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Yinnar South fireHonouring the local victims and heroes of Yinnar South Fire. By Portal Admin - 17th March 2019 - Back to News Today in Parliament, Russell Northe will honour the local victims and heroes of our community who are fighting the Yinnar South bushfire that is currently ravaging our region, in the heartfelt speech below:
"I rise today to acknowledge and pay tribute to the immense generosity and community spirit of the people of the Morwell electorate.
As I stand here, we are experiencing the effects of bushfire activity with the Yinnar South fire threatening many communities. The townships of Budgeree, Budgeree East, Jeeralang, Jeeralang Junction, Jeeralang North, Jumbuk, Yinnar, Yinnar South and surrounds are no stranger to bushfires, having only just marked the tenth anniversary of the Black Saturday and Delburn Complex fires.
It’s a difficult time for property owners as uncertainty exists in what damage may or may not have occurred to their assets, livestock, pets and fencing. On behalf of the Morwell electorate I would like to convey my deepest respect and gratitude to all who are fighting these fires on the ground and in the air. They are working around the clock in intensely difficult conditions to protect the lives and assets of their community – they are heroes.
I would like to send an enormous thank you to those who are supporting the four hundred plus people who have registered for support at the Kernot Hall relief centre in Morwell – to Latrobe City Council staff and Councillors, local Lions Clubs, Country Women’s Association, Red Cross, DHHS and Victorian Council of Churches amongst others - you’re doing a magnificent job. To local businesses, traders, individuals and families that have donated food, water, sleeping equipment and more – I say thank you.
It makes my heart swell with pride to bear witness to the intense generosity of the local community when we face such disasters. And to all those affected we stand with you now, and will stand with you through the long and difficult road to recovery ahead".
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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Neeri Nuff Wine Bar & Kitchen in Neerim South offers stylish Gippsland dining, local produce, wines, and modern seasonal dishes in a relaxed setting. - East Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, honouring everyday heroes strengthening local communities
East Gippsland Shire celebrates National Volunteer Week 2026, recognising local volunteers’ extraordinary contributions and encouraging community members to get involved, with nominations open for the Volunteer Honour Roll all year. - Danny O'Brien visits Gippsland schools honouring Anzac Legacy by planting 100 lone pines across Victoria
Gippsland schools joined the "100 Lone Pines Project," with Danny O’Brien delivering seedlings, connecting students to Gallipoli history and honoring the Anzac legacy through planting descendant pines across Victoria. - Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to reflect on Anzac Day honouring ADF sacrifices through commemorative services
Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to reflect on Anzac Day, honouring ADF personnel and families while recognising sacrifices made to protect Australia’s freedoms and values. - Danny O’Brien warns Labor’s wasteful spending threatens local Neighbourhood Houses’ future
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien warns Labor’s mismanaged spending risks Neighbourhood Houses, urging $11.7 million funding to prevent closures, staff cuts, and protect vital community services supporting thousands weekly. - Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650M Delburn wind farm investment ignoring local community concerns
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s $650 million Delburn wind farm investment, calling it a waste of taxpayers’ money that ignores local community concerns about fire, noise, and visual impact. - East Gippsland Shire Council celebrates Volunteer Week, honouring volunteers dedicated services to the community
Volunteering is part of everyday life across East Gippsland, with council staff and community members supporting emergency services, sporting clubs and local organisations, reflecting a strong culture of community service and connection. - East Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit, honouring events and initiatives making meaningful impact in 2026
The 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards honoured the Winter Festival and Breast Care Support Fund for fostering connection, generosity, and community spirit across the region. - Committee for Gippsland welcomed Hon David Davis MP to meet local stakeholders and business leaders
Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits. - Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students. - Hard waste bookings, Coal Creek musicians expressions of interest and Planning Scheme feedback now open across South Gippsland
Book hard waste collections by 18 September, apply to perform at Coal Creek Sunday Sessions by 20 August, and provide Planning Scheme feedback before 26 July 2026. - Local community groups invited to book appointments for Baw Baw Shire minor capital grants by 29 May 2026
Baw Baw Shire invites community groups to apply for minor capital works grants, supporting local facility upgrades, inclusion projects, and equipment, with appointments now open for 2026 submissions. - Gippsland Water celebrates National Water Week poster winners, honouring young regional artists’ achievements
Gippsland Water announced its National Water Week poster winners, congratulating students for colourful submissions. Four placed in the state competition, with Heyfield Primary School winning $500 for STEM or sustainability projects. - Local children join opera Australia for Don Giovanni performance at GPAC on 21 July 2026
Fifteen Latrobe City schoolchildren will perform alongside Opera Australia in Don Giovanni at GPAC, gaining professional stage experience while showcasing emerging local talent on July 21. - Local builder awarded contract for next stage of WORLD Sporting Precinct soccer redevelopment in Bairnsdale project
East Gippsland Shire Council has awarded Brooker Builders the contract to deliver new soccer facilities at WORLD Sporting Precinct, creating a modern regional home for the sport. - West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance. - Melina Bath joined Principal Jason Horton and students planting Gallipoli Lone Pine tree
Tanjil South Primary School students planted a Lone Pine seedling under the "100 Lone Pines Project" to honour ANZAC history, preserving Gallipoli’s legacy and strengthening community remembrance of Australia’s wartime sacrifices. - Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis. - Danny O’Brien said the state’s fuel price app is ineffective, though price transparency tools like Servo Saver can help strained household budgets
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges state and federal governments to secure regional fuel supply, warning rising costs, panic-buying, and supply restrictions threaten farmers, transport, essential services, and local households. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to use free blind safety kits to prevent tragic child accidents
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien urges residents to order free Consumer Affairs Victoria blind safety kits, warning unsecured curtain cords are a hazard and simple fixes can prevent child deaths. - Tim Bull encourages local groups to apply for grants supporting veterans, preserving war memorials and heritage by 3 February 2026
Tim Bull urges local organisations to apply by 3 February 2026 for grants supporting veterans and conserving war memorials and community heritage. - Danny O’Brien encourages missed applicants to apply for round two Sporting Club Grants funding opportunities by 7 April 2026
Many Gippsland South sporting clubs and community groups secured 2025–26 Sporting Club Grants funding, boosting facilities, equipment, and volunteers, with Danny O’Brien encouraging unsuccessful clubs to apply for round two. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - Geoff Rossetti’s legacy continues as son leads Freedom of Entry March honouring Sale defence community
Geoff Rossetti’s son will lead Sale’s Freedom of Entry march, honouring family legacy and the city’s longstanding Defence connection, with community celebrations continuing at Brennan Park on 19 October. - Tim Bull urges reflection and respect on Remembrance Day honouring all Australian servicemen
Tim Bull urges all Australians to honour veterans and current servicemen, reflecting on their sacrifice, courage, and service, while supporting commemorative events and ensuring no veteran is ever forgotten. - Kay Abude appointed lead artist for Women's Public Art Program in Wonthaggi honouring Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary
Contemporary artist Kay Abude has been appointed to create a major Wonthaggi public artwork honouring the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, with community workshops and Victorian government support celebrating local history. - Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development. - Bass Coast reviews future of local markets, inviting community feedback to guide sustainable and well-managed market experiences by 24 May 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing local markets and inviting community, stallholders and businesses to share feedback to help shape future planning, safety and sustainability across the region. - Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses. - Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer.
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