BAIRNSDALE
IT’S PLATYPUS MONTH, a chance to celebrate one of Australia’s most extraordinary and elusive animals, found in the rivers and creeks of East Gippsland. Platypuses are warm-blooded mammals that have fur and nurse their young, yet unlike other mammals, they lay eggs as part of the monotreme family. Adult males also carry venomous spurs on their hind legs, capable of delivering severe pain and swelling that can last for days. Although they breathe air and rest in dry burrows, platypuses feed only in water. They can stay submerged for up to 11 minutes by slowing their heart rate and remaining still, an adaptation that once helped them avoid hunters. Platypuses were targeted for their fur until 1912 when hunting was banned. Today, the species ranges from Queensland to Tasmania, with individual animals occupying stretches of river of up to two kilometres. A thriving platypus population is a strong sign of healthy waterways, rich aquatic habitats and a resilient ecosystem. Several platypus gathered in the same spot is called a paddle.
THE NEXT MEN’S barbecue in Howitt Park will be held on Sunday, September 14 from 10.30am-12.30pm. The event is provided by Mr Perfect, a community organisation connecting men across Australia over a relaxed free barbecue to chat about all things life. A chance for some conversation and listening, connecting with new mates.
BAIRNSDALE SECONDARY College will hold its spring concert on Thursday from 7pm at Boucher Hall.
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW open for the Long Tan Bursary. Named after the Battle of Long Tan, the bursary honours the bravery and sacrifice of Vietnam veterans and looks to support their families. The Long Tan Bursary provides descendants of Vietnam veterans with the opportunity to access up to $12,000 over three years to assist with the cost of tertiary education. Since its inception 25 years ago, more than 1000 children and grandchildren of Vietnam veterans have been supported while undertaking further education. They have pursued qualifications across a wide range of fields including commerce, law, medicine, teaching, and science. Applications close on October 21.
LAST WEEK WAS Speech Pathology Week, paying tribute to the wonderful professionals who go far beyond speech; supporting communication, voice and swallowing needs, from helping clients with Parkinson’s Disease through voice therapy to managing complex swallowing disorders. Interestingly the average person speaks around 16,000 words a day and swallowing involves more than 30 muscles.
NAGLE COLLEGE’S LITURGICAL Music Group was lucky enough to have a workshop with Father Rob Galea recently. Fr Galea is an ordained Catholic Priest and is currently serving in the Sandhurst diocese of Victoria after moving to Australia from Malta, his home country. He is the founder and executive director of ICON Ministry, a charity organisation that ministers to over 2,000,000 people each year across the world. Fr Galea is an internationally acclaimed author, singer and songwriter with eight album releases and a debut book recently released. Following the workshop, Fr Galea led the school in a brief assembly, speaking about his life, his relationship with Jesus and sharing his music.
EMPOWHER EAST GIPPSLAND will host a free event, “Empowered Women at Work: Your rights, your voice”, this Thursday night from 6.30pm at the The Hub (27 Dalmahoy Street). It will be an evening focused on empowering working women in East Gippsland through knowledge, community and support. Whether you are employed, self-employed, running a small business, managing a team, navigating workplace challenges, curious about your rights or just want to connect with like-minded women, this event is for you. The session will explore workplace rights and entitlements, how to navigate employment issues and advocacy and support services available to women in the region.
BAIRNSDALE PRODUCTION LINE Theatre Company will host a trivia night at the Bairnsdale Bowls Club this Friday night from 7pm. It will be a night of night of fun, facts and friendly competition for teams of six to eight trivia buffs.
SUNDAY WAS INTERNATIONAL Overdose Awareness Day, a global event to raise awareness about the impact of overdose and reduce the stigma around drug-related deaths. It’s a reminder of the importance of education, support services and community action in preventing overdose and saving lives. The East Gippsland Shire Council is committed to supporting initiatives that improve community health and wellbeing. Together, we can increase understanding and connect people to the help they need.
AUTHOR STEPHEN WHITESIDE will be at the Bairnsdale Library on Wednesday, September 10 from 4-5pm to promote the remarkable story of Pearl Bradshaw and her husband, Jim, who managed the Hotham Heights Chalet at Mt Hotham for nine winters from 1937 to 1945. Their story spans the 1939 bushfires, which destroyed the Chalet and burnt almost two million hectares across Victoria, as well as the challenges of the Second World War. Drawing on interviews with Pearl and historic photographs, Whiteside brings to life more than 40 anecdotes that reveal her extraordinary experiences in the Victorian ski fields.
ARI FLEMING FROM Jeremy Fleming Jewellers has won an award at the Showcase Jewellers Group Awards for an an exquisite sapphire and diamond ring.
THE END OF an era last week at the Bairnsdale Medical Group, with after 20 years at the helm, Piero Baglioni has decided to retire. The past two decades have brought many challenges and changes to the medical world, including many technological advances and a global pandemic, but Baglioni has skillfully guided the team through.
LAST MONDAY WAS a special day at the Riding for the Disabled (RDA) Bairnsdale. It was a year since Julie Coster died and they remembered her with a Pink Day. Pink was Julie’s colour and not only were the volunteers wearing pink but the horses and ponies as well – a fitting tribute to a much-loved and much-missed friend who did so much for RDA, bringing horses along for the riders, mounting the riders at the ramp, being on the committee for 10 years and president for the past three.
BENAMBRA
A FABULOUS NIGHT was held recently for the “Released from the Wild” family event, which celebrated community, creative visual arts and the beautiful waterways and landscape. The fantastic project is led by Parallel Wilds and funded by North East CMA and supported locally by the Benambra Neighbourhood House. Earlier in the day the team filmed local iconic spots and identities, creating a unique and emotive experience like no other. The official launch of the footage and photos will be in may 2026.
COWWARR
THIS YEAR’S GIPPSLAND Rally saw around 8000 spectators across three days, an incredible turnout that topped last year. With 250 volunteers, 48 rally teams and crews and the return of night rallying to Victoria for the first time in more than a decade, the atmosphere was electric. Hundreds gathered at Cowwarr for the night stages, creating one of the weekend’s standout moments. New Zealand’s Hayden Paddon and John Kennard claimed top honours, followed by Harry Bates and Coral Taylor in second, with Lewis Bates and Anthony McLoughlin in third.
GOON NURE
THE EAST GIPPSLAND Field Days are running a second event in 2025. The Father’s Day event labelled ‘Blokes Day Out’ will be held this Sunday from 10am-4pm at the Bairnsdale Aerodrome. The event will feature live music, food, breweries and distilleries, stalls, workshops, car displays and fun games.
HEYFIELD
A THREATENED SPECIES Day will be held at the Wetlands this Thursday from 9am. It is 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.
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Resource Centre are currently helping people apply for the fifth round of the Power Saving bonuses. Eligible concession card holders can apply for the $100 bonus now. Appointments are available on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. You will need to bring a copy of your residential electricity bill, concession card (pension, health care, veterans affairs) and a secondary ID such as Medicare card or drivers licence.
IGUANA CREEK
BUSHWALKING VICTORIA AND the Ben Cruachan Walking Club will host a walk to the Den Of Nargun on Saturday, September 13 from 9am-2pm. This walk features the Den of Nargun, Woolshed Creek and a small detour to another culturally significant site, Dead Cock Den, and then the Bluff Lookout, with views of the Mitchell River Gorge. There are deep green pockets of warm temperate rainforest on the journey to this very significant Aboriginal site. This walk is part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail and has cultural importance to the Gunaikurnai people, especially the women. After the walk the group will go the Echo Bend campsite for a cuppa or ice cream. On June 27, 1965, a group of like-minded bushwalking field naturalists, predominantly from Heyfield, Maffra and Sale, hiked to the summit of Ben Cruachan, an 836 metre mountain to the northwest of Maffra. There the Ben Cruachan Walking Club was founded. Today, it has grown to a group of around 140 members, mainly from Central and East Gippsland, ranging in ages from young to the young at heart at 80 plus.
KALIMNA
CARS, BIKES AND coffee will engulf to the Kalimna Hotel on Saturday, October 11, from 10am. It’s hoped the inaugural event, will see people bring out their pride and joy, whether it’s two wheels, four wheels, shiny chrome or vintage muscle. There will be live music all afternoon featuring the incredible Lyle McLoughlin and Mike Elrington.
LAKES ENTRANCE
GIPPSLAND LAKES COMPLETE Health will host its 50th birthday celebration on October 11 from 11am-3pm at 18-26 Jemmeson Street. From humble beginnings in 1975 to now, they have grown, adapted and cared for the community every step of the way. The free, family-friendly celebration, will feature live music, roving performances, a community footpath art project, local food stalls, and giveaways.
THE RIVIERA CC is proud to present a 2025 Father’s Day celebration this Sunday from 5pm to honour the incredible fathers and every man who’s stepped into that role with love and heart. The event will begin with a service, followed by a light supper, photo booth, a gift for every man and giveaways.
THE OLD BEACHED Cruiser on the North Arm was extracted last week under the direction of Gippsland Ports. The Cruiser was deemed an environmental hazard and has been removed. Gippsland Ports have issued a notice of intent to dispose of vessel, unable to contact or locate the owner of this vessel. If the owner of the vessel fails to contact Gippsland Ports within 14 days, the process for disposal of the vessel will start. All associated costs including court and legal expenses will be recovered from the owner or by sale or scrapping of the vessel.
A SPRING CONCERT will be held at the Mechanics hall on Sunday, September 14 from 2pm, featuring the Metung Singers, JP and the Sweet notes. It will be a fabulous program of choral harmonies, vocal solos and instrumental music.
LICOLA
THE LICOLA CARAVAN PARK and General Store, which has been in the news constantly over the past six months with the Licola Wilderness Village board of directors not renewing their lease, was a recent finalist in two categories at the Caravan and Residential Parks Victoria 2025 Awards. Their efforts have seen them short-listed in the Workplace Excellence Award and David Pratt Unsung Hero Award.
MAFFRA
ORGANISATION IS WELL underway for the 2025 Maffra Christmas Festival. To be held on Wednesday, December 17 from 5.30pm, it will be a night filled with festive cheer, fun entertainment and good vibes. There will be Christmas market stalls with local products, delicious food trucks, kids rides and festive fun, roaming performers and live entertainment. It’s a great opportunity for the whole family, catch up with friends and celebrate the spirit of Christmas with your community.
NOWA NOWA
EXCITING NEWS FOR the Nowa Nowa Recreation Reserve. In the past week the arena has received a fantastic upgrade, including a brand new arena fence with thanks to the Nowa Nowa Recreation Reserve, Lakes Entrance Adult Riding Club and Nowa Nowa Pony Club, who generously contributing funds to make this happen.
PAYNESVILLE
EASY ACCESS TO pads and tampons is now available, as part of the Victorian Government’s Free Pads and Tampons program. Free vending machines are now available at the Paynesville and Bairnsdale libraries with Mallacoota, Omeo, Lakes Entrance and Orbost libraries coming on board soon.
ORBOST
HIGHLY RESPECTED GLOBAL soil health educator Joel Williams will be in the region later this week for hands-on practical sessions to help boost productivity through better soil biology, plant nutrition and regenerative farming practices. He will begin at the Orbost Football Netball Club (Friday, September 5, 10am-2pm), where the focus will be on plant health and unlocking plant health through nutrition. At the Wairewa Hall (Monday, September 8, 9am-2pm), the topic of conversation will be biofertilisers and biostimulants. Later in the day he will visit the Gippsland Agriculture Centre (6-9pm), where the sessions will centre around the pros and cons of fresh poultry litter. All sessions are free with a meal provided.
ROSEDALE
VOLUNTEERS AT THE Rosedale Community Care have received a welcome boost to strengthen their efforts, enhance volunteer involvement and provide greater support to local families doing it tough through the organisation’s vital Foodbank program. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has delivered a $1600 grant through the 2024/25 Volunteer Grants Program to support Rosedale Community Care in attracting and engaging more volunteers and strengthening its capacity to help local families in need. Rosedale Community Care is a local charity dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need, providing food to anyone seeking assistance and connecting people with additional services and support networks. Rosedale Community Care is one of 21 not-for-profit community organisations across Gippsland to share in more than $63,000 as part of the Federal Government’s 2024/2025 Volunteer Grants Program.
SALE
LOCAL RESIDENT MARGARET Rutherford has turned 101. Rutherford was born on August 26, 1924, in London. The mother of two moved to South Australia in 1969, where she spent most of her life before relocating to Sale with her daughter Rona. Although Rutherford now enjoys a quiet lifestyle at Wattleglen, she hasn’t always lived this way, she embraced adventure, partaking in exhilarating experiences from hot air ballooning and hand gliding, to riding Harley Davidsons and travelling the world.
POLICE WILL PREPARE a report for the coroner following a fatal crash which occurred in Reeve Street last Wednesday afternoon where a car crashed into a tree around 3.40pm. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle died at the scene. The circumstances of the crash are yet to be determined and an investigation remains ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or any information which could assist police has been asked to phone Crime Stoppers.
GUTHRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL students are currently preparing for the Victorian State Schools Spectacular (VSSS) to be held at John Cain Arena on Saturday, September 13, with shows at 1pm and 6.30pm. Guthridge is one of 200 schools across state which will be represented at annual event with students having been working hard learning 14 songs since March in preparation.
LOCAL BUSINESS TEQUA Plumbing and Civil was among the winners at the Gippsland Business Awards, winning the Trades and Technical Services category and the overall business of the year.
The family-owned business started 50 years ago as Smolenaars Plumbing. Tequa has a great reputation for hiring local apprentices and giving back to the community.
ST THOMAS’ PRIMARY School, which is currently on Guthridge Parade, will relocate to the site of the Our Lady of Sion Convent, hopefully prior to the commencement of the 2027 school year. The school will be renamed Our Lady of Sion Catholic Primary School.
TOORLOO ARM
TO SAFEGUARD VOLUNTEER safety and maintain community service provision, the Country Fire Authority (CFA) necessitates weekly training sessions for its volunteers. These sessions encompass various skills, including mandatory skills maintenance, which are chief officer requirements that must be completed annually.
One such requirement is an entrapment drill, which teaches life-saving procedures in situations where firefighters are trapped and threatened by fire. This involves seeking refuge in the vehicle’s cab and activating the crew protection system, including fire-rated curtains that protect against radiant heat exceeding 500 degrees celsius outside. Last week, the Toorloo Fire Brigade completed mandatory skills maintenance training, putting all crew members through the training, which includes rotating through both tankers. Radio procedure is also a crucial aspect of this training. Mallacoota and Cann Valley brigades last week joined for a pre season entrapment drill ready for the upcoming fire season.
YARRAM
THE STRZELECKI KOALA Drone Survey kicked off recently with Field Master Systems local bodies helping understand koala numbers in Yarram and surrounds. It’s hoped the work will help to realise a Strzelecki Koala Conservation/Research Centre and Animal Hospital in Yarram.
YARRAM DISTRICT HEALTH Service is rolling out the red carpet for our their first Gala Ball on Saturday, October 18. It will be a night of elegance, entertainment and heartfelt giving at the stunning Regent Theatre, all while supporting a good cause, the palliative care room upgrades. The black tie glamour evening will feature music, entertainment and auctions.
