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Nominations for South Gippsland Australia Day Awards open and other shire council projects updates

Updates on South Gippsland Shire Council projects and programs and more.

By news@gippsland - 5th October 2023 - Back to News

Nominations are now open for the 2024 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards. The awards are the perfect opportunity to highlight the achievements of local South Gippsland residents and events. The award categories are:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Community Event of the Year

If you know someone or an event that deserves recognition for the amazing work they do, please nominate them for an award at Australia Day Awards page. Nominations close Wednesday 8 November 2023.

2024 South Gippsland Australia Day Awards nominations are live! Recognize outstanding local residents and events in our community

Korumburra railway precinct

Council is calling for expressions of interest from suitably qualified visual artists or art collectives to create a mural on the external wall of 42 Commercial Street, Korumburra. The EOI process calls for artists with experience in delivering high quality murals, creating work in response to the set theme, and liaising with stakeholders.

The theme for the mural project is the local community, landscape, flora and fauna. Artists are invited to complete the EOI and will be assessed on the following criteria:

• Capacity to respond to the site and relevant experience to develop a well-considered concept
• Demonstrate capacity to create artwork that is innovative and engaging
• Experience working with various stakeholders

If you are an artist or know of an artist who is capable of fulfilling the art mural project, please visit Art Mural Project page.

BreastScreen Van Foster

If you are between the ages of 50 and 74 and are due to have a breast screen, there's no better time. The BreastScreen van will be at the South Gippsland Hospital, Foster until 27 October. Appointments for the Foster van can be made online at Breast Screen page.

Join Agriculture Victoria's Great Biosecurity Quest to safeguard Victoria's environment and agriculture. Hunt bugs, spot weeds, and fight pests and diseases

Great Biosecurity Quest

Pull out your magnifying glass and become a protector of Victoria's precious environment and agriculture by taking part in the Agriculture Victoria's Great Biosecurity Quest. From bug hunting to weed spotting, the quest will have you learning how to combat pests and diseases that threaten our beautiful environment.

Everyone is welcome to join and become a citizen scientist. For more information and to be a part of the quest, head to Biosecurity Quest page.

Songwriters Collective at Bena Hall

The South Gippsland Songwriters Project aims to support local songwriters to come together, form a supportive network and build local audiences through concerts throughout the South Gippsland Shire. At the upcoming Songwriters Collective Concert, five songwriters bare their hearts, their hopes and their troubles, with fine musicianship. Here are the concert details:

• When: Friday 6 October 2023, 7.30pm - 10.00pm
• Where: Bena Hall, Main St, Bena 3946

For more information and to buy tickets, please visit Songwriters Collective page.

Seniors Festival

Seniors across Latrobe, South Gippsland and Baw Baw Shires, are invited to a Combined Gippsland Country Concert, to bring the region together for a morning of great entertainment. Melissa Langton stars in What the World Needs Now, a joyous, foot stomping, hand clapping celebration of the swinging sixties.

Each ticket provides a seat on a bus travelling to and from the venue in Traralgon, and entry to the festival. Buses will be collecting patrons from Korumburra, Leongatha, Mirboo North and Foster.

• Thursday 12 October 2023
• From 11.00am to 12.00pm

To book a ticket, please visit Seniors Festival page.

Mark your calendar for the Open Studio Art Trail on 7-8 and 14-15 October 2023

Open Studio Art Trail

Art Connect South Gippsland invites you to explore and discover more of South Gippsland through a range of exhibits, open studios and galleries in towns across South Gippsland. A great opportunity to meet with a range of artists and learn more about their work and artistic processes whilst visiting their gallery spaces. The Open Studio Art Trail is being held on the following weekends:

• 7 and 8 October
• 14 and 15 October

For more information, visit the attached brochure Art Connect South Gippsland page.

Children's Week 2023 theme: "Children's Right to Play." Join our Council's celebration, featuring free activities like face painting, a petting zoo, and more!

Children's Week

The theme for Children's Week 2023 is "Children have the right to relax, play and take part in activities they enjoy". Council's special Children's Week event will be a celebration of childhood and aim to showcase the greatness of our little locals.

The free event is open to all families and children, and will include face painting, a petting zoo, sausage sizzle, story time with Myli - My Community Library, and a variety of arts and craft activities.

• When: Thursday 26 October
• Time: 10.00 - 1.00pm
• Where: Coal Creek Community Park and Museum (at the Pig and Whistle Cafe)

We look forward to having you be a part of Children's Week 2023.

Join the Ambrose event supporting the Go Girls Foundation on October 15, 2023, BBQ breakfast at 9:00 AM, tee-off at 10:00 AM, and afternoon tea by Foster Golf Club

Go Girls Golf Day

Join the Go Girls Foundation for a day of golf at the Foster Golf Club. The charity golf day aims to honour, empower and celebrate women from all walks of life. Bring your group of two or four, or let the organisers tee you up with another golfer.

For more information and to purchase a ticket to the event, please visit Go Girls Golf Day page.

Fishy Stories Festival

The two-day festival in Fish Creek is where families both residential and visiting will converge in Fish Creek for a weekend of free workshops by authors and illustrators, ticketed children's performances and events including all day storytelling and story making.

Fishy Stories is on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 November. For more information, please visit Fishy Stories page.

Sporting Club grants program

As part of the Australian government's commitment to make community sports more inclusive and accessible, the latest round of Sporting Club Grants are now open for application.

If you are part of a community sporting group in need of funding for equipment, uniforms or even to promote your club, the Victorian government's Sporting Club Grant Program could be for you. Applications for this round of funding closes Thursday 12 October at 4.00pm. For more information and to apply, please visit Local Sporting Club Funding page.

Halo Halo Gippsland

Halo Halo Gippsland is a Community Connections Program connecting new residents with local community groups. This project is a response to our growing multicultural community providing more than just a 'buddy program'.

A grant of $10,000 will be provided to six community organisations/groups across Gippsland, to connect with community members and progress identified goals for both participants and hosts. Applications close Friday 13 October. For more information and to apply, please view the attached document Halo Halo Gippsland page.

Small Regional Presenters Fund

Small Regional Presenters is a funding program aimed at supporting regional communities to program and present shows in their areas. The funding is available to both emerging volunteer small regional presenters, and returning volunteer community presenters. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Small Regional Presenters Project Manager to discuss their application.

• Funding of up to $15,000 is available per successful applicant
• Applications close Monday 30 October at 5.00pm

For more information and to apply, head to Regional Arts Victoria Funding website.

Line up of workshops

Get Online Week

The South Gippsland Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is holding an information day about recognising and avoiding online scams. The aim of this event is to increase the digital literacy of the community, particularly among senior members. Here are the event details:

• When: Thursday 19 October
• Where: Meeting Room 1, Michael Place, Leongatha
• Time: 11.00am to 2.00pm

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets etc. with any queries to the session where staff will do their best to sort out any problems with accessing information on the device. If you are looking to attend, please RSVP by Monday 16 October to CAB on 5662 2111 or email South Gippsland Citizen Advice Bureau.

GippSport Workshops

Volunteers come out in huge numbers, in all weather conditions and at all hours of the day to ensure sports activities go ahead. Regional Sport Victoria in collaboration with GippSport are providing workshops to help sporting clubs deliver great volunteer programs.

The four workshops will focus on building the capacity and confidence of sports clubs to deliver great volunteer programs through the topics of planning, recruiting, select and guiding, and encouragement and recognising.

For more information and to register, please visit Thrive with Support Workshops page.

Event Registration and Attendee Management Training

Advertising, registering and keeping track of the numbers attending your events can be difficult, especially if you are juggling multiple events over the year or even all at the one time. This workshop will empower community groups to use online event management systems to create events management systems to create events, engage their communities and register and manage their attendance with confidence.

Here are the event details:

• Saturday 21 October
• 9.30am to 12.00pm
• Leongatha Council Chambers (Meeting Room 1)
• Free Workshop
• Light Lunch Included

For more information and to reserve a spot, please visit Event Management Workshop page.

Advanced Grant Writing Workshop

This workshop is for you if you are actively involved in grant writing for your community group and have experience or have previously participated in a grant writing workshop. Here are the event details:

• Thursday 2 November
• 5.30pm to 8.00pm
• Leongatha Council Chambers (Meeting Room 1)
• Free Workshop
• Light meal Included

For more information and to reserve a spot, please visit Advanced Grant Writing Workshop page.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Have your say on the 2027 transition to Pre-Prep and help shape early learning in South Gippsland
  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• 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.
• Melina Bath slams Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for ignoring Gippsland farmers' struggles under Labor's tax regime
  Melina Bath criticised Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for refusing to advocate for Gippsland farmers, citing VFF survey results showing overwhelming concern over new taxes and Labor's disregard for regional agriculture.
• Wellington Shire Council proudly announces the $23M Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment opens 7 October 2025
  Wellington Shire Council is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated redevelopment of Aqua Energy Leisure Centre in Sale is complete, with the $23 million facility set to open officially to the public on Tuesday 7 October 2025.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join Biodiversity Blitz and help shape first nature plan from 1-30 September 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites residents to celebrate Biodiversity Month by joining the Biodiversity Blitz, recording local species, attending walk-and-talk events, and contributing ideas to shape the region's first Nature Plan.
• 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.
• Baw Baw Shire Council awarded $140,000 in community grants to support sustainable, healthy, and thriving community projects
  Council has awarded over $140,000 in Community Grants to 36 groups, supporting events, projects, and minor capital works that strengthen community sustainability, health, and wellbeing through not-for-profit initiatives.
• 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.
• Bass Coast Shire Council invites community to help shape the next stage of Climate Action Plan at Berninneit in Cowes 25 October 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to a Climate Action Plan Review Workshop to reflect on progress, share ideas, and help shape the next five years of local climate action.
• Bass Coast Shire Council sets four-year strategic direction with refreshed Community Vision, Council Plan, and Annual Action Plan
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its refreshed Community Vision 2045, Council Plan 2025-2029, and Annual Action Plan, setting a community-shaped strategic direction celebrating the region’s diverse landscapes and values.
• Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination.
• Bass Coast Shire Council adopts 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, showcasing community achievements and future strategic direction
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2024 - 2025 Annual Report, celebrating achievements, community progress, and the completion of the 2021 - 2025 Council Plan while setting a new strategic direction for 2025-2029.
• Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
  Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
  Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks feedback on the Domestic Animal Management Plan Review until 24 September 2025
  Wellington Shire Council's draft Domestic Animal Management Plan outlines priorities for responsible pet ownership, safety, and welfare, inviting community feedback from 28 August to 24 September 2025.
• Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
  Wellington Shire Council is urging property owners, particularly in coastal communities, to prepare for the fire danger period by taking advantage of its Fire Ready No-Fee Green Waste Disposal program.
• Baw Baw Shire Council endorses 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote safety, welfare, responsible ownership
  Baw Baw Council has endorsed the 2026-2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to promote responsible pet ownership, enhance animal welfare, ensure community safety, and guide strategic animal management over the next four years.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• 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.
• Bass Coast Council awards $1.01M contract to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed old post office
  Bass Coast Shire Council has awarded a $1.01 million contract to TS Constructions to restore Wonthaggi heritage-listed Old Post Office, preserving its historic character and ensuring long-term structural integrity.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance.
• Forge Theatre's school holiday season brings classic tales, comedy chaos and heartfelt community spirit to East Gippsland
  The Forge Theatre's school holiday season features The Velveteen Rabbit, Polite Mammals, and The Heartbreak Choir, offering family fun, comedy, and heartfelt community spirit with something for everyone to enjoy.
• Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
  Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions.
• Darren Chester praises Moogji Aboriginal Council for advancing health and sustainability in East Gippsland
  Darren Chester visited Moogji Aboriginal Council in Orbost, praising its vital health, youth, and environmental programs that support East Gippsland communities and promote Aboriginal culture, wellbeing, and environmental sustainability.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan to support responsible pet ownership and wildlife protection
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2026 - 2029 Domestic Animal Management Plan, promoting responsible pet ownership, wildlife protection, and safer shared spaces shaped by extensive community consultation and environmental stewardship goals.
• Darren Chester completes 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners in iconic Gippsland sporting tradition
  Darren Chester completed his 19th Melbourne Marathon, joining 14,500 runners. The sold-out event celebrated fitness and community spirit, with Chester inspired by marathon legend John "Dobbo" Dobson's 47th consecutive run.
• Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening.
• Bass Coast Council adopts 10-year Financial and Asset Plans to guide $1.47B in infrastructure management
  Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted its 2025 - 35 Financial and Asset Plans to guide infrastructure investment, manage $1.47 billion in assets, and deliver community priorities identified through consultation.
• Latrobe City Council endorsed applications for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, targeting high-risk crash sites across the shire
  Latrobe City Council has applied for the 2026/2027 Black Spot Program, proposing safety upgrades at Traralgon, Morwell, and Newborough crash sites. Successful projects will involve community consultation during the design phase.
• Darren Chester commends Mac Waste Group for community commitment and support for Gippsland families
  Darren Chester praised Mac Waste Group for its community commitment, local job creation, youth training initiatives, and support for Gippsland families through its partnership with the Little Jem Foundation and fundraising efforts.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park as lease nears end
  Latrobe City Council is inviting community feedback on the future of Moe Gardens Caravan Park, with the current operator's lease expiring in May 2026 under Crown Land Leasing Policy requirements for open and impartial processes.
• Latrobe City Council endorses community engagement on draft financial, asset, and road management plans
  Council endorsed community engagement on key draft plans, including the Financial, Asset, and Road Management Plans, ensuring alignment with the Community Vision, Council Plan, and long-term strategic planning framework.
• Latrobe City Council launches 'Kindness is key' campaign to empower students and tackle bullying together
  Latrobe City Council launched the Kindness is Key: Stop Bullying campaign, co-designed with students to promote kindness, upstander training, and community action against bullying across local schools.
• Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience.
• Register now for the 2025 Garage Sale Trail and join Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt this November
  Registrations are open for the Garage Sale Trail this November - host a sale, declutter, earn cash, or find amazing secondhand bargains.
• Labor government delivers $2.73M Sale Hospital upgrade, modernising Community Services building for Gippsland healthcare staff
  The Allan Labor government is delivering a $2.73 million upgrade to Sale Hospital's historic Community Services Building, modernising facilities for healthcare workers, patients, and students through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.
• Spring flows planned to support native fish migration and river health across West Gippsland
  West Gippsland CMA's Environmental Water team is planning Spring river flows to support native fish migration, enhance river health, and balance environmental care with community enjoyment of waterways.
• Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
  Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes.
• 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.
• Martin Cameron supports Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day raising vital funds for Lifeline and Rotary
  More than 150 golfers joined the Tee Up for Mental Health Golf Day in Traralgon, raising a record $30,000 for Lifeline Gippsland and Rotary's local mental health initiatives.
• Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
  Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment.
• 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.
• 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.
• Latrobe City launches investment campaign showcasing strength, innovation, and opportunities across Gippsland
  Latrobe City Council launched an investment campaign showcasing business strength, innovation, and opportunities positioning itself as Gippsland's hub for growth, transformation, and future industries.
• Enhancing farm dams: Learn from experts at Wilandra Farms Field Day in Clydebank on 26 November 2025
  Join WGCMA's free field day at Wilandra Farms, Clydebank, on 26 November to learn from ANU ecologists about enhancing farm dams for biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.
• Tribunal warns Albanese government's bill removes veterans' rights to review bravery awards and undermines Defence Honours system integrity
  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.
• Danny O'Brien criticises Labor for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, inconveniencing locals
  Danny O'Brien condemns the Labor government for closing Sale and Bairnsdale courts on non-sitting days, restricting public access and causing significant inconvenience for Gippsland communities who rely on local court assistance.
• Tim Bull demands end to brumby shooting as pest and weed control programs face cuts
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has urged the state government to scrap its costly brumby shooting program, criticising cuts to pest and weed control services vital for farmers and rural communities.
• Tim Bull slams Labor's cuts to 'Youth Crime Prevention', unveils $100M Safer Communities Plan
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticised Labor's youth crime prevention cuts, promoting The Nationals' $100 million Safer Communities Plan combining tougher laws with prevention programs to improve safety and restore community confidence.
• Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has slammed government policy for firewood shortages, warning rising bush fuel loads pose serious risks, calling for extended collection areas, longer seasons and practical fire management.
• Tim Bull demands transparency on missing $13.15M for cancelled Marlo to Cape Conran pathway
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull has demanded answers on the missing $13.15 million for the cancelled Marlo - Cape Conran pathway, urging funds be redirected locally if the project is abandoned.