021/22
  New Mayor and Deputy Mayor have been elected.
• Labertouche Community Hall gets lovingly restored through the Latrobe Valley Authority,s Community and Facility Fund
  Labertouche Community Hall has been lovingly restored with a new roof, ceiling and floor, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
• Free pair of glasses for 176 students across West Gippsland and Latrobe Valley from Andrews Labor Victorian government
  One thousand more Victorian students can now see more clearly and concentrate better at school, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government's free Glasses for Kids program.
• Innovation centre boosts the Latrobe Valley economy
  Innovation centre that helps in boosting the creation of jobs and the region's economy, supporting the development that is beneficial to the valley.
• Darren Chester urges to new prime minister to visit Latrobe Valley and expands project funding
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has written to new Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the funding of local projects which are critical to the future of the region.
• Traralgon flood recovery pop-up support for Latrobe City Council
  Adjusting to life in the wake of disaster will be the subject of a free pop-up flood recovery session in Traralgon this month.
• More alcohol and drug detox beds needed in Latrobe Valley says Russell Northe
  Mr Northe indicated this had been a long running issue with many local individuals, families and service providers frustrated by the lack of services in a community that desperately needs detox beds.
• Locals can help keep Gippslanders warm during winter by joining Dimmeys annual blanket drive at Sale in Wellington Shire
  Local MP Darren Chester is encouraging locals to get behind the annual blanket drive at Dimmeys in Sale.
• Federal government backs largest indoor Barramundi aquaculture farm at Latrobe Valley with $30M funding
  The Latrobe Valley will become home to the world's largest indoor barramundi aquaculture farm with a $30 million boost from the federal government.
• Nominations for Bass Coast Business Awards are open until 28 August 2022
  Bass Coast Shire Council's Business Awards are back for 2022 - with all local businesses encouraged to get involved.
• Community feedback wanted on proposed sale of Hazelwood House in Churchill to Quantum Support Services by Latrobe City Council
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on a proposal to sell Hazelwood House in Churchill.
• Celebrating a million ways to be a woman online part of International Women's Day from Latrobe City Council
  As part of International Women's Day, Latrobe City Council is encouraging the community to join in celebrating the contribution of women across the municipality.
• Breakfast presentation on future of business with Bernard Salt at Lardner Park in Baw Baw Shire on 18 May 2022
  Join internationally renowned futurist, author, business advisor and media commentator Bernard Salt at Lardner Park on Wednesday 18.
• How Labor is helping regional communities like Gippsland recover from storms
  Funding made available to help communities recover from the storm.
• Startup Gippsland Pitch Night to conclude for Business Igniter program at Gippsland Performing Arts Centre on 10 August 2022
  Startup Gippsland is pleased to announce the 2022 Business Igniter Pitch Night, which will be held on Wednesday August 10 at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre.
• Still time to nominate local heroes for 2022 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year
  There is still time to nominate your local heroes for the 2022 Bass Coast Australia Day Awards for Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.
• Opening of new multi-use pavilion at Apex Park in Traralgon by Chris Buckingham from Latrobe Valley Authority
  It's peak season at one of Latrobe City's most utilised sporting venues following the opening of a new pavilion at Traralgon's Apex Park.
• Andrews Labor Government still won't roll it out rapid antigen testing to help revive major events
  Andrews government still not giving a plan to end the uncertainty of lockdown.
• Sea electric vehicle manufacturing plant for Latrobe Valley abandoned
  State Government has finally confirmed that the proposed SEA Electric vehicle manufacturing plant.
• Activating our outdoor spaces this summer for business in Bass Coast Shire
  Bass Coast Shire Council is helping local businesses to create outdoor trading and dining spaces across the Shire this summer.
• Insensitive and brutal $13,631 fine for East Gippsland business alleged COVID breaches by Department of Justice and Community Safety
  Infringements issued by the Department of Justice and Community Safety for alleged COVID breaches have raised the ire of small business owners who have endured the burden of changing compliance complexities for two years.
• New Maffra Weir fishway to help increase sustainable habitat for endangered and native fish funded $10M by Victorian government
  Endangered and significant native fish species will soon be able to travel upstream along the Macalister River, thanks to the Andrews Labor government's investment in a new fishway at the Maffra Weir.
• Marlo Hotel denied access to the Licenced Hospitality Venue Fund and offered wellbeing and financial counselling instead
  The Marlo Hotel has been refused state government financial support that was intended to keep businesses afloat over the Coronavirus lockdown period.
• Community invited to help with recovery committees at Devon North Public Hall on 4 April 2022
  In response to severe weather events in June and October last year, Wellington Shire Council is inviting people to form community-led recovery committees in impacted areas of the municipality.
• Project Reference Group appointed to help guide design, advocacy and delivery of the Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct
  A project Reference Group (PRG) has been formally appointed by council to help guide design, advocacy and delivery of the proposed Baw Baw Culture and Connection Precinct.
• Low indigenous vaccination rates risk widening the gap in Latrobe Valley and Gippsland
  Vaccine hesitancy and testing hesitancy in Victoria's Indigenous communities' risks pushing people further into disadvantage under the Andrews Labor Government's plan to offer more freedoms to people who are fully-vaccinated.
• Workshop on how to win government business in Bairnsdale on 20 July 2022
  Workshop that will give local business opportunity on how to win work on major government infrastructure and construction projects.
• Get tickets for the 2021 Bass Coast Business Awards held on Friday 18 February 2022
  Tickets are now available for the 2021 Bass Coast Business Awards presentation night.
• Traralgon Creek residents still await the Emergency Management Victoria response to flood mitigation and failed warning system
  The flooding damage across the community was profound with significant damage to homes, farms, businesses, sporting and community organisations, roads and essential infrastructure.
• Voting on Victoria's worst roads to help develop a priority list to give to the Roads Minister encouraged to all Victorian motorists
  Interim results of a safety campaign asking drivers to name Victoria's worst road have called out roads in eastern and central Victoria as the most dangerous, but there's still more time to have your say.
• Restrictions still apply in Bass Coast Shire Council's Local Law - Neighbourhood Amenity burning off guidelines outside of the Fire Danger Period
  The CFA's Fire Danger Period has now ended in Bass Coast, however some restrictions still apply to burning off under Bass Coast Shire Council's Local Law - Neighbourhood Amenity 2012.
• Access and inclusion on the agenda for Bass Coast
  Council held an access and inclusion forum to help shape the development of a new disability action plan.
• Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium starts 2022 with over twelve major events to boost tourism for Latrobe City
  Latrobe City started the year in style with a baker's dozen of big events bringing in significant visitation and tourism dollars throughout the municipality.
• West and South Gippsland residents and business share in $300M in COVID-related payments
  COVID-19 Payments details that have been distributed across west and south Gippsland.
• Call for Gippslanders to help by donating blood or plasma made by Darren Chester
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging Gippslanders to roll up their sleeves and donate blood or plasma.
• East Gippsland Council calls communities to help create emergency response plans called a Local Incident Management Plan (LIMP)
  Preparing local communities for emergencies particularly on knowing what to do during fire and storm hits.
• Morwell Foodbank hub at standstill after four years of promises from Andrews Labor government
  Lack of updates and communications with the Latrobe Valley community with regards to the promised Morwell Foodbank Hub, community seeks more information about the Morwell Foodbank Hub
• Peter Walsh says rapid testing will help Melbourne and regions in Victoria like Gippsland open up and stay open
  Rapid COVID-19 testing as the key to put Victoria back on track.
• Roll out rapid testing to help save iconic Victorian spring racing carnival
  Major event that has been awaited by the crowd to forecast on 5 November.
• Baw Baw Shire Council shares in state funding to help residents understand the four-bin recycling system
  Victorian councils are being supported to roll out new education campaigns to help residents understand the four-bin recycling system, as part of the Victorian Government's goal to divert 80% of waste from landfill.
• Andrew's Labor government wastes big advertising dollars ahead of looming City Loop shutdown and union strikes
  Andrews government's misuse of taxpayers money, spending it to campaigns to make him look good instead of spending it on important infrastructures.
• Survey for Lakes Entrance residents underway to help determine which areas are to be developed ahead of 2022 federal election
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester will be asking Lakes Entrance residents "what's next for our town" in a survey to be distributed ahead of the election on May 21.
• Improved access to Electric Vehicle Charge Stations to support investment in the region to operate by July 2023
  Several holiday towns within East Gippsland will soon have improved access to Electric Vehicle Charge Stations, after a push in the Victorian Parliament from local Nationals State MP, Tim Bull.
• South Gippsland Shire Council encourages community to help shape projects and services with 'Your say South Gippsland' online service
  Your Say South Gippsland is a one-stop shop for all Council feedback opportunities goes live!
• Writing competition calls for fiction about Latrobe City
  Writing competition that would that tells about the past, present and the people of the city.
• Disability access issues on V/Line train network ignored by Andrews Labor government after confirming services would be delivered
  More stories have emerged this week of Victorians with a disability being prevented from travelling on V/Line trains, even after confirming services would be accessible.
• Stallholders sought for Children's Expo for Latrobe City
  An event inviting the stallholders to come and join the expo for the kids, with many services and activities for them to enjoy
• These Girls & Boys Can Ride bike club supports local business along East Gippsland Rail Trail
  What started as a bike ride with a few friends has turned into a group of over 100 members from across East Gippsland.
• Glengarry Mechanics Institute gets upgraded hall suitable and accessible re-open with $397,474 federal funding secured by Darren Chester
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester officially opened the Glengarry Mechanics Institute today with Latrobe City Council Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan and Glengarry Mechanics Institute CoM President Alan McAuliffe.
• Major disruptions to Melbourne CBD and regional trains with the City Loop to close
  Indefinite closure of Melbourne metro's City Loop Network will throw the CBD into chaos at a key moment in the city's recovery.
• Regional kids including Gippsland still locked out of the classroom, but the Andrew's Labor state government won't tell us why
  Andrews Labor Government's decision to force students in regional communities into remote learning.
• Baw Baw Shire Council joins Victorian Energy Collaboration to help take more action on renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions
  Baw Baw Shire Council has joined the Victorian Energy Collaboration (VECO) which will supply 100% renewable energy to street lights and multiple large facilities within the Shire.
• Veteran refused access to taxi with their dog and similar incidents to be made public by Darren Chester
  As a long-time supporter of assistance dogs, Darren Chester was disappointed and frustrated to be contacted by the Australian Defence Force veteran who had been refused access to a taxi with their dog.
• Recovery Committee (CRC) to be established in Traralgon to help with disasters and plan for future emergencies
  Community-Led Recovery Committee will be established in Traralgon to help people bounce back from disaster situations and plan for future emergencies.
• Wellington Shire Council endorses second package for business COVID support
  Wellington Shire Council today endorsed the second incarnation of its Covid-19 Business Support Package to assist local businesses recover from the effects of the pandemic.
• Everyone to enjoy Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre in Traralgon regardless of ability or language with introduction of Access Key
  Latrobe City Council delivers Access Key to customise accessibility to Gippsland Aquatic Centre (GRAC) in Traralgon
• Community feedback for Traralgon Recreation Reserve and Showgrounds and Glenview Park precincts masterplans from Latrobe City Council
  Council has developed masterplans to redevelop the TRR&S and create a new community and events hub at Glenview park.
• How Labor's tax hike will slug Gippsland farmers, families and businesses
  Victorians pay the highest land taxes in Australia, but still the government is hiking them up even further.
• Green light for Australia Day celebrations to go ahead in Latrobe City
  Celebrations of culture, community and connectedness will go ahead on Australia Day at venues across Latrobe City.
• Restoring shellfish reef ecosystems in Gippsland Lakes will help protect environment and boost local jobs and tourism
  A new native shellfish reef will bring new life to the Gippsland Lakes as well as providing a boost of up to 25 local jobs and enhancing tourism and recreation.
• Andrews Labor government still delay on-the-spot fines for farm trespass
  On-the-spot fines for activists who trespass on Victorian farms and threaten the safety of farm families still aren't in place.
• New Maryvale Mill Energy from Waste Facility will add local jobs from federal government's $48.2M investment through Modern Manufacturing Initiative program
  Latrobe City Council welcomes the federal government's commitment of $48.2 million to the energy from waste facility at the Maryvale Mill through the Modern Manufacturing Initiative.
• Amphibious harvester arrives in Wellington Shire to help clean up weed problem in lakes
  A weed-eater that would help clean up the weed-causing problems at the lakes.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting to be held at Trafalgar Business Centre 10 August 2022
  Residents of Trafalgar and surrounds are invited to attend an ordinary council meeting held at 5:30pm on Wednesday 10 August at the Trafalgar Business Centre.
• Worker shortage will derail Victorian and Gippsland farms and agriculture businesses
  The Andrews Labor Government has failed to step up to the plate to solve a desperate shortage of workers across Victorian farms and agriculture businesses.
• Traralgon Recreation Reserve gets $2.75M for new facilities development as part of Victorian government 2022/23 budget
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed the Victorian government's budget contribution of $2.75 million towards developing new facilities at Traralgon Recreation Reserve (TRR), which is a key component of council's Traralgon Flood Recovery Project.
• Glengarry Mechanics Institute officially re-opens after $557,074 refurbished funded by federal and Victorian governments
  Latrobe City Council in partnership with Member for Gippsland Darren Chester MP, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing MP and the Latrobe Valley Authority officially opened the refurbished Glengarry Mechanics Institute yesterday.
• Come meet AFL legend Eddie Betts at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium Catterick Crescent in Traralgon on 28 June 2022
  Latrobe City Libraries are excited to announce that AFL legend and anti-racism campaigner, Eddie Betts, is coming to Latrobe City to read from his children's books, sign autographs, answer questions and kick a footy around.
• Morwell Park Primary School gets $5.35M expansion and upgrade from Victorian government and Colman Education Foundation
  Latrobe City Council is pleased to partner with the Department of Education and Training, Morwell Park Primary School and the Colman Education Foundation to implement the Our Place approach at Morwell Park.
• Russell Northe questions parliament over homeless crisis in Latrobe Valley
  Mr Northe and his office had been contacted by countless people who were either homeless or at grave risk of homelessness with the situation seemingly more prevalent than ever right now.
• Andrew Giles MP promises $10M to Stage two of Gippsland Logistics Precinct project ahead of federal election
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed a $10 million election promise to progress the Gippsland Logistics Precinct from the Labor Party ahead of the Federal election.
• Bidfood Morwell new cold storage food distribution facility and LV Shade Sails expansion get Victorian government support
  Latrobe City Council welcomes the Victorian government's support of 47 new jobs across Morwell and Traralgon through the Regional Jobs Fund.
• Kosciusko and Bank Street intersection in Traralgon to get vital safety upgrade as part of federal government's $300M commitment for 2022
  Latrobe City Council is pleased Regional Roads Victoria will begin vital upgrades at key intersections along the Princes Highway this year.
• Roadside and Footpath Trading policy from Baw Baw Shire Council balances business benefit and community safety
  Council adopted a roadside and footpath trading policy for traders.
• Kilmany Resource Recovery Centre has road access temporarily from intersection of Princes Highway and Velore Road
  The Princes Highway East Upgrade will add 43km of new dual lanes to the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale, which is being delivered in 3 stages, there will be temporary road access for Kilmany Resource Recovery Centre
• Almost 20,000 young Victorians suffer cruel access delays to recovery programs from Andrews Labor government
  The nation's largest mental health worker recruitment drive is needed to arrest "heightened levels of anxiety and mood distress" in young Victorians, as data today reveals an alarming spike in students diagnosed with learning disabilities.
• Emergency services personnel denied COVID-19 vaccine priority in Latrobe Valley
  Emergency services workers removed from vaccine priority list in Victoria by the Andrews Government.
• Beekeepers share the buzz about access to Colquhoun Forest, near Nowa Nowa in East Gippsland
  East Gippsland Councillors joined the Victorian Apiarists' Association and Gippsland Apiarist Association on a field tour of beekeeping sites.
• One Gippsland says 2022/23 Victorian budget will help boost to recovery of region
  One Gippsland has welcomed the Victorian government's broader investment in health, economic recovery and support for First Nations Victorians.
• Health Advocate Jane Anderson re-appointed by state government to improve the health and wellbeing of people in Latrobe Valley
  The Victorian Government is ensuring the right leadership is in place to improve the health and wellbeing of people in the Latrobe Valley.
• Gippsland Performing Arts Centre officially opened by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas as centerpiece of the $42M Latrobe Creative Precinct
  The much-anticipated Gippsland Performing Arts Centre has opened its doors to the public, with the state-of-the-art space to become a drawcard for locals and visitors bringing top acts to the region.
• Replacement of Downies Bridge timbers in Traralgon South is nearing completion with help of federal government's Bridges Renewal Program
  Work to upgrade Downies Bridge in Traralgon South is well underway.
• Libraries Victoria App makes it easier for readers to access thousands of eBooks, eAudiobooks or digital magazines for all ages and interests
  A new online catalogue and digital services makes it easier to browse and borrow, from home, work or even on the go, any time of the day or night.
• Tee-Up Golf Day 2021 in Traralgon raises $20,000 for suicide prevention and mental health with help of Russell Northe and Rotary Club
  Member for Morwell, Russell Northe has spoken of his pride with regards to the business and community support that was received for the 2021 Tee-Up for Mental Health Day to which Mr Northe co-hosted along with the Rotary Club of Traralgon.
• Bairnsdale residents getting improved access to Centrelink and Medicare services
  Bairnsdale residents will have improved access to Centrelink and Medicare services when the Services Australia Service Centre in Bairnsdale undergoes an upgrade.
• Why Russell Broadbent used right to choose Ivermectin and vaccine alternatives to help recovery from his COVID-19 infection
  Russell Broadbent has been open and transparent about being COVID-19 vaccine free, becoming infected with COVID-19 and then his choice to use alternative treatments like Ivermectin against COVID-19.
• Biggs Drive crossing upgrade will improve accessibility to Wonthaggi CBD and include pram access
  Bass Coast Shire Council is fully funding this $40,000 project, which will get underway from Monday, 7 March and take two weeks to complete.
• Glengarry community invited to discuss updates to flood overlays and drainage on 17 March 2022
  In response to community interest, Latrobe City Council will hold a community open house session this week to discuss the proposed planning scheme Amendment C131.
• Russell Northe encourages community support for Gippsland hospice at Churchill in Latrobe Valley
  Online petition for state government to consider and explore opportunities to build a hospice in the local community.
• Proposed community hub for Glenview Park in Traralgon supported by Darren Chester
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is supporting Latrobe City Council's proposal to establish a community hub and purpose built facility for local groups at Glenview Park in Traralgon.
• On-the-spot fines for trespass on Victorian farms still not ready nearly two years later
  New on-the-spot fines for extreme activists who trespass on Victorian farms and threaten the safety of farm families still aren't in place.
• Bass Coast looks forward to working with the Victorian government to help with 2026 Commonwealth Games
  Bass Coast Shire Council welcomed today's 2026 Commonwealth Games hosting announcement and looks forward to working with the State Government on securing popular sports.
• Community feedback is being sought by the council on pedestrian and cyclist safety in CBD areas of Warragul and Drouin
  Council is seeking community input about pedestrian and cyclist safety concerns on roads within the CBD areas of Warragul and Drouin.
• Update on Esso Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) projects in Gippsland to help reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions
  The Committee for Gippsland's Gippsland Hydrogen Cluster hosted a presentation from Esso Australia in Sale last week, updating members on Esso's Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) projects.
• Strengthening community safety in Moe with 35 new CCTV in CBD
  Community members and businesses welcomed the installation of 35 new CCTV cameras in the Moe CBD Precinct.
• Applications open for funding for Gippsland Logistics Precinct in Morwell to create jobs in Latrobe Valley
  The Victorian government is unlocking more job opportunities for rural and regional Victorian communities, with the next round of the flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure fund now open for applications.
• Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (TRRCR) transformed from barren paddock to historic gem in Latrobe City
  Over the past 30 years the Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve (TRRCR) has been transformed from a barren grazing paddock forgotten by time into an historic gem of Latrobe City.
• Increases in Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment and Jobseeker Payment payments to help keep up with the cost of living
  40,299 people in Monash will benefit from a boost to their social security payments from 20 March to help them keep up with the changes in the cost of living.
• Mental health cut $60M from Beyond Blue, Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia, Lifeline and Kids Helpline by Andrews Labor government
  Mental Health Minister James Merlino has confirmed almost $60 million of cruel cuts to mental health programs that were designed to help struggling Victorians recover from the pandemic.
• Wurruk development four-year strategic plan adopted by Wellington Shire Council to help address acute housing shortage
  Council today took the first step to address Wellington's acute housing shortage, paving the way to facilitate the development of around 1600 new housing lots.
• Youth-specific rehabilitation facility on Northern Avenue in Traralgon officially opened as part of Victorian Ice Action Plan
  Latrobe Valley and Gippsland youth to get the alcohol and drugs rehabilitation support they need through Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA).
• Bringing manufacturing home needed to solve growing shortages of essential chemicals and spare parts by Victorian farm businesses
  The global supply chain took a battering in the COVID pandemic and now conflict between Russia and the Ukraine is further shaking the foundations of Victoria's key import and export markets.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets direction for health, wellbeing and accessibility
  The importance of health, wellbeing, access and inclusion in Bass Coast has been recognised by Bass Coast Shire Council.
• Relief for storm affected and areas of power outage in Wellington Shire
  The Wellington community has come together to provide assistance in various ways to help other community members.
• Sarsfield community shocked over being ruled ineligible for Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grants program
  Heavily bushfire impacted community had its application for recovery funding under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery grants program denied without even being assessed.
• Delburn Wind Farm proposal seeks approval for 33 turbine wind energy facility in in the Strzelecki Ranges to south of Latrobe Valley
  The Delburn Wind Farm Pty Ltd seeks approval to develop a 33-turbine wind energy facility located in south-east Victoria, in the Strzelecki Ranges, to the south of the Latrobe Valley.
• Omeo Mountain Bike Trails can proceed as planned
  Mountain bikers, tourism operators and supporting businesses are jumping with joy following news that the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails can proceed as planned.
• Regions like Gippsland out of lockdown but it's the lockdown they didn't need to have
  Truth about the COVID-19 information hidden to the Victorians.