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Water Resource and Catchment Managers join forces for National Water Week 2001

National Water Week is again being held this year, between the dates of October 14-20

By Gippsland Water - 3rd October 2001 - Back to News

National Water Week is again being held this year, between the dates of October 14-20. National Water Week is an event held each year throughout Australia to involve the community in protecting and conserving our precious water resources. In a new initiative, Gippsland’s water resource and catchment managers have joined forces to promote the importance of water and its role in contributing to the health and well being of Gippsland’s people, environment and the economy.

The newly formed Gippsland Regional Water Week Committee is made up of representatives from Gippsland Water, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Southern Rural Water, Waterwatch Gippsland, Environment Protection Authority Gippsland and Natural Resources and Environment.

Grantley Switzer from Gippsland Water said, "In the past, water resource and catchment managers have arranged some great events, but have done so independently. By working together over the past few months, we believe we have come up with a National Water Week program which will educate people on all elements of the water cycle. The activities being conducted will promote the protection, rehabilitation and improvement of our streams, wetlands, waterways, beaches and estuaries, as well as communicating the importance of water conservation".

Already, photography and poster competitions are under way with a large number of entries received. Community and school bus tours will be conducted in the areas surrounding Warragul, Morwell and Maffra during National Water Week. These tours will take in water related sites such as research farms, lakes, rivers, wetlands and water treatment plants.

"Expert commentary will be given to inform participants about how these sites and others contribute to ‘keeping water healthy for life’, which is the national theme for Water Week. We hope the people of Gippsland get behind these activities as the more people who are educated on the importance of maintaining our waterways, the better off we will be as a region", Mr Switzer added.

For information on what is happening in their area, people are encouraged to contact the following people:

• Maffra/Sale region – Vere Grey , Southern Rural Water : 5139 3162
• Morwell/Traralgon region – Dale Simmons, West Gippsland CMA : 5175 7800
• Warragul/Drouin region – Grantley Switzer, Gippsland Water : 5177 4777

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: gippslandwater@gippslander.com

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  South Gippsland dairy farmers can apply for funding from 1 April 2026 to improve effluent management, boost soil health, reduce river pollution, and implement sustainable farm practices with expert guidance.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join family-friendly Australia Day celebrations on 22 and 26 January 2026
  Residents are invited to free, family-friendly Australia Day celebrations across Baw Baw Shire, reflecting on history, recognising First Nations cultures, welcoming new citizens, thanking volunteers, and celebrating community spirit together.
• Gippsland farmers gain access to expanded Irrigation Farm Plan Incentives across Lake Wellington catchment
  Gippsland farmers can now access expanded Irrigation Efficiency Incentives, covering up to 75% of farm plan costs, improving water efficiency, reducing nutrient losses, and supporting tailored upgrades across Lake Wellington Catchment.
• Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
  Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains.
• Darren Chester's Christmas reflection mixes Gippsland joy with national grief, unity, gratitude and hope for Australia
  Darren Chester reflects on Gippsland Christmas, mourning Bondi Beach victims, appreciating essential workers, and urging unity, gratitude, and hope while wishing everyone a safe, happy, and prosperous New Year.
• 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.
• Melina Bath celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
  The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
• Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes highlights community collaboration survive South Gippsland's dry season challenges
  Inverloch dairy farmer Mick Hughes credits collaboration with the Inverloch Cluster and local water authorities for navigating South Gippsland's recurring dry conditions and improving farm drought resilience.
• Wombat damage causes Main Northern Channel leak near Brewers Hill Road, repairs underway with wildlife considerations
  Wombat burrows damaged the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra. Repairs are underway, water supply reduced temporarily, with customer orders prioritised and wildlife protections considered.
• Wellington Shire Council invites community to celebrate Parks Week with various free events from 28 February to 8 March 2026
  Wellington Shire celebrates Parks Week 2026 with free and low-cost events, including Baby’s Day Out, fitness sessions, markets, walks, and family activities, encouraging community connection and outdoor enjoyment.
• East Gippsland residents urged to foster dogs as Animal Aid Bairnsdale faces unprecedented influx and resource strain
  Animal Aid Bairnsdale urges East Gippsland residents to foster dogs as rising numbers strain shelter capacity. Support, resources, and costs are provided, ensuring dogs receive safety, love, and a chance at adoption.
• East Gippsland Council launches 10-Year Waste and Recycling Plan, advancing circular economy and sustainable resource management
  East Gippsland Council has adopted a 10-Year Waste and Recycling Transition Plan, introducing FOGO, expanding kerbside collections, improving recycling, and supporting a circular economy across the region.
• Wellington Shire Council invites Gippsland residents to free online webinar series in Sustainable, Energy-Efficient Homes on 26 February 2026
  Gippsland residents are invited to join a free 2026 Sustainable Living webinar series, offering practical advice on solar, batteries, electric homes, comfort, water, and climate-resilient design, delivered by Renew and local councils.
• Wellington Shire will deliver new 240L FOGO bins between April and June, with weekly organics collection starting 6 July 2026
  Wellington Shire introduces new FOGO bins from July, weekly organic waste collection, landfill shift to fortnightly, boosting recycling, reducing emissions, and improving composting across households.
• Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
  Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success.
• Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
  The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector.
• Life Saving Victoria urges vigilance over Easter holidays after record drowning deaths last year
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to stay alert over Easter holidays, urging safety at beaches, pools, and waterways after last year’s record 13 drowning deaths nationwide.