AIRLY
A LOCAL RESIDENT arrived home one afternoon last week and caught two men in a white Nissan ute on his property in the shed. When approached the vehicle sped off, leaving the property. Police attended soon after and identified the ute is a stolen vehicle. Remember to lock your cars, house, sheds and machinery where possible.
BAIRNSDALE
THE GIPPSLAND BRANCH of the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) are holding a birthday party to celebrate 80 years of the CBCA. Families are invited to come along and join the fun with local authors and illustrators, Storytime, circus fun, dress up parade, competitions, cake and more from 10am-12.30pm on Tuesday, September 23 at Schoolworks (147 Macleod Street).
LOCAL HIGHWAY PATROL on Thursday, September 4, at approximately 4pm, intercepted a grey Ford Territory bearing Victorian registration plates in Bairnsdale. The 46-year-old driver, who was disqualified and unlicensed, was found behind the wheel. As a result the vehicle has been impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1650. The driver will be summoned to appear in court at a later date.
AMBULANCE VICTORIA’S THIRD group of new recruits for 2025/26 are about to hit the road, but first they are fine-tuning their driving skills. Having completed their university degree, all new graduates start at Ambulance Victoria will complete a comprehensive four-week induction and training program before working alongside experienced paramedics. During their induction, they learn vital skills such as safely moving and loading patients to prevent injuries and safely driving ambulance vehicles. For many, this will be their first time driving an ambulance and a big step up from their first car. Ambulance Victoria’s team of expert trainers teach the graduates how to safely operate and drive an ambulance whether in a city street or open road and the art of high-level manoeuvring, parking, perceiving driving hazards and navigating and managing traffic.
NAGLE COLLEGE DEPUTY principal, Gabe Costin, has been awarded the Fellowship of the Victorian Catholic Secondary Schools Deputy Principals’ Association. The award is one of the more prestigious in Catholic education, with the recipient someone who shows outstanding leadership, is supportive of fellow workers and continues to make a meaningful contribution to to the school.
PAST STUDENTS OF Bairnsdale High and Technical Schools of the years 1950-1960 are reminded of their monthly lunch to be held at the Bairnsdale Bowls Club on Wednesday, September 24. All students and friends are welcome.
LAST SATURDAY WAS ‘World Sepsis Day”. Unfortunately every 2.8 seconds, someone dies of sepsis, a life-threatening reaction to infection. Bairnsdale Regional Health Service is raising awareness because early recognition saves lives. These include fever or chills, confusion or drowsiness, fast breathing or heart rate, extreme pain, pale or sweaty skin and low urine output. Sepsis can start from something as simple as a cut or urinary tract infection. It’s a medical emergency, seek help fast.
IT’S BIODIVERSITY MONTH and the East Gippsland Shire Council is shining the spotlight on the white-bellied sea eagle. As Australia’s second-largest raptor, these birds have wings spanning up to two metres and a distinctive, loud goose-like honking call. You can spot them along coastal areas and inland rivers, perching high in trees or soaring over waterways and adjacent land. They mostly eat aquatic animals and sometimes devour birds, mammals and carrion (dead prey). Their nests are made of large sticks and are found high up in trees. Birdlife Australia is seeking volunteers to help monitor these majestic birds in East Gippsland and track their progress over the breeding season (May to October).
BOISDALE
THE MAFFRA AND District Car Club will hold the next of its highly successful junior development days this Sunday 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.
GLENGARRY
THE PARMA OF the week is proving popular at the local hotel. Last week’s feature was the Big Mek. It was bold and had everything you never knew you needed on a schnitzel. Beef or chicken schnitzel, topped with burger sauce, crispy bacon, melted mozzarella cheese, and a golden hash brown.
HEYFIELD
AN INNOVATIVE TURBINE water pump has been stolen from a property close to town. The pump, a local invention, was being assessed by Southern Rural Water and potentially Melbourne Water for potential use in pumped hydro projects and renewable energy programs. Heyfield police confirmed the theft on a property between Heyfield and Cowwarr and with the need for information on the disappearance.
HOLEY PLAINS
A COMPANY FROM Lilydale has been fined $9880 for dumping cypress pine mulch and tree roots in a state park near Sale. EPA Victoria fined TLC Trees Pty Ltd for the unlawful deposit of waste of more than 1000 litres at a place that was not licensed to accept it. On June 26, EPA officers acting on a tipoff found approximately 16 cubic metres of illegally dumped mulch and numerous cypress root balls in Holey Plains State Park. The park is a 10,000-hectare reserve for native flora and fauna. They found eight more piles of approximately 48 cubic metres of mulch and other root balls on neighbouring land outside the park. They soon discovered that a nearby property had recently undertaken clean up works, removing cypress pine trees from along a fence, at least 15 root balls were missing from the fence line and there was no evidence of debris from the clearing of the trees. EPA officers were able to trace the work back to the Lilydale company. The EPA has issued a Waste Abatement Notice to TLC Trees Pty Ltd, requiring the company to remove the waste mulch from the multiple locations, take it to a lawful place for disposal and provide documents to prove the job has been done. Under the Environment Protection Act 2017 and the Infringements Act 2006, the company has the right to have the infringement notice reviewed or be considered by a court. Members of the public can report pollution by calling EPA’s 24-hour hotline.
LUCKNOW
THE LAKESTERS SWAP Meet returns this Sunday 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 parts), collectables, mancave items, displays and tools. Set up entry is from 7am.
MALLACOOTA
IN THE COMING weeks, council will be replacing 240 litre red-lid general waste bins with 120 litre bins in Cann River, Mallacoota, Marlo, Newmerella, Nowa Nowa and Orbost. This change affects only households that currently have a 240 litre bin. The 240 litre bin was previously provided free of charge by application, but residents with this larger bin have been paying the same waste service fee as those with a 120L bin since the initial roll-out in 2021. With the State Government charging Council a landfill levy based on volume, this move creates a fairer, more consistent service and encourages waste reduction. Punters can apply for an additional 120 litre general waste bin for $245 per year, added to your rates. If you have a medical condition that creates extra waste, a second bin may be provided free of charge. A letter from your medical provider is required if one isn’t already on file.
MOUNT HOTHAM
POLICE RECENTLY CONDUCTED radar duties near Wire Plain carpark and the toboggan area. While there they observed a silver Subaru travelling at a fast rate of speed in the 40 kilometre per hour area. The driver was detected driving at 106 kilometres per hour, resulting in an immediate licence loss of 12 months and $1018 fine was issued.
NICHOLSON
THE GOVERNMENT WORKING with the council has made some important changes to the speed limits across the shire to improve road safety. These changes follow the standard speed limit review process, including community consultation, and have been strongly supported by local residents. These include Stephenson Road – Nicholson (now 80), Wattle Point Road – Wattle Point (now 60), Cunningham Road – Swan Reach (now 80), Hodges Estate Road – Ellaswood (now 80), and Clifton West Road, Wy Yung (soon to be 80). These updates reflect ongoing development and community requests for safer speeds.
NOWA NOWA
THE NEW POOL table at Mingling Waters is proving popular with patrons.
OMEO
THE LOCAL MOUNTAIN Bike Trails are nearly complete and they are shaping up to be a must-visit these school holidays. Soon there will be more than 100 kilometres of trails winding through the Omeo hills, with something for every rider, from family loops and cross country to big-air gravity runs and adventure trails. It’s been a huge effort from the crew, and they are almost there.
RAYMOND ISLAND
THE FERRY WILL be out of service from Monday, November 10 to Sunday, December 7, for slipping and major maintenance. This year’s works will include full external blasting and repainting of the ferry’s superstructure, essential works that have not been done in years. The works have been delayed slightly to avoid the Melbourne Cup long weekend. While the ferry is out of service, the following arrangements will be in place: a community volunteer bus will operate between the island and the water taxi landing, as well as a vehicle barge will be on standby for emergency use only, with limited private use may be available in line with the Ferry Service Charter. Emergency services will always take priority.
ROSEDALE
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR Gippsland Darren Chester has delivered a $3000 grant to the Rosedale and District Historical Society to replace the group’s old gas heaters with a more eco-friendly split system, making the venue safer, more attractive, and user-friendly for volunteer members and visitors alike. The funding was provided through the 2024-2025 Volunteer Grants Program, which supports the vital work of local volunteers. The Rosedale and District Historical Society plays an important role in the community by protecting local heritage and providing a place for people to connect with their past. The grant will help create a safer and more comfortable environment for the volunteers who give so much of their time, as well as the visitors who come to learn about the district’s rich history.
SALE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1 IS “National Coffee with a Cop” Day, which provides an opportunity for community members to connect with local police officers over coffee. The day is an initiative that aims to foster positive relationships between local police and the local community. The Coffee with a Cop initiative began in 2011 in Hawthorne, California, and has since grown to be celebrated in all 50 states and several countries around the world. Wellington Police will be holding their “National Coffee with a Cop” event at Muffin Break Cafe, Gippsland Centre, between 10-11am.
THE SALE HOCKEY Club will celebrate its 60th anniversary at the Laurels Function Centre from 6pm this Saturday.
LAST THURSDAY AT approximately 4PM at the intersection of York and Cunningham Street, it is alleged the victim was stationary at the traffic lights in his blue Mazda 2 sedan. Three unknown males have approached his vehicle and begun hitting the vehicle with their fists. The males are described as riding e-bikes, one being a yellow colour. If you witnessed this incident or have any dash cam footage or any other information, please contact the Sale Police or Crime Stoppers.
SHIRE MAYOR, COUNCILLOR Scott Rossetti officially opened 60 Years at Gippsland Art Gallery last week, celebrating six decades of artistic excellence, community support and cultural leadership. The exhibition charts the gallery’s journey with four showcases: Fragile Earth, Soft Subversions, Spirit of Place, and the Borun and Tuk Collection. The launch also featured the announcement of the 2025 Wellington Youth Art Prize winners, highlighting the bright future of local creativity. This Spring Season also welcomes the return of The Art of Annemieke Mein, with new works on display.
GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL was recently represented by five students from years seven and eight at the the Japanese Language Teachers’ Association of Victoria Junior Speech Contest at the Hawthorn Town Hall recently. Year eight students Emma and Dinuli finished third in the pairs in which they competed against 14 other pairs in that junior category.
CATHOLIC COLLEGE SALE achieved some great results at the recent Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod, with victories in Primary/Secondary Vocal Group, Male Vocals Crew and Open Vocal Group sections.
STRATFORD
THE AVON ANGLICAN Family Fun Fair will be held again on Saturday, October 4, from 10am-2pm in the Holy Trinity Church precinct. Organisers hoping this year’s event, will be bigger and better than ever. Entry and all children’s activities will be free, with everyone welcome.
TRARALGON
SUNDAY SAW V/LINE introduce an extra 87 new services to the Traralgon Line timetable, giving passengers more travel options to visit family and friends and attend events across the region and in Melbourne. The additional services follow the completion of the Gippsland Line upgrade and will see trains running approximately every 40 minutes during the day.
YARRAM
VICTORIAN FISHERIES AUTHORITY is investigating the death of a platypus that was discovered dead in an enclosed, box-shaped crab pot in the Tarra River on September 3. Anglers are being reminded to dispose of illegal opera house nets and other enclosed traps. Opera house nets for yabbying and fishing were banned in Victoria in 2019, and other enclosed traps like crab pots are also illegal in the state.
THE LOCAL SECONDARY School has
been named as a finalist in the Australia-wide Kitchen Garden Foundation Competition in the “Beyond the School Gate” category. Founded in 2004 by renowned author and chef Stephanie Alexander AO, the Kitchen Garden Foundation helps young people develop an appreciation for fresh, seasonal food. Yarram Secondary College stood out among more than 500 entries across Australia, with the other two category finalists being a primary school in WA and a kindergarten in South Australia. This is a fantastic achievement and a credit to Bec Brennan, who champions the program, and to the enthusiastic students who bring it to life.
