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New Callignee Hall To Be Officially Opened On Australia DayThe new Callignee Hall will be officially opened by Russell Northe MP on Wednesday 26 January 2011 at 11.30am; linking in with Callignee’s Australia Day ceremony hosted by Latrobe City mayor, By Latrobe City - 20th January 2011 - Back to News Councillor Darrell White, that will begin at 11am.
The new multi-use centre was built to replace the former Callignee Hall, the former school building and the local fire station that were destroyed in the February 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.
Latrobe City mayor, Councillor Darrell White, explained that the project had a strong community focus from start to finish.
"The community showed great strength and solidarity in the wake of the fires, with many beginning the process of resurrecting what was lost as soon as possible. The community have had a high level of involvement from the beginning of this project, including input to the design to the naming of the facility.
"It will be an honour to be a part of the official opening and to be able to congratulate and celebrate all of the people who worked tirelessly, under immense stress, to create the wonderful new facility," Cr White said.
Callignee Hall Community Reference Group chair, Gunyah Ward councillor Ed Vermeulen, added that the opening of the Callignee Hall would cap off the day’s celebrations for the wider Callignee community.
"Almost two years on from Black Saturday, this fantastic new facility will open; representing another great milestone in the recovery of the community.
"I could not think of a better day to have the opening. The whole community will have the chance to come down to the new centre, enjoy each others company, and celebrate all that is great about our country and, more specifically, our region," Cr Vermeulen said.
Latrobe City acting general manager built and natural environment, Deirdre Griepsma, commented that the new facility includes a community hall, a large community kitchen, foyer, community meeting space with kitchenette and storage, a CFA building and a cricket pavilion.
"The CFA building is linked to the community amenities by an enclosed walkway while the cricket pavilion is joined by a covered walkway. External doors open from the hall to a patio that provides views of the Callignee landscape and the two surviving Oak trees.
"Architectural firms Design Urban and Blomquist + Wark undertook a comprehensive community consultation process and developed detailed designs for the Callignee Hall. Part of their work included realigning Old Callignee Road, which separated the former Callignee Hall site and the community oval, to connect the two sites and improving safety by not having to cross the road. Macallister Constructions then built the facility.
"Funding assistance came from the former Premier, who announced approval of $2.5 million in State Government support for the project in June 2009. Alstom International Pty Ltd, who have a workshop in Morwell, were also extremely generous in providing funding for solar panels, solar hot water systems, grey water systems and other environmentally sustainable technologies; making the centre eco-friendly" Ms Griepsma concluded.
Media Enquiries:
Media Relations Team
Telephone: 5128 5458 or 0407 862 977
Jacinta Kennedy, Manager Community Relations
Telephone: 5128 5421 or 0401 824 195
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 27 August 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council's 27 August meeting covered petitions, Warragul planning permits, Aberfeldy roadworks, draft strategies, community consultation, governance updates, with meetings live-streamed and open for public participation. - 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. - Baw Baw Shire Council and community celebrate official opening of Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee
Baw Baw Shire Council and the community officially opened Gladys Sanderson Park in Noojee, honoring her bravery during the 1939 Black Friday bushfires, with festivities, Santa, and a Christmas celebration. - Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 25 March 2026
At its 25 March meeting, Baw Baw Council endorsed the 2025 Planning Scheme Review, deferred the Yarragon Township Plan, approved and refused permits, set 2026 advocacy priorities, revised policies, and advanced Longwarry Reserve governance. - Omeo celebrates opening of 114 km world-class mountain bike park set to transform regional adventure tourism
Omeo has opened a $10 million, 114-kilometre mountain bike park, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and celebrating new streetscape and flood-recovery works that strengthen the town’s recreation spaces and future growth. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - Baw Baw Shire Council approves Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy following community feedback
Baw Baw Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, following extensive community consultation to guide safe, vibrant, and accessible public spaces. - ACA warns Federal under-16 social media ban may increase risks, create unintended consequences for children online
The Aligned Council of Australia warns the Federal under-16 social media ban risks pushing children into unsafe online spaces, creating new privacy, policing, and criminal exploitation challenges nationwide. - 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. - Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull. - Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South closing temporarily for upgrades from 28 January to 31 March 2026
Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South will be upgraded with new climbing, swing, and junior play zones, closing 28 January to 31 March 2026, as part of Council’s renewal program. - 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. - Darren Chester honours all who served, remembering lives lost, wounded, and the enduring impact on Darwin’s community
Australia marks Bombing of Darwin Day on February 19, honouring more than 240 killed in 1942 and recognising wartime sacrifice, resilience, and the ongoing need to properly resource Defence personnel. - Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate 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. - Darren Chester calls on Victorian government to prioritise rebuilding Sale College amid safety, ageing infrastructure concerns
Darren Chester has urged the Victorian government to prioritise a new single-site campus for Sale College, citing deteriorating facilities, safety concerns, and long-standing community frustration. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - Darren Chester celebrates completion of $2M Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment ahead of grand final
Darren Chester welcomed the $2 million Swifts Creek Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering modern facilities, improved amenities, and new courts, officially opening September 6 as the community hosts its first grand final in 25 years. - Darren Chester welcomes Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment with pavilion, changerooms, community hub
Darren Chester welcomed progress on the Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering a new pavilion and modern changerooms, with government funding and volunteers supporting a safer, more vibrant hub for sport and community activities. - Gippsland’s top picnic spots: Gardens, wineries, hot springs, and historic settings for relaxing outdoor feasts
Discover Gippsland’s magical picnic spots: Broughton Hall gardens, Metung Hot Springs, The Gurdies Winery, and Old Gippstown - each offering stunning views, serene settings, and unique outdoor dining experiences. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - Paynesville slip road Maritime Precinct enters final construction phase with jetties, boat ramp and seawall nearing completion
Construction of Paynesville Slip Road Maritime Precinct is nearing completion, delivering new jetties, boat ramp, seawall, and waterfront spaces to support boating, tourism, and the local marine industry. - 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. - Community invited to join Project Reference Group shaping East Gippsland’s future aquatic strategy and facilities planning
East Gippsland community members are invited to join a Project Reference Group to help shape the new Aquatic Strategy, guiding future facility planning, investment, and service delivery across the shire.
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