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Latrobe’S Our Future Our Place Project Wins International AwardLatrobe City Council’s innovative ‘Our Future, Our Place’ sustainable housing project has been recognised internationally. By Latrobe City Council - 24th July 2007 - Back to News winning an ICMA (International City/County Management Association) Community Partnership Award in the 2007 Program Excellence Awards scheme.
Latrobe City mayor, Cr Tony Zimora said that this prestigious award is a significant achievement as Latrobe City was the only 2007 winner from outside the USA.
"The Our Future, Our Place program provides training and employment opportunities for groups of job seekers and Indigenous people in Latrobe City by constructing low cost, attractive and environmentally sustainable houses in renewal areas. Two houses have been constructed and sold at public auction and proceeds have been invested back into the project to allow work on a similar project to proceed in the very near future," Cr Zimora explained.
Latrobe City’s chief executive officer, Paul Buckley, said that an independent evaluation panel of US and international ICMA members judged the nominations on a wide selection criteria.
"The judges looked at the value of the project, at effectiveness measures such as cost savings, and whether the project could be replicated in other communities; and they also looked at quality, creativity and whether the project was innovative," Mr Buckley said.
"The Our Future Our Place project clearly met the selection criteria and we are delighted that an international team of judges rated this innovative project highly enough to win this award.
"The project is multi-focussed achieving positive outcomes in addressing long-term, entrenched unemployment, rejuvenating public housing areas and encouraging partnerships between local, state and federal government departments. The first house was built in Morwell East and the second house was constructed in Churchill to a design that attracted a six-star energy rating. The houses featured many environmentally sustainable design features such as passive solar orientation; low toxic materials and a concrete floor in the lounge which acts as a heat bank storing daytime winter sun warmth and releasing the captured heat at night, resulting in reduced heating requirements," Mr Buckley explained.
The Our Future Our Place project was developed in partnership with Try Youth and Community Services, the Department of Human Services (Victoria), the Department for Victorian Communities, and the Commonwealth Government’s Department of Transport and Regional Services along with support from a range of organisations in the private sector.
Try Youth and Community Services business manager, Michelle Fielding said that the multi-purpose focus of the project provided training to achieve sustainable job outcomes for job seekers in the community. "A critical aspect of Our Future Our Place is the emphasis on providing accredited training during the construction phase," Ms Fielding said.
"The target group for this project are the long-term unemployed and Indigenous people. Many of the people within this target group are aged between 17 and 35 years, many of whom were early school leavers, and some of whom have no work history. Trainees are sourced from the long-term unemployed and unemployed Indigenous people who are on the Work for the Dole Program to meet their Centrelink mutual obligations," Ms Fielding added.
Neighbourhood Renewal Program Gippsland manager, Julie Hocking, said that the project aims to improve the social mix, neighbourhood perception and physical image of former public housing estates. "Constructing houses in neighbourhood renewal areas makes a positive contribution to the overall aims of the Neighbourhood Renewal Program. The program aims to attract participants from these areas which contributes to community pride and involvement in the project. The construction of innovative housing, for private sale, on vacant sites that are scattered within the public housing estates of the Latrobe Valley, assists in building social cohesion and addresses training and employment opportunities for these residents," Ms Hocking said.
"The construction phase of each environmentally sustainable house was used as a vehicle to provide training and on-the-job experience to the unemployed as well as alleviating skills shortages that had been identified both within the local community and across the state in the areas of construction."
Maree McPherson, Gippsland Area Consultative Committee executive officer, explained that employers in regional Victoria are experiencing recruitment difficulties in construction trades such as plastering, bricklaying and cabinet-making and this project was able to assist with that shortage.
"During the pilot stage of this project it was important to ensure that the project was vigorously evaluated and documented to enable other communities to adopt similar programs" Ms McPherson said.
Kath McEntee, community engagement manager Department for Victorian Communities said that with the success of the whole of government approach of this project, the Our Future Our Place model can be successfully used by other interested communities. "This project demonstrated that it is possible for the private sector, local government, state and commonwealth departments to work cohesively to ensure a positive outcome for the project."
Ms McEntee added that as well as the opportunity to work on the construction of the houses, many participants received formal training qualifications.
"At least 65% of the participants completed Certificate II in General Construction, and at least 45% gained full time employment. These training and employment opportunities are invaluable in an area of sustained unemployment and as the project was promoted widely throughout Victoria, long term employment for the participants is now an achievable prospect," Ms McEntee said.
Victorian Housing Minister Richard Wynne said the award was a tremendous honour.
"This prestigious award pays tribute to the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of everybody involved in the project; council staff, local DHS officer, and of course, the local people themselves.
"I salute them and I'm sure we will continue to see the tremendous benefits of Neighbourhood Renewal continuing to flow through the community."
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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The ‘Rotting from the Top’ report exposes serious CFMEU corruption, links to organised crime, and $15 billion in project blowouts, prompting Nationals MP Melina Bath to demand Allan Labor government accountability. - SEC acquires Delburn Wind Farm, Gippsland’s first public wind project, creating jobs and boosting local energy and economy by 2028
The SEC’s acquisition of Delburn Wind Farm will deliver Gippsland’s first public wind project by 2028, creating 300 construction jobs, long-term careers, and $22 million in community benefits. - 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. - Melina Bath statement wishes year 12 students across Eastern Victoria success in exams and future endeavours
Melina Bath wishes all Year 12 students in eastern Victoria good luck for exams, encouraging pride in achievements, resilience, and success in future studies, work, or apprenticeships. - Mallacoota’s Bryce Watts-Parker wins 2025 NextGen Landcare Award for inspiring environmental leadership, recovery projects
Mallacoota’s Bryce Watts-Parker won the 2025 NextGen Landcare Award for leading environmental projects, including the Endemic Garden and community nursery, inspiring ecological recovery and community engagement in East Gippsland. - Martin Cameron urges Labor government to enforce tobacco licensing, protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threats
Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor Government to increase tobacco inspector numbers, enforce licensing, and protect Latrobe Valley businesses from organised crime threatening local shops and operators. - V/Line Gippsland timetable changes delay early trains, creating challenges for Latrobe Valley commuters and early-shift workers
VLine Gippsland timetable changes delay early trains, affecting Latrobe Valley commuters and workers, prompting council to request a review to reinstate earlier services and support employment and community needs. - Baw Baw Shire Council hosts November community briefing in Trafalgar to discuss key projects and engage residents in shaping the town’s future
Baw Baw Shire Council will hold a community briefing in Trafalgar on 18 November, inviting residents to discuss key projects, provide feedback, and engage with Councillors and Council officers. - East Gippsland hosts first Creative Summit, celebrating local artists, culture, community and future creativity on 28 March 2026
East Gippsland’s first Creative Summit on 28 March brings artists, performers, and creatives together to celebrate talent, connect communities, showcase projects, and shape the region’s cultural future through IMMERSIVE programs. - 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. - West Gippsland CMA invites dairy farmers to join effluent management project, expressions of interest open from 1-30 April 2026
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. - 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. - Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park wins 2025 Geographic Naming Award, celebrating local heritage and community contributions
Yarragon’s Angela Malacarne Park, still under construction, has won the 2025 Geographic Naming Award, recognising Mrs Malacarne lifelong contributions and the community-led naming process. - Omeo celebrates opening of 114 km world-class mountain bike park set to transform regional adventure tourism
Omeo has opened a $10 million, 114-kilometre mountain bike park, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and celebrating new streetscape and flood-recovery works that strengthen the town’s recreation spaces and future growth. - Bass Coast hosts 2026 International Women’s Day lunch celebration guest speaker Hannah Diviney at Phillip Island Winery, Ventnor on 6 March 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will host its 2026 International Women’s Day Lunch on 6 March at Phillip Island Winery, featuring guest speaker Hannah Diviney, celebrating women’s achievements, equality and community connection. - Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029. - Tim Bull says Health Minister Thomas will only consider the fully prepared Buchan project alongside other priorities
The Allan Labor government has refused funding for the new $6.5 million Buchan Bush Nursing Centre, leaving the ready-to-build project and vital rural healthcare services in limbo, says Tim Bull. - 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. - Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally. - Gippsland Water promotes hydration and sustainability with popular portable drinking fountains at Traralgon International tennis tournament
Gippsland Water’s portable drinking fountains at the Traralgon International help players and spectators stay hydrated, promote tap water, support community events, and reduce single-use plastic for environmental sustainability. - Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction. - Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action. - Community feedback supports retaining Moe Gardens Caravan Park as affordable short-stay accommodation in Latrobe City
Latrobe City Council received 223 community submissions supporting Moe Gardens Caravan Park’s retention as low-cost accommodation, with a report on its future to return to Council February 2026. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - South Gippsland Shire Council introduces green lidded bins and other council project updates
From 1 July 2026, residents can place food scraps in green-lidded bins for composting at Morwell. Weekly green bin, fortnightly red and yellow bins. Kitchen caddies and liners provided May–June and other council updates. - Martin Cameron slams Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf and ignoring immediate Latrobe Valley job losses
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor’s delayed Loy Yang rehabilitation plan, calling it tone-deaf, failing to provide immediate jobs or industry support for the Latrobe Valley amid coal power closures. - Gippsland Water invites community feedback on Drouin West water main extension project by 21 March 2026
Gippsland Water invites community members to learn about the Drouin West water main extension, improving supply and pressure for northwestern Drouin, with construction starting this summer for approximately one year. - Bass Coast Cultural Venues presents the 2026 Wonthaggi International Film Festival at The Union Theatre from 17- 19 April 2026
Bass Coast Cultural Venues presents the 14th Wonthaggi International Film Festival this April, showcasing powerful international stories, special screenings, Q&A sessions, and celebrating community at The Union Theatre. - South Gippsland Jobs Expo 2026 and other council project updates
South Gippsland Shire Council’s Summer 2026 update features the Jobs Expo, community events, road closures, Council meetings, sustainability workshops, youth initiatives, tenders, local festivals, and upcoming employment opportunities. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025. - Martin Cameron says community safety has declined under Labor amid rising crime and 1500 Victoria Police vacancies
Nationals and Liberals pledge 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and restored station hours under Safer Communities Plan, addressing regional crime concerns, vacancies, and policing shortages across Latrobe Valley. - Wellington Sustainability Festival returns with various workshops and family-friendly fun celebrating sustainable living in Sale on 14 March 2026
The Wellington Sustainability Festival returns Saturday 14 March in Sale, offering workshops, garden tours, live music, kids’ activities, eco-market stalls, renewable energy displays, and family-friendly sustainable living experiences. - Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition. - Melina Bath demands Allan government deliver promised 'Youth Crime Prevention Program' for Latrobe Valley
The Nationals are demanding the Allan government deliver the long-promised Youth Crime Prevention Program in Latrobe Valley, addressing rising youth crime, restoring diversion programs, and supporting at-risk young people effectively. - Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers modern pavilion, change rooms and multi-purpose community hub for future generations
Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment delivers modern community pavilion and sports facilities, ensuring a safe, multi-purpose hub for generations, supported by local, state and federal government investment. - Cr Gilligan nominated for Mary Rogers Award, for protecting South Gippsland’s coastline and advancing storm surge solutions
Councillor Gilligan was nominated for the Mary Rogers Award, recognising her leadership in protecting South Gippsland’s coastline and securing $80,000 to explore innovative Venus Bay saltmarsh storm surge solutions. - Metung Hot Springs provides mineral-rich pools, wellness experiences and sustainable practices for relaxation and Gippsland tourism
Metung Hot Springs offers mineral-rich geothermal pools, saunas, and spa services, providing a relaxing, sustainable wellness experience while supporting local wildlife, environment, and Gippsland’s growing tourism industry. - Stroll among thousands of vibrant roses in full bloom at Morwell's International Rose Garden Festival, 7 - 8 November 2025
The 2025 Rose Garden Festival features free family fun with blooming gardens, workshops, live performances, markets, aerial theatre, kids' entertainment, and the spectacular AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation. - Darren Chester welcomes nearing completion of $2.2M Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment project
Darren Chester welcomed nearing completion of the $2.2 million Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment, praising community volunteers. The project delivers modern facilities, boosting sport, tourism, resilience, and connections. - East Gippsland Water warns dry conditions require following permanent water saving rules to protect community and future supply
East Gippsland Water urges residents to conserve water amid drying conditions, following Permanent Water Saving Rules to protect supplies, reduce pressure on catchments, and maintain community health and safety. - Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead recognised as Mary Rogers Award finalist for leadership, resilience, and mentoring women
Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead has been named a finalist for the 2025 Mary Rogers Award, recognising her leadership, resilience, community service, and mentoring of emerging female leaders in local government. - West Gippsland CMA reflects on 2025, planning ahead and celebrating partnerships shaping healthy Gippsland landscapes with CMAs
West Gippsland CMA's final 2025 episode, CEO Marty Fuller reflects on achievements, partnerships and future projects, sharing how CMAs and communities work together to care for Country and healthy landscapes nationwide. - Darren Chester demands answers from council over delayed $5M Krauatungalung Walk boardwalk project delays
Federal MP Darren Chester demands East Gippsland Shire Council explain delays to the $5 million Krauatungalung Walk, seeking clarity on timelines, budget and design for the community-backed all-abilities boardwalk project.
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