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South Gippsland celebrates National Volunteer Week and updates on council's other project

National Volunteer Week celebrates our outstanding volunteers. Community grants open for dairy regions. Feedback invited on biolinks map and Victorian Transmission Plan. Don't miss local events, training, and job opportunities.

By news@gippsland - 22nd May 2025 - Back to News

This National Volunteer Week, we recognise and thank our volunteers for the vital role they play in our lives and the significant contribution they make to South Gippsland. In South Gippsland, 22 percent of people volunteer which is higher than both the regional and state-wide average of 13 percent - a testament to our region!

This National Volunteer Week, we thank South Gippsland's dedicated volunteers - 22% strong - for their vital contributions and incredible community spirit

Mayor John Schelling said, "From all of us at South Gippsland Shire Council, we want to say thank you to all the fantastic volunteers in South Gippsland. Each volunteer contributes unique talents and skills, making a difference and supporting our community in countless ways. Thank you for your dedication and generosity to our region!"

Community development grants

The Gardiner Foundation and Gippsland Community Foundation are proud to partner to support the community by delivering benefits to individuals, families and community groups operating in the dairy sector across Gippsland. The grants will be for locally-led initiatives that strengthen the social fabric and connectivity of Victoria's dairying communities. Grants between $5,000 to $10,000 are available for:

• Events and workshops
• Equipment
• Project or service delivery
• Operational or core costs
• Training and education

Expressions of interest are currently being taken. Apply via Gippsland Community Foundation website.

South Gippsland biolink map

The South Gippsland Landcare Network is developing a Biolinks Map for South Gippsland. This is a key action of the Biodiversity Protection Plan. A web map online tool has been developed to gather information about the quality of habitat patches, plus fauna and flora that occur in them.

This information will support existing data on vegetation, land mapping and fauna records. Stakeholders and people who are familiar with their local landscape can help improve the modelling process by submitting feedback and information for the map. The feedback period closes on Wednesday 4 June 2025. For more information, visit South Gippsland Landcare Network website.

South Gippsland Landcare Network invites community input on its new Biolinks Map to enhance habitat and biodiversity data by 4 June

Draft 2025 transmission plan

VicGrid has released a draft 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan. The plan sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years and identifies the most suitable locations for new renewable energy and transmission projects.

You can provide feedback on the draft to help shape the final plan to be released later this year. To find out more, visit Engage Victoria - VicGrid website.

Coastal council association

Last Thursday, Deputy Mayor Sarah Gilligan and Councillor Nathan Hersey, along with Council officers, joined leaders from across the State at the Victorian Coastal Council Association - connecting with fellow coastal communities.

Here they shared insights and discussed unique challenges our beautiful shorelines face, from climate resilience and sustainable coastal management to strengthening collaboration across regions. It was great to see so many passionate leaders come together to exchange ideas and work towards practical actions that will benefit our communities and future generations.

Deputy Mayor and Councillor joined coastal leaders statewide to share ideas on shoreline resilience, sustainable management, and regional collaboration for future benefits

What's on South Gippsland

Be part of Reconciliation Week 2025 at any of the following events in South Gippsland.

MYLI Activities

Early Years Programs will be Reconciliation Week themed that week:

• Leongatha Night Time Story Time - Tuesday 27 May at 5.30pm
• Mirboo North Baby Rhyme Time - Thursday 29 May at 10.30am and 1.30pm
• Leongatha Story Time - Friday 30 May at 10.30am
• Foster Story Time - Friday 30 May at 10.30am
• Korumburra Story Time - Monday 2 June at 10.00am

All branches will have displays promoting First Nations authors and illustrators, and Reconciliation Week activity booklets for children.

MYLI Film Screenings

H3:Other activities

• Reconciliation Week Flag Raising at Leongatha Shire Council Main Office - Thursday 29 May at 10.30am
• Foster Hospital Reconciliation Event - Wednesday 28 May at 11.00am
• Kurnai Cultural Expo at Mirboo North Shire Hall - Saturday 31 May from 9.00am to 2.00pm

Beef and Sheep Networks Roadshow

Agriculture Victoria's is holding the 2025 Beef and Sheep Network Roadshow, bringing top industry experts to four locations across Victoria. Deliver the latest insights on pastures, livestock, and farm business management with a response to seasonal challenges - this is not one to be missed! Tickets are free but seats are limited, so book your spot below!

• When: Tuesday 3 June
• Where: Lardner Park

To register for the BetterBeef and BestWool/BestLamb Network Roadshow , visit trybooking website.

Victoria Police invite South Gippsland and Bass Coast locals to discuss road safety priorities at the Wonthaggi Forum on 5 June 2025

Road Safety Forum

The Victoria Police Bass Coast Road Safety Forum welcomes local services and community members to talk with police about what is important in your community to reduce road trauma. Despite its name, South Gippsland is also included in the Forum.

• When: Thursday 5 June, 1.00pm
• Where: Wonthaggi Town Hall

To register for the Road Safety Forum, visit eventbrite website.

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 at the Southern Lights Festival website.

Activate Gippsland: Dance and Movement Workshops

(It's no) Drama, an inclusive arts company creating artistic opportunities for people with and without disabilities, is hosting Activate Gippsland - a series of dance and movement workshops.

• When: Monday 2 June to Friday 27 June
• Where: Fish Creek Memorial Hall
• Cost: $15 casual entry at the door or $100 unlimited workshop pass

To register for the Activate Gippsland: Dance Technique Series, head to Humanitix website.

Your community

South Gippsland Science and Engineering Challenge - Volunteers Needed

Hosted by the Local Learning and Education Network, the Science and Engineering Challenge is a one-day, hands-on event designed to provide secondary school students with a positive experience in science and engineering. More information can be found at Science and Engineering Challenge (SEC) website.

The event is currently looking for volunteers to help on the day. If you're interested, please submit a volunteer application form below.

• When: Wednesday 11 June
• Where: Korumburra Indoor Recreation Centre

To apply as a volunteer, complete the Volunteer Application Form.

Measles in Victoria

A new measles case has been reported in Victoria. Measles is a viral illness that spreads very easily and sometimes causes serious illness. It can be prevented with two Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccines, given one month or more apart.

MMR vaccines are FREE and available through your local GP clinic, pharmacy or local council. For more information on measles in Victoria, visit Victorian Department of Health website. Book a vaccine at one of the upcoming community sessions using the South Gippsland Shire Council - Immunisation website.

A new measles case in Victoria highlights the importance of MMR vaccines - free at GPs, pharmacies, or council clinics. Protect yourself today

Partnerships Against Pests Grants

Round Four of the Partnerships Against Pests grants program are now open. This program will help community led organisations build the skills and resources to manage invasive species in their area. With grants of $10,000 up to $50,000 available for projects focused on managing established weeds and pest animals. For more information and to apply, visit Agriculture Victoria website.

AHA State Awards for Excellence

South Gippsland was proudly represented in this year's AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence! These awards highlight Victoria's top-tier in the hospitality industry. Well done to all of the finalists:

• Chef of the year - Mark Smith, The Middle Hotel Korumburra
• Emerging Leader of the Year - Paras Chopra, The Middle Hotel Korumburra
• Local Legends Award - Skye Dubignon, Welshpool Hotel
• Best Casual Dining - Regional - The Middle Hotel Korumburra
• Best Family Dining - The Middle Hotel Korumburra
• Best Cocktail List of the Year - The Middle Hotel Korumburra
• Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu - The Middle Hotel Korumburra
• Best Outdoor Experience - Regional - The Middle Hotel Korumburra
• Best Pub Bar - Regional - Poowong Hotel
• Parma of the Year - Regional - Poowong Hotel

A very big congratulations to The Middle Hotel Korumburra for taking home the win with Best Non-Alcoholic Beverage Menu! To know more, visit AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence website.

South Gippsland shined at the AHA Awards, with local venues and talent recognised across multiple categories - congrats to all finalists!

Community training

Grant Writing for Success

Are you eager to secure funding for your projects? This workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn the ins and outs of grant writing.

• When: Wednesday 18 June, 6.00pm to 7.30pm
• Where: Online

To register, head to South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Boost your funding success! Join our Grant Writing Workshop to learn practical skills, tips, and strategies for winning grant proposals

Community Training Opportunities

There are a number of free community training opportunities available to South Gippsland Shire residents, volunteers, community leaders, community groups and not-for-profit organisations. To see what's available and to register for a session, please visit the South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website and South Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com