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GippSport gets $849,930 to support young disengaged Gippslanders from federal government's Safer Communities Fund

A program to support disengaged young people has received a funding boost thanks to the Federal Government.

By news@gippsland - 15th March 2022 - Back to News

Local MP Darren Chester announced that GippSport had received $849,930 for the Gen-G on the go program through the Federal Government's Safer Communities Fund. "This program is designed to support young Gippslanders who are disengaged from the community and help them get involved in sports and art activities," Mr Chester said.

Local MP Darren Chester with (L-R) Sandy Hegarty, Executive Officer, Latrobe Youth Space, Farhat Firdous, Strategic Engagement Coordinator, Latrobe Community Health Service, Aisha Alim, United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, Dan Poynton, Executive Officer, GippSport, Den Lim, Community Programs Coordinator, GippSport and Julia Rovery, Project Officer, Centre for Multicultural Youth

Boost community morale

Mr Chester said, "It will also provide additional support with literacy skills and how to be involved in the local community and help boost community morale. This intervention will help keep young Gippslanders at risk away from the criminal justice system and help them to feel more included in their local communities."

Dan Poynton, Executive Officer of GippSport said that the program was in collaboration with other community organisations. "GippSport is working closely with United Muslim Sisters of Latrobe Valley, Centre for Multicultural Youth, Susan Plowright Ethical Capabilities Consulting and Latrobe Community Health Service to deliver this program."

Engaging young Gippslanders

Mr Poynton said, "Multiple organisations working together ensures that we are targeting the right groups in our local community and engaging with young Gippslanders who otherwise might not be involved in local sporting or cultural events. The program will run weekly and cater to the needs and wants of the group of young people, including:

• After school activities
• Street games pop-ups
• Sport and arts activities and arts clubs

"The program will conclude with youth-led community events to share the participants' achievements and contributions. GippSport and all the partners are looking forward to engaging with young Gippslanders and creating a more inclusive community feel for them all." My Poynton said.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Labor government slammed as Gippsland crime soars, Danny O'Brien warns communities are failed by weak laws
  Danny O'Brien says Gippsland crime is surging under Labor, with major increases across all councils. He warns weakened laws, police shortages, and neglect leave communities unsafe, demanding stronger action and real consequences.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor government for recycled road funding spin and failure to deliver real investment
  Melina Bath has accused the Allan government of recycling old road funding announcements, labelling them propaganda and demanding genuine investment to address the worsening condition of regional Victoria's neglected roads.
• 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.
• Darren Chester criticised government for lacking program details, calling for clarity on eligibility and farmer access
  Calls intensify for government to release details of interest-free loan scheme and ensure farmers are included amid fuel crisis and rising agricultural cost pressures.
• Government was light on details about fuel and fertiliser plans, says Darren Chester
  Darren Chester urges the Albanese government to ensure fuel and fertiliser prioritisation for agriculture and food production, warning supply disruptions from the Iran conflict threaten farmers, exports and Australian household budgets.
• Melina Bath warns rising crime under Labor threatens community safety, as offences increase, calling for stronger police support and tougher laws
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• DEECA invites landcare groups to apply for Victorian government grants with $3.55M in total by 23 April 2026
  Victorian Landcare Grants offer $3.55 million to support environmental volunteers, funding projects up to $20,000 that protect nature, restore habitats, and connect communities. Applications close 23 April 2026.
• Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
  The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation.
• Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson urges governments to reconsider brown coal oil production to address Australia’s fuel crisis and energy security
  Latrobe City Mayor urges State and Federal governments to reconsider brown coal-to-oil production as a solution to Australia’s fuel crisis and long-term energy security challenges.
• Albanese government limits tribunal powers, undermining veterans' rights and restricting reviews of military honours
  The Albanese government has limited the Defence Honours Tribunal, banning reviews of actions over 20 years old, restricting veterans' appeals, and undermining independent recognition of historic military bravery.
• Albanese government criticised for unfair Australia-EU trade deal undermining farmers and dairy producers’ rights
  The Albanese government’s Australia-EU trade deal is criticised for weak market access, unfair geographic restrictions, and disadvantageous Australian farmers, particularly dairy and red meat producers, according to industry leaders.
• Allan Labor government misled East Gippsland over Paynesville Road inspections, leaving "rollercoaster" section untested, says Tim Bull
  The Allan Labor government misled East Gippsland by failing to inspect the problematic Paynesville Road section, delaying repairs and leaving the "rollercoaster" stretch untested for nearly three years, says Tim Bull.
• Allan Labor government reverses Newhaven Jetty closure following persistent community and Nationals’ advocacy victory
  The Allan government has reversed Newhaven Jetty’s permanent closure after 18 months of Nationals’ advocacy and tireless community campaigning, securing a safe, accessible jetty for locals and visitors
• Labor provides rebates and programs to help regional households switch from costly gas to cheaper electric appliances
  The Allan Labor government is supporting 1,183 regional households impacted by Solstice's gas network closure with rebates, discounts, and programs to help them transition to cheaper, energy-efficient electric appliances.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing and socially affordable homes, warns Cr Nathan Hersey
  One Gippsland warns Gippsland’s growth risks stalling without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, and social housing to support workforce, industries, and rapidly growing communities across the region.
• Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
  Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
  Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Latrobe City Council endorses priority advocacy projects to shape 2026–27 Federal Budget submission delegation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed priority advocacy projects to shape its 2026/27 Federal Budget submission, seeking targeted national investment to drive economic transition, infrastructure delivery, job creation and long-term regional growth.
• Tim Bull calls on the state government to prioritise commercial fishers in fuel supply efforts amid ongoing shortages
  Tim Bull urges State Government to prioritise fuel access for commercial fishers, highlighting their economic and food production role, while seeking federal excise relief amid rising costs and industry pressures.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tim Bull warns Victorian government policies leave record fuel loads, risking another mega-fire
  Tim Bull warns Victorian government’s reduced fuel reduction policies and record bushfire fuel loads are creating conditions for another mega-fire, urging urgent action to protect communities and support firefighters’ efforts.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to advance Nyora early childhood education centre, ensuring local families equitable kindergarten access
  The Nationals urge the Allan government to partner with the Nyora community, enabling a local early childhood education centre for equitable, convenient kindergarten access for rural families.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Tim Bull accuses Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, prioritising former timber industry assets
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull accused the Allan Labor government of reducing fire mitigation work, misleading contractors, and prioritising former timber industry assets over existing external plant panel workers.
• 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.
• Darren Chester criticised government's fertiliser underwriting scheme uncertainty concerning delays and potential reduced supply for farmers
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester warns government fertiliser underwriting scheme lacks clarity, potentially reducing imports and limiting supply for Australian farmers during critical ordering period.
• Tim Bull urges Labor government to stop costly brumby culling amid Parks Victoria job and funding cuts
  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to urgently fix South Gippsland Highway dangerous, deteriorating road conditions statewide
  Danny O’Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently repair the deteriorating South Gippsland Highway, citing potholes, failing patches, and community frustration across key stretches before the busy holiday period.
• 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.
• Melina Bath urges Labor government to scrap emergency services tax as VFF survey shows farmers' frustration and concern
  The Nationals' Melina Bath urged the Allan Labor government to scrap the emergency services tax, citing VFF survey findings showing widespread financial, mental, and regulatory pressures on Victorian farmers.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor government over delayed Morwell sobering-up facility, broken promises and lack of ministerial accountability
  Martin Cameron criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to deliver the promised Morwell sobering-up facility, ignoring repeated parliamentary questions, leaving the Latrobe Valley without adequate public intoxication support.
• Melina Bath slams Labor government over five-year Sealers Cove boardwalk repair delays and tourism mismanagement
  Melina Bath criticises Allan government for mismanaging Sealers Cove boardwalk repairs, leaving it closed five years, harming Wilsons Promontory tourism and local businesses, highlighting broken promises and neglect of public assets.
• Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor government for neglecting regional PSOs while funding Melbourne stations
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor Government for neglecting regional PSOs, citing rising Gippsland crime and calling for equal safety protections and additional officers under Coalition plans.
• Danny O’Brien urges Labor government to disclose Gippsland South public housing vacancies amid growing local housing crisis
  Danny O’Brien has urged the Allan Labor government to disclose how many public housing homes in Gippsland South are vacant, highlighting community frustration and the urgent need for transparency.
• Engaging East Gippsland communities: Listening, learning and shaping council priorities across the region
  Over recent weeks, council engaged East Gippsland communities through budget sessions, site visits, and consultations, supporting local projects, stormwater planning, and services while encouraging feedback and early hardship assistance.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s ‘land grab,’ opposing farmland seizure before environmental approvals complete
  The Allan Labor government passed laws allowing energy companies to compulsory acquire farmland before approvals, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to condemn the "land grab" and call for proper consultation and safeguards.
• Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to prioritise urgent upgrades for Gippsland schools in poor condition
  Melina Bath urges Allan Government to urgently upgrade Gippsland schools, highlighting 2025 report revealing many in poor condition, with ageing infrastructure and maintenance deficits impacting students’ education.
• Darren Chester tears down Albanese government's 'lazy' plan to cut regional speed limits, urges investment in safer roads
  Darren Chester has criticised the Albanese government's plan to lower regional speed limits, labelling it "lazy" and urging greater investment in repairing and upgrading unsafe roads to reduce fatalities.
• Farmers demand urgent government action as pest animals surge across East Gippsland and Victoria
  Farmers in East Gippsland and eastern Victoria face rising pest animal impacts, with ASAC urging coordinated government action, long-term funding and improved control measures to protect agriculture, livelihoods and communities.
• Tim Bull slammed labor for $13M machete amnesty waste, penalising Gippslanders while failing to target urban crime effectively
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticized Labor's $13 million machete amnesty, calling it wasteful, ineffective, and unfairly punishing rural Victorians while targeting areas with no machete problem.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to end delays and deliver the long-promised Cape to Cape Plan
  Pressure is growing on the Allan government to end years of delays and release the Cape to Cape Resilience Plan, ensuring urgent coastal protection and reflecting community feedback for Inverloch.
• Melina Bath blames Allan government as Victoria's public housing waitlist surges amid worsening housing crisis
  Victoria's housing crisis deepens as public housing waitlists surge past 60,000. Melina Bath blames the Allan government's inaction, rising taxes, and mismanagement for worsening homelessness and unaffordable rents across the state.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan government, warns emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Government for misleading regional Victorians, warning the emergency services tax delay is political, not scrapped, and calling for its full abolition to protect farmers and communities.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Darren Chester calls on Victorian government to prioritise rebuilding Sale College amid safety, ageing infrastructure concerns
  Darren Chester has urged the Victorian government to prioritise a new single-site campus for Sale College, citing deteriorating facilities, safety concerns, and long-standing community frustration.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.
• Martin Cameron calls on Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train capacity during free travel April promotion
  Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train carriages, warning free travel and school holidays will overwhelm current V/Line services, creating unsafe, overcrowded conditions.
• Peri-urban councils warn Gippsland housing crisis threatens productivity and federal economic ambitions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria warns soaring prices and falling approvals are hurting productivity, urging federal and state governments to fund infrastructure reforms to unlock peri-urban housing supply and ease affordability pressures.
• Tim Bull condemns Labor government for rejecting Jack’s Law, delaying vital reforms to prevent knife-related harm
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticises Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, a proven reform to enhance police powers, remove dangerous weapons, and improve community safety against knife-related violence.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Melina Bath criticises Allan government over poor safety ratings on Eastern Victoria roads
  Melina Bath criticises Allan government after AusRAP reveals most eastern Victoria roads rated one or two stars, highlighting neglect, poor maintenance, and increased risk of serious injury or fatalities.
• Latrobe City Council develops community outreach program to boost CBD safety and reduce anti-social behaviour locally
  Latrobe City Council will develop a $30,000 community outreach program to support vulnerable individuals, reduce anti-social behaviour, and improve safety in CBDs and transport hubs across the municipality.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan Labor government cuts halting maintenance at local police stations
  Melina Bath criticises Allan Labor government for halting police station maintenance, citing $50 million budget cuts, unsafe conditions, overgrown grounds, broken lighting and delayed repairs jeopardising staff and public safety.
• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• Bass Coast secures $632,000 funding to plan future use of former Wonthaggi Secondary College site for long-term redevelopment options
  Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes $632,000 federal funding to plan the future redevelopment of the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site through community consultation and engagement.
• Darren Chester secured $818,000 in LER funding to deliver long-needed upgrades to Mallacoota Hall
  Mallacoota Hall has been upgraded with improved accessibility, modern facilities and expanded community spaces, supported by $818,000 in LER funding, boosting its everyday use and strengthening resilience for future emergencies.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Danny O’Brien criticises ongoing social housing maintenance delays leaving vulnerable Gippslanders waiting far too long
  Danny O’Brien warns ongoing delays in social housing maintenance leave vulnerable Gippslanders waiting months, highlighting a vacant Foster property and urging timely repairs and better decision-making to address shortages.
• Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines.