Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area November 2011Hot Spots, Latrobe Neighbourhood Watchers Recognised, Neighbourhood Watch Crime Reports for Morwell, Traralgon, Moe, Churchill, Yallourn North, Funding boost for Neighbourhood Watch, When Motorists Must Give Way To Pedestrians. By Malcolm Lawrence - 16th November 2011 - Back to News Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
NOVEMBER 2011
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
Thursday 17th November 2011 - Yinnar Town Meeting - Yinnar Hotel – 7.30 pm
Sunday 20th November - Community Expo - Morwell Football Ground.
Wednesday 23rd November 2011 – Churchill Town/CDCA Meeting - Churchill Community Hall - 7 pm
Wed 30th Nov - RoadSafe Motorised Mobility Device Presentation – Morwell Traffic School – ring Alana on 5172 2651
Please note there are no meetings scheduled for December and January. Meetings resume in Feb 2012.
HOT SPOTS – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC’S HELP
THEFT OF AND THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLES
There have been approximately sixteen theft of and theft from motor vehicles across Morwell, Moe, Traralgon and Churchill over the past few weeks. Whilst police have charged some offenders the community must begin to take responsibility for securing vehicles. Whilst being interviewed by detectives an offender stated that they only stole vehicles which had the keys in the ignition. Not only does this make it ridiculously easy for offenders to steal a vehicle it is also an offence which could incur a fine. Police remind the community to lock vehicles when away from them and to remove all valuables when away from the vehicle.
Police urge anyone who may have information related to these thefts to contact Crime Stoppers on: 1800 333 000 or visit: www.crimestoppers.com.au or ring Latrobe Criminal Investigation Unit on 5131 5049 or local police on the numbers listed to the left of this article.
LATROBE NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHERS RECOGNISED BY THE
STATE HONOURS COMMITTEE
The State Neighbourhood Watch Honours Committee has announced the winners of its Awards for 2011. We are pleased to say Latrobe has won two awards after the recipients were nominated by our Police NHW Co-ordinator, Leading Senior Constable Brett Godden.
Gerard Traynor and Betty Glass who run Morwell’s Anti-Graffiti Team (pictured in action at Kernot Lake), have been named joint winners of the David Lentin Memorial Award for the ‘Latrobe Community Audits and Graffiti Removal Project’ along with Mildura’s ‘Operation Hot Spot’.
The Latrobe Crime Watch News, this newsletter, was nominated for the Communications Award and has received a Certificate of Merit. The awards will be presented in Melbourne in early 2012.
LSC Godden said he was extremely proud of the recognition for both the Anti-Graffiti team and the Newsletter Editor, Dianne Godden.
LSC Godden said, "The graffiti removal team has been recognised at a local level by the Police Service Area Inspector for their assistance in the apprehension of offenders and by Latrobe City with support. The hard work of the Newsletter Editor has helped to create a great vehicle for getting crime prevention information out to the wider community."
"The value of the newsletter was seen recently when it was used by the Emergency Management Team to provide community updates in relation to the Princes Freeway closure."
OCTOBER NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
MORWELL MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - Hoon driving around the intersection of Angus and Butters - Advice given re reporting and recording. Children riding motorized mini bikes on Angus and Butters - Advice given re reporting and recording.
CRIME REPORT - ROBBERY - 2 for October (Nil Sept) - One offender has been charged with both robberies.
ASSAULT - 22 for October (35 Sept) - 19 offenders charged, some face multiple charges of assault police and resist arrest. Police are following up suspects in relation to two other assaults. A female was assaulted in her vehicle by an unknown male in Commercial Rd on 15th October. The male has smashed the window of the victim’s vehicle and then hit her in the face. He is described as male Caucasian, dark shirt, jeans and a dark beanie.
ARSON - 4 for October (4 Sept) - All were criminal damage caused by fire. A broken down vehicle on the highway was set alight whilst two stolen vehicles were located burnt out. A bush in the front yard of a residential premises was set alight.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 26 for October (47 Sept) - Seven offenders charged with a large number as a result of family violence incidents. Most involved windows of residences or vehicles being damaged. A car yard and two tow yards were damaged when vehicles were stolen.
BURGLARY - 21 for October (16 Sept) - 10 offenders charged. Most burglaries were committed on residential premises or sheds/garages. Tools, garden tools and alcohol were the main items stolen from sheds. A lawn mower was stolen from the unlocked area under a house. There were also six attempted burglaries.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 16 for October (8 Sept) - All bar two of the TFMV’s were committed in residential areas. Unlocked vehicles parked in driveways were targeted with a few having windows damaged. Cash, DVD players, CD’s, mobile phones, handbags and wallets were amongst the items stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 16 for October (5 Sept) - A car yard was targeted when two vehicles were stolen from the yard. The victim attempted to apprehend one of the offenders but was unsuccessful. Both vehicles were recovered at the scene. Two stolen vehicles remain outstanding with all others recovered including two being burnt out.
THEFT - 19 for October (18 Sept) - One offender charged. There were three thefts of fuel from service stations with two of them possibly being linked to an offender who has been charged with theft of motor vehicle and assaults. A drum of used cooking oil was stolen from the rear of a premises in Commercial Rd. It is the fourth drum to be stolen over a period of time.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Nil
CHURCHILL and DISTRICT MEETING and CRIME REPORT
OCTOBER ISSUES – Nil
CRIME REPORT
ROBBERY - 1 for October (Nil Sept) - One offender charged with armed robbery after an incident in Churchill. The offender will also face various other robbery charges.
ASSAULTS - 11 for October (5 Sept) - In the only incident where an offender has not been charged police are making follow up enquiries.
ARSON - 2 for October (4 Sept) - One offender charged with criminal damage by fire after an incident in Dalpura Ct. A stolen vehicle was recovered in Glendonald Rd burnt out.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 11 for October (5 Sept) - Four offenders charged. All the other damages were committed in residential areas of town. Overnight on 6th October a number of vehicles had tyres slashed in White Pde/Howard Ave area. Two other incidents of graffiti were committed on the same night in Fraser Cres.
BURGLARY -1 for October (4 Sept) - One offender charged.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 5 for October (Nil Sept) - All the TFMV’s were committed in residential driveways or addresses. A series of thefts were committed in the Canterbury Way/Omaro Crt/Williams Ave area with purses, cameras and a rear view mirror stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for October (1 Sept) - All three vehicles stolen have been recovered and returned to the owners. Two of the vehicles were recovered within fifty metres of the residence they were stolen from.
THEFT - 2 for October (3 Sept) - Jewellery and cash was stolen from a residence during the month whilst motorcycle gear was stolen from a carport.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Meeting not held at time of printing.
MOE/NEWBOROUGH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - NHW sign has not been erected in High St - Brett to follow up with depot as to location sign was erected. Broken windows at old hospital site - Follow up with new owners re security. Speed humps in Power Ave need repainting and crossing in Fowler St needs repainting - Brett has passed this onto Latrobe City.
CRIME REPORT
ASSAULT - 21 for October (19 Sept) - 21 offenders charged. The only incident which has not resulted in an offender being charged was an elderly male who was assaulted by two males in Fowler St on 22nd October. The males have exited a small blue or black vehicle assaulted the victim and left the scene. One male is described as tall, fair complexion, early 20s the other is dark complexion and dark hair. Any information to Crimestoppers or Moe Police.
ARSON - 2 for October (1 Sept) - Both were criminal damage by fire. A bus stolen from a church was located burnt out whilst a council bin outside a residence was set alight.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 26 for October (29 Sept) - 10 offenders charged. Most were committed in residential areas. Garden plants were damaged in a number of incidents with vehicle windows smashed in the majority of other incidents. The Newborough Cricket club was targeted twice when offenders have driven onto the playing surface damaging both the playing surface and covers.
BURGLARY - 12 for October (6 Sept) - One offender charged. Two businesses were targeted with all the other burglaries committed on residential premises, sheds or garages. Most of the house burglaries involved forced entry whilst in all the garage or shed burglaries entry was gained via an unlocked door.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 12 for October (9 Sept) - Two sets of registration plates were stolen with one set used in a theft of petrol on the day it were stolen. Two other incidents involved a single plate being stolen. The number of unlocked vehicles being entered in residential driveways is still very high with cash, wallets and iPods being the items stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for October (2 Sept) -Three of the vehicles have been recovered. A bus stolen from a church was located burnt out in the Edward Hunter Reserve.
THEFT (OTHER) - 7 for October (8 Sept) - Three offenders charged. A lamb was stolen from a property in Albert St on 17th October. All other thefts were committed in residential areas with a letterbox, a couch and jewellery was stolen. A scooter stolen from a Newborough address was recovered and returned to the owner.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Nil
TRARALGON MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES: Pedestrians crossing Grey St near the RSL and some incidents of near misses - VicRoads has provided a reply – New signage and lighting has been placed in the vicinity of the RSL.
CRIME REPORT - ROBBERY - 2 for October (4 Sept) - One offender charged whilst police are following up an incident that occurred in Breed St where a male was assaulted and robbed by four males.
ASSAULT - 21 for October (21 Sept) - 17 offenders charged. Some offenders also charged with robbery, breach of an intervention order and criminal damage as a result of family violence incidents. Suspects are being followed up in three of the incidents.
ARSON - 1 for October (2 Sept) - One offender charged as a result of an incident at Traralgon Secondary Campus.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 37 for October (32 Sept) - Six offenders charged. Most of the damages occurred in residential areas with a number of vehicles having objects thrown at them in Park Lane. Suspects are being followed up.
BURGLARY - 19 for October (24 Sept) - One offender charged. Burglaries were fairly evenly spread between shops and residential premises with most entered via smashed windows. Cash was the main item stolen. A shipping container was entered in Eastern Rd with tools stolen whilst a vehicle parked at the same site had a bull bar stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 19 for October (21 Sept) - Most thefts were committed in residential driveways or on the street outside residential addresses. Colin Watson once again had items stolen from a number of vehicles parked in the lot. All vehicles targeted were HSV model Holdens with bonnets, wheel badges and panels stolen. Cash was the major item stolen from other vehicles after having windows smashed.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 3 for October (1 Sept) - All three vehicles stolen have been recovered and returned.
THEFT - 17 for October (15 Sept) - Six were committed by opportunistic thieves when the victims left their purses, handbags or phones behind or have left them and gone to dance at a club. A number of service stations had fuel stolen.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Unruly behaviour near Park lane Units - information passed to Traralgon Police for patrols. Advice provided about reporting.
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
PREVIOUS ISSUES - Nil
ASSAULT - 2 for October (Nil Sept) - Two offenders charged with assault, threats to kill, and other assault offences.
ARSON - Nil for October (1 Sept)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for October (1 Sept) - One offender charged. In the other incident the Yallourn North Cricket Club gate was rammed by a vehicle overnight on 28th October.
BURGLARY - Nil for October (Nil Sept)
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 2 for October (Nil Sept) - Two sets of driving lights were stolen from vehicles overnight on 6th October in Cross St and Carmel St and appear to have been removed with a spanner with wiring cut.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for October (1 Sept)
THEFT (OTHER) - 1 for October (Nil Sept) - A camping swag was stolen from the front porch of a Kelso Rd address overnight on 7th October.
ISSUES RAISED NOVEMBER – Nil
FUNDING BOOST FOR AUSTRALASIAN NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
The Federal government recently announced $1.5 million for Neighbourhood Watch Australasia over three years - the biggest Commonwealth funding for community-based crime prevention. The program will be funded from the confiscated proceeds of crime and will be used to establish a national office and to expand NHW at grass-root level through grants to increase community safety and to fund crime prevention programs, to name a few.
Our own Region 5’s Victoria Police Superintendent Tess Walsh (pictured) is the President of Neighbour-hood Watch Australasia. Supt Walsh said "It is great to see increased support for our wonderful program from the government at a Federal level. This funding shows the volunteers how valuable their contribution is and how much their efforts in making our communities safer and better places in which to live are not only encouraged but respected."
WHEN TURNING ONTO A ROAD A PEDESTRIAN IS CROSSING
THE DRIVER MUST GIVE WAY
Drivers are reminded that under the Road Safety Road Rules 2009 the laws pertaining to turning vehicles giving way to pedestrians at an intersection without traffic lights or a stop sign, stop line, give way sign or give way line as applied to the driver are clear. Drivers must give way to pedestrians crossing the road the driver is turning into. If the pedestrian is crossing the road the driver is on then the pedestrian must give way. The rule is different again at roundabouts where pedestrians must give way to all vehicles. Please remember: Pedestrians are slow and they cannot see you if you are approaching from behind.
Police remind the community if they see something suspicious they should ring 000 or if they have information in relation to an offence contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppers.com.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
Related Articles- Latrobe Valley residents invited to crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick
Latrobe Valley residents are invited to a free crime and community safety forum with Shadow Police Minister David Southwick on 6 November, hosted by Martin Cameron MP at the Morwell RSL. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Latrobe City Australia Day Awards 2026 honoured locals’ achievements, service, and community leadership
Latrobe City celebrated the 2026 Australia Day Awards, recognising locals’ dedication, leadership, and community contributions across service, events, youth, senior, and citizen categories. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses. - Latrobe Valley households to cut energy bills with efficient electric heat pump hot water system upgrades
Latrobe Valley households can cut energy bills by $330 annually with efficient heat pump hot water systems, thanks to the Allan Labor government's SEC one stop shop pilot expansion. - Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth. - Latrobe City invites community input to shape the 2026/27 budget and future priorities, submit feedback by 17 November 2025
Latrobe City Council is seeking community input to help shape the 2026/27 Budget. Share your priorities via council's Have Your Say platform by 5pm, Monday 17 November 2025. - 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. - Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall with family fun, interactive learning and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital
Latrobe City Children's Expo returns to Kernot Hall on 23 October, featuring fun activities, entertainment, local services, and the Monash Teddy Bear Hospital promoting children's health, learning, and community connection. - Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes. - Latrobe City Council invites residents to participate in 2026 Community Satisfaction Survey by phone on 16 February and 27 March 2026
Latrobe City Council’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey will contact 400 households by phone, gathering confidential feedback to improve services and council performance across the city. - Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience. - Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - 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. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - Latrobe City Council reviews community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to refine public space improvements and concerns
Latrobe City Council has concluded community consultation on the draft Streetscape Strategy, reviewing feedback on carpark concerns, public space improvements, and long-term enhancements before finalising recommendations. - Latrobe Regional Gallery launches Autumn 2026 season, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage and environment
Latrobe Regional Gallery’s Autumn 2026 season opens 7 February, featuring five exhibitions exploring migration, heritage, identity, environment, and connections to place, including works by Lucy Hersey and Janina Green. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
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. - Latrobe City Council endorses Transition Reserve Policy to drive economic diversification, growth and long-term job creation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Transition Reserve Policy to support economic diversification, fund enabling infrastructure, attract new industries, and allocate future surpluses to drive long-term regional growth and jobs. - Latrobe Regional Gallery Mainstreet Cafe fosters skill development, employment, and community engagement for all abilities
Latrobe Regional Gallery welcomes Mainstreet Cafe, an all-abilities social enterprise providing inclusive hospitality training, employment opportunities, and community engagement, fostering skills development and pathways for people of all abilities. - Latrobe City Council extends partnership with Tennis Australia to host 2027-2031 junior championships
Latrobe City Council will host the 2027–2031 AGL Loy Yang Traralgon Junior International, showcasing elite under-18 tennis, supporting the community, and strengthening the region’s reputation for world-class sporting events. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft Streetscape Strategy to enhance town centres until 20 October 2025
Latrobe City Council has released its draft Streetscape Strategy for public feedback, aiming to enhance town aesthetics, accessibility, and sustainability through improved design, maintenance, and consistent public amenities. - Latrobe City Council's Councillor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 regional agenda
Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson joins Regional Cities Victoria mayors to shape 2026 agenda, advocating sustainable growth, investment, and workforce opportunities for regional Victoria’s cities and surrounding communities. - Latrobe City Council endorses Economic Development Advisory Committee to drive diverse, regional economic growth
Latrobe City Council will establish an Economic Development Advisory Committee with diverse industry leaders and an independent chair to guide post-coal transition economic growth and investment opportunities. - Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth. - Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley. - Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries. - Latrobe City to celebrate Australia Day with free events, pools, citizenship ceremony, and community awards
Latrobe City will celebrate Australia Day with free community events, pool access, citizenship ceremonies, and awards recognising outstanding volunteers, fostering connection, fun, and community spirit across multiple towns. - Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools. - Latrobe City Council enhances Seymour Street Car Park safety, lighting, access, and parking experience
Latrobe City Council upgrades Seymour Street Car Park with improved lighting, safety measures, CCTV, and future real-time signage, ensuring accessible, secure all-day parking and enhanced confidence for CBD workers and visitors. - Latrobe City Council elects Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26
Latrobe City Council has elected Sharon Gibson as Mayor and Dale Harriman as Deputy Mayor for 2025 - 26, pledging to diversify the economy, support local industries, and create jobs for the community. - Latrobe City allocates $7.3M surplus to key community infrastructure and improvement projects
Latrobe City Council's $7.3 million surplus will fund key community projects, infrastructure upgrades, and maintenance, with $3.4 million reserved to leverage future State and Federal funding partnerships. - Latrobe City events drive tourism, economic growth and community engagement across the region
Latrobe City hosted major sporting and cultural events in 2024 - 25, attracting over 27,000 attendees and generating $23.5 million in economic impact, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as an events hub. - Latrobe unites to tackle gambling harm during awareness week: 'Set Before You Bet' 2025
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to take part in Gambling Harm Awareness Week (27 Oct - 2 Nov) and "Set before you bet" by learning to recognise signs and reduce gambling harm. - Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Victoria’s crime crisis worsens as police numbers fall, offences rise, and station hours are reduced under Labor government
Victoria’s crime crisis worsens under Labor with 368 fewer police, rising offences, unsolved cases, reduced station hours, and retail theft surging, prompting calls for proper resourcing and crime prevention. - Serious crime rises reflect community concerns, worsened by Labor's cuts, weakened bail, reduced youth programs, says Melina Bath
Crime in Eastern Victoria has reached a 20-year high, with Melina Bath condemning Labor's soft approach, police under-resourced, and The Nationals vowing stronger laws, prevention programs, and community safety reforms. - Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government funding commitment on Latrobe Valley mental health unit urgently needing expansion
The Nationals’ Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to urgently expand Latrobe Regional Health’s mental health unit, citing critically limited beds and growing demand for timely care in Gippsland. - Danny O’Brien says Crime Statistics Agency figures reveal rising serious assaults and theft across Gippsland communities
Crime is rising across Gippsland, with assaults, thefts, and burglaries increasing sharply, prompting Nationals’ Danny O’Brien to call for stronger police resourcing, law reforms, and preventative measures. - Martin Cameron says Labor fails on crime, wasting millions on machete bins instead of protecting Gippsland
Crime in Latrobe has surged under Labor, with Moe incidents up 26% and retail theft 65%. Nationals' Martin Cameron says only their Safer Communities Plan will restore safety. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - Danny O’Brien warns 33 percent crime rise highlights Gippsland commuters’ safety concerns, lacking adequate PSO protection
Crime on Gippsland public transport has risen nearly 33% in 12 months, raising concerns about PSO coverage and regional commuter safety under the Allan Labor government. - Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences. - CFMEU corruption report exposes organised crime links, $15B project blowouts, prompting Melina Bath to demand Labor accountability
The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability. - Tim Bull says rising retail crime reflects Victoria’s weak approach, despite claims of toughest bail laws
Retail theft is surging in East Gippsland, with repeat offenders emboldened. Tim Bull calls for tougher penalties, accountability, and support for struggling households to protect businesses and local communities. - Melina Bath urges action on Gippsland youth crime with tougher penalties, stronger policing, and restored diversion funding
Melina Bath has demanded urgent action on Gippsland's escalating youth crime, calling for tougher penalties, stronger police presence, and restored diversion program funding to protect communities and restore safety. - Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence. - Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts. - Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control. - Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Sale’s burnt police station must be cleared and redeveloped after 11 years of government inaction, says Danny O’Brien
Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urges Allan Labor Government to clear and redevelop Sale’s old police station site after 11 years of inaction, following its recent deliberate burning. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - 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. - South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts November community briefing in Trafalgar to discuss key projects and engage residents in shaping the town’s future
Baw Baw Shire Council will hold a community briefing in Trafalgar on 18 November, inviting residents to discuss key projects, provide feedback, and engage with Councillors and Council officers. - Victorian Agency for Health Information data shows ambulance services declining due to Labor's under‑resourcing, mismanagement and denial
The latest data shows Victoria’s ambulance service declining, with fewer than 64% of Code 1 responses within 15 minutes, highlighting regional delays, under‑resourcing, and mismanagement under the Allan Labor government. - Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally. - Danny O’Brien calls Labor’s free November travel scheme a stunt, with Gippsland commuters disrupted
Gippsland commuters faced 19 days of disruptions despite Labor’s free-travel November scheme, with ongoing delays, confusion, and bus replacements highlighting mismanaged rail projects and continued frustration for passengers. - Mayor Rochelle Halstead honoured with MAV 10-year Service Award for her dedication to local government
Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has received the MAV 10-Year Service Award, recognising her decade of dedicated leadership, advocacy, and commitment to strengthening local government and the Bass Coast community. - Mallacoota Skate Park Competition returns November 8, promising community fun, BMX, skateboarding, and prizes
Mallacoota Skate Park Competition on 8 November 2025 will feature BMX and skateboarding contests, learn-to-skate sessions, prizes, music, and food, celebrating community, inclusivity, and active recreation for all ages. - Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 26 November 2025
At its 26 November meeting, Baw Baw Council extended Mick Cummins as Acting CEO, adopted the Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, and progressed key planning and governance decisions. - East Gippsland expands Whelans Group road maintenance contract, ensuring service continuity and local job retention across shire
East Gippsland Council has expanded Whelans Group’s road maintenance role, taking over areas previously managed by Cranes Asphalting, ensuring service continuity, high standards, and retention of local jobs across the shire. - Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem. - East Gippsland Council launches pool and spa safety inspection service to ensure compliance and protect residents
East Gippsland Council reminds residents to ensure pools and spas meet safety regulations and offers a $385 Barrier Compliance Inspection Service, including inspection, report, follow-up, certification, and database lodgement. - Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety. - Darren Chester joins East Gippsland community to honour fallen Victoria police officers on Remembrance Day
Darren Chester joined the East Gippsland community for National Police Remembrance Day in Bairnsdale, honouring Victoria Police officers who lost their lives and recognising those who continue to serve. - Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region. - Martin Cameron condemns Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, pledges action to combat knife crime
Martin Cameron condemned the Allan Labor government for blocking Jack’s Law, pledging to introduce it if elected, giving police powers to combat knife crime, following its success in other Australian states. - Discover Noojee historic Trestle Bridge, explore lush forests, rail trails, waterfalls, and heritage sites in charming old timber town
Explore Noojee historic trestle bridge, Victoria’s tallest, stroll rail trails, chase waterfalls, fish the Latrobe River, and enjoy cafés, pubs, lush forests, and the majestic Ada Tree nearby. - East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits. - Wellington Shire Council invites open conversations on financial pressures impacting community services, roads, and facilities
Wellington Shire Council faces rising costs, rate caps, and funding pressures, yet remains committed to delivering essential services and urging government reform to better support regional communities into the future. - Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre partially closes for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades over coming weeks
Parts of Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre will close temporarily for urgent roof, gym, and wet area upgrades. Alternative facilities and adjusted programs are available during Stage 1 works. - Michelle Garvan of Lakes Entrance honoured with national medals for outstanding dedication and service to community safety
Six Victorian lifesavers have been awarded National Medals, recognising 15-25 years of dedicated volunteer service protecting the community and ensuring public safety in Australian waterways. - Martin Cameron criticises Labor government over delayed Morwell sobering-up facility, broken promises and lack of ministerial accountability
Martin Cameron criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to deliver the promised Morwell sobering-up facility, ignoring repeated parliamentary questions, leaving the Latrobe Valley without adequate public intoxication support. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill. - Martin Cameron says Yallourn job cuts devastate workers and mark first blow in Power Station closure
Up to 40 Yallourn Power Station jobs will be cut by 2025, sparking concern from Martin Cameron over Labor's failure to support the Latrobe Valley through the energy transition.
|
|
