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Darren Chester returns as Shadow Veterans Minister, committed to supporting veterans and their familiesFederal MP Darren Chester is honoured to return as Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, focusing on veterans' wellbeing, bipartisan support, and key recommendations from the Defence and Veteran Suicide Royal Commission. By news@gippsland - 29th May 2025 - Back to News Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he's 'honoured and excited' to be returning to a more senior role in the Coalition as the Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs. Mr Chester said he was looking forward to the challenge of representing the interests of veterans and their families while participating in broader Shadow Cabinet deliberations. 
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is looking forward to working closely with defence personnel, veterans and their families, in his new role Practical leadership neededMr Chester said, "It is a challenging time in our nation's history, and the conversations we will need to have in the Shadow Cabinet will require maturity, common sense and a practical understanding of how government decisions can impact the lives of everyday families in our cities and regional areas." "We need to quickly learn the lessons from the federal election result and unite as a Coalition to hold the government to account, in the interests of the people who send us to Canberra to represent them. The Labor Party machine is good at campaigning but not so great at governing, with our rural, regional and remote communities bearing the brunt of policies which have ignored our needs." "All of the issues that existed prior to the election remain areas of concern for Australians. Everything from cost of living, increased crime, crumbling infrastructure, poor access to critical services and global uncertainty will require clear-thinking and decisive action," he said. Supporting our veteransMr Chester said his return to the veterans portfolio after serving as a Minister for 2018-2021 would allow him to focus on the wellbeing of all service personnel and their families, including the implementation of key recommendations from the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide. "It was the greatest honour of my working life to represent veterans and defence personnel within the Ministry, and I recognise it is one of the portfolios where you can actually make a difference and sometimes save people's lives." "Our veterans and their families have helped to keep us safe and protected the freedoms we all enjoy today, and in return, we need to provide assistance, if it's required, once they have left the defence force. Wherever possible, I will be working in a bipartisan manner in the interests of the men and women who have served because support for our veterans should be above day-to-day politics," Mr Chester said. Backing our veteransMr Chester also said, "We have a world-class and highly respected Australian Defence Force. We should be proud of them. Our capability edge in the ADF is our people. Obviously, we need to keep investing in the equipment to allow them to undertake their task, but it is their skills and the training they receive that sets them apart." "Whether it's during conflicts, peacekeeping missions, or humanitarian aid and disaster relief, they need to be well-prepared and well-equipped to do their jobs. Our ADF personnel are respected for their capabilities and the manner in which they undertake difficult tasks at home and abroad. The majority of ADF personnel will serve our nation with distinction and transition successfully to civilian life and a new career." "But it is a job which comes with inherent risks of death and injuries, and as the Veterans Covenant states, 'for what they have done, this we will do'. As a grateful nation, we are obliged to support our veterans if ever they need assistance from the Australian government," Mr Chester said. Honouring regional heritageMr Chester said he was also looking forward to the completion of the major redevelopment of the Australian War Memorial, which was funded by the previous Coalition government, and considering more options for commemorative activities in rural and regional areas. "The AWM is not only a museum, it's a place that holds the stories of service and sacrifice which have helped to define our nation's values and identity. As much as possible, we need to expand that work to maintain the cenotaphs, memorial halls and historic military sites that exist in Australia and throughout our region," Mr Chester said. Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - Gippsland Water launches Community Emergency Support Team to assist and support locals during emergencies
Gippsland Water has launched a Community Emergency Support Team to provide safe water, information, and local assistance during bushfires, floods, storms, and power outages, working alongside emergency services and communities. - Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives. - Baw Baw Council extends Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026 supporting leadership continuity
Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Acting CEO Sally Jones’ term until June 2026, ensuring strong leadership and continuity while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - Allan Labor government invests $860,000 to support and strengthen Men's Sheds across Victoria
The Allan Labor government is investing $860,000 to support 31 men's sheds across Victoria, funding upgrades, expansions, and new equipment to strengthen communities and foster connection through shared skills. - Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation. - East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard. - Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth. - East Gippsland Council opens impact grants applications to support local community and environmental projects
East Gippsland Council’s Impact Grants program offers $3,001 - $20,000 to community groups for projects strengthening communities or supporting environmental sustainability, with applications closing 31 October 2025. - 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 immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings. - Wellington Shire Council responds to AKD Yarram closure, pledges support for 73 affected workers and community
Wellington Shire Council expressed heartbreak over AKD Yarram’s closure, impacting 73 employees, pledging support, advocating state assistance, and encouraging redeployment and economic opportunities to sustain the community. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications. - Second round of South Gippsland community grants now open, with drop-in support sessions in various dates and locations
South Gippsland Shire Council’s second round of community grants is open until 31 March 2026, with seven drop-in sessions available to assist local clubs and groups with applications. - South Gippsland Eat, Drink Play Festival celebrates local food, drinks, live music, kids' activities, and outdoor fun and other updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns this spring at Leongatha Railway Precinct, showcasing regional food, drink, and live music. With daytime tastings, evening entertainment, and kids' activities, it's a family-friendly celebration of Gippsland. - Celebrate South Gippsland Eat Drink Play Festival and other council updates
Eat Drink Play Gippsland returns to Leongatha's Railway Precinct, celebrating local food, drink, and music with family fun, tastings, live entertainment, and community spirit. Tickets are selling fast - don't miss out! - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - Korumburra hosts South Gippsland Garlic Festival 2026 with stalls, cooking demos, entertainment, and garlic-inspired food on 28 February
The South Gippsland Garlic Festival returns to Korumburra on 28 February, featuring almost 100 stalls, garlic-inspired dishes, cooking demos, chef presentations, entertainment, kids’ activities, and Garlic University workshops. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure
Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026. - East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses. - South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
Australia's biggest second-hand treasure hunt returns this November across two weekends, offering households the chance to declutter and earn cash, while bargain hunters uncover unique finds and help divert goods from landfill. - East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - East Gippsland Council reminds pet owners to register pets, ensure safety, cleanliness, and enjoyable public spaces for everyone
East Gippsland Council urges pet owners to register animals, ensuring compliance, quick safe returns, and supporting responsible ownership for cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable community spaces. - Danny O’Brien condemns sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, 73 jobs lost, pledges support for affected community
Gippsland South MP Danny O’Brien says sudden AKD Yarram timber mill closure, costing 73 jobs, devastates the community, pledging support for affected families, workers, and local businesses during this crisis.
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