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Leongatha Knights Football Club president talks about how they levelled up through community grants and other council project updates

South Gippsland Shire Council updates on their projects and programs.

By news@gippsland - 15th March 2024 - Back to News

Over the years, South Gippsland Shire Council has contributed funding to many projects that have not only aided our not-for-profit organisations but also benefited our wider community. We recently caught up with Leongatha Knight's president, Lorcan Heneghan, and vice president, Beth Milkins. to chat about how South Gippsland Shire Council's Community Grants have helped them level up the playing field.

South Gippsland Shire Council funded projects benefiting nonprofits and the community. Leongatha Knights' leaders praised Community Grants for leveling opportunities

Community grants

Time is running out to apply for South Gippsland Shire Council's Community Grants. Community Grants are an opportunity for council to give back to the local clubs and community groups who give so much to others. Grants can be used for both minor and major projects and equipment, planning and developing reports, and festivals and events. For more information and to apply for a grant, please visit Community Grants page:

• For further assistance, please phone 5662 9200
• Email: grants@southgippsland.vic.gov.au

Applications close midnight Sunday 31 March 2024.

Apply now for South Gippsland Shire Council's Community Grants! Support local clubs and groups with funding for various projects

Mobile service centres

The Australian government Mobile Service Centre is coming to South Gippsland. The bus is designed to assist you with services including Centrelink, Medicare, Child Support and the Australian Taxation Office. You will be able to visit the mobile centre for face-to-face and self-service support at the following locations:

• Venus Bay - 18 March from 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Tarwin Lower - 19 March from 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Meeniyan - 20 March from 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Meeniyan - 20 March from 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Mirboo North - 21 March from 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Leongatha - 22 March from 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Korumburra - 25 March from 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Poowong - 26 March from 9.00am to 4.00pm

For more information and exact locations, please visit Services Australia website.

Try Before You Ride

The Victorian government is working hard to ensure our transport network is inclusive and accessible for all Victorians. Try Before You Ride events help people of all abilities feel more confident when using the public transport system. This includes people with accessibility requirements, parents with children and seniors. Save the date:

• Thursday 9 May 2024
• Southern Cross Station, Melbourne

Attendees can practise getting on and off trains, trams, buses and taxis safely or speak with public transport staff and learn about accessibility features. For more information, please visit Try Before You Ride website.

Victorian government ensures inclusive transport, the Try Before You Ride will boost confidence for all, including those with accessibility needs, parents, and seniors

TAC Pause Stop

The Transport Accident Commission's (TAC) Pause Stop initiative aims to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys by encouraging road users to plan ahead, pull over, and recharge. In partnership with the Victorian Tourism Industry Council (VTIC), the TAC is operating Pause Stop sites at 62 accredited Visitor Information Centres across Victoria including at our very own Foster Visitor Information Centre.

This initiative aims to respond to safety on our roads and promote tourism throughout Victoria. For more information, please visit Pause Stop website. Complete the TAC's short survey about road safety behaviour for your chance to win a $500 fuel voucher, visit TAC Survey website.

Small business mentoring

South Gippsland Shire Council is teaming up with the Small Business Mentoring Service to provide FREE mentoring for emerging and established small businesses within South Gippsland.

• When? Thursday 21 March and Thursday 4 April
• Where? Mirboo North and District Community Foundation (96 Ridgway, Mirboo North, VIC 3871)

If you're planning, starting or wanting to grow your business, these mentoring sessions could help guide you in daily management of your business. The clinic is a great opportunity to discuss new business ventures, planning, financial viability, management, funding and so much more. To book your FREE session, please visit Small Business Mentoring Clinic website.

Mirboo North invites feedback on power outages post-February storm. Attend Network Outage Review panel with industry experts, contributing to government report

Network outage review

Communities and businesses in Mirboo North are invited to discuss their experience with power outages from the 13 February storm event. The Network Outage Review panel will be held at the Baromi Centre, 38 Couper Street, Mirboo North on:

• Saturday 23 March
• Sunday 24 March
• Time: 10.00am to 3.00pm
• Panel presentations at 11.00am and 1.00pm each day

The panel includes former CEO of Energy Consumers Australia Rosemary Sinclair, former chief executive of the Consumer Action Law Centre Gerard Brody, and former electrical engineer and executive leader at Powerlink Queensland and Energex Kevin Kehl.

The panel welcomes the community and businesses to help inform the panel's report back to the government following the storm event. Refreshments will be provided. If you have any questions, please email networkoutagereview@deeca.vic.gov.au

Gippsland public health

Gippsland's Regional Public Health Unit (GRPHU) are seeking your feedback and insights on community and stakeholder engagement. They are wanting to hear from individuals who work, live and invest time in the Gippsland region.

This information will greatly impact decision making processes and benefit everyone involved. To participate in the survey, please visit GRPHU Engagement Survey page. For more information, please contact GRPHU via email or call 5173 5593.

Korumburra community event

Staying Strong Korumburra invites you to their upcoming community forum. All are welcome to attend and get involved in the conversation about the future of Korumburra. Save the date:

• Sunday 24 March 2024
• From 10.30am to 1.30pm
• Korumburra Community Hub (15 Little Commercial Street)

Don't miss out on this great opportunity to have a chat, meet new people and enjoy a FREE BBQ and donut!

Have your say

Share your ideas and feedback on issues and projects that matter to you. Your Say South Gippsland gives you the opportunity to shape council projects/services. Your feedback will make an impact on our region. To see a list of past and current community consultations, and to provide your feedback, please visit Your Say South Gippsland website.

Pet registrations

Now is the time to renew your pet's registration! Keep your four-legged friends safe and secure by registering them with South Gippsland Shire Council.

Owning a cat or dog in South Gippsland requires registration with council to ensure they can be returned to you if they become lost. Your animal registration fees also help to provide important pet-related services within South Gippsland, such as animal control and community education about responsible pet ownership.

Renewal registrations must be paid by 10 April each year. New registrations can be done any time. For more information, please visit Pet Registration website.

Meeniyan hosts South Gippsland's ArtCubes featuring works by Durston, Knoester, Beavers, and McFadden. Dive into creativity and passion

ArtCubes

South Gippsland's beloved ArtCubes are currently situated in Meeniyan. Over the next fortnight the Cubes will be hosting works from Janine Durston, Rachel Knoester and, Dinne Beavers and Scott McFadden.

Explore creativity and artistic passion. For more information about the artists and upcoming workshop, please visit ArtCubes website.

Community training sessions

South Gippsland Shire Council offers FREE workshops throughout the year for South Gippsland community groups, not-for-profit organisations, clubs, and volunteers. The next workshop is:

• Culture, Diversity and how to be Inclusive
• Date: Tuesday 26 March
• Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm

Discover how to foster an inclusive environment and embrace diversity in all its forms. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, gain valuable insights, and learn practical strategies to promote inclusiveness in your personal and professional life. The 2024 South Gippsland Community Training Calendar is now available on council's website. For more information and to register for an event, please visit Community Training website.

Explore skills, connect, and learn with South Gippsland Shire Council's community training program. Open to all community members and organisations

Funding opportunities

Gardiner Foundation Community grants program

In partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FFRRR), the Gardiner Foundation's Community Grants Program provides $120,000 to fund community driven projects that strengthen dairy communities where people can thrive.

Grants up to $5,000 are available to strengthen small Victorian dairy communities, helping to build their capacity to deal with local needs, and enhance existing community infrastructure. Applications close 21 March 2024. For more information and to apply, please visit Community Grants Program website.

Telstra's Connected Communities grant program

Telstra's Connected Communities Grant Program is now open for a second year. In partnership with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, grants of up to $10,000 are available to o not-for-profit organisations to help them build resilient, sustainable, and liveable communities.

The program has three themes:

• Resilient communities: that are well prepared and socially connected, with the ability to renew and recover together when disaster strikes
• Sustainable communities: that are diverse and inclusive, through planning for the health, wellbeing and prosperity of their people and planet
• Liveable communities that have digital capability, helping to equip people with the skills to live, learn and work in a digital society

Applications for 2024 Telstra Connected Communities Grant Program are now open and will close 5.00pm Wednesday 27 March. For more information and to apply, please visit Connected Communities Grant website.

Community road safety grants

Victorian community groups and organisations can apply for a share of $600,000 government funding to support projects improving road safety in their local communities. The program has two funding categories:

• Road Safety Support Grants of up to $50,000
• Road Safety Collaboration Grants of up to $150,000

This program supports community groups to contribute to creating a safe environment for all road users and encourages a culture that prioritises road safety. Applications close Wednesday 3 April. For more information and to apply, please visit Community Road Safety Grants website.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  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.
• East Gippsland's new disability network brings diverse community voices together to help shape council decisions and services
  East Gippsland’s new Disability Network has attracted 33 expressions of interest, bringing together people with disability, carers, families and sector representatives to help shape Council decisions and improve accessibility.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Baw Baw Shire Council launches the return of Gippy Girls Can in September with something for every woman
  Gippy Girls Can returns across Baw Baw in September, offering women and girls welcoming, beginner-friendly and affordable opportunities to try new activities, get active and connect.
• Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade.
• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
  Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities.
• 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.
• Community planting day advances Blue Rock Lake foreshore restoration and native fish habitat
  Students, Landcare volunteers and partner organisations have planted native vegetation at Blue Rock Lake, building on fish habitat projects and erosion-control works to strengthen the shoreline and support wildlife.
• Bass Coast Council launches mobile business pilot, creating new trading opportunities across six locations
  Bass Coast Council is inviting mobile businesses to apply for a 12-month trading pilot across six locations in Phillip Island, Anderson and Inverloch, with applications closing 27 November 2026.
• Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
  Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
• Gippsland Water reports progress on major projects, renewable energy and community engagement commitments
  Gippsland Water’s 2026 Community Report highlights progress on major infrastructure projects, achieving 100 per cent renewable energy, emergency support initiatives and increased community engagement through its Sounding Board.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
  Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.
• Gippsland Water offers face-to-face bill support through September pop-ups across Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin
  Gippsland Water will host September pop-ups across the region, offering customers face-to-face help with bills, payment plans, concessions and government assistance amid cost-of-living pressures, with events in Morwell, Sale, Traralgon and Drouin.
• Latrobe City pushes for fair community benefits, transparent water pricing and long-term investment as Yallourn Mine rehabilitation progresses
  Latrobe City Council has urged fair community reinvestment, transparent water pricing and long-term funding certainty as EnergyAustralia seeks water entitlement for Yallourn Mine rehabilitation.
• 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.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Wellington Shire dog attacks decline, but council urges owners to secure pets and practise responsible dog ownership
  Wellington Shire recorded 64 dog attack reports over the past year, down from 93. Council urges owners to secure dogs, supervise children and practise responsible pet ownership to prevent further incidents.
• Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• 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.
• RMIT architecture students unveil 12 community-informed design proposals exploring the future of Omeo Justice Precinct at upcoming exhibition
  RMIT architecture students will exhibit 12 community-informed proposals for Omeo Justice Precinct from November 6, exploring heritage preservation, gathering spaces and tourism through a research partnership with Council and residents.
• Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
  Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours.
• East Gippsland invites nominations for 2027 Australia Day Awards celebrating outstanding community contributions and achievements until 6 December 2026
  East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking nominations for its 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising community contributions across volunteering, sport, arts and culture. Nominations close December 6, 2026.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3.
• Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term.
• Tarwin River partnership launches six projects for catchment restoration and community stewardship across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA has launched Together for the Tarwin, funding six projects over 18 months to restore wetlands, waterways and habitats while strengthening community stewardship across the Tarwin catchment.
• Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking.