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Allison Jones appointed South Gippsland Shire Council CEO, bringing proven leadership and local government experience and other updates

Allison Jones has been appointed CEO of South Gippsland Shire Council, bringing strong local government and leadership experience. She officially begins her new role on Monday 2 June 2025 and other council updates.

By news@gippsland - 8th May 2025 - Back to News

We're excited to announce the appointment of Allison Jones as our new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)! Allison has been part of the South Gippsland Shire Council team for close to five years, most recently as Interim CEO and Director of Performance and Innovation.

Allison Jones as newly appointed South Gippsland Shire Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

She also brings senior executive leadership experience from her time at Bass Coast Shire Council and Latrobe City Council, and time as a Senior Policy Advisor with the Victorian Government. Mayor Schelling said "Allison is the right person to lead us forward. We're thrilled to have her onboard." Allison Jones officially starts as CEO On Monday 2 June, 2025!

Lighting the way: honouring victims, supporting survivors, and standing united against family violence for a safer future

Candlelight vigil

Last night we lit candles to shine a light on domestic and family violence. As a community, we gathered in unity to support the survivors and remember those lost. Each candle represents our collective hope for a future free from violence and our commitment to supporting those affected. Behind every family violence statistic, there is a real person whose life is irrevocably changed - or ended. We can do better - and we must.

2026 Kindergarten registrations

Three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten registrations for 2026 are now open. To register, simply complete the online registration form and nominate your kindergarten preferences. To ensure an easy and fair process for all parents, Council operates the central registration system on behalf of all participating kindergartens across South Gippsland. Registrations must be lodged by 30 June to receive a first-round offer.

Kindergarten offers two years of play-based learning to build skills, friendships, and prepare children for school. Registrations open 1 May annually

Preparing for flu season

With flu season fast approaching, it's crucial to ensure you're protected. Council offers immunisation sessions at various locations across the region to help keep you and your family safe from the flu and other vaccine-treated diseases.

To find a session that suits you and to book your appointment, please visit the South Gippsland Shire Council website. Stay healthy and protected this flu season.

What's on South Gippsland

Enhancing Farm Dams for Biodiversity and Stock Water Quality

South Gippsland Landcare Network are hosting a FREE event to learn more about the benefits of enhancing your farm dam for water quality, stock health, and the surrounding ecosystem. Wetland Ecologist David Carew, will discuss which plant species to use and how you can create spaces that attract and support aquatic life (including frogs!).

Deakin University student Mica McCulloch, will be sharing preliminary findings on water testing done in farm dams in South Gippsland.

• When: Wednesday 21 May from 10.00am to 2.00pm
• Where: Arawata Town Hall

For more information and get tickets, visit Humanitix website.

Join this free event to learn more about the benefits of enhancing your farm dam, for water quality and stock health, and also for wildlife

Southern Lights Festival

The Southern Lights Festival is returning to Coal Creek this winter! Head on down to Korumburra on Saturday 7 June for an evening of lights, music, food and fire. The festival will be one for the whole family to enjoy. Grab your tickets via Southern Lights website.

Your community

New Mural in Korumburra

Local artists, Gonzalo Varela (pictured left) and Lucy Parkinson of Magic Lantern Studio, are currently painting a new mural in Korumburra. This will be in the walkway adjacent to the new tunnel to the Korumburra Railyards. The artwork is part of the Korumburra Railway Precinct Redevelopment Project.

A new mural by local artists is brightening Korumburra railway tunnel walkway, as part of the Railway Precinct Redevelopment

Victorian Senior of the Year Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2025 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards., which celebrate older Victorians who generously share their time, skills and experience to benefit their communities.

If you know a stellar senior-aged person, you can now nominate them for a recognition through this State awards program. Nominations are open until Sunday 1 June, and nominees must be aged 60 years or older, or 50 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Victorians. To nominate, visit Victorian State Government - Seniors Online website.

Free resilience workshops in Foster, Venus Bay and Mirboo North will help locals prepare for disasters using RBC's assessment app

Resilience Workshops

The Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) has partnered with the Resilience Building Council (RBC) to help Gippslanders better prepare for bushfires, storms, and other natural disasters.

As part of this, free community workshops will be held across Gippsland to guide homeowners through RBC's easy-to-use bushfire resilience assessment app. South Gippsland workshops will be held in Foster, Venus Bay and Mirboo North throughout June and July. To register, visit Gippsland Emergency Relief Fund (GERF) website.

Community engagement

Speight Street, Loch

South Gippsland Shire Council is considering renaming a section of Speight Street in Loch, to Albert Road following a community request. The current naming does not comply with Geographic Names Victoria's rules, causing potential confusion for road users and emergency services.

The proposed change aims to create a clear and logical division at the four-way intersection. Complete the survey and tell us what you think about this proposed change. Feedback closes 18 May 2025. To submit feedback, visit South Gippsland website.

The draft strategy highlights Gippsland dairy readiness for investment. Share your feedback via the online survey by 21 May 2025

Gippsland Dairy Industry Strategy

The Gippsland Dairy Industry Leadership Group (GDILG) is seeking feedback on the draft Gippsland Dairy Industry Strategy; a 10-year strategic plan to ensure a thriving Gippsland dairy industry.

This strategy demonstrates that the Gippsland dairy industry is ready for opportunities for investment in infrastructure, people and programs. Share your thoughts on the draft strategy by completing an online survey. Feedback closes 21 May 2025. To submit your feedback, visit Dairy Australia website.

Community training

Managing Volunteers: Defining Roles and Position Descriptions - Would you like to make your group the top choice for the most dedicated volunteers? Learn how to define roles and create position descriptions that help you get the most out of your volunteers.

There are two, FREE in-person sessions to choose from at Meeniyan Town Hall:

• Tuesday 13 May from 2.00pm to 4.00pm
• Tuesday 13 May from 5.30pm to 7.30pm

To register, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com