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Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council

South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.

By news@gippsland - 27th August 2026 - Back to News

The Great Southern Rail Trail Passport is an exciting new experience that allows Trail users to collect stamps at stops along the Trail, while paying homage to the railway line's history. South Gippsland Shire Council is now looking for businesses along or nearby the Rail Trail to be a collection point for the Passports. This is a mutually beneficial opportunity, as collection points will attract tourists and locals alike, and will be listed on the Great Southern Rail Trail website.

South Gippsland Shire Council seeks businesses near the Great Southern Rail Trail to become Passport collection points, attracting visitors and gaining website promotion

Rail trail collection points

Ideally, businesses that wish to become collection points should be:

• Open at least five days per week, including at least one day on the weekend
• Located within three kilometres of the Rail Trail
• Willing to display marketing material provided by Council regarding the Rail Trail and Passport

If you haven’t picked up your Passport yet, they are currently available at:

• Coal Creek, Korumburra
• Maffra Visitor Information Centre, Maffra
• Port of Sale, Sale
• South Gippsland Citizen Advice Bureau, Leongatha
• South Gippsland Shire Council, Leongatha
• South Gippsland Visitor Information Centre, Foster
• Yarram Visitor Information Centre, Yarram

For more information and to apply, visit the Great Southern Rail Trail website.

Latest in South Gippsland

Venus Bay lifesaver Tom Walsh has received a Bravery Award after rescuing two teenagers caught in a rip at an unpatrolled beach

Bravery Award given to young Venus Bay Surf Life Saver

Congratulations to Tom Walsh, member of Surf Life Saving Venus Bay, who was recently awarded the Royal Humane Society of Australasia's Bravery Award.. In December 2024, when Tom was just 13, he rescued two teenagers who had been swept out by a rip at an unpatrolled section of beach in Venus Bay. Tom received the Award for his incredible act of courage and bravery - well done!

Landslip Works at Toora

Silcocks Hill Road in Toora is closed for landslip remediation works. Local traffic still has access on either side of the closure. From the South Gippsland Highway, Toora, access is limited to local traffic only south of the lookout. From Creamery Valley Road, Toora North, access is limited to local traffic only north of the lookout.

The road is expected to be closed for up to five more weeks while repairs are completed. Detour signage is in place, with road users directed to use Creamery Valley Road as the alternative route. Please drive carefully and follow all signage in the area. Thank you for your patience while these important works are undertaken.

Connect with Councillors

Council holds regular open drop-in sessions where you can speak with Councillors, share feedback, ask questions, and better understand your elected representatives. The next session will be held on Wednesday 2 September 2026 at the Port Welshpool Old Ferry Terminal from 1.00pm to 2.00pm.

If you want to attend this session, there's no need to book, just drop in on the day. After this, there will be a public presentation from 2.00pm to 3.00pm that the community is welcome to attend. To learn more, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Leongatha Memorial Hall Celebrates 100 Years

Last week, we celebrated a special space in South Gippsland. Memorial Hall in Leongatha was built as a tribute to those who went to war and those who didn't return. It still stands tall in the centre of town and is used for functions from Council Meetings to local theatre productions and everything in between.

Thank you to everyone who came along to celebrate. Thank you to the Leongatha Historical Society for organising this wonderful event, and to the other local groups who helped bring it all together. It was a fantastic day with impressive re-enactments, a scale replica of the Hall and a great range of historical exhibits that brought the stories of the past to life.

South Gippsland Council hosted IURC representatives, showcasing Gippsland’s renewable energy transition, emerging industries, economic opportunities and regional challenges

Councillors welcome visit from International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC)

This week South Gippsland Shire Council welcomed representatives from the International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) program to South Gippsland as part of their visit to the Gippsland region.

Supported by RMIT University and working closely with One Gippsland, the visit provided an opportunity for the group to explore Gippsland's transition from traditional energy industries to renewable energy, along with the economic opportunities and challenges this presents.

Mayor Councillor Nathan Hersey and Councillor Scott Rae attended, sharing thoughts, opportunities and challenges for our region. It was a great chance to showcase key and emerging industries in our region.

Expressions of Interest sought for local actors

Council is inviting Expressions of Interest from local actors, experienced or aspiring, for an exciting new project at Coal Creek that will support the storytelling of the history housed there. The Coal Creek Virtual Experience project will bring to life 10 stories of Coal Creek, using dedicated tablets on site to showcase them in an accessible and immersive way at specific locations throughout the Park.

Filming of these characters will take place across three filming sessions in September by local filmmaker Seagrass Films. Actors are encouraged to review the scripts and submit an Expression of Interest for one or more of the characters.

This project is externally funded by the Victorian Department of Education through the Strategic Partnerships Program. Submit an Expression of Interest.
before Sunday 30 August.

Bookings Open for Hard Waste Collection

Hard Waste Collection bookings are now open. Council offers one hard waste collection per household per year and operates on a user-pays system, meaning only those who use the service pay for it. See Council's website for a full list of accepted items and to book your collection. Bookings close Friday 18 September.

Request for Tender

Council is seeking submissions from qualified companies/applicants for the following:

• RFT/446 - Roadside Spray - Supply of Materials
• Submissions close 2.00pm AEST on Tuesday 15 September 2026

Documentation is available from Council's e-Tendering Portal. To learn more, visit the eTenderBox.

What's on South Gippsland

Webinar: Backyard Poultry and Pet Birds

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) are inviting all owners of backyard poultry and pet birds to join a webinar for an update on H5N1 bird flu, to be held online on Friday 28 August, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

The speakers will discuss the current situation in Victoria and the potential impacts on backyard poultry and pet birds. They will talk about what signs to look for, how to report sick birds, and practical biosecurity measures for your backyard flock.

They will also provide an overview of DEECA's preparedness and response arrangements, potential biodiversity impacts, and the important role communities play in surveillance, preparedness and response. Register for the Webinar: H5 bird flu update.

Australian Government Mobile Service Centres

Mobile Service Centres (MSCs) travel extensively throughout rural and regional Australia to provide help and support. The mobile service centres will be coming to locations throughout South Gippsland over the next few weeks:

• Venus Bay: Friday 28 August 9.00am to 2.00pm
• Poowong: Friday 4 September 9.00am to 2.00pm
• Loch: Monday 7 September 11.00am to 4.00pm
• Korumburra: Tuesday 8 September 9.00am to 4.00pm
• Mobile Centres have disabled access

Services Australia can help you with Medicare and Centrelink payments and services as well as support veterans and their families connected to the Department of Veteran Affairs. To learn more head to Services Australia website.

White Mouse Youth Dance Project celebrates Nancy Wake’s courage through young local performers, with dance, film and music, Friday at Foster Arts Centre

Your community

White Mouse: Youth Dance project

You're invited to White Mouse Youth Dance Project, a performance inspired by the story of Nancy Wake - the Australian nurse, journalist and resistance operative known as the 'White Mouse'. The young cast - from the Cornet Inlet region - devised and created the work with support from a team of local professional artists working across dance, sound, film projection and costume.

This original work explores courage, resilience and the power of coming together. A celebration of young people's ideas, creativity and community on stage. The performance is Friday 28 August at 6.30pm at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre and runs for no longer than 40 minutes. Flexible ticketing is available - pay what you can afford. To get your tickets, head to Humanitix website.

Leongatha Salvation Army Food Drive Support

The Leongatha Salvation Army Emergency Relief food bank needs donations! The food bank supports up to 70 local people and families and are currently struggling to meet the growing demand for food assistance within our community.

Donatable items include:

• Cereal
• Canned foods, e.g. soup and vegetables
• Rice and pasta
• Pasta sauce
• Long life milk
• Tea, coffee and sugar
• Sanitary products
• Cat and dog food

If you are able to donate items, please take them to 2 Long St, Leongatha, Monday-Friday, between 9.00am to 5.00pm. Please note that all donated items should be in date. For more information, call 5667 5200.

Healthy Gippsland Awards 2026

Nominations are now open for the Healthy Gippsland Awards, recognising outstanding prevention and health promotion initiatives from across our region. The awards celebrate the individuals, organisations and partnerships working to improve health and wellbeing through innovative, evidence-informed and equitable approaches to prevention.

Who can nominate? Self-nominations and nominations on behalf of another individual, organisation or partnership are welcome. Eligible initiatives must:

Be delivered in Gippsland

• Focus on prevention, health promotion or population health
• Have been implemented within the past one to two years
• Align with the priorities of the Gippsland Population Health Strategy 2024–2029

Nominations will be assessed against four key criteria:

• Impact and Outcomes
• Equity Focus
• Innovation and Adaptability
• Practice Excellence

Three finalists will be recognised at the Healthy Gippsland Showcase on 21 October, with one overall winner receiving the Healthy Gippsland Award and a $1,500 grant to support continued prevention work. To learn more and to nominate, head to Latrobe Regional Health website. Nominations close Friday 4 September 2026.

Healthy Gippsland Awards nominations recognise innovative prevention and health promotion initiatives, with finalists announced October 21 and nominations closing September 4

Woodside Community Grants

Woodside Community Grants are intended to build local capacity and develop opportunities for community wellbeing. Clubs and organisations can apply for grants of up to $5,000 to support community initiatives in the Gippsland and Mornington Peninsula regions. Applications close Monday 21 September 2026. To learn more and apply, visit Woodside Energy website.

Tap and Go on Trains

Transport Victoria is introducing myki and contactless payment options on all regional rail lines. All customers on activated lines can now travel using a myki and full fare customers can choose to travel with contactless payments, myki or continue to purchase a V/line paper or e-ticket.

This follows the successful roll out of contactless payment across the myki train, tram and bus network. Concession card holders, seniors and under 18s travelling should keep using their myki to ensure they're charged the right fare.

Public transport in Victoria is half price for everyone, every day, from 1 June 2026 until 1 January 2027. Half price fares automatically apply whether you use myki or tap and go. To learn more, visit Transport Victoria website.

Funding opportunities

South Gippsland Shire Council Community Grants

Round One of South Gippsland Shire Counci's Community Grants 2026/27 program is now open for applications. The Program offers grants of up to $10,000 aimed at assisting local not-for-profit groups achieve their goals. Grants could be for equipment purchases, project development or festivals and events - initiatives that strengthen and enhance the valuable work of community groups, delivering benefits to the broader South Gippsland community.

Applicants are encouraged to read the Community Grant Guidelines, attend a drop-in session and contact the team before applying. Grant applications close midnight Monday 31 August 2026. To learn more and apply, visit South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Pictures from South Gippsland Shire Council website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington have until October 9 to complete the Looking Ahead Farmer Survey 2026, helping shape agricultural priorities, advocacy and future government support across the region.
• Baw Baw Council awards $137,000 in community grants to 35 local groups supporting events, programs, equipment and community projects across the shire
  Baw Baw Shire Council has conditionally awarded more than $137,000 to 35 community groups through its first 2026/27 grants round, supporting local events, projects, equipment and initiatives across the Shire.
• Gippsland secures $288M country roads and bridges commitment under national government
  The Nationals will restore the Country Roads and Bridges Program, providing Victoria's 48 regional councils $1.5 million annually for four years to repair roads, bridges and local infrastructure.
• West Gippsland Landcare celebrates 40 Years of environmental action and community connection
  More than 150 Landcare supporters celebrated 40 years of West Gippsland Landcare, reflecting on achievements, community connections and future opportunities for resilient landscapes and sustainable farming.
• Melina Bath seeks Labor explanation on Gippsland children face specialist dental service cuts, longer waits and costly travel for treatment
  Melina Bath says Gippsland children face longer waits after regional pediatric dental services were cut, forcing families to travel to Melbourne for specialist treatment.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
  Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak.
• Latrobe City Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year Nature Plan to protect local biodiversity until 31 August 2026
  Latrobe City Council is seeking community feedback on its draft 10-year Nature Plan, outlining priorities to protect biodiversity, restore landscapes and engage residents. Public submissions close on 31 August 2026.
• Melina Bath honours Colin "Stocky" Stockdale for 63 years of outstanding CFA service to South Gippsland community
  Melina Bath congratulated Colin "Stocky" Stockdale on receiving the CFA's highest honour, recognising his 63 years of leadership, mentorship and dedicated service protecting South Gippsland communities.
• Metung mother Lily Martyn establishes foundation supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families across Gippsland
  Metung mother Lily Martyn has launched Do It For Foundation Gippsland, supporting neurodivergent children, young people and families. The foundation has connected 95 East Gippsland families seeking support, understanding and practical solutions.
• Cycling Without Age Gippsland returns with free trishaw rides around Sale’s Lake Guthridge for community passengers and visitors
  Cycling Without Age Gippsland has resumed free trishaw rides at Lake Guthridge, Sale, welcoming Central Gippsland Health passengers and 16 floral art convention visitors, while inviting bookings and new volunteers.
• Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are invited to shape regional agricultural priorities, advocacy, support and investment
  Farmers across East Gippsland and Wellington are being asked to complete a survey helping three agencies update agricultural priorities, identify emerging challenges and strengthen regional advocacy, support and investment.
• Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
  Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign.
• RACV survey highlights Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, prompting renewed calls for improved safety
  RACV’s 2026 survey ranks Gippsland highways among Victoria’s most concerning roads, citing potholes, poor surfaces and safety issues. Nationals MP Danny O’Brien has outlined a $5 billion regional roads commitment.
• International partners visit Gippsland to explore energy diversification and regional development opportunities firsthand together
  One Gippsland hosted European partners for a five-day Gippsland visit, exploring energy diversification, regional development, workforce opportunities, infrastructure, agriculture and collaboration between Australian and European regions.
• Latrobe Council urges Premier Carroll to fast-track investment, industry growth and secure future jobs in Valley
  Latrobe City Council has urged newly appointed Premier Ben Carroll to meet urgently on economic diversification, investment and job creation as the region faces energy transition, manufacturing job losses and Yallourn 2028 closure.
• Celebrate the Lakes event highlighting Gippsland Lakes diversity and environmental projects protecting vital local ecosystems
  The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority will host Celebrate the Lakes at Eagle Point, showcasing Gippsland Lakes biodiversity, environmental projects and community efforts protecting local waterways, wetlands and wildlife.
• Paynesville Council seeks $4M for intersection upgrades to unlock 1,400 new homes
  Paynesville's $4 million intersection upgrade proposal aims to improve road safety, ease congestion and unlock around 1,400 new homes in the town's growth area.
• Darren Chester congratulates Gippsland Agricultural Group on successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale
  Darren Chester has praised the successful Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Sale, highlighting industry collaboration, innovation, productivity and the need to reduce red tape for farming families.
• Latrobe City Council endorses updated community amenity local law following extensive community consultation
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed an updated Community Amenity Local Law, strengthening rules around property upkeep, waste, animals, burning, vehicles, public spaces and permits.
• Latrobe City Council pushes for jobs, investment, housing and community safety during Victorian Parliament delegation
  Latrobe City Council has urged Victorian leaders to back jobs, housing, investment, community safety, energy transition projects and infrastructure to strengthen long-term regional economic growth.
• Latrobe City Council will push six reforms addressing regional investment, housing, infrastructure, funding fairness and sustainability at MAV State Council
  Latrobe City Council will take six reform proposals to the MAV State Council, targeting fairer funding, housing, planning, investment, infrastructure and support for regional communities.
• Major GRISS upgrade strengthens Gippsland’s premier indoor sports and events venue for future growth
  The upgraded Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium was officially opened, delivering modern facilities, supporting local jobs, and strengthening its role as Gippsland's leading venue for community sport and major events.
• Latrobe City Council ranks among Victoria's Top Five for Community Satisfaction in 2026 Snap Send Solve index
  Latrobe City Council has ranked fifth in Victoria for community satisfaction, scoring 64.6 in the 2026 Snap Send Solve Index, exceeding both national and Victorian averages.
• Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
  Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking.
• Community groups encouraged to apply for East Gippsland’s 2026-27 grants program before 14 September 20260 deadline
  East Gippsland community groups can apply for 2026–27 grants supporting community, environmental, social and wellbeing projects, with funding from $3,000 to $20,000 available until September 14, 2026.
• Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to include the region among Victoria's three free dental clinic locations
  Latrobe City Council urges Premier Ben Carroll to select Latrobe City for a free regional dental clinic, improving affordable healthcare access and reducing cost-of-living pressures.
• Latrobe City Council records strongest planning performance, leads Victoria in statutory decision timeframes
  Latrobe City Council has achieved its strongest planning performance, with 95.44 percent of applications decided within statutory timeframes following streamlined delegation reforms introduced in May 2025.
• Working together to secure East Gippsland's water future through integrated water management
  East Gippsland CMA and regional partners are collaborating through Integrated Water Management to address climate, flooding, population growth, stormwater, recycled water and wetland protection challenges while planning sustainable projects.
• Latrobe City Council schedules 40 kilometres of road upgrades across municipality
  Latrobe City Council will resurface 40 kilometres of local roads during 2026/27, including resealing and asphalt works across six communities to improve safety, extend road life and prevent potholes.
• Baw Baw Shire endorses revised Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation and build trust in council decisions
  Baw Baw Shire councillors have unanimously endorsed a revised Community Engagement Policy, aiming to strengthen community participation, ensure meaningful feedback and build greater trust in Council’s decision-making processes.
• Five additional VLocity train sets to boost Gippsland Line capacity and ease crowding as the Nationals commitment
  The Nationals will add five VLocity train sets to Gippsland services, providing 1,110 extra seats and enabling longer trains during peak periods to ease overcrowding on Traralgon and Bairnsdale services.
• Latrobe Valley commuters will receive longer trains and more seats under a Nationals-Liberals plan to increase regional rail capacity and reduce crowding
  The Nationals and Liberals plan to allocate five additional V’Locity sets to Traralgon and Bairnsdale, delivering 1,100 extra seats and reducing regional rail crowding.
• Danny O'Brien calls for urgent action on ongoing Gippsland power outages impacting residents, businesses and critical services
  The Nationals' Danny O'Brien is calling on the Victorian government to demand answers from electricity providers over repeated Gippsland outages disrupting residents, businesses and critical medical equipment.
• New Heart Morass watering infrastructure strengthens Gippsland Lakes wetland health and protects freshwater flows for future generations
  New watering infrastructure at Heart Morass enables controlled freshwater flows, reducing salinity and supporting wetland health, wildlife habitat and long-term resilience across the Gippsland Lakes.
• Rob Moffatt officially joins Latrobe City Council as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor after by-election and oath of office
  Latrobe City Council has welcomed Rob Moffatt as Morwell River Ward's newly elected councillor. He formally commenced after taking his oath, joining the nine-member council for the remainder of its current term.
• Melina Bath condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, with Victoria recording nearly twice New South Wales' victims
  Melina Bath has condemned Labor over soaring vehicle thefts, citing Victoria's high theft rate and major increases across eastern Victoria, while calling for more police, stronger bail laws and tougher sentencing.
• Nicholson Street Mall safety works begin as council plans longer-term redevelopment and community consultation for future improvements
  Works at Nicholson Street Mall will improve safety and amenity, including relocating the taxi rank and removing outdated infrastructure, while Council develops longer-term redevelopment plans and community consultation.
• Labor government invests $750,000 to support young Gippslanders into education, training and employment opportunities
  The Victorian Labor government is investing $750,000 in Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley, supporting 120 young people facing barriers to education, training and employment through 2028.
• Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
  West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• Swooping season returns across Latrobe, with council urging residents to take precautions around nesting birds
  Latrobe City Council is urging residents to stay alert during swooping season, avoid nesting areas where possible, check Victoria’s Swooping Bird Map and take precautions when walking outdoors.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.
• Baw Baw Shire expands environmental rebate to encourage reusable products, cut waste and boost community sustainability
  Baw Baw Shire Council has expanded its environmental rebate into three categories, helping residents buy reusable products, reduce landfill waste, improve recycling, and support more sustainable households through partial purchase rebates.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• Nationals and Liberals unveil $40M plan to strengthen Gippsland's regional health workforce and services
  The Nationals and Liberals propose a $40 million rural health workforce scheme, offering incentives up to $10,000 for relocation and accommodation to attract healthcare professionals to regional Victoria.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• Baw Baw Shire opens applications for artists seeking up to $2,000 grant through Arts and Culture Fund Program, apply by 28 October 2026
  Baw Baw Shire is inviting local artists and creatives to apply for up to $2,000 through its Arts and Culture Fund, supporting projects that strengthen creative practice and community participation.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
  Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth.
• Darren Chester joined Wellington Shire representatives to welcome 57 new citizens at The Wedge ceremony
  Wellington Shire welcomed 57 new Australian citizens at The Wedge, with Federal Member Darren Chester and council representatives celebrating their milestone and contributions to Gippsland communities.
• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Latrobe City extends Phoenix partnership, securing NBL matches and delivering sporting, community and economic benefits
  Latrobe City Council has extended its partnership with South East Melbourne Phoenix, securing two NBL matches across the next two seasons, delivering elite sport, community engagement and economic benefits.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• Latrobe City ratepayers to receive 2026/27 notices as council outlines $90.4M works program
  Latrobe City ratepayers will receive 2026/27 rates notices from late August, helping fund $90.4 million in capital works, essential services and community assets across the municipality.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Moe Town Hall seeks resident organisation to activate historic venue through regular community arts programs until 30 September 2026
  Latrobe City Council has opened expressions of interest for an organisation to establish an ongoing residency at Moe Town Hall, delivering regular arts, cultural and community activities while keeping the venue accessible.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Darren Chester congratulates Maffra student Jaxon Marshall on National Youth Parliament selection representing Gippsland in Canberra
  Maffra Secondary College student Jaxon Marshall will represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament, earning praise from Darren Chester for bringing regional and agricultural perspectives to Canberra.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  New nurse-to-patient ratios have passed Parliament, with Gippsland hospitals reclassified, but workforce shortages and funding pressures raise concerns over implementation and patient care.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• The Nationals' $5 Better Roads Plan promises pothole repairs and long-term maintenance across neglected Gippsland road network
  The Nationals' $5 billion Better Roads plan would tackle Gippsland's deteriorating roads, repair one million potholes, restore preventative maintenance and establish Better Roads Victoria for improved standards.