BAIRNSDALE
THE POLICE AIR Wing recently ticked over 50 years in the skies. It began with Victoria Police Aero Club, whose members championed the idea for airborne policing. They pitched the concept to senior officers and the government, leading into a successful trial in 1974. In May 1975, the first operational flight took off using a small fixed-wing plane. A year later the unit welcomed its first helicopter-qualified pilot and began operations. In the past officers relied solely on the Melway to navigate. Today the fleet is equipped with cutting-edge technology that allows them to track speeding or stolen vehicles, rescue people from life threatening situations and transport specialist police to critical incidents. In the past five years alone the Air Wing has attended more than 47,000 jobs, assisted in the arrest of more than 4700 offenders and winched around 130 people to safety. They have played a vital role in some of Victoria’s most challenging emergencies, from Black Saturday and 2019 Victorian bushfires to the 2022 floods and the dramatic 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht rescues.
ENTRIES ARE NOW open for the 2025 East Gippsland Shire Council Youth Art Prize. So if you are between 12–25 and passionate about art, whether you paint, photograph, sculpt or digital design, they want to see your work. The competition is a chance to exhibit professionally, connect with other creatives, and celebrate the power of
youth expression.
NAGLE COLLEGE CLASS of 1995 will hold its 30-year reunion on Saturday, August 30 at the All Abilities Playground from 12-2pm, followed by a tour of the school between 2-3.30pm.
THANKS TO $100,000 in funding from the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks Round Two Program, the off-leash dog park at Bosworth Road is set for a revamp, with the council keen to hear what you think makes a great space for dogs and their humans. The Bosworth Road Recreational Area is already a special place, a reclaimed landfill site that’s now home to more than 40,000 native trees, 2.7 kilometres of walking trails, and incredible views over the Macleod Morass wetlands.
PREPARATIONS ARE UNDERWAY at the East Gippsland Art Gallery for Paul Gennings’ Convergence exhibition. It will be a sculptural exploration of harmony and contrast, where ceramics and steel meld through fire and form.This exhibition investigates the aesthetic dialogue between hard and soft, industrial and organic. Each piece is infused with recycled oil during firing, introducing carbon into the ceramic body-transforming its surface through unpredictable crazing and metallic lustres. The result is a dynamic interplay of texture and tone, with forms that feel both ancient and experimental. Convergence celebrates transformation through process, highlighting how material tension can create poetic, unexpected beauty. The works reflect a commitment to sustainability and the expressive potential of elemental materials. The exhibition will run from August 8 through to September 13.
BAIRNSDALE FIRE BRIGADE will host a vital recruitment night on Wednesday, July 23 from 7pm. If you ever thought about becoming a CFA volunteer, it’s 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, they 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 are ready to sign up or simply curious, get along and see how you can be part of something bigger. Bring your questions and discover how you can help protect and support your local community.
CAMP COOLAMATONG IS hosting a camp for adults who love games. Running from Thursday, July 17 evening to Sunday, July 20 afternoon, there will two full days to play games of all kinds. Pick from a library of more than 100 board games, or bring your own, play video games together on the overhead projector, join in a war game or a game of DnD; partake in a jigsaw puzzle or learn how to paint mini-figurines; or, take some time off to enjoy the lovely Gippsland environs.
EAST GIPPSLAND DETECTIVES have charged a male in respect to an aggravated burglary that occurred in the Bairnsdale area on June 27 where five guitars valued at $3500 were stolen. Last Friday all five guitars were recovered and returned to the owner. A 16-year-old Bairnsdale boy has been charged with aggravated burglary, theft, possessing a drug of dependence and possessing a prohibited weapon. He appeared at a Children’s Court and was bailed to appear at a later date.
BAIRNSDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE last week conducted a practice Emergency Response Drill in the Science Centre. The scenario based around a science experiment simulated a mock chemical explosion that resulted in (imitation) chemical burns, including eye and limb injuries. Students actively participated in the use of emergency showers and eye wash stations, providing staff with valuable hands-on training and insight into how to effectively manage such a situation if it were to occur in real life. Ambulance Victoria also participated, with their guidance, support and willingness to answer staff and student questions made this a valuable learning experience for all involved.
BRIAGOLONG
THE GIPPSLAND INTREPID Landcare 2025 edition of Plant and Dance, will be held on July 26-27. Being hosted on a beautiful property in Briagalong East, they will be planting 4000 native trees along a section of Freestones Creek. Aiming to stabilise the section of creek with revegetation to prevent further erosion and increase biodiversity. The planting will be followed by an evening of live music with a fully catered dinner and camping.
EASTWOOD
THE RECENT COUNCIL revegetation project has been completed. The Natural Environment Team, with support from the Parks and Gardens trainees, has completed a major revegetation project, with more than 1000 native plants now in the ground around the wetland behind Lorimer Drive. The planting will help improve water quality, increase biodiversity and reduce erosion in this important reserve. To give the plants the best chance to thrive, jute matting has been laid to suppress weeds, thank you to everyone involved in helping care for this vital green space.
FERNBANK
A NEW ROAD Rule is now in effect, with all drivers required to slow down to 40 kilometres an hour when passing tow trucks, breakdown support and incident response vehicles. These vehicles now have the same protection as emergency services and law enforcement, so keep everyone safe by slowing down and giving them space when their lights are flashing.
GIFFARD WEST
Warrigunya Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation will host a week-long art exhibition featuring works by local Indigenous artists at Warrigunya On Country House, 133 Four Mile Creek Road, Giffard West, midway between Sale and Yarram. Warrigunya provides healing and support programs for Aboriginal men who have had a recent experience of our justice system to provide safe accommodation and transition to community life. The exhibition will run daily from 10am to 3pm from Monday, July 7, to Friday, July 11.
HEYFIELD
ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 2 at approximately 7.05pm while patrolling local police observed a Mitsubishi Magna wagon travelling on Davis Street. The vehicle was intercepted where it was discovered that the driver, a 54-year-old female from Heyfield was driving during a period of disqualification. The vehicle was impounded for a period of 30 days at a cost of $950. The driver will be summonsed to court at a later date. Disappointingly it’s the second vehicle impounded by Heyfield Police after being driven by the same disqualified driver in a seven-month period.
THE HEYFIELD TIMBER Festival committee is working behind the scenes getting ready for next year’s event. They have decided to move the street parade to the Saturday morning instead of being on the Sunday, which means the event times will change. This decision results from feedback they have been receiving for the past couple of years, making it a one-day event.
THE LOCAL FOOTBALL Club will host its annual ball on Saturday, July 19 from 7pm onwards at the clubrooms with music supplied by Gecko.
LAKES ENTRANCE
DUE TO SEASONAL changes and economic factors, the Lakes Entrance Newsagency has made a difficult decision to close on Sundays and restrict Saturdays hours from 7am to 1pm. This change will be effective immediately and the operating hours from Monday to Friday will remain from 6am-5pm.
NICHOLSON
TAMBO UPPER TRAIL Riding Club will host its next ride at Valencia Creek on Sunday, July 20. The ride is medium to hard and horses will need to be shod or wear boots as the terrain is steep and rocky in sections. Horses should have a medium to good level of fitness. At 10am, the ride will leave from the Avon–Mt Hendrick Natural Features Scenic Reserve, on the corner of Wombat and O’Keefe Roads, Valencia Creek. The club’s annual meeting will be held at The Hub, Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale, on Thursday, July 24, from 7pm. All members are invited to attend to assist with organising the 2025-26 ride schedule.
OMEO
STAGE ONE OF the flood remediation works at Livingstone Park are now complete and the park’s much-loved eucalyptus trees have been saved thanks to the efforts of the East Gippsland Shire Council’s arborist, project designers and contractor. The works have strengthened the park’s natural flood defences and restored safe access, while enhancing biodiversity and better protecting Livingstone Creek. The are now impressive rock chutes and a safer rock crossing, stabilised creek banks and new native plantings to boost flood resilience. Thanks to funding from Emergency Recovery Victoria and council, this upgrade sets the park up for a safer, greener future. Stage two, including a new bridge and spillway, is in design phase.
PAYNESVILLE
AUTHOR LORRAINE DE Kleuver will give an inspiring author talk as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival. De Kleuver’s book, The Reluctant Deckhand, shares her true story of overcoming seasickness, fear and the challenges of sailing. She will discuss her time at sea and what inspired the book on Thursday from 6.30-7.30pm at the Paynesville Service Centre.
WITH THE MITCHELL River reaching flood levels, recreational boaters are reminded to be cautious of large logs and debris being washed into Gippsland Lakes. Please be safe and travel at appropriate speeds, these logs will still be in the lake during nice weather.
THE LOCAL FOOTBALL Club is bringing back the smash hit event. It’s time to dust off those tracksuits and get ready for Tracksuit Trivia. Tickets will be up for grabs soon, for the event to be held on Saturday, August 2. Just like last year, they will have fundraising and raffles.
SALE
POLICE ARE CALLING for witnesses following the events of Friday, June 27, where at approximately 4.15pm, police were speaking with a male driving a white Mazda sedan at the intersection of York and Foster Streets in Sale. While speaking with the male, he has taken off in his vehicle heading south towards the South Gippsland Highway travelling on the incorrect side of the road and almost colliding with multiple vehicles in the process. After an investigation into the incident on the following day, police arrested the driver for the incident and he was remanded in custody to appear at the Sale Magistrates Court at a later date. The vehicle was impounded for a period of 30 days at a cost of $950.00 Police are calling for any members of the public that witnessed the erratic driving incident or who may have dash cam footage.
RECENTLY THE WELLINGTON Shire Council were represented at the National General Assembly of Local Government, with deputy mayor Cindy Madeley, councillors Catherine Bannerman, John Tatterson and chief executive David Morcom travelling to Canberra. They joined councils from across the country to talk about the big-picture issues that affect us all, like housing, infrastructure, jobs, and how to plan for the future. While there they met with Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen to advocate for Wellington’s priorities, including a joint $4.7 million regional planning proposal developed with South Gippsland Shire Council and GLaWAC. This work is focused on getting the region ready for growth by making sure housing, roads and infrastructure are in place, helping local workforces transition into new industries and protecting the environment, culture
and communities.
ALDI IS CLOSING down for a month for a revamp. Doors will be closed from Wednesday, July 30 to Tuesday, August 26.
SALE CATHOLIC COLLEGE concluded a busy term two, with an assembly. Celebrating a magnitude of outstanding efforts, from sporting achievements and the Music Eisteddfod to students being awarded scholarships for incredible experiences, along with a wide range of extra-curricular activities, there was much to celebrate. Highlights from across the term were shared during a “Day in the Life” segment, showcasing the talent, dedication, and spirit of the students and staff. The school also acknowledged and celebrated a number of staff who were recognised for their years of dedicated service to Catholic education. These included Ann Roffe (25 years), Jenny Hurst (26), Rosie Davidson (27), Cesar Forcadela (27), Rocky Toma (28), Susan Hadden (30), Danuta Pomorski (31), Rebecca Sellings (32), Damien Hogan (33), Anthony Robbins (34), Jacinta Slattery (34) and Marian Lappin (38).
SARSFIELD
ON MONDAY, JUNE 30 at approximately 6.30am, police received multiple 000 calls in relation to an erratic white Isuzu driving on the Great Alpine Road between Lucknow and Sarsfield. A short time later, police located a male standing with the significantly damaged vehicle. The male returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.178. The male also complained of a sore neck and required ambulance to attend. The male will be required to attend court at a later date. If anyone has witnessed the incident or has any dash cam footage that may assist with the investigation, it would be appreciated.
STRATFORD
On Sunday, July 13, the Stratford Courthouse will begin a series of approximately monthly Sunday Sippers events featuring local musicians. The first instalment will feature Stratford local Dane Nicholls, who has been performing since the age of four. Entry will be free, thanks to assistance from the state government’s Community Support Fund and Creative Victoria via the 10,000 Gigs Victorian Gigs Fund. Music will start at 1.30pm and run until 4.30pm, with several short breaks. The Wits End Bar will be open, serving local wines, beers and ciders.
POPULAR LOCAL RESIDENT Mick Harrington has been returned to the executive committee of the The Nationals for Regional Victoria. Harrington remains committed to representing the voice of the parties grassroots membership and ensuring their views are always brought to the table.
WOODSIDE
BEGINNERS LINE DANCING is returning to the local hall on Saturday, July 12 from 1-3pm.
YARRAM
AT APPROXIMATELY 7pm on Friday, June 27 while patrolling, Yarram police observed a Holden Barina travelling on Commercial Road. Members intercepted the vehicle where it was discovered that the driver, a 23-year-old male from the Yarram area was a holder of a learner’s permit without an appropriate supervising driver. The vehicle was not registered and the driver returned positive reading to drugs. The vehicle was impounded for a period of 30 days at a cost of $1025.00, with the male will be summoned to court at a later date.
