Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
School dental vans back on the road in TraralgonSmile Squad free dental vans get back on the road for local school kids. By Portal Admin - 30th November 2020 - Back to News The Andrews Government’s Smile Squad free dental vans are getting back on the road for local school kids, after a temporary pause as part of the response to the coronavirus pandemic. Thanks to Victorians playing their part, staying home and getting tested, we’ve been able to ease some restrictions, including increasing access to public dental services. 
Keep your teeth healthy, eat well, drink tap water, and brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, grab the opportunity to have your oral health checked for free with the Smile Squad Smile Squad began resuming rolling outLast week, Smile Squad began resuming rolling out for Term 4 in regional schools in Greater Bendigo and Latrobe to be followed soon by Wodonga. Smile Squad services will return gradually, progressing towards rollout across the state from Term 1, 2021. The Smile Squad is back delivering free dental care to students at Grey St Primary School, Traralgon. While the mobile service was paused, Smile Squad was able to provide services to over 1200 Victorian students via phone check ins and treatment in fixed clinics. The Smile Squad initiative means children across the State can receive free dental care and families can save hundreds of dollars every year. Tooth decay is one of the most prevalent diseases in Victoria with almost half all children affected. And dental conditions are the highest single cause of preventable hospitalisations for kids under 10. Providing free dental check upThe Smile Squad vans provide free check-ups and treatment to all students in Victorian public schools, including examinations, teeth cleaning, fluoride application, fissure sealants, fillings, root canals and any other non-cosmetic treatments to ensure our kids have healthy teeth. Smile Squad encourages all Victorian children and their families to keep looking after their oral health by eating well, drinking tap water and brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. The Andrews Government’s $321.9 million free dental care program started six months ahead of schedule in August last year – saving families time and money sooner. Once fully rolled out the program will offer check-ups and dental treatment to more than 650,000 public school kids every year. Looking after oral healthMember for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "Our Smile Squad vans can safely hit the road again delivering free dental care to local kids in Traralgon thanks to Victorians staying home and following the restrictions, which helped us get on top of the coronavirus pandemic." "I’m confident local families have been looking after their oral health over recent months by eating well, drinking tap water and brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste – but the return of Smile Squad will really put a smile on their faces." "Our kids deserve to have healthy happy smiles, but some families struggle to find the time and money to get to the dentist – that’s why the Smile Squad comes to students where they are to provide free dental care." More information about the program can be found at Smile Squad website. Pictures from Smile Squad website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: support@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy. - Gippsland Water encourages schools to join a free monitoring program reducing water loss and costs
Gippsland Water is urging schools to join a free water monitoring program using digital metering to detect leaks, reduce costs and improve efficiency. - Labor opens new junior school facilities at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Drouin campus
The Allan Labor government opened new junior school facilities at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School Drouin Campus following a $9.1 million investment supporting modern learning spaces, staff amenities and improved facilities for students. - Darren Chester praised Longford Primary School students for strong understanding of Australian democracy after visiting classes
Darren Chester praised Longford Primary School students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy after visiting classes, discussing Parliament, answering questions, and commending their engagement, curiosity, and leadership knowledge. - Danny O’Brien said poor dental health is tied to cardiovascular disease, diabetes complications and mental health impacts
Gippslanders now face almost two-year waits for public dental care, with Danny O’Brien blaming a decade of Labor for doubled delays, escalating health risks and under-resourced regional clinics. - Youth advocates for Baw Baw ( YABBies ) offer school holidays fun with free creative, active events for Baw Baw Youth on April 2026
Baw Baw’s YABBies are hosting free April school holiday events, including sushi making, painting, and skatepark activities, offering safe, fun, and engaging opportunities for youth aged 12–17 to connect and learn. - Welcome Back the Birds event celebrates migratory species with activities, education and community engagement at Eagle Point Foreshore
The Welcome Back the Birds event at Eagle Point Foreshore celebrated migratory birds with activities, walks, talks, and community engagement, highlighting habitat restoration and protecting vulnerable species in Gippsland Lakes. - Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients. - Tim Bull highlights East Gippsland patients facing excessive dental wait times amid ongoing public system mismanagement concerns
East Gippsland patients face over 18-month waits for public dental care, with private dentists struggling under short voucher timelines and delayed government payments, highlighting systemic mismanagement, says Tim Bull. - Community feedback wanted on East Gippsland Draft Engagement Policy to strengthen participation in local decision-making
East Gippsland Shire Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy, inviting input through surveys, drop-in sessions, and stakeholder consultation to strengthen participation in decision-making processes. - Darren Chester backs Stratford runner's 300 km charity challenge supporting free 3D hands in Sale
Stratford ultra-runner Chris Dixon will run 300 km in Sale to raise $50,000 for Free 3D Hands, supported by Darren Chester and local runners backing the inspiring community event. - 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. - Baw Baw Shire to gain two new kindergartens located at the Neerim South Primary School and Warragul Regional College opening in 2028
Baw Baw Shire will gain two new kindergartens at Neerim South and Warragul, opening in 2028, easing local demand and supporting families as part of the State’s Best Start reforms. - Latrobe City invites community feedback on draft 2026-27 Budget supporting infrastructure, grants and new FOGO waste service by 25 May 2026
Latrobe City invites community feedback on its 2026/27 Draft Budget, supporting infrastructure, public spaces, grants, and FOGO service, with major local projects included. - Baw Baw Shire seeks community feedback on draft art policies to protect collections, enrich public spaces and support creativity by 13 May 2026
Baw Baw Shire is seeking community feedback on new draft art policies to protect collections, enhance public spaces, and support creativity, with more than 220 public artworks and 122 civic pieces shaping local culture. - East Gippsland Council seeks feedback to shape Stormwater Management Plan addressing local drainage, flooding and infrastructure challenges
East Gippsland Shire Council is developing a Stormwater Management Plan and invites community feedback to identify flooding, drainage issues, and practical solutions, helping plan safer, more resilient local infrastructure. - East Gippsland Council backs Planning Panel recommendations to guide sustainable growth in Paynesville, Eagle Point
East Gippsland Council has endorsed independent Planning Panel recommendations to guide Paynesville and Eagle Point’s sustainable growth, infrastructure and environmental protection while reflecting local character. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks feedback on revised Draft Community Engagement Policy, submit by 22 June 2026
Baw Baw Shire Council has released its Draft Community Engagement Policy for feedback until 22 June, aiming to strengthen communication, transparency and community participation in local decision-making processes. - Wellington Shire Council invites residents to provide feedback on draft 2026 Residential Road Plan until 13 March 2026
Wellington Shire Council invites residents to provide feedback on the draft 2026 Residential Road Plan, focusing on Special Charge Schemes funding upgrades, with input closing Friday, 13 March 2026. - 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. - Newhaven residents invited to shape safer roads, transport and future traffic planning through community feedback until 27 May 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking Newhaven community feedback on transport and road safety to inform a Local Area Traffic Management Plan improving movement, safety, infrastructure planning and future funding priorities. - Baw Baw Draft Budget invests millions in roads, sporting projects and infrastructure while seeking community feedback until 14 May 2026
Baw Baw $127.5 million Draft Budget includes $50.9 million for infrastructure, major sporting upgrades, road projects and long-term planning, with community feedback open until 14 May. - Wellington Shire Council invites community feedback on the Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan to boost tourism by 8 May 2026
With the Alberton-Welshpool link complete, Wellington’s Great Southern Rail Trail Master Plan will guide improvements, boost tourism, support local businesses, and involve the community in shaping a sustainable, high-quality trail. - 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. - Gippsland students return to classrooms rated poor or below average, exposing Labor’s neglect of regional schools, says Danny O'Brien
As Gippsland students return to school in 2026, 18 regional schools are rated poor or below average, highlighting Labor’s neglect and urgent need for infrastructure investment, says Danny O’Brien. - Copelands Road $4.9M upgrade complete, enhancing traffic flow, safety, pedestrian access, and bicycle facilities
The $4.9 million Copelands Road upgrade is complete, featuring improved traffic flow, safety, Moe River bridge, drainage works, footpaths, and a shared bicycle path, delivered on time and within budget. - Danny O’Brien criticises Labor’s road funding, citing Gippsland highways’ ongoing underinvestment and worsening pothole backlog
Danny O’Brien says Labor’s $1.04 billion roads blitz exposes a large pothole backlog, highlighting years of underinvestment and ongoing deterioration of Gippsland’s regional road network. - Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot progresses with $2.35M tender awarded, restoring safe local access
Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $2.35 million tender to rebuild Stewart Road Bridge, restoring safe access, supporting emergency services, and increasing load capacity to 44 tonnes. - Have your say on the draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy balance road access, submit by 28 September 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its Draft Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy, aiming to balance vibrant business activity with safe pedestrian access. Consultation runs 29 August - 28 September on Baw Baw Connect. - Bass Coast reviews future of local markets, inviting community feedback to guide sustainable and well-managed market experiences by 24 May 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing local markets and inviting community, stallholders and businesses to share feedback to help shape future planning, safety and sustainability across the region. - Paynesville slip road Maritime Precinct enters final construction phase with jetties, boat ramp and seawall nearing completion
Construction of Paynesville Slip Road Maritime Precinct is nearing completion, delivering new jetties, boat ramp, seawall, and waterfront spaces to support boating, tourism, and the local marine industry. - Walhalla Church Hill Road landslip repaired, fully reopened following 2022 storm recovery works completion
Repairs to the Church Hill Road landslip in Walhalla are complete, reopening the road with DRFA-funded realignment, drainage, safety barriers, and asphalt surfacing, ensuring safe travel for residents and tourists. - Latrobe City urges the Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety urgent activation of Traralgon Bank Street and Princes Highway traffic lights
Latrobe City Council urges Victorian Ministers to urgently activate the Bank Street–Princes Highway traffic lights in Traralgon, addressing safety concerns after completed works remain non-operational since 2018. - East Gippsland expands Whelans Group road maintenance contract, ensuring service continuity and local job retention across shire
East Gippsland Council has expanded Whelans Group’s road maintenance role, taking over areas previously managed by Cranes Asphalting, ensuring service continuity, high standards, and retention of local jobs across the shire. - Baw Baw Shire Council adopts 2025 - 2029 Road Management Plan, updating registers for safe, sustainable, community-focused roads and footpaths
Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed the 2025-2029 Road Management Plan, updating public road and footpath registers, removing recreational Walhalla Road sections, and ensuring safe, sustainable local road management. - Tim Bull urges better local firewood access from roadside clearing to ease East Gippsland shortages before winter arrives
Tim Bull urges authorities to make roadside clearing timber available locally, expand collection areas, and improve access to firewood for East Gippsland communities ahead of winter shortages. - Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region. - Expressions of interest open for new Slip Road Maritime Precinct marina berths in Paynesville boosting boating access
East Gippsland Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest for new Paynesville marina berths, expanding capacity and supporting growing boating demand across the Gippsland Lakes. - Martin Cameron criticises Labor for reducing Hazelwood Road speed limit instead of repairing dangerous regional road conditions
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticises Labor for reducing Hazelwood Road’s speed limit instead of repairing its deteriorating surface, calling for urgent action to improve regional road safety. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Baw Baw Council endorses key 2026 advocacy priorities, including Weebar Road roundabout, Rokeby-Noojee Trail, sports infrastructure and regional investment
Baw Baw Shire Council has endorsed its 2026 advocacy priorities, including Weebar Road roundabout, Rokeby-Noojee Trail, Trafalgar oval, intersection upgrades, sporting infrastructure, business attraction, and peri‑urban recognition. - 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. - 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. - South Gippsland Shire Council organisational performance report, road safety, education and more updates on council projects
South Gippsland Shire Council’s Autumn 2026 report highlights strong progress on 2025–29 priorities, sound finances and all annual actions on track. Updates include FOGO rollout, road safety, community events, grants, and engagement opportunities. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Bass Coast Shire Council implements speed limit updates to improve road safety and reduce wildlife collisions
Bass Coast Shire Council is updating speed limits across the region, including area-wide and rural roads, to improve driver safety, reduce wildlife collisions, and align with Victoria’s Safe System approach. - Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club track redevelopment a "big win for people power," says Martin Cameron
Racing will resume at Traralgon Greyhound Racing Club after Glenview Park track redevelopment, hailed by Martin Cameron as a "big win for people power" following community and trainer advocacy. - City of Traralgon Band gifts council commemorative photograph after successful international remembrance tour
The City of Traralgon Band gifted Latrobe City Council a photograph commemorating their UK and Europe Tour of Remembrance, including performances at Menin Gate and recognition with two awards. - Stellina in Traralgon delights with woodfired pizza, Italian classics, heritage charm, and inviting courtyard dining experience
Stellina, housed in Traralgon restored 1875 Star Hotel, offers woodfired pizzas, Italian classics, creative dishes, and charming indoor or courtyard dining, blending heritage atmosphere with modern culinary flair. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - Melina Bath joined Principal Jason Horton and students planting Gallipoli Lone Pine tree
Tanjil South Primary School students planted a Lone Pine seedling under the "100 Lone Pines Project" to honour ANZAC history, preserving Gallipoli’s legacy and strengthening community remembrance of Australia’s wartime sacrifices. - Darren Chester welcomes $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment with upgraded facilities for Latrobe Valley sports clubs
Darren Chester welcomed the $6.2 million Traralgon Recreation Reserve redevelopment, providing modern changerooms and upgraded facilities through joint funding to support Latrobe Valley sports and long-term community participation. - Martin Cameron criticises stalled Traralgon underpass, urges overpass alternative for delayed pedestrian safety project
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises nearly three-year delay on Traralgon underpass, urging government to clarify plans or consider a safer overpass for students and pedestrians crossing the train line. - Darren Chester supports ASIC Traralgon presence, strengthening regional jobs and long-term public service workforce stability
After touring the facility and meeting staff, Mr Chester said ASIC also benefited because country people were more likely to remain in their roles and provide a continuity of service for the organisation. - Danny O’Brien urges Gippsland communities to participate in Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 1 March 2026
Danny O’Brien encourages Gippsland communities, schools, and groups to join Clean Up Australia Day on 1 March 2026, protecting beaches, waterways, and local areas while building on last year’s success. - Darren Chester praises progress on the $6.2M Traralgon Recreation Reserve with its new flood-proof multipurpose Pavilion underway
Construction of Traralgon Recreation Reserve $6.2 million flood-proof Multipurpose Pavilion is underway, delivering modern changerooms, sports facilities, and community spaces to support local clubs and enhance Latrobe Valley participation. - Darren Chester praises volunteers powering Traralgon International’s global success, showcasing Gippsland worldwide tennis event
Federal MP Darren Chester has praised Latrobe Valley volunteers for driving the success of the Traralgon International, highlighting their dedication, community pride and vital role in showcasing Gippsland globally. - Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity. - Official opening of the new flood-proof Traralgon Recreation Reserve Multiuse Pavilion on 17 April 2026
Traralgon Recreation Reserve’s new flood recovery pavilion opens April 17, featuring modern sports facilities, funded by federal, state and council partnerships, restoring community infrastructure damaged in 2021 floods. - Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework. - Martin Cameron urges urgent action to secure Traralgon Junior International and protect millions in local economic benefits
Martin Cameron is urging urgent action from Latrobe City Council and the Allan government to upgrade Traralgon Tennis Association facilities and secure the Traralgon Junior International future and its $2.9 million economic benefits. - Martin Cameron demands Labor guarantee Traralgon PSOs won’t be removed amid redeployment to retail precincts
Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to guarantee PSOs won’t be removed from Traralgon, warning redeployment to shopping centres could compromise safety on the region’s already under-resourced rail network. - Danny O’Brien says Labor is delaying the Traralgon bypass, blaming mine rehabilitation and ongoing inaction
Danny O’Brien says Labor is delaying the Traralgon bypass, blaming Loy Yang mine rehabilitation, leaving Gippsland frustrated after decades of stalled planning and inaction. - Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026. - Bass Coast Shire Council installs 22 speed humps in Cape Paterson and San Remo from 11 May for road safety improvements
Bass Coast Council begins installing 22 speed humps in Cape Paterson and San Remo from 11 May, improving road safety following community consultation and traffic concerns. - Latrobe City adopts Amendment C150, rezoning Traralgon Golf Club land to reflect ongoing recreational use
Latrobe City Council has adopted Amendment C150, rezoning Traralgon Golf Club land to a Special Use Zone, securing its long-term recreational use and preventing residential development. - Melina Bath calls on the Allan government to support Traralgon families, participants and staff after Daily Living Disability Services closure
The Nationals are urging the Allan government to provide immediate support for participants, families, and staff affected by the sudden closure of Daily Living Disability Services in Traralgon. - Join our free Beninette Tour for behind-the-scenes access, event facilities insights, and booking information
Ever wondered what's really beyond the bricks at Berninneit? Thinking about hiring a space or curious about what's backstage? Join us for a free guided tour and get an insider's look at every space in Berninneit, in just half an hour. - Latrobe City endorses Victory Park master plan guiding staged Traralgon park upgrades, enhancing community, recreation and connectivity
Latrobe City Council has endorsed a Victory Park precinct master plan for Traralgon, guiding staged upgrades across five parks to improve recreation, environment, connectivity and community spaces. - Darren Chester delivers volunteer grant to support Traralgon RSL Bowls Group and boost junior participation
Darren Chester awarded a $1700 Volunteer Grant to Traralgon RSL Bowls Group, funding equipment to boost junior participation, support volunteers, and strengthen youth development as part of Gippsland's wider $63,000 program. - 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. - 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.
|
|
