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Melina Bath urges Victorian Education Minister to overhaul flawed bus program to ensure proper seat allocation

Melina Bath's adjournment matter calls for the Minister for Education to review and revamp the flawed school bus program, incorporating local mapping and rigorous testing to ensure proper student seat allocation.

By news@gippsland - 6th February 2024 - Back to News

My adjournment matter this evening is for the Minister for Education. What should have been, at the start of a school year, a happy time for parents and students of Toongabbie and Tyers actually became an incredibly stressful period for them when a new Department of Education-revamped school bus program failed them dismally.

About 30 families affected with returning students in Toongabbie and Tyers left without bus seats due to system failure

School bus reform

The action I seek is for the minister to reassess this school bus program, have a look at it and overhaul it to make sure it includes local mapping systems and undergo rigorous testing to ensure that school students are properly allocated a seat on their normal bus route.

As I said, at the end of last year there was a new system put in place by the student transport unit in the education department. Approximately 30 families were impacted; 30 students around Toongabbie and Tyers were left without a seat on their bus. Now, these students were not necessarily new students, they were returning students, so in the past the whole system had been working.

When distressed parents contacted the education department they were told - and I understand many of them have certainly contacted me by email through to my office, and also Danny O'Brien and indeed Martin Cameron - that it is the family's responsibility to get their child to school and they could think about booking a taxi.

Program needs to be redesigned

This is clearly an administrative bungle by a new operation that is centred in central Melbourne and does not have any localised context. I will give you an example: students living in the towns of Moe, Churchill and Morwell were allocated seats on the Toongabbie bus.

If you know Latrobe Valley, you will know that it is directly separate and in the opposite direction to the Toongabbie bus. It is just a source of frustration that our local parents do not need. I also understand that the local bus coordinators are now manually allocating the students to the correct bus network.

What should have been a seamless operation has turned into a headache for parents and the local schools and school bus coordinators. So the action I seek from the minister is to ensure that this school bus program is overhauled to include a mapping system that is tested to stand up to the actual realities of where people, their towns and the schools that they are going to, are.

Pictures from Public Transport Victoria website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026.
• Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to disclose Gippsland South public housing vacancies amid growing local housing crisis
  Danny O’Brien has urged the Allan Labor government to disclose how many public housing homes in Gippsland South are vacant, highlighting community frustration and the urgent need for transparency.
• Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options.
• Martin Cameron urges urgent action to secure Traralgon Junior International and protect millions in local economic benefits
  Martin Cameron is urging urgent action from Latrobe City Council and the Allan government to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Association facilities and secure the Traralgon Junior International future and its $2.9 million economic benefits.
• Southern Rural Water urges water users to monitor, manage, and comply as Spring forecast warns above-average rainfall
  The Bureau predicts above-average spring rainfall and warmer temperatures across eastern Australia. Southern Rural Water urges monitoring usage, maintaining bores, and following regulations to ensure fair, efficient water management.
• Latrobe City Council urges coordinated workforce transition ahead of Yallourn W closure 2028
  Latrobe City Council urges a coordinated workforce transition ahead of Yallourn W Power Station’s 2028 closure, supporting an Energy Industry Jobs Plan to protect workers, families, local businesses, and regional economic resilience.
• Darren Chester urges federal support for forest scientists making Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry
  Darren Chester has urged the Albanese government to support credible forest scientists backing Australia's sustainable native hardwood timber industry, criticising activist influence and government bans harming regional jobs and communities.
• Peri Urban Councils Victoria urges federal action on black and grey telecommunication spots to support regional sustainability and growth
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria urges federal action on black and grey telecommunication spots, highlighting risks to communities, emergency warnings, and the need for essential infrastructure recognition and targeted investment.
• 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.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to honour veterans and support the annual poppy appeal this Remembrance Day
  Danny O'Brien is urging Gippslanders to honour veterans this Remembrance Day and support the annual Poppy Appeal, helping fund vital services for veterans and their families across the region.
• Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection
  Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer.
• Darren Chester urges abandonment after widely opposed defence honours appeals bill withdrawn by the government
  Albanese government withdraws widely opposed defence honours appeals Bill after failing to consult veterans, with Darren Chester urging its complete abandonment due to reduced rights, transparency and negative wellbeing impacts.
• Life Saving Victoria urges parents to continue children’s swimming lessons to meet water safety benchmarks and prevent drowning risks
  Life Saving Victoria warns many children to stop swimming lessons early, falling short of water safety benchmarks, urging parents to continue lessons to ensure skills, safety, and survival in pools and open water.
• Life Saving Victoria urges parents to continue children’s swimming lessons to meet water safety benchmarks and prevent drowning risks
  Life Saving Victoria warns many children to stop swimming lessons early, falling short of water safety benchmarks, urging parents to continue lessons to ensure skills, safety, and survival in pools and open water.
• Life Saving Victoria urges water safety precautions as heatwave drives crowds to beaches and pools
  Life Saving Victoria warns Victorians to prioritise water safety during this week’s 40°C heatwave, swim at patrolled locations, supervise children, avoid alcohol, and always swim with a friend.
• 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.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Latrobe City Council opens applications for free 12-week industry growth program supporting business expansion until 16 January 2026
  Latrobe City Council’s Industry Growth Program offers 12 weeks of business education, coaching, and mentoring, helping 15 eligible business leaders develop growth strategies and expand their businesses, free of charge.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
  The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders.
• Baw Baw Shire Council urges community groups to prepare applications for Community Project grants round 2 from 2 until 27 February 2026
  Round Two of Baw Baw Shire’s Community Project Grants opens in February, offering community groups up to $5,000, with Applications by Appointment mandatory before submitting proposals by 27 February 2026.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges MAV to demand transparency, accountability and community engagement in State planning decisions
  Bass Coast Shire Council will urge MAV to demand greater transparency, accountability, and community consultation in State Government planning decisions, highlighting concerns over the Development Facilitation Program and local impacts.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• Darren Chester returns to Shadow Cabinet as Veterans’ Affairs Minister, advocating for ADF personnel, veterans and families
  Darren Chester returns as Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, pledging bipartisan support, accountability, and ongoing reforms to ensure timely, accessible assistance for Australian Defence Force personnel, veterans and their families.
• Bass Coast Shire Council joins Victorian councils urging review of mandatory separate kerbside glass recycling bin policy
  Bass Coast Council joins 35 Victorian councils urging the State Government to review mandatory glass recycling bins, seeking flexibility, transparency, cost-effectiveness and alignment with existing Container Deposit Scheme initiatives.
• Mallacoota marks bushfire recovery milestone with streetscape, pavilion and hall upgrades completed
  Mallacoota marks bushfire recovery milestone with Maurice Avenue, Mudbrick Pavilion, and Hall upgrades, supported by East Gippsland Shire Council and state and federal governments, strengthening community resilience and local infrastructure.
• Darren Chester accuses Victorian Labor of endangering Gippslanders by delaying Mallacoota-Genoa road upgrades
  Federal Member Darren Chester warns Victorian Labor’s inaction on Mallacoota-Genoa Road, despite $10 million funding, endangers Gippslanders, leaving critical safety upgrades delayed and road conditions increasingly unsafe.
• Darren Chester confronts Agriculture Minister over European deal, but she won’t call it fair
  The Albanese government’s EU free trade deal has been widely criticised by farmers and industry bodies for weak market access, unfair concessions, and restrictions harming dairy, red meat, and wine sectors.
• East Gippsland Shire Council urges protect health and air quality, burn dry wood and maintain heaters to reduce smoke this winter
  Residents are urged to burn only dry, untreated wood, maintain heaters, and consider alternatives to reduce smoke, protecting health and improving air quality this winter.
• Wellington Shire Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange surges ahead, handling one in 43 Victorian Cattle Sales in 2024
  Gippsland Regional Livestock Exchange recorded a remarkable 122% increase in cattle throughput last financial year, making it the highest percentage increase of any saleyard in Australia.
• Orbost Snowy River cycling thrives with East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program and tailored mentoring
  Orbost business Snowy River Cycling leveraged Council’s Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that boosted growth, strategic planning, and access to the Forestry Transition Fund, enabling sustainable business expansion.
• Mayor Cr John White reflects on busy September: Sport, community, citizenship, infrastructure, and engagement across East Gippsland
  September was a busy, rewarding month for East Gippsland, with community events, sports, citizenship ceremonies, infrastructure projects, policy consultations, and initiatives boosting local tourism and engagement.
• Darren Chester raises concerns over gaps, inconsistencies in autism education after meeting worried local mother
  Darren Chester raised concerns about gaps in autism education after meeting Metung mother Lily Martyn, whose son George may miss specialist school due to strict IQ-based eligibility criteria.
• Forge Theatre hosts IMMERSIVE program celebrating creativity, collaboration and artistic experimentation across East Gippsland this March
  This March, Forge Theatre hosts IMMERSIVE, a month-long program encouraging creativity, collaboration, experimentation, workshops, performances, and community participation, celebrating East Gippsland’s vibrant, inclusive, and artistic spirit.
• Welcome Back the Birds event celebrates migratory species with activities, education and community engagement at Eagle Point Foreshore
  The Welcome Back the Birds event at Eagle Point Foreshore celebrated migratory birds with activities, walks, talks, and community engagement, highlighting habitat restoration and protecting vulnerable species in Gippsland Lakes.
• Gippsland to join European Union Program showcasing regional innovation in clean energy, tourism, agriculture and sustainable development
  Gippsland has been selected for a European Union research program, showcasing its leadership in clean energy, tourism, and agriculture while promoting international collaboration, innovation, and investment through the IURC initiative.
• East Gippsland Shire Council invite local businesses to workshop mountain bike tourism opportunities in Omeo on 29 April 2026
  Local businesses in Omeo are invited to a 29 April workshop to explore mountain bike tourism, gain insights, and learn practical strategies to attract visitors and boost local spending.
• East Gippsland Council warns pets aren’t presents, urges thoughtful, responsible lifelong commitment this Christmas season
  East Gippsland Council urges residents to avoid gifting pets impulsively this Christmas, emphasizing lifelong commitment, care, and responsibility, suggesting adoption vouchers or sponsorships as thoughtful alternatives.
• Wellington Shire Council invites local businesses to free Defence 101 networking event in Port of Sale on 25 March 2026
  Wellington Shire Council and ODIS invite local businesses to a free Defence 101 event on 25 March, helping them explore opportunities to supply large organisations locally.
• Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success
  Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026.
• Bass Coast wins National Award for Circular Economy Program driving sustainable local business innovation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 National Economic Development Award for its Circular Economy Business Accelerator Program, supporting local businesses to reduce waste, innovate sustainably, and embrace circular economy practices.
• 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.
• DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
  Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026.
• Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
  A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s ensured failure by hastening coal plant closures without planning baseload power replacements
  The Victorian Auditor-General warns a "disorderly energy transition" could cause power shortages, soaring prices, and job losses, with Labor’s accelerated coal closures and mismanaged renewable planning worsening the crisis.
• 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.
• Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East communities to apply for Victorian government’s Tiny Towns Fund Grants until 4 February 2026
  Tim Bull urges Gippsland East communities to apply for the Tiny Towns Fund, offering $5,000-$50,000 grants to support tourism, liveability, and local projects for towns under 5,000 residents.
• Darren Chester celebrates Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell Facility supporting education and regional workforce development
  Darren Chester welcomed Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell facility, celebrating its role in empowering students, supporting vocational education, and strengthening Gippsland’s workforce and regional communities.
• Martin Cameron criticises stalled Traralgon underpass, urges overpass alternative for delayed pedestrian safety project
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises nearly three-year delay on Traralgon underpass, urging government to clarify plans or consider a safer overpass for students and pedestrians crossing the train line.
• 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.
• East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond.
• Martin Cameron criticises WorkSafe, calling system flawed after apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Victoria’s "fundamentally broken" WorkSafe system, highlighting apprentice Byron Foley’s catastrophic injury, ongoing struggles, and calling for urgent reform, fairer compensation, and better support services.
• Applications open for 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program Supporting Local Skills Development until 13 February 2026
  Applications are open for the free 2026 South Coast Community Leadership Program, helping locals build skills, connect with peers, and positively impact Bass Coast and South Gippsland communities. Apply by February 13.
• Seven students completed East Gippsland Water Vacation Student Program, gaining practical experience and development on skills
  Seven university students completed East Gippsland Water’s Vacation Student Program, gaining hands-on experience in engineering, communications, IT, and environmental planning, preparing them for future careers in the water industry.
• East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register pets, ensure safety, cleanliness, and enjoyable public spaces for everyone
  East Gippsland Council urges pet owners to register animals, ensuring compliance, quick safe returns, and supporting responsible ownership for cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable community spaces.
• Kay Abude appointed lead artist for Women's Public Art Program in Wonthaggi honouring Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary
  Contemporary artist Kay Abude has been appointed to create a major Wonthaggi public artwork honouring the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, with community workshops and Victorian government support celebrating local history.
• 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.
• Community invited to join Walhalla project working groups shaping tourism and business opportunities for World Heritage future
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites community members to join Tourism, Infrastructure, or Business Support Project Working Groups for Walhalla, helping shape sustainable development linked to the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Bid.
• East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register cats and dogs to ensure safety, welfare and access to discounts by 10 April 2026
  Pet owners are reminded to register cats and dogs by 10 April. Registration ensures pets’ safety, supports animal welfare, and funds community programs, with discounts available for eligible animals.
• Gippsland Water invests $6.8M in new generators to ensure reliable water and wastewater services during emergencies
  Gippsland Water has invested $6.8 million in 25 new generators, strengthening emergency resilience, reducing service interruptions, protecting water and wastewater operations, and supporting the national grid when not in use.
• Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines.
• East Gippsland Council and farmers welcome the $2.75M boost for feral pig control under the Victorian government's Protecting Biodiversity program
  East Gippsland Shire Council and farmers welcome $2.75 million for feral pig control, focusing on public land, local employment, and coordinated efforts to protect agriculture, biodiversity, and regional communities.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• 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.
• Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
  Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support.
• 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.
• Independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool awarded to ensure safe operation for community and staff
  Council has commissioned an independent safety assessment of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to identify risks, necessary repairs, and upgrades, keeping the community informed while the pool remains closed.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Latrobe City Council renews YMCA contract to continue leading programs at GRAC facility
  Latrobe City Council renews YMCA Victoria’s contract to operate GRAC, ensuring continued community access, health programs, local employment, and social benefits, with 400,000 visits expected in 2026.
• Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• Danny O'Brien commends South Gippsland Shire for securing Nyora transport study funding, urges further state investment
  Danny O'Brien has praised South Gippsland Shire Council for securing state funding for the Nyora Transport Study, urging the Allan Labor Government to follow through with real investment and road upgrades.
• East Gippsland Council launches VendorPanel for streamlined, transparent procurement and supports local businesses with information sessions
  From December 2025, East Gippsland Council will use VendorPanel for streamlined procurement, offering online registration, fair opportunities, and information sessions to help local businesses navigate the platform effectively.
• Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
  Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses.
• Mallacoota streetscape upgrade complete, enhancing safety, drainage and landscape ahead of busy Christmas holiday season
  Mallacoota’s upgraded streetscape, funded with $1.5 million, improves pedestrian safety, drainage, and landscaping, preparing the coastal town for a busy Christmas holiday season, says local MP Darren Chester.
• Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
  Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture.
• Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
  Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis.
• Tim Bull calls on the state government to prioritise commercial fishers in fuel supply efforts amid ongoing shortages
  Tim Bull urges State Government to prioritise fuel access for commercial fishers, highlighting their economic and food production role, while seeking federal excise relief amid rising costs and industry pressures.
• Southern Rural Water declares spill entitlement in MID, boosting farmers' allocations as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity
  Southern Rural Water has declared a spill for Macalister Irrigation District customers until 16 September, providing water above 100% allocation as Lake Glenmaggie nears capacity at 98% following strong winter inflows.
• Martin Cameron calls on Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train capacity during free travel April promotion
  Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train carriages, warning free travel and school holidays will overwhelm current V/Line services, creating unsafe, overcrowded conditions.
• Danny O’Brien calls for clarity on free children’s public transport amid Gippsland V/Line concerns
  Danny O’Brien urges Labor to clarify free children’s public transport rollout, warning Gippsland families face confusion over youth myki requirements, online access, and unmanned V/Line stations from January 2026.
• Danny O’Brien says South Gippsland Highway receives constant patch-ups instead of proper, long-term investment
  Danny O’Brien criticises South Gippsland Highway constant patch-ups, highlighting 169 maintenance tasks since July, calling for proper investment and long-term repairs instead of short-term, wasteful fixes by the Labor government.
• Danny O'Brien celebrates Gippsland South schools receiving VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants to boost cooking and gardening education
  Danny O'Brien has congratulated five Gippsland South primary schools awarded VicHealth Kitchen Garden grants, supporting hands-on cooking, gardening, and healthy eating education to build students' lifelong skills, and sustainability awareness.
• 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.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• Government was light on details about fuel and fertiliser plans, says Darren Chester
  Darren Chester urges the Albanese government to ensure fuel and fertiliser prioritisation for agriculture and food production, warning supply disruptions from the Iran conflict threaten farmers, exports and Australian household budgets.
• 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.
• Committee for Gippsland welcomed Hon David Davis MP to meet local stakeholders and business leaders
  Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits.
• Darren Chester prioritises national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fisheries, forestry and local industry resilience through strategy
  New Shadow Minister Darren Chester will prioritise national food and fibre security, supporting farmers, fishers, forestry, and local communities through strategic investments, policy reforms, and protection of prime agricultural land.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• East Gippsland Shire Council seeks independent safety audit quotes for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to ensure community safety
  East Gippsland Shire Council seeks quotes for an independent safety audit of Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool to assess risks, compliance, and required remedial works, ensuring a safe environment for staff and community.