Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area September 2013Hot Spots, Eyewatch, Crime Prevention, Illegal Rubbish Dumping, NHW/Safer Communities Crime Reports, Road Deaths Caused by Speeding. By Malcolm Lawrence - 22nd September 2013 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
September 2013
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency 000, Mobiles 112, State the service you want – Police, Ambulance or Fire.
Police: Boolarra 5169 6222, Churchill 5122 1790, Moe 5127 2222, Morwell 5131 5000
Traralgon 5174 0900
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Neighbourhood Watch & Safer Communities
Unit – Latrobe PSA, L/S/C Brett Godden, 5131 5085, 0400 050 749.
brett.godden@police.vic.gov.au
Facebook: Senior Constable Brett
Child Protection 13 12 78, Consumer Affairs 5116 5701, Dept Primary Industry 136186.
Dispute Settlement Centre 1800 658 528, Latrobe City 1300 367 700.
Nurse on Call 1300 606 024, Poisons Information 13 11 26,
VicRoads 131170
COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS
Wed 28th August - Churchill District and Community Assoc Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm
Monday 7th October - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm
Tuesday 1st October - Traralgon Town Meeting - Traralgon Police Station, Kay St, Traralgon – 7pm
Wednesday 2nd October - Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm
Wednesday 9th October - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Yallourn North Bowling Club–7 pm
HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP
IT'S TIME TO CHANGE THE CULTURE AND START SAVING LIVES
A MESSAGE FROM ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER ROBERT HILL
ROAD POLICING COMMAND.
What we seem to ignore and not speak about is those that have been seriously injured as a result of road trauma.
Every week there are around 100 people who are seriously injured as a result of a motor vehicle collision. These injuries include serious brain trauma, quadriplegia and paraplegia. Continued page three
Death is a high price to pay for speeding, but it’s the hidden cost of road trauma we seem to forget. Every year around 280 people die on Victorian roads - these figures and collisions are widely reported on and spoken about. Each time we notify the public of a fatality on our roads it generates debate and engenders sympathy for loved ones that have been lost and the families they have left behind.
What we seem to ignore and not speak about is those that have been seriously injured as a result of road trauma. Every week there are around 100 people who are seriously injured as a result of a motor vehicle collision. These injuries include serious brain trauma, quadriplegia and paraplegia.
Whilst we have managed to significantly reduce the road toll over the past 40 years, we have not been able to reduce serious injury collisions to the same extent. Around 5500 people are seriously injured each year, with approximately 600 requiring long-term rehabilitation. The emotional and physical impact this has on families, friends and the injured is immeasurable. The ripple affect one serious injury collision or fatality has on a community cannot be truly understood, it’s something known only to those who have been through it. On 23 August Victoria Police will launch the 2013-2018 Road Safety Strategy ‘Road to Zero’. The State Government and Victoria Police, along with their road safety partners, have made a commitment to reduce the fatal and the serious injury road tolls by more than 30 per cent by 2022. This would mean fewer than 200 deaths on our roads and 3830 serious injury collisions. To achieve our targets we know that we need the help of all road users. This includes our police officers, mums and dads, young drivers, old drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and anyone else travelling on the roads. We know it can be done, over the last decade we have seen a significant shift in the community attitude when it comes to drink driving. People take the car keys from friends if they are considering driving, young drivers hand their keys to their parents when they know they are going to have a few drinks and they do this because drink driving is just not acceptable. Unfortunately we have not seen the same change in community attitude when it comes to driver behaviour and in particular speeding. How many of us get in a car with a friend and ask them to slow down or keep to the speed limit? How many of us remind the driver to take a bit more care due to the weather or road conditions? We need everyone to step up and say "enough" when it comes to any form of speeding. Speed is a major factor in thirty per cent of all road trauma recorded in Victoria. Road users need to think about what is important in their lives and the impact an injury or death would have on them. We are asking the community to do their bit. If all drivers dropped between 1-5km/h off their average speed we could see up to 85 lives across the state saved and up to 1300 serious injuries avoided. Drivers need to vary their speeds according to the weather conditions, road surface, driving experience and the type of vehicle being driven. Speed limits are set as the maximum legal speed a driver is permitted to travel at, however this may not always be the right speed. The right speed is the safest speed driving within the limits and conditions. Enough is enough. Speeding is not okay and won’t be tolerated. Police will be out there enforcing the speed limits. It is time to change the culture and start saving lives on our roads. Our target is less than 200 deaths and 3850 serious injuries on our roads by 2022. Our vision is zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads. I want all Victorians to join Victoria Police along the ‘Road to Zero’. A copy of the Victoria Police Road Safety Strategy and Action plan can be found at www.police.vic.gov.au.
Reproduced from Victoria Police Media at http://www.vicpolicenews.com.au/news/1220-it-s-time-to-change-the-culture-and-start-saving-lives.html
SUCCESS FOR JOINT VIRTUAL EYEWATCH/PHYSICAL NHW MEETINGS
Victoria Police's Latrobe Community Liaison Officer and Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden, is enthusiastic about the Latrobe Valley public's participation in the first three joint virtual Eyewatch/physical Neighbourhood Watch meetings.
Held over three consecutive nights during the first week of the month at the Moe, Traralgon and Morwell physical Neighbourhood Watch meetings, the Eyewatch community was invited to participate and raise its town issues.
"Our meeting numbers sky-rocketed," LSC Godden said, "We had 2,994 Eyewatchers following the Moe meeting, 3,126 following Traralgon's and 2,962 following Morwell's."
The issues raised in the different towns varied. Moe was concerned about speeding and safety at the Elizabeth Street shops, for Traralgon it was the use of fog lights, CBD safety and CCTV cameras, illegal fireworks and pedestrian safety whilst for Morwell the biggest concern was hoon drivers of all types, those in vehicles, on motor bikes and even the riders of motorised mobility devices.
LSC Godden said the meetings were very well received and he will be continuing with the format. "The joint meetings were an experiment," he said, "a very successful experiment. There is no doubt the community supports the idea. It gives everyone the opportunity to let the police know what is of concern to them and we welcome the input."
The joint online/physical meetings will be held at 7 pm on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each month, with the exception of December and January when Neighbourhood Watch goes into recess for the summer holidays. The public can attend in person at the meetings as listed in the Coming Events section of this newsletter or participate in the virtual world through the Eyewatch – Latrobe Police Service Area Facebook page found at https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa
AUGUST NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT
ASSAULTS - Nil for August (1 July)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for August (Nil July) - Overnight 7th August a vehicle parked in Tarwin St, Boolarra had rocks thrown at the window.
BURGLARY - 1 for August (Nil July) - Between 21st and 23rd August unknown offenders stole a chainsaw from an unlocked shed on a property in Walshs Rd, Yinnar.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 7 for August (Nil July) - The thefts from motor vehicle committed in Yinnar during August consist of three attempts to enter vehicles and four thefts which occurred in Hammond St, Rieniets Way, Quigley Sty, St James Dr and Bennett St (3). All vehicles entered were unlocked.
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)
ASSAULTS - 4 for August (3 July) - In all four incidents an offender has been charged with assault related offences.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 6 for August (5 July) - Two offenders charged. Overnight 17th August unknown offenders have tagged jumps at the skate park as well as walls of businesses in the shopping centre. Photos of the graffiti can be viewed at Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa posted 27th August, 2013.)
BURGLARY - 4 for August (1 July) - One offender charged. The keys for a motor vehicle were stolen from a second vehicle in a residential garage in Winchester Way on 3rd August. The vehicle was stolen but later recovered in Warragul.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 8 for August (11 July) - Overnight 21st August three vehicles in Winchester Way were entered with a GPS unit and coins stolen from one vehicle and various other items stolen from the other two vehicles. In the second theft a large amount of the property was recovered. Six of the vehicles were unlocked in driveways.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for August (1 July) - The only vehicle stolen during August was recovered.
THEFT - 3 for August (2 July) - One offender charged. Overnight 9th August five standard roses were stolen from a garden in Heesom Cres.
MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
ASSAULT - 12 for August (24 July) - In all except one of the incidents an offender has been charged. In the only incident where an offender is yet to be charged police are following up an identified suspect.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 17 for August (25 July) - Four offenders charged with one facing two counts of graffiti damage. Two youths were spoken to about damage caused at the Newborough Primary School and Newborough Hall.
BURGLARY - 7 for August (13 July) - One offender charged. For the second time in recent times a trailer manufacturer in Walhalla Rd had tools stolen from it overnight 8th August.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 12 for August (7 July) - Overnight 14th August four vehicles were entered in Morgan Crt, Monte Cres (2) and Mervyn St with sunglasses, a GPS unit and coins stolen. All four vehicles were in residential driveways and unlocked. Two sets of registration plates were stolen from Keith Ave and Dinwoodie Dr.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for August (3 July)
THEFT (OTHER) - 17 for August (14 July) - Four offenders charged with two being charged as a direct result of information received via Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page. On 11th August a purse was stolen from the trolley of the victim whilst in a supermarket in Albert St. A photo of a female who can assist police is on Eyewatch Latrobe (Moe Theft 14th August, 2013 - https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa.)
ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NHW MEETING: Speeding in 40 km/h zones in Lloyd and Elizabeth Streets – concerns passed to Latrobe Highway Patrol, Traffic Safety around the Elizabeth Street shops - concerns passed to Latrobe Highway Patrol, Speeding on Monash Road and Coach Road - concerns passed to Latrobe Highway Patrol, Drugs in Moe – concerns passed to Latrobe Information Unit.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
The next Yallourn North Neighbourhood Watch Town Meeting will be on Wednesday 9th October at the Yallourn North Bowling Club in Reserve Street, Yallourn North, commencing at 7pm. All members of the public are invited.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for August (1 July) - On 1st August a concrete pot on the front veranda of a residence in North Rd was smashed by unknown offenders.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 2 for August (Nil July) - Both vehicles stolen during August have been recovered.
THEFT (OTHER) - Nil for August (1 July)
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT(INCLUDES TYERS)
ROBBERY - 2 for August (2 July) - One offender charged with armed robbery and attempted armed robbery whilst another will face one count of attempted armed robbery.
ASSAULT - 22 for August (22 July) - In all incidents an offender has been charged with assault related offences.
ARSON - Nil for August (2 July)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 25 for August (11 July) - Six offenders charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to another. Overnight 23rd August vehicles in Skeldale Wynd and Manor Rise were targeted with three having gold paint sprayed on them and a window smashed on another.
BURGLARY - 5 for August (15 July) - All except two of the burglaries were committed on residential sheds or garages. A burglary was committed at an optometrist in Mid Valley on 17th August. A photo in relation to this can be viewed at Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page (22nd August, 2013)
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 11 for August (14 July) - Four offenders charged with theft from motor vehicle. Folks, leaving items in unlocked vehicles is still an issue especially when parked in car parks.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for August (2 July)
THEFT - 11 for August (10 July) - Between 10th - 16th August unknown offenders scaled a fence into a commercial yard in Tramway Rd and stole an amount of copper. Two males stole six pairs of sunglasses from an optometrist at Mid Valley on 5th August.
ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NHW MEETING: Hooning on Morwell Streets – multiple locations passed onto the Latrobe Highway Patrol; Speeding on English Street – passed to the Highway Patrol; Traffic lights at McDonald Street – referred to VicRoads; Dirt bikes at Waterhole Creek - concerns passed to Latrobe Highway Patrol. School crossing supervision –Pedestrian Safety Around Schools fact sheet found at http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe/Fact-Sheet Cars parked on the road way in narrow streets – other drivers must exercise due care and give way when necessary. Speeding riders of motorised mobility devices and misuse of MMD – riders of MMD's are pedestrians and must behave as such, fact sheet found at http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe/Fact-Sheet and interview given on ABC radio.
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT
(INCLUDES GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)
ROBBERY - 1 for August (3 July) - Two offenders charged.
ASSAULT - 23 for August (32 July) - In all except one incident an offender or offenders have been charged with some facing multiple charges from the one incident. In the only incident where an offender is yet to be charged police are following up an identified suspect.
ARSON - 1 for August (1 July) - On 9th August unknown offenders set fire to paper in the toilet block in Apex Park, Gilmour St. This incident is mentioned on Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook on https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa (Posted 30th August, 2013.)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 39 for August (29 July) - Nine offenders charged. A large number of the damages relate to rocks/stones being thrown at windows of businesses or residences with no apparent attempt to gain entry. A number of vehicles in the car park off Grey St were keyed.
BURGLARY - 13 for August (13 July) - Three offenders charged. Overnight 11th August unknown offenders broke into the Eye Care business in Kay St stealing approximately sixty pairs of sunglasses. Overnight 29th August two premises were broken into in Hazelwood Rd with jewellery, cash, a camera and games console stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 23 for August (22 July) - Nearly all the thefts were committed in residential areas of Traralgon with a large number of unlocked vehicles entered with handbags, purses, wallets and loose items taken. A Maton guitar was stolen from a vehicle in the driveway of a premises in Charles St overnight 25th August. A picture of the guitar is featured on Eyewatch Latrobe (https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa) posting on 28th August.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for August (3 July)
THEFT - 15 for August (7 July) - Three offenders charged whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to a theft in Seymour St on 15th August. A KFC Krush Bar sign was stolen from the KFC restaurant on 24th August. The sign is approximately 2 metres wide and 1 metre high.
ISSUES RAISED AT THE JOINT EYEWATCH VIRTUAL/PHYSICAL NHW MEETING: Driving whilst using fog lights – for rules visit http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/SaferVehicles/VehicleDesignStandardsAndAccessories/FogAndDrivingLights.htm CBD Safety and CBD CCTV camera – Q&A session; Noise complaints and times noise can go until – Posted the EPA Prohibited Noise Schedule found at http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/noise/residential-noise/prohibited-times-for-residential-noise ; Speeding on the highway between Morwell and Traralgon – routinely patrolled by the highway patrol; Fireworks – illegal or otherwise – events usually registered with Latrobe City, anything else is illegal so report to police; Cars not stopping at the pedestrian crossing on Franklin Street - concerns passed to Latrobe Highway Patrol.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS – WORKPLACE SECURITY
Your workplace is where you have a right to be and where you also have a right to feel secure and safe. Unfortunately, some people who visit your workplace, and occasionally some who work with you, will seek to take advantage of a lack of security.
To maintain security in your workplace, if you see someone you don't know or someone is in a part of the building or in an office where they should not normally be, verify the identity of that person. If they do have a right to be there they will not be offended if you ask for some ID. Similarly, be careful that someone does not simply follow you through a security door.
Make sure you wear your work ID at all time and question those who do not wear their own. Do not leave your valuables unsecured, such as in an unlocked drawer or cupboard, particularly if you work alone. It can be easy for one person to distract you and maintain your attention whilst an accomplice enters an office area to rummage through unlocked drawers.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS – PROTECT YOUR P.I.N NUMBER
Your Personal Identification Number, commonly known as your P.I.N is your SECRET numeric password used to access your bank funds when you use an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM). Your P.I.N is used to authenticate your right to use your bank’s computer system. Your CONFIDENTIAL P.I.N gains you access to your banking system only when the number entered matches with the number stored in the system. Your P.I.N does not identify you personally. It is therefore vital for you to protect your PIN number.
Never disclose your P.I.N to another person;
Memorize your P.I.N and remember it is your electronic signature. If you think someone knows your P.I.N, contact your financial institution immediately to cancel the card or change your P.I.N.
Never write your P.I.N down and then keep it in your purse or wallet. If your purse or wallet is stolen and your P.I.N is written down, the thief has easy access to your bank accounts.
If you feel you need to keep a written record of your P.I.N, keep it in a place separate from your Access Card. Never keep them together.
When withdrawing money at an ATM or at point of sale, use your hand to screen the key pad to protect the security of your P.I.N. (Personal Identification Number).
OFFENDER TRACKED DOWN FOR JEERALANG JUNCTION RUBBISH DUMPING
ALERT WITNESS HELPS POLICE
In mid-August Churchill Police were alerted to the dumping of approximately 20 black garbage bags of rubbish on Junction Road at Jeeralang Junction.
An alert citizen witnessed the dumping of the rubbish, was quick to note down the registration number and description of the vehicle involved and duly reported his observations to police.
Police then commenced the task of tracking down the vehicle and as often happens, the vehicle was no longer garaged at the address where it was registered.
Unfortunately for the offender, the alert witness observed the vehicle a second time and this time was able to provide the police with an address where the vehicle was sighted.
Further investigation by the police subsequently lead to the identification and charging of the rubbish dumper with offences under the Environmental Protection Act.
Importantly, the offender was made to clean up his mess and dispose of the rubbish legally.
Rubbish dumping in the Latrobe Valley is becoming a major and topical issue and is a blight on the landscape, particularly in rural areas. Rubbish dumpers should not make the mistake of thinking council will simply be sent out to collect and dispose of the rubbish.
Police and council Local Laws Officers will investigate illegally dumped rubbish and offenders will be pursued.
Rubbish dumped in the bush is not just an eyesore, it can also be used as an ignition point for arsonists. We really need to catch the people responsible for dumping rubbish before a simple litter offence turns into a possible tragic and catastrophic event.
The public is urged to download NHW's Suspicious Incident Report and keep it on hand in the lead-up to the bushfire season.
Copies of the Neighbourhood Watch Suspicious Incident Report may be downloaded at the Neighbourhood Watch Victoria Website at http://www.nhw.com.au/Eastern-Region/Latrobe/Forms
CRIME SCENE EXAMINATION – WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
A MESSAGE FROM SERGEANT GAVIN PURCELL
OFFICER IN CHARGE OF MORWELL CRIME SCENE SERVICES
The Latrobe Crime Scene Services is asking for your help. This small unit of dedicated Crime Scene Officers are tasked with examining crime scenes such as house and business burglaries or cars that have been stolen and recovered or have had items stolen from them.
From DNA to fingerprints and photography, this team will examine your scene for vital clues to help identify the offenders, but we need your help.
What we are asking is that if you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a crime such as burglary, theft of a car or theft from a car, we ask you to, where possible, leave it alone until the Crime Scene Officers have examined it.
Don't touch it, don't walk through it and don't clean it up. This will give us the best chance of finding evidence and hopefully linking those clues to the offenders.
SUCCESS FOR EYEWATCH
LIKE US ON FACE BOOK
EYEWATCH - LATROBE POLICE SERVICE AREA
After its launch on 24 April, local police are delighted with the great public support and early success for its eyewatch - Latrobe Police Service Area Facebook page.
The page now has over 4,200 ‘likes’ as the Latrobe Valley embraces this new way the police are using to communicate with the general public.
The eyewatch page seeks the assistance of the public to solve crimes and identify offenders and is instrumental in advising the community of security information and for providing links for updates during weather events.
Police Community Liaison Officer, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden said "As a direct result from information received via eyewatch twelve offenders have now been charged with offences of theft, burglary, criminal damage and sexual assaults; hundreds of other pieces of information has been forwarded to investigators for follow up and a missing person has been located. We have an average weekly reach of approximately 30,000 people. This is phenomenal."
The latest success for the eyewatch - Latrobe Police Service Area page came on the 17th of September when Detective Senior Constable Brett Sniegowski from Sexual Crimes Unit thanked the community for its assistance in the investigation of a serious sexual assault in Traralgon on the 18th August, 2013.
A 30 year old male was arrested and is assisting police with their enquiries as a direct result of information that was on the eyewatch page.
"The clean-up rates we are getting through the eyewatch page are great," says LSC Godden. "We are no longer an experimental investigative tool. When investigators reach a dead end eyewatch now provides them with another avenue of investigation."
The new joint eyewatch online/physical Neighbourhood Watch meetings for the towns of Moe, Traralgon and Morwell, held at 7 pm on the first Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of each month respectively, will further encourage the public's involvement with the page. The public can participate in the virtual world bringing its issues direct to a police officer at the other end of the computer, iPad or mobile phone.
The police-community partnership through the eyewatch page and its effectiveness can only be increased as the number of 'Likes' grow. Encourage your friends and family to like the page and become a part of the Latrobe Valley community's newest crime solving tool.
You can 'Like' the eyewatch - Latrobe Police Service Area Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/eyewatchlatrobepsa
Eyewatch is aiming for 5000 likes
Thank You For Your Support In Creating Safer Communities
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. - 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 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 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 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 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 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 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi. - 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. - East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity. - 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. - 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. - East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently. - Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - 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. - Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is. - Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels. - 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. - Baw Baw Employment Expo returns this September to connect job seekers with local employers and training providers
Baw Baw Employment Expo returns September 30, connecting job seekers with local employers, vacancies and training providers. The free event also offers resume support, networking opportunities, industry insights, coffee vouchers and lunch. - 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 - Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment. - Gippsland Water offers face-to-face bill support through September pop-ups across Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin
Gippsland Water will host September pop-ups across the region, offering customers face-to-face help with bills, payment plans, concessions and government assistance amid cost-of-living pressures, with events in Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin. - Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities. - 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. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million program. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities. - Baw Baw Shire Council launches the return of Gippy Girls Can in September with something for every woman
Gippy Girls Can returns across Baw Baw in September, offering women and girls welcoming, beginner-friendly and affordable opportunities to try new activities, get active and connect.
|
|
