BAIRNSDALE
EVER WONDERED WHAT happens to the stuff you chuck in your yellow-lid bin and the waste you take to the transfer station? Most recyclable items head to the Materials Recovery Facility in Bairnsdale, where it gets sorted into metals, plastics, glass, paper and cardboard. After that, it is sent off to recyclers to be turned into something new such as park benches, decking, fencing, paths, and more paper and cardboard. Car tyres are an awesome example of the recycling rubber hitting the road: your old tyres are crumbed, mixed with bitumen, and used to create new road surfaces.
NOW IS THE perfect time to get your creative juices flowing and begin working on an entry for the East Gippsland Shire Council 2025 Youth Art Prize. Whether you’re into painting, drawing, photography, digital illustrations or 3D visuals, your entry will be gladly accepted. The prize is open to ages 12 to 25 years who live, work or study in East Gippsland. It’s launching in October, so now is the time to begin your fabulous creation.
THE MESSAGE FROM Victoria Police is simple, the key to safety – is it locked? Aggravated burglary in Victoria has reached a record high, rising by 26.8 per cent in the past year alone. Crime Statistics data shows that up to 80 per cent of these incidents involve offenders entering through unlocked doors or windows and abandoning the attempt once they discover the home is secured. In response, Crime Stoppers Victoria and Victoria Police are encouraging Victorians to take simple but effective steps to secure their home and to share any suspicious footage with Crime Stoppers.
A SPECIAL OPENING for Tracey Solomon’s Rattenfänger (translated in English to rat catcher) exhibition will take place on Friday from 5.30pm at the Sideshow Space at East Gippsland Art Gallery. Rattenfänger is based on the Germany folklore of the pied pier, who hypnotised and lured rats to their death. The exhibition explores the moral struggle of exterminating critters as an animal lover. Delving into the conscience decisions we make where the sensible and practical path is taken in opposition to a romanticised one. Where the heart is suppressed, an essential part of the human soul. The display continues through to June 14.
THE EVENT WILL also feature the work of Josh Dykgraaf, a photographic manipulation artist based in Melbourne. His work features manipulations of his own photography, each piece is composed of hundreds of photos using material Dykgraaf has shot, each requiring 30-80 hours to make, with the resulting images usually having thousands of layers. His work explores world building, sense of scale and wonder, deconstructing and reforming the world we live in. Dykgraaf is particularly focused on the impact that we as a species are having on the natural environment around us, exploring wildlife conservation and climate change. His exhibition, formation, features work that is primarily focused on Gippsland, the area has been fertile ground for finding and photographing source material over the years. From Mt Baw Baw to Wilson’s Promontory, from The Strzelecki Ranges to Snowy River, Dykgraaf has been making work featuring the area for over five years now.
UNFORTUNATELY SEVEN IN 10 cars are stolen with their own keys. The message here is pretty clear, never leave keys in your car. Don’t put your name or address on keys or leave your car unlocked, while keeping spare keys in a secure place. Close your garage and lock up your house. Thieves are sneaky and opportunistic so do your bit to cut the crime.
TO CELEBRATE MOTHER’S Day, a Mum’s “Paint & Sip Fundraiser” for the Breast Care Support Fund of East Gippsland will be held at Club Eastwood on Saturday from noon-3pm. The sole purpose is supporting women in our community diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Every dollar they raise goes directly towards supporting women in their greatest hour of need and beyond. Participants are encouraged to dress in pink and sparkles to show solidarity.
FOREVER RAINBOWS IS here, a new monthly social group for LGBTIQA+ folks aged 50+ in East Gippsland. It’s a chance for a relaxed catch-up over a cuppa and a good chat, share stories, make new friends, and lift each other up, because a little connection goes a long way. The next meeting is on Friday, May 9, from 2.30-4pm. Delivered by Gippsland Pride in partnership with Switchboard, as part of the Pride in Ageing project and supported by Gippsland Lakes Community Health.
THE BOWLS CLUB will be switching from buzzer to table service on Monday, May 12. You will no longer be required to collect your meal, the friendly staff will now deliver it to the table.
BRIAGOLONG
A FATAL CAR accident has shaken the small community, with two dead and another two are fighting for their lives in hospital after a car crash on Sunday afternoon. The car is thought to have rolled before hitting a barricade at about 3.45pm, with emergency services finding two people dead at the scene. Paramedics treated a woman aged in her 30s and a teenage girl, stabilising them before they were flown to Melbourne hospitals in a critical condition. The woman has been taken to the Alfred Hospital while the teenager has been flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Victoria Police reporting investigations into the cause of the crash had begun.
BRUTHEN
THE LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD House is going blue on Friday between 1-5pm. It’s a unique opportunity to combine creativity, community and compassion by crafting blue sun catchers (“kindness catchers”) to decorate the freshly installed “Blue Tree”. The event is raising funds for Dolly’s Dream Foundation while spreading community awareness for mental health through The Blue Tree Project.
FULHAM
WELLINGTON HIGHWAY PATROL members detected a motorist travelling at 189 kilometres per hour in the 100 kilometre zone west along the Princes Highway Fulham at 11.46 am on April 28. The 64-year-old male driver was intercepted a short time later in Kilmany and was found to be driving whilst his licence was suspended. An alcohol breath test was conducted and the driver returned a reading of nearly three times the legal limit. The driver, had hours earlier just picked his vehicle up from being impounded at Lakes Entrance. Orbost Highway Patrol detected him committing similar offences 28 days prior.
GLENMAGGIE
THE LOCAL PUBLIC Hall will host Hall Stories on Wednesday, May 15 from 7.30pm. There is barely a bakery in regional Australia, that hasn’t had one of Damian Callinan’s show posters blu-tacked to its window. In Hall Stories, Callinan will combine his storytelling, stand-up, and character acting skills to share his touring tales and explore the quirks, traditions, and characters of rural Australian halls. His performances is unique to Glenmaggie, collaborating with local communities to uncover their distinct histories and characters. Beyond the shows, he will also create a podcast to preserve the aural history of the hall. He understands the rhythm of country halls, chatting over a bubbling urn, commentating on the CWA at work in the supper room, and making sure the chairs are stacked in fives.
LINDENOW SOUTH
MAJOR WORKS ON the local golf course this week from Monday-Thursday. Tree roots will be cut out, machinery won’t be able to move out of players way, so punters are advised to lookout and play with caution around the works.
LONGFORD
THE MOTHER’S DAY Market will be held on Sunday from 10am-2pm. The market offers a diverse range of products from flowers, candles, soaps, bespoke gifts, plants, crystals, chopping boards/serving boards, jams, and chutneys, you’ll be able to find the perfect gift for your mother. You can also gift her a market experience with a voucher redeemable at any stall. Enjoy a coffee, grab lunch, and soak in the atmosphere.
MAFFRA
THE EASTERN VIC PLEASURE Harness Club is conducting a Precision driving fun day utilising a challenging cones course at the Maffra Recreation Reserve on Sunday from 10.30am. The tight course is designed to include challenges and it will test the driver’s and horse’s ability. Axles to be set at 125 centimetres, with camping available.
METUNG
THE LOCAL WATER Park has now shut for the cooler months. The splashing jets and fountains will be turned back on when the warmer weather returns. But there’s still plenty on offer for kids with a sandpit, climbing structures, basketball area and swings, as well as a deck, picnic tables and barbecues for families.
THE LOCAL RED Cross are once again hosting their very popular Devonshire Morning Tea on Saturday from 10am-1pm at the St Johns Church. come along and enjoy a fresh pot of tea, plunger coffee, fluffy scones fresh from the oven with jam and cream.
PAYNESVILLE
LATITUDE COUNTRY CLUB will host it’s Community Open Day on Wednesday, May 14, from 10am-3pm. It’s an exclusive opportunity to explore the state-of-the-art Latitude Country Club and discover the vibrant over-50s lifestyle community coming to life right here in Paynesville. You can expect a day of fun with classic carnival entertainment, live music and performances, delicious food and treats, exclusive tours of our world-class facilities, exciting surprises and giveaways. Whether you’re curious about resort-style living, looking for a great day out, or simply want to experience the magic of Palm Lake Resort, they would love you to join them.
SALE
THE MIDDLE OF EVERYWHERE Jobs and Carers Fair will take place on Wednesday, May 14 at the Stables (199 Raymond Street) from 9.30am to 2pm. This free event brings together local businesses and job seekers for a day of networking, career opportunities and recruitment support. Whether you’re in high school, nearing graduation, considering a career change or looking for new job opportunities, this jobs and careers fair is for you. It will give job seekers the chance to meet potential employers and explore local career paths, whilst getting helpful tips and tools to support you in finding and keeping a job. Businesses can connect with skilled local talent to fill vacancies.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES now exist for people aged 18-30 years of age, who are ready to grow your leadership skills. The Rotary Club of Sale is now inviting applications for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), a week-long program of adventure, learning and connection at CYC Adventure Resort in Phillip Island from July 14-19. The program is 100 per cent funded, with the program set up to build leadership and teamwork skills, while learning from inspirational speakers and community leaders. You will make lifelong friends, push your limits with outdoor challenges and discover how to turn ideas into action. Businesses and community groups are encouraged to tap someone with potential and encourage them to apply.
LAST WEEK WAS a truly special day for 36 new Australian citizens from 12 different countries at Wellington Shire Council’s Citizenship Ceremony. Family and friends filled The Wedge with pride and happiness as they cheered on their loved ones, who have now chosen to call Wellington Shire home. Mayor, councillor Scott Rossetti had the honour of leading the new citizens through their pledge of commitment, with the help of deputy mayor, Cindy Madeley and councillors Catherine Bannerman, Liz Foat and Garry Stephens.
SALE POLICE IN the past month have received two reports that legitimate businesses within the area are being targeted and fake email addresses being made with a very similar email address, yet missing a letter from the legitimate business email. The altered email address is a scam. It is alleged that the victims have received emails from the scam impersonated business with invoices attached to be paid. Upon inspection of the email received, it was found that a different BSB and account number has been sent via the scam email. If you are receiving invoices via email, please check that they are from the legitimate business and check the BSB and account numbers are the actual companies bank details prior to transferring any payments.
FINALISTS HAVE BEEN announced for the 2025 Resource Smart Schools Awards, with the Gippsland Grammar School on the shortlist. The unveiling seeing aspirants from 31 schools across eight categories for this year’s awards, each recognised for their outstanding efforts in building a more sustainable future. This year’s theme, “working together”, highlights the power of collaboration between students, teachers, schools and communities. Winners will be announced on June 5 at the MCG, with a special live stream available for those cheering on from afar.
STRATFORD
FICTION READERS DESCENDED on the Badger And Hare on Saturday as part of a literary event and panel discussion on the rise of women’s fiction. Organised by local author, Lisa Ireland, the sold out event was part of the Stratford Shakespeare Festival, which runs until May 17. Once considered a niche market, the explosion of women’s fiction around the world can be a attributed to a multitude of factors; the need for escapism in challenging times, the decline of watchable television and the need to get away from phone and computers.
SWAN REACH
POLICE ARE SEEKING any witnesses for a hit and run collision that occurred between the hours of 5.15-5.40pm April 26, along the Princes Highway, between Swan Reach and Nungurner Road. A white 4×4 (possibly a Toyota Hilux) was travelling South-East on the Princes Highway, when it collided with the rear of a white Toyota Camry. The vehicle then drove into oncoming traffic and fled the scene. The white 4×4 sustained an unknown level of damage to the front. The white 4×4 was described as having a slide on canopy/camper with a spare wheel attached to the rear and a black snorkel.
