BAIRNSDALE
DID YOU KNOW one in three people will need blood in their lifetime. But you can help save lives right here in the community. The Lifeblood team will be at Bunnings Bairnsdale from June 24 to July 11. Levels of O negative and O positive blood have dropped to their lowest point since 2023. If you’ve been thinking about donating, now’s the time.
SERVICES AUSTRALIA has issued a warning about a new online scam targeting age pensioners and is urging internet users to remain vigilant. Scammers have been falsely flouting significant changes to the Age Pension in a bid to trick age pension recipients into sharing personal, identity and financial documentation. The scam claims that “Centrelink has officially set June 15 as the final deadline for identity verification for all Age Pension recipients” as part of a mandatory process to strengthen fraud prevention, and that “failure to complete the ID check before the deadline results in an automatic freeze of the Age Pension”. This is not true. Services Australia has warned that there have been no changes to the payment system, eligibility for Age Pension, or to document verification for pensioners and has urged people to double-check everything they read to make sure it’s real. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has issued a similar warning after noticing clickbait websites claiming there would be changes to superannuation preservation and withdrawal rules from June 1. Services Australia has encouraged people to only trust information online about its payments and services from its official website, myGov or its official social media accounts.
GIPPSLAND WOMEN’S HEALTH is hosting a free community event on June 19 at the Hub from 10am-1pm to talk about real health issues affecting women in the region. This session is a chance to listen, learn, and have your say in shaping what support looks like locally. Explore what supports women’s mental wellbeing and help understand what’s working, what’s not, and where it can do better.
THE BAIRNSDALE PRODUCTION Line Theatre are now advertising for production team positions for their upcoming October play, Heartbreak Choir, which was written by Aiden Fennessy. If you are passionate about theatre and love working behind the scenes, they are looking for people to join us in roles such as director, assistant director, set design, costume, stage management and numerous other positions. Interviews will be held on June 21.
THE THEATRE COMPANY also has several shows coming up with once act plays. They will be held at Wendy Beckett Studio, Bairnsdale (June 29), Orbost Exhibition Centre (July 6) and Buchan Mechanics Hall (July 13). They will feature Revoked (Jye Bryant), Drivers Test (John Zolidis) and Jilted Lovers (Johnny Grim).
MORE COACH TRAVEL is coming the way of Traralgon and Bairnsdale line train passengers from Friday, August 29, to Friday, September 5, to allow trials for the Metro Tunnel project, and works on the Suburban Rail Loop project, both in Melbourne. The disruptions will also affect the Sunbury, Cranbourne and Pakenham lines. The disruption is in addition to a winter construction blitz from June 14 to August 13 that will complete the Gippsland Line Upgrade.
HEAD DOWN TO Your Food Cafe (63 Macleod Street) between 9.30-11.30am on Friday for the next “Coffee With A Cop” sit down. This is your opportunity to ask questions or bring anything to attention that they may be able to assist with.
TOUGHER PENALTIES NOW exist for E-Scooters. They cannot ride on the footpath, use a mobile phone while riding, ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol, carry passengers or animals, ride on roads with a speed limit over 60 kilometres per hour and not be capable of exceeding 25 kilometres per hour. Riders must be 16 years and over, not exceed 20 kilometres per hour, ride on shared paths or roads that don’t exceed 60 kilometres per hour, wear a helmet and follow the road rules, whilst using lights and reflectors.
DISAPPOINTING NEWS WITH Lake of China, Chinese restaurant to close after 44 years of wonderful service. Their last day will be Sunday, June 22.
BRUTHEN
BRUTHEN’S GOT TALENT returns at the Hall this Saturday from 11am–2pm. It’s open to everyone, especially young people and new performers. Sing, dance, play an instrument or recite a poem, its your time to shine.
IF YOU ARE missing a lantern for the magical parades and festivities planned across the region for the Winter Festival, don’t panic – the Neighbourhood House is hosting a family-friendly Jar Lantern Workshop on June 18 from 11am-4pm.
PLANNING IS WELL underway for the Medieval Winter Fire Festival on Saturday, June 21, the opening weekend of the 2025 East Gippsland Winter Festival. The Bruthen Arts and Events Council invite you to join them in “The Paddock” behind the Mechanics Hall from 3pm on the Winter Solstice and celebrate the longest night of the year with a medieval theme.
LAKES ENTRANCE
BANKING SCAM INFORMATION session will be held at the Lakes Entrance Service Centre (Thursday, June 26) and Bairnsdale Library (Monday, June 23) from 2-3.30pm. A member of the Commonwealth Bank will be presenting a stay safe online seminar which is designed to teach people who aren’t confident about digital platforms how to identify and avoid scams and fraud, while protecting themselves online and giving them confidence to securely manage their finances online.
ON JUNE 6, local police observed a driver in a stationary unregistered vehicle. The vehicle was searched and small quantity of illicit drugs located along with suspected stolen property. The male will receive a summons to attend court. Further enquiries confirmed that the property was stolen several years ago and it will soon be re-united with its rightful owner.
ALSO ON JUNE 6, Police intercepted the driver of an unregistered vehicle in Lakes Entrance. The driver was also found to be unlicensed. The vehicle was impounded at a cost of $1350.00 and the driver will receive a summons to attend court.
LAKE TYERS
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING different, the Oneonta Enviroment Education centre is holding a session on Sunday from 1am-3pm, where they will be undertaking papermaking with invasive weeds, namely kikuyu grass.
LOCH SPORT
A LARGE AND enthusiastic crowd was in attendance last Saturday night for the Loch Sport Bowls Club’s Mediterranean/Moroccan Night.
LINDENOW
THE LOCAL FOOTBALL Netball Club will host its Red Carpet Champions Ball on Saturday night at the Bairnsdale RSL with formal attire required. The Jimmys will be providing the music.
METUNG
THE NEXT MARKET on the foreshore will take place on Saturday from 8am-12.30pm. Stallholders will be selling a variety of goods including local gin, kombucha, home baked cakes and biscuits, fresh local fruits, vegetables, flowers and organics. Delicious preserves, spice mixes, ghee, breads, pastries, handmade clothing, artisan items and more. The Lions will be running a sausage sizzle.
NAMBROK
BUSY DAY AT the Gippsland Woodcraft Group Open Day, celebrating 40 years. Visitors enjoying demonstrations of carving, woodturning, scrollsawing and timber slabbing. The vintage car display was also well received.
NEWRY
PLANNING HAS BEEN finalised for the Newry Ball, which has all the makings of a huge night on July 19 from 7pm to midnight. Held at the Hall, this unforgettable evening is held in the heart of Newry’s picturesque farming community. The event celebrates the turning of the season as we leave the darkest days of winter behind. Punters are encouraged to come dressed to impressed in formal wear, with Emily Nock warming up the crowd before Three Chain Road get the crowd pumping and jumping. Buses will run from Sale, Stratford, Maffra, Briagolong, Heyfield, Cowwarr and Tinamba.
OMEO
THIS FRIDAY IS “Worldwide Knit in Public Day” with plenty of opportunities throughout the shire to enjoy some morning tea and trade tips and secrets on knitting with like-minded people. Sessions will be held at Bairnsdale Library (12-2pm), Orbost Service Centre (10am-12pm), Paynesville Service Centre (10am-12pm), Lakes Entrance Service Centre (10-12pm) and Omeo Service Centre (10-12pm).
POLICE ARE GEARING up for a busy snow season and reminding everyone, that your safety starts before you leave home. With more people making single-day trips to the snow, they have seen in the past too many drivers unprepared for conditions and that’s putting lives a risk. A zero-tolerance approach will apply to drivers not properly equipped for the conditions. By law, all vehicles entering alpine resorts during the declared snow season must carry wheel chains and fit them when instructed. No chains may result in a $395 fine. Failing to fit them when required may attract a $988 penalty. Chains can be the difference between staying on the road or sliding off it. If you are planning a trip to snow this season, remember to top up your car’s radiator with anti-freeze (and use Alpine Mix if diesel), drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin, brake gently and avoid unnecessary gear changes, maintain a safe braking distance from vehicles in front, especially in poor visibility, let someone know your plans and your estimated time of arrival, check weather and snow conditions regularly as they can change quickly and if lost, stop, seek shelter, call Triple Zero (000) and wait.
PAYNESVILLE
THE LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD House will run a three-week course on mobile phone basics for android users. The session will take place at the House on July 2, 9 and 16 from 9.30am-12.30pm. The course will help you navigate your device with confidence, covering essential skills, tips and features to ensure you get the most out of your smart phone. Content includes sending and receiving text messages, setting up voicemail, using social media, managing apps and staying safe online.
ANOTHER INTERESTING WORKSHOP at the Neighbourhood is the “Dying to Know Workshop and Truffle making Activity”. The workshop on June 18 from 10am-2pm will include open discussions about life, legacy and end of life planning. Topics such as powers of attorney, wills and executors, advance care planning and making your wishes known. After the discussions, enjoy a hands on activity making delicious truffles. This is a Connecting Carers activity which are open to anyone that provides unpaid care/support to a family member, friend or neighbour. Feel free to bring along a friend or family member.
THE LOCAL FOOTBALL netball club invites you for a Night of Chill Competition from 6.30pm this Saturday night at the clubrooms. After the final whistle, keep the good vibes going with music, relaxed hangs and a bit of friendly rivalry. The club is hosting a Beer Pong Showdown, nothing too serious, just some laid-back fun with a competitive twist.
SALE
ENTRIES ARE NOW open for the first ever Nakunbalook Art Show. Artists invited to explore the theme “The Grandfather Tree”, capturing the resilience and history of Gippsland’s ancient trees, full of twisted hollows and home to generations of wildlife. Open to Gippsland-based artists of all mediums (except photography), the show will highlight the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and creative talent. The exhibition will run from Friday, July 25 to Saturday, August 2, with entries closing on June 30.
THE LIBRARY WELCOMES bestselling Australian author Kylie Ladd tonight night from 7pm to discuss her latest book, The Mix-Up. A beautifully told and thought-provoking novel about a mix-up that leaves two children wondering who they really are and where they belong. What would you do if you found out you’d been raising another couple’s child and they’ve been raising yours?
THE LOCAL PISTOL Club will host a Girls Try And Shoot Day this Sunday. The club offers a morning (10.30am-12.30pm) or afternoon session (1.30-3.30pm). The event will feature one-on-one coaching.
THERE WAS PLENTY of community spirit on show at Ashleigh House last week at the annual Ice Bucket Challenge for FightMND. Participants dressed as something starting with the first letter of your name as they were engulfed by ice. Leading the fight was Wellington Shire Council, mayor Scott Rosetti dressed as spiderman. Now in its fourth year, the fundraiser continues to make a big impact, this year raising over $1000. Others to cop a bucketing included Nicko Olejniczak, Ken McAinch, Andrew Giles, Bernice Parker, Jayne Davis, Ann Cunningham, Elissa Bott and Mark Thorpe. Residents and staff dressed in blue beanies and enjoyed blue jelly slice and blue-iced cupcakes served in honour of the cause.
THE GRAMMAR SCHOOL will hold its 2025 decades reunion on Saturday, October 18 at Garnsey Campus from 3-5.30pm. It will feature 60, 50, 40, 30, 20 and 10 year get togethers.
SARSFIELD
A free community lantern making workshop will be held at the recreation reserve this Saturday from 1-4pm. A chance to get your lantern ready for the East Gippsland Winter Festival.
STRATFORD
WOMEN OF WIT is coming back to the Courthouse Theatre on Friday, August 8 from 7.30pm, featuring Alex Ward, Urvi Majumdar, Jordan Barr, Freddie Arthur and a very special surprise local act. Don’t miss out on tickets, last year’s event sold out quickly. The amazing line-up of comedians had the packed courthouse audience rolling in the aisles.
WITH OUR DAYS now shorter, and the weather much colder, it’s important we all adjust our driving habits to cater for the conditions. Poor light, wet roads, heavy rain, fog, and black ice are just a few hazards you might face in the coming months. Whether it’s a long trip or your regular commute, remember to check the weather before you head out, allow for extra travel time or delay your trip if the forecast is poor, turn on your lights to stay visible, watch for vulnerable road users like motorcyclists and pedestrians. If the conditions are especially bad, slow down. Already this year 136 lives have been lost on Victorian roads.
ON SATURDAY, JUNE 7 at 11am Bairnsdale Police Crime Scene and Bairnsdale Highway Patrol intercepted the driver of a grey Nissan on the Princes Highway between Bairnsdale and Stratford after it was observed driving erratically. The 56-year-old male driver from Berwick returned a breath test reading of 0.205. His drivers’ licence was instantly suspended and he will be summonsed to attend Bairnsdale Magistrates Court at a later date for drink driving offences. The driver was attempting to drive home to Berwick.
SWAN REACH
THE NEXT CAR and Boot Sale will take place this Sunday at 8am-3pm at the Swan Reach Recreation Reserve. It’s a great local community market, suitable for families and pet friendly.
OMEO
THE MOUNTAIN BIKE trails are buzzing with action and energy. Construction is full steam ahead, with the final trails (XC8, XC9 and GR5 “Pendulum”) taking shape. With more than 100 kilometres of trails soon ready to ride, Omeo is fast becoming a must-ride destination for riders of all kinds.
VALENCIA CREEK
ICONIC AUSTRALIAN MUSIC, The Bushwackers will be performing at the hall on June 20. Now celebrating their 54th year of performing, The Bushwackers continue to captivate audiences with their timeless appeal and high-energy shows. Expect a rich blend of Australian bush classics like Ryebuck Shearer and Lazy Harry’s, alongside powerful original songs such as Beneath the Southern Cross, Friend for Life, and Henry’s Men. Their unique rendition of I Am Australian, co-written by Dobe Newton, is always a crowd favourite. This will be a lively, family-friendly musical experience not to be missed. Show begins at 7.30pm.
YARRAM
THE DEPARTMENT OF Transport and Planning (DTP) is looking to increase services on the Yarram to Melbourne V/Line coach service, and they want to hear from locals and visitors. The DTP is hosting a drop-in session to hear people’s thoughts on Thursday from 12-2pm at the Regent Theatre.
COFFEE PALACE opened its doors last week. Whether you’re a flat white fanatic, a lover of sweets, starving for delicious food, or just chasing good vibes they have you covered.
ESME RASH IS among the many amazing Australians who were name in the Kings Day Honours and awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Rash has quietly gone about serving the community, volunteering her time to assist the Port Albert Maritime Museum, Yarram Genealogy Society, Yarram Cemetery Trust, Yarram Football Netball Club and the Tarraville Cricket Club.
ALSO HONOURED WAS Wendy Pope OAM. Pope’s story is one of deep-rooted community engagement and service. Moving to Yarram in her teens, Wendy attended the elementary school before beginning her career at the local bank. Wendy married a sheep and cattle farmer from Woodside and they took up residence on the family farm. Volunteering was second nature to Wendy, inspired by her parents’ longstanding involvement in various organisations. She carried forward this legacy with enthusiastic dedication, becoming an integral member of numerous community groups. Pope, who is 91 continues to volunteer her time within the organisations she has been involved with for over six decades. They include Yarram Rotary, Port Albert Yacht Club, Yarram Golf Club and the
Anglican Church.
