BAIRNSDALE
BATTERY DISPOSAL IS a topic that is rarely discussed, a small act that makes a big impact and helps prevent fires. When disposing of used batteries, you should tape the ends with clear sticky tape to stop them sparking. Store safely in an unsealed plastic or glass container (like a jam jar or ice cream tub), never metal and keep out of reach of kids and pets. Drop them off at a nearby battery recycling point as soon as you can.
THE BAIRNSDALE AQUATIC and Recreation Centre will hold adult swimming lessons on Tuesday during term three, they will run from 5.15-5.45pm (beginners learning the basics) and 5.45pm-6.15pm (confident swimmers wanting stroke correction and endurance training). Whether it’s your first time in the water or you want to build confidence, it’s an ideal entry point. Participants must be over at least 14 years of age.
LAST WEEK WAS International Lifeguard Appreciation Day, with the East Gippsland Shire giving a big shoutout to the incredible lifeguards who help keep the community safe at the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre, Lakes Entrance Aquadome, and the seasonal outdoor pools in Orbost and Bairnsdale. Whether it’s keeping watch over swimming lessons, managing emergencies, or just ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for all, the lifeguards are everyday heroes who deserve thanks.
THE EAST GIPPSLAND Symphonia recently put on a fabulous show at Broadlands View Bairnsdale. More than 25 talented musicians showed off their amazing musical ability, residents lapping up the afternoon of music, laughs and community spirit involvement.
FLOODING CREEK
More than 60 volunteers helped the Wellington Shire Council plant 1000 native trees and shrubs as part of the Flooding Creek habitat restoration project on National Tree Day. They also got some Billy Buttons in the ground as part of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria’s Raising Rarity project, which is helping protect vulnerable native species. This latest effort builds on years of work to restore Flooding Creek – improving wetlands, creating frog-friendly spaces and connecting this reserve to key biodiversity areas like the Thomson River and Sale Common.
The council-led project, supported by the Victorian Government’s Green Links program, will see more than 25,000 plants added, along with nest boxes, habitat logs and ongoing pest and weed control.
HEYFIELD
STUDENTS FROM BOTH St Michaels and Heyfield Primary School came together at Lake Glenmaggie last week to plant trees organised by Southern Rural Water, as part of their program to reduce carbon emissions. All students involved learned the importance of tree planting and linked it to the environmental value to support the creation of habitats for many species. More than 350 trees were planted.
LAKES ENTRANCE
ON BOTH JUNE 18 and 19 between 11pm and 5am a white Kia Carnival was seen travelling at speeds well over 100 kilometres an hour on the Princes Highway to and from Lakes Entrance while overtaking vehicles. This vehicle was also seen in and around the Bairnsdale area while travelling well over the speed limit, swerving in and out of lanes. Anyone with any dash cam footage to please contact Crime Stoppers or the Bairnsdale Police Station.
ON FRIDAY JULY 25, the local police received several reports of graffiti damage in the area from the previous night. The following day, the Lakes Entrance police identified and arrested a 27 year-old male who was interviewed and charged with 11 offences including criminal damage and mark graffiti. He was released on bail with strict conditions to appear at the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on a later date.
THREE FAST ELECTRIC vehicle (EV) charging stations will soon be installed in the council carpark at 12 Mechanics Street. Located right near shops and public toilets, this central site will make it easier than ever to top up your EV, especially during busy holiday periods and more enticing for tourists to stop, shop and stay. The new chargers include, two 180 kilowatt DC NRMA chargers (each with two CCS2 plugs) and a 50 kilowatt DC Council-owned charger (with CCS2 and CHAdeMO plugs).
LOCAL LEGEND, BRADLEY Lancaster was rewarded at the TAFE Gippsland Awards last week, picking up the Teacher/Trainer of the Year.
LOCH SPORT
FIRE CREWS FROM Longford, Sale, Stratford, Rosedale, Stradbroke and Golden Beach were called out to assist the local brigade control a blaze engulfing a house in Loch Sport last Thursday morning. The fire was caused by a portable camping cooktop being used in the kitchen to boil the kettle while the town’s power was out due to network upgrades. A man in his 80s luckily escaped without serious injuries. The fire started to spread to the house next door before fire fighters put the blaze out. Neighbour Mark Broomhall doused himself in water and used his garden hose powered by a generator to slow down the fire. It took the brigades, three and a half hours to fully extinguish the fire.
KILMANY
WELLINGTON HIGHWAY PATROL is investigating the circumstances around a single vehicle collision that occurred on the Princes Highway at Kilmany on the August 2 at approximately 5.50pm. It is alleged by the witnesses the possible vehicle involved, is a maroon coloured Holden Commodore sedan, that was observed driving erratically on the Princes Highway at Flynn and through the township of Rosedale leading up to the collision. If you witnessed the alleged erratic driving behaviour or have dashcam footage please contact Sale Police or Crimestoppers.
LUCKNOW
THE LAKESTERS SWAP Meet returns on August 31 from 8am-1pm at the Lucknow Recreation Reserve. The event will include a Show and Shine (Proceeds Melons Cottage), Swap Meet (car, truck and motorcycle part), Collectables, Mancave Items, Displays and Tools. Setup entry is from 7am.
MAFFRA
WELLINGTON CRIME INVESTIGATION Unit detectives are investigating a burglary in town on July 27. It is believed two unknown offenders entered a business on Johnson Street about 2am, stealing $815 in cash before fleeing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
AN UNDER UTILISED area in town, will soon transformed into a thriving, all-inclusive, accessible green space, thanks to funding from the Stronger Communities Program. The George Gray Centre (GGC) “Garden of Inclusion” is a community-driven initiative, designed to create an area where people with disabilities and the broader community can grow, harvest and share seeds, plants and gardening knowledge. The garden will include wheelchair-accessible garden beds, sensory-friendly plantings, shaded seating areas and educational signage in easy-to-read and braille formats. GGC will also arrange activities to accommodate people with varying abilities, providing therapeutic benefits, supporting mental health and well-being and encouraging skill-building and community engagement. GGC successfully secured $20,000 in funding through the Stronger Communities Program to undertake this initiative in partnership with other community organisations.
METUNG
AN AMPHIBIOUS PLANE entertained residents on the weekend, landing and taking off. An amphibian plane, or amphibious aircraft, is an aircraft that can take off and land on both solid ground and water. They are essentially seaplanes equipped with retractable landing gear, allowing them to operate from airfields as well as water. This dual capability provides greater flexibility and access to remote areas with water access or limited airfield infrastructure. The craft is currently based at Lakes Entrance airport, formerly owned by a current Metung resident and now owned by a prospective Metung resident.
OMEO
THE SECOND EDITION of the Farmers Dinner will be held on Wednesday, August 20 at 6.30pm at the Golden Age Hotel. The event invites farmers from the Omeo District and Tambo Valley to head along and meet new Victorian Farmers Federation chief executive officer Charle Thomas and his team. They are keen to hear from the farming community to better understand the current conditions, local challenges and how they can best assist and support the agriculture sector in the region. It’s a chance for farmers to come together, share a meal and connect in a relaxed, familiar setting. It’s more than a mental health event, it’s about strengthening community and quietly building support through local connection.
THE SOFTENING OF the upstairs face at the Omeo Recreation Reserve has been completed, with another successful project delivered. With the assistance of the Gippsland Community Foundation, who contributed $18,000 in funding for the $23,540 project to refurbish the mezzanine with carpet. The committee and user groups’ raised the additional funds at this year’s Omeo Rodeo by hosting a barbecue. The facility serves the Omeo Region Community and visitors, functioning as a sports venue, agricultural show and event venue, and is also the community’s designated Neighbourhood Safer Place and Relief Centre during emergencies, a place where people come together in good times and bad. The high-quality cushioned carpet improves acoustics and comfort, while renovations have created additional usable space in the building. Installing the carpet marks the completion of the internal works to the original part of the building, that started five years ago.
ORBOST
ALL ROADS WILL lead to the Orbost Community College on August 15, where from 9-10.30am the Amphitheatre Block “A” will come alive. The events for grandparents and friends of prep to year six will feature a musical performances from prep to year four students, the junior band, and include activities and morning tea.
PAYNESVILLE
THE LOCAL RSL has received a welcome funding boost through the Stronger Communities Program to exhibit important artefacts. Volunteers will receive $10,000 to install a secure display cabinet to showcase important war memorabilia, along with new shelving and outdoor furniture for members and visitors. These projects are the final stages, which will conclude the Paynesville RSL’s significant $452,000 redevelopment, with 90 per cent of the funding from the local community, in just three years. It enhances the space which is utilised by six other community groups each week and ensures that the upgraded RSL is fully equipped to serve both its members and the wider community. The finishing touches play an essential role in positioning the Paynesville RSL as a vibrant community hub, and ensuring it remains a place of remembrance, social connection, and community support for years.
THE SLIP ROAD Maritime Precinct is taking shape, with East Gippsland Shire Council confirming the next phase of construction to improve car parking and drainage at the site. The project was initiated in response to strong demand for additional berthing in Paynesville and across the picturesque Gippsland Lakes. Visitors to the precinct can already see progress underway, including a concrete panel seawall that now protects the foreshore and sets the footprint for the new facilities. At its most recent meeting, council approved a variation to the existing construction which enables the delivery of critical works, including the redesigned car park, kerb and channel, underground drainage, infrastructure, pathways and service connections. These upgrades follow extensive engineering advice and geotechnical investigations, ensuring the new infrastructure is built to withstand coastal conditions and reduce the impact of flooding. When complete, the precinct will include two new berthing jetties and one service jetty, providing safe, modern access for recreational and commercial users. Construction is expected to be complete by February 2026.
FRIENDS OF THE Paynesville Library recently hosted a beautiful morning tea and presentation of 2025 Short Story winners. First prize of $400 went to Sale’s Miriam Smith for her yarn, “The Binary Illness”, second prize of $200 went to Chris Burchett of Newington for his tale, “A Sphincter-clenching mishap”, whilst third prize of $100 went to Jan Wallis of Lakes Entrance for “Nellie’s Gift”.
SALE
WELLINGTON SHIRE IS searching for its next young artist, the Wellington Youth Art Prize 2025 awaits the winner, 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.
THE OPENING OF the inaugural Nakunbalook Art Show was a huge night, 50 people were first in line to see the incredible variety of art on display, all celebrating the Grandfather Gum Tree. Penny Carruthers won the best 2D work, Andrea Hall the best sculpture, while Gus Mott the best work under 25 years. From painting to sculpture and even gun powder, every piece tells its own story and together they create something really special.
AQUA ENERGY’S MAJOR upgrade is in the final stretch, with every detail designed to make the space more welcoming, accessible and inclusive for all ages and abilities. A brand-new Changing Places facility is on the way, purpose-built for people with high support needs and their carers. It includes a height-adjustable change table, ceiling hoist, privacy screen, wide automatic door and plenty of space to move safely and with dignity. For families, a new Change Village near the children’s pool offers six private change bays – perfect for parents with multiple children, prams or for those who need a bit more privacy. There will also be four accessible change rooms, a new ramp entry to the gym, zero-depth indoor splash area and sloped entry into all pools It’s all about creating a space that supports inclusion, health and connection for everyone in the community.
SALE POLICE OFFICER, Leading Senior Constable Kim Kell was the guest speaker at the recent Sale Business and Tourism Association (SBTA) breakfast. It was agreed at the meeting that a collaborative community approach is needed to deal with a concerning trend in anti-social behaviour. The event was an opportunity for police to provide tips on crime prevention and dealing with anti-social behaviour to local business owners, as well as hear their concerns. Police welcomed the opportunity to discuss community safety, with the clear message – when it comes to dealing with anti-social behaviour, “personal safety comes first”, just stay clear of them and ring 000 as police are required. Police also reiterated that people must ensuring property was locked and secured, because generally, as crimes of opportunity, if it’s open, it’s easy access.
SALE CINEMA WILL be hosting nine films from the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) between August 15 and 24. It will be the first time the independent cinema has been given the opportunity to take part in MIFF Regional. Films to be shown include But Also John Clarke, Deeper, DJ Ahmet, Journey Home: David Gulpilil, Pasa Faho, Seeds, Spreadsheet Champions, The Ballad of Wallis Island and The Golden Spurtle.
CATHOLIC COLLEGE SALE is excited to announce the introduction of a new subject, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics), starting in 2026. This new learning opportunity has been made possible in part by a generous Bright Future Grant from ExxonMobil Australia, supporting the purchase of robotics kits for student use. Students have already had the opportunity to explore the new equipment, enthusiastically assembling and experimenting with the robots. These robotics kits were also a popular feature at the 2025 Pathways Expo, where families and visitors enjoyed getting hands-on and interacting with the robots throughout the evening.The interactive robotics display offered the community a fun and engaging glimpse into the hands-on learning experiences that will shape the future of S.T.E.A.M education at the College. Families and students alike enjoyed exploring the technology and learning more about the subject’s innovative approach to developing future-ready skills.
SEASPRAY
The SEARCH CONTINUES for a light plane, with two people on board, reported missing after taking off from George Town airport on Saturday afternoon. The male pilot aged in his early 70s and his female passenger, aged in her 60s, both from northern Tasmania, were travelling to Central Western New South Wales, via Leongatha. Family members raised the alarm last night after they failed to arrive as expected to Hillston Airport in NSW. Tasmania Police helicopter and marine resources are conducting search activities near George Town and along Tasmania’s northern coastline. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority and Victoria Police are conducting searches over Bass Strait and also southern Victoria around Morwell and Leongatha.
STRATFORD
THE GIPPSLAND JERSEY Milkshake Shack will be closed until September 19, reopening for the school holidays.
STRADBROKE
LOCAL MARKETING STRATEGIST Kirstin Hams has been named as a finalist in two of Australia’s most prestigious awards for business and marketing. Hams is a finalist in the 2025 AMI Marketing Excellence Awards, Australia’s peak industry recognition for marketing professionals, run by the Australian Marketing Institute, these awards honour campaigns and strategies that have demonstrated outstanding creativity, innovation, and measurable impact across diverse sectors.
TAMBOON INLET
THIS SATURDAY THE Tamboon Inlet Cann Valley Landcare group will host a barbecue and chat, with a few small plants to share at the Fire Guard building from 11am.
YARRAM
EVER WONDERED WHAT happens when offshore oil and gas sites reach the end of their life? After more than 50 years of production, several oil and gas platforms in Bass Strait are being retired and the process to decommission them is now underway. ExxonMobil (Esso) Australia are holding a series of community information sessions to talk through the decommissioning plans and answer community questions. They will include sessions in Yarram (Yarram Country Club) on August 12 and Sale (Criterion Hotel), on August 13. Both sessions will run from 5-7pm.
YARRAM SECONDARY STUDENT, Ryan Telling recently won Junior Champion Bird at the Bendigo Poultry Show with a Blue Orpington standard pullet. Telling and his prized bird also won Champion Junior Softfeather.
