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Celebrate Baw Baw Shire Australia Day with free, family-friendly community events across Baw Baw Shire on 26 January 2025

Join Baw Baw Shire's free, family-friendly Australia Day celebrations across multiple locations on January 26, including a citizenship ceremony, awards, and live entertainment. Full event details available on council's website.

By news@gippsland - 16th January 2025 - Back to News

Everyone is invited to join in the many free and family-friendly celebrations taking place across Baw Baw Shire this Australia Day. Mayor Cr Danny Goss said Australia Day was a day to reflect and celebrate. "From Aberfeldy to Tetoora Road, there are so many community events being held where our community can gather to celebrate," he said.

Join Mayor Cr Danny Goss for the citizenship ceremony and Australia Day celebrations in Warragul, featuring music, games, BBQ, and entertainment on 26 January 2025

Local community celebrations

Mayor Cr Danny Goss also said, "We celebrate the day and embrace it. It is a time to reflect on what a great Country we live in and our community supports the day in big numbers. We thank the many local community groups and volunteers who put in tireless amounts of work to deliver these events for the community to enjoy."

Free and family-friendly community celebrations will be held on Sunday 26 January at the following locations:

• Aberfeldy: 12.00pm - 4.00pm at Clarke's Flat Cabins Campground
• Cloverlea/Darnum: 12.00pm onwards at the Darnum Stump Tea Rooms
• Drouin: 1.00pm - 3.00pm at Drouin Civic Park
• Erica: 12.00pm onwards at the Erica Pavilion, opposite the Erica Hotel
• Hill End: 6.00pm onwards at the Hill End Community Centre
• Jindivick: 6.00pm onwards at the Jindivick Hall
• Labertouche: 8.00am - 10.00am for breakfast and 4.30pm onwards at the Labertouche Community Centre
• Longwarry: 11.00am onwards at Bennett Street Park
• Narracan: 7.00pm onwards at the Narracan Hall
• Neerim South: 4.30pm onwards at the Craig Watts Skate Park
• Shady Creek: 12.00pm onwards at the Shady Creek Hall
• Tanjil South: 12.00pm onwards at the Tanjil South Hall
• Tetoora Road: 4.00pm - 7.00pm at the Tetoora Road Community Centre
• Trafalgar: 8.30am onwards at the Trafalgar Public Hall
• Warragul: 11.30am - 2.00pm at the West Gippsland Arts Centre Forecourt (with a 12.15pm flag raising ceremony)
• Yarragon: 8.30am onwards at Market Street Park

For full details on each community celebration, go to the Australia Day Community Events page on council's website.

Citizenship ceremony

Hosted by Mayor Cr Danny Goss, join in a ceremony to formally welcome our newest local Australians as they take the citizenship pledge and receive their official Certificate of Australian Citizenship.

• When: 11:00am - 12:15pm on Sunday 26 January
• Where: Fountain Room, West Gippsland Arts Centre

An Australia Day celebration in Warragul will then commence from 11.30am, at the West Gippsland Arts Centre forecourt. Enjoy live music, face painting, lawn games, and a free community BBQ hosted by the Warragul Lions Club. The flag-raising ceremony will take place at 12:15pm, followed by free family-friendly entertainment and activities.

Australia Day awards

• When: 6.00pm on Wednesday 22 January
• Where: Fountain Room, West Gippsland Arts Centre

The annual awards honour and acknowledge the local legends who have made outstanding contributions to Baw Baw's community life in areas such as arts and culture, sport and recreation, business, the environment or any other area that contributes to the wellbeing of our community.
Winners will be announced in the following categories:

• Citizen of the year
• Young citizen of the year
• Community organisation of the year
• Community event of the year

Several Australia Day Medallions will also be awarded. The event will be hosted by Mayor Cr Danny Goss and feature guest speaker Bianca Bassett, a Gippsland-local who will share her journey as an accessibility and inclusion advocate and her work with Get Skilled Access, a disability inclusion consultancy founded by Dylan Alcott. This event is being held on Wednesday 22 January, prior to Australia Day.

About Bianca Bassett

Bianca, a lifelong Gippsland local, has called Lakes Entrance home for most of her 45 years. Born with a rare blood disorder, Bianca faced a significant turning point in 2016 when she lost her leg due to illness. Drawing on her personal journey, she recognised an opportunity to advocate for the importance of inclusion for people with both visible and invisible disability.

In 2021, Bianca self-published her memoir Walking My Path, an honest account of her experiences navigating loss, grief, and trauma, and emerging stronger, more resilient, and optimistic about the future. Her dedication to advancing opportunities for people with disability and promoting the benefits of access and inclusion has led her to work with Get Skilled Access, a disability inclusion consultancy founded by Dylan Alcott.

A passionate advocate for Gippsland and her community, Bianca has been an active volunteer with numerous local organisations and groups for over 25 years, including the CFA, East Gippsland Shire Council, business associations, and various local events.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Darren Chester completed his 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners. The sold-out event celebrated fitness and community spirit, with Chester inspired by marathon legend John "Dobbo" Dobson's 47th consecutive run.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• 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.
• Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environment
  Curious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit.
• Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets.
• Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Darren Chester met Tom Harms in Canberra, praising his WorldSkills selection as testament to talent and community support
  Maffra apprentice Tom Harms will represent Australia in Electrical Installations at the 2026 WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, after excelling through national trials. Darren Chester praised his achievement as Gippsland talent showcased globally.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Gippsland to join European Union Program showcasing regional innovation in clean energy, tourism, agriculture and sustainable development
  Gippsland has been selected for a European Union research program, showcasing its leadership in clean energy, tourism, and agriculture while promoting international collaboration, innovation, and investment through the IURC initiative.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• 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 secures long-term protection for distinctive landscapes and Western Port Woodlands
  Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy, securing long-term protections for 24 townships, distinctive landscapes, and the Western Port Woodlands while guiding sustainable future growth.
• East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
  East Gippsland Shire Council will consider proposed Raymond Island Ferry pass changes, including extra landowner passes, renter passes, and future consultation, aiming for fairer allocation and improved functionality from 2026/27.
• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Two weeks left to join Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition celebrating iconic Gippsland
  Two weeks remain to enter Darren Chester's 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, celebrating Gippsland's landscapes and talent. Entries close October 3, with winners featured among 30,000 distributed calendars showcasing 'Iconic Gippsland'.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve officially opens during Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Finals celebrations on Saturday
  Swifts Creek will celebrate the official opening of its $2.9 million upgraded recreation reserve during the Omeo District Football Netball League Grand Final on Saturday, 6 September 2025.
• Allan Labor government invests $860,000 to support and strengthen Men's Sheds across Victoria
  The Allan Labor government is investing $860,000 to support 31 men's sheds across Victoria, funding upgrades, expansions, and new equipment to strengthen communities and foster connection through shared skills.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
  The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
• Gippsland Water reappoints Sarah Cumming as Managing Director, extending leadership and community commitment until 2030
  Gippsland Water has reappointed Sarah Cumming as managing director until 2030, recognising her transformative leadership, strong community focus, and proven results, as the organisation enters a pivotal period of growth and change.
• Entries close for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar showcasing iconic scenes across Gippsland
  Entries have closed for Darren Chester's 14th #lovegippsland Calendar, with 344 stunning photos submitted capturing Gippsland's iconic landscapes. Winners will feature in the free 2026 calendar, distributed later this year.
• West Gippsland Landcare awarded $337,250 to transform landscapes, protect species, and enhance community green spaces statewide
  West Gippsland Landcare volunteers received $337,250 from 2025 Victorian Landcare Grants to restore landscapes, protect endangered species, enhance waterways, plant 30,000 trees, and engage communities in conservation projects.
• East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
  Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact.
• 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.