BAIRNSDALE
NAGLE COLLEGE CLASS of 1995 will hold its 30-year reunion on Saturday at the All Abilities Playground from 12-2pm, followed by a tour of the school between 2-3.30pm.
FORMER STUDENTS AND friends of Bairnsdale High School and Technical School from the 1950-60s era will meet for lunch at the Bairnsdale Bowls Club today.
THREE YEARS AGO, Victoria Police launched STOPIT to make it easier to report unwanted sexual and anti-social behaviour on public transport. Three years on, they have received over 5,700 notifications from people like you, leading to more than 60 arrests. This year alone, the number of notifications has increased. The information received has led to police uncovering a range of offences that may have gone undetected if not for the service. Your reports, no matter how small, are making a real difference and helping to keep the community safe. They can be the missing piece of information to help solve an investigation, returning power to victims and bystanders. A simple text is all it takes. Text “STOPIT” to 0499 455 455.
BOSWORTH DOG PARK is being upgraded and will soon be even better for our furry friends thanks to $100,000 funding from the Victorian Government’s New and Upgraded Dog Parks, Round Two Program. The proposed works will include drinking water for both dogs and their owners and activity zones with agility elements and space to run, play, and explore. There will be improved self-closing gates and accessible paths, along with a picnic shelter with seating for shade and weather protection. It will be beautified by new trees and ground cover planting to create a greener, cooler space. The construction work has been split into two sections, with the western half commencing first and once it is completed, it will be open to the public.The eastern half construction will start after the western half is finished, with the full park reopening once works are complete. Half of the park will always remain open during construction, so dogs can still enjoy some off-leash fun. Punters are advised not to enter the construction area while staff are onsite. Team members will happily toss a tennis ball or frisbee back to you. Trucks will also be accessing the site from the car park gate, so please stay alert and keep your pets safe. It’s hoped works will be finished by early October.
BAIRNSDALE PRODUCTION LINE Theatre Company recently held its annual meeting. The 2025/26 executive committee is Susan Gibson (president), Peter Martignoles (vice president), Elaine Cope (secretary) and Di Dixon (treasurer). General committee members are Jayne Baylis, David Cubley, Etienne Goessens, Will Hardy, Roy Rooney and Haylee Treasure.
DOG ATTACKS IN East Gippsland are rising. These incidents can seriously harm both people and pets. Everyone has the right to feel safe in our parks, beaches, and streets. The council advises that dog owners must act responsibly, keeping your dog secure at home, always using a leash in public and reporting attacks or aggressive dogs immediately. It’s not worth losing your dog, facing fines, or ending up in court just because your dog was off-leash or your fence wasn’t secure. The council investigates every report, enforce the laws, and educate the community on legislative requirements to ensure responsible pet ownership and public safety.
THE GROUNDING FORCE will be in action at the back of the Neighbourhood House on Saturday from 10.30am-12pm. The team will be gathering to prepare for spring, with lots of seedlings and trees to plant in the Community Garden. It’s a chance to come together for friendship and fun. Learn some new skills and ground yourself with the introductory meditation, followed by hands in the dirt – planting, weeding and watering.
CASES OF THE flu continue to increase in Gippsland. Immunisation and prevention are the best ways we can protect ourselves and our loved ones. Anyone over six months of age can be immunised against the flu and it is recommended being immunised if you work or live with those at risk of serious complications. You can even receive your flu vaccine at the same time as other vaccines including COVID-19.
BAIRNSDALE POLICE CONDUCTED random breath testing in Bairnsdale on the afternoon of August 21 in East Bairnsdale. Within a span of 10 minutes, Police detected two drivers who were driving over the legal limit of alcohol. A Bairnsdale man received an infringement notice for drink driving and a Bairnsdale woman will be summonsed to court for a combination offence of drink and drug driving. This is a timely reminder that Police can be anywhere at any time conducting both breath and drug tests.
LAST WEEK, EAST Gippsland Shire Council’s mayor Councillor John White, deputy mayor Councillor Buckley and Councillors Allen, Ashworth, Davis and Trevaskis met with Shadow Minister for Local Government, Bev McArthur MP, and Member for East Gippsland, Tim Bull MP to discuss key issues impacting East Gippsland. Topics included the emergency services and volunteer fund levy (ESVF), planning reform and housing supply, challenges with new waste legislation (including the cost and necessity of the proposed fourth glass bin), better engagement between State and Local Government on a range of matters affecting our communities, rating system reforms and the need for mandated financial returns for regions hosting renewable energy and extractive industries.
FATHER ROB MCCULLOCH recently came and spoke with Nagle College students about his extraordinary experiences while working at a Mission in Pakistan. Father McCulloch was awarded Pakistan’s highest civilian award for services to the country after his work there, as well as receiving awards for services to health and education.
THE BAIRNSDALE SECONDARY College will hold its Spring Concert on Thursday, September 4 from 7pm at Boucher Hall.
LAST WEEK THE Country Fire Authority (CFA) celebrated the remarkable careers of three highly respected CFA members from District 11, assistant chief fire officer Daryll Hunter, commander Glenn Harrap and vegetation management officer Chris Lewis as they transition into retirement. Family, friends, and colleagues gathered alongside chief executive officer Greg Leach and deputy chief officer Trevor Owen to recognise their extraordinary contributions. CFA presented CFA life membership medals, CFA plaques, certificate of service and a letter of appreciation signed by the CEO and CO. Hunter began his journey over 45 years ago as a volunteer with Springvale Fire Brigade, before becoming a career firefighter, rising through the ranks. Harrap dedicated over 40 years to CFA, starting as a volunteer with Clydebank Fire Brigade before becoming a career firefighter and progressing through the ranks. Lewis served more than 35 years, beginning as a volunteer with Lockwood South Fire Brigade before joining the career staff as a brigade administration support officer and progressing through various roles to become a key figure in vegetation management. Together, they brought 120 years of combined experience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. Their roles during the 2019–20 Black Summer Bushfires were especially significant, providing strength, empathy, and guidance during one of CFA District 11’s most challenging periods.
BOISDALE
THE MAFFRA AND District Car Club will hold the next of its highly successful junior development days on Sunday, September 21 from 9am. These events are designed to teach 12- to 17-year-olds Basic Car Control skills in a controlled environment. The drivers have an instructor with them at all times. Instructors and vehicles are supplied by the Maffra and District Car Club.
BUNDALAGUAH
THE LOCAL CRICKET club recently conducted a First Aid and CPR Training session, under the watchful eye of Margie’s Mobile Education. Members learned so much and had plenty of laughs along the way.
CANN RIVER
FIVE TIME GUINNESS World Record Holder, Nathan “Whippy” Griggs will be live at the Recreation Reserve on January 27 from 7-8pm. It’s a must-see show of whip cracking fun, stunts, Aussie banter, music and more.
CAPE CONRAN
PARKS VICTORIA AUTUMN camping bookings are now open, taking camping bookings for Parks Victoria’s bookable campgrounds up to March 1, 2026. The Victorian State Government has reduced camping fees to half-price at over 130 bookable campgrounds across the state for the next two years. This makes it even easier for Victorians to get out into the great outdoors. For stays up to June 30, including Labour Day, Easter holidays, ANZAC Day and King’s Birthday, bookings will open from 10am on September 1.
HEYFIELD
A THREATENED SPECIES Day will be held at Wetlands on Thursday, September 4 from 9am. An opportunity to discover how local actions are protecting local threatened species. There will be an interactive walk and a talk, as well as a community planting afternoon. It’s a free community event, with morning tea and lunch provided.
PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT in the region on the weekend with round four of the Australian Rally Championship, spectators taking the opportunity to witness roaring engines, flying gravel, and precision driving. The event presented a great spectacle as punters mingled with the participants post and pre-race.
LAKES ENTRANCE
KIM’S TAEKWONDO AND Hapkido East Gippsland will celebrate its 30-year reunion at the RSL on Saturday from 11am-2pm.
IGA IS COMING to town, taking over the Foodworks in Myer Street and rebranding to IGA.
LOCH SPORT
AUSNET HAS BEEN working to improve the energy network and power reliability across Gippsland. This month AusNet will be undertaking planned works and network upgrades throughout Loch Sport, Golden Beach, Paradise Beach, Dutson, Dutson Downs, Longford and Seacombe. To undertake this work safely AusNet will need to turn the power off from 8am to approximately 4pm on Saturday August 30, impacting around 3,000 customers. These works are essential to maintain a safe and reliable network. They will be replacing poles and powerlines and undertaking other general maintenance works. The works will also help with bushfire preparedness to protect the community ahead of summer. AusNet has planned a number of different maintenance activities during the same outage window. By undertaking multiple jobs at once there will be less planned outages overall, reducing the impact to customers.
MAFFRA
THE MAFFRA AND District Car Club will host a Trivia Night on Saturday from 6.30pm at the Maffra Memorial Hall.
SALE-MAFFRA AND District Kennel Club and the Macalister All Breeds Kennel and Obedience Club hosted the All Breeds Championship Dog Shows at the Maffra Recreation Reserve last week. The event featured over 100 different breeds of dogs, some devilishly cute, clever competitors, others actual fashion icons. There were plenty of ribbons and rosettes; but the event was also about connection, celebration and community spirit, as competitors chased the ultimate pinnacle, the “Best in Show Award”.
THE LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD House is offering up a four-hour Japanese cooking class on Wednesday, September 3 from 10am-2pm. A chance to discover how easy it is to create light, delicious, umami flavoured Japanese food in your own kitchen. You will work together to prepare a meal of traditional Japanese dishes, including slow cooked shiitake, O-hitashi (spinach rolled as for sushi), Nasu No Misoyaki (eggplant with miso and chicken), yakitori (grilled chicken and vegetable skewers), Japanese pickles and more. Not only will these dishes be enjoyed for lunch, they will also be used to assemble a bento box style meal for you to take home.
MALLACOOTA
WORK ON THE Bastion Point groyne wall has been completed. It’s now stronger, safer and ready to face the waves. The new groyne protects the coastline and makes access safer for boaters and emergency crews. It was delivered by Paul Volk Contracting with support from the Victorian Government through the Victorian Fisheries Authority 2022-23 Recreational Boating Structural Maintenance Program and the East Gippsland Shire Council.
METUNG
MAX YOUNG WAS made a life member of Metung Yacht Club at the recent annual general meeting.
MUNRO
PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT in town with the staging of the inaugural Ferret Racing championships over the weekend. Locals already looking at breeding a champion for next year’s event.
OMEO
VICTORY FOR LOCAL woolgrowers, Alan and Noelene Smith on winning the 2024/2025 Elders Southern Clip of the Year. Announced at the Sheepvention Rural Expo in Hamilton, the award recognises outstanding wool production, highlighting the dedication, resilience, and skill of the entire Smith family. Alan and Noelene’s winning clip, classed by their daughter Belinda, featured 18.2 micron wool with a 76 percent yield and 42 newtons in tensile strength, exemplifying the style, softness, and soundness sought after by premium buyers.
ORBOST
HAIR STUDIO 126 is now open from Monday-Friday (9am-5pm) and Saturday (9am-12pm). People are encouraged to walk in, with no appointments necessary.
FOREST RHYTHMS will hit the Orbost Forest Park on November 15 from 4-10pm. The event will bring together music, community, and the natural beauty of East Gippsland. Headlining the day is the captivating Flynn Gurry, whose raw talent and heartfelt storytelling will stir your spirit. Beloved locals Rach Bonnie and Douggie will take the stage with a moving blend of violin, vocals, and guitar, while DJ Abrasive brings the night to life with a high-energy mix of drum and bass, jungle, and UK Garage. This is a family-friendly event, where you’re invited to slow down, share a picnic, and enjoy local food and drink from some of the region’s finest vendors. Come early, stay late, and let the music carry you through the trees.
SOME EXCITING NEWS: The town’s taxi fleet has doubled to two.
PORT ALBERT
A LOCAL BUSINESS, Port Albert Motel, is a finalist in the 2025 Motel of the Year Award.
ROSEDALE
TWENTY ONE NOT-FOR PROFIT community organisations across Gippsland will share in more than $63,000 as part of the Federal Government’s 2024-25 Volunteer Grants Program. They will receive between $1,000 and $5,000 which will assist successful community organisations in supporting the efforts of their volunteers, enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and promoting awareness to increase participation in volunteering. Amongst the recipients are the Rosedale Community Care, Yallourn Yallourn North Football Netball Club, Toongabbie and District Pony Club, Tambo Bluff Landcare Coastcare, Paynesville Classic Boat Rally, Bairnsdale Scout Group, Devon North Men’s Shed, Maffra Municipal Band, and Boolarra Bowls Club. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester emphasised that funding through the Volunteer Grants Program not only assists community organisations but also serves as a recognition of the invaluable contributions of volunteers.
SALE
GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL is hosting a Father’s Day breakfast on Friday 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.
THE WELLINGTON SHIRE Council has formally adopted four key strategic plans that will guide the shire over the next four years. These include Council Plan 2025–29, Financial Plan, Asset Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan – Live Well in Wellington. These plans are a direct outcome of Future Wellington, the biggest community engagement project yet. With more than 1,900 contributions, the community’s ideas, concerns and aspirations are now locked in as the foundation for how they will invest, plan and deliver services. These plans will set the pace for the next four years and ensure that they are on track to achieve the long-term Community Vision 2041. The brand-new Future Wellington website is launching soon, it will bring these plans to life with an interactive dashboard, project updates, and new ways to stay connected and track progress.
VICGRID HAS RELEASED more details of the proposed renewable energy zones (REZs) in Gippsland as part of the long-term strategic plan for the development of Victoria’s REZs. The 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan sets out the transmission infrastructure that is needed to be built over the next 15 years to connect renewable energy to the main electricity grid. It includes a proposed Gippsland REZ between Sale and Morwell, and transmission lines in the south of Wellington Shire.
THE SALE HOCKEY Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary at the Laurels Function Centre from 6pm on Saturday, September 20.
SILLY SOLLY’S IS opening soon in Sale, in the building formerly occupied by Dimmey’s. The store will contain nothing over $5.
WOODSIDE
THE ANNUAL WOODSIDE Beach Surf Fishing Comp is back, bigger and better than ever on October 24-25. Competition categories include largest salmon, largest shark, best other species, drone fishing, kids and mystery weights.
YARRAM
PLANNING IS WELL underway for the 2026 Yarram Easter Tarra Festival, with the announcement last week of the 2026 theme, “Colours of the Community”. Building on the success of this year’s “Good Friday Cultivating Community” event and the Easter Saturday Parade, the Tarra Festival committee is planning a new event to be part of the 2026 program, a fun run around the magnificent Yarram Wetlands. Some 10,000 people enjoyed the Easter Tarra Festival and brought thousands of tourist dollars to Yarram and the surrounding area this year.
HVP PLANTATIONS RECENTLY announced that their nursery team has successfully supplied 10 million trees this year. These trees have been planted across Victoria throughout the 2025 winter season. Crews have been working hard to plant recently harvested sites to continue the plantation lifecycle and also new sites established through work with the Victorian Government on the Gippsland Plantations Investment Program (GPIP). This year brings the total number of GPIP trees planted to over 3.5 million, contributing to long-term timber supply for Victoria. These plantations will help provide timber for future homes, support regional employment, take carbon out of the atmosphere, and produce other renewable materials such as paper and packaging.
REGIONAL AUSTRALIA HAS lost a third of its bank branches since 2017. This has resulted in the Regional Banking Investment Alliance (RBIA) putting forward a levy proposal for essential bank branch services to be supported, with the Federal Government promising to consider the RBIA’s cost-sharing proposal. The proposal proposes a cost-sharing model in which major banks that withdraw from a regional town would have to contribute to supporting other local bank branches that remain.
