BAIRNSDALE
PAST STUDENTS of Bairnsdale High and Technical Schools will meet for their monthly lunch at the Bairnsdale Bowls Club on Wednesday, October 29. Students and friends are most welcome. The topic of conversation will feature teachers of the 1950-1975 era.
PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT with Anaconda set to open in town at 660 Main Street on Saturday, November 1. The outdoor adventure store is set to celebrate with one epic grand opening weekend. There will be a massive grand opening sale, coffee van, face painting, barbecue, giveaways and prizes, with the first 150 customers scoring a $20 gift card.
THIS YEAR’S VICTORIAN fire season is set to officially begin with fire restrictions commencing in parts of the state this month. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has declared the first Fire Danger Period (FDP) for the 2025-26 fire season, commencing at 1am on Monday, October 27 for the following municipalities in the northwest and southeast of the state, Mildura Rural City Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council, Wellington Shire Council, East Gippsland Shire Council and Latrobe City Shire Council. Victorians can expect a hotter and drier summer and communities should be preparing their properties and creating a Bushfire Plan. The CFA will be introducing further FDPs for Victorian municipalities in the coming weeks and months based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and local conditions. With most of Victoria experiencing low rainfall, there is an increase in fuel, such as dead plant material and vegetation, which has the potential to support significant bushfire potential. Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511. By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately. No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn. Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment.
THEFT FROM MOTOR vehicles continues to be the fastest-growing crime in Victoria. Reported incidents have increased by almost 40 percent in the past 12 months, and around 40 percent of those thefts involved number plates. Despite the worrying numbers, most thefts are opportunistic and easily prevented. Avoid leaving valuables in your car. If you must, keep them out of sight.
If you have a garage or off-street parking, use it. Secure your tools, don’t leave them accessible in the tray of your ute. Install anti-theft number plate screws. You can get free anti-theft screws from your local Safe Pl8 event.
THE EAST GIPPSLAND Shire Council planning team has been achieving some impressive results. Last quarter, they cut planning permit approval times, making it faster and easier for landowners, residents and businesses to get the green light on their projects. Median approval time has dropped from 84 to 43 days, with 81 percent of permits approved within the State’s 60-day target, which is up from up from 52 percent. The friendly team is available daily to assist with planning enquiries, and a new online platform is coming soon to make accessing property-specific information even easier.
CYBER SAFETY CONTINUES to be a huge focus, with punters encouraged to adopt simple habits, which offer big protection, because online safety starts with you. Use strong passwords, think long, unique and hard to guess. Avoid using the same password twice (yes, even for the less exciting accounts). Turn on multifactor authentication – it’s like adding a deadbolt to your digital front door. An extra layer of security that requires two or more ways to log into your account. Always keep your devices updated.
LAST WEEK MARKED International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction, and this year’s theme is ‘fund resilience, not disasters’. The State Emergency Service is committed to giving you the skills and knowledge you need to prepare for disasters like storm, flood, and earthquake, before they take place. Having these strategies in your toolkit means you are better equipped to reduce the impact of a disaster when it comes your way. Their website is full of educational activities and resources to help you boost your disaster resilience.
THROWING CHEMICALS IN your rubbish bin is dangerous. They may explode, catch fire, leak or mix with other chemicals, either in your bin or in the collection truck or sorting facility. Pouring them down the drain may pollute the environment, harm animals and vegetation, contaminate our water supply and make rivers and beaches unsafe for swimming. Instead, you can drop off many hazardous chemicals at one of the free Detox Your Home events, which are staffed by trained specialist chemists. If your unwanted chemical is not accepted at a Detox your Home event, learn about other safe ways to dispose of it. An event will be held on Saturday at the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange (11 Saleyard Road), between 9-10am.
THE LOCAL COUNCIL is currently seeking tenders to strengthen, widen, and lengthen the Bairnsdale Airport runway including earthworks, pavement, drainage, lighting, and fencing. This upgrade will support emergency services, future commercial flights, and regional economic recovery. Another tender open is stage one of the Bairnsdale Aquatic Recreation Centre upgrade, which involves replacing the roof over the foyer, changerooms, and plant room.
OCTOBER IS BUY Nothing New Month which is a perfect excuse for finding pre-loved treasures at your local op-shop. We have great op shops in East Gippsland.
BUCHAN
THE NEW PAVILION at the Recreation Reserve is really starting to come together and it’s exciting to see this community-driven project take shape. Members of the Committee of Management recently toured the site after hours, taking in the size and progress of the building. The project has now reached lock-up stage, with the changerooms fully plastered and painting underway.
Over the past few weeks, painters have been undercoating walls and ceilings, carpenters have been hard at work installing the new decking, civil contractors are fitting new fire and stormwater systems, while the new netball and tennis storage shed is framed up and taking form. The pre-finished ceiling linings for the social rooms will arrive this week, another big step forward. When complete in early 2026, the new pavilion will be a welcoming and well-used space for the whole Buchan community.
LAKES ENTRANCE
SOPHIE HARVEY and her team at The Essential Way have been named a Wellness Product Category Finalist in the 2025 Spa and Wellness Awards. The Essential Way’s Sleep Tight Pillow Spray, a 100% natural Australian-made blend, has already become part of the guest experience in leading hotels and retreats across the country. Now it has been recognised alongside some of the biggest wellness brands in the world, a proud moment for a business that started in Gippsland. From small-batch markets to national partnerships and now global recognition, The Essential Way is proving that world-class innovation and quality can grow from regional beginnings.
THROUGH TO NOVEMBER 15, Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance Police Stations will be a collection point for the Share the Dignity, “It’s in the Bag” campaign. This campaign is a cherished Christmas Appeal encouraging everyday Australians to fill a bag for a teen, adult or a Mum and Bub bag with essential items and a few little luxuries and a simple handwritten note. These items donated will be checked and tagged and gifted to women, girls and those experiencing financial hardship or homelessness. Women and girls waking up in Domestic Violence shelters or homeless refuges on Christmas Day will receive one of these bags. Alternatively, you may wish to donate a small item, so that it can help fill a bag. Every donation, big or small, helps restore dignity to someone who is doing it tough. Bag item suggestions include essential items such as shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and pads/tampons. Or special touch items like lipstick, perfume or a notebook.
LUCKNOW
THE LOCAL KINDERGARTEN has been announced as one of nine national winners in the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation Awards. From about 500 submissions across Australia, Lucknow Kindergarten took out the top prize in ‘The Art of Kitchen Gardening’. Their winning project celebrated creativity, teamwork and sustainability. When hungry birds began feasting on their sunflower patch, the children worked together to design and build two colourful scarecrows (Frankie and Timmy) using entirely recycled materials. The scarecrows not only protected the garden but also inspired a burst of imagination, with the children extending the theme through beautiful watercolour artworks. Educator Sara Brammar proudly accepted the award in Adelaide on behalf of the kindergarten community.
MAFFRA
THIS YEAR’S MAFFRA Show will run from Friday, October 24 through to Sunday, October 26, and will be the 135th show. This year’s theme is “The Beet/Beat goes on,” recognising the history of sugar beet growing in the area and locals’ connection to music. Local historical societies have been invited to organise a display of the sugar beet industry in Maffra and Boisdale to celebrate that aspect of the theme. The committee was also delighted to discover Shaw’s Distillery, a local farming operation growing sugar beet and producing whisky and other alcoholic beverages. The theme continues with the cooking competitions this year using a “beet” in their recipes. Major features of the entertainment this year are music from the Maffra Municipal Band, afternoon entertainment by Micka Harrington and Sweet Lip, a regular performer at the Sale Music Festival. New to the show this year is the “Maffra Show Personality” replacing the Miss Maffra Showgirl event. Always popular with the children is the calf rearing competition, the animal nursery, the pet parade, the poultry pavilion, free craft activities in the Dome and the Showmen’s Guild rides. The night carnival commences at 5pm with the woodchops outside the grandstand area, this is followed by the kids zone, dog high jump, the Maffra Mile and children’s sprint races. A highlight of the evening will be motor bike demonstration by Tim Coleman with the show ending with spectacular fireworks. Once again the organising committee has secured free entry for children with an annual sponsorship from the Community Bank Maffra & District.
MALLACOOTA
FIRST TRAINING AT the local Country Fire Authority station this week was all about communication. The training covered communication from turning out, on scene, word back, sit rep and returning as well as fire ground comms, BA comms and everything in between. They also had a couple of members try breathing apparatus to see if it was something they wanted to work towards.
OMEO
THE LOCAL MOUNTAIN Bike Park went next-level last week with two shuttle operators now on deck, Blue Dirt and local legends Gravity Dirt Company. That means more laps, more flow, more downhill stoke, no more six–seven this is 11. It’s great to see the scene booming, with riders, families, and good vibes will now be rolling into town year-round.
RAYMOND ISLAND
LAST WEEK’S LARGE scale emergency management exercise was a huge success. The local council was joined by Victoria Police, CFA, SES, Ambulance Victoria and the Paynesville Coast Guard. The simulated incident, a road crash rescue during a ferry outage, tested how emergency services can access and respond on the island if the main ferry isn’t available. With support from the Sampson barge and council’s water taxi Ugly Betty, the exercise ran smoothly and helped strengthen coordination between agencies. These exercises are an important part of keeping
SALE
CATHOLIC COLLEGE SALE is proud to announce that Anthony Robbins has been honoured with the Outstanding Contribution to Marist Education award. The award was presented by Dr Frank Malloy, National Director of Marist Schools Australia (MSA), at the MSA annual mass and dinner. Robbins’ journey through Marist education spans more than 35 years, beginning with his role as senior school captain at Catholic College Sale and has evolved into a career of profound impact. From teacher to house leader and now deputy principal of learning and wellbeing, Robbins has consistently exemplified the Marist values of humility, simplicity and presence. His influence reaches across all aspects of College life, from the classroom and sporting field to the arts and wellbeing initiatives, his leadership has been characterised by a servanthood and a profound commitment to cultivating a culture of family spirit. Beyond the school gates, Robbins’ dedication continues, as a long-serving Marist cricket coach and participant in the 2024 Marist Pilgrimage, deepening his commitment to faith and service. His quiet strength and enduring presence continue to inspire others. This award recognises not only Robbins’ professional excellence but also his personal embodiment of the Marist charism. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of educators and students.
THIS WEEK IS Happy Children’s Week. To celebrate, the Wellington Shire Council together with VicHealth and The Middle of Everywhere are launching a fun-filled booklet packed with 15 mini quests to spark joy, curiosity and outdoor play. Think nature walks, library visits and drawing adventures. Kids can earn their Play Expert stamp once they complete all the quests (yes, it’s as adorable as it sounds). Available for free at libraries and Visitor Information Centres across the shire, the booklet is created with love and input from local families and kindergartens, the Let’s Play Passport celebrates every child’s right to play, explore and be heard.
LAST WEEK, ONE of the hard rubbish compactor trucks caught fire during collection in the area, due to a suspected battery which was incorrectly placed in the general hard waste pile. For safety, the crew had to unload approximately 14 cubic metres of material onto the road. The contractor could not find the item responsible, and everything has been cleaned up. The local CFA crews attended and managed the smoldering pile, while machinery was organised to assist with cleanup and a replacement truck was dispatched. The incident is a serious reminder of why e-waste items must be piled separately so they can be easily identified during collection. They are collected by a separate flat-bed collection truck, which allows flammable items to be safely collected and processed for recycling, vastly reducing the risk of truck fires. Batteries can pose a significant fire risk to our staff, vehicles and the community.
AN INDOOR RECREATION facility and amusement parlour featuring arcades, vending machines, indoor cricket pitches and pickleball courts is under development at the Gippsland Centre in Sale. The facility is located at the former Rivers shopfront.
A MAN IS EXPECTED to be charged after colliding with a vehicle and allegedly blowing more than five times the legal limit in Sale last week. Emergency services were called to the intersection of Macarthur and York Streets following reports two vehicles had collided about 8.10pm. The driver of one of the vehicles returned an alleged blood alcohol reading of 0.267, the 40-year-old Sale man is expected to be charged on summons. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
SARSFIELD
BREW CLUB RETURNS on Friday night at the Recreation Reserve from 7pm, making cider and ginger beer.
STRATFORD
VICTORIA POLICE RECENTLY issued a warning to motorcyclists, as new data reveals a concerning road trauma trend involving group riding. Analysis of 267 motorcycle fatalities between January 2020 and June 2025 has revealed that one in five motorcyclist deaths occurred while the rider was travelling with one or more other motorcyclists.Three-quarters of all group rider fatalities during the time period occurred on roads in regional Victoria. The Goulburn Valley region incorporating Shepparton, Benalla and the Mitchell shire in North-East Victoria recorded the highest number of group rider fatalities (nine), followed by Gippsland (six), Wangaratta/Wodonga (five) and Bendigo (five).Over 70 per cent of group rider fatalities occurred between Friday and Sunday, with afternoons the most common time of day, indicating that weekend recreational group riding could be a factor in motorcycle fatalities. Police also believe that many of these fatalities did not involve any significant risk-taking or illegal behaviour, with more than 80 per cent of riders licensed and wearing an approved helmet. Collisions where the rider lost control on a corner or had a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle were the most common in motorcycle deaths where the rider was travelling with others. Police are concerned that group riding dynamics, including pressure to keep up and separation anxiety could be impacting rider decision-making and leading to potentially deadly outcomes. With October to December considered the highest-risk period for motorcycle trauma, police are urging riders to prioritise their safety, particularly when participating in group rides. Tips for safe group motorcycle riding include, the appointing of a ride leader and tail end to set the ride pace and keep the group together. Plan the route, including an assembly point and designated meeting points along the route, while considering using hand signals with communicate to other riders. Develop a system for corner marking so riders don’t feel pressured to keep up.Consider the ride duration and manage fatigue by taking regular breaks. Check your bike and ensure it is in a roadworthy condition and always wear an approved helmet and protective safety gear. Ride at your own pace and do not attempt to keep up with the bike in front of you. Leave a sufficient distance between each rider to account for road hazards. Overtake other vehicles on the right, and always one rider at a time. Police will be proactively engaging with riders throughout October, which also coincides with Motorcycle Awareness Month, an annual initiative that encourages both motorists and motorcyclists to safely share the road. Police will be conducting enforcement operations in high-risk areas across the state, both on and off-road, and will be on the lookout for dangerous driving behaviour that puts motorcyclists at risk, as well as any motorcyclists engaging in reckless riding.There have been 47 motorcyclists’ lives lost on Victorian roads to date in 2025.
TOORLOO ARM
THE LOCAL FIRE Brigade recently held an amazing evening celebrating with their families and friends at the Sea Shanty in Lakes Entrance. Several CFA Service Awards were presented, recognising dedicated service from five years to 20 years, including the prestigious National Medal for diligent service. The Brigade also handed out internal awards to members for their outstanding performance throughout the year. This was the first time the brigade has come together for a function to formally recognise its members.
WOODSIDE
FORMER LOCAL RESIDENT, Sharnie Vincenti has claimed a top honour at the 2025 AusMumpreneur Awards. Vincenti is a co-director of All Shine Services alongside her husband Mario, and proudly accepted the Regional Business of the Year Award. All Shine Services was also named a finalist in two additional categories, ‘Overcoming the Odds’ and ‘Service Business’. Vincenti grew up in Woodside and, after finishing school, moved to Darwin, where she met Mario, with whom she shares three daughters. In 2017, Sharnie and Mario opened All Shine Services in the Northern Territory, with the pair opening a Gippsland-based branch when they moved back to Traralgon 18 months ago. They have built their business around a simple goal: to provide exceptional service centred on quality, reliability, and genuine customer care, making a lasting difference in their community.
YARRAM
THE WELLINGTON PROACTIVE Unit will be heading to town on Saturday for a pop-up Crime Prevention and Community Safety information desk. They will be outside Woolworths from 9am to 12pm, where they will have anti-theft screws on hand to give out. There are four types of screws, so all they need is the information about what type of vehicle you have so they can give you the correct screws for that vehicle.
