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Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates

South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.

By news@gippsland - 22nd October 2026 - Back to News

Nominations for the 2027 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards are closing soon. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the people who make South Gippsland such an amazing place to live, work and play. There are three categories in which to nominate. To lodge a nomination, simply answer some questions about their contribution and provide at least two letters of support. Nominations close Wednesday 4 November 2026. To find out more and to nominate head to council website.

Nominations for the 2027 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate outstanding citizens, young achievers and community events. Applications close Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Nominations for the 2027 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate outstanding citizens, young achievers and community events. Applications close Wednesday, 4 November 2026

Latest news

Seniors Festival Events

As part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, South Gippsland Shire Council welcomed over 100 community members to our inaugural Positive Ageing Expo at Leongatha Memorial Hall!. Held as part of the 2026 Seniors Festival, the Expo is a free health and wellbeing event for older adults, carers and families. Attendees met with 43 representatives from a wide range of local services, supports and organisations whilst enjoying a morning tea provided by the Country Women’s Association.

South Gippsland Council’s driving safety workshop welcomed over 30 attendees, offering older drivers expert advice from police, pharmacists and occupational therapists during Victoria’s Seniors Festival

South Gippsland Council’s driving safety workshop welcomed over 30 attendees, offering older drivers expert advice from police, pharmacists and occupational therapists during Victoria’s Seniors Festival

Staying Behind the Wheel: Enhancing Your Driving Future

Also as part of the Victorian Senior's Festival, Council's 'Staying Behind the Wheel: Enhancing Your Driving Future' workshop on 9 October. The workshop invited local police, a pharmacist, and occupational therapists to speak about driving and safety as an older person.

Over 30 community members attended the workshop, which was held at Foster War Memorial Arts Centre and hosted by U3A. Thank you to everyone who attended and participated in the workshop.

Last Citizenship Ceremony for 2026

South Gippsland Shire Council proudly welcomed our region’s newest Australian citizens at a Citizenship Ceremony and celebration held on Wednesday 7 October at Memorial Hall in Leongatha. The ceremony saw 18 conferees originally from Sweden, India, Israel, Australia, Philippines, United Kingdom, Indonesia and the Netherlands formally pledge their commitment to Australia, surrounded by family, friends and community members.

South Gippsland Council secured $495,000 in Victorian Government funding for Korumburra Railway Precinct upgrades, with Council contributing $165,000 towards community recreational facilities

South Gippsland Council secured $495,000 in Victorian Government funding for Korumburra Railway Precinct upgrades, with Council contributing $165,000 towards community recreational facilities

Investment for Korumburra

South Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the commitment from the Victorian Government to allocate $495,000 for the next stage of development works at the Korumburra Railway Precinct.

The Korumburra Railway Precinct redevelopment has activated a once derelict space, bringing a new skate park to the town in a convenient location. With the addition of the new netball and basketball shooting court and expanded landscaping, it will ensure more people can enjoy the space.

Funding will be provided through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Local Sports Infrastructure Fund, with Council contributing $165,000 towards the project.

Coal Creek building works

Works to remove end-of-life structures in the lower section of Coal Creek will commence the week beginning Monday 26 October 2026. Most of these structures were purpose-built many years ago for a farm display that is no longer operating. These structures are not considered to have historical or heritage significance and are located outside the Heritage Overlay that covers the upper section of the Park.

They have also deteriorated over time and are beyond reasonable repair, with some now presenting safety hazards. This removal will allow resources to be focused on structures and facilities that are accessible to the public and add to the visitor experience and direction of Coal Creek. There will be no disruptions to the ordinary operation of Coal Creek whilst these works are being undertaken.

Important Notice for Residents, Landowners & Freight Operators: Jeetho Road Bridge, Jeetho

Following a recent structural assessment of the bridge on Jeetho Road, Jeetho South Gippsland Shire Council advises residents, agricultural producers, heavy vehicle operators and other road users of an upcoming change in traffic conditions.

Effective Monday, 12 October 2026, a reduced load limit of 5 tonnes (Gross Vehicle Mass) will be implemented on the bridge until required structural repairs can be completed. Please refer to the public notice linked below for full details, including information about alternate access for heavy vehicles exceeding 5 tonnes.

For further information, questions regarding heavy vehicle detours, or specific access concerns, please contact the Council Infrastructure Planning Team:

To read more, head to council website.

What’s on South Gippsland

Children's Week events: 28 October, Meeniyan Hall

Baby Sensory

These sessions offer a gentle sensory adventure for your baby to explore lights, music, textures and scents in a session designed around babies' early development. These sessions are designed for babies aged 0–6 months or 7-13 months and their caregiver only. Older children cannot attend these sessions.

  • Time: 9.30 to 10.15am - for babies 7-13 months.
  • Time: 10.45 to 11.30am - for babies 0-6 months.
  • Cost: Free!

South Gippsland’s Children’s Week offers free baby sensory sessions and Little Kin Music, featuring engaging activities, songs, movement and exploration for young children and caregivers

South Gippsland’s Children’s Week offers free baby sensory sessions and Little Kin Music, featuring engaging activities, songs, movement and exploration for young children and caregivers

Little Kin Music with Strat & Lyndal

Come and sing, dance and groove with Little Kin Music and Strat & Lyndal! Join us for a joyful 45-minute session packed with songs, rhymes and movement, for kids aged 0-6 years and their grown-ups.

  • When: 10.30 to 11.15am
  • Cost: Free!

To get listed, go to Children’s Week Celebration in Meeniyan online registration page.

South Gippsland Shire Council seeks food and drink vendors for Coal Creek’s Sunday Sessions on November 15 and 29, charging $50 daily

South Gippsland Shire Council seeks food and drink vendors for Coal Creek’s Sunday Sessions on November 15 and 29, charging $50 daily

Vendors wanted

Council is looking for food and drink vendors to attend Sunday Sessions, a music event at Coal Creek, Korumburra.

  • When: Sunday 15 November and/or Sunday 29 November
  • Time: 2.00pm to 5.30pm
  • Cost: $50 vendor fee per day

Come along and be part of the Sunday Sessions fun! To register your interest, email coalcreek1@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Blue Mackerel supplier opportunities

Blue Mackerel is a proposed offshore wind project that could deliver up to 1GW of renewable energy, powering up to 750,000 Victorian homes per year. They are currently seeking expression of interests from a range of local businesses for future supply chain opportunities. An information session will be held on Tuesday 27 October from 4:00 to 6:00pm at McCartin's Hotel in Leongatha. RSVPs are required to attend. To register, go to Gateway website.

Woodside Energy: Community Information Sessions

Woodside Energy are hosting a series of community information sessions to share details on their activities, including the planned decommissioning of platforms and pipelines in Bass Strait. Interested community members are invited to come along and share their views, ask questions and raise any concerns.

  • Where: Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, 79 Main St, Foster
  • When: Wednesday 28 October, 5.00pm to 7.00pm
  • Where: Leongatha RSL, Corner Smith Street and Michael Place, Leongatha
  • When: Thursday 29 October, 5.00pm to 7.00pm

Please register your attendance by emailing feedback@woodside.com

Small Business Bus: Leongatha (Business advice)

The Small Business Bus travels to locations across Victoria providing advice and support for small businesses in metro and regional areas. Business advisors from Monarch Institute can help you with 1:1 tailored advice to help you start, build, or transform your small business.

  • When: Tuesday 10 November, sessions available between 10.00am and 4.00pm
  • Where: Car Park, 9 Smith St Leongatha
  • Confidential sessions are 45-minutes, free of charge and bookings are essential

Book through Business Victoria website.

Workshop: Maximising Your Marketing

Delivered by Business Victoria, this workshop is for small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to enhance their marketing and attract more customers.

You will learn to:

  • Understand the role of marketing in business success
  • Conduct market research to gain target audience insights
  • Identify opportunities to attract and engage your ideal customers
  • Maximise customer satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy
  • Use social media to extend your marketing reach

Discover how you can improve your marketing, boost customer engagement and reach your business goals.

  • When: Thursday 19 November, 6.00 to 8.00pm
  • Where: Online

To register, go to Business Victoria website.

Transport Victoria: Contactless payment options now available for concession holders

Following the introduction of contactless payments on the myki and long-distance V/Line networks, concession holders now have the option to pay for their travel using bank cards, smartphones, or smartwatches.

​This means seniors, young people, carers, those on a disability support pension, war veterans, or war widow(er)s and more can now choose to use the payment option that suits them best.​ For more information, visit Transport Victoria website.

Your community

Meeniyan Marty Gras

Meeniyan Marty Gras is South Gippsland's most colourful night of the year. An incredible community comes together for an unforgettable evening of drag, dancing, laughter, outrageous costumes and fundraising for two special causes - Opportunities of Development thru Art (ODA) in Cambodia and Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc.

This year at Marty Gras, we're turning up the colour with our very first event theme: Rainbow Country. Think rainbow cowboys, disco farmers, sparkling gumtrees, country queens, fabulous flannel, glitter boots... or simply come dressed as your brightest, boldest self.

  • When: Saturday 24 October from 7.00pm
  • Where: Meeniyan Town Hall
  • Cost: $55 per person - includes supper, BYO drinks

To learn more and to get tickets, head to trybooking website.

October All Abilities Dinner

Have a drink, chat with friends, play a game, and enjoy a meal! Parents, support workers and friends are welcome.

  • When: Wednesday 28 October from 6.00pm.
  • Where: Lucky 13 Mini Golf & Arcade, 83-85 Wonthaggi Rd, Inverloch.
  • RSVP by Monday 26 October to claritycarer@gmail.com

Tarwin Lower Festival returns November 1, 2026, featuring live music, vehicle displays, market stalls, family activities, emergency services and community entertainment

Tarwin Lower Festival returns November 1, 2026, featuring live music, vehicle displays, market stalls, family activities, emergency services and community entertainment

Tarwin Lower Festival

What began as a car show run by the local auto club and men's shed has evolved into an exciting family fun day for all ages. Come along and enjoy:

  • Live music
  • Car, bike and truck show
  • Lifestyle, food and market stalls
  • Free children's amusements, rides and activities
  • Tractor and cart rides
  • Emergency Services displays from CFA, CERT, SES and Police
  • Tractors
  • Small engines

This is a festival run for the community, by the community and relies heavily on local sponsorship and volunteers.

  • When: Sunday 1 November 2026, 10.00am to 4.00pm
  • Where: Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve, 47 Walkerville Road, Tarwin Lower

To learn more and to get tickets, head to Tarwin Lower Festival website.

Carers Victoria events

Leongatha Dinner for Carers

Join us for a special Carers Dinner - an evening to recognise, celebrate and thank all the amazing carers for the care, compassion and support they provide every day. Enjoy a delicious meal, good company and a chance to relax, connect and celebrate the incredible difference carers make in our community.

  • When: Monday 9 November 6.00pm to 8.00pm
  • Where: RSL Leongatha, Michael Place and Smith Street, Leongatha

Learn more and get your tickets at eventbrite website.

Beach Yoga Inverloch Foreshore

Caring for others is rewarding, but it can also be demanding. Join us for a relaxing Beach Yoga session designed especially for carers - a chance to unwind, recharge, and connect with others in a peaceful coastal setting

  • When: Tuesday 24 November 9.30am to 10.30am
  • Where: Anderson's Inlet, Ramsey Boulevard & Venus Street, Inverloch

Learn more and get your tickets at eventbrite website.

Federation University Study Hub drop-in sessions

You're invited to two Study Hub drop-in sessions. Meet the Fed Uni team, explore the Study Hub, and find out about the support available to help students succeed throughout their studies.

  • When: Monday 9 November 4.00 to 6.00pm - pizza provided from 5.00pm
  • When: Tuesday 10 November 10.00am to 12.00pm
  • Where: 21-23 Baillieu St, Wonthaggi

To register, complete the marketing form.

Upcoming Landcare events

Knowing Nyora’s Orchids

Learn about orchids and other native plants found in Wuchatsch Reserve.

  • When: Tuesday 27 October 10.00am to 11.30am
  • Where: Wuchatsch Reserve Nyora (meet at the Forrest Drive Entrance)

For more information and to register, go to Humanitix website.

Wildflowers and Weeds Walk and Talk - Buffalo

Including presentation on Goat Grazing for weed control in South Gippsland.

  • When: Tuesday 10 November 9.30am to 12.00pm
  • Where: Buffalo Hall - Hall Road, Buffalo

For more information and to register, go to Humanitix website.

Summer sports

With summer coming, there are plenty of sports looking for players to join in the fun. From cricket to tennis, you’ll be sure to find something to suit you. To find out more, visit the links below.

Community engagement

The Stronger Communities Programme offers grants of $2,500–$20,000 for eligible Monash electorate community projects. Expressions of interest close October 30, 2026

The Stronger Communities Programme offers grants of $2,500–$20,000 for eligible Monash electorate community projects. Expressions of interest close October 30, 2026

Funding opportunities

Expressions of Interest open for the Stronger Communities Programme – Round 10

Community organisations, sporting clubs, volunteer groups, neighbourhood houses, scouts, veterans' organisations, and other local groups in the electorate of Monash can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for funding through Round 10 of the Australian Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.

Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are available, for projects with a total cost of $50,000 or less. Eligible activities may include projects such as:

  • Improving disability access and amenities
  • Upgrading amenities that support female participation in local sports
  • Purchase and installation of defibrillators and first aid equipment
  • Full list can be found in the attached flyer

EOIs must be submitted by 5.00pm on Friday 30 October 2026. To apply, complete and return the form. For more information, see the grant opportunity guidelines.

Victorian Trees on Farms Program

Eligible rural landowners can apply for grants to integrate trees into agricultural land in ways that support their farming enterprise and contribute to timber production, environmental benefits, carbon sequestration and agricultural productivity.

Funding of up to $80,000 is available for farm forestry plantings (for timber production using species with known timber qualities), and up to $40,000 for integrated environmental plantings (using a mix of native species that can provide benefits to the surrounding agricultural system.) Applications close at 5.00pm on 1 November 2026.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.


Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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