Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Joelene Off On The Adventure Of A LifetimeWith little more than two years of Japanese classes in primary school, Joelene Thompson will set off on the adventure of a lifetime to Latrobe City’s sister city Takasago, and become the next Assistant English Teacher (AET). By news@gippsland - 8th July 2005 - Back to News Leaving early in August, Joelene will take up her position at Takasago Junior High School to assist with classes taught by Japanese English teachers in the junior high schools, and participate in kindergartens, elementary schools and other educational facilities with international exchange activities for 12 months.
Joelene was born in Moe and attended the Catholic Regional College in Traralgon before moving to Melbourne for university, where she has completed a bachelor of Applied Science (Multimedia Cartography). She believes that teaching English in Japan will be a chance of a lifetime.
"It will be an opportunity that will enhance my outlook on how we live life here in Australia, and in the Latrobe Valley," Joelene said.
"As I am very keen to take on new challenges, the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in Japanese is one that I am excited about. I am also very interested in learning about the culture of Japan, and look forward to doing this by living there, to experience it at its fullest."
Joelene has already experienced an overseas lifestyle after working in England on a two-year working holiday visa, from where she took the opportunity to travel the British Isles and other parts of nearby Europe. Joelene said that she enjoys travelling, especially when she has the prospect of learning about foreign culture and of course the challenge of learning a new language.
"I believe working in Japan will be a lot more challenging than living in England from a language perspective, and I’m excited about learning their language while teaching mine. The past two years in the UK have taught me a great deal about coping on my own away from home and I feel ready for this opportunity," Joelene said.
With the dream of becoming fluent in a foreign language, Joelene believes Japanese will be an excellent language to learn, given the nation’s proximity to Australia and its significance to our region in particular.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Bruce Lougheed, said Joelene will assist in the development of the relationship between Latrobe and its sister city of Takasago.
"All travel, accommodation expenses and wages are being met by the City of Takasago, demonstrating one of the benefits of our sister city relationships," Cr Lougheed said.
"The benefits are of course two-way. The people of Takasago will benefit by having a citizen of Latrobe living in their community and sharing Australian culture, while also helping to teach their children English. Latrobe City will benefit by having a resident living and working in Takasago, acting on behalf of our city as an ambassador."
Joelene commences her position in Takasago City on 10 August.
Media Enquiries:
Cr. Bruce Lougheed, Mayor, Latrobe City
tel. 0429 172 237
Cr. Darrell White, Deputy Mayor, Latrobe City
tel. 0417 377 645
Paul Buckley, Chief Executive Officer,
tel. 5128 5413 or 0418 512 997
Jeremy Bein, Public Relations and Communications Officer,
tel. 5128 5458 or 0407 862 977
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- South Gippsland offers more than 40 free and low-cost activities during Victorian Seniors Festival month this October
South Gippsland will celebrate Victorian Seniors Festival month in October with more than 40 free and low-cost activities, including movement, sport, socialising, learning, arts, culture and creative events for seniors. - 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. - Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future. - Latrobe City Libraries offer free live music celebrating local Gippsland talent from October to December 2026
Latrobe City Libraries will host free, family-friendly live music from local Gippsland musicians across Morwell, Traralgon and Moe from October to December 2026. No bookings are required; everyone is welcome to attend. - Latrobe City Children’s Expo offers free family fun, activities and community services at Kernot Hall in Morwell on 27 October 2026
Latrobe City Council will host a free Children’s Expo at Kernot Hall, Morwell, on October 27, featuring entertainment, activities, food vendors and community services for families. - The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development. - Latrobe City Positive Ageing Festival returns with more than 100 events celebrating connection, activity and older residents this October
Latrobe City’s Positive Ageing Festival returns in October with more than 100 free and low-cost events supporting older residents through connection, activity, learning and community participation. - Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects. - Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers. - Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding. - West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming. - Sealers Cove boardwalk reopens after five years, boosting Wilsons Promontory tourism ahead of September school holidays
Sealers Cove boardwalk at Wilsons Promontory has reopened after almost five years, following storm damage in 2021. Danny O’Brien says the restored route will benefit walkers, visitors and local tourism operators. - Upgraded Traralgon Indoor Stadium welcomes more community sport and elite events with $6M investment
A $6 million upgrade to Traralgon Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium delivers improved facilities, creates local jobs, and positions the venue to attract more elite sporting events and community participation. - Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - Latrobe City Business Festival returns with free October events connecting businesses, employers, job seekers and industry partners
Latrobe City’s 2026 Business Festival runs October 14–23, offering free jobs expos, workshops, networking, professional development and business events connecting employers, workers, students and industry. - Trafalgar BMX track upgraded for safer, faster and more enjoyable riding experiences for local riders
Trafalgar BMX track has reopened following a $26,000 upgrade, featuring reshaped jumps, straights and berms, improved drainage and enhanced safety. Council says the works will support active recreation and the growing local BMX community. - Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities. - Traralgon Netball Association scores $220,000 boost for new court lighting, creating more opportunities for players and night games
Traralgon’s Agnes Brereton Reserve has received $220,000 for new LED lighting across 10 netball courts, helping more than 60 teams train, compete at night, expand development programs and create greater opportunities for players of all ages. - Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations. - Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities. - Howitt Park pedestrian bridge replacement begins, delivering safer and more accessible Clifton Creek crossing by December
Work begins this month to replace Howitt Park's ageing timber pedestrian bridge with a $652,420 accessible steel and concrete crossing, improving safety and accessibility before expected completion in December. - Nationals demand stronger policing as rising Latrobe Valley crime fuels growing community safety concerns and frustration
The Nationals say rising Latrobe Valley crime and fewer police officers demand urgent Labor government action, calling for stronger policing, tougher laws and better resources to restore community safety. - East Gippsland Landcare Groups recognised at Victorian Awards celebrating 40 Years of environmental stewardship and community conservation efforts
East Gippsland Landcare groups Moogji Aboriginal Council and FEVL received the First Nations Landcare Collaboration Award, while Romawi Landcare was highly commended for innovation and its ongoing conservation efforts. - Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts. - East Gippsland Council welcomes Nationals’ pledge for new Lakes Entrance CFA Station after years of advocacy for improved emergency services
East Gippsland Council has welcomed The Nationals’ pledge for a new Lakes Entrance CFA station, addressing outdated facilities, improving emergency response capabilities and supporting volunteer firefighters after more than 20 years of advocacy.
|
|
