BAIRNSDALE
OCTOBER IS CYBER Security Awareness Month, a global initiative that helps everyone take simple steps to stay safe online. Here in Victoria, it’s a chance to build a stronger cyber safe culture across the community. Whether you are checking your banking, paying bills, or connecting with friends, a few quick actions can help make a big difference. Always Install software updates to keep your devices secure. Updates aren’t just about new features, they close the gaps that hackers use to get in. Turn on automatic updates in your settings to keep your phone, computer and apps always secure. Create a strong and unique passphrase for every account, It’s tempting to use the same password for multiple accounts, but if one account gets hacked, others could too. Try switching to a passphrase. A passphrase is four or more random words that are easy to remember but hard to guess, like Monkey River Guitar Sunset. The longer you make it, the better. Always set up a multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds another layer of security to your accounts. Combining a strong passphrase with proof it’s you, like a scan of your face or fingerprint, or a one-time code sent to your device, helps you stay safe online. Start by turning on MFA for your most important accounts, like your email and online banking. If you spot a scam, report it to Scamwatch. If money has been lost or a crime has been committed, report it to ReportCyber.
MORE THAN 5000 offences were detected by Victoria Police during Operation Scoreboard over the AFL Grand Final long weekend. The statewide road policing operation saw police targeting high-risk driving behaviour, with increased roadside alcohol and drug testing conducted over the four days. One in every 555 drivers who were breath tested were caught over the legal alcohol limit, with 192 drink driving offences detected from 106,519 preliminary breath tests. A further 138 drug driving offences were detected from 2775 roadside drug tests, a strike rate of one in every 20 drivers testing positive to drugs. Police also utilised automatic numberplate recognition technology to detect 375 drivers who are banned from being on the roads, either for being disqualified, suspended or unlicenced. The total 5088 offences detected during Operation Scoreboard included: 2179 speeding offences, 444 unregistered vehicles, 375 disqualified/suspended and unlicensed drivers, 234 disobey signs/signals, 192 drink driving offences, 146 mobile phone offences, 138 drug driving offences, 107 vehicle impoundments and 84 seatbelt offences.
ARUMA AND THE Gippsland community invite local Gippslanders to share their unique artistic flair, whether that’s a painting, sculpture or something else. They are hosting an exhibition to showcase the talent of local disabled artists and celebrate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPWD). This will be held from December 3-5 at the McGregor Park Hall in Trafalgar. The official opening will be on Wednesday, December 3, at 11am, with Mary Aldred MP in attendance as well as local community supporters and the Aruma team.
THE VICTORIA STATE Emergency Service (VICSES) is supporting local schools, workplaces and community groups to ShakeOut on October 16, a chance to register your earthquake drill and practice staying safe. The Great ShakeOut is a global earthquake readiness program that encourages millions of people worldwide to participate in earthquake drills at work, school, or home. As the control agency for earthquakes, VICSES is leading the initiative to promote these drills in Victoria. They encourage everyone to plan a ShakeOut, practising Drop, Cover and Hold On, which could save lives. If you feel the ground shaking, Drop to the ground, Cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, protecting your head and neck, while Hold On until the shaking stops. Geoscience Australia data suggests Victoria experiences six earthquakes above magnitude 3.0 every year and one earthquake above magnitude 5.0 every five years. In Victoria, 179 earthquakes above magnitude 3.0 have been recorded since 1994. On September 21, a magnitude 5.9 quake with epicentre in Woods Point in Northeast Victoria caused approximately $113 million in damage, including damage to shopfronts on Chapel Street in Melbourne. VICSES volunteers responded to over 100 calls for emergency assistance. Analysis from Geoscience Australia showed many people did not know, or did not take, the recommended actions during the earthquake, with only 3.1 per cent of people acting to Drop, Cover and Hold On. Organisations are encouraged to plan your drill today, register with VICSES, and encourage others to take part.
EXPLORING EAST GIPPSLAND is now easier than ever with the rollout of vibrant new visitor information signage across the region. These kiosks, highlight local attractions, provide easy-to-scan QR codes linking directly to the brand-new Visit East Gippsland website, while making discovering our beautiful region simple and accessible. The first kiosks are live in Paynesville, Raymond Island, Johnsonville, Howitt Park (Bairnsdale), Lakes Entrance, Lake Tyers Beach and Nowa Nowa, with more coming soon. Whether you are planning your next adventure or looking for hidden gems, these tools are here to help you explore East Gippsland.
IMPACT GRANT APPLICATIONS are now open with the East Gippsland Shire Council. If you have a project that will strengthen the community or support environmental sustainability, grants can be provided between $3001 and $20,000 to help bring local initiatives to life. Applications close at noon on Friday, October 31.
LOOKING FOR A good popular read? The five most popular books from East Gippsland libraries over the last month are The Unquiet Grave (Dervla McTiernan), Lyrebird (Jane Caro), Juice (Tim Winton), The Let Them Theory (Mel Robbins) and The Salt Path (Raynor Winn).
THE FIRST EVER Salty Spoopy Social Skate will take place at the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Friday, October 31 from 6.30-7.30pm. Run by Salty Beaches Roller Derby you can expect games, prizes, music, and activities for all ticket holders, skaters and non-skaters alike. You are encouraged to come in costume, bring your crew, and get ready for some Halloween mayhem on wheels. Skaters are required to bring their own skates, helmet, and safety gear, please note you must already know how to skate, this is not a training session. Expect family-friendly vibes, spoopy tunes, and salty silliness.
BOISDALE
WELLINGTON HIGHWAY PATROL on Friday, September 26, at approximately 2.36pm were conducting patrols as part of Operation Scoreboard when members observed a convoy of vehicles navigating an unstable road on a decline near town. One vehicle, a utility, had seven unrestrained persons including four children aged between three and seven years old who were standing and hanging over the utility’s tray. A 35-year-old Baxter woman will be summoned to the Sale Magistrates Court for serious offences including reckless conduct endangering life. The second vehicle, a utility, had three children aged between seven and 10 years old unrestrained in the back of a canopy. The driver, a Cranbourne East man, also blew almost twice over the legal limit. He too will be summoned to the Sale Magistrates’ Court for dangerous and drink driving offences. Wellington Highway Patrol are disgusted by the poor choices made by the adults putting the small children in danger.
EAGLE POINT
EAST GIPPSLAND CATCHMENT Management Authority will host a community event on Friday from 11am-7pm at the Eagle Point Foreshore Hub to celebrate the return of the migratory birds to the Gippsland Lakes. They are thrilled to be teaming up with local agencies, community groups and organisations to bring you a day full of fun, nature and activities. There will be boat tours, walk and talks, and a chance to chat with EGCMA staff about how they work with partners to protect East Gippsland’s landscapes, biodiversity and cultural heritage. There will be no charge for the boat tours or walks, first in best dressed. There are three boat tours departing at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, with walks starting at 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. The event will include live music and food vans.
HEYFIELD
ANOTHER INTAKE OF inductees were recently accepted into the National Timber Workers Hall of Fame. They included Alanna Diamond, Karl Krawczyk, Ron Heywood, Wally Farvis, Alan Higgins, Geoff Arthur, Stevenson Family, Bernie Wheeler, Graham Fraser and Kerry Bryer.
NIGHT TENNIS IS back on a Tuesday night at the local tennis club and proving popular with punters. The night begins with happy hour from 5.30-6.30pm, with matches from 6.30pm, with all abilities welcome to join the fun.
BLORES HILL WILL come alive on November 9 from 9.30am, with a community mountain bike skills day being held. Riders will be able to choose from three sessions, all with a qualified skills instructor. The sessions include juniors (eight-12 years old), Gnarly Gals (a session for women) and easy riders, which is open to riders who want to build on their existing skills. Riders must have a well maintained bike with front suspension, suitable tyres, working brakes and gears. Helmets must be worn.
THE LOCAL MARKET proved popular last Saturday at John Graves Memorial Park in Temple Street. Cakes, baked goods, Devonshire teas, barbecued food, books and clothes were among the most popular items.
KALIMNA
CARS, BIKES AND coffee will engulf the Kalimna Hotel this Saturday 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 this Saturday 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 (Ben Cawood), roving performances, a community footpath art project, local food stalls and giveaways.
LONGFORD
GIPPSLAND WATER HAS abandoned an idea to put a wind project on land it manages just paddocks away from the Longford gas generator, citing the reason as the financial side didn’t add up. Locals were canvassed for their thoughts in 2023 about putting wind turbines on the Dutson Downs, land it manages as part of the water treatment operations that is close to Golden Beach. But as wind developers and potential customers are finding, getting a wind project to come in on or under budget or provide a return is difficult.
MAFFRA
THE BERRY DAIRY on Mewburn Park Road have strawberries in their fields. This gorgeous weather has made them ripe for the picking and eating. They are open from Thursday-Monday from 9.30am-4pm.
LAST WEEK THE Wellington Shire Council street sweeper was unable to finish cleaning the central business district after being disrupted by a group of unruly young people. This was an unfortunate incident, with the council’s staff simply doing their job to keep the streets clean and safe for everyone the next day. While no one was harmed, it’s a reminder the actions of a few can affect many. People working at night or early in the morning, whether they’re sweeping streets, cleaning or making deliveries, deserve the space and respect to carry out their work safely. The incident has been reported to police so it’s on record, as is normal when staff safety is involved.
LOCAL GENERAL PRACTITIONER, Anthony Wright, recently retired after 50 years on the tools.
THE ICONIC MACALISTER Hotel building is again for sale, after being put back on the market for expressions of interest, with the previous plan by the current owners to turn it into a bar and tractor showroom abandoned. The hotel was last sold four years ago for $1.16 million.
LOCAL POLICE had received numerous reports from the public about a white Ford sedan doing burnouts in the area and driving erratically. At the time of the reports, police gathered a detailed description of the vehicle and the search for the vehicle began. Evidently, the driver of the vehicle decided to fuel up his vehicle across the street from the Maffra Police Station where police observed it while dealing with an unrelated matter. CCTV of the driver was collected and once his identity was confirmed, it was found that he was currently unlicensed. Police impounded the vehicle for a period of 30 days and at a cost of $950.
MARLO
THE LOCAL ANGLING Clubhouse will come alive on Saturday, November 1, when a 70s disco is held between 6-11pm. Get ready to groove the night away and wear your best disco outfit as there will be prizes for the best dressed. This free event is open to everyone and you’re welcome to BYO, with a gold coin donation to support DJ Deb greatly appreciated.
MUNRO
THERE WAS DISBELIEF from a local landowner with two Honda TRX 420 quad bikes, with dog racks on the back, stolen from the property last Friday night.
ORBOST
TALENTED LOCAL ARTIST Neil Findley will showcase his work for the first time at the prestigious ‘Sculptures in the Garden’ exhibition in Mudgee this month. Findlay’s striking piece, a large scorpion called ‘Nipper’, will feature among more than 260 works from 130 artists at what has become Australia’s most celebrated regional outdoor sculpture exhibition. A self-employed machinery repairer for 35 years, Findlay turned his hands to art in 2020, creating unique sculptures from worn-out equipment parts and recycled materials. His creative journey has already seen him win several awards, with pieces now on public display, such as ‘Larry the Lyrebird’, which towers in front of the Cann River Community Centre, and in private collections.
RAYMOND ISLAND
A MASSIVE TRAINING exercise will take place on the Island on Thursday, October 16. East Gippsland Shire Council, in collaboration with Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority, State Emergency Service, Ambulance Victoria, and the Paynesville Coast Guard, will conduct a planned multi-agency emergency management exercise. The exercise is expected to run from 10am until 3pm and will simulate a road crash rescue incident near the corner of Fourth Avenue and Fifth Parade during a ferry outage. It will involve the Sampson barge and council’s water taxi, Ugly Betty. This exercise is designed to test emergency responses and reassure the community that emergency services can access Raymond Island even if the main ferry is unavailable. The ferry will remain in operation and operate as normal to the timetable. Although the water taxi will be in use for the exercise, it will not carry general passengers during its participation in the exercise. It is anticipated that the exercise will have minimal impact on vehicle or pedestrian movements at Paynesville or Raymond Island. The public can watch the drill from a safe distance.
ROSEDALE
A PROPOSED SERVICE Station at the entry to town from the Sale end is attracting plenty of debate from local residents. The application is currently before Wellington Shire Council for a service station to be built on a two-lot subdivision on the corner of the Princes Highway (Lyons Street) and Nelson Street. Around 40 concerned residents attended a meeting at the site last week to discuss a course of action.
SALE
A COMMUNITY SAFETY Morning Tea will be held at the Centre Court, Gippsland Centre, this Thursday between 10am-12pm. The Wellington Proactive Unit will be taking part, with representatives from Ambulance Victoria, Royal Flying Doctors, Country Fire Authority and Victoria Police in attendance.
THE ICONIC ROYAL Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of Australia recently opened its new branch in town. In addition to non-emergency patient transport, volunteer-led community patient transport and other specialised patient services, RFDS also runs the Flying Doctor Memory Lane service a sort of “Make-a-Wish” program for people in palliative care. It can take people near the end of their lives to a special place, be it home, a family wedding or special event or just to a location that means a lot to someone.
THE COUNCIL’S MOSQUITO monitoring program is about to kick off. Over the next three weeks, mosquito monitors will be visiting known breeding sites across the shire. This work helps determine levels of larvae and whether any control measures are needed. From the first week of November, weekly mosquito trapping will begin. This important monitoring program checks which species are present and keeps an eye out for any mosquito-borne diseases. Residents and property owners should start cleaning up around their homes and properties now. Mosquitoes breed in still water, so tip out or cover items like buckets, pot saucers, pet bowls or anything else that can collect rainwater.
OKTOBERFEST 2025 AT the Star Hotel is on Saturday, October 25. The night will feature German-style beer, food, music and games.
STRADBROKE
LOCALLY BASED MARKETING strategist Kirstin Hams has been recognised on the national stage, taking home the 2025 Australian Marketing Institute Award for Excellence in Social Media Marketing. The award celebrates Ham’s innovative campaign, which leveraged education, transparency and community engagement to build trust in a challenging industry.
LOCAL WILDLIFE CARER, Our Haven Wildlife Shelter, has been given a major boost, winning Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) charity prize of “a million cents” ($10,000) to help care for injured and orphaned animals. The not-for-profit animal rescue, run by Theresa and Tony Matthews, was chosen as the recipient of the CDS Vic inaugural competition, which gave people the chance to win one of five $10,000 cash prizes simply by returning their eligible drink containers through scheme refund points.
STRATFORD
LOCAL ENDURANCE ATHLETE Chris Dixon is busily preparing for his next massive challenge. Set to run 300 kilometres in 36 hours around Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt in Sale, beginning on Friday, October 17 at 6am to raise funds for Free 3D Hands, a Gippsland-based charity making life-changing assistive devices for people with limb differences. Dixon’s passion on this occasion stems from a deeply personal place, his daughter, Gracie, was born with a limb deficiency, and Dixon is determined to support Free 3D Hands in their work on developing affordable, cutting-edge technology, such as bionic arms.
Dixon has set a goal to raise $50,000 through this community event, with more than 50 local runners joining him for parts of the journey.
SWIFTS CREEK
SATURDAY’S POETRY PICNIC in Poet’s Walk proved popular, with five poets/musicians from all over Gippsland in attendance including Russell heathcote and Liz Dorsett.
TINAMBA
THIS YEAR’S GIPPSLAND Beer Fest will be held at the local hotel on November 30 from 11am-4pm, featuring beer, cider, food and live music. The event will celebrate all things great about Gippsland Brewers all in one location for a special day. This is a perfect event for you and your friends or a Christmas party with your work colleagues. Buses will run from Sale (via Maffra), Traralgon (via Glengarry / Toongabbie / Cowwarr / Heyfield), Bairnsdale (via Stratford), Coongulla and Lake Glenmaggie.
WOODSIDE
THE LOCAL FOOTBALL Club recently awarded life membership to Alison Missen. She was presented with her life membership by friend and club secretary Jenny Foat. Missen has been a driving force behind the scenes for nearly two decades at the Wildcats, serving on the committee for most of the 18 years the club has participated in the North Gippsland Football Netball League. For 12 of those years, she has carried the demanding role of treasurer with diligence and reliability, ensuring the financial stability of our club. Alongside her husband Andrew, she also takes on the crucial role of football administration, handling player clearances, liaising with league officials, preparing compulsory payment estimates and budgets, and managing the never-ending match day paperwork. From entering teams on a Friday night, to quickly making changes when coaches are forced to reshuffle, Missen’s steady hand keeps everything running smoothly. Her tireless commitment, attention to detail and passion for our success have made an enormous contribution to where the reigning premiers are today.
YARRAM
THE LOCAL FOOTBALL Club was well represented at this year’s VACSAL Indigenous Carnival recently played in Cranbourne. Kylie Mitchell, Levi Munns, Marcus McMahon, Dylan Garnham, Boadie Motton, Brett Mitchell, Cody Harrison and Kayleb Pearce all proudly represented the Gippsland Eagles. The team made it through to the semi finals after winning five of their six preliminary matches. Motton was also awarded player of the carnival, with the team wearing the Yarram Football Netball Club Indigenous jumper in all matches.
