BAIRNSDALE
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, the brigade welcomes 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 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.
AWARD WINNING CHILDREN’S author George Ivanoff will be hosting a one-off workshop at Schoolworks on Thursday, July 24 from 4.15-5.15pm. Ivanoff has written more than 100 children’s books and is well known for his popular “Choose Your Own Adventure” books. During this workshop he will guide children in developing their ideas and creating their very own adventure story.
BAIRNSDALE FOOTBALL Netball Club will host a past players and officials day at the Bairnsdale City Oval on Saturday, August 2, from noon. The annual event this year will incorporate the celebrations of the 1995 thirds and 2015 “C” grade netball premierships. Bairnsdale will host Wonthaggi on the day.
PICNIC POINT FARM is conducting a recall of its Picnic Point Farm Orchard Fresh Raspberry Jam 280g, date marking “Best Before: 24 JUN 2026”. The product has been available for sale at the Picnic Point Farm Shed, Picnic Point Farm stall at Traralgon Farmers Market, David Lucke’s Fresh Food Market and Albert and Co. The product has also been sold through a school fundraiser at Bairnsdale Primary School. The presence of foreign matter (metal) has been found, food products containing metal may cause illness/injury if consumed. Consumers should not eat this product and should return to the place of purchase for a full refund. Any consumers concerned about their health should seek medical advice.
DYSONS COMMUNITY GRANTS seek to enhance community wellbeing within the communities that Dyson Group serves in Victoria, with a focus on migrant communities, people with disability, women and girls and those facing economic hardship. Grants of between $1000 and $2000 are available for community groups and sporting clubs for the purchase or provision of tangible resources or equipment. Grants of between $2000 and $5000 are available for community programs, events, training or services (inclusive of any equipment or resource costs). The Groups 2025 grants are now open.
THIS WEEK IS Diabetes Week, a great time to raise awareness, support those living with diabetes and start important conversations about risk factors and our health. More than 1.3 million Australians live with diabetes with many more are at risk without even knowing it. Early detection, lifestyle changes and regular check-ups with your GP can make a big difference to risk factors and health complications.
THE BAIRNSDALE STAIR Climb Team is excited to host a family movie night to raise funds for the 2025 Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb. This powerful event supports mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer research. They will be screening the live-action Lion King on Friday at the Bairnsdale Fire Station. Doors open at 6pm, with the movie starting at 6.30pm. Tickets are available online to secure your spot, with limited tickets available at the door. Make yourself comfortable and BYO chairs, bean bags, and blankets. Food and drinks will be available throughout the night. Join the crew for a fun night out and help them climb 28 floors for a cause that matters. Every dollar raised brings us one step closer.
BAIRNSDALE PRODUCTION LINE Theatre Company has announced its cast for its upcoming production The Heartbreak Choir. Michelle Mclean will play Barbara, Susan Hawton has the role of Mack. with Jane Baylis cast as Totty. Aleka Hutton is delighted to be selected to play Savannah, Simran Kaur looks ideally suited to Aseni, as does Cody Stephens in the role of Beau. They are still seeking someone to play the role of Peter. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact the production manager.
KALIMNA
THE LOCAL HOTEL now has a new beer on tap, Venom IPA, with the initial feedback very positive. The Kalimna is planning a huge day for International Beer Day on Friday, August 1, kicking off at 3pm and going all evening. There will be a massive variety of beers available, from your tried-and-true favourites to wild brews from some truly cracking breweries, both local and far-flung. You can try them all on beer paddles, so you can brag about your refined palate afterward. There will be prizes and giveaways all evening, along with quality food and live music.
LAKES ENTRANCE
GIPPSLAND LAKES COMPLETE Health is turning 50 in October. From humble beginnings in 1975 to now, they have grown, adapted and cared the community every step of the way. They will be throwing a community celebration where it all began, at the Jemmeson Street site in Lakes Entrance on Saturday, October 11 from 11am-3pm.
LINDENOW
THE MOCK WEDDING is back, it only happens every five years, it’s time to witness true love (and true chaos) as Mr and Mrs Lindenow tie the knot on Saturday, July 26 at the Lindenow Football Netball Club. Doors open at 6.30pm, with the ceremony on at 7pm sharp. The dress code is Gender-swapped cocktail attire (girls as guys, guys as girls – go all out). Reception to follow the ceremony with laughs, dancing and all the drama of a wedding night, without the lifelong commitment.
LOCH SPORT
THE LOCAL FORESHORE committee of management is delighted to be the recipient of a $70,000 grant from the State Government to improve beach access. The project is one of 17 to receive funding through the Coastal Public Access and Risk Grants Program. The money will be used to instal new stair access points, map and sign boards to guide visitors along the walking trail, signage along the walking track and resurfacing path access points.
MAFFRA
IT WAS A GREAT NIGHT for local company Infusa Distillery at the Royal Melbourne spirits awards last weekend. Their whey vodka was awarded a silver medal for the second year in a row, while the barrel aged whey vodka “loggers cut” got a bronze medal. Both whey products use whey from Tinamba cheese company Maffra Cheese. The company’s gin received bronze for the second year in a row, while the popular cappuccino liqueur brought home a bronze in its first year on the shelf.
GIPPSLAND VEHICLE COLLECTION is in urgent need of State Government support to replace the dilapidated roof over the complex, which threatens its operations. Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, who has regularly visited the site, said members had made it very clear “crunch time was approaching”. “Both the committee and I have made approaches to Minister Dimopoulos as this is one of the town’s premier tourist attractions but it seems this government can always find money for major city attractions, but when it comes to supporting these smaller community-based projects there is scant support,” Bull said. The local committee has raised just on $400,000, which is an incredible effort in itself, towards a total cost of $1.2 million.
IT WAS A HUGE day at the collection last Sunday which began with Coffee and Cars first thing down the main street, followed by the opening of their new display, Hot Rods and Custom vehicles. Even the Victoria Police highway patrol cars were on display.
MALLACOOTA
GIPPSLAND PORTS ARE applying for a grant to fund dredging of the lake in front of the wharf and down to the boat ramp and jetties to remove the shoaled areas and restore good boat access into the lake.
OMEO
THE DAYS MIGHT be getting longer, but winter’s chill is still going strong. And while all roads might not look like Arendelle, icy roads are still a real risk. So remember to check the weather and road conditions, as they can change quickly. Drive with care, hands on the wheel, go easy on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin. Stick to light beams in the mist, as high beams won’t help. If visibility drops, pull over safely, switch on your hazard lights and keep the engine running. And if you hit ice, stay calm and brake gently to regain traction. When on the roads remember to stay cool, calm and in control. If you are heading into a designated alpine area, legally required snow chains must be carried and fitted when directed.
PAYNESVILLE
BACK BY POPULAR demand in 2025 is the Paynesville Football Netball Club’s Black-Tie Night, a glamorous evening where punters dress to impress and dance the night away to great music. This year’s event is this Saturday at the AJ Freeman Reserve clubrooms from 7pm. The club is running with theme “Think Hollywood glamour – Met Gala style”, don’t miss a night of elegance, energy and entertainment.
IT WAS GREAT to see 50 community group members come out in the cold weather last week to attend the Community Investment Program Information Night, hosted by the local branch of the Bendigo Bank. Brayden Radford from Paynesville Cricket Club gave a presentation on how the bank’s funding helped their club last year, while Paynesville branch manager Jack van Reyk explaining how the Community Bank model operates, and Trish from the Community Enterprise Foundation explaining (via online link up) how the sponsorship and grants process works. The bank’s 2025 program opens on July 21, so if you have a great project idea for Paynesville and district, don’t hesitate to make contact.
BLOOMS THE CHEMIST hosted its grand opening to celebrate the completion of the recent renovations last Thursday. The m tea, raffles and giveaways were greatly appreciated by customers new and old.
ROSEDALE
ROSEDALE SPEEDWAY ASSOCIATION held its annual meeting last week with Chris Stewart elected president, joined on the executive by Shane Stewart (vice president), Aaron Laidlaw (secretary), Leigh Mitchell (assistant secretary) and Tori Hutchinson (treasurer). The general committee will consist of Troy Hutchison, Alan Danks, Peter Gray, Rob Laidlaw, Rod Zaal, Jack Stewart, Chris Streeter, Trevor Misson, Bob Callanan and Joe Haley. The 2025/26 racing calendar sees meetings programmed for October 25, November 22, December 27, January 25, February 14, March 14, April 3-4 and May 16.
SALE
AFTER A SUCCESSFUL year as president of the Rotary Club of Sale, Lisa Burgess, has handed over the reins to incoming president Colin Adams. The club continues to be in a healthy condition and hopeful of continuing its progress and increasing its membership over the next 12 months. This year’s Rotary International theme is “Unite for Good” and the club invites anyone interested in being part of an active community organisation that includes service, fun and fellowship to make contact.
UBER EATS IS now available locally. Food options include Burrito Bar, Pika Sushi, Viet Kitchen, Rainbow Chinese Restaurant, Raymond Cafe and Sale Curry House.
APPLICATIONS HAVE OPENED for the 2025 ANZ Seeds of Renewal program with offers grants of up to $15,000 to support not-for-profit and community groups across remote, rural and regional Australia. In its 23rd year, the program is a long-standing partnership between ANZ and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and is designed to ensure the ongoing prosperity of regional Australia, by helping to build vibrant, sustainable rural communities.
POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING a three-car collision in Sale on 9 July. It is understood a Kia Carnival collided with a Rav4 and Kia Cerato at the intersection of Cobains and Gibsons roads about 1.40pm. It’s understood the Kia Carnival was travelling along Cobians Road when it collided with the two other vehicles. The Kia Carnival flipped onto its roof and a number of occupants were trapped for a short time. Two rear seat passengers of the carnival were airlifted to hospital in a serious condition. The drivers and sole occupants of the other Rav4 and Kia Cerato were taken to hospital with minor injuries. The female driver of the Kia Carnival was taken to hospital and is expected to be interviewed in relation to the incident at a later date. Anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV or dashcam footage or anyone with information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
ON MONDAY, JULY 7, leading senior constable Kim Kell attended the NAIDOC week flag raising event in Sale during the NAIDOC Awards presentation, she was both surprised and humbled to hear Victoria Police and her name being called. Kell was presented with the award for Organisation of the Year, Victoria Police, Sale Police. FOOD ORGANICS AND Garden Organics (FOGO) bins will be rolled out in the Wellington Shire in the not too distant future. The new green-lidded bins and kitchen caddies set to roll out across the Shire in May and June 2026. Wellington’s new FOGO service will give households a simple way to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill by placing food scraps and garden clippings into a dedicated green-lidded bin. The material will be processed into compost at a specially built facility at Pinegro in Morwell, with construction expected to be completed by May 2026. The introduction of a third bin will mean changes to collection frequency, with FOGO (green lid) collected weekly, with Landfill (red lid) and Recycling (yellow lid) alternating fortnightly.
GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR STUDENT year 12 student Kiri Higgins recently represented Victoria in VETiS Hairdressing at the WorldSkills Australia National Championships in Brisbane. After earning her spot by competing in regional rounds through TAFE last year, Hibbins spent three intense days showcasing her skills at the national level, with outstanding results, awarded a Certificate of Excellence and placed a close fourth in all of Australia.
SARSFIELD
THE MONTHLY MEETING of the Sarsfield Brew Club last week at the Foundation Shed at the Recreation Reserve was again well attended. Highlights included making “beer in a bag” and hopping the juicy banger.
SEASPRAY
TOWN FOLK HAVE recently said no to offshore wind farms within 25 kilometres of shore. More than 120 people attended the Seaspray Ratepayers Association (SRA) meeting at the Surf Club and overwhelmingly passed a motion for the official formation of a subcommittee to represent the community’s interests with regards to offshore wind farms in the vicinity of Seaspray and the Honeysuckles. On behalf of the Seaspray community, the subcommittee, known as the Seaspray Windfarm Strategy Group (SWSG) supports renewable energy and offshore wind farms located more than 25 kilometre from shore. The SWSG does not support the proposed Blue Mackerel offshore wind project, which is slated for the waters 10 kilometre from Seaspray, directly in front of the Seaspray Surf Club. The SWSG believes the region bears all the risk for none of the benefit and it seeks to protect Seaspray’s visual amenity, environment and social license. As well as hearing from Dave Madden, Marty Jackson and Fiona Lawrence from the SWSG, the meeting also heard from Noeline Andrew, who is representing the SRO at the Gippsland Offshore Wind Community Assembly, Maree Howard from Better Transmissions Gippsland and Roger from ‘No Turbines Gippsland’. The proposed Blue Mackerel wind farm will include 70 turbines that are 300 metre high. For context the oil rigs also visible from Seaspray are located 20 kilometres from shore and are 30 metres high. The next meeting of the SRO will be held on Saturday, August 9 at 11am at the surf club.
YARRAM
THE VOICE THAT changed a nation Rosie Batty is coming to town, appearing at the Regent Theatre on Saturday 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.
SET OVER THREE incredible days, the Gippsland Writers Festival (August 1-3) is a celebration of story for all ages. Organisers believe that stories have the power to connect us, challenge perspectives and build a more inclusive and understanding world. Formerly known as StoryFest, the Gippsland Writers Festival continues to bring diverse lineups of storytellers to Yarram. With the support of local, State and Federal governments and arts agencies, the festival is growing every year and now encompasses three amazing days of literary activities, discussion panels and writing workshops. The Gumboot Collective is an arts-based not-for-profit organisation, entirely run by volunteers, which coordinates the Gippsland Writers Festival as well as the annual Chalk Art Festival and other arts events in and around Yarram. This year’s festival is a chance to celebrate the joy of reading and writing, and discover the power of words to transform lives.
