BAIRNSDALE
LOCAL POLICE ARE issuing an urgent warning to vehicle owners, as intelligence reveals tech savvy thieves are behind a surge in car thefts across the state. Alarmingly, increasing numbers of cars are being stolen, more than 70 per cent from residential streets, driveways and other community locations, with no associated burglary, robbery or carjacking. This trend has coincided with third party electronic devices, which are capable of programming or mimicking keys, becoming increasingly available for purchase. Once inside a vehicle, this device can be plugged into the cars on board diagnostic port to override the security system and start the engine. Police intelligence suggests certain makes and models with electronic push-start technology are being targeted, given no ignition key is required. Police are urging owners of these vehicles to look at a range of preventative measures to help deter thieves, including an on-board diagnostic port lock which prevents an offender connecting a reprogramming device to your vehicle. These locks are highly affordable and self-installable. As always, police urge the community to take simple steps to stop opportunistic thieves in their tracks. These include locking your vehicle, even when parked at home. If possible, park your vehicle off the street and remove items such as keys and garage fobs, whilst keeping valuables out of sight or out of the vehicle entirely.
POLICE ARE NOTICING an alarming rise in serious injuries sustained from scooter riders. Police want to remind parents that E-scooters can’t be ridden by anyone under 16, and a helmet must be worn.
DATING AND DATING apps are tough. In between dodging unsolicited pictures and relentless messaging, ensuring your personal safety can fall by the wayside sometimes. Police believe (if you haven’t already) that now is the perfect time to take yourself seriously and brush up on some personal safety tips. If you’re chatting to someone online, you should never disclose personal info like your home address, be aware of the photos you post (they could be clues to places you frequent), and think twice about sharing intimate pictures or videos. Be aware of fake profiles, pictures and inconsistencies, if looks suspect it probably is. If you’re meeting someone in person, don’t disclose personal information like your home address, meet in a public place, set expectations and boundaries before the meeting. Tell a trusted friend when and where the date is and also provide them with your date’s name and photo. Have your own transport to and from the date and trust your gut instinct and leave if something feels wrong.
DID YOU KNOW that the origins of the word NEWSPAPER, see it as an abbreviation for North, East, West, South, Past and Present, Event Report.
BAIRNSDALE PRODUCTION LINE Theatre Company has finished casting its upcoming production Come From Away. This amazing show is about kindness, real life stories and how the town of Gander, Newfoundland opened their home and hearts to 7000 people. It will run at the Forge Theatre from May 2-18.
BUNDALAGUAH
SISTERS MATILDA AND ZOE Webber’s sunflower stall drew crowds in Raymond Street last week, where they sold flowers from the family farm raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital. The flower sale raised $2208.40, far exceeding the total from 2023, the last time the Webbers sold sunflowers as part of the Good Friday Appeal.
DARGO
THE LOCAL HOTEL will come alive this Saturday when Melbourne band Single Income rocks the venue. They are a six-piece rock cover band, with many years of experience and their new lead singer Chenai Boucher is sure to keep the crowds singing and dancing the night away.
DELEGATE
THE LOCAL CAMPDRAFT will take place this Friday to Sunday.
GLENMAGGIE
THE GLENMAGGIE AND District Boat Club will host its 70th anniversary at the clubrooms between 10am-4pm. There will be memorabilia, veteran and current race boats on display.
GOLDEN BEACH
IF YOU ARE curious about the proposed offshore wind projects which could sooner be part of the coastline horizon, there are three upcoming opportunities to meet the developers, ask questions, and find out what’s planned. Gippsland Offshore Wind Days will be held at the Port Albert Mechanics Institute (Wednesday, March 12, 4-6pm), Golden Beach Community Centre (Thursday, March 13, 4-6pm) and Sale Botanic Gardens (Saturday, March 22, 10am-2pm). Developers from Southerly Ten, ReWE, Corio, Ørsted, Navigator North, Iberdrola Australia, Blue Mackerel, Ocean Winds, Gippsland Dawn, and Gippsland Skies will be there to chat with you. This is a great chance for residents living in our coastal communities and anyone curious about offshore wind projects to learn and share their thoughts.
GOON NURE
THE BAIRNSDALE AND District Model Aero Club will host its Bairnsdale Action All Scale Rally on March 8-9. The event will see pilot’s choice awards presented for both civilian and military aircraft.
HEYFIELD
THE APEX PARK will host an outdoor movie night on Friday from 7.45pm. It’s a chance to bring a picnic rug or chair and settle in for a fantastic family movie under the stars, with Jumanji showing. There will be face painting by Marshall Arts Face Painting before the movie.
LAKES ENTRANCE
THE NEXT OPEN Mic season at Float will be held on Friday night from 5-9pm.
LINDENOW
IT WILL BE market day on Sunday, March 16.
LOCH SPORT
THE LOCAL BOAT club hosted the Gippsland Lakes Yacht Club for lunch on Sunday, after the Paynesville crew sailed across the lake for the two clubs annual get together.
LUCKNOW
IT’S BLACK AND WHITE Ball time, with the Lucknow Football Netball Club and Lucknow Cricket Club hosting the gala event at the football clubrooms this Saturday night from 7pm.
BRUTHAS DAY OUT will take place at the Lucknow Footy Club on March 20 from 9.30am-3.30pm, with all the mob welcome. The event will feature guest speakers, cultural activities, lunch and smoko, as bruthas yarn with bruthas.
NEWLANDS ARM
THE COMMUNITY IS still on a high from the Australia Day celebration hosted by the Newland Arm Residents and Ratepayers Association. Householders gathered for a free barbecue, a flag raising ceremony which was accompanied with enthusiastic singing of our national anthem. Local resident Helen Hall was awarded the Newlands Arm Citizen Award for her work in the community. Some of the more energetic concluded the day with a short game of cricket. With assistance from the local men’s social group, goal posts have been installed on the reserve, with soccer nets arriving shortly. These sporting facilities will be greatly appreciated by the youngsters of Newlands Arm.
NEWLANDS ARM LANDCARE Coastcare Group recently engaged Wildlife Unlimited to conduct a Rapid Fauna Assessment along the Dinni Birraark Walk between Lake Victoria Road and Redgum Court. An evening held on February 26 to discuss this data was attended by 51 people which is most encouraging. A number of people in attendance have indicated a desire to follow up placing data on the Victorian Biodiversity Atlas. The group plans to hold four workshops in coming months. The first of these will focus on bats and will be held on March 27. The group is also holding a Car Boot sale on Sunday at Dawsons Cove. Funds raised will be used in revegetation projects.
RAYMOND ISLAND
THE ISLAND’S COASTAL saltmarsh and fringing tea-tree serve as a crucial roosting and feeding locations for more than 30 shorebird species. Many of these birds undertake annual migrations of over 10,000 kilometres along the East Asian Australasian flyway, heading to and from Siberia and Alaska.
ROSEDALE
THE LOCAL SWIMMING pool closed last Friday, with a healthy crowd in attendance enjoying one final free swim Friday.
SALE
A REPORTED RISE in criminal activity and reports of anti-social behaviour have reignited calls for the former Sale police station to be demolished. The building on York Street has sat vacant for a decade as the state government and Traditional Owners resolve native title matters before the site can be sold for development.
LOCAL ANZ CUSTOMERS who regularly request Dawn Appleyard’s friendly service will need to adjust. After 47 years of loyal service across the former Rosedale branch and the Sale branch where she currently works, Appleyard will officially retire in the coming weeks.
A NIGHT OF magic and mayhem awaits at the Botanical Gardens on Saturday night from 8pm, when punters get the chance to step into the enchanting world of Macbeth, with Shakespeare Under The Stars. The show has an incredible cast, including Hugh Sexton (Rush, Pop-up Globe, Ghostrider) and Nicole Nabout (Return to Paradise, Jack Irish, The Librarians), this critically acclaimed production is set to captivate. An opportunity to pack a picnic and as the sun sets, immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of outdoor theatre.
THE SALE MUSIC Festival is on again at a new venue this weekend, moving to the adjacent to the boat ramp at the Port of Sale. Entry is free.
WELLINGTON SHIRE MAYOR Scott Rosetti recently welcomed the newest Wellington Live4Life crew members. The year nine and 10 students will be looking to build on the fantastic work from last year’s members, who paved the way for new mental health initiatives, led engaging activities to spark important conversations, and served as the go-to leaders for their peers.
THE WELLINGTON SUSTAINABILITY Expo will be held on March 22 from 10am-2pm at the Nakumbalook Centre. The event will feature live music, local food, in a family friendly environment, with a focus on sustainable living, community groups and renewable energy.
SARSFIELD
LAST SATURDAY NIGHT’S 70s night was a huge success, with excellent food from Marney and Wayne complementing the pumping music, exuberant dancing and thoughtful outfit choices.
STRATFORD
WELLINGTON SHIRE COUNCIL is planning for the future growth of Stratford and is inviting the community to have their say. The proposed Stratford Structure Plan will set a 20-year strategic vision, guiding everything from infrastructure and local services to housing, parks and better connectivity between places and spaces. Community input is essential to ensuring future development reflects the needs and aspirations of residents, businesses and the wider region. The Stratford Structure Plan will define a settlement boundary to consolidate growth while protecting valued land, assess suitable locations for future residential development, and identify the key infrastructure required to support the town’s long-term sustainability. It will also explore opportunities for retail, business and community services while protecting Stratford’s environmental and heritage features, including creeks, parks and open spaces. Once finalised, the Structure Plan will inform changes to the Wellington Planning Scheme, helping to guide future growth and development in a way that reflects the community’s priorities. Council is hosting drop-in sessions where community members can share their thoughts and contribute to the vision for Stratford’s future. Sessions will be held today from 6pm to 7.30pm and tomorrow from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at the Stratford Recreational Reserve. These sessions provide an opportunity for locals to discuss ideas with council officers and ensure that their perspectives are considered.
TINAMBA
ALL ROADS WILL lead to the tiny hamlet for the annual Tinamba Food and Wine Festival on Sunday, April 25. It’s one of Gippsland’s most anticipated events, with a street party celebrating the best of the region from artisan producers, award-winning restaurants and vendors. It’s a chance to enjoy live music, premium wines and delicious local food, including from the iconic Tinamba Hotel. Leave the car at home and book a ticket on one of the festival buses, including easy connection with the train at Traralgon from Melbourne.
WY YUNG
NOTHING MUCH HAS changed in 12 months, with Sean Phillipson winning the Wy Yung Cricket Club mega draw for the second consecutive year. The club will host its presentation evening on Friday, March 28 from 5pm.
YARRAM
THE HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL Wearable Art Fashion show concluded last week at the Yarram Regent Theatre. It was a fashion show with a difference, all designs were created from recycled materials. Designers included students from Yarram Secondary College, local artists and dressmakers showcasing their creativity and dressmaking skills to some 200 audience members. The mastermind behind this new event for Yarram was Rochelle Carmichael, a multi award-winning independent physical theatre director and contemporary dance choreographer, who moved to the area from Melbourne during COVID and is now sharing her exceptional skills with the local Future of Yarram Arts Group to bring more events like this one to Yarram. The creations will be now be exhibited at the Yarram Courthouse Gallery from March 7.
