Latest News

• Add My News • Search Old News

Gippsland › Latest news › Baw Baw Local News

Drouin Civic Park highlights gets new interpretive signage highlighting its historical and natural features

New seven interpretive signages in Drouin Civic Park highlights historical and natural features, celebrated in a launch ceremony and walking tour. The community-driven project enhances visitors' understanding of the park's significance.

By news@gippsland - 17th July 2023 - Back to News

Residents and visitors alike can easily explore the rich history and natural significance of Drouin Civic Park thanks to new interpretive signage recently installed to highlight notable locations and features.

Judy Farmer, Cr Keith Cook, Cr Peter Kostos, Mayor Annemarie McCabe and Helen Timbury with History of Civic Park Sign

Signs installation

In total, seven signs have been installed throughout Drouin's Civic Park acknowledging:

• John Grubb Park
• Drouin's Father of Parks and Gardens (acknowledging Leo Boeyen)
• The Path of Achievement
• Keith Pretty and the soundshell
• Froggy Hollow
• The View from Here
• The History of Civic Park

Each sign shares local stories and information, shining a spotlight on the sites' historical and natural importance. A launch ceremony and walking tour took place earlier today to officially acknowledge the signage.

Celebrating with the event

Numerous attendees with close ties to the project joined the celebrations, including

• Baw Baw Shire Mayor and Councillors
• Representatives of Friends of Drouin Trees
• Keith Pretty and family
• Jenny Boeyen
• Karen Thomson (family of Leo Boeyen)
• Helen Timbury (the signs' designer)
• Beau Ledger of Drouin Signs (responsible for their manufacture)
• Members of the Project Reference Group
• Council officers and community members

The Mayor of Baw Baw Shire, Councillor Annemarie McCabe, delivered a brief speech, expressing her appreciation for the collaborative efforts that made the interpretive signage project a reality. "It is just wonderful to see the completed signs installed here in Civic Park, and to think of all the people who will now have the opportunity to explore the park and learn all about each location's natural features and history."

Community-driven signage project

Cr McCabe also said, "The signage project was undertaken as part of an overarching masterplan for the park and is the direct outcome of the thorough community consultation conducted as part of the master plan's development."

"The signs were something our community really wanted to see, and I'd like to acknowledge and express my gratitude to all those involved in bringing this project to life," she said.

Historical signage tribute

In developing the signs and their content Friends of Drouin's Trees played a central role, supplying much of the historical content recorded in the signs. "I think this signage really matters," says Friends of Drouin's Trees representative Judy Farmer.

"If you don't have the signs, you don't have the context, the significance and that glimmer of history. And so our purpose - and I'm really grateful to be able to do this while Jenny Boeyen [wife of Leo Boeyen] is still with us and while Keith (Pretty) is still with us - was to acknowledge the incredible contributions made by them. They are not small contributions. They are huge," she said. The signage is now proudly on permanent display throughout Drouin's Civic Park.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
  Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing.
• 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.
• Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
  A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity.
• Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
  Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement.
• 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.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• 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.
• 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.
• Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior honoured for Warragul Station Park artwork celebrating culture, community and family legacy
  Indigenous artist Lionel Rose Junior's cockatoo design now features in Warragul Station Park, honouring Kurnai and Gunditjmara heritage, community ties, and his family legacy alongside uncle Lionel Rose's iconic statue.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 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.
• 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 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.
• Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
  Darren Chester delivered a $3000 Volunteer Grant to Rosedale Historical Society, funding eco-friendly heating upgrades that improve safety and sustainability while supporting volunteers and preserving the district's heritage for future generations.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• 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.
• Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
  The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 24 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council appointed Tilla Buden as CEO, adopted the Domestic Animal Management Plan, awarded Drouin streetscape contract, deferred Alex Goudie Park Master Plan, and endorsed updated delegation guidelines at its 24 September meeting.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Omeo Justice Precinct draft masterplan unveiled to preserve heritage, enhance community use, and boost economy
  Omeo Mountain Bike Park opens December with over 100km of world-class trails, boosting tourism, jobs, and community pride. Final touches, shuttles, and events promise an inclusive, adventure-filled destination.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
  Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy.