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South Gippsland Council advocates for the shire at ALGA National General Assembly and other updates

South Gippsland leaders advocated in Canberra, launched Eat Drink Play, opened community grants, progressed Wilsons Prom revitalisation, improved coastal access,feedback on Korumburra Skate Park, and supported resilience and cultural events.

By news@gippsland - 3rd July 2025 - Back to News

Our Mayor Cr John Schelling, Deputy Mayor Cr Sarah Gilligan, Cr Nathan Hersey and Chief Executive Officer Allison Jones recently made the trip to Canberra, attending the Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) National General Assembly. While in Canberra, they took the opportunity to advocate for the needs of South Gippsland and were pleased to meet with numerous Australian government representatives.

Mayor Cr John Schelling, Councillors, and CEO Allison Jones visited Canberra for the ALGA Assembly, advocating South Gippsland's needs with Australian government representatives

These meetings were very productive and gave the team the opportunity to speak about the challenges and opportunities facing South Gippsland and the importance of partnership between all levels of government.

Eat drink play Gippsland

Eat Drink Play Gippsland has been officially launched, and we're thrilled to be hosting this vibrant celebration of Gippsland produce and producers right here in South Gippsland. The festival will showcase a variety of Gippsland-based restaurants, boutique wineries, small-batch cheesemakers, brewers and more.

• When: Saturday 18 October
• Where: Leongatha Railway Precinct

Meet the people behind the plate, glass and paddock, and celebrate the region's rich food and drink scene. Then turn up the volume with an epic night of live music with Steph Strings, Emma Donovan performing 'Take Me To The River' a tribute to timeless soul classics, and Melbourne Ska Orchestra. To purchase your tickets, visit Humanitix website.

Eat Drink Play Gippsland launches in South Gippsland, celebrating local produce, wineries, brewers, and live music at Leongatha Railway Precinct, Saturday 18 October

Community grants

The Community Grants Program is now open for round one applications. The Program aims to support community initiatives that enhance the quality of life, heritage, recreation and cultural opportunities for South Gippsland residents. Round one applications close Sunday 31 August. For more information and to apply, visit South Gippsland - Community Grants website.

Round one of the Community Grants Program is open, supporting projects that enhance life, heritage, recreation, and culture in South Gippsland. Apply by 31 August

Wilsons Promontory revitalisation

The Victorian government has announced the next part of the $23 million Wilsons Promontory Revitalisation project is under way. Improvements to the visitor centre will include a building extension, interior upgrades, landscaping, external paths and information kiosks to make visitor experiences more accessible and sustainable.

To read more about the project, visit Premier of Victoria website.

Safer Walkerville access

The Victorian government has announced the Walkerville Foreshore Committee of Management will receive $150,000 from the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants Program. The Committee will use this to deliver safer pathways and accessible beach entry, addressing key recommendations in an accessibility audit of the Foreshore Reserve.

To read more, visit Premier of Victoria website.

Walkerville Foreshore Committee secured $150,000 from Victoria's Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants to improve pathways and beach access, meeting key accessibility audit recommendations

Community engagement

Korumburra SkatePark

Council is seeking feedback on plans for the new skate park that will be delivered as part of the Korumburra Railway Precinct Project. The skate park is aimed at beginners and intermediate skaters and will be located near the new BBQ shelter and toilet block.

Provide feedback by completing the online survey or attend one of the open engagement sessions:

• When: Monday 14 July
• Where: Korumburra Community Hub
• Skate Park Users - Anytime between 4.30pm and 6.30pm
• General - Anytime between 6.45pm and 7.30pm

To have your say, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Council proposes selling part of 71 MacDonald Street, Leongatha (127m2) to the adjoining owner. Public submissions on the proposed sale are invited

Proposed Sale of Land: Part 71 MacDonald Street, Leongatha

South Gippsland Shire Council has proposed to commence statutory procedures to sell part of the land known as Part 71 MacDonald Street, Leongatha Reservation No.1 LP21596S being 127m2 to the adjoining landowner for consolidation for no less than the valuation to be obtained not more than 6 months prior to the sale and remove the reservation status.

Members of the public are invited to make a submission regarding the proposed sale of land. To submit your feedback, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

What's on South Gippsland

Pedal and Plant 2025

South Gippsland Shire Council and South Gippsland Landcare Network are partnering with Arawata Landcare Group to plant 1500 indigenous trees, shrubs and grasses by the side of the Great Southern Rail Trail. Meeting at Ruby Hall, make your way by bike or guided walking bus to the planting site, about 1.5 kilometres along the trail.

You'll learn about the native plants and animals already living along the rail trail as you walk. At the planting site, there will be plant guards to decorate, which will not only protect the seedlings from browsing animals but also form an outdoor art gallery. For more information or to register, head to Humanitix website.

Council, Landcare and Arawata Group will plant 1500 native plants along the Rail Trail, with guided walk, art and lunch

NAIDOC Week Smoking Ceremony

The South Gippsland Hospital is celebrating NAIDOC week with a traditional smoking ceremony, including a Yidaki (didgeridoo) performance in the hospital car park, followed by warm lunch and a cosy yarn in the Fleming Room.

• Date: Wednesday 9 July
• Time: 11.00am to 1.00pm
• RSVP: Please call 5683 9777

Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund - Resilience Pilot Project

The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF), together with the experts at Resilient Building Council, are offering FREE workshops in South Gippsland to help homeowners prepare for bushfires and other natural disasters.

Want to understand your home's vulnerabilities? Learn practical ways to improve resilience? Highly regarded resilience experts are here to answer your questions. There are two South Gippsland workshops remaining to choose from:

• Tuesday 22 July in Mirboo North
• Tuesday 22 July in Leongatha

To register, visit Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) website.

Edible Bush Food Planting Day

Join a hands-on Edible Bush Food Planting Workshop in Inverloch. Guided by a local ethnobotanist Jess from Backyard Botany, you'll learn about native edible plants, receive your own to take home, and help create a community bush food garden.

• Date: Sunday 27 July
• Time: 2.00pm to 4.00pm

This garden will grow into a living resource - offering seasonal harvests and a place to deepen our shared knowledge of native foods and local land. To register, visit Edible Bush Food Planting Day page.

Your community

Kindergarten Registrations Second Round Now Open

Second round registrations for three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten are now open. To register, simply complete the online registration form and nominate your kindergarten preferences. Registrations for this round will close on Sunday 31 August. Offers will be made during the first week of October.

To ensure an easy and fair process for all parents, Council operates as a central registration system on behalf of all participating kindergartens across South Gippsland. For more information, visit Kindergarten in South Gippsland page.

Energy assistance program

Get free, one-on-one help to save on your winter energy bills. The Victorian government's Energy Assistance Program can help you get your eligible energy concession, find and switch to a better energy deal, manage energy debt, save energy at home and contact your retailer. Call 1800 161 215 or use Victorian Energy Compare to find the best offer in the market.

Australia Post community grants

Grants of up to $10,000 each are available for locally led and delivered projects that improve mental wellbeing outcomes and help people meaningfully connect in their community. If your organisation is eligible, or you know of a worthy project in your area, find out more below. Applications close Monday 7 July 2025. To know more about the community grants program, visit Australia Post website.

Flu Season

Council offers immunisation sessions across the region to help keep you and your family safe from the flu and other vaccine treated diseases. Book a vaccine at one of the upcoming community sessions by visiting South Gippsland Shire Council website.

'A culinary adventure in South Gippsland'

South Gippsland has been the focus of a fantastic blog on SilverKris, a Singapore Airline Travel Guide. Detailing a three-day tour with a snippet of our region's fantastic culinary experiences, this article is a beautiful reminder of how amazing our own backyard is! To read more, visit SilverKris website.

Walkerville Beaches have something for everyone - explore, relax, or discover history. Visit soon and experience what makes them special

Discover South Gippsland: Local Favourites from the Visitor Information Centre

Inspiration from Louise, Tourism Information Officer: "I have several favourite places in South Gippsland, but one at the top of my list must be Walkerville Beaches. This area combines everything I love: being outdoors in nature, native indigenous flora, bushwalking, a beautiful magic beach, superb views, caves, and rock pools to explore, with the fascinating history of the lime kilns. Both my daughters and I find it captivating and always enjoy our visits."

Walkerville Beaches truly offer something for everyone - whether you are a keen explorer, a history buff, or simply seeking a tranquil spot to unwind. We look forward to sharing more local favourites in upcoming editions. Until then, why not plan a visit to the Walkerville Beaches and see what makes it so special for yourself? Happy exploring!

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com