Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Latrobe Crime Watch NewsMoe, Yallourn North, Morwell, Churchill, Traralgon, Crime Watch, Police Chief Commissioner's Visit to Gippsland. By Malcolm Lawrence - 4th March 2011 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
FEBRUARY 2011
If you know anything which might help police solve or prevent a crime,
Phone Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
NURSE-ON-CALL 1300 60 60 24
Call SES 132 500
Remember! always report any suspicious incidents to the Police by dialling 000 (triple zero)
COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS
Tuesday 1st March 2011 - Traralgon Town Meeting - Civic Offices, Kay Street - 7.15 pm
Wednesday 2nd March 2011 - Morwell Town Meeting-Milne Bay Room, Morwell RSL, Elgin St – 7 pm
Monday 7th March 2011 - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL Albert Street, Moe – 7 pm
Wednesday 9th March 2011 - Yallourn North Town Meeting – Yallourn North Bowling Club – 7.30 pm
Thursday 17th March 2011 - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm
Wednesday 23rd March 2011 – Churchill Town Meeting/CDCA Meeting, Churchill Town Hall - 7 pm
Wednesday 15th June 2011 - NHW Police Showband & Pipe Band Concert – Kernot Hall Morwell
CHIEF COMMISSIONER VISITS GIPPSLAND
On Thursday 27th January the Chief Commissioner of Police, Simon Overland, visited Gippsland to report to the community on the progress of the The Way Ahead 2008-2013, Victoria Police‟s Strategic Plan.
Nearly 100 senior members of the Gippsland community, including police, mayors and CEO‟s from Gippsland‟s six local government areas, representatives from government departments and community support organisations such as Neighbourhood Watch, emergency services and critical infrastructure businesses attended the invitation only event held at the Morwell RSL.
At the half-way point of the strategic plan, the Chief is using a series of The Way Ahead „Refresh‟ 2010 Community Meetings to report back to Victorians on the progress and implementation of the plan which aims to create a safer Victoria by concentrating on crime, public safety and road safety.
The strategic direction sees police connecting the community both within local areas and across wider communities. Victoria Police are often the first point of contact for people in need of help and have the ability to connect them with others who can provide ongoing assistance.
Victoria Police sees its members as skilled, capable, confident and professional community leaders who can influence change by working effectively within what is an adaptive and responsive organisation. By achieving its priorities, Victoria Police will connect with the community to deliver a safer Victoria.
The purpose of the meetings is to inform the public on Victoria Police‟s achievement thus far; inform and explain Victoria Police‟s new service delivery strategy; and to obtain feedback from the community that will influence future policing activities.
After delivering his address Mr Overland took questions and then mingled with Gippsland‟s respected community members over a light lunch. For a report on the meeting as it effects Latrobe.
CHIEF COMMISSIONER VISITS GIPPSLAND
In his report to the Gippsland Community on the progress of the The Way Ahead 2008-2013, Victoria Police‟s Strategic Plan, Chief Commissioner Simon Overland informed the community Victoria Police‟s focus in priority order is
1. Improved public safety, particularly on public transport;
2. Fighting serious crime and organised crime;
3. Reducing and preventing crime against the person;
4. Policing our roads;
5. Emergency management; and 6. Reducing and preventing property crime.
When informed many Latrobe Valley residents, particularly the elderly, avoid catching the 2.20 pm train from Melbourne because of the behaviour of high school students boarding the train at Trafalgar, he replied that 100 of the new 1700 police will be sent to the Transit Police. This will result in increased visibility on public transport aimed at this type of public disorder problem.
Cheryl Wragg from Moe and District Residence Association suggested the focus came from a city centric perspective as she viewed her areas main concerns were mental health, family violence and safety, public drunkenness and police numbers. Mr Overland conceded the plan was city centric but Victoria Police was trying to develop a state-wide focus.
When quizzed about police numbers for the town of Moe, Mr Overland said with the consolidation of country communications to Ballarat, the numbers used to man Moe Communications will go directly to the police strength at Moe, as well there would be additional resources over the next four years.
When asked what he could do to combat Moe‟s hoon driving problem, Mr Overland said the biggest driver of fear in the community has been proven to be graffiti and hoon driving. He said police will be actively gathering intelligence and then targeting identified hoon drivers to remove them from our streets. He emphasised the public reporting of hoon driving to police will be the major driver of this strategy.
Mr Overland was asked to comment on the likelihood of Churchill Police Station becoming a 24 hour station as this was a key election platform for the Valley at the last state election. He categorically stated this was "not likely" and that it is his decision where police resources go, not the governments.
Victoria police have also implemented Operation Firesetter, which is a bushfire arson prevention strategy which will see dedicated patrols in high risk areas targeting high risk suspects.
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - Nil
CRIME REPORT
SEX OFFENCES - One offender charged with wilful and obscene exposure after an incident in Haywood Street.
ROBBERY - 1 for January (Nil Dec) - One offender charged with robbery after making threats to the pharmacist at a local chemist.
ASSAULT - 16 for January (21 Dec) - Nine offenders charged with various assault. Police are also waiting to interview three other offenders for assaults. A male was stabbed at the rear of Midvalley Shopping Centre on the night of the 30th January.
ARSON - 9 for January (5 Dec) -Wheelie bins were targeted this month including setting some alight in Chestnut Avenue, The Avenue and Hunt Street. The Senior Citizens Hall in Vary Street was also the targeted with a fire lit.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 51 for January (41 Dec) - Six offenders charged with various criminal damage offences. 18 vehicles across Morwell had windows smashed by either rocks or small stones. Most vehicles were parked in the streets and three vehicles were "keyed" on the night of the 22nd in the Mid Valley car park. There were six damages and burglaries committed in the Princes Drive/Church Street area on the night of the 1st January.
BURGLARY - 27 for January (19 Dec) - Three offenders were charged after a burglary in Beattie Cres. A series of burglaries in Church Street area resulted in a number of damages as well as property being stolen. Storage units in Garden Street were entered sometime between the 1st and 6th January.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 17 for January (23 Dec) - A number of the vehicles entered were left unlocked however it is pleasing to note that the number is not as great as has been in past months. Police remind the community not to leave handbags/wallets and large amounts of cash in vehicles.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 8 for January (9 Dec) - Ten offenders charged with TOMV. Three offenders were charged after stealing an unlocked vehicle that had the keys in the ignition from a private driveway. The public needs to take responsibility and secure their vehicles, even when parked on your own property.
THEFT - 16 for January (15 Dec) - Three trailers were stolen with one used to remove property that was stolen from storage units in Garden St. One offender was charged with theft of fuel from a local service station whilst there were three other offences of a similar nature committed.
ISSUES RAISED – No January meeting. Nil from February Meeting
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - Nil
CRIME REPORT
ASSAULTS - 8 for Jan (6 Dec) - Five offenders charged with various assault offences. One offender was charged after using a vehicle in attempting to run down victims. A brawl at Freedom Fuels also resulted in an injury to a male with police continuing to make inquiries.
ARSON - Nil for Jan (1 December)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 12 for Jan (4 Dec) - Most of the damages were committed on vehicles and in three incidents rocks were thrown on vehicles at New Churchill Motors. Three offenders were charged with damages to premises.
BURGLARY - 7 for Jan (1 Dec) - The Churchill Football Club was burgled with offenders smashing a window with a rock and entering the canteen area stealing drinks and alcohol. The Churchill Primary was also entered via a construction site and a laptop was stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for Jan (13 Dec) - Two of the vehicles that were entered were left unlocked. A GPS and cash were stolen from a vehicle in White Parade. Another vehicle parked in a yard in Switchback Road was entered and had a stereo stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for Jan (3 Dec) - A motor bike which had the rear wheel clamped was stolen from a back yard in Churinga Drive. A mountain pushbike was stolen at the same time. A tractor was stolen from the Latrobe City yard in Churchill.
THEFT - 1 for Jan (2 Dec) - At sixteenth birthday party in Blackwood Crescent unknown offenders have entered a room where a large number of bags were left and has stolen items from the bags.
ISSUES RAISED – No January Meeting
MOE MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil
CRIME REPORT
ROBBERY - 1 for Jan (1 Dec) - The victim was walking along Staff Street when approached by a male and threatened. The suspect is being sought.
ASSAULT - 23 for Jan (30 Dec) - Assaults dropped this month with 18 offenders charged. Nine came to police notice after family violence issues. Most assaults are still occurring at residential addresses with victim and offender known to each other.
ARSON - 3 for Jan (Nil Dec) - A house fire in Old Sale Road has been deemed suspicious after explosions and a fire. Another residence in Torres Street was targeted twice during the period 21st to 23rd January. The offender has lit cardboard in a window on one occasion and has set a curtain alight on the second. A suspect has been nominated and police are following up.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 18 for Jan (22 Dec) - Three damages were committed in the Cross Street/Murray Road area in Newborough. Most damages were windows being smashed on either vehicles or residential premises. Three offenders have been charged and four offences came to notice as a result of family violence incidents.
BURGLARY - 10 for Jan (14 Dec) - Two offenders were charged with burglaries in Della Torre Rd and Narracan Drive. Motor bikes were stolen from storage units which had been entered in late December. Suspects are being sought.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 17 for Jan (9 Dec) - Five offenders were charged with TFMV. Two of these offences were committed on vehicles that were left unlocked with property visible. Two sets of hubcaps were stolen from vehicles in the Torres Street/Cross Street Newborough area.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 12 for Jan (4 Dec) - Nearly all vehicles stolen have been recovered and returned. Two offenders were charged over a theft in Newark Ave, whilst four others have been charged for thefts committed on the 5th January at Moore Street. Moe Motorcycles had a vehicle ram a door and three motorcycles stolen with two offenders charged.
THEFT (OTHER) - 16 for Jan (15 Dec) - Three offenders charged with theft of fuel from Gunns Gully Service Station. The vehicle in which the fuel was used was a stolen vehicle since recovered and returned. Three other offenders have been charged with theft. Garden ornaments and garden lights were amongst the items stolen.
ISSUES RAISED – No January meeting.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - nil
CRIME REPORT
ASSAULT - Nil for January (2 Dec)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - Nil for January (4 Dec)
BURGLARY - Nil for January (4 Dec)
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 1 for January (1 Dec) - Offenders have stolen both number plates off a vehicle parked at the rear of an address in North Road.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for January (Nil Dec)
THEFT (OTHER) - 1 for January (1 Dec) - Offenders entered a yard at the Yallourn Power station and stolen an amount of copper wire. Police ask the community to report breaches of the fence around the power station when they see them.
ISSUES RAISED – No January Meeting
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
Make sure fences are properly maintained. They should provide good visibility of the house to the casual observer. Driveway and access gates should be secured. Trellis extensions do provide extra privacy, however a high fence is also good for the burglar to hide ehind. Fences should be in a safe condition.
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES – Nil
CRIME REPORT - ASSAULT - 18 for Jan (15 Dec) - Fourteen offenders charged with assault offences during the month. One offender was charged with two counts of assault police and resist arrest. Another was charged with a serious assault after a young man was hospitalised with life threatening injuries.
ARSON - 1 for January (2 Dec) - There was a minor fire at the Latrobe Regional Hospital. No persons were injured and minimal damage was done to a ward.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 24 for January (32 Dec) - Four of the offences took place in the CBD with two occurring at the intersection of Seymour and Franklin streets with another two occurring nearby in Church Street and Service Street. Ten offenders were charged with various property damage offences. A large number of the damages involved rocks being thrown through windows without any apparent reason for the damage occurring.
BURGLARY - 11 for January (24 Dec) - Four of this month‟s burglaries occurred in the area of Breed Street near Seymour Street. A number involved offenders entering vacant premises to cause damage to the residence. A large number of entries were gained via unlocked gates or gates that were able to be manipulated. One offender has been charged.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 10 for January (33 Dec) - A huge drop in the number of TFMV, however the majority of vehicles that were entered were unlocked or had windows down. Five offenders were charged. Property stolen includes iPods, chargers and play stations with cash being the most often stolen item.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 6 for January (10 Dec) - Two quad bikes were stolen from the Traralgon Council Depot. The vehicles had all the equipment and ignitions removed from them so the offenders who cut the wire fence would have had to wheel the vehicles away from the scene.
THEFT - 10 for January (10 Dec) - Four offenders charged with offences occurring at both business and residential properties. Two garden ornaments were stolen from a residence in Connaught Way. The items that were stolen were very heavy and it would have required the offenders to have transported them in a car or trailer.
ISSUES RAISED – No January Meeting.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
Related Articles- Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety. - Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities. - Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026. - Latrobe City Council invites community feedback on Moe Town Centre future through draft plan exhibition and consultation sessions
Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on Moe’s draft town centre plan, guiding future development, transport, public spaces and economic growth. Submissions close 24 November 2026, with community information sessions scheduled. - Latrobe Leisure Morwell earns Gold Safety Accreditation for highest aquatic safety standards recognition achieved
Latrobe Leisure Morwell earned Life Saving Victoria’s Gold Safety Accreditation after achieving 100 percent compliance and a safety score above 95 percent, recognising exceptional aquatic safety, operations and risk management standards. - Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation. - Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families. - Latrobe City Council seeks experienced artists to create vibrant community-inspired mural at Churchill Monash way underpass
Latrobe City Council invites experienced mural artists to transform Churchill’s Monash Way underpass with community-inspired artwork. Expressions of Interest close 6 November 2026, with completion planned for early 2027. - Latrobe City Libraries offer free live music celebrating local Gippsland talent from October to December 2026
Latrobe City Libraries will host free, family-friendly live music from local Gippsland musicians across Morwell, Traralgon and Moe from October to December 2026. No bookings are required; everyone is welcome to attend. - Latrobe City recognised among Australia's most affordable regional centres for businesses, investors and skilled workers
Latrobe City welcomes research ranking Traralgon-Morwell third nationally for affordability, highlighting lower costs, skilled workers, infrastructure and investment opportunities across emerging industries. - Latrobe Regional Gallery launches spring season with five exhibitions and live mural creation on 19 September 2026 In Morwell
Latrobe Regional Gallery will launch its Spring Season on Saturday, September 19, featuring five exhibitions and a live monumental mural by Japanese-Australian artist Twoone/Hiroyasu Tsuri during the Morwell event. - Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres. - Latrobe City completes major lighting upgrade across all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve, boosting netball opportunities
Latrobe City Council has upgraded all 10 courts at Agnes Brereton Reserve with 200-lux lighting, enabling extended evening use, expanded competitions and training for Traralgon Netball Association 1,400 annual participants. - Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure. - Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities. - Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation. - Latrobe Housing Summit explores collaborative solutions to meet growing regional housing demand and support future economic development
Latrobe City Council’s Housing Summit brought together government, industry and community leaders to address rising housing demand, improve affordability and develop solutions supporting regional growth, investment and population increases. - Latrobe City Council seeks community input on priorities and spending ahead of 2027/28 Budget Development and financial planning process
Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback to help shape its 2027/28 Budget, with residents encouraged to share priorities, ideas and concerns through Have Your Say by November 1. - Latrobe City Business Festival returns with free October events connecting businesses, employers, job seekers and industry partners
Latrobe City’s 2026 Business Festival runs October 14–23, offering free jobs expos, workshops, networking, professional development and business events connecting employers, workers, students and industry. - Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year Nature Plan to protect local biodiversity until 31 August 2026
Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft 10-year Nature Plan, outlining priorities to protect biodiversity, restore landscapes and engage residents. Public submissions close on 31 August 2026. - Latrobe City opens nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame honours, nominate by 11 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards and Sporting Hall of Fame, recognising outstanding community contributors and sporting achievers. Entries close September 11, 2026. - Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures. - Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits. - Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth. - Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025. - Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages. - Latrobe City Council endorses updated community amenity local law following extensive community consultation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed an updated Community Amenity Local Law, strengthening rules around property upkeep, waste, animals, burning, vehicles, public spaces and permits. - Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts. - Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours. - Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality. - Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes. - Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition. - Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future. - Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term. - Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding. - Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes. - Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024. - Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing. - Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets. - Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors. - Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness. - Liberals and Nationals to audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to unlock land for housing and industrial development
The Liberals and Nationals will audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to identify outdated restrictions, potentially unlocking land for housing and industrial development while retaining protections where mine safety and ground stability remain at risk. - Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector. - Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region. - Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities. - New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland. - Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record. - Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding. - Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost. - Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation. - Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible. - Nationals and Liberals pledge PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, mobile CCTV trailers and 24-Hour Moe Police Station reopening
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, mobile CCTV across the Latrobe Valley, and restoring Moe Police Station to 24-hour operations under their community safety plan. - Gippsland Water renews 1950s Tyers raw water pump station to improve reliability and protect regional emergency water supply infrastructure
Gippsland Water has renewed its 1950s Tyers raw water pump station, improving drainage, protecting pipework and testing all four pumps to maintain reliable emergency supplies for Tyers and Traralgon treatment plants. - Morwell Historical Society opens exhibition celebrating Northway Family’s pioneering legacy and Hazelwood’s early history for community visitors
Federal and state MPs opened Morwell Historical Society’s Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition, showcasing three generations of Hazelwood pioneers through photographs, documents and maps until November 29. - Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028. - Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges. - Mirboo North stadium funding still awaited after decade of community campaigning for modern sporting facility
Mirboo North continues seeking funding for a new stadium after more than a decade of campaigning. Danny O’Brien is urging the Education Minister to support redevelopment. - Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects. - Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates major $45M redevelopment and new regional sporting facilities
Morwell’s Gippsland Sports and Entertainment Park celebrates a $45 million redevelopment, featuring five playing surfaces, 1,200 seats, upgraded facilities and new event spaces. - Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade marks major milestone for Moe’s sporting community and regional events
Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is undergoing major upgrades, including improved sporting facilities, accessibility, lighting and training infrastructure, boosting community participation, regional events and tourism across Latrobe City. - Morwell Rose Festival returns with blooms, aerial acrobatics, night lights, workshops and family entertainment from 6-7 November 2026
Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. - Morwell International Rose Garden Festival unveils exciting 2026 program ahead of November celebration
Morwell’s free International Rose Garden Festival returns November 6–7, featuring entertainment, workshops, markets, children’s activities and spectacular Night Lights, celebrating the region’s iconic gardens with more than 4,000 roses. - Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities. - Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council - Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final.
|
|
