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Darren Chester commends Moogji Aboriginal Council for strengthening community health, culture, and environmental sustainability in East Gippsland

Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.

By news@gippsland - 1st October 2025 - Back to News

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has praised the work of the Moogji Aboriginal Council following a visit to the organisation's headquarters in Orbost. Mr Chester met with staff and toured the facilities to learn more about the services Moogji provides across East Gippsland, from Nowa Nowa through to Genoa.

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Moogji staff members Kayla Wilson, Misty Anderson, Samantha LeSage and Sharmaine Martin

Moogji community impact

Mr Chester said, "Moogji is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation making an enormous contribution to our region. They provide a wide range of services including medical and counselling support, youth programs, alcohol and drug services, as well as environmental initiatives such as the Moogji Bushbank, nursery and cultural trail."

During his visit, Mr Chester was given a tour of the Australian plant nursery by staff members Kayla Wilson, Misty Anderson, Samantha LeSage and Sharmaine Martin. "The team is passionate about growing and nurturing a wide range of indigenous species, including grevillea, callistemon, eucalyptus and wattle. The nursery supports sustainable gardening and helps improve local biodiversity, while also providing expert advice on topics such as water-wise gardening and attracting native wildlife," Mr Chester said.

The nursery is open to the public Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 2pm. Mr Chester said Moogji's work had far-reaching benefits for the East Gippsland community. "Moogji is doing great work to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, share culture with the wider community, and protect the local environment," Mr Chester said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance.
• Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect.
• 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.
• 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.
• Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
  Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption.
• Over 350 attended Youth Agritech Expo, experiencing hands-on innovation and future opportunities in modern farming industry
  More than 350 people joined East Gippsland's Youth Agritech Expo, where students explored hands-on agricultural innovations, from drones to driverless tractors, sparking fresh excitement about farming's high-tech, diverse, and innovative future.