Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Aviation Training Day Preparation For Fire SeasonThe Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and CFA will have two fixed wing aircraft based full-time at the Latrobe Valley and Bairnsdale airbases from today, ready for immediate deployment over summer.
By CFA & DSE - 22nd December 2011 - Back to News These aircraft are part of a fleet of 41 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft in Victoria for the fire
season. 150 additional aircraft are available throughout the fire season to provide surge capacity.
DSE District Manager Geoff Pike said fire-fighting personnel are taking part in a full-scale practice
session today, putting every element of the air attack process to the test and ensuring absolute
readiness for the upcoming season.
"These exercises include mixing retardant, supplying and loading the aircraft, and practising using
the communications equipment," Mr Pike said.
"We need to make sure we test every component of our aerial response system. Having everyone
here allows us to make sure they are fully familiar with the airbase, the aircraft and equipment."
In addition to practice at the airbase, the exercise also involved the aircraft coordinating with
ground fire crews to do practice water and foam drops in a simulated exercise north of Tyers.
Aircraft will be based around the state, dependant on fire risk and will be pre-positioned on bad fire
days.
Aircraft are valuable firefighting tools that are supported by on-ground firefighters, vehicles and
equipment. Aerial suppression is mostly used for 'first attack' in cases where a fire is in otherwise
inaccessible terrain or to support ground operations.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy. - Wellington students explore aviation careers through industry tour across Sale and Longford facilities on 17 March 2026
Students from across Wellington Shire have taken a hands-on step into the world of aviation, experiencing firsthand the career opportunities available right on their doorstep through an Aviation Taster Tour hosted by Wellington Shire Council. - Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors. - World Wetlands Day celebrates West Gippsland’s culturally significant wetlands and enduring traditional owner knowledge
World Wetlands Day highlights West Gippsland’s globally significant wetlands on Bunurong and Gunaikurnai Country, celebrating traditional knowledge, heritage and efforts protecting waterways, biodiversity and Country into the future. - Latrobe City Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories. - Farm Field Day boosts production, biodiversity, carbon reduction and income with shelterbelts on 2 December 2025
Join us at Bushy Park on 2 December to learn from experts and farmers how shelterbelts boost production, biodiversity, carbon reduction, and farm income, with practical tips and funding advice. - East Gippsland Australia Day Awards celebrate community spirit, honouring events and initiatives making meaningful impact in 2026
The 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards honoured the Winter Festival and Breast Care Support Fund for fostering connection, generosity, and community spirit across the region. - Middle of Everywhere ANZAC Week Airshow returns celebrating aviation, ANZAC spirit and regional pride at West Sale Airport on 18-19 April 2026
The Middle of Everywhere ANZAC Week Airshow returns 18–19 April at West Sale Airport, featuring thrilling aerobatics, military and civilian aircraft displays, and up-close experiences celebrating aviation, ANZAC spirit, and regional pride. - Latrobe City to celebrate Australia Day with free events, pools, citizenship ceremony, and community awards
Latrobe City will celebrate Australia Day with free community events, pool access, citizenship ceremonies, and awards recognising outstanding volunteers, fostering connection, fun, and community spirit across multiple towns. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - South Gippsland Australia Day photography competition success and other council updates
South Gippsland updates: Australia Day photo winners announced, Summerfield Oval renamed, immunisation sessions extended, community events, workshops, youth strategy consultation, and Council job opportunities available. - Bass Coast hosts 2026 International Women’s Day lunch celebration guest speaker Hannah Diviney at Phillip Island Winery, Ventnor on 6 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host its 2026 International Women’s Day Lunch on 6 March at Phillip Island Winery, featuring guest speaker Hannah Diviney, celebrating women’s achievements, equality and community connection. - East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards honours volunteers, youth leaders, and inspiring community events
Over 200 people gathered at Lakes Entrance to celebrate the 2026 East Gippsland Australia Day Awards, honouring outstanding volunteers, youth leaders, and community events strengthening connection, service, and local spirit. - Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - South Gippsland Shire Australia Day photo competition is now open and other council updates
Capture South Gippsland for the Australia Day photo competition! Open and junior categories, $500/$300 prizes. Smartphone or camera accepted. Entries close 18 January 2026, winners announced 26 January. - South Gippsland Shire Australia Day photo competition is now open and other council updates
Capture South Gippsland for the Australia Day photo competition! Open and junior categories, $500/$300 prizes. Smartphone or camera accepted. Entries close 18 January 2026, winners announced 26 January. - Sarsfield Fire Brigade launches fundraiser to support Yarck bushfire recovery efforts on 10 February to 10 March 2026
The Sarsfield Rural Fire Brigade has launched a fundraiser supporting Yarck bushfire recovery, collecting fencing materials, tools, and donations to help residents rebuild and protect livestock after January’s fires. - Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment. - Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season. - East Gippsland Council opens 2026 Australia Day Awards nominations to celebrate outstanding community contributions
East Gippsland Council is calling for nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating individuals, groups, and events that make outstanding contributions to the community across volunteering, sport, arts, and environment. - Australia to celebrate inaugural Red and Yellow Day honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting water safety initiatives
Australia will celebrate its first Red & Yellow Day on March 4, 2026, honouring volunteer lifesavers and supporting lifesaving clubs through community participation and fundraising for vital water safety initiatives. - Darren Chester praises TAFE Gippsland and BRHS partnership for training local students to strengthen regional health workforce
Darren Chester praised TAFE Gippsland and BRHS for training local students, highlighting regional partnerships as key to addressing health workforce shortages and encouraging young people to pursue local health careers. - East Gippsland opens nominations for 2026 Australia Day Awards recognising outstanding community contributions and achievements
East Gippsland Shire Council invites nominations for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising individuals, groups, and events for outstanding community contributions in volunteering, sport, arts, environment, and service. - Baw Baw Shire fire danger period begins on 27 October with restrictions and safety measures
Baw Baw Shire Fire Danger Period starts 27 October. Residents should prepare properties, follow fire restrictions, and can use free green waste drop-offs to reduce bushfire risks. - Community sought for Teen Mental Health First Aid instructor training through Live4Life South Gippsland program initiative
The Live4Life South Gippsland Partnership Group invites community members to apply for Teen Mental Health First Aid Instructor training, with EOIs open until 29 March 2026. Contact 5662 9200 for inquiries. - Tim Bull says firewood shortage worsened by Labor policies amid abundant bush timber
Tim Bull says Labor’s native timber shutdown has caused firewood shortages in East Gippsland, despite record bush fuel loads, urging practical policy changes to reduce fire risk and supply timber responsibly. - Labor under fire as Treasurer dodges questions on cuts to vital frontline emergency services jobs
Labor faces backlash over emergency services job cuts, with Treasurer Jaclyn Symes denying losses despite reports of hundreds axed. Nationals accuse Labor of financial mismanagement, risking regional safety and environmental protection. - Gippsland CFA volunteers still wait for critical fire station upgrades amid $55M Labor funding cuts
Gippsland CFA volunteers face years-long delays for safe, modern fire stations as Labor cuts $55 million, reducing equipment, compensation, and infrastructure, putting communities at risk and demanding urgent funding. - Nominations open for Baw Baw Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards celebrating local community champions
Nominations are open for Baw Baw Shire 2026 Australia Day Awards, celebrating outstanding individuals, organisations, and events that make the community stronger. Entries close Friday, 24 October 2025. - Latrobe Regional Gallery launches Autumn 2026 season, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage and environment
Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn 2026 season opens 7 February, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage, identity, environment, and connections to place, including works by Lucy Hersey and Janina Green. - Bass Coast Sustainability Festival 2026 celebrates community creativity, and environmental care at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes on 7 March 2026
The 2026 Bass Coast Sustainability Festival at Blue Gum Reserve, Cowes, celebrates community, creativity, and environmental care with workshops, live music, stalls, food, and special guest Craig Reucassell. - Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives. - Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management. - East Gippsland celebrates community contributions at 2026 Australia Day Awards with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador
East Gippsland’s 2026 Australia Day Awards, hosted 21 January at Lakes Entrance, will honour residents’ contributions with Dr Patrick Kinsella as Ambassador, featuring live entertainment, barbecue, and community celebration. - Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions. - Tim Bull accuses Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, prioritising former timber industry assets
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, and prioritising former timber industry assets over existing external plant panel workers. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Wellington Sustainability Festival returns with various workshops and family-friendly fun celebrating sustainable living in Sale on 14 March 2026
The Wellington Sustainability Festival returns Saturday 14 March in Sale, offering workshops, garden tours, live music, kids’ activities, eco-market stalls, renewable energy displays, and family-friendly sustainable living experiences. - South Gippsland Council partners with Volunteering Gippsland to support and deliver community training across Gippsland libraries and hubs
Council, with Volunteering Gippsland and regional councils, offers free community training at Korumburra Library, covering volunteer management, strategic planning, and partnership building across Gippsland. - Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience. - Melina Bath warned Delburn Wind Farm risks bushfires, affecting 1,600 nearby homes and challenging emergency services
A parliamentary petition, backed by Melina Bath, opposes the Allan government’s $650M Delburn Wind Farm bailout, citing fire risk, noise, visual impacts, and mismanagement of taxpayer funds. - Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join family-friendly Australia Day celebrations on 22 and 26 January 2026
Residents are invited to free, family-friendly Australia Day celebrations across Baw Baw Shire, reflecting on history, recognising First Nations cultures, welcoming new citizens, thanking volunteers, and celebrating community spirit together. - Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities. - 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. - Tim Bull urges reflection and respect on Remembrance Day honouring all Australian servicemen
Tim Bull urges all Australians to honour veterans and current servicemen, reflecting on their sacrifice, courage, and service, while supporting commemorative events and ensuring no veteran is ever forgotten. - Baw Baw Shire honours nine outstanding individuals and groups at 2026 Australia Day Awards ceremony held on 22 January 2026
Nine individuals and groups were honoured at Baw Baw Shire’s 2026 Australia Day Awards for outstanding community service, celebrated by Mayor Kate Wilson and the local community. - Darren Chester honours Gippsland farmers and workers on National Agriculture Day for vital regional contributions
Darren Chester has praised Gippsland’s farmers and agricultural workers on National Agriculture Day, recognising their resilience, vital economic contribution and essential role in sustaining local communities and ensuring ongoing food security. - Danny O'Brien seeks explanation for South Gippsland entering fire danger period earlier than neighbouring regions
Danny O'Brien has urged the Emergency Services Minister to explain why South Gippsland entered the Fire Danger Period early, leaving farmers concerned about limited time for essential burn-offs and cleanup. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance. - CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success. - South Gippsland Shire Council congratulates the nominees and winners of 2026 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards and other updates
South Gippsland celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards at Meeniyan Hall, recognising outstanding citizens, youth, and community events, with winners Valerie Wilson, Erica Begg, Rhiannon Rawlins, and Loch Food and Wine Festival. - Gippsland Water promotes hydration and sustainability with popular portable drinking fountains at Traralgon International tennis tournament
Gippsland Water’s portable drinking fountains at the Traralgon International help players and spectators stay hydrated, promote tap water, support community events, and reduce single-use plastic for environmental sustainability. - Tim Bull claims Environment Minister misled contractors, as DEECA contracts may reduce existing external panel work
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor Government of cutting fire mitigation work for contractors, misleading them on funding, and failing to maintain promised work volumes across East Gippsland. - Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans during fire danger period
Gippsland Water urges customers to include alternate water sources in bushfire plans, store emergency drinking water, and follow CFA advice during the Fire Danger Period from 27 October to 1 May 2026. - Latrobe City outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits. - Melina Bath urges safe driving, responsible camping across Eastern Victoria during busy Australia Day weekend celebrations
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath urges motorists to drive safely and campers to follow regulations during Australia Day weekend, respecting fire warnings, the environment, and local community events. - East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays. - Tim Bull criticises Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing G-Wagon concerns, warning Gippsland’s fire preparedness is reduced
Tim Bull criticises Environment Minister Dimopoulos for dismissing concerns about withdrawn G-Wagon firefighting vehicles, warning Gippsland faces reduced fire preparedness and urging clear answers before the upcoming fire season. - Melina Bath said CFA volunteers face risks due to aging equipment and $55M funding shortfall since 2020
The CFA faces a $50 million deficit as volunteers fight fires with aging equipment, with funding lagging inflation despite Allan Labor’s claims, exposing ongoing crisis and growing pressure on brigades. - Baw Baw Shire residents urged to be vigilant and follow safety rules despite fire restriction ease
Despite eased restrictions, fire risk remains. Residents can conduct burn-offs under strict rules, must supervise fires, follow regulations, and stay alert as total fire ban days may still apply. - Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program. - Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires. - 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. - Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Defence’s legacy with Freedom of Entry march and Army community day in Sale this October
Wellington Shire Council invites residents to attend Sale’s Freedom of Entry march on 18 October and Army community day on 19 October, celebrating Defence’s historic connection with the local community. - Melina Bath has raised concerns in Parliament about Emerald Secondary College closures and urged fire upgrades
Melina Bath raises concerns over Emerald Secondary College closures during high fire danger days, urging Allan government to improve fire resilience and keep schools safely open, reducing learning disruption for students. - Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026. - Gippsland Water shares practical water-saving tips, family activities, sign-up at Wellington Sustainability Festival on 14 March 2026
Gippsland Water will share water-saving tips, family activities, and Sounding Board sign-ups at the Wellington Sustainability Festival, Saturday 14 March, at Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre, Sale - Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties and plans for heightened bushfire risk this summer
The Nationals’ Melina Bath urges eastern Victoria residents to prepare properties, review Bushfire Survival Plans, and stay informed to reduce risk and protect families, pets, and communities this summer. - 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. - 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. - Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect. - 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. - Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026. - Dr Patrick Kinsella’s decades-long contributions to healthcare, sport, media, and community celebrated at 2026 Australia Day Awards
Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards.
|
|
