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Melbourne Cup Day Remains A HolidayBass Coast will keep the Melbourne Cup Day holiday on Tuesday, 1 November 2011 and celebrate "the race that stops a nation" together with visitors to the region. By Bass Coast - 21st October 2011 - Back to News Local councils in regional Victoria have again been given the option to change the Melbourne Cup Day holiday to another day. Bass Coast Shire Council decided to stay with the traditional Melbourne Cup holiday, to avoid confusion in the community and for visitors.
Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Veronica Dowman, said the Minister for Tourism advised that recent changes to the Public Holidays Act 1993 meant Council could again choose its own race day public holiday for the Shire. "These latest changes mean that regional councils have the option to choose to celebrate more significant local race days or agricultural show days instead of Melbourne Cup," explained Cr Dowman.
"There have been several changes to the Act over the past five years that have either given flexibility for regional councils to choose a race day or advised us that we must stay with the Melbourne Cup Day holiday. "This has sent some confusing messages to our community so I want to be sure that everyone knows that Bass Coast will have Tuesday, 1 November as their Cup Day holiday.
The holiday on the first Tuesday of November and the traditional long weekend is still the best option for Bass Coast as it attracts large numbers of visitors to the area.
"Visitors who have the Cup Day holiday take advantage of the long weekend to take a break from the city, making Cup Day weekend very busy for the Shire," said Cr Dowman.
"Changing the date back and forth is too confusing for visitors, local businesses and services that need to make arrangements for public holidays. "We are staying with Melbourne Cup Day. It is a great Victorian tradition and Council wants people to enjoy a race day that brings community and visitors together to celebrate," said Cr Dowman.
In April 2011, the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Louise Asher made amendments to the Public Holidays Act 1993, to restore options for regional councils to allocate an alternate Melbourne Cup Day holiday.
This change reversed a 2008 State Government decision to formalise public holiday dates and fix Melbourne Cup Day as the public holiday across Victoria.
Businesses needing clarification of public holiday trade restrictions or entitlements for employees should visit www.business.vic.gov.au.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Danny O’Brien calls Labor’s free November travel scheme a stunt, with Gippsland commuters disrupted
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Gippsland MP Darren Chester has resigned from the Coalition shadow ministry but says he remains committed to representing Gippslanders and regional Australians in Parliament despite political tensions over legislation proposed. - Celebrate Korumburra Railway Precinct new skatepark with skate clinics, demos, activities and community giveaways
Celebrate the new Korumburra Railway Precinct skatepark on Friday, 13 March, 3.30pm, with skate clinics, demonstrations, group activities, and giveaways for skateboarders, roller skaters, scooter, and bike riders. - 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. - Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson criticises delays, saying regional communities are neglected compared to metropolitan Melbourne
Latrobe City Mayor has criticised major delays to key road safety projects in Moe and Traralgon, saying regional communities are being left behind metropolitan Melbourne. - 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. - 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. - Darren Chester honours all who served, remembering lives lost, wounded, and the enduring impact on Darwin’s community
Australia marks Bombing of Darwin Day on February 19, honouring more than 240 killed in 1942 and recognising wartime sacrifice, resilience, and the ongoing need to properly resource Defence personnel. - Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Parks Week with various free events from 28 February to 8 March 2026
Wellington Shire celebrates Parks Week 2026 with free and low-cost events, including Baby’s Day Out, fitness sessions, markets, walks, and family activities, encouraging community connection and outdoor enjoyment. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Peri Urban Councils Victoria outlines Federal Budget priorities for housing, digital and transport infrastructure growth
Peri Urban Councils Victoria Chair Moira Berry is available Tuesday 12 May to discuss budget priorities, including housing infrastructure, digital connectivity and transport solutions for fast-growing regional communities.
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