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Nominations Open For Regional AwardsCr Ruth McDonald, Mayor of the Baw Baw Shire Council encourages local high achieving individuals, groups and communities to consider nominating for the 2004 Alcoa Regional Achievers Awards & Kleenheat Gas Community of the Year Award. By Baw Baw Shire Council - 1st July 2004 - Back to News The Awards have been a tremendous success over the past two years and once again aim to recognise the valuable contribution individuals and groups are making to their local community.
Anyone interested in acknowledging the significant contribution that an individual, group, community or organisation has made to regional and rural Victoria is urged to nominate now.
Alcoa is offering five individual regional achievers awards. Winners will each receive a $1,000 grant to assist their commitment to their field of endeavour and a magnificent trophy.
Kleenheat Gas will recognise a specific community project, group, organisation, city, town or local government initiative. The winning community or group will receive a $2,000 grant, a perpetual trophy to be held by the local government authority and a community plaque.
Nomination forms and posters are available from Council, through coupons in The Weekly Times; from Southern Cross Ten; Alcoa’s smelters at Portland and Point Henry or its power station at Anglesea; Kleenheat Gas Houses; Coates Hire Offices or by contacting the Awards office on 03 9802 2000, vic@awardsaustralia.com or via www.awardsaustralia.com
Don’t forget nominations close Friday 20th August. Winners will be announced at an Awards Gala Presentation Dinner on Saturday 23rd October at the Best Western Bell Tower Inn, Ballarat.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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East Gippsland Shire Council is urging Victorian election candidates to reform the ESVF levy, citing disproportionate regional costs and seeking fairer, transparent emergency services funding. - Nationals and Liberals pledge $5M Traralgon Tennis Centre upgrade to secure major international events and regional economic benefits
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged $5 million to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Centre, aiming to secure the Junior International and attract major events benefiting the Latrobe Valley economy. - Gippsland Water invests $3.4M renewing ageing water and sewer infrastructure across regional communities
Gippsland Water invested $3.4 million renewing ageing water and sewer assets, replacing 3.9 kilometres of water mains and relining 6.2 kilometres of sewer mains across Gippsland. - Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30. - Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development. - Warragul Leisure Centre extends outdoor pool season following community feedback with revised opening hours through April 2027
Warragul Leisure Centre will extend outdoor pool access from October, introducing revised opening hours following community feedback, with the schedule continuing through April 10, 2027. - Darren Chester and Matt Canavan to tour Gippsland industries, meeting local employers and workers across seven regional towns
Nationals Leader Matt Canavan will tour Gippsland for two days, visiting major energy, forestry, manufacturing and agricultural businesses to discuss regional jobs, investment and industry challenges. - Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland men to prioritise prostate cancer checks and highlights specialist nursing support for regional patients
Gippsland MP Darren Chester is urging men to prioritise regular health checks and discuss prostate cancer risks with doctors, highlighting specialist nurses’ vital support for patients, families and regional communities. - Latrobe City Council welcomes enforcement action targeting illegal tobacco and vape trading to improve community safety and support local businesses
Latrobe City Council has welcomed enforcement action by Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police’s Viper Taskforce against illegal tobacco and vape trading, supporting community safety, lawful businesses and safer town centres. - East Gippsland Council begins targeted roadside slashing program to reduce fire risks ahead of approaching fire season
East Gippsland Shire Council has begun targeted roadside slashing ahead of fire season, prioritising vegetation growth, local conditions and emerging fire risks, with progress updates available online. - East Gippsland Council completes initial flood recovery assessments, providing support and referrals to affected residents and businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council has supported flood-affected residents and businesses through assessments, referrals and waste assistance following October’s severe rainfall, coordinating with emergency services, volunteers and agencies. - East Gippsland Council calls for fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and investment in affected communities before state election
East Gippsland Council is seeking fairer forestry transition funding, greater transparency and stronger investment to support affected communities, local economies, jobs and bushfire preparedness. - East Gippsland Council welcomes Coalition’s $120M pledge for new Bairnsdale Hospital emergency department and expanded patient capacity
East Gippsland Shire Council has welcomed the Coalition’s $120 million pledge for Bairnsdale Hospital’s new emergency department, which will expand treatment spaces, ambulance bays and hospital beds to meet growing healthcare demand. - Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth. - East Gippsland Council develops financial sustainability strategy to manage costs and protect essential services over the next decade
East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a financial strategy to address rising costs, improve efficiency, prioritise infrastructure spending and maintain essential services while strengthening long-term financial sustainability. - Have your say on Wellington Shire Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections by 8 November 2026
Wellington Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its Draft Urban Paths Plan to improve walking and cycling connections. Residents can complete an online survey from October 12 to November 8, 2026. - Latrobe City Council seeks community input on priorities and spending ahead of 2027/28 Budget Development and financial planning process
Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback to help shape its 2027/28 Budget, with residents encouraged to share priorities, ideas and concerns through Have Your Say by November 1. - Latrobe City Council invites community feedback on Moe Town Centre future through draft plan exhibition and consultation sessions
Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on Moe’s draft town centre plan, guiding future development, transport, public spaces and economic growth. Submissions close 24 November 2026, with community information sessions scheduled. - Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure. - Ted Summerton Reserve upgrade marks major milestone for Moe’s sporting community and regional events
Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe is undergoing major upgrades, including improved sporting facilities, accessibility, lighting and training infrastructure, boosting community participation, regional events and tourism across Latrobe City. - Latrobe City Council seeks experienced artists to create vibrant community-inspired mural at Churchill Monash way underpass
Latrobe City Council invites experienced mural artists to transform Churchill’s Monash Way underpass with community-inspired artwork. Expressions of Interest close 6 November 2026, with completion planned for early 2027. - 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. - Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages. - Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes. - Bass Coast Council launches mobile business pilot, creating new trading opportunities across six locations
Bass Coast Council is inviting mobile businesses to apply for a 12-month trading pilot across six locations in Phillip Island, Anderson and Inverloch, with applications closing 27 November 2026. - East Gippsland Council introduces free Payble online service offering ratepayers flexible, convenient and automatic payment options for rates
East Gippsland Council has introduced Payble, a free, secure online service allowing ratepayers to automate payments, choose flexible schedules, check balances and manage rates conveniently. - Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025. - East Gippsland Council endorses public toilet review to improve cleanliness, safety and maintenance across 88 facilities
East Gippsland Council has endorsed a strategy to improve management of 88 public toilets, prioritising cleanliness, safety and maintenance through community feedback, targeted cleaning and better monitoring, with no facility closures proposed. - Moe Inline Hockey Championships secure five-year council funding, expected to boost $15M into local economy through visitor spending
Latrobe City Council will provide $100,000 over five years to support Moe’s Australian Inline Hockey Club Championships, expected to generate $15 million locally through visitor spending and accommodation. - Westdale Kindergarten flood update on repairs, temporary arrangements and term one 2027 reopening plans for families
Westdale Kindergarten was severely flooded on 3 October 2026. Council and the Department of Education are coordinating repairs, temporary learning arrangements and a safe reopening, prioritising Term One 2027. - Darren Chester joined Wellington Shire representatives to welcome 57 new citizens at The Wedge ceremony
Wellington Shire welcomed 57 new Australian citizens at The Wedge, with Federal Member Darren Chester and council representatives celebrating their milestone and contributions to Gippsland communities. - Cann River Cafe creates local employment pathways through community training and youth opportunities
Cann River has opened Fern & Feather Cafe, a community-owned training initiative providing hospitality skills, employment pathways, youth opportunities and funding for local community programs. - Martin Cameron seeks government answers over delays threatening Latrobe Magnesium's commercial project and regional investment
Martin Cameron is pressing the Victorian government over delays affecting Latrobe Magnesium’s commercial project, warning investment and hundreds of Latrobe Valley jobs could be lost. - Latrobe City encourages community conversations and support during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026
Latrobe City Council will host free events from 24 to 31 October for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2026, helping residents recognise gambling harm, explore support services and start conversations with family, friends and neighbours. - Melina Bath accuses Labor of failing to curb illicit tobacco crime and escalating violence across regional Victoria
The Nationals have criticised Labor over ongoing illicit tobacco crime, citing alleged abductions, violence, intimidation and suspected illegal stores, while questioning Victoria’s tobacco licensing scheme effectiveness. - Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area. - Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events. - Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas. - 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. - Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to capture region's beauty for the 2027 #lovegippsland Calendar Competition un 25 September 2026
Gippslanders are invited to enter the 2027 #lovegippsland photography competition, with 13 images selected for the calendar and entries closing September 25, 2026. - Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections. - Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation. - Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence. - RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment. - Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors. - Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth. - Coal Creek Sunday Sessions bring local musicians together for two afternoons of live music and family-friendly entertainment in November 2026
Coal Creek’s Sunday Sessions will feature local soloists, duos and musical groups across two family-friendly afternoons of live music on November 15 and 29. - Gippsland community groups share $60,000 in Federal Volunteer Grants to strengthen local organisations and support volunteers
Twenty-four Gippsland not-for-profit organisations will share more than $60,000 in federal grants to improve volunteering, reduce barriers to participation and strengthen local communities. - Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife. - Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects. - East Gippsland launches disability network to strengthen community input on council projects, services and decisions
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Disability Network, inviting people with disability, carers and organisations to help shape council decisions through accessible online and in-person community engagement. - 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. - West Gippsland community invited to document local biodiversity during first-ever month-long West Gippy Bio-Blitz citizen science projects
West Gippsland CMA is inviting residents to join its first Bio-Blitz throughout October, documenting local plants and wildlife through iNaturalist to build a snapshot of the region’s biodiversity. - Gippsland community groups invited to apply for grants up to $20,000 under Stronger Communities Program Round 10 until 23 November 2026
Gippsland community organisations can apply for $2,500 to $20,000 grants under Round 10 of the Stronger Communities Programme, with $150,000 available for local infrastructure and social benefit projects. - Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns. - East Gippsland property owners receive 2026/27 rates notices as council sets average increase below state cap
East Gippsland property owners have received 2026/27 rates notices, with Council’s average increase set at 2.5%. Payment options, objections and face-to-face support are available for residents
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