Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com

• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• Victorian Landcare grants deliver $337,250 to support 40 community environmental projects across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland has received $337,250 through the 2026 Victorian Landcare Grants for 22 environmental projects and 18 support grants, backing koala habitat restoration, Tarwin River revegetation and community nature education initiatives.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awards $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades and improvements
  Baw Baw Shire Council has awarded $83,869 in grants to nine community groups for facility upgrades, repairs and improvements, supporting healthier, more connected local communities.
• Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
  Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives.
• 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.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Youth board opportunity to help shape the future of West Gippsland’s Catchments and natural environment
  West Gippsland CMA is seeking an Associate Board Member aged 18–34 to contribute youth perspectives on natural resource management. Gain governance skills, training and mentorship. Apply with a resume and cover letter by 30 November 2026.
• 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.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• 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.
• Nationals and Liberals propose $115M apprenticeship fund to help small businesses cut training costs, address skills shortages and create local jobs
  The Nationals and Liberals have announced a proposed $115 million apprenticeship fund to cover 50 per cent of eligible training costs, supporting small businesses, and creating more local career opportunities for Gippsland youth.
• Nationals and Liberals pledge PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, mobile CCTV trailers and 24-Hour Moe Police Station reopening
  The Nationals and Liberals have pledged PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, mobile CCTV across the Latrobe Valley, and restoring Moe Police Station to 24-hour operations under their community safety plan.
• The Nationals and farm groups warn EPBC changes create uncertainty for farmers and land management
  Nationals leader Matt Canavan met with farm groups over concerns Labor’s EPBC changes could create uncertainty and regulatory risks. Industry wants amendments, clearer guidance, mapping, support tools and independent review.
• The Nationals pledge $10M boost for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, supporting community hubs facing rising demand and cost pressures
  The Nationals have pledged $10 million over four years for Victoria's Neighbourhood Houses, including $4 million for existing services and $6 million to establish and expand hubs in growing regions.
• Maffra student Jaxon Marshall champions resilient agriculture during National Youth Parliament visit to Canberra
  Maffra student Jaxon Marshall represented Gippsland at National Youth Parliament, delivering a passionate speech advocating resilient agriculture, regenerative farming, research and stronger support for farmers and Australia’s future.
• Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and target five percent annual public land fuel reduction
  The Liberals and Nationals pledge to double prescribed burning and work towards treating five per cent of public land annually, alongside cultural burning, improved transparency and targeted fuel reduction to strengthen bushfire preparedness.
• Liberal Nationals introduce bill to repeal Labor's firearms laws and abolish national gun buyback scheme
  Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud has introduced a Bill, seconded by Andrew Wilcox, to repeal Labor’s firearms laws, restore previous Commonwealth regulations and abolish the stalled National Gun Buyback Scheme.
• Darren Chester says Labor's national firearms buyback unfairly targets law-abiding regional firearm owners instead of addressing crime and security
  Nationals representatives Gemma Rendell, Darren Chester and Bridget McKenzie joined East Gippsland firearm owners in Bairnsdale, opposing Labor's buyback and further restrictions while supporting lawful firearm use in regional communities.
• East Gippsland Council advocates National Sovereign Wealth Fund to deliver long-term regional benefits from resource revenues
  East Gippsland Council will advocate for a national Sovereign Wealth Fund funded by resource revenues, supporting long-term regional investment, infrastructure, resilience and intergenerational benefits while reducing reliance on competitive grants.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on first draft Events Strategy for future events from 27 August to 16 September 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting residents, event organisers and local businesses to comment on its first draft Events Strategy, open on Baw Baw Connect from August 27 to September 16, helping shape future event planning across the Shire.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• 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.
• 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.
• Four Gippsland students win Water Week Poster competition promoting conservation and sustainability
  Four young Gippsland artists have been recognised in Gippsland Water’s 2026 National Water Week poster competition, highlighting water conservation. Mirboo North Primary School won $500, while student Penelope placed third statewide.
• Phillip Island prepares for final MotoGP weekend celebrating three decades of racing, community spirit, entertainment and history
  Phillip Island will host its final MotoGP from October 23-25, celebrating three decades of racing while showcasing community festivities, entertainment and the island’s motorsport legacy.
• Baw Baw Australia Day Awards nominations open, recognising local heroes, organisations and events, voting is until 30 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire Council has opened nominations for the 2027 Australia Day Awards, recognising outstanding citizens, young people, organisations and community events making contributions locally.
• 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.
• 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.
• East Gippsland Seniors Festival returns this October, inviting community events across the shire
  East Gippsland’s Seniors Festival returns in October, inviting community groups to submit events celebrating older residents under this year’s ‘Connect, Create and Celebrate’ theme.
• 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.
• Victoria funds hundreds of landcare projects with $3.58M environmental investment across communities and regions
  Victoria’s 2026 Landcare Grants provide $3.58 million statewide, including $337,250 for West Gippsland projects restoring habitat, waterways and landscapes while supporting volunteers, families and young people.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• East Gippsland Landcare Groups secure funding for environmental projects and community conservation across the region
  East Gippsland Landcare groups received 22 project and 11 support grants under the 2026 Victorian program, funding habitat restoration, weed management, biodiversity, education and volunteer activities.
• Darren Chester urges federal government to restore wild dog funding, backing farmers' calls for national management certainty
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester is urging the federal government to restore national wild dog funding, warning of $302 million annual agricultural losses and significant impacts on farmers, wildlife and regional communities.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Baw Baw Shire Council to consider cost of returning to weekly red-bin collections
  Baw Baw Council will investigate the costs and implications of restoring weekly red-bin collections after a 6,139-signature petition highlighted strong community concern over the FOGO changes.
• Australia Day Awards nominations closing soon and other council projects and program updates
  South Gippsland Shire Council shares updates on community awards, infrastructure, citizenship, seniors’ programs, events, grants, jobs, emergency preparedness, and public consultations about local swimming pools and essential community services.
• 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.