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Chairo and Heyfield students gain real-world political insights through engaging discussions with Darren ChesterFederal MP Darren Chester met Year 5-6 students in Traralgon and Canberra, discussing democracy, global affairs, law-making and political life, with students showing strong curiosity and insight during engaging civil conversations. By news@gippsland - 18th November 2025 - Back to News Year 5 and 6 students at Chairo Christian School in Traralgon gained firsthand insight into Australia’s political system this week when Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester visited their classroom as part of their civics and citizenship studies. The students and their teacher, Tiffany French, engaged Mr Chester in a wide-ranging discussion, demonstrating strong knowledge and curiosity about how Australia’s democracy works. 
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester visited Tiffany French's Year 5/6 class at Chairo Christian School in Traralgon to discuss Australia’s political system and share insight into his role as a parliamentarian Engaging future leadersMr Chester said, "I spoke to students about my role as a Member of Parliament and how we get things done in our community. They asked thoughtful questions about my responsibilities as the Federal Member for Gippsland, how I got involved in politics, and some of the achievements I’m most proud of." Mr Chester said the Chairo Christian students showed particular interest in global affairs. "The students also raised perceptive questions about international relations, including Australia’s partnerships with countries like China and how these relationships shape our national interests," he said. Mr Chester said he always enjoys visiting local schools and hearing directly from young Gippslanders. "Speaking with young learners is a real highlight of my work. They are curious, switched on, and often surprisingly insightful. Visiting schools across Gippsland is an excellent opportunity to encourage civic engagement and connect with our future leaders," Mr Chester said. 
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Heyfield Primary School captains (from left) Hudson Turner, Makayla Southey, Alyssia Johnson and Jordan Powney during the school’s visit to Parliament House this week Local recovery centreIn a busy Parliamentary week, I always enjoy the chance to catch up with some locals. The Heyfield Primary School grade five and six classes were in Canberra this week for their annual camp and we had a chance to talk about life in politics. Plenty of interesting questions as the students asked me about being away from Gippsland for up to half the year, how we make laws in Australia and the big issues we are working on across the region at the moment. Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/ Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - Martin Cameron criticises stalled Traralgon underpass, urges overpass alternative for delayed pedestrian safety project
Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises nearly three-year delay on Traralgon underpass, urging government to clarify plans or consider a safer overpass for students and pedestrians crossing the train line. - Free Gippsland workshop with Tony Evans on maximising dairy effluent through composting and sustainability
Gippsland dairy farmers are invited to a free workshop with Tony Evans on effluent management, exploring composting, fermentation, and biogas to boost sustainability, save money, and reduce reliance on external nutrients. - 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. - Danny O'Brien visits Gippsland schools honouring Anzac Legacy by planting 100 lone pines across Victoria
Gippsland schools joined the "100 Lone Pines Project," with Danny O’Brien delivering seedlings, connecting students to Gallipoli history and honoring the Anzac legacy through planting descendant pines across Victoria. - 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. - Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October. - Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction. - Baw Baw Council partners with Red Cross to teach local children disaster preparedness through Resilient Kids workshops
Baw Baw Council and Red Cross are delivering Resilient Kids workshops in local schools, teaching children emergency preparedness, 000 calls, coping skills, and creating take-home emergency kits throughout 2026. - Latrobe City Council to negotiate Old Methodist Church sale following community consultation and support heritage reuse
Following community consultation, Latrobe City Council will negotiate the Old Methodist Church sale to Traralgon Historical Society, supporting heritage reuse and allocating $86,000 funding contingent on securing a VicTrack lease.
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