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Local Government Needs Commonwealth Support - Howard Emanuel
With the recent announcement from the Commonwealth of a new minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, one wonders just how this change of stewardship is supposed to affect local councils. Read More...

Politics, The Way Forward! - Howard Emanuel
For too long politics has had a poor reputation in this country, at times bordering on a loathing. Read More.........

Wind Power has blown my Community Away - Howard Emanuel
For the life of me I find it very difficult to rationalise the Bracks governments approach to Wind power in the state of Victoria at present. Read More...

Australia's New Politics - Howard Emanuel
The recent decision by the Labor Party to support legislation that will increase the cost of medicines available under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) by 30%, is both a sad day for Australia’s less well-off...... Read More Here.....

Housing, An Election Priority - Howard Emanuel
With the recent Canberra based Housing summit held to discuss low-income Australians ability to access housing, it is clear this issue will be of vital importance come the federal election. Read More...

A Matter of Attitude - Howard Emanuel
Recent comments by the Prime Minister regarding the lack of skilled tradespersons in Australia has struck a poignant chord with me. Read More...

Preserve The Strzelecki Ranges - Howard Emanuel
As a candidate for the Federal seat of McMillan I have a very clear position on the establishment of a National Park or similar public land area in Gippsland’s Strzelecki Ranges. Read More...

Solar Power; The Obvious Choice (Howard Emanuel)
If one was to take a purely pragmatic view then you would say given the vast resources Australia has in solar capacity at its disposal our research and development efforts should be directed at this particular form of alternative energy. Read more...

Ladder Of Opportunity - Howard Emanuel
I will take their Vertical 'Ladder of Opportunity' and place it flat on the ground; then extend it as far as the eye can see. Now there's room for everyone!"

Weekly Bulletin

Wellington Winery Wander set to showcase local wines
Wellington Shire Council is encouraging residents to experience the best in local food and wine and support the shire’s booming wine industry, by attending this year’s Wellington Winery Wander.

Decentralisation; Now A Must! - Howard Emanuel
With the job loss situation in the Latrobe Valley seemingly worsening at an alarming rate... Read More...

East Gippsland Tourism Businesses Receive Assistance In Breaking The Drought

Independents Offer Choice and Vigour (Howard Emanuel)
The Deputy Prime Minister is a confusing man at times. One the one hand he espouses moral values and a "fair go for all" attitude, on the other he supports inertia and myopia. Read more...

Latrobe Spring Celebration – The Power of Racing launched
Latrobe City has launched an exciting program of events for the ‘Latrobe Spring Celebration – The Power of Racing’.

Mayor’s Message
I have talked a lot recently about the growth that the Shire is experiencing along the coast and certainly a lot of our time is taken up with issues to do with these developments.

Gippsland Storm Media Release
Last Saturday afternoon, the players, supporters, and sponsors of the local Rugby League team gathered at the Nova Lounge Traralgon for the presentation of awards.

It's not about the Numbers! - Howard Emanuel
I'm not contesting the Federal Seat of McMillan to simply make up the numbers and the reason is very simple. I know you're all sick and tired of being treated like them!

The Moment is Now! - (Howard Emanuel)
"The Moment is Now for our Humanity to once again exceed our Technology!"

Latrobe City’s free Orchestra Victoria concerts
Orchestra Victoria in association with Latrobe City Council and the Latrobe Regional Hospital will present two free concerts in Latrobe City during October.

A Vote for Me, is a Vote for You! (Howard Emanuel)
A Vote for Me, is a Vote for You! I must answer to no-one but; You the People!"

Mental Health - A Community Responsibility (Howard Emanuel)
Modern Australia currently has one of the highest incidences of mental health problems in the so-called developed world. Read More....

Latrobe 2021 released for public comment
Latrobe City has released the draft of Latrobe 2021: The Vision for Latrobe Valley, a strategy document designed to position Council and the community for 2021.

Latrobe Regional Gallery on path to Museum Accreditation

Talented local children in State finals of national writing competition
Local students Minh Coa and Helen Kempton have been named zone winners in the nation’s largest creative writing competition for children, ‘Nestlé Write Around Australia’.

Election Countdown
Labor and Don Wishart's promises for Gippsland

Refugee Issue Is About Our Values! - Howard Emanuel
Long before the Refugee/Asylum seeker issue became a contemporary matter in Australia, I personally held the view that we as a nation of peoples, given our fortuitous circumstances had a fundamental humanitarian obligation.... Read More...

The Right to Speak and Think Independently (Howard Emanuel)
Why I am I standing as an Independent candidate for the federal electorate of McMillan? Because I believe absolutely and fundamentally that if we do not change the way federal politics is enacted in this country... Read More...

Entertainment centre hosts three- day Western show- down
Spaghetti-western fans can prepare to saddle-up for a three-day extravaganza celebrating the great works of movie score composer, Ennio Morricone at Wellington Shire Council’s Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre, Friday 29-31 October.

Small Business Answers Program - Update 006
The Small Business Answers Program has recently launched their October newsletter...

Library set to open in new Heyfield Hub community complex
Wellington Shire Council is pleased to announce that its Heyfield Public Library will be re-opening at the new $740,000 Heyfield Hub community complex on 14 October – the first phase of this eagerly-awaited project to come online.

Buchan Gears Up For Foothills District Market
Buchan is ready for our 2nd monthly Market Day on October 17th

Maffra Area International October Newsletter

Ensuring The Quality Of Native Plant Foods
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is aiding the development of an emerging industry that is providing exciting foods and food ingredients derived from Australian native plants.

Grant information session for local sport and recreation groups
Wellington Shire Council is inviting eligible community sport and recreation groups to attend an information session on Tuesday 12 October, for details of the 2005 Country Action Grant Scheme and the Community Facilities Funding Program.

Ongoing effort to resolve BRHS funding

Gippsland On Show
Gippsland.com is showcasing some of the many ways Gippslanders are making use of modern technologies, including some of the co-operative projects occurring in the region.

Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter for October, NHW Area LTB1 Bridle Estate. (NHW88)
Property Damage, Identity Related Fraud, Profiling Burglary, Police Crime Report.

Final Environmental Policy draft available for public viewing
Wellington Shire Council’s final draft Environmental Policy is available for public viewing until 1 November following the recent community consultation period.

Sale Sonics Juniors selected for the "Baketball Victoria Country Council" (B.V.C.C.) Golden Nugget Camp
Over 650 13 & under basketballers attended "skill days" for the B.V.C.C. Golden Nugget Basketball Camp selection. 7 Sale Sonics players excelled and have been named and selected to attend the camp. A great effort!

Govt Rejects Preschool Reform, But Nats Keep Fighting
The Nationals have maintained their strong stance on the future of kindergartens in Victoria, calling on the Bracks Government to recognise and value preschool education – although apparently to little avail at this stage.

Councils Tap Into South Gippsland Initiative

Call For State To Match Great Alpine Road Funds
The State Government has been asked to contribute $6.5 million to help with the upgrade of the Great Alpine Road between Bruthen and Ensay, following a commitment for that amount from the Federal Government.

Mayor’s Message

Funds Urgent For Traralgon Secondary Campus: Hall
gippsland mp peter hall has urged to the state government to ensure that funding for rebuilding of the traralgon secondary college continues, or the school will face "eight or nine years" of disruption.

Cleaning the roadside is a good thing
The reasons that I feel that the clearing of fallen logs and branches and standing dead trees from the roadside is a good thing.In answer to Michael Freshwater

PENDLEBURY selected for 3rd Australian Youth Olympic Festival with MOWBRAY named as Head Coach
Sale Sonics' player Scott Pendlebury has been selected to compete at the 3rd Australian Youth Olympic Festival with David Mowbray (Sale Sonics CBC Men's Head Coach) being named as Head Coach for the Australian contingent.

Attention All Eva Grunden Fans
The Band Funk House with Lead singer Eva Grunden will be playing at The Foothills Market

Auslan Interpreter - full time position avail
We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual for the position of: Auslan Interpreter (Traralgon) Full Time Position - 12 Month Fix Term Contract

LV Coal Drying Pilot Plant In Doubt: Hall
Plans for the development of a pilot plant to dry brown coal in the Latrobe Valley are in doubt, as the State Government has refused to match Federal funding for the project.

Dairy Section - Maffra Show
The 2004 Maffra Show , next week, will see the dairy section judged as ‘A Combined Breeds’ Show. i.e. all breeds will compete against each other in the usual age and class groups.

"SportIndex 04"
Wellington Shire Council is inviting eligible community sports and recreation groups to apply to for minor facilities grants as part of the Community Facility Funding Program 2005/06.

Community Input Wanted for Wellington Coast Subdivision Strategy
Future development and planning along the Ninety Mile Beach, from Paradise Beach to The Honeysuckles, is the subject of a Subdivision Strategy released today for public comment and feedback.

Buchan News
Showcasing Local Crafts Buchan Foothills District Market

The Mortgage Bureau Gippsland/Latrobe named "Branch of the Year"
The Mortgage Bureau Gippsland/Latrobe has been named "Branch of the Year" at The Mortgage Bureau (TMB) Annual Conference, held in Hamilton Island in September.

Ingram: Explosive regulations miss the target

Eye 2 Eye Presents Comedy @ the Court, the smash hit Miss Bosnia by Louis Nowra
Hiarious entertainment opening Friday 15th October running for four weekends at the Court Theatre Princes Highway Stratford. Tickets $20/$15 book now 5145 7088

LatrobeFirst Third Quarter Newsletter
The latest LatrobeFirst Newsletter details all that has been happening in Latrobe City during the past few months.

Study Highlights The Value Of Irrigation Re-Use Systems
An analysis completed by the Department of Primary Industries highlights the value to farmers of the many irrigation re-use systems that have been installed in the Macalister Irrigation District over the past four years

The Davidson Brothers
Hamish and Lachlan Davidson set off to the USA with their band on September 24th, heading straight for the Nashville Tennesse.

FREE Occupational Health & Safety Breakfast Seminar
The Maxwell Report is possibly the greatest change in Victorian OH&S Legislation in the past 20 years.

Lead up celebrations for the Herald Sun Tour begin
The lead up to the 2004 Malaysia Airlines Herald Sun Tour has begun with Melbourne Lord Mayor, John So, recently launching the prestigious cycling event, which will conclude in Kay Street, Traralgon on Sunday 24 October 2004.

Big crowd drawn to Japanese Day
Latrobe City’s Japanese Day, held on Sunday, was an overwhelming success with an attendance estimated at over 1,500.

Buddy’s Back at the entertainment centre
Relive the golden era of 50s Rock & Roll when Wellington Shire Council's Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre hosts Buddy's Back - a cabaret tribute to the career of Buddy Holly on Saturday 6 November from 8pm.

Phillip Island bike convoy to rev up Morwell
Hundreds of motorcycle riders will be passing through the Latrobe Valley tomorrow (Thursday 14 October) as part of the Ride to the GP – a Tribute to Barry Sheene.

No Let Up On Star Six Says MP

Fuel Reduction Burning – Reducing The Risk
The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and the CFA are working together and with landholders to reduce the risk of burn-offs on private land escaping and to conduct safe and effective burns on public land.

Overflowing Bins Won’t Be Collected!
An alarming increase in the number of overflowing bins being placed for collection has been reported to Council.

Ingram welcomes Bass stocking of Snowy River
The Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture, Bob Cameron, on the Australian Bass stocking program for the Snowy River.

Santa’s Workshop seeks creative ‘Elves’
With little more than two months before Christmas, the manufacture of Christmas decorations at Santa’s Workshop is reaching its peak, but more of Santa’s ‘elves’ are welcome to participate.

Home Care Services Need More Funds: Hall
Gippsland MP Peter Hall has called on the State Government to improve funding for community care services, some of which have not received upgraded Government support for more than a decade.

Landcare Goes High Tech
Limited computer skills should be no barrier to Victoria’s 700 Landcare groups sharing their knowledge and experience online, thanks to the new Victorian Landcare Gateway website, www.landcare.net.au.

Celebrate Water Week 2004
Wellington Shire Council is encouraging all residents to follow its lead and participate in sustainable water practices as Australia celebrates National Water Week from 17-23 October.

Funding To Boost State'S Recreational Fishing Industry
A funding program designed to improve recreational fishing has been launched in Victoria.

Mosquito control program gets underway
Wellington Shire Council has just kicked off its annual mosquito control program which will see Mosquito Monitors patrolling the shire between now and April as they target known mosquito breeding areas & eradicate potential disease-carrying mosquitos

New Service To Help Communication Needs
A new service that will support the needs of people who either cannot speak or who have speech that is difficult to understand is being developed in the East Gippsland and Wellington Shires.

Jean Galbraith Scholarship Awarded
Former Kurnai College student now studying at La Trobe University Bundoora, Dean Ingwersen, has been awarded the 2004 Jean Galbraith Memorial Rotary Scholarship in Botany and Conservation Biology, by the Latrobe City Trust.

Watch Out For Cape Tulip
Now is the time for landowners and land managers to look for and undertake control of one -leaf cape tulip.

Additional Information for Malaysia Airlines Herald Sun Tour
Seventeen teams of five - another brimming field of 85 are taking part in this year's race over 11 days.

Dairy Reminders For October

Morwell Library and Service Centre hours extended
Opening hours at the collocated Morwell Library and Service Centre in Elgin Street will be extended from 18 October 2005 until 19 April 2005, as part of pilot program being undertaken by Latrobe City Council.

Fighting The Weed Invaders Weedbuster Week 16-24 October 2004
Join forces with communities across Australia during National Weedbuster Week, 16th – 24th October, and make a difference to Australian waterways, bushland and farmlands by ridding them of weeds.

Get active – try out the Tour course this Sunday
Cyclists of all ages and abilities will be able to test their fitness and prowess in Traralgon this Sunday, on the grand finale course to be used by riders in the 53rd Malaysia Airlines Herald Sun Tour of Provincial Victoria.

Horses feature in art as well as on the racetrack
Gippsland residents have the opportunity to see a unique display of equine art during the ‘Power of Racing’ Spring Carnival, with renowned Polish artist Zibby Lelito’s first local exhibition.

Two new ways to discover Wellington
Wellington Shire Council has added to its latest tourism drive with the launch of two new editions in the ‘Discover Wellington’ brochure series – Discover Tarra Valley and Discover 4WDriving.

Zero Waste Week 25 Oct – 31 Oct

"Academy Volleyball Program Commences"
The Edison Mission Energy Gippsland Sports Academy held their induction day for the 2004 Volleyball program on Sunday 19th of September. This year there were 32 athletes inducted with a few other inclusions to be added over the coming weeks.

GREEN Inc goes Greener
The Gippsland Regional Economy and Ecology Network (GREEN Inc) was certified this week as a Waste Wise Community Partner under EcoRecycle Victoria's Waste Wise Program.

Peter Hall Urges Sporting Clubs To Apply For Funding
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Province, PETER HALL is urging sporting and recreational organisations in the Gippsland Electorate to apply for funding through the Community Facility Fund.

Centenary Sculpture of Alfred Felton
The Centenary Sculpture of Alfred Felton is to be unveilied today at the National Gallery of Victoria.

Local concreter scoops third award
Wellington Shire Council would like to congratulate locally owned and operated company, GBG Concrete for its hat-trick of awards as Regional Victoria’s Largest Concreter, in what is an outstanding success story for the shire’s business industry.

Here’s Help To Settle That Baby
Bringing a new baby home from hospital can be a terrifying experience, capable of unnerving the most confident person. If the baby is unsettled and the parents sleepless, the anxiety spirals.

Upgraded Old Melbourne road reopened to traffic
Sealing of stage-two of the Old Melbourne Road upgrade has been completed and the road has been reopened to traffic.

Mic Conway and the Old Spice Boys end season
Aria winning performer, Mic Conway, will perform with the Old Spice Boys in the fourth and final show of the 2004 Café Concert Series at the Latrobe Regional Performing Arts Centre on Sunday 7 November.

Weekly Bulletin

Gippsland Lakes black bream stocks in crisis: Ingram
The Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has described the ongoing situation with the Gippsland Lakes black bream stocks as "a crisis".

Port Albert Snapper Fest
Wellington Shire Council is inviting the community to rig-up and cast-off at this year’s Port Albert Snapper Fest, which is being held on Sunday 31 October to celebrate these magnificent fish of the deep and mark the start of the tourist season.

Annual Wellington tourism industry worth $80 million
A recent Wellington Shire Council study has revealed the local tourism industry is worth $81 million annually to the shire’s economy and employs 928 people.

New Wellington Streetlife project set to begin

Call for expressions of interest in Parks
Expressions of interest are being sought for three people to serve on the National Parks Advisory Council.

Council Wins Major Award For Outstanding Wastewater Research

Melbourne Cup races through Wellington
Wellington Shire Council is inviting the local community to take the opportunity to experience some of the prestige and heritage surrounding the world-famous Melbourne Cup as it passes through the shire on 27 October.

Nationals Push For Rural Education Inquiry
The Victorian Nationals will push for a proper investigation into the crisis surrounding agricultural education in Victoria, when State Parliament resumes next week (November 3).

Mayors Message
At the Council meeting last week, officers presented two reports.

Keen-ager table tennis comes to Moe and Morwell
With an emphasis on fun rather than fitness, retirees and older Latrobe residents are now able to enjoy non-competitive table tennis in Morwell and Moe as part of the Keen-agers program.

Gippsport expansion launch for Wellington
Wellington Shire Council is pleased to announce its support of the area’s latest sport and active recreation initiative – the Eastern Gippsland Regional Sports Assembly.

Temporary closure – part of Commercial Road
Part of Commercial Road Morwell will be closed to traffic travelling into the CBD from the west (from the Moe direction) for approximately one week commencing Monday 1 November until 8 November 2004.

Ingram calls on state to match Great Alpine Road funding
The Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has called on the State Government to match the Commonwealth funding commitment to the Great Alpine Road upgrade.

Johne’s Disease Calf Accreditation Program

Ingram warns of chain letter scam
Independent Member for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, today warned Gippsland residents of a chain letter that is currently circulating in the area.

Council To Review Planning And Development Strategy
At its meeting on Tuesday, East Gippsland Shire Council agreed to a review of the East Gippsland Planning and Development Strategy

Bastion Point Ramp Studies Proceed To Stage Two
East Gippsland Shire Council last night agreed to proceed with stage two of the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) necessary for the development of the planned ocean access boat ramp at Bastion Point, Mallacoota.

Council Appoints Consultants For Coastal Urban Study
At their bi-weekly meeting last night, East Gippsland Shire Councillors voted to accept the tender of consultants Meinhardt Infrastructure & Environment to develop a coastal urban design framework for the East Gippsland and Wellington Shires

New service to help communication needs - community encouraged to participate
A new service that will support the needs of people who either cannot speak, or who have speech that is difficult to understand, is being developed locally with assistance from Wellington Shire and East Gippsland Shire Councils.

Seeking community feedback for Wellington Coast Subdivision Strategy
Wellington Shire is actively pursuing a resolution to the issue of inappropriate subdivisions along the shire’s coast and adjacent to the Gippsland Lakes - and is receiving constructive feedback from affected landowners on the best way to proceed.

Official Launch ~ www.safety.gippsland.com
Gippsland businesses can now benefit from a web-based regional safety resource with the launch of safety.gippsland.com.

Groups Urged To Apply For Multicultural Grants
The Nationals Member for Gippsland Province, PETER HALL, is urging multicultural groups and organisations within the Gippsland Electorate to apply for funding through the Victorian Multicultural Commission Grants Program.

Mayor’s Message
Contracts were signed this week by Council to receive $82,000 in Sustainable Regions Programme funding to develop a Gippsland Special Needs Transport Study.

Festival Latrobe to combine two great events
Latrobe City has combined two well-loved local festivals, the Celebration of Roses and Church Street Fiesta, to create one large event, Festival Latrobe, which will be held in Morwell from Friday 18 March until Sunday 20 March 2005.

International Day of People with a disAbility activities planned
A host of activities are being planned for Latrobe City to celebrate ‘International Day of People with a disAbility’ which is being held on Friday 3 December.

Liberals comments on tolls is economic lunacy: Ingram
Independent MP for Gippsland East, Craig Ingram, has described the Liberal and National Party’s positions on reversing the tolls on the Scoresby Mitcham/Frankston tollway as "economic lunacy".