BAIRNSDALE
THE DATES HAVE been announced for the 2025 East Gippsland Winter Festival, this year to run between June 20 and July 20.
POLICE HAVE ARRESTED six teenagers in an allegedly stolen car following a collision in Hallam last week. Officers were called to reports of a two-vehicle collision out-bound on the Monash Freeway, between the South Gippsland Freeway and Belgrave-Hallam Road. Members of the public watched as six children piled out of a badly damaged Nissan hatchback and attempt to flee the scene. Bystanders managed to stop the uninjured teens from leaving the area until police arrived. They took the four boys and two girls into custody where they will now be interviewed. The male driver of the second vehicle escaped injury however his vehicle sustained significant damage. Checks soon revealed that the Nissan was allegedly stolen from a Gippsland address on January 6.
ON SUNDAY JANUARY 5, the Bairnsdale divisional van intercepted the rider of a BMW motorcycle in Bairnsdale. The rider wasn’t wearing a helmet, was riding without registration plates and his licence was already disqualified. The motorcycle was impounded at a cost of $1625.
BAIRNSDALE HIGHWAY PATROL intercepted a 56-year-old female from Melbourne on January 4, only to find out she was unlicensed and her oral fluid drug test was positive for two illicit drug types. Her vehicle was impounded at a cost of $950. Police conveyed the driver and her three grandchildren to the Bairnsdale Train Station where they continued their journey home to Melbourne.
THE GIPPSLAND AGRICULTURAL Group will host a Gippsland Sheep Producers Day on January 21 at 45a Bengworden Road from 7.30-11.30am, commencing with breakfast. The event will feature the best way to feed, drench and shear sheep. It will also be a chance to see Gippsland Ag’s brand new sheep containment feeding demonstration. An opportunity to future proof your business for droughts, fires and critical feed gap challenges.
THE BAIRNSDALE LGBTIQA+ Wellbeing group meets weekly at The Hub from 1pm. It’s a relaxed and supportive space for individuals to address barriers, improve health, build confidence, make friends and enhance overall wellbeing. The group promotes the importance of connection, wellbeing and inclusion while providing practical support.
DISAPPOINTINGLY THE PORT of Bairnsdale public toilets have been vandalised, including the power box being set on fire. The power box has been disconnected, the toilets are still open, but unfortunately due to the power box damage there is no lighting inside the facility. The council is unsure if bollard lighting on the nearby walking track has been impacted at this stage.
BUCHAN
THERE’S PLENTY OF SPELUNKERS around with Buchan hosting the 33rd Australian Speleological Federation Conference, Caving in the Moonlight, from January 9-21. This biennial event is the largest caving conference in the Southern Hemisphere, featuring a range of activities, including guided caving trips, presentations, workshops, and competitions designed to showcase the diverse world of speleology and the unique cave systems surrounding Buchan.
BRIAGOLONG
THE SALE POLOCROSSE will be the venue for the Briagolong Team Penning’s “Team Penning and Ranch Sorting” event on February 22-23.
BRUTHEN
ARTISTS HAVE BEEN locked in for the 2025 Blues in Bruthen Festival to be run from February 14-16. The event will feature Smokestack Rhino, Bill Barbour, The Holding Cell, Paul Buchanan’s Blues Xpress, Maskell, Love Band, Jarrad Shaw, Rhiannon Simpson, Geoff Achison and Tom Waters, Brush with Blues Tour, The Bitter End, Little G, Olivia Lay and Shotgun Sam and his World Famous Blues Band.
CAPE CONRAN
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY SURF Day will take place at Cape Conran on Thursday, January 23. Snacks and all equipment will be supplied.
GLENMAGGIE
A ROYAL CHILDREN’S Hospital fundraiser will be held at 14 Nerringundah Drive on January 25 from 9am-1pm. It will take the form of a market/garage sale and will include sausage sizzle, coffee/cakes, face painting, lucky dip, plants, man cave collectables, rustic saw blades, trash and treasure, as well as bargain based equipment.
GOLDEN BEACH
ANOTHER FUN NIGHT of barefoot lawn bowls was held last Friday night at the Golden Paradise Beach Bowls Club. The event attracted a good mix of locals, visitors and their families. There are three weeks left in the summer program – January 17, 24 and 31.
HEYFIELD
THE HEYFIELD TIMBER Festival returns again on February 15-16. Saturday’s event features around the Gordon Street Reserve, The action will include woodchops, truck show, car and motorcycle show, Tim Coleman stunt show, dog high jump, helicopter rides, face painting, free petting zoo, carnival rides, country market, food trucks, heritage draft horses, vintage engine display, bar tent, live music, firework display, merchandise tent and family entertainment show. Sunday will see the annual street parade, with awards for truck of the show, best log truck, best working truck, best tipper truck, best fleet, best display, best vintage truck, best classic car and best motorbike.
THE HEYFIELD AND District Museum is currently checking their records to try and verify if the museum, previously the Post Office, was built in 1925 or 1926. A celebration will be planned to mark the occasion.
LAKES ENTRANCE
THE LIONS CLUB of Gippsland Lakes Lionesses is conducting an indoor market at the Mechanics Hall on Saturday from 9am-2pm, featuring local crafts, jewellery, candles, plants, fruit and vegetables, jams, knits, textile craft, woodwork, books and lots more.
IF YOU HAVE spotted Gippsland Lakes Complete Health workers wearing a green sunflower lanyard, badge, or wristband, it’s a small symbol with a powerful purpose. The Hidden Disability Sunflower is a growing initiative in Australia and around the world, that helps people with hidden disabilities signal they might need a little extra help, understanding or patience. White Sunflower Supporter pins are available and they represent an important message: awareness, kindness and inclusivity. They show that the wearer is a supporter of this initiative and stands ready to offer understanding and assistance to those with hidden disabilities.
LAKE TYERS
INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY SUP sessions will take place at the Lakes Tyers Aboriginal Trust at 11am, 12pm and 1pm on Tuesday, January 21. The family fun stand up paddle board sessions are for all ages, with all equipment supplied.
LONGFORD
Police are appealing for witnesses with dashcam footage as part of an investigation surrounding an extensively damaged Mitsubishi Pajero Silver that was seen driving along Seaspray Road in Longford at approximately 12.05pm on Saturday, January 4. If you have any information in relation to this matter, please contact the Sale Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
MAFFRA
THE REGION’S BEST Christmas lights at 356 Three Chain Road have had another huge festive season, clocking up 1592 cars in 26 nights. This year they raised $9583.10 for Beyond Blue, making the grand total for the last 10 years $120,291.
METUNG
THE METUNG SUMMER Movie Truck is attracting both tourists and locals. It will be operating through to January 20 on the Metung Village Green, showing free screenings of popular and classic movies, the cricket, tennis, documentaries and much more. Among this week’s movies are Finding Nemo, Strictly Ballroom, Red Dog, Muriel’s Wedding, Aladdin, Forrest Gump, Ace Ventura Pet Detective, Willy Wonka, Top Gun and The Lego Movie.
NOWA NOWA
THE NOWA NOWA Hall will host some outstanding live music in the coming weeks, including FRITZ (today), Tom Harrington and Jack Raymond (Friday) and Kim Churchill (February 7).
THE FIRST NOWA Nowa Creators market for the year will be held this Saturday from 9am at the Nowa Nowa Recreation Reserve.
MINGLING WATERS DIDN’T disappoint last weekend, with a brilliant performance from Christine Watterson. Patrons took the opportunity to sit outside on a beautiful night, enjoy a delicious meal and some sweet music.
ORBOST
ORBOST ARTS CENTRE is screening a selection of award-winning short films from the St Kilda Film Festival 2024 this Friday night at 6pm and on Sunday, January 19 at 3pm.
A 21-YEAR-OLD unlicensed driver has had her car impounded after being intercepted by police in Orbost last Sunday. Officers intercepted the unregistered Ford Territory in Oates Street about 3.20pm. The car was impounded at a cost of $1425 and the female driver is expected to be charged on summons. This impound was as a result of numerous reports by locals to police. Police encourage anyone who witnesses dangerous driving to contact crime stoppers or attend the police station to make a statement. Without this information or statements, Police are unable to process offenders unless they happen to be in the right place at the right time.
PAYNESVILLE
BUSY TIMES FOR the Paynesville Coast Guard, assisting numerous boats over the past couple of weeks. During these school holidays, they have received numerous calls for assistance via the police on the 000 emergency number. Please remember to do the basic safety checks before setting off, and be aware of your surroundings and don’t overload your boat. Paynesville Coast Guard is here to help anybody in need of assistance, but be safe on the water and enjoy the fabulous weather and our beautiful Gippsland Lakes.
SALE
THE SALE MUSIC Festival is on again this year at a different venue, moving adjacent to the boat ramp at the Port of Sale. The free festival will be held during the Labour Day long weekend on Sunday, March 9, from 11am to 7pm.
THE HISTORIC SWING Bridge isn’t opening at present due to an issue with the motor that is used to turn the bridge and facilitate its opening. The bridge itself is still open for normal use, with more information on the reopening expected this week.
SALE PRODUCERS MARKET returns this Saturday from 8am under the elm trees on the Dawson Street side of the Sale Showgrounds. There will be coffee, fruit, cupcakes, eggs, sweet treats, honey, pies and a traditional barbecue.
HAVE YOU SEEN the missing bike that was taken from an address in Sale recently. Between 3.20-3.50pm on Sunday, January 5, a Trek Marlin Four Mountain Bike was stolen from an address in Sale. If you have seen this bike or have any information in regards to the theft – please contact the Sale Police or Crime Stoppers.
THE GREY HEADED Flying Foxes have returned to Lake G uthridge and the Sale Botanic Gardens, and so have the popular bat chats. Lynne Amore from Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre is currently doing s hort talk and guided walk to see these amazing bats skim the lake for water before heading out to feed. Coming dates include January 24 (7.30 – 9pm), February 4 (7 – 8.30pm) and February 19 (7 – 8.30pm).
SWAN REACH
THE NEXT SWAN Reach Car Boot and Makers Market will be held on January 19 from 9am-noon. The event is staged at the Twin Rivers Lions Community Shed at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve on the third Sunday of the month.
LANCASTER HORSE Rides is a new business in town offering guided horse ride tours through the Colquhoun State Forest.
SEASPRAY
THE SEASPRAY SURF Club will celebrate Australia Day with a free community barbecue and live music. The barbecue will fire up around 11am on Sunday, January 26 and continue until the sausages run out. Surf club president Chris Fleming will host Wellington Shire Councillor Geoff Wells at a flag raising ceremony on the ocean-side of the club at noon. Musician Nathan Lambourn will perform on the lawn during the afternoon to keep the summer long weekend vibes going. The surf club has invited the community to spend a relaxed afternoon at the club while enjoying one of the best views of 90 Mile Beach.
WY YUNG
JARROD’S BAKERY WILL be opening up in February in the site of the former bakehouse.
unforgettable journey around the country. The exhibition runs to February 23. (PS)