BAIRNSDALE
ASPIRING VICTORIA POLICE officers will be able to complete the force’s entrance exam online to get more recruits into training faster. The change, to begin on November 1, means applicants will be able to complete the assessment where and when they choose. Testing slots will be available every 10 minutes day and night, including public holidays. It’s among a range of measures aimed at streamlining the recruitment process and brings Victoria Police into line with multiple police forces elsewhere. Currently applicants can only sit the exam on a computer at a testing centre, typically conducted on one Saturday a month. The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), which has partnered with Victoria Police on its entrance exams over the past decade, is overseeing design and delivery of the new online assessment. Testing will be supervised by a real person in real time, with applicants required to verify their identity and keep their camera on at all times. Supervisors will also be able to see the applicant’s computer screen to ensure they’re doing the right thing. The exam will be conducted on a special secure browser with supervisors remotely scanning the applicant’s computer for unauthorised software. They will also perform a 360-degree scan of the room where the exam is being conducted, make sure applicants aren’t wearing earpieces and ensure their phone remains out of reach.
THE FIRST EVER Salty Spoopy Social Skate will take place at the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre on Friday 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 attend 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.
PLENTY OF EXCITEMENT with Anaconda set to open in town at 660 Main Street on Saturday. 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.
LOCAL COUNCIL IS encouraging local community groups to apply for funding through this year’s Impact Grants program. The program offers between $3,001 and $20,000 for projects that strengthen local communities or support environmental sustainability. The Impact Grants program continues to give local groups the opportunity to make a lasting difference, by bringing local projects to life, whether that’s improving facilities, protecting the environment, or creating new opportunities for people to get involved. Council encourages groups to read the Community Grant Program Guidelines, check eligibility, check rules including those on public liability insurance and unincorporated organisations, and make sure all required information is ready before lodging an application.
THE VICTORIA POLICE Dog Squad recently turned 50 with more than 150 past and present handlers at the squad’s headquarters and plenty of wagging tails. On the day, the Dog Squad Wall of Remembrance was unveiled, honouring every dog with five plus years’ service to the Victorian community. Demonstrations also showcased how training has evolved, a real treat for former handlers, including some from 50 years ago. The Victoria Police has used dogs as early as 1922. German Shepherds were the original recruits, later joined by Labradors in 2002 for detection work and today, the team includes Belgian Malinois and Rottweilers. Now home to more than 50 police members and around 50 dogs, the squad supports operations across detection (drugs, firearms, ammunition, cash and explosives), search and rescue and general purpose.
IT HAS BEEN reported to Police that a scam is currently operating in the Gippsland Area. The alleged scam is two persons, a male and a female, offering expensive looking jewellery for a quick sale, well below the alleged stated value so they can buy tickets to return to another country. It has also been reported that the same couple have approached other people asking for money to assist in the purchase of petrol to be able to drive interstate, the amount starts small, however it is then increased for other required purchases, again the offer of expensive jewellery is offered as a bargaining tool or a guarantee that they will return for the items. The offenders then attend with the victim to the bank to ensure the withdrawal is made. The offenders agree to return to pay back the borrowed amount and get back the expensive jewellery that was given as a guarantee of their return. This does not occur. Please be aware of the current scam and never give out your personal details and be wary of any persons soliciting money from you or wanting to accompany you to the bank to ensure funds are withdrawn. Scams operate on the guise of unpredictability and appearing genuine.
UNITED NATIONS DAY is observed in Australia on October 24 each year to commemorate the entry into force of the United Nations Charter in 1945. Through the ratification of this founding document by the majority of its signatories, the United Nations officially came into being. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, a milestone celebrating eight decades of global cooperation, peacekeeping, and progress toward a better world. To mark the occasion, the East Gippsland Shire Council flag at the Corporate Office was replaced by the United Nations flag.
LAST WEEK COUNCIL, CEO Fiona Weigall was a key speaker at the East Gippsland Business and Industry Landscape Forum, hosted by East Gippsland Marketing Incorporated. Weigall joined other leaders to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping East Gippsland’s economic landscape and to discuss how collaboration can drive growth and resilience across our communities.
THE STATE GOVERNMENT will provide free travel for passengers along the Gippsland Line throughout November to celebrate the completion of the Gippsland Line Upgrade. Last week, premier Jacinta Allan and Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams visited the Traralgon train station to announce that public transport will be free for passengers starting their journey at any station on the Gippsland Line between Nar Nar Goon and Bairnsdale. Passengers travelling from stations between Nar Nar Goon and Traralgon will be able to collect a Gippsland free travel voucher from station staff, or a conductor onboard the train instead of tapping on with their Myki. Passengers boarding between Rosedale and Bairnsdale can collect a free V/Line ticket from station staff when boarding or booking over the phone. Passengers starting or finishing their trip on a coach or local bus will also travel for free across the network, with connecting services included as part of the Gippsland free travel offer. The government is also making every tram, train and bus across Victoria free every weekend from early December until February 1 2026 to celebrate the opening of the Metro Tunnel and from January 1 2026, public transport will be free for every child under 18, saving families up to $755 a year per child.
BOISDALE
THE BOISDALE CONSOLIDATED Primary School Cattle Club were represented at the Maffra Agricultural Show. The students showing the school calves they have been working so hard to prepare, after rearing on the school farm. These students have done an amazing job over the past month, giving up their lunch times to groom, and train their calves in readiness for the show. Their dedication, teamwork, and care for the animals was on full display.
BRIAGOLONG
MASSIVE EFFORT BY local primary school student, Eva, who took out the State title in the Lions Speaking Competition. Progressing through school, district and regional events, Eva participated in the state final, completing another amazing speech on a creative invention.
DELGATE
THE HOTEL IS under new management, and has undertaken some fantastic renovations. It’s looking fresh and welcoming, perfect for locals and visitors. Serving great pub grub, good company, cold beer and an amazing parma.
FERNBANK
POLICE INTERCEPTED A 19 year old female locally on October 20 at 1pm. It appears that the female was driving whilst disqualified. She will be summoned to appear at court at a later date and her vehicle has been impounded for a period of 30 days at a cost of $950.
HEYFIELD
GIPPSLAND WATER HAS announced the winners of its National Water Week poster competition. The theme, ‘Water Heroes: Save Every Drop’ acts as a reminder for people to reduce their use and help preserve water resources throughout Gippsland. The local winners also competed in the statewide competition, where four of them went on to place second or third. This is the most successful result for local Gippsland entrants and saw Gippsland Water receive more places than any other water corporation this year. The Gippsland winners were: Goodstart Early Learning Morwell (Collaborative Early Learning, second in state), Tom from Home Education (Early Learning, second in state), Charlotte from Mirboo North Primary School (Foundation), Quinnie from St Michael’s Primary School Heyfield (year one and two, third in the state), Lenny from Mirboo North Primary School (year three and four, second in the state) and Makayla from Heyfield Primary School (year five and six). Additionally, Heyfield Primary School won the $500 school prize to go toward science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) resources or a sustainability project.
LAKES ENTRANCE
FUNCTIONAL YOGA IS held every Saturday at 11am at Lakes Entrance RSL. This class is part of the RSL Active program and free for currently serving, veterans and their immediate families. This class is extremely valuable for all ages and levels. It focuses on healthy aging by addressing the four pillars of fitness which are strength, flexibility, balance and stamina. By improving these areas we improve everyday movement, reduce pain and improve overall physical and mental health.
LOCH SPORT
DESPAIR AND DELIGHT in the one week for the local Community House and Public Hall committee, with someone brazenly stealing a brand new tin of paint from the Public Hall meeting room. The paint was purchased with money from a grant and was to be used as part of the works being done by a volunteer in the meeting room and kitchen. The Community House, which depends heavily on fundraising, trust and goodwill to keep the varied and valuable services available to the community and visitors, to say the committee is disappointed is an understatement. But two local businesses and also a resident have offered to purchase a replacement tin of paint for us, elevating some of the stress.The Community House will be having its annual garage sale on Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
ANOTHER GREAT TURNOUT for trivia at the Bowls Club on Sunday, with many people prepared to come out in the ordinary weather. Once again it was a drama-filled afternoon. Not only were there tied winners (Gastronauts and MSPS ), but there was a tie for the wooden spoon (Who Cares and Both Ends ) as well. The next day will be the last for the year on November 23.
MAFFRA
THE 135TH MAFFRA Show went off with a bang over the weekend, celebrating the theme ‘And the Beet Goes On’, in honour of 100 years of water from the Glenmaggie Weir. The show entertained locals and visitors with plenty of good old-fashioned wholesome family fun. With sugar beet liquor for showgoers to try, a snake display, the Maffra band choir, a strings ensemble, a performance by Mick Harrington, pet parades, cake and flower competitions, horses, chickens and dairy cattle, there has been plenty to see and do.
THE LOCAL WOMEN’S Shed has received a helping hand from the Rotary Club of Maffra, which donated new lightweight tools to support members in their hands-on projects. Impressively the shed now boasts around 22 members. They meet on the first and third Saturday and every second and fourth Sunday of each month from 10am to 1pm.
MEERLIEU
BIG CHANGES AT the Recreation Reserve this week, the landscape has been transformed with the removal of five radiata pine trees, that were over 100 years old. The two trees closest to the hall were removed to make way for the new septic system for the Mark Blandford Pavilion bathroom extension and future hall upgrades. The three trees to the south of the Lone Pine Memorial have been cleared to prepare for the construction of the Meerlieu Memorial Walk, an exciting community project that will feature more than 2,000 new plants, trees, shrubs and grasses. A gravel path with signage will guide visitors through the walk, honouring local soldiers who never returned from WWI and WWII, as well as community members who made a lasting contribution to Meerlieu and the district. The walk isn’t funded yet, but with the site now cleared, they will be actively seeking grants and support to bring the design to life. Committee members are looking forward to seeing this space grow into something special for everyone, locals and visitors alike. Whether you are stopping for lunch, a break or a walk with the dog, the Meerlieu Memorial Walk will soon be a must-see along the Bengworden Road.
ORBOST
THE MENS SHED will hold an Open Day on Saturday at 24 Tyndall Street from 9am-1pm. The event will include a sausage sizzle and mini garage sale. Everyone is welcome to come down and see what the men’s shed is all about.
THE LOCAL COUNCIL is encouraging owners to pick up after their dogs. No one likes an unexpected surprise on their walk. So, please remember to pick up after your dog, it keeps the parks, paths, and playgrounds clean and safe for everyone. Be a responsible pet owner: bag it️, bin it, and keep East Gippsland beautiful.
NOWA NOWA
NEW LOCAL FOOD truck, Spud Heaven is about to hit the streets, out and about at the General Store on Friday from 5.30-8.30pm.
SALE
THE BRAND NEW multi-storey kids play area at Sporting Legends is open and ready for fun. The little ones are climbing, sliding and playing while parents are relaxing with a delicious meal, a cold drink, and great company.
THIS YEAR THE Wellington and East Gippsland Women in Policing Local Committee are supporting the ‘Share the Dignity – It’s in the Bag’ campaign to help make Christmas special for someone living in crisis. ‘It’s in the Bag’ is one of Australia’s most cherished Christmas appeals, where everyday Australians fill a bag or donate small items for teens, mums and bubs of essential items. They are seeking donations for adults, teens, and ‘mum and bub’ items or bags. You can help by filling a new or pre-loved bag (in excellent condition) with life’s essentials and a few luxury items or you can donate items that can be added to a bag. A pink donation box is located at the Sale Police Station for all of the wonderful donations, which will be accepted until Saturday, November 15. Donations can also be dropped into your local Bunnings Store.
THE NEW LOOK Gippsland Veterans Centre is up and running, with celebrations held last week for the reopening after a fantastic refurbishment. The event brought together community members and special guests, including Senator Raff Ciccone, who officially opened the centre on behalf of the Federal Government, and Member for Gippsland South Danny O’Brien. The redevelopment was made possible thanks to a $1.1 million Federal Government grant, secured through the hard work of volunteers and a dedicated working group of four local veterans – Kylie Willmot, Michael Page, Ross Jackson and Des Fitzgibbon. Their vision and commitment ensured this project became a reality. Located on Macalister Street, Sale, the centre has been a welcoming space for veterans and their families since 2004 and now it’s looking better than ever. It’s open Tuesday to Thursday, 9am–3pm.
WELLINGTON SHIRE COUNCIL has awarded $130,997 in funding to 27 local community groups as part of the August 2025 round of Community Assistance Grants. These grants support a wide range of projects and events that promote participation, inclusion, and community connection across the Middle of Everywhere. This round of funding includes support for arts and cultural events such as the Tarra Festival, Maffra Christmas Festival, and the Gippy Rocks Festival, as well as planning for the 2026 Stratford Shakespeare Festival. Community infrastructure upgrades will also be delivered, including the replacement of the asbestos roof at the Gippsland Auto Museum and amenity improvements at Woodside Beach Surf Life Saving Club and Stratford Bowling Club. Sport and recreation clubs will benefit from projects that enhance participation and safety, including strategic planning at Sale United Football Club and equipment upgrades for Maffra Hockey Club and Longford Pony Club. Events that bring people together such as Christmas in Yarram, Carols by Candlelight, and the Easter Sunday Family Fun Day in Port Albert will also receive support, alongside initiatives that strengthen social inclusion and volunteer services. The next round of Community Assistance Grants will open on January 9, 2026 and close on March 4 2026. Eligible not-for-profit community groups are encouraged to apply for funding between $2,501 and $6,000.
THIS WEEK IS the Sale Show time, which will see Gippsland’s father-and-son team Sam and Michael Xuereb debut a world-first monster truck stunt at the Friday night carnival to celebrate the show’s 160th anniversary. Michael will attempt a reverse rear wheel stand, lifting the front wheels of his four-tonne monster truck Tropical Thunder in the air and driving backwards on its rear wheels. The Xuerebs are no strangers to pushing the limits and even caught the eye of Hollywood.
YARRAM
LAST SATURDAY, THE Wellington Proactive Unit were at the local Shopping Centre handing out the Anti Theft Number Plate screws and Crime Prevention information. They had such a great response and ended up handing out 93 sets of Anti Theft Number Plate screws. Afterwards they assisted the local Police with the LGFG (Look Good Feeling Better) Truck Convoy through the streets of Yarram and at the Woodside Recreation Reserve. The Truck Convoy consisted of 60 different trucks from around the area.
