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Latrobe Crime Watch News Letter Latrobe Police Service Area May 2014Coming Wvents, Car Security, Safer Communities Group Reports, Yallourn North NHW, Crime Prevention Tips, Livestock on Roads, Robberys in Traralgon, Driving in Fog. By Malcolm Lawrence - 22nd May 2014 - Back to News
Latrobe Crime Watch News
Latrobe Police Service Area
Neighbourhood Watch Creating Safer Communities
May 2014
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency 000, Mobiles 112, State the service you want – Police, Ambulance or Fire.
Police:
Boolarra 5169 6222
Churchill 5122 1790
Moe 5128 1100
Morwell 5131 5000
Traralgon 5174 0900
Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000
Neighbourhood Watch
www.nhw.com.au
Neighbourhood Watch & Safer Communities Unit – Latrobe PSA, L/S/C Brett Godden 5131 5085
brett.godden@police. vic.gov.au
Facebook:
eyewatch - Latrobe Police Service Area
Newsletter Editor
erd5nhwnewsletter@ wideband.net.au
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/ latrobecrime.watch.3
Consumer Affairs
5116 5701.
Dispute Settlement Centre
1800 658 528
Latrobe City
1300 367 700
Nurse on Call
1300 606 024
Poisons Info 13 11 26
VicRoads – 131170
COMING EVENTS: OPEN INVITATION TO ALL LATROBE VALLEY RESIDENTS
Monday 2nd June - Moe/Newborough Town Meeting - Moe RSL – Albert Street, Moe – 7pm
Tuesday 3rd June - Traralgon Town Meeting –Traralgon RSL Boardroom, Grey St, Traralgon – 7pm Wednesday 4th June - Morwell Town Meeting – Morwell RSL – Elgin Street, Morwell – 7pm
Wednesday 11th June - Yallourn North Town Meeting - Monash Hall Reserve St, Yallourn North –7 pm
BUSINESS AS USUAL DURING TRARALGON POLICE STATION RENOVATIONS
Renovations will commence on the Traralgon Police Station on May 28 and the main police station building will be closed from that date.
However, a shop front police station for counter enquiries will operate from temporary accommodation which will be located in the car park.
Members of the public will still be able to call into the police station and persons on bail will still be able to report as per their bail conditions, as there will be police officers on duty in the temporary accommodation 24 hours per day.
Latrobe Local Area Commander, Inspector Dean Thomas said, "Although the current station was state of the art when it was built and opened in 1989, it is now too small to house the expanding number of police officers and support staff. This has been the only downside to the increase in police numbers for the Traralgon Police Service Area."
Traralgon members will be commencing and finishing their shifts and processing offenders from the Morwell Police Station. Divisional Van and other patrols will continue as normal.
Inspector Thomas said, "I wish to stress there we be no reduction to police services for the town. It will be business as usual."
Renovations will commence on the Traralgon Police Station on May 28 and the main police station building will be closed from that date.
However, a shop front police station for counter enquiries will operate from temporary accommodation which will be located in the car park.
MESSAGE FROM LATROBE INSPECTOR DEAN THOMAS
IT IS AN OFFENCE TO LEAVE YOUR PARKED CAR UNLOCKED
Police have interviewed offenders of recent time who have told them that they walk the streets and try car doors all day and all night until they find cars unlocked. Within a few seconds they rummage through the cars and steal cash and whatever items they believe they can sell.
The community needs to be reminded that it is an offence to leave your vehicle unlocked in the street or in a public car park. We all need to do our bit to make it difficult for offenders to steal from our vehicles. Please ...... keep your vehicles locked.
I am concerned at the high number of theft from motor car incidents where victims' vehicles are left unlocked.
There appears to be a mind-set amongst many in the community that leaving their vehicles unlocked in the street, shopping centre car park or their own driveway is OK. This type of behaviour makes it so easy for the opportunistic thief or the offender who wants to make easy cash to walk around the streets or public car parks and try door handles until he/she finds one unlocked.
APRIL NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH/SAFER COMMUNITIES GROUP REPORTS
BOOLARRA/YINNAR DISTRICT CRIME REPORT
ASSAULTS - 1 for April (1 March) - One offender charged with unlawful assault during April.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 1 for April (Nil March) - One offender charged with criminal damage during April.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for April (1 March) - All the thefts occurred overnight 1st April in Yinnar with the four vehicles entered all unlocked. Two GPS units and cash were stolen from vehicles in Rieniets Way, Berquez St (1 and an attempted theft), St James Dr, and Albert St (1 theft and 1 attempt.)
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for April (2 March)
THEFT - 3 for April (Nil March) - On 9th and 14th April unknown offenders stole fencing wire from a business in Main St, Yinnar whilst overnight 16th April one 3 year old Poll Hereford bull and nine steers were stolen from a rural property in Boolarra-Foster Rd, Boolarra South.
CHURCHILL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES JEERALANG)
ASSAULTS - 8 for April (10 March) - In all except one incident an offender was charged. Police are following up an identified suspect in relation to that incident.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 11 for April (13 March) - Five offenders charged with property damage offences during April whilst police are following up an identified suspect in relation to an incident. A letterbox was damaged in Churinga Dr overnight 18th April with another damaged in Amaroo Dr overnight 15th April.
BURGLARY - 2 for April (5 March) - Both burglaries were on residential premises. Unknown offenders used a previously damaged window to gain access to a residence in Inala Close and stole TVs’ and a games console whilst a laptop was stolen from a residence in Coolaroo Pl.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 6 for April (6 March) - All the thefts were committed in residential streets or driveways. Three number plates were stolen from McInnes Cres and Wattle Cres (2) during the month. The other three incidents involved unlocked vehicles with a mobile phone, safety light, security swipe card, tools, fuel cards and sets of keys stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for April (1 March) - One offender charged with theft of and attempted theft of a motor vehicle during April. The vehicle stolen was located.
THEFT - 4 for April (2 March) - One offender charged and an identified suspect is being followed up by police. Shoes were stolen from the front porch of a residence in Mc Donald Way on 2nd April at the same time as a vehicle was entered and property stolen. A slider tricycle was stolen from Curringa Crt on 22nd April.
MOE POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES NEWBOROUGH, MOE SOUTH AND HEARNS OAK)
ROBBERY - Nil for April (1 March)
ASSAULT - 13 for April (36 March) - Eight offenders charged during April. In the incidents where an offender has not been charged an identified suspect is being followed up by police.
ARSON - 1 for April (Nil March) - One offender charged with criminal damage by fire during April.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 17 for April (33 March) - Six offenders charged with property damage offences during April. Three of these offenders are also facing assault related charges. Residential fences and vehicles in driveways feature prominently in the damages spread throughout the town.
BURGLARY - 4 for April (16 March) - All the burglaries during April were on residential premises spread throughout town. Plastering materials were stolen from a house under construction in Discovery Boulevard overnight 9th April whilst furniture and an oven were stolen from a residence in Kelso Rd, Yallourn North between 20th and 22nd April.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 7 for April (10 March) - All the thefts from motor vehicle were committed in residential driveways. Overnight 4th April there were four thefts in Railway Cres (2), Bayley St and Carbine St with coins and an Android tablet stolen. Coins featured in three other thefts with amounts ranging from a few dollars up to forty dollars.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 1 for April (1 March) - The only vehicle stolen during April was recovered.
THEFT (OTHER) - 12 for April (12 March) - Two offenders were charged with theft during April. On 1st April a cordless drill and saw were stolen from a shop doorway in George St whilst furniture was stolen from a trailer outside a residence in March St, Newborough on 13th April. Six garden lights were stolen overnight 16th April from a Colli Dr property.
ISSUES RAISED AT MAY MEETING: Shopping trollies being dumped in the street; Speeding in Southwell Avenue, Newborough;
Speeding in Johnfield Drive, Newborough; Hooning around the Latrobe Retirement Village in Ollerton Avenue. Damage at the Monash Way bus shelter.
MORWELL POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT
ROBBERY - 1 for April (Nil March) - One offender charged with robbery during April.
ASSAULT - 35 for April (28 March) – Thirty-two offenders charged with assault related offences with police following up two identified suspects in relation to incidents during April. Two children under ten were spoken to in relation to an assault which occurred in Symons Cres but they cannot be charged due to their age.
ARSON - 1 for April (1 March) - On 1st April a rubbish bin was set alight in Porter St and completely destroyed.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 17 for April (32 March) - Ten offenders charged with property damage offences during April. Police are investigating a single gunshot which was fired through the rear window of a vehicle in a residential driveway in Savige St on 26th April. All the unsolved damages were residential windows being broken or smashed by unknown means.
BURGLARY - 21 for April (19 March) - Three offenders charged with burglary during April with one facing four counts. A green 125cc Monster Motorbike was stolen from a shed in Vincent Rd overnight 6th April whilst overnight 22nd April a rear glass door was smashed to gain access to a residence in Hourigan Rd. A TV and laptop were stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - 17 for April (18 March) - The offender charged with four counts of burglary has also been charged with three counts of theft from motor vehicle whilst another offender will also face a count of theft from motor vehicle. Two unlocked vehicles were entered in Bridle Rd overnight 3rd April with a laptop, GPS and coins stolen.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - 4 for April (3 March) - The offender charged with multiple counts of burglary and theft from motor vehicle will face one count of theft of motor vehicle. Another male will also face one count. Three of the vehicles stolen were located with the outstanding vehicle being a 125cc Monster motorcycle stolen from Vincent Rd on 6th April.
THEFT - 12 for April (17 March) - One offender charged with theft during April whilst police are following up a number of identified suspects in relation to other thefts. Overnight 22nd April two trailers, two pie heaters, a Holden motor, washing machine, air conditioner and piping was stolen from an industrial site in Centre Rd. Evidence suggests a truck would have been needed to shift the items.
ISSUES RAISED AT MAY MEETING: Thefts and the need to make sure vehicles and homes are locked at all times and trailers not being secured properly; Telephone scams – the government will never ring you to say you are owed money; Credit card fraud and banks ringing to make sure it is you using your own card when unusual transaction appears. Always check your credit card statement; The legalities of the Do Not Knock stickers; If you are at an ATM and put in your PIN number backwards, does this send an alarm to the police that you are in trouble and police will attend? Answer. CATEGORICALLY NO. THIS IS AN URBAN MYTH. DO NOT DO IT. POLICE WILL NOT ATTEND; The Bridle Road school crossing outside Kurnai College Junior Campus.
TRARALGON POLICE SERVICE AREA MEETING and CRIME REPORT (INCLUDES TYERS, GLENGARRY, TOONGABBIE, HAZELWOOD NORTH, TRARALGON SOUTH)
ROBBERY - Nil for April (Nil March) - One offender charged with false report to police.
ASSAULT - 30 for April (33 March) - In nearly all incidents an offender was charged with assault. The only incident in which an offender is sought was in Francis St on 25th April when a vehicle was being driven recklessly and a male has attempted to stop the vehicle before being pushed out onto the road. Police are looking for a white Mitsubishi Magna or Toyota Camry.
ARSON - 1 for April (1 March) - Police are following up two identified suspects in relation to an incident during April.
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 23 for April (30 March) - Thirteen offenders charged with property damage offences. Two of the damages were on 27th and 7th April when unknown offenders graffitied train carriages at the railway yards. The miniature railway sheds were also targeted on 23rd April.
BURGLARY - 9 for April (9 March) - One offender charged with burglary during April with police following up two identified suspects. A residence in High St was broken into overnight 28th and 29th April with alcohol stolen on the second occasion and a large amount of damaged caused during both incidents.
THEFT FROM MOTOR VEHICLE - 16 for April (6 March) - One offender faces four counts after being charged. Overnight 29th April two vehicles were entered in Gordon St and Grey St in a similar fashion with offenders manipulating a window on the vehicles. In one incident an alarm has activated causing the unknown offenders to leave.
THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE - Nil for April (6 March)
THEFT - 16 for April (15 March) - The offender facing four counts of theft from motor vehicle will also face one count of theft. There were three incidents in which cash left in self-service machines in supermarkets was stolen. A male police wish to speak to in relation to an incident on 6th April can be viewed on Eyewatch Latrobe Facebook page.
ISSUES RAISED AT MAY MEETING: The length of time for which a Police Check is valid ; Rural farm and shed security; The road toll in the Valley; The offence of littering and neighbours throwing rubbish over your fence; Children playing games to the annoyance of other people. Please note change of venue for June meeting due to Traralgon Police Station renovations. The next Traralgon NHW/SCG meeting will be held on Tuesday 3rd June at the Traralgon RSL Boardroom, Grey St, Traralgon – 7pm
YALLOURN NORTH MEETING and CRIME REPORT
ASSAULT - Nil for April (2 May)
PROPERTY DAMAGE - 2 for April (4 May) - One offender charged with criminal damage during April whilst tyres of a vehicle were slashed in Leslies Track on 12th April.
BURGLARY - 2 for April (2 May) - A residence in Kelso Rd was entered twice during April with furniture, an oven and other items stolen.
THEFT FROM MOTOR CAR - Nil for April (3 May)
THEFT (OTHER) - Nil for April (2 May)
YALLOURN NORTH NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH CALLS FOR NEW MEMBERS
Yallourn North Neighbourhood Watch is in danger of closing down and is now looking for new volunteers to help keep the program running actively in the town.
After 24 years the team, fantastically lead by Bill O'Donnell, who is also our Divisional Treasurer, is hoping to hand the reins over to a new dynamic team.
Historically in the town Neighbourhood Watch has liaised with the local police force, and delivered the towns' Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter and more recently this Latrobe Crime Watch newsletter, provided the use of property identification and marking of equipment, conducted kerbside house numbering days and much more.
Locally NHW in Yallourn North is looking to provide a more modern and online service and the current
committee is looking for younger members to take up the reins, thus ensuring a close eye is kept on
crime in Yallourn North.
If you have some free time to offer to your town, or know of anyone who would like to take up the NHW mantra in Yallourn North, please contact Bill on 5167 1513 or Lance a call 0428 637 117.
CRIME PREVENTION TIPS – DO NOT ADVERTISE YOUR HOLIDAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
An empty home is a prime target for intruders because they have less chance of being disturbed and the offence can go undetected for days or even weeks. The longer the home is unoccupied, the more vulnerable it becomes.
Because intruders always look for signs that a home is unoccupied, when we go away we take security measures to make sure our home is safe.
Amongst others, we stop the mail, let a trusted neighbour know we are going so they can report anything suspicious, secure our doors and windows and put away any gardening tools that could be used to break into our homes.
However, these days the crooks are more cunning. They know they can visit the virtual world of Facebook to try and find out who is unthinkingly advertising they are away on holiday.
Increasingly people are electing to share their lives through the use of social media, with Facebook the most common means. They share their photos, their activities and their thoughts for everyone to see, including the common thief and burglar.
Unless your security settings are watertight, not only your friends but their friends and their friends' friends, maybe even the whole world can read your posts.
If you are away on holiday and your home is vacant, do not use Facebook or other forms of social/electronic media to broadcast to the world you are on holiday and away from your home. This extends to your children and includes not putting photos on the world wide web until you return from your holiday.
If you advertise your holiday and your absence on Facebook, you might just as well hand your keys over to the local burglar and thief.
Police remind the community if they see something suspicious they should ring 000 or if they have information in relation to an offence contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make an online report on the Crime Stoppers web site at https://vic.crimestoppers.com.au/help-solve-crime/report-crime-information-here
HOT SPOT – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC'S HELP
LIVESTOCK FENCES MUST SUITABLY CONTAIN ANIMALS
Just before 9 a.m., on Friday 9th of May, Morwell Police were called to a serious accident on the west bound lanes of the Princes Freeway just west of the Strzelecki Highway interchange.
A cow had wandered onto the freeway and was struck and killed by a car which was travelling west in heavy fog. The drivers' car was a write off and the driver was conveyed to Latrobe Regional Hospital for treatment.
This accident raises a number of safety issues including the responsibility of livestock owners to adequately maintain their fences to contain their animals and for drivers to adjust their driving to foggy conditions.
Although there may have been no driver error in this accident, we all need to be aware of the need to alter driving habits and drive to the weather conditions.
Officer in Charge of Morwell Police Station, Senior Sergeant Howard Jones, said, "On the subject of driving in fog some drivers still do 110 km/h and continue to pass on the freeway as well. If there's a car stopped ahead of you or something else on the road, you've got about 3 seconds to react and stop!"
He stressed, "That's 'Mission Impossible' in my book," as he implored drivers to drive appropriately in foggy conditions.
S/Sgt Jones says when you look logistically at motor vehicle collisions in low visibility conditions, it is obvious police get more accidents during times when there is heavy fog and this tends to stretch police resources. It also takes longer for police to get to the scene due to the atmospheric conditions and build-up of traffic.
When police do arrive, it takes substantially more time for them to set-up warnings to on-coming traffic and assist injured parties, investigate and rehabilitate the scene, at the same time.
Senior Sergeant Jones continues "If you're in a car travelling at 100 or 110 km/h toward an accident under foggy circumstances, it's highly unlikely that you'll get any prior warning of what's ahead of you! That's why these collisions have the propensity to involve multiple vehicles. And these collisions often involve vehicles being driven without headlights on."
Fencing requirements for livestock is one area covered by Latrobe City’s Local Law Number 2. Clause 48 deals with the effective provision of fencing.
Under this clause, the owner or occupier of land used for the grazing of livestock must ensure that fencing on that land is adequate for the purpose of preventing livestock from straying onto any adjacent road.
Local Laws Officers may serve a Notice to Comply on the owner or occupier of the land requiring him or her to install, repair, replace or modify fencing and gates to prevent the livestock on the property from straying onto any adjacent road. Failure to comply with the Notice to Comply can result in a penalty of $500.
Clause 63 prohibits the grazing of livestock on roads within the Municipality without a permit and this also carries a penalty of $500. Livestock close to roads can be a serious distraction and danger for the drivers of vehicles and we also need to take into account the welfare of the animal.
Clause 64 reminds the community of the power given to Local Laws Officers under the Livestock Act 1994 to impound livestock or secure the livestock in a place offering safe custody where cattle are found grazing on roadsides. Any cattle found on any road within the Municipal District can be impounded:
(a) unless the livestock are enclosed by an electric fence or are in the effective control of some person;
(b) which the Council has resolved is not available for driving or grazing of livestock; or
(c) after dusk and before dawn; or
(d) where the Council has given neither Permit nor exemption allowing those cattle on that road.
Local Laws Officers and police respond to dozens of incidents of livestock straying from their paddocks onto adjacent land or onto roadways each month. These unsafe situations can lead to the injury or death of both people and animals.
Owners of livestock can contact administration at Local Laws on 1300 367 700 so their contact details can be added Local Laws’ Livestock Owners' Contact List. This will enable officers to contact owners in the event they are called to respond to animals located outside their boundaries.
Latrobe City’s Local Law Number 2 may be viewed at: http://www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/Our_Services/Other_Services/Local_Laws
HOT SPOT – POLICE NEED THE PUBLIC'S HELP
TRARALGON YOUTH BOTH ROBBERY VICTIMS AND OFFENDERS
Traralgon Police are concerned about the number of robbery offences occurring in its Police Service Area.
A robbery is a theft, or attempted theft, where force or the threat of force is used and which puts the victim in fear they may be assaulted, or worse, if he or she does not comply with the offenders demands.
For the year from the start of January to mid-March there were eight reported incidents. Most of the robberies in the Traralgon Police Service Area were committed on young male victims, particularly teenagers. The offences occurred in secluded public places, including parks, car parks and school grounds, later in the evening or at night on any night of the week with higher offences occurring on the weekends. Cash and mobile phones were the items most often stolen.
Most of the offenders were aged between 14 – 21 years of age, are both male and female and most of them knew their victims. For all offences there was more than one offender.
Some of the robberies involved weapons, knives and metal bars and threats to use them, escalating the offence to armed robbery.
Offenders have been interviewed and processed by police for all offences.
In response to the increase in the number of robberies in Traralgon, local police will be tasking members to focus on this issue and they will be increasing their patrols.
Police will be performing both overt and covert patrols (in uniform and plain clothes) and will be monitoring recidivist offenders who have been known to commit robberies. This will be an ongoing and sustained operation by Traralgon Police.
To further strengthen the operation, members from other stations within the Police Service Area will be provided to assist Traralgon members and this may be further strengthened by the use of the Operations Response Unit from Melbourne.
To further enhance the operational response, members from Latrobe's Proactive Policing Unit will also be involved in the operation. The areas Crime Prevention Officer and Youth Resource Officers will be visiting youth and schools to educate our youth about safe behaviours and how to avoid becoming the victim of a crime.
In the meantime, parents are encourage to educate their young people to walk in groups at night, always be aware of your surroundings, avoid dark and secluded places, never walk alone after dark and if walking whilst using a multi-media device only have one ear bud in so you can hear what is going on around you.
VICTORIAN ROAD RULE OF THE MONTH - DRIVING IN FOGGY CONDITIONS
RULE 215 - USING LIGHTS WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT OR IN HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS
The Victorian Road Rules 2009 Rule 215 states a driver must not drive at night, OR IN HAZARDOUS WEATHER CONDITIONS CAUSING REDUCED VISIBILITY.
This is the rule that applies to driving in the fog and other hazardous weather conditions such as torrential rain and snow.
Naturally, there are exceptions to this rule. You may drive at night and in 'Hazardous Weather Conditions' if:
(a) your headlights, tail lights and number plate light are operating effectively and are clearly visible; and
(b) if your vehicle has clearance lights or side marker lights, they must also be operating effectively and be clearly visible.
This rule does rule does not apply if the vehicle is stopped or parked on a length of road or in an area which has an effective parking sign where you are permitted to stop or park.
During DAYLIGHT hours in foggy or other hazardous weather conditions where visibility is reduced, your headlights do not have to be turned on if your vehicle IS FITTED WITH FRONT FOG LIGHTS AND THOSE LIGHTS ARE OPERATING EFFECTIVELY AND ARE CLEARLY VISIBLE.
Rule 216 lays out the extra requirements when towing a vehicle at night or in hazardous weather conditions.
Rule 217 Prohibits the use of front or rear fog lights unless the driver is driving in fog or other hazardous weather conditions causing reduced visibility. This means you CANNOT use fog lights just because it is dark.
These rules do not apply to the rider of a bicycle, animal or animal-drawn vehicle.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: malcolml@dcsi.net.au
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Latrobe City Libraries will host free, family-friendly live music from local Gippsland musicians across Morwell, Traralgon and Moe from October to December 2026. No bookings are required; everyone is welcome to attend. - 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 endorses updated community amenity local law following extensive community consultation
Latrobe City Council has endorsed an updated Community Amenity Local Law, strengthening rules around property upkeep, waste, animals, burning, vehicles, public spaces and permits. - Latrobe City endorses draft Moe Activity Centre Plan to guide future town centre growth and development
Latrobe City Council endorsed the draft Moe Activity Centre Plan for public exhibition, outlining long-term CBD growth, planning reforms, improved public spaces and transport, with Planning Scheme Amendment C155 exhibition proposed for late 2026. - Latrobe City launches Forestree platform showcasing 63,000 public trees across urban and rural townships
Latrobe City Council has launched Forestree, an interactive platform showcasing more than 63,000 public trees, 600 species and ongoing tree planting, watering and maintenance efforts. - 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. - Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition. - Open House Latrobe Festival offers behind-the-scenes access to region's unique buildings, stories, communities and cultural heritage from 9 - 11 October
Open House Latrobe will run from 9-11 October, offering behind-the-scenes access to more than 30 sites while celebrating the region's history, culture, industries, environment and future. - Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding. - Open house Latrobe opens doors to historic, cultural and industrial sites across the region for visitors to explore and discover from 9 - 11 October 2026
A chance to visit the most intriguing buildings and places in Latrobe City, normally behind closed doors. The festival will open up significant buildings, infrastructure and landscapes. - 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. - Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets. - 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. - 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. - Liberals and Nationals to audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to unlock land for housing and industrial development
The Liberals and Nationals will audit Latrobe Valley coal overlays to identify outdated restrictions, potentially unlocking land for housing and industrial development while retaining protections where mine safety and ground stability remain at risk. - Flight Test Range Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting Gippsland's drone and aerospace industries and economic diversification
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport will support drone and aerospace innovation, attract investment and create jobs across Gippsland's emerging Advanced Air Mobility sector. - Flight test command centre opens, strengthening Latrobe's role in Australia's advanced aviation innovation sector and creating new opportunities
Latrobe's new Flight Test Range Command Centre has opened at Latrobe Regional Airport, supporting advanced aviation research, drone technology, investment, manufacturing growth and skilled jobs across the region. - Stallholder applications open for 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo connecting families and community services
Stallholder applications have opened for the 2026 Latrobe City Children's Expo, offering organisations and entertainers the chance to connect with thousands of local families during National Children's Week celebrations. - New Flight Test Command Centre opens at Latrobe Airport, boosting advanced aviation jobs, investment and innovation
A new Flight Test Range Command Centre at Latrobe Regional Airport has opened, supporting advanced aviation research, attracting investment, strengthening local businesses and creating new jobs across Gippsland. - Nationals target Premier Ben Carroll over undelivered Latrobe Valley manufacturing jobs and broken election promises
The Nationals accused Premier Ben Carroll of failing to deliver 500 promised SEA Electric manufacturing jobs in Morwell, criticising Labor’s Latrobe Valley transition and economic record. - Australia Post invests in Morwell parcel facility, boosting Latrobe City jobs, economic diversification and future growth opportunities
Australia Post has begun construction of a 10,000-square-metre parcel facility in Morwell, consolidating regional operations, supporting local jobs and strengthening Latrobe City’s economic diversification and investment opportunities. - 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. - 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. - Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024. - Regional Development $750,000 investment expands employment and education support for 120 Latrobe Valley young people through 2028
The Victorian government is investing a further $750,000 in the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program, supporting 120 young people with employment, education, training and independence opportunities through 2028. - Martin Cameron backs Regional road funding to fix dangerous, neglected Latrobe Valley roads and bridges
A proposed $288 million Country Roads and Bridges program would give Latrobe City $1.5 million annually for four years to repair and upgrade local roads and bridges. - Hazelwood North CFA to receive long-awaited new station under Nationals and Liberals' Latrobe Valley infrastructure commitment
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged a new three-bay Hazelwood North CFA station, replacing inadequate facilities and supporting volunteers through increased regional infrastructure funding. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Darren Chester says Gippsland’s 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns and calls for tobacco excise reform
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says 15 suspected illicit tobacco store closures highlight organised crime concerns, advocating an 80 percent tobacco excise cut alongside stronger enforcement to combat the black market. - Gippsland Water renews 1950s Tyers raw water pump station to improve reliability and protect regional emergency water supply infrastructure
Gippsland Water has renewed its 1950s Tyers raw water pump station, improving drainage, protecting pipework and testing all four pumps to maintain reliable emergency supplies for Tyers and Traralgon treatment plants. - Mobile Service Centres bringing government support across South Gippsland communities an August and September
Australian government Mobile Service Centres will visit 12 South Gippsland communities, offering Medicare, Centrelink, myGov and Veterans’ Affairs assistance, with accessible facilities and Wi-Fi. - East Gippsland Shire Council consults service street businesses on proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation and Nicholson street mall improvements
East Gippsland Shire Council is consulting Service Street businesses on a proposed Bairnsdale taxi rank relocation, while Nicholson Street Mall upgrades aim to improve safety and amenity. - The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses. - Cr John White recognised for 10 Years of dedicated service representing East Gippsland communities on council
East Gippsland Councillor John White has been recognised for 10 years of service, including two terms as Mayor, advocating for local priorities and representing communities across government levels. - 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. - Gippsland commuters stranded after V/Line services end early, prompting calls for reliable regional rail services
Melina Bath criticised Gippsland rail disruptions after AFL fans were stranded following an early service cutoff, calling for reliable regional transport and promising 1,110 additional seats on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - Heyfield childcare faces closure after losing federal funding, putting local families, educators and essential community services at risk
Heyfield's only childcare service faces closure after losing $270,000 in federal funding, prompting Darren Chester to seek urgent assistance while a Senate inquiry examines rural and regional child care access. - Wellington Shire Council retains in-house library service following review confirming best value for community needs
Wellington Shire Council has endorsed the outcome of its Wellington Libraries Service Review, confirming library services will continue to be delivered as is. - 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. - Live and Loud at GPAC brings AFL Grand Final action, family fun and entertainment to Traralgon on 26 September 2026
Latrobe City Council will host Live and Loud at GPAC on September 26, featuring family activities, entertainment, a ticketed musical-acrobat performance and free live screening of the 2026 AFL Grand Final. - Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible. - 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. - Labor invests $120,000 to modernise Traralgon Library with new study pods and improved community spaces
Harriet Shing joined Latrobe City Mayor Cr Gibson and councillors to announce a $120,000 library upgrade, jointly funded by government and council - 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. - Better Place Australia opens new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland amid rising community needs
Better Place Australia has opened a new Traralgon office to expand family support services across Gippsland, addressing challenges including family separation, violence, financial stress and child vulnerability. - Morwell CBD double-storey car park set to deliver more than 120 additional free parking spaces soon
Preparation works have begun for Morwell’s new double-storey CBD car park, expected to start construction in October, adding more than 120 free spaces and completing Latrobe City’s Regional Car Parks Fund projects. - Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment. - Have your say on the Planning Scheme Amendment C161egip - Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area (Revised) to unlock growth until 21 September 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council is simplifying planning controls in Lakes Entrance Northern Growth Area, aiming to unlock housing growth, reduce red tape and support development over the next 30-plus years. - 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. - Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities. - Maryvale Recreation Reserve completes $920,000 upgrade, enhancing accessibility, facilities, safety and recreation opportunities for the community
Maryvale Recreation Reserve has completed a $920,000 refurbishment, upgrading the Latrobe Cricket Club pavilion, Peter Siddle Oval, drainage, pathways and accessibility, as part of Latrobe City's broader $5 million program. - Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities. - Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028. - 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. - Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band. - New Bairnsdale worker accommodation nears completion, boosting healthcare workforce capacity across East Gippsland communities
Bairnsdale new 28-apartment healthcare worker accommodation is nearing completion, providing affordable housing for up to 32 staff and strengthening regional health services while supporting local jobs and investment. - East Gippsland communities transform emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience, recovery and local stories
East Gippsland communities have transformed emergency water tanks into vibrant murals celebrating resilience and recovery, with artworks completed at four locations and three more projects planned for Gipsy Point, South Buchan and Benambra.
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