New disability access facility to be built at Pondage Participants in the Sailability Gippsland Program are to benefit from a new access facility being provided at Hazelwood Pondage By Latrobe City Council - 14th June 2001 - Back to News Participants in the Sailability Gippsland Program are to benefit from a new access facility being provided at Hazelwood Pondage. The existing Yacht Club Jetty is being extended and will incorporate a new water-side launching platform complete with lifting hoists and handrails, to assist Gippslanders who use the program.
In presenting a $19,445 Sport and Recreation Victoria Minor Facilities Grant on Friday to Sailability's organiser and Access for All Abilities Coordinator, Andrew Redston, the Minister for Agriculture and Aboriginal Affairs, Keith Hamilton, said the new launch facility would allow many more users to participate in an innovative program which was delivering a new level of confidence and skills to people with a disability.
"Sailability Gippsland is providing people of all ages and of all abilities with a program that allows them to participate in sailing, an exciting and challenging sport that helps them to develop new skills and builds on their abilities, providing them with an enormous amount of satisfaction and self confidence," Mr Hamilton said.
Access for All Abilities Coordinator, Andrew Redston, from Quantum / CGASS, said the facility would create a safe, readily accessible entry point into the water and allow participants in the program to become more active regardless of their ability.
"Due to the construction of the boats used and the nature of the various disability types, vessels need to be lifted out of the water so that people can get in and out of the craft. This process raises some safety and dignity concerns, not just with the user groups, but it also places unnecessary stress on volunteers when transferring individuals and then carrying the craft with the sailor seated, back to the water," Mr Redston explained.
"The new facility will incorporate an extension to the jetty complete with wheelchair graded safe access, safety rails, and a hoist which can launch and retrieve craft together with their sailors, directly into and from the water," Mr Redston said.
The balance of the $30,000 needed for the project is being met by a grant from Latrobe City Council, a donation from Moe's Friends of the Disabled, and any money we can raise from other donations. We have still some way to go to fully fund the project, and any other assisted from the community would be well appreciate" Mr Redston said.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Brendan Jenkins, said that Council had been highly supportive of the Sailability program saying the new launching facility would maximise the delivery of the sailing program for people with a disability.
"Council has made a commitment to the community in having all Council owned or managed facilities accessible to all members of the community regardless of ability. Through our Disability Action Plan we are putting into place many strategies that improve access to facilities, such as the upgrade to the pool at the Moe and Newborough Sport Centre, and we encourage other organisations within Latrobe to evaluate what they can do to provide increased access," Cr Jenkins said.
"This program goes beyond just providing easier access to recreation facilities. Sailability Gippsland has thought beyond conventional boundaries and through specifically adapting craft and facilities they have delivered new recreational opportunities to people with a disability.
"It is not just the Citizens of Latrobe who are benefiting from the Sailability program; participants are coming from five surrounding municipalities, and these improvements will now mean that the facility at Hazelwood Pondage has the potential to attract State and possibly National disability sailing events," Cr Jenkins added.
"We congratulate Quantum / CGASS on their successful project application and consequent funding, and their ongoing commitment to a highly commendable program. I would also like to congratulate the Latrobe Valley Yacht Club, Hazelwood Power, and the many volunteers who have made this program the success it is today," Cr Jenkins concluded.
For more information on the Sailability program, contact Andrew Redston, telephone 5174 5961
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: latrobecity@gippslander.com
Related Articles- New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - New drinking fountains installed in Sale and Briagolong Parks to promote health, sustainability and community wellbeing
Gippsland Water and Wellington Shire Council have installed two new drinking fountains in Sale and Briagolong, promoting health, sustainability, and reusable bottles. Featuring artwork by Gunai artist Alice Pepper, they support community wellbeing. - Gippsland New Energy Conference showcases Latrobe City as Australia's leading hub for renewable energy innovation
Latrobe City hosted the 2025 Gippsland New Energy Conference, attracting 1,000 attendees and showcasing the region's renewable energy leadership, delivering major economic benefits and fostering industry, government, and community collaboration. - Omeo gains new modular worker accommodation, supporting healthcare staff and strengthening regional community
Omeo District Health's new modular worker accommodation is underway, providing housing for healthcare staff, supporting regional jobs, and helping the town attract and retain doctors, nurses, and essential workers. - East Gippsland welcomes 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale ceremony, celebrating diversity, and shared Australian values
East Gippsland welcomed 32 new citizens from 14 countries at Bairnsdale, celebrating diversity, community spirit, and contributions of residents embracing their new Australian citizenship. - Darren Chester meets new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss future opportunities for East Gippsland Healthcare
Darren Chester met new BRHS CEO Peter Abraham to discuss healthcare challenges, commend local innovations improving patient care, and strengthen collaboration to deliver high-quality, accessible health services across East Gippsland. - Latrobe Valley's new 100MW big battery boosts energy reliability, cuts power bills, and supports Victoria's renewable transition
A 100MW Latrobe Valley big battery has officially opened, boosting energy reliability, cutting power bills, and supporting Victoria's renewable transition, helping achieve government storage targets while delivering affordable electricity. - Martin Cameron says new emergency services tax replaces fire levy, adding enormous pressure to struggling small businesses
Latrobe Valley small businesses face soaring costs as Labor's new Emergency Services Tax replaces the Fire Services Levy, with Nationals warning it punishes regional communities and fuels insolvencies amid financial mismanagement. - Bass Coast Council trials new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches to reduce drowning incidents
Bass Coast Council is trialling new multilingual coastal safety signage at high-risk beaches, providing hazard warnings, QR codes, and educational resources to improve visitor safety and reduce drowning incidents. - Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - East Gippsland Water launches new Voice of Customer program to enhance service through feedback
East Gippsland Water has launched a new Voice of Customer program, inviting feedback via SMS surveys to guide service improvements, with participants eligible for monthly $50 water bill credits. - Gippsland Water reaches 100 percent renewable electricity target, cutting emissions by 20,000 tonnes toward 2030 net zero
Gippsland Water has achieved 100% renewable electricity by 2025, cutting 20,000 tonnes of emissions annually and advancing its ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2030, 20 years ahead of schedule. - David Littleproud says new mapping reveals Labor's renewables damage, strengthening the call for nuclear energy
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has accused the Albanese government of removing veterans' rights to review bravery awards, warning proposed reforms undermine fairness, independence, and recognition of Australia's war heroes. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on two proposed accessible locations for new toilet facilities in Nyora's RSL Park
South Gippsland Shire Council invites feedback on two proposed Nyora RSL Park toilet locations, offering improved safety, accessibility, and amenities. Submissions close Sunday, 12 October 2025. - 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. - Bairnsdale's Shannon Waters Estate residents receive new digital water meters as East Gippsland Water expands roll-out
Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - East Gippsland Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomes new members to strengthen engagement with farming
East Gippsland's Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee welcomed new members, enhancing council's connection with farming communities while tackling key priorities like renewable energy, drought resilience, mental health, and pest animal challenges. - Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s mismanaged renewable energy transition, as targets remain unachievable
Three Gippsland offshore wind projects have collapsed and a fourth stalled, with Nationals’ Melina Bath criticising the Allan government’s mismanagement of Victoria’s renewable energy transition and rising energy insecurity. - 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. - Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users
Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal. - Baw Baw Shire Council appoints experienced leader Tilla Buden as new chief executive officer commencing on November 2025
Baw Baw Shire Council has appointed Tilla Buden as its new CEO, bringing extensive leadership experience and community focus. She will formally commence in the role on 17 November 2025. - Victorian Health Department sets Gippsland priorities, access, workforce, safety, shared services, and mental health expansion
The Victorian Department of Health has set four Gippsland health priorities: access, workforce, safety, and shared services, while highlighting mental health needs and significant workforce investment at Warragul's regional health leaders' forum. - Kay Street Car Park construction progressing smoothly, delivering major new parking capacity for Traralgon CBD by 2026
Construction of Traralgon’s five-level Kay Street Car Park is progressing on schedule for mid-2026, delivering 430 new CBD spaces and supporting local businesses, accessibility, and future regional growth. - South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a merry Christmas and a happy new year and other council updates
South Gippsland Shire Council wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, highlights skatepark opening, Australia Day awards, community programs, seasonal bin changes, and upcoming events. - Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction. - East Gippsland Council urges drivers to follow parking limits, protect access and support local businesses this festive season
East Gippsland drivers are urged to follow festive-season parking limits, respecting time restrictions, loading zones, and disabled bays to ensure town accessibility and support local businesses. - Thurra River bridge and campground reopen for holidays, offering access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches
Thurra River Bridge and campground reopen for holidays, restoring access to Croajingolong's forests, trails, and beaches after fire and flood damage, with resilient infrastructure upgrades ensuring long-term safety and community enjoyment. - Latrobe Health Assembly to continue, thanks to strong community support and new independent, community-owned future
Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership. - East Gippsland Council advances regional projects, improving facilities, accessibility, resilience and growth
East Gippsland Council is delivering major regional projects, upgrades, improving accessibility, supporting resilience, and enhancing infrastructure across towns including Bairnsdale, Buchan, Mallacoota, Cann River, and Paynesville. - Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity amid Labor’s mismanaged renewable energy transition
Victorian Auditor-General warns Gippsland faces energy insecurity as Labor mismanages the renewable energy transition, delaying projects, electricity reliability, raising prices, causing gas shortages, and threatening jobs and households. - Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow. - Martin Cameron urges Energy Minister to lift outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Minister Lily D'Ambrosio for refusing to review outdated coal overlays blocking 2000 new homes in Traralgon, despite studies confirming land stability for development. - Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions. - Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture. - Season’s greetings to East Gippsland residents with wishes for a joyful Christmas and prosperous New Year
Wishing East Gippsland residents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, with gratitude to service workers, reminders for festive safety, and hopes for connection, kindness, and a prosperous 2026. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017. - Danny O'Brien says Gippsland roads among state's most dangerous after years of neglect under Allan Labor government
Danny O'Brien says new AusRAP data shows many Gippsland roads are unsafe after years of Labor neglect, criticising the government for lowering speed limits instead of properly fixing deteriorating roads. - CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently. - Danny O'Brien says reduced bonus helps some, but bungled energy policies and digital-only access hurt households
The state's Power Saving Bonus has been cut from $250 to $100 and is now limited to concession card holders, leaving many Gippsland households without relief despite rising energy costs. - Regional all abilities participation grants is now open to boost inclusive sports opportunities for people with disability in regional communities
The Allan Labor government's Regional All Abilities Participation Grants offer up to $25,000 for clubs to boost disability inclusion through equipment, training, travel support, and all-abilities sports programs. - Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options. - Independent Safety Assessment Contract awarded for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, ensuring community safety, and facility compliance
East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed. - Omeo Mountain Bike Park officially opens 5 December , boosting tourism, economy, and year-round adventure opportunities
Omeo’s new mountain bike park officially opens December 5, creating a year-round adventure destination, boosting tourism, supporting the local economy, and celebrating community collaboration with a full weekend of events. - Baw Baw Shire Council approves Roadside Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy following community feedback
Baw Baw Council has adopted its new Roadside and Footpath Trading Policy and Open Space Strategy, following extensive community consultation to guide safe, vibrant, and accessible public spaces. - Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety. - East Gippsland libraries launch CloudLibrary, offering free eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere
East Gippsland Libraries have launched CloudLibrary, giving members free access to thousands of eBooks and eAudiobooks anytime, anywhere, supporting learning, leisure, and digital inclusion across the region. - Latrobe City Council launches Action Plan to simplify fees, processes, and communications for easier local businesses to grow
Latrobe City Council’s new Action Plan simplifies fees, processes, and communications, making it easier for local businesses to operate, improve coordination, and support small businesses while driving economic growth. - South Gippsland Shire Council seeks community feedback on 50-year Fish Creek Football Netball Club lease proposal by 25 February 2026
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community submissions on a proposed 50-year lease to Fish Creek Football Netball Club for new clubrooms. Submissions close 5pm, Wednesday 25 February 2026, addressed to the CEO. - South Gippsland Shire Council extends footpath trading permits amid system update and upcoming fee changes
South Gippsland Shire Council is updating its Footpath Trading Permit system. Current permits are automatically extended until December, with new fees applying next year. Businesses will receive updated information once finalised. - East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays. - Melina Bath criticises Labor’s digital-only licence system, calling it discriminatory and locking out hunters lacking internet access
Melina Bath urges Minister Dimopoulos to reinstate paper-based licence renewals, ensuring hunters aren’t excluded and focusing on hunting competency over digital skills - Gippsland to join European Union Program showcasing regional innovation in clean energy, tourism, agriculture and sustainable development
Gippsland has been selected for a European Union research program, showcasing its leadership in clean energy, tourism, and agriculture while promoting international collaboration, innovation, and investment through the IURC initiative. - Danny O'Brien announces finalised Loch Sport groyne designs, Gippsland Ports to seek tenders before Christmas
Erosion works on Loch Sport foreshore will begin next year, with designs finalised for new groynes. Danny O'Brien praised the community's persistence and vowed to push for further coastal protection. - East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region. - East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth. - Gippsland Water completes Baw Baw Leak Detection Program, repairing hidden leaks to improve service reliability and reduce water loss
Gippsland Water's Baw Baw leak detection program surveyed 425 km of mains, uncovering 128 leaks. Repairs improve service reliability, reduce water loss, and support proactive network maintenance across the region. - Venus Bay’s Eric Collier joins 2026 CMAA Senior Course, supported by a Sound NSW Scholarship
From January 5-16, 29 emerging artists from Australia, New Zealand, and the US will attend the 2026 CMA Academy Senior Course in Tamworth, gaining mentorship, skills, and career development. - Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures. - East Gippsland Mayor Jodie Ashworth urges vigilance, community support and preparedness during recent extreme heat and bushfire risks
East Gippsland Mayor acknowledges recent extreme heat, commends community responses, urges vigilance, bushfire preparedness, checking on vulnerable people, accessing support services, and using Vic Emergency app and Emergency Dashboard. - East Gippsland community invited to provide feedback on Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival foreshore location and improvements
East Gippsland Council invites community feedback on continuing the Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival at its foreshore location, seeking ideas on layout, activities, accessibility, and improvements for future planning and safety. - 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. - Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South closing temporarily for upgrades from 28 January to 31 March 2026
Craig Watts Park playground in Neerim South will be upgraded with new climbing, swing, and junior play zones, closing 28 January to 31 March 2026, as part of Council’s renewal program. - Have your say on East Gippsland public toilets review until 9 February 2026
East Gippsland Shire Council invites residents and visitors to share feedback on Council-managed public toilets, helping improve cleanliness, accessibility, and maintenance through its Public Amenities Service Review, open until February 2026. - Darren Chester welcomes Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment with pavilion, changerooms, community hub
Darren Chester welcomed progress on the Buchan Recreation Reserve redevelopment, delivering a new pavilion and modern changerooms, with government funding and volunteers supporting a safer, more vibrant hub for sport and community activities. - Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving, preventing East Gippsland ratepayers covering government shortfalls
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull urges state government to fund Surf Life Saving Victoria, warning councils face doubled contributions while new Emergency Services levy strains East Gippsland and Wellington budgets. - Darren Chester welcomes safer Kalimna to Lakes Entrance walking path upgrade completed before Christmas period
Gippsland MP Darren Chester says thousands are enjoying the upgraded Kalimna-Lakes Entrance walking path, with new asphalt, safety barriers and intersection improvements completed before Christmas for locals and visitors.
|
