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Rollo Street Park's transformation progresses, with proposed renaming to honour long-serving Yarragon teacher Angela Malacarne

Rollo Street Park's transformation is progressing, featuring new amenities. Council proposes renaming it Angela Malacarne Park, honoring her teaching legacy. Community feedback is open until 3 March via Baw Baw Connect.

By news@gippsland - 3rd February 2025 - Back to News

The transformation of Rollo Street Park in Yarragon is well underway as Baw Baw Shire Council continues to transition the former primary school site into a brand-new community asset. The $1.77 million project is a joint venture between council and the state government, with a $1.52 million investment by the state government through its Growing Suburbs Fund.

Rollo Street Park in Yarragon is being redeveloped into a vibrant community space, with a proposal to rename it Angela Malacarne Park

Park renovation progress

The project will deliver a new loop walking path, seating and picnic tables, a drinking fountain, bike racks, rain gardens and new plants and trees. So far, the old fencing has been demolished, earthworks have taken place for the new footpath, carpark and Hanns Lane, as well as drainage and electrical work.

On Friday 31 January, local councillors met with council officers on site for a tour and project update, with Yarragon stalwart Angela Malacarne also in attendance, who council is proposing to name the park in honour of.

Naming Angela Malacarne

Ms Malacarne was a teacher at the former Yarragon Primary School for nearly 40 years and has lived in Yarragon for the majority of her life and taught hundreds of Yarragon students. While most commemorative names are granted posthumously, the Registrar of Geographic Names Victoria granted a rare exemption in recognition of Angela's long-standing connection to the site and contribution to Yarragon.

At the 4 December 2024 council meeting, council endorsed the name 'Angela Malacarne Park' and a consultation period will commence from tomorrow to receive community feedback on the proposal.

Honoring local legacy

Baw Baw Shire Mayor Cr Danny Goss said this move was a first for council and he looked forward to hearing the community's thoughts on the proposal. "There aren't too many people in the Yarragon area who aren't familiar with Ms Malacarne, who taught at least 800 local children during her 38.5 years as a teacher at the Yarragon Primary School, the primary school she also attended herself," Cr Goss said.

Councillor Brendan Kingwill added that he was proud to see this naming proposal move ahead and also looked forward to seeing the outcomes of the transformation to the park. "As a former student of the school, this site holds fond memories of my childhood. I also recognise the locals and former councillors who fought to save the site so that we can have this here today," Cr Kingwill said.

Rollo Street Park naming

Cr Kingwill added, "Following a strong desire from our local community to revamp the site of the old school, council has taken proactive steps to ensure this space was not lost, and I can't wait to see the many benefits it brings to our local community once the reconstruction is complete," he said. Works at the site are expected to be finished around April 2025 with an official opening to follow.

To give your thoughts on the proposed naming of the park, visit Baw Baw Connect website from 9am on Saturday 1 February and have your say, your way before Monday 3 March.

Pictures from Baw Baw Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to provide feedback on the new Alan Croxford Playground design by 20 March 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites community feedback on two new Alan Croxford Playground designs, aiming to create a safe, engaging, and family-friendly space in Rawson through the Playground Renewal Program.
• Darren Chester praises Cowwarr artist Jo Caminiti and her metal kelpies ‘Railway Dog’ to be unveiled in Glengarry on 22 March 2026
  Three life-sized metal kelpie sculptures by Cowwarr artist Jo Caminiti will be installed along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, celebrating the legendary Railway Dog story and boosting tourism.
• South Gippsland animal registration renewals due on 10 April and other council projects update
  Autumn 2026 update: renew pet registrations by April 10, book flu and MMR vaccinations, bid on impounded vehicles, attend council events, workshops, grants, and local community programs across South Gippsland.
• Baw Baw Shire Council hosts Seniors Festival 2025, featuring free events and activities celebrating connection, creativity and positive ageing
  Baw Baw Shire celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival October 2025 with free events, workshops, garden tours, and activities, encouraging seniors to connect, create, celebrate, and enjoy free public transport across Victoria.
• Danny O’Brien urged immediate start on Wilsons Promontory revitalisation, including the proposed Yanakie Isthmus fence
  The Allan Labor government faces criticism for ongoing delays to the Wilsons Promontory sanctuary, with Nationals MP Danny O’Brien urging immediate construction to protect wildlife and complete the long-promised project.
• Join the conversation and help shape South Gippsland and other council projects, programs and initiatives
  Join the conversation this spring! Share your ideas on South Gippsland's future through community consultations, including Pre-Prep, Draft Plans, Governance Rules, and the 2026/27 Budget.
• South Gippsland Shire Council invites you to submit EOI for Coal Creek food vendor on Living Heritage Days by 14 February 2026
  Coal Creek seeks a local food and drink vendor for Living Heritage Days, held monthly from 7 March. Businesses can boost trade and connect with customers. Applications close 14 February.
• Council urges transparent, community-focused approach for battery energy storage systems across Baw Baw
  Baw Baw Council raises concerns over proposed BESS projects, urging transparency, protection of prime agricultural land, community input, and stronger oversight of sites outside designated renewable energy zones.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
  Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents.
• Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
  Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government.
• 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.
• East Gippsland Council advances regional projects, boosting infrastructure, accessibility, recreation, resilience and growth
  East Gippsland Council progresses major projects, enhancing community facilities, infrastructure, accessibility, resilience, and recreational opportunities across Bairnsdale, Buchan, Mallacoota, Cann River, Paynesville, and surrounding areas.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks girls, young women, and 12 - 18-year-olds to help design Lions Park
  Wellington Shire Council seeks input from girls, young women, and non-binary 12–18-year-olds to help design Lions Park, creating safe, inclusive, active, and engaging public spaces for youth.
• South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on 50-year Fish Creek Football Netball Club lease proposal by 25 February 2026
  South Gippsland Shire Council invites community submissions on a proposed 50-year lease to Fish Creek Football Netball Club for new clubrooms. Submissions close 5pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026, addressed to the CEO.
• Discover Buchan Caves with the underground wonders, Aboriginal heritage, and stunning East Gippsland landscapes
  Explore Buchan Caves in East Gippsland, Victoria’s largest cave system, featuring ancient pillars, caverns, pools, Aboriginal heritage, scenic rivers, picnic areas, and one of Australia’s best night sky viewing spots.
• Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025.
• 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.
• David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
  The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes.
• 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.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
  Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates and modernising fair valuation system
  Bass Coast Shire Council adopts new Rating Strategy, lowering farm rates, increasing vacant land differential, introducing pensioner and first-homeowner rebates, and aligning Rural Land Management reforms with biodiversity and community feedback.