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Share In Children’S WeekFamilies and children across Bass Coast will be celebrating Children’s Week from 20 - 28 October. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 12th October 2007 - Back to News A series of local activities and events will take place across the Shire. Children’s Week is held each year throughout Australia, to celebrate the right of children to enjoy childhood. This year’s theme is "A Caring World Shares".
The Bass Coast Children’s Service Providers Network, with support from South Coast Best Start, Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre, Chisholm TAFE, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Community Health Service and Bass Coast Shire Council, are putting on the Children’s Week events.
South Coast’s Best Start Facilitator, Helen Page, has played a significant role in organising this year’s activities and is very excited with the range and variety on offer.
"We have received terrific support from local organisations in hosting or participating in the Children’s Week events," said Ms Page.
"For example, students undertaking child care studies at Bass Coast Chisholm TAFE are supervising the art and craft activities, games and competitions. Without their help, these could not proceed."
"I encourage all families to get out there and participate with their children in the activities which are both fun and educational."
Bass Coast Children’s Week activities:
On Saturday 20 October to start proceedings, a Family Fun Day will be held at Mitchell Community House, 6 Murray Street, Wonthaggi from 10.00am-3.00pm. Attractions include the Hey Dee Ho performers, Polliwog Puppets, face painting, CFA, yoga play, storytime, art and craft and much more!
Churchill Island Heritage Farm is hosting a Universal Children’s Day Picnic on Wednesday 24 October from 10.00am-2.00pm. This fun-filled day will include free farm activities for the young ones. There is a 10% discount on entry fee and under 4’s get in free!
For further information on these two events, contact Helen Page from South Coast Best Start on 5672 4999.
The week of celebrations will be capped off by a Family Expo at Cowes, on Saturday 27 October. The Expo will be held outside the Cowes Heritage Centre in Thompson Avenue from 10.00am-2.00pm. There will be a load of fun activities including a petting zoo, Musical Munchkins, Mother Goose sessions, art experience, yoga play, face painting, CFA and more! Contact Imogen Smith at the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre on 5952 1131 for more details.
For more information about activities and events happening around Victoria, families can visit the Children’s Week website
www.office-for-children.vic.gov.au/childrens-week .
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy, securing long-term protections for 24 townships, distinctive landscapes, and the Western Port Woodlands while guiding sustainable future growth. - Bass Coast opens Sunset Strip mountain bike trails officially on 22 May 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will officially open Sunset Strip Mountain Bike Trails on Phillip Island, featuring speeches, student test rides, community access, and a partnership-driven project supporting local recreation and development. - Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success
Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026. - Invest Bass Coast Forum with key speaker David Robertson to be held at RACV Inverloch Resort on 24 April 2026
Bass Coast Shire will host the Invest Bass Coast Forum on April 24, connecting investors and industry leaders to explore market trends, regional growth, development opportunities and economic outlook. - East Gippsland welcomes 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale ceremony, celebrating diversity, and shared Australian values
East Gippsland welcomed 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale, celebrating diversity, community spirit, and contributions of residents embracing their new Australian citizenship. - Bass Coast Council seeks community input on future use of vacant Wonthaggi Secondary College site, with drop-in sessions scheduled in May
The former Wonthaggi Secondary College site has been vacant since 2019. Council seeks community input to guide future use, balancing local needs, heritage, and long-term financial sustainability. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks approval to advance Phillip Island Sporting Precinct Planning scheme amendment and future recreation hub
Council will seek ministerial approval to exhibit Planning Scheme Amendment C179basc, proposing rezoning for the Phillip Island Sporting Precinct to support the 2023 master plan and future recreation and community facilities. - FOGO rolls out across Baw Baw, South Gippsland and Wellington Shires from early July
Baw Baw, South Gippsland and Wellington Shire councils will launch weekly FOGO collections in early July, helping households divert food and garden waste from landfill while supporting Victoria’s standardised recycling reforms. - Experience the George Bass Coastal Walk with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, scenic views, and coastal adventure
The George Bass Coastal Walk offers dramatic clifftop views, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and nearby cafes, pubs, and rail trails, creating a scenic Gippsland adventure just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne. - Melina Bath invites community to apply for CSEF Grants Open 2026, supporting eligible families with school camps, sports, excursions costs
Eligible families can now apply for the 2026 Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund, helping cover costs of school camps, excursions, sports, and outdoor education through their child’s school. - The Gurdies Winery offers scenic Bass Coast views, cool-climate wines and a welcoming cellar door for locals and visitors alike
The Gurdies Winery on Bass Coast offers stunning Western Port Bay views, cool-climate wines, a welcoming cellar door, modern winemaking facilities, and a popular venue for events and community gatherings. - 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. - Interim report calls for flexible childcare system, improved regional access and supports for families across all service types in Gippsland
Victoria’s childcare inquiry interim report urges stronger child safety, improved regulation, workforce standards and better regional access across the early childhood education sector. - Harman Wines: Sustainable Bass Coast vineyard blending cool-climate wines, fresh food, hospitality and rural charm
Harman Wines in Wattle Bank combines sustainable, off-grid practices with cool-climate wines, fresh seasonal food, and warm hospitality, creating a relaxed Bass Coast destination for family, friends, and wine lovers alike. - Melina Bath urges farmers to prioritise safety, wellbeing and lead by example during Farm Safety Week campaign
Melina Bath is urging farmers to prioritise safety and wellbeing during Farm Safety Week, encouraging stronger safety practices, leadership and community support while recognising farming remains one of Australia’s highest-risk industries. - Wellington Early Years Expo returns, offering free family fun, services and play-based activities for young children on 30 April 2026
The 2026 Wellington Early Years Expo returns to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex in Sale on Thursday 30 April inviting families to enjoy an afternoon of learning and connection for children aged 0–5 years. - Darren Chester honours Legacy volunteers' century of supporting veterans' families at national launch
Darren Chester praised Legacy volunteers at the national launch, highlighting their century of supporting veterans' families. Legacy Week 2025 will raise funds through badge and bear sales to provide vital services. - East Gippsland opens upgraded Hoddinott Reserve playground for East Bairnsdale families and community enjoyment on 16 July 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council will officially open the upgraded Hoddinott Reserve playground on July 16, celebrating new play equipment, picnic facilities, landscaping and enhanced community spaces for East Bairnsdale families. - Danny O’Brien delivers hundreds of donated nappies to Vinnies, supporting Gippsland families in need across the region
Danny O’Brien has donated hundreds of unused nappies to Vinnies, collected via The Nappy Collective, helping Gippsland families experiencing "nappy stress" and encouraging ongoing community support. - New coastal rail trail links Woolamai to Inverloch with spectacular Bass Coast cycling adventure experiences
The new 14km Wonthaggi–Inverloch Trail extends Victoria's only coastal rail trail to 37km, connecting four towns through stunning coastline, heritage sites, beaches, cafes and countryside for an unforgettable cycling adventure. - Newborough East Early Learning Victoria centre boosts childcare access and supports families growth in Latrobe City growth
Newborough East Early Learning Victoria centre under construction will expand childcare access, support families, and deliver kinder programs for up to 130 children daily. - Danny O’Brien met residents across nine towns over two days, holding more than 20 discussions on their concerns for the shire
Danny O’Brien met residents across nine Gippsland South towns, discussing cost-of-living pressures, infrastructure, farming challenges, and local priorities, committing to ongoing advocacy and future mobile office visits. - FOGO rollout begins across Baw Baw, Wellington and South Gippsland shires from early July
FOGO bin collections will begin across Baw Baw, South Gippsland and Wellington in early July, helping households divert food and garden waste from landfill under Victoria’s standardised recycling reforms. - ACA warns Federal under-16 social media ban may increase risks, create unintended consequences for children online
The Aligned Council of Australia warns the Federal under-16 social media ban risks pushing children into unsafe online spaces, creating new privacy, policing, and criminal exploitation challenges nationwide. - Tap and go payment rolls out across Victorian buses, making public transport easier for passengers statewide
Tap and go payments are rolling out across Victoria's myki-enabled buses, allowing passengers to pay with bank cards, smartphones or smart watches while maintaining myki as an alternative option. - From Job expos to farms and sports awards connecting communities across East Gippsland through events and advocacy
From jobs expos to farm visits, sports awards, and community projects, recent weeks highlighted East Gippsland's talent, resilience, and collaboration, advocacy, and opportunities that strengthen local communities. - Hooded Plover breeding success boosts hope for endangered shorebirds across Bass Coast and South Gippsland
West Gippsland CMA reports strong Hooded Plover breeding success, with 21 chicks fledging across Bass Coast and South Gippsland, boosting conservation efforts for the endangered shorebird. - 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 celebrates Victorian farmers’ dedication and contributions during National Agriculture Week 2025
The Nationals’ Melina Bath highlights Victorian farmers’ hard work, resilience, and vital contributions during National Agriculture Week, urging support for primary producers and celebrating their role in communities and the economy.
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