Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Local – What is Local?Local businesses, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers are given a "fair go" on Government led projects and in the procurement of goods and services. By Portal Admin - 1st June 2020 - Back to News Member for Morwell Russell Northe is calling upon Government at all levels to ensure local businesses, contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers are given a "fair go" on Government led projects and in the procurement of goods and services.
"Everyone who knows me, knows that I am extremely passionate about the use of local businesses and local contractors on Government projects, but unfortunately that same passion has led to much frustration over the years", Mr Northe said.
"In my reckoning the word "local" is used very loosely by Governments and against the perception of what our community would define as being "local" said Mr Northe
Last year I appointed a Parliamentary Intern in Tom Boucher-Hill to investigate, "The Efficacy of Local Construction Participation in State Funded Construction Projects in the Latrobe Valley Region".
https://russellnorthe.com.au/parliamentary-intern-report-local-jobs-for-local-workers-tomboucher-hill/
"Tom’s report was highly valued by myself and many local contractors who have felt that for far too long local enterprises are not being afforded the opportunity to participate or even bid for Government work in their own community." Mr Northe said.
"Subsequently, I have penned an opinion piece to highlight how Government’s use of the word "local" can be extremely misleading, whilst also offering suggestions as to how local businesses can get a fair go on Government projects" said Mr Northe
"Now, more than ever, I believe it is so important to get Government procurement policies correct because at the moment our business community is missing out on many opportunities when they most need it", Mr Northe concluded.
WHAT IS LOCAL?
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE LATROBE COMMUNITY
Now, more than ever, I believe that it is time our local businesses, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers should be given every opportunity to participate in Government-led projects within Latrobe City. We have been blessed that Latrobe City has benefited from significant Government investment over recent years and we look forward to that continuing.
However, for a long time I like many have become increasingly frustrated at the number of lost opportunities for local builders and contractors who have been overlooked for work, or even worse - denied the opportunity to even tender for works within their own community, in which they pay rates and taxes.
The problem in my view, lies with procurement processes that often refer to local and local content, but really what is the definition of local? Unfortunately, local is defined differently, depending on who you ask.
But how many people realise that the definition of "local" by State and Federal Government standards, is actually applicable to all of Australia and New Zealand?
To many people, Latrobe City and the towns within is referred to as local, which seems logical: it is a Local Government area after all. And then we have the Latrobe Valley which many would perceive as being the same area as Latrobe City. However under State Government guidelines, the Latrobe Valley area is actually defined as being inclusive of the Local Government areas of Baw Baw, Latrobe City and Wellington Shires.
I'm happy to stand corrected, but I would have thought that the good residents of Sale, Yarram, Warragul or Drouin would not identify their place of residence as the Latrobe Valley. So why is this a problem? In part it has allowed Governments to use the Latrobe Valley as a vehicle to announce that a local builder has been appointed to undertake a project within Latrobe City boundaries. This is despite the same builder or company being based outside of Latrobe City, our Local Government area.
An example in recent times was the appointment of a Warragul builder to construct the $4.3 million Latrobe Youth Space Centre in Morwell. The announcement of the successful tenderer included news that a local builder had been selected. But is it really local as many residents in Latrobe City have pointed out to me? I certainly don’t cast any aspersions upon the building firm appointed and I’m sure they are a terrific organisation; however, one has to question why a Latrobe City builder would not be building the Latrobe Youth Space centre in Morwell. Rather ironic, I would have thought.
Are we really saying that there is no commercial builder in Morwell, Moe, Churchill or Traralgon and surrounds who is unwilling or not capable of undertaking this project? Now I confess I don’t know all the background for this project, such as was this a public tender; did any Latrobe businesses submit a tender, or were any Latrobe businesses notified to the project? Again, I don’t criticise the successful tenderer I just raise the point that whereby this municipality, the Latrobe municipality has suffered significant hardship in recent years with major businesses closing their doors, and the fact that we are going to have to contend with enormous economic hardship given the COVID-19 pandemic, shouldn't we be doing everything possible to support this same local community when opportunities like this arise?
There are major projects underway within Latrobe City at the moment and I commend all levels of Government including the State Government for their investment and commitment. Some of those projects mean that the principal contractor appointed may not be based in Latrobe City and this is understandable for a number of reasons including the fact that no local entity to my understanding has accreditation to perform State or Federal Government projects in the scope of $15 million or more. What is critically important however is that local sub-contractors and suppliers are given the opportunity to participate in these same works. Unfortunately, this has been the subject of some consternation from Latrobe City based builders and contractors over a period of time, including how effective local content has really been.
On these large-scale projects, the principal contractors will generally use local motels and frequent cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs which is really important and this should be valued and respected. And it’s not to say that local contractors have a right to every Government project within Latrobe City. There might be times when Government projects require certain skills that are not able to be delivered locally. There might be times where local contractors don’t wish to submit a tender. There might be times that the costs of a local contractor is greater than what is fair and reasonable, but what I would say is that locals should be afforded the opportunity at the very least to participate in Government projects in their local community, and indeed strong local weighting should apply as part of the procurement and tender process.
The Victorian Government has a "Local Jobs First" policy. In name it sounds wonderful but in practical terms it doesn’t deliver on the perception that the majority of people would have in their minds as to what is deemed local. Over a period of time I have been approached by many local contractors who have shared their frustrations in regards to the system that exists and its failure to recognise true local content. Last year, I engaged a Parliamentary Intern to undertake research into the efficacy of local construction participation in Statefunded construction projects. The report undertaken by Tom Boucher-Hill – which is well worth reading – and it highlighted how the system really is failing local contractors in many respects.
Just last week, I drew attention to a project in Traralgon which involved the fit-out of a building for WorkSafe; a State Government authority. It had come to light that this project, (which was said to be worth approximately $1.5 million), would proceed without any opportunity for local builders to even tender for this same work. WorkSafe had determined that it would select a builder from its preferred contractor list; which does not include any local builders and it also determined it would not undertake a public tender process for these same works. As I mentioned at the time, this is simply disgraceful and makes an absolute mockery of the notion of local on Government projects. How many other similar projects have fallen through the cracks over the years - one has to wonder?
I just cannot fathom that in a community that has endured economic downturn, with already high unemployment, and faces significant employment and economic challenges due to COVID-19 that no local business has been afforded the opportunity to quote or tender for Government work in its own backyard. People might ask why should Latrobe City be viewed differently and I would point out the reasons above, plus the fact that we are unique. Unlike the majority of other municipalities, the State Government derives tens of millions of dollars each and every year from the resource sector in our community, including a $252 million increase in coal royalties just four years ago. Local businesses pay rates and they pay taxes so when Government related projects occur within the community in which these same business owners and their employees work and live, then why shouldn’t they be given an opportunity to at the very least submit a quote or tender.
To summarise, I raise four points that I believe can assist to address these matters; First, the description of local, local content and Latrobe Valley requires urgent review in the context of Government projects. These three definitions are confusing and misleading. It is little wonder people residing in Latrobe City scratch their heads when the builder of a Government project is announced as local when the perception is completely different in the local community. If the definition of local in Government language is Australia and New Zealand, then this terminology is completely wrong and it needs to change.
Second, an adequate weighting should apply for businesses and contractors based within Latrobe City and apply to Government work within our community. If a stronger weighting system is geared towards local contractors, then we should see more locals participating in local projects. In addition, local contractors should be afforded the opportunity to not only be informed of projects that are occurring in their local backyard but have the opportunity to tender and participate. As per the WorkSafe example raised earlier - this is simply not happening.
Third, there needs to be transparency in relation to the use of contractors on major Government funded projects within our community. This should include the public listing of contractors and suppliers, which requires an explainer outlining why locals have not been utilised if this is the case. This should be a documented publicly and in turn, I believe this will exert pressure on the principal contractor to use the services of local sub-contractors and suppliers.
Fourth, there are a significant number of Government related departments and agencies in our community. Now is a time where each and every single Local, State and Federal Government department and agency based within Latrobe City should urgently review their procurement practices and ensure that the acquisition of goods and services are being done locally where possible. Not in the current Government definition of local but local as in what our community would expect local to be.
In closing, whilst I firmly believe all levels of Government are doing their absolute best in difficult circumstances, it is the local procurement and local content policies that have existed under Governments of all persuasions over a period of time that need urgent reviewing in my opinion. We have a fantastic business community in Latrobe City and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be supported to thrive. It’s important that we all continue to support our local business community where can. They are the ones that employ local people, they are the ones they provide local services, and they are the ones who support our local schools, sporting clubs and other organisations. Likewise, it’s about time that Government procurement policies at all levels better recognised our local business community and ensure that local businesses have adequate opportunities to participate in Government led projects and in the provision of goods and services in their own backyard.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections. - East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises. - Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities. - Coal Creek Sunday Sessions bring local musicians together for two afternoons of live music and family-friendly entertainment in November 2026
Coal Creek’s Sunday Sessions will feature local soloists, duos and musical groups across two family-friendly afternoons of live music on November 15 and 29. - Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs. - Victorian Councils urge parties to preserve local choice in glass collection models and expand container deposit recycling benefits
A coalition of 41 Victorian councils is urging major parties to preserve local choice in glass collection, expand container deposit recycling benefits and maximise recovery while minimising costs for communities. - West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity. - Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns. - Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire. - Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation. - East Gippsland Council seeks community feedback on general local law review before 2027 expiry, submit by 2 October 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its General Local Law review, covering public spaces, safety, amenity and local activities, with consultation open until Friday, October 2. - Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally. - 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 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. - Seven Gippsland farmers markets to explore for fresh produce, local treats and delicious weekend breakfasts
Gippsland’s seven farmers markets offer fresh local produce, seafood, baked treats, artisan goods and coffee, making weekend mornings delicious opportunities to meet growers and discover regional flavours. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on future of local aquatic facilities and swimming pools before 6 December 2026
South Gippsland Council is seeking community feedback on the future of aquatic facilities, with ageing infrastructure, changing visitation, rising costs and renewal needs under consideration. Feedback closes December 6. - Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on three strategies guiding local economic growth, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure through 2037
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on three strategies covering economic development, arts, culture, leisure and infrastructure, with consultation open until November 8, 2026, to guide priorities and investment through 2037. - Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access. - South Gippsland Council awards $122,959 to support 20 community organisations, local projects and other updates on council programs
South Gippsland Council has awarded $122,959 to 20 groups, while promoting local projects, bridge repairs, weed management, hard waste collections and community programs. - Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges. - 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. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives. - Darren Chester and Martin Cameron visit Mitchell House to recognise local aged care workers and services
Federal Member Darren Chester and State MP Martin Cameron visited Morwell Mitchell House, recognising aged care workers and highlighting the importance of accessible, compassionate local care for older Gippslanders. - Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo. - Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities. - East Gippsland Councillors take council in community program to Twin Rivers district for local engagement on 29 September 2026
East Gippsland Councillors will visit Bruthen, Johnsonville and Metung on September 29, meeting residents and businesses to discuss local priorities, challenges and opportunities through Council’s community engagement program. - Latrobe City Councillors recognised for years of dedicated service and commitment to local communities and regional leadership
Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson received the Mayor Emeritus Award, while councillors Dale Harriman and Darren Howe marked 15 and 10 years of service. Council also secured adoption of five regional policy motions. - 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. - 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. - Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities. - Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards. - Palm Lake Resort Paynesville welcomes 100th resident, boosting East Gippsland’s retirement living and local economic growth
Palm Lake Resort Paynesville has welcomed its 100th resident, highlighting growing demand for retirement living and investment supporting local businesses and economic activity across East Gippsland. - Paynesville Maritime Precinct officially opens following $13M investment to boost boating, tourism, jobs and local business growth
Paynesville’s $13 million Slip Road Maritime Precinct officially opened, delivering improved waterfront access, jetties and boating facilities to boost tourism, local businesses, jobs and Gippsland Lakes recreation. - Nationals and Liberals propose $115M apprenticeship fund to help small businesses cut training costs, address skills shortages and create local jobs
The Nationals and Liberals have announced a proposed $115 million apprenticeship fund to cover 50 per cent of eligible training costs, supporting small businesses, and creating more local career opportunities for Gippsland youth. - East Gippsland targets Canberra visitors in new Spring Tourism Campaign, destination marketing and supporting local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched a Canberra-focused spring tourism campaign, testing evidence-led marketing strategies while attracting shoulder-season visitors and supporting local businesses through targeted promotion. - Willow Grove recreation reserve secures $360,000 lighting upgrade to improve safety and support local sport
Willow Grove Recreation Reserve will receive a $360,000 lighting upgrade by 2028, improving safety, supporting local sporting clubs, expanding female football opportunities and assisting emergency services during critical events. - Sale coffee cup campaign spreads strong community message against domestic and family violence across local businesses
Sale's Rotary Club has launched a coffee cup awareness campaign against domestic and family violence, with MPs Darren Chester and Danny O'Brien urging businesses and residents to support the initiative. - Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife. - 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. - 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. - Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community. - East Gippsland planning roadshow brings expert advice to Mallacoota residents, improving access to local services
East Gippsland Shire Council's Planning Roadshow will visit Mallacoota on August 17, offering residents face-to-face planning advice, permit guidance and access to the new AI-powered myLot planning tool. - 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. - 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. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra. - Morwell’s Icon Industrial receives $1.9M to upgrade infrastructure, attract investment, create jobs and diversify the local economy
Morwell’s Icon Industrial development has received a $1.9 million grant for road, sewer, water and drainage upgrades, supporting investment, job creation and economic diversification as the region transitions from traditional industries. - Maffra Show celebrates agricultural heritage, community spirit and dedicated volunteers across Gippsland’s farming districts
The Maffra Show celebrated local agriculture, farming heritage and community spirit, with Darren Chester praising volunteers, exhibitors and competitors for preserving regional traditions and supporting local businesses. - Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on first draft Events Strategy for future events from 27 August to 16 September 2026
Baw Baw Shire is inviting residents, event organisers and local businesses to comment on its first draft Events Strategy, open on Baw Baw Connect from August 27 to September 16, helping shape future event planning across the Shire. - East Gippsland simplifies footpath permit fees, reducing costs for businesses while supporting safe, vibrant, accessible town centres
East Gippsland Shire Council has introduced a simplified, tiered Goods on Footpath permit fee structure, reducing costs for many businesses while supporting vibrant town centres and maintaining safe, accessible public spaces. - 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. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election candidates to fund critical projects before Victorian state election in November
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to fund critical local projects, including road upgrades, trails, sporting infrastructure, business development and a new West Gippsland Hospital. - Baw Baw Shire Council urges election commitments on hospital, roads, transport and infrastructure for growing communities
Baw Baw Shire Council is urging state and federal leaders to support local priorities, including a new hospital, transport, roads, housing, tourism and infrastructure, ahead of Victoria’s November election. - 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. - Parma for a Farmer returns to Poowong, bringing free food, laughter, community and mental health support on 17 September 2026
Parma for a Farmer returns to the Poowong Hotel on September 17, offering local farmers and workers a free meal, comedy, connection and conversations supporting mental health and wellbeing. - Regional ambulance response times deteriorate across Eastern Victoria under Labor, Melina Bath demands answers from Carroll government
Melina Bath has criticised deteriorating ambulance response times across eastern Victoria, saying every local government area is worse than 12 years ago and calling on Labor to restore timely emergency care. - Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance. - Darren Chester welcomes progress on critical Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed progress on the Krauatungalung Walk’s next stage, with local firm DesignCo Builders awarded the contract to complete the critical boardwalk link at Lakes Entrance. - Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation. - Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events. - East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness. - Damian Callinan brings hall stories to Woodleigh for a night of rural Australian comedy on 9 October 2026
Comedian Damian Callinan brings his hit show Hall Stories to Woodleigh Hall, celebrating rural Australian halls, local characters and history, with a podcast documenting the hall's story afterwards. - 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. - Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment. - East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online. - 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.
|
|
