Around East Gippsland

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.

NOW IS THE perfect time to get your creative juices flowing and begin working on an entry for the 2025 East Gippsland Shire Council Youth Art Prize. Whether you’re into painting, drawing, photography, digital illustrations or 3D visuals and are between 12-25 years old who live, work or study in East Gippsland you are eligible. The award will launch in October, so its a time to begin.

DID YOU KNOW that June 21 was World Selfie Day, the day when the less shy humans, are encouraged to send self-generated photographs.

EAST GIPPSLAND MUSIC Festival Gala Concert will take place at Boucher Hall (corner Wallace and McKean Streets) on Thursday, July 3 from 7-8.45pm. The concert will feature instrumental music students from across the region.

MORE SUPPORT HAS been announced to help farmers whose agricultural property is impacted by kangaroos. Farmers will soon be able to apply for rebates to engage professional shooters to control kangaroos under an approved Authority to Control Wildlife.

A RECRUITMENT NIGHT will be held at the Bairnsdale Fire Brigade on July 23 from 7pm. If you have ever thought about becoming a CFA volunteer, now is your chance to find out how you can get involved. Whether you are interested in being on the front line as an operational firefighter or supporting the brigade in a non-operational role, we welcome people from all walks of life who are passionate about giving back to their community. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the team, tour the station, and learn more about what’s involved in volunteering with the CFA. There will be four passionate volunteer members sharing their personal stories and experiences, including first lieutenant Charles Stansfield, fifth lieutenant Rory Smith, and firefighters Chelsea Beechey and Jacqui Mills. They will talk about what inspired them to join, the challenges and rewards of the role and how volunteering has made a difference in their lives. Whether you’re ready to sign up or simply curious, come along and see how you can be part of something bigger.

THEY SAY PUBLIC speaking is one of the biggest fears that most people have, but what if it could actually be one of the most fun things you do. You could challenge yourself in a fun, supportive environment where you get feedback on what you did well and where you can improve, as a member of the East Gippsland Toastmasters, who met at The Hub (27 Dalmahoy Street) from 7pm on Thursday night. As a guest you can participate in some parts of the meeting, or freely just “pass” and observe if you aren’t sure yet. You might join for work meetings or business presentations, for an upcoming speech at an event or wedding, for something social or just for fun and self-development.

BOISDALE

THE LOCAL FOOTBALL Club Ball will be held on Saturday night at Maffco Brewery and Taphouse from 7pm. Live music will be provided by Three Chain Road.

BRUTHEN

IF YOU ARE keen about making a real difference right where you live and you looking to get involved and support your developing community, helping it to thrive and reach its full potential, the board of the Bruthen and District Neighbourhood House (B&DNH) may be able to assist. It will be holding its annual general meeting on July 15 at 7.30pm at 36 Main Street and the following roles are advertised for election: president, vice president, finance officer and general committee member; Other Committee of Management positions fall due for election in 2026 (as per B&D NH Policy & Procedures). The role of the B&DNH committee is to guide the House in its strategic direction and ensure that the it meets the needs of Bruthen and surrounding district. The B&DNH is a member of the East Gippsland Network of Neighbourhood Houses and is funded by the Department of Human and Health Services. The committee meets every two months on a Tuesday night.

BUNDALAGUAH

STAGFEST IS COMING to the local hall on August 1 from 6.30-8pm. An epic night of rock, pop and pure talent is promised as Gippsland Grammar’s first-ever student-led music festival takes over. It will feature students from all three campuses as they showcase classic rock and pop hits that will have you singing along all night. Think tunes from The Beatles, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, Taylor Swift and the Cranberries. There’s even a song from the Broadway smash hit Hamilton.

HEYFIELD

THE HEYFIELD FOOTBALL Netball Club will hold premiership reunions for the years 1975, 1995, 2005 and 2015 at the Gordon Street Reserve from 2pm on July 12. All supporters, present and past players are invited to celebrate.

KALIMNA

EAST GIPPSLAND ART Gallery (2 Nicholson Street,Bairnsdale) and Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (27 Scriveners Road, Kalimna) proudly present South East NOW 2025. A collaborative exhibition across two venues, showcasing the work of seventeen outstanding artists. Entry is free to all venues and everyone is welcome, with the exhibition going through to August 2.

LAKES ENTRANCE

LOCAL POLICE ARRESTED a 27-year-old male from Lakes Entrance after being involved in a pursuit along the Princes Highway on June 11. The vehicle was observed driving erratically and endangering members of the public. A co-ordinated response was initiated involving four police units. Stop sticks were deployed on the Esplanade, deflating the vehicles tyres before coming to a stop on Palmers Road. The male was taken into custody and found to be in possession of a quantity of drugs, remanded in custody to appear at the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court at a later date.

THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT has delayed its new aged care reforms, meaning the program replacing current home care packages won’t roll out until November. While the new system aims to reduce national waitlists for support, it also brings significant changes that will impact people entering aged care system for the first time. Currently 80,000 older Australians currently are waiting for in-home aged care support.

LAST WEEK THE Council began replacing the 240 litre red-lid general waste bins with 120 litre bins in Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers, Kalimna and Lake Bunga. This change affects only households that currently have a 240 litre bin. This replacement has caused some angst amongst residents. The 240 litre bin was previously provided free of charge by application, but residents with this larger bin have been paying the same waste service fee as those with a 120 litre bin since the initial roll-out in 2021. With the State Government charging council a landfill levy based on volume, this move creates a fairer, more consistent service and encourages waste reduction. Residents can apply for an additional 120 litre general waste bin for $245 per year, added to your rates.

LOCAL MUSICIAN OLIVIA Lay will headline her first ticketed show on August 3 at the Gippsland Acoustic Music Club event at the Tyers Hall from 3pm. She will be supported by Phil and Tom (jazz duo).

LOCH SPORT

EMERGENCY SERVICES PERSONNEL recently met with the Loch Sport Primary School principal, staff and students at the Loch Sport CFA. The CFA community engagement Fire Safe Kids program which involved interactive sessions with all students was presented, which focused on Home Fire Safety and the importance of having a Home Fire Escape Plan and working smoke detectors that are regularly maintained and tested. The event was attended by Ambulance Victoria, SES and Victoria Police who shared information with our community along with CFA.

MAFFRA

THE SCIENCE AND Engineering Challenge, a national competition hosted by the University of New South Wales, was held in Sale recently. Maffra Secondary College teams competed against seven other schools from the region in a range of engineering challenges. The highlight for the team was winning the bridge building competition with their bridge withstanding the most amount of weight. Maffra Secondary College placed second overall, behind Gippsland Grammar School.

FORMER ANGLICAN MINISTER, the Reverend Dr. Jim Connelly was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in the King’s Birthday honours. Connelly, who now lives in Drouin, received the OAM for services to the communities of Gippsland.

NOWA NOWA

FORMER LOCAL MUSICIAN, Misty Harlowe played at Mingling Waters last Friday, the crowd loving her new single Welcome to the Wild West. The 25-year-old is taking the music world by storm, regularly performing in Melbourne as well as touring interstate to play at major festivals. She recently returned from a music trip to Nashville, Tennessee, where she wrote and recorded Welcome to the Wild West as part of a five-track EP with some of Nashville’s finest session players. Harlowe’s debut music video for Welcome to the Wild West was directed by Jyoti Miyaji and filmed at one of Melbourne’s iconic honky tonk bars, The Lulie Tavern. Hailing from Newmerella, near Orbost, Harlowe’s sound draws from her country roots, with her music entailing stories of the land, courage, heartache and lust entwined with a Western flair.

OMEO

AN EMERGENCY SERVICES Open Day will be held on Sunday at 110 Bilton Street, a chance to watch a live car rescue by the skilled local crews, while enjoying a free barbecue lunch. The vehicles will be on hand for inspection, and there will be CPR training sessions. It’s a day of leaning, fun and community spirit.

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.

THE COAST GUARD held its elections last week for the positions of flotilla commander and deputy flotilla commander, marking the end of a distinguished chapter under the leadership of outgoing commander Michael Doyle and deputy commander Cheryl Daly. Their dedication and service to the flotilla have been greatly appreciated and will leave a lasting legacy. Stepping into these key roles are newly elected flotilla commander Greg Marsh and deputy flotilla commander Tim Tatchell. Both bring enthusiasm and a strong commitment to continuing the proud traditions of the Paynesville Coast Guard. They officially assume their new responsibilities at the end of this month. The flotilla looks forward to this new chapter with confidence and optimism.

ROSEDALE

LOCAL STUDENTS AND kindergarteners recently planted bush tucker in the town’s community garden for Reconciliation Week at the Rosedale Neighbourhood House.

SALE

POLICE ARE CALLING for information or witnesses for the location of this current stolen silver Audi Q5 registration Q5V6TD. If you see this vehicle or have any information that you believe may assist police, please call 000 in the first instance.

STREET FEAST IS coming to the Sale Showgrounds on July 5. It will be a night of food trucks, dessert stalls, boutique retail stalls and music from 4pm to late.

WELLINGTON POLICE WILL be holding a “Coffee with a Cop” on Friday at Muffin Break Cafe inside the Gippsland Centre from 10-11am. Coffee with a cop brings police officers and the community they serve together, to have a relaxed chat over a cup of coffee. This is a great opportunity for the general public to ask questions, voice any concerns and get to know your local police members.

WELLINGTON SHIRE IS searching for its next young artist, with the launch of the Wellington Youth Art Prize 2025, a celebration of creativity, self-expression and local talent. If you know a young person aged 12–25 who lives, works or studies in Wellington Shire (or has in the past four years), this is their chance to shine. This year’s theme is My True Colours, and the council wants to see what it means through their eyes. All art forms welcome, from painting and drawing to digital art, photography and sculpture. Prizes across three age categories, plus People’s Choice and the Middle of Everywhere Prize, with all entries professionally exhibited at the Gippsland Art Gallery. Entries close Sunday, August 24.

CATHOLIC COLLEGE SALE student Emily Nock has been awarded a full Scholarship to the CMAA Junior Academy of Country Music, following her standout performances at this year’s Tamworth Country Music Festival. After being invited by the Country Music Association of Australia to apply, Nock undertook a rigorous application process that showcased her musical talent, industry awareness, and dedication to country music. Her submission included a home-recorded, unplugged performance and supporting materials from her family. Nock has not only been accepted, but has also received a full scholarship, covering $3000 in program fees and $1500 in accommodation costs. She is the only Victorian student to be accepted this year, and is believed to be just the second student from Gippsland to attend the Academy since its founding in 1997.

GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL is hosting a Father’s Day breakfast on Friday, August 29 from 7-8.45am. The “Dad’s Talk” will feature keynote speaker Tom Boyd, former AFL No.1 draft pick, premiership player turned mental health advocate. After walking away from a $2 million AFL contract at just 22, Boyd now shares his powerful story of resilience, fatherhood and the mindset shift that helped him rebuild his life.

FORMER LOCAL RESIDENT Melissa Welburn, who found fame with sister, Stacey, in Travel Guides, is making a return to television in Australia’s Most Identical Twins.

CLOCKTOWER MEDICAL CENTRE recently received its national award of accreditation from the Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL), a not-for-profit provider of general practice accreditation services within Australia. To achieve accreditation, the practice had to work over a 12-month period to implement the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for general practices. The RACGP Standards provide a recognised national benchmark for general practices and services, and a template for quality care and risk management. Major areas of focus include ensuring vaccines are within their use-by-date and stored at the correct temperatures, that the practice’s equipment is clean and sterile, practice staff are up-to-date with their training, and the practice has emergency care available.

THE SALE HOCKEY Club will celebrate its 60th birthday at the Gippsland Grammar School gym on Sunday between 11.30am-2.30pm.

STRATFORD

LOCAL POLICE ARE keen to emphasise that low-level speeding is dangerous. Driving just a few kilometres over the limit increases your risk of a serious crash. Thats why speed limits are enforced, to protect you, your loved ones and your community.

WELLINGTON SHIRE COUNCIL’S Community Assistance Grants are back and applications for the latest round are now open. These grants support not-for-profit groups and organisations to deliver local projects that build stronger, more connected communities. Whether you’re planning an event, upgrading a hall, improving access, or launching a new program, this funding can help bring your idea to life. In this round, they are welcoming applications for arts and cultural activities, youth and senior programs, environmental projects, accessibility improvements, facility upgrades and refurbishments and initiatives that encourage participation and activate public spaces. Applications close on Monday, August 4.

SWIFTS CREEK

TOUR DE TAMBO is on again this winter, departing Swifts Creek to Ensay and return on July 6 at 10.30am. It’s a great day out for families and friends, as they ride their bikes along the picturesque Tambo River. Support vehicles are available for those whose don’t want to do the return, with refreshments available at Ensay Recreation Reserve.

YARRAM

THE VOICE THAT changed a nation, Rosie Batty, is coming to town, appearing at the Regent Theatre on Saturday, July 19 from 7pm. Batty is an author, advocate, and former Australian of the Year, who will present a powerful evening of hope and community action. Batty’s story is one of unimaginable loss and extraordinary strength. Her voice has become a national call to end family violence, and now she’s coming to Yarram to share her story.

THE YARRAM SHOW is a finalist in the Victorian Agricultural Show Awards. It’s shortlisted in the small section with Koroit and Pakenham.