Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Let The Reading Begin! Reading Nationals Member for Morwell Russell Northe has encouraged local schools to get their students involved with the Premier’s Reading Challenge, to promote the importance of reading.
By Russell Northe - 28th February 2011 - Back to News Mr Northe said the extensive list of books for students to read was published in yesterday’s The Age lift-out of The Sunday Age; with a wide range of titles listed for Years Prep to 10.
"There are more than 7000 exciting titles on this year’s booklist – the biggest ever – so there is something there for everyone.
"The Challenge promotes the importance of reading among students in Victorian schools and also encourages parents and families to support their children’s reading in and beyond school.
"It is a fantastic initiative and I encourage students who haven’t participated before to sign up, and join their classmates in reading as many books as possible.
"For students in Prep to Year 2 the challenge is to read or ‘experience’ 30 books and for students in Years 3 to 10 the challenge is to read 15 books.
Parents can help students to ‘experience’ books by reading to or with them and talking about the story.
"Reading is an important life skill and most importantly, books inspire and allow children to dream big.
"I encourage all children to become involved in the challenge, and parents to share the joy of reading with their children – nothing is more rewarding.
"I look forward to hearing about our local students having a go and achieving success in the 2011 Challenge, and beginning a lifelong love of reading."
For more information about the Challenge and the new initiatives, visit www.education.vic.gov.au/prc or contact your child’s school.
Media: Russell Northe 0408 22 55 23 / Julia Auciello 5133 9088
Julia Auciello
Electorate Officer for
Russell Northe MLA
Member for Morwell
66 George St (PO Box 214)
Morwell 3840
Ph: (03) 5133 9088
Fax: (03) 5133 9388
Website: www.russellnorthe.com.au
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com

Related Articles- East Gippsland residents encouraged to join Warm Winter Read library reading program initiative winter from 1 June to 31 August 2026
East Gippsland libraries are encouraging residents aged 16+ to join the Warm Winter Read program, running until 31 August, to build reading habits, explore new books, and enjoy winter reading. - Seven students completed East Gippsland Water Vacation Student Program, gaining practical experience and development on skills
Seven university students completed East Gippsland Water’s Vacation Student Program, gaining hands-on experience in engineering, communications, IT, and environmental planning, preparing them for future careers in the water industry. - Gippsland Water completes major Warragul sewer upgrade, boosting capacity and supporting town’s rapid growth and future reliability
Gippsland Water has completed a 1.5-kilometre Warragul sewer upgrade, increasing capacity, improving reliability, supporting population growth, and protecting the environment, including relocation of threatened local species during construction. - Darren Chester urges Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants now available until 31 January 2026
Federal MP Darren Chester is urging Gippsland’s young athletes to apply for Local Sporting Champions grants supporting travel and competition costs. Eligible juniors aged 12-18 can apply before 31 January 2026. - The Nationals reaffirmed support for shooters, hunters and farmers at Morwell forum opposing firearm law threats
The Nationals held a Morwell forum supporting firearm owners, with leaders and 150 attendees opposing proposed law changes, criticising a Victorian firearms review and pledging to protect rights of lawful shooters, hunters and farmers. - Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment completed, delivering upgraded sporting, community and emergency facilities for local residents
Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment is complete, delivering a $6 million upgraded multi-use community, sporting and emergency hub ahead of its June 14 reopening. - 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. - Mallacoota streetscape upgrade complete, enhancing safety, drainage and landscape ahead of busy Christmas holiday season
Mallacoota’s upgraded streetscape, funded with $1.5 million, improves pedestrian safety, drainage, and landscaping, preparing the coastal town for a busy Christmas holiday season, says local MP Darren Chester. - Ensay Recreation Reserve redevelopment completed, $2.2M upgrades to strengthen community, sport and tourism
Federal Member Darren Chester congratulated Ensay volunteers on completing the $2.2 million Recreation Reserve redevelopment, enhancing sport, community facilities, and tourism as part of Black Summer bushfire recovery. - 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. - Bass Coast Shire Council invites local businesses to complete Business and Industry Survey, have your say and win vouchers until 31 May 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 business survey seeks feedback to shape support, programs and training, strengthening the local economy, with entries eligible for $100 vouchers until 31 May 2026. - Demolition begins at Warragul Exhibition Hall, traffic changes implemented and materials salvaged for recycling and community reuse
Demolition of Warragul Exhibition Hall will begin this week, with traffic changes, asbestos removal, and material salvage for recycling, while the site will be remediated for future council consideration. - Platy Patch begins on Mitchell River improving habitat, waterway health and protecting platypus populations
East Gippsland CMA will begin Platy Patch works on the lower Mitchell River to improve waterway health, restore habitat, and protect local platypus through revegetation and riverbank restoration. - Construction begins on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, including new curator shed and upgraded female-friendly facilities
Construction has started on Western Park Oval 2 Pavilion, beginning with a new curator shed, supporting local sports growth, female-friendly facilities, and community recreation, funded by Council and a government grant. - Kurnai College supports young Gippslanders completing Year 12 while balancing parenting and education challenges
Kurnai College’s Young Parents Program helps Gippsland students complete Year 12, gain VET qualifications, and build confidence, resilience, and life skills while providing onsite childcare and strong community support. - Gippsland Water begins $10.5M Traralgon pipeline project to strengthen supply and support future growth
Gippsland Water will begin constructing the $10.5 million Traralgon Western Distribution Main, improving water security, network reliability and pressure while supporting future population growth, with completion expected in late 2027. - Nationals pledge early school support program to identify children's learning needs and help Gippsland families access services
The Nationals have pledged a Successful School Starters program, embedding specialists in schools and providing $500 subsidies for assessments to help Foundation students access earlier learning and developmental support. - 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. - Nationals urge government to address wine industry crisis, converting excess wine into ethanol to support fuel supply and struggling growers
The Nationals urge urgent action on Australia’s wine oversupply crisis, proposing surplus stock be converted to ethanol to support fuel supply and assist struggling growers facing mounting financial pressure. - Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services. - Nationals and Liberals propose tougher penalties to protect war memorials and historic sites from vandalism and desecration
A Nationals and Liberal government would introduce tougher laws to protect war memorials and historic sites, imposing up to 10 years’ jail for vandalism and desecration. - Nationals demand urgent Tourism Ministers meeting and interest-free loans for regional operators amid fuel crisis impact
The Nationals are urging an urgent ministerial meeting and interest-free loans for regional tourism operators hit by the fuel crisis, warning of falling bookings, cancellations, job losses, and declining confidence. - 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 introduced Bill to protect Victoria's agricultural land from poorly planned development and improve food security
The Nationals introduced a Victorian bill to protect agricultural land from poor development, recognising farming's $22 billion contribution and supporting long-term food security. - Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria. - Nationals pledge $5B to rebuild Victoria’s roads and improve safety for eastern Victorian motorists
The Nationals pledged $5 billion to repair Victoria’s roads, eliminate one million potholes, improve maintenance, and increase regional infrastructure funding to 25 percent under its Fair Share Guarantee. - Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development. - The Nationals criticise Labor police recruitment announcement, demanding action on shortages, crime and regional policing resources
The Nationals say Labor's Gippsland police recruitment announcement lacks detail and comes too late, arguing Victoria needs more officers, stronger laws and better support to address crime and staffing shortages. - The Nationals demand an immediate election over Labor’s new tax changes, calling them a mandate-less, harmful assault on Australians
The Nationals demand an immediate election, accusing Labor of introducing major tax changes without a mandate and harming Australians. - The Nationals slam Labor's secret public transport tax funding costly suburban rail loop as regional Victorians bear the burden
The Nationals accuse Victoria's Labor government of secretly taxing public transport users $8 billion to fund the Suburban Rail Loop, while regional communities receive disproportionately less infrastructure funding. - The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis. - The Nationals unveil $40M plan offering health workers incentives to fill critical regional jobs across Gippsland and Victoria
The Nationals propose $40 million over four years for a Victorian Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, offering eligible regional health workers up to $10,000 for relocation, accommodation and professional development. - The Nationals warn visa delays threaten harvest workforce, food supply and regional farmers already facing mounting pressures
The Nationals warn visa delays are threatening critical harvest and agricultural workforces, urging Labor to provide certainty, faster approvals and migration settings supporting farmers, regional communities and food supply. - The Nationals and Liberals promise tougher sentencing, specialist criminal appeal court, greater transparency for Victorians
The Nationals and Liberals pledge tougher sentencing, a specialist Criminal Appeal Court and greater transparency, including Children’s Court data, to restore confidence, strengthen accountability and address Victoria’s crime crisis. - The Nationals pledge fair infrastructure funding for Gippsland, addressing regional Victoria’s ongoing underinvestment gap
The Nationals have pledged to secure Gippsland a fair share of infrastructure funding, arguing regional Victoria is underfunded compared to its population and deserves greater investment in key services. - The Nationals pledge to keep Victoria's coal-fired power stations operating amid growing electricity supply concerns
The Nationals' Martin Cameron has pledged existing Victorian coal-fired power stations will not close early, warning of electricity shortages, higher prices and job losses while advocating firm generation and gas investment. - The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families. - The Nationals criticise deteriorating Princes Highway as potholes raise safety concerns in Traralgon East
The Nationals have criticised the deteriorating Princes Highway at Traralgon East, citing 85 potholes between Traralgon and Rosedale and road damage less than 18 months after duplication. - 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. - 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 to scrap VNI West by ending Labor’s net zero agenda and renewable rollout
The Nationals say they will stop VNI West by scrapping Labor’s net zero agenda, arguing the transmission project threatens farmland, food security, regional communities and affordable electricity across Victoria. - 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. - The Nationals accuse Labor of failing Australian exporters after higher US tariffs and weaker trade negotiations
Matt Canavan criticised Labor after the United States imposed 12.5 per cent tariffs on some Australian exports, accusing the government of weak trade negotiations and inadequate action on forced labour. - Liberals and Nationals pledge $5B to repair roads and eliminate one million potholes statewide
The Liberals and Nationals have pledged $5 billion to repair Victoria's roads, eliminate one million potholes, improve maintenance, establish Better Roads Victoria, and boost accountability if elected at the next state election. - Danny O’Brien says Nationals and Liberals’ plan cuts waste, taxes and boosts regional investment
Danny O’Brien says Nationals and Liberals’ economic plan aims to cut waste, reduce taxes, ease cost pressures and restore investment in Gippsland services and infrastructure. - Darren Chester elected Nationals Deputy Leader, pledges stronger voice for regional Australia and Gippsland communities
Darren Chester has been elected Deputy Leader of The Nationals, serving with leader Matt Canavan, pledging to strengthen regional voices and advocate for Gippsland and rural Australians in Canberra. - Gilsenan Reserve in Paynesville to gain modern, accessible public toilets supporting playground, skate park, and markets
Paynesville’s Gilsenan Reserve will get modern, accessible public toilets by June 2026, supporting playground, skate park, and market users, while ensuring minimal disruption and ongoing community updates during construction. - Morwell Gun Club unveils world-class olympic trap shooting upgrades, boosting training, competition and accessibility
Morwell Gun Club completed major upgrades under the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, including new Olympic trap ranges, lighting, shelters and facilities, boosting training, accessibility, local jobs and Gippsland’s sporting opportunities. - Melina Bath said The Nationals will continue standing with regional Victorians and sporting shooting community
Common sense has prevailed after proposals to cap firearm numbers per licence were scrapped, with Danny O’Brien crediting strong advocacy from law-abiding owners, sporting clubs and shooting organisations across Victoria wide support. - 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. - Morwell Rose Festival returns with blooms, aerial acrobatics, night lights, workshops and family entertainment from 6-7 November 2026
Morwell Rose Festival returns for its ninth year in 2026, featuring thousands of roses, aerial performances, night lights, workshops, market stalls, live entertainment and family-friendly activities. - Morwell River Ward Councillor Tracie Lund resigns, prompting Latrobe City by-election and community engagement process
Morwell River Ward Councillor Tracie Lund has resigned from Latrobe City Council. A by-election will be held, with the VEC managing nominations and voting to fill the vacancy. - Latrobe City seeks Advisory Committee members to strengthen regional gallery and creative industries strategy, submit your EOI by 22 May 2026
Latrobe City Council seeks advisory committee members to guide Latrobe Regional Gallery and creative industries, boosting strategy, community engagement, cultural participation, and a stronger local creative economy. - Drouin’s Commercial Place Stage 1 of the $1.1M project set to begin this to boost safety, accessibility and vibrancy
Stage 1 of the $1.1 million Drouin Commercial Place upgrade begins this week, improving safety, accessibility, footpaths, carparks, and pedestrian areas, with minimal disruption and partial parking available. - Bass Coast and South Gippsland Councils celebrate 21 graduates completing South Coast leadership program
Bass Coast and South Gippsland councils celebrate 21 graduates of 2026 leadership program, highlighting regional collaboration, community leadership, and stronger local partnerships across the region. - 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. - 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. - Gippsland Line set for longer trains and more seats under Nationals-Liberals plan to tackle peak-period overcrowding
The Nationals and Liberals have pledged five additional VLocity sets, adding 1,110 seats on Gippsland services to reduce overcrowding and improve peak-period travel for passengers. - Latrobe Leisure Morwell earns Gold Safety Accreditation for highest aquatic safety standards recognition achieved
Latrobe Leisure Morwell earned Life Saving Victoria’s Gold Safety Accreditation after achieving 100 percent compliance and a safety score above 95 percent, recognising exceptional aquatic safety, operations and risk management standards. - Gippsland Water upgrades Morwell wastewater treatment plant aerator to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs
Gippsland Water has installed a new high-speed aerator at Morwell's wastewater treatment plant, improving treatment efficiency, reducing energy use and lowering long-term operating costs. - Labor government's VicGrid laws pass with crossbench backing amid Nationals' warning of property rights erosion
The Allan government's VicGrid laws passed with crossbench support, sparking Nationals' criticism over lost property rights, silenced regional voices, and overreach. The Nationals vow repeal in 2026 to restore landholder protections. - Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia. - 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. - Latrobe City welcomes proposed $10B Morwell data centre boosting economy, jobs, and industry
Latrobe City Council welcomes Keppel’s proposed $10 billion Morwell data centre, Australia’s largest, leveraging existing energy infrastructure to create jobs, support workforce transition, and drive long-term economic and industrial growth. - Martin Cameron criticises Labor government over delayed Morwell sobering-up facility, broken promises and lack of ministerial accountability
Martin Cameron criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to deliver the promised Morwell sobering-up facility, ignoring repeated parliamentary questions, leaving the Latrobe Valley without adequate public intoxication support. - Gippsland welcomes $50M Renewable Energy TAFE Centre in Morwell, boosting jobs and regional transition to renewable energy future
One Gippsland welcomes $50 million investment in Morwell Renewable Energy TAFE Centre, boosting workforce training and supporting Gippsland’s clean energy transition and future job growth. - Darren Chester celebrates Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell Facility supporting education and regional workforce development
Darren Chester welcomed Community College Gippsland’s new Morwell facility, celebrating its role in empowering students, supporting vocational education, and strengthening Gippsland’s workforce and regional communities. - Tim Bull praises local police but urges stronger support and tougher charges for fleeing offenders
Liberal and Nationals plan promises 3,000 extra Victoria Police officers and reopened stations, aiming to restore community safety and address rising crime across East Gippsland and Victoria. - Latrobe City invites community to celebrate International Rose Garden Festival Morwell with lights, music and fun on 7-8 November 2025
Latrobe City Council invites everyone to the free International Rose Garden Festival Morwell, 7-8 November 2025, featuring night lights, live music, workshops, market stalls, performers, and over 4,000 blooming roses. - Melina Bath demands Allan government tackle rising Latrobe Valley crime after alleged violent Morwell supermarket carjacking incident
The Nationals' Melina Bath has called on the Allan government to address rising Latrobe Valley crime, urging stronger policing and tougher laws following an alleged violent carjacking in Morwell. - Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services. - Melina Bath calls on Labor to protect locally raised foreshore funds and community priorities across Eastern Victoria
Nationals MP Melina Bath has urged Labor to guarantee $500,000 raised by San Remo residents remains dedicated to local foreshore projects following committee merger concerns. - Shop Local in South Gippsland to strengthen community, support jobs, and keeping our economy thriving together everyday
Shopping locally in South Gippsland strengthens our economy, supports jobs, services, and community groups. Every dollar spent locally multiplies impact, with increased spending boosting growth by millions annually. Shop Local South Gippsland. - David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture. - Darren Chester Launches Putting Locals First Month to Celebrate and Support Gippsland Small Businesses
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has launched Putting Locals First Month, encouraging residents to support small businesses throughout July and strengthen Gippsland's economy, jobs and communities. - Local community groups invited to book appointments for Baw Baw Shire minor capital grants by 29 May 2026
Baw Baw Shire invites community groups to apply for minor capital works grants, supporting local facility upgrades, inclusion projects, and equipment, with appointments now open for 2026 submissions. - Melina Bath demands action on rising crime following alleged violent Morwell supermarket carjacking incident
Melina Bath has urged the Allan government to address rising crime after an alleged Morwell carjacking, citing increasing offence rates and calling for more police and tougher laws. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs and celebrating regional products
Federal Member Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas, boosting jobs, celebrating regional produce, and helping small enterprises like Sale’s "Love in a Jar" thrive across the community. - Local children join opera Australia for Don Giovanni performance at GPAC on 21 July 2026
Fifteen Latrobe City schoolchildren will perform alongside Opera Australia in Don Giovanni at GPAC, gaining professional stage experience while showcasing emerging local talent on July 21. - Local builder awarded contract for next stage of WORLD Sporting Precinct soccer redevelopment in Bairnsdale project
East Gippsland Shire Council has awarded Brooker Builders the contract to deliver new soccer facilities at WORLD Sporting Precinct, creating a modern regional home for the sport. - Hogget Kitchen near Warragul offers seasonal Gippsland dining, vineyard views and local paddock-to-plate cuisine
Hogget Kitchen near Warragul offers seasonal Gippsland dining, vineyard views and paddock-to-plate cuisine using local produce in a relaxed, scenic setting. - Latrobe Valley still waiting for Commonwealth Games Legacy Housing, four years after Labor promise
Regional Victorians miss hosting Commonwealth Games athletes as promised Morwell legacy housing remains unbuilt. Nationals MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath criticize Allan Labor government’s broken promises amid worsening public housing crisis. - Drouin’s Commercial Place precinct to get $1.1M upgrades, enhancing safety, accessibility, streetscape and supporting local businesses
Construction on Drouin’s $1.1 million Commercial Place precinct upgrade begins October 2025, improving safety, accessibility, streetscape, pedestrian crossings, laneways, lighting, greenery, and community usability, completing mid-2026. - Night lights, performances, attractions and tourism - International Rose Garden Festival Morwell returns on 6 and 7 November 2026
International Rose Garden Festival Morwell returns 2026 with free community celebration, night lights, performances, attractions and strong tourism support from government and sponsors. - Darren Chester urges Gippslanders to support local artisans, makers, and small businesses this holiday season
Federal Member Darren Chester encourages Gippslanders to shop local this Christmas, supporting artisans, makers, and small businesses like Emporium 3844, boosting the regional economy and celebrating community talent. - Loch Public Hall hosts community updates with local groups, councillors and regional progress reports on 3 June 2026
Community members are invited to Loch Public Hall on Wednesday for updates from local associations, progress groups, and councillors, with informal discussions available beforehand from 1.00pm. - Liberals promise faster gas exploration approvals to boost local supply, cut energy costs and strengthen Victoria’s energy security
The Liberal and Nationals pledged to boost Victoria's gas supply by fast-tracking exploration approvals, reducing red tape and inviting industry proposals, aiming to lower energy bills, improve supply security and create jobs. - Tim Bull encourages local groups to apply for grants supporting veterans, preserving war memorials and heritage by 3 February 2026
Tim Bull urges local organisations to apply by 3 February 2026 for grants supporting veterans and conserving war memorials and community heritage. - David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability. - Latrobe City invites local artists to join new Public Art Artist Register for murals and creative city projects until 10 February 2026
Latrobe City Council invites local artists to join its Public Art Artist Register, offering paid mural opportunities, enhancing public spaces, supporting tourism, and connecting artists with future creative projects. - Tim Bull urges local clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program supporting volunteers, equipment, and program delivery by 26 November 2025
Tim Bull encourages Gippsland East sporting clubs to apply for the Sporting Club Grants Program by 26 November 2025, supporting uniforms, equipment, volunteers, events, travel, and governance development. - Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer. - 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 urges Gippslanders to support local growers, highlighting family-owned 'Get Fresh Gippsland' business
Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local growers this Christmas, highlighting family-run Get Fresh Gippsland for supplying fresh, locally grown produce while strengthening the regional economy.
- 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. - Tim Bull says locals and community groups want stronger enforcement as illegal campers leave areas unkempt
Tim Bull urges Environment Minister Dimopoulos to act on illegal campers along the Snowy River, balancing public access for tourists with enforcement and welfare oversight to protect local businesses. - East Gippsland Council connects local contractors with upcoming projects, opportunities and business support initiatives on 21 August 2026
Around 80 local contractors attended East Gippsland Shire Council’s annual breakfast, gaining insights into upcoming projects, procurement opportunities, tendering processes and business support initiatives for local enterprises. - East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community. - 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. - Melina Bath invites local community and sporting clubs to apply for Regional All Abilities Grants by 19 November 2025
Melina Bath encourages regional clubs to apply for 2025 Regional All Abilities Participation Grants, supporting inclusive programs, specialised equipment, workforce, and disability-led initiatives. Applications close 19 November 2025. - Gippsland students impress Darren Chester with their understanding of Australian democracy and government
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester praised St Mary’s Primary School Maffra students for their strong understanding of Australian democracy, Parliament and government during a recent civics visit and discussion. - East Gippsland Shire Council invite local businesses to workshop mountain bike tourism opportunities in Omeo on 29 April 2026
Local businesses in Omeo are invited to a 29 April workshop to explore mountain bike tourism, gain insights, and learn practical strategies to attract visitors and boost local spending. - East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond. - David Littleproud slams Labor's 2035 emissions reduction target as costly, and damaging to families, jobs, and communities
Nationals leader David Littleproud criticised Labor's 2035 emissions target as reckless and costly, warning it would raise taxes, increase energy bills, hurt regional communities, and threaten jobs, families, and industries. - Wellington Shire Council invites local businesses to free Defence 101 networking event in Port of Sale on 25 March 2026
Wellington Shire Council and ODIS invite local businesses to a free Defence 101 event on 25 March, helping them explore opportunities to supply large organisations locally. - 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. - Melina Bath urges Allan government to advance Nyora early childhood education centre, ensuring local families equitable kindergarten access
The Nationals urge the Allan government to partner with the Nyora community, enabling a local early childhood education centre for equitable, convenient kindergarten access for rural families.
|
|