BAIRNSDALE
IF YOU HAVE been visiting the Bosworth Road Dog Park lately, you might have noticed some exciting changes taking shape. While some major upgrades are underway, half of the park remains open and it is actually attracting even more visitors keen to check out the improvements in action. The works crew has started stage two of the park upgrade, so stage one can now be accessed by the public. Thanks to $100,000 in Victorian Government funding through the New and Upgraded Dog Parks – Round Two Program, the park has been welcomed into an even more fun and accessible space for dogs and their humans to enjoy together. Still to come are drinking water for dogs (and their owners), activity zones with agility equipment and room to play, accessible paths and improved self-closing gates, shade trees and ground cover planting, and a picnic shelter with seating for comfort in all weather.
AROUND 500 VICTORIANS put their hands up to the Country Fire Authority between October 3-29 on the back of the Get Fire Ready initiative. The figure represents an 11 per cent increase on new applicants during the same period last year. CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the lift in applications reflects the overall message of Get Fire Ready, which informed Victorians about their local fire risk, encouraging people to prepare early and make informed decisions ahead of summer. Of the 499 new applicants, 61 per cent were men and 36 per cent were women, around 66 per cent of applicants want to serve as firefighters while 33 per cent preferred non-operational roles. Younger Victorians led the way, with around 38 per cent aged between 18-34 and 27 per cent aged 17 or under. More than 530 CFA brigades across Victoria hosted Get Fire Ready events throughout October.
DURING THE MONTH of October, East Gippsland elderly residents celebrated with more than 60 free and low-cost events across the shire for the East Gippsland Seniors Festival. Highlights included 350 people filling Club Eastwood for the seniors concert and 130 people joining the largest First Nations event yet. Workshops, morning teas, community lunches, health and wellbeing activities – there really was something for everyone.
CANN RIVER
LAWN MOWER RACING returns this week from 11am at the oval, a family friendly event with free entry. The day will also include a car club display, food vans and indoor market.
EAGLE POINT
THERE’S PLENTY COMING up at the local community hall, beginning with Suzies Eagle Rock this Saturday, a rock ‘n roll dance running from 7.30pm until late, welcoming all, including children. On
November 29, the market will run from 9am to 1pm, including many different vendors, featuring in the last market for the year.
HEYFIELD
THE NATIONAL TIMBER Workers Hall of Fame recently held its first Timber Talks catch up in the new building and what a turn out, a huge crowd enjoying the comradeship.
JOHNSONVILLE
TINY TOWN GRANTS are now available. If you are a tiny town (under 5000 people) or live in a tiny town and want to make it a better place to live, work and visit, this is the ideal opportunity. The State Government has opened its next round of applications for grants from the Tiny Towns Fund. Local communities have received funding for projects in the past and this is a great time for groups and committees to put forward projects. If you want to know more about the types of projects previously funding, head online. Recent East Gippsland projects funded include the Johnsonville community play space, East Gippsland Landcare community seedbank and the re-classing of the Nowa Nowa Pony Club building. Applications close on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.
MAFFRA
SPARKLE GIPPSLAND IS taking over the stunning Mewburn Park Gardens on November 16 from 9.30am -7pm. Designed just for women of all ages, this one-day wellbeing retreat is a beautiful pause from the busy, a chance to reconnect, recharge and rediscover your inner glow. The day will feature a thoughtfully curated lineup of group sessions including, pilates, sound healing, hypnosis and a inspiring question and answer Wellness Panel. It will also be a chance to explore the Healing Hub: a taster space where you can try mini sessions with incredible practitioners.
REHEARSALS HAVE BEGUN for the Maffra Dramatic Society’s latest production, with the Rocky Horror Show set to open in March.
THE HISTORIC MACALISTER Hotel is for sale.
MALLACOOTA
FAIRHAVEN DRIVE IS getting a facelift to complement the recent Mallacoota Streetscape Project. The council be laying around 40m of new footpath near the opportunity shop, improving kerbing and drainage and providing new car spaces. Works have started and are expected to be completed by early December. Council is working closely with local businesses to keep disruption to a minimum, but during this work period there may be restricted pedestrian access and other minor disruptions. Please follow all signage and directions while works are underway.
ORBOST
THE POPULAR AQUA aerobics sessions are returning to the pool from November 13 to December 18 (8-8.45am). Sessions are low-impact to classic beats, with plenty of laughs guaranteed, while all fitness levels are catered for, so grab your towel and let’s make a splash.
SOLSTICE ENERGY HAS announced it will turn off its reticulated gas network in Orbost and Lakes Entrance in 2026. The Gippsland Climate Change Network and the State Electricity Commission (SEC) are inviting households and small businesses affected by the planned 2026 gas closure to a community information session. They are supporting these events to ensure impacted residents understand their options, which include connecting to bottled gas versus switching to an electric household will be discussed. Sessions will talk about rebates, the benefits of switching to all-electric appliances, costs (and long-term savings) and hear directly from the SEC and local tradies about your options. Information sessions will be held at the Orbost Club Hotel (today, 5-6.30pm) and Lakes Entrance Mechanics Hall (Thursday, 5-6.30pm). Punters will have a chance to ask questions and afterwards a light supper.
IN AUGUST 2025, the chief health officer said that syphilis in Australia is increasing significantly making it a national issue. Currently, in Gippsland syphilis cases are increasing and are at the regional peak from last year already. With late stage syphilis up 45 per cent compared to last year. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease and often has no symptoms. If you leave it untreated it can cause harmful conditions especially in pregnancy and infants testing is quick and easy at your local GP clinic.
PAYNESVILLE
AUSTRALIAN GEOGRAPHIC’S 2016 Adventurer of the Year, pilot, sailor, filmmaker, author and cinema owner (including Bairnsdale), Mike Smith, was last week the guest speaker at the launch of the 2026 Paynesville Classic Boat Rally and Maritime Festival. Next year’s event will run from February 27 to March 1 next year. Smith was raised in Raymond Island. Among his many achievements is that he was the first person to circumnavigate the world in a sea plane. He also retraced the number of significant early flights. Smith gave a fascinating presentation which outlined some of the challenges, close calls and picturesque locations he has visited. Event chairman, Bruce Stringer gave an outline of preliminary plans for the event and urged all in the community who wish to volunteer over the weekend to get in touch via the website.
JUST AFTER 4PM last Wednesday, the Paynesville Coast Guard responded to an emergency call of two people in the water about 500 meters from the Eagle Point Jetty. Both folks were located quickly and safely bought on board The Spirit of Paynesville II. The very quick response by the team, resulted in a great ending for everyone. All met by police at the wharf, with no injuries.
PORT ALBERT
LOCAL BUSINESS, BOAT Harbour Jetty B&B has been named one of Australia’s top short-break stays in The Age & Sydney Morning Herald’s 52 Weekends Away. Right on the harbour, this cosy, family-run retreat has become a favourite for travellers looking to slow down, wake up to water views, and soak up pure coastal charm. From generous breakfast goodies and EV charging, to thoughtful local touches and hosts who go above and beyond it’s no wonder the experts (and visitors) are impressed. It’s been a regular award winner in recent years, picking up gold in Victorian Tourism Awards (2024), silver in Australian Tourism Awards (Hosted Accommodation 2024), Tri pAdvisor Best of the Best (2024) and Regulars of Booking.com Traveller Review Awards (2022–2025).
SALE
THE SEASONAL WEATHER outlook for summer 2025/26 is predicting above average rainfall, increased chances of severe thunderstorms and flooding, and a heightened bushfire risk due to dry vegetation across our region. This means all residents, especially those in remote or high-risk areas, need to take steps now to prepare for potential emergencies. Reliable information and resources can be found at websites attached to councils, State Emergency Service and Country Fire Authority. Its important to take action today, review your emergency plan, prepare your property and stay informed through trusted sources.
COFFEE WITH A Cop returns to the region on December 4, the event provides an opportunity for community members to connect with local police officers for a relaxed chat over a cup of coffee. It will be held at Bunnings (Macarthur Street), between 10 and 11am. A chance for a relaxed chat over a cuppa.
YOU KNOW HER, the one that’s always giving her all – here’s your chance to help her go further. She’s the first to arrive and the last to leave. She cheers louder than anyone, volunteers without being asked, and gives her time, energy, and heart to the game she loves. Through funding from the Victorian Government’s Change Our Game Program, the Wellington Shire Council is offering grants to help women and girls in sport strengthen their confidence, skills and leadership. These grants open the door to free training opportunities in areas like coaching, officiating, first aid, administration and good governance – building the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of local sport. Applications close Monday, November 24, with successful applicants notified by December 5.
THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT’S ‘Remember a Local – Name a Place’ Campaign is currently open. This is an initiative designed to make Victoria’s place names representative of the people who have shaped local communities. This campaign encourages nominations to commemorate individuals from groups that have historically been under-represented in place naming, including women, first nations people, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse communities. Nominations are open until November 30.
THE MAGNIFICENT AIR Force Roulettes turned 55 this week. Many former Air Force Roulettes and their families come back to RAAF Base East Sale to celebrate with the current team.
THE GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR class of 1982 Old Scholars are arranging a casual get-together at Republica in St Kilda on Sunday from 12.30pm. This is an Old Scholars–led gathering (not a school-run event).
IN OTHER GIPPSLAND Grammar news, the school achieved some great results in the Northern Star Chess League State Finals. The team travelled to Xavier College in Kew to compete, where 227 boards were in play across a massive nine-round tournament. The team of Connor, Himesh, Archie, Riley and Josiah took on some of the strongest competition in Victoria, finishing a very respectable 36th out of 71 schools. Year 12 student, Connor cracking the top 50 in his final event for the school, while Josiah finishing with a strong and consistent four and half wins.
SALE CATHOLIC COLLEGE has began some exciting improvements, beginning with important construction works in the St Patrick’s Building, a key step in the Strategic Plan to enhance the learning spaces and facilities for years to come. During this time, visitor car park and the charism garden, will be temporarily closed for builder parking and demolition access. The Sister Elizabeth gate and main entrance gate will remain open for students and visitors. Reception has temporarily moved to the Allman Centre (student services). Works began on Thursday, November 6 and are expected to be completed by the start of the 2026 school year.
POLICE HAVE RECEIVED many reports of the continuation of community members parking on the grass median strip across from the Godfrey Baldwin Reserve in Raglan Street, where soccer is played. The median strip is not a designated parking area and vehicles parking in this area are minimising the view of both the roadway and children playing in the area. This could lead to a driver not being able to see a child if they are on or near the roadway. Please do not park on the median strip for the safety of the children attending the soccer ground and associated areas. Police will out in force in the area, any vehicle found parked on the median strip will receive a fine.
SWAN REACH
THE ANNUAL TWIN Rivers Lions Club Book and Craft Fair will be held this Sunday at the Swan Reach Recreational Reserve. In addition to several thousand books in good condition for sale for $1 and $2 each, which are surplus to our Community Book Exchange, there will be a wide range of crafts on display and for sale. For November, the regular Swan Reach Market will combine with the Book and Craft Fair, which will run from 8.30am to 1pm. Car-coot sites are available. A coffee cart will be attending, with the Lions Club hot food van. Refreshments will be available from
the Clubrooms kiosk, and Lions cakes and puddings will be available. Proceeds for the event will go towards improvements to the Lions Club Community Book Exchange at Swan Reach, which opens Tuesdays from 10am -2pm.
WOODSIDE
THANKS TO A strong partnership between Wellington Shire Council and the Victorian Government, new LED lighting is on the way – improving safety, reducing energy use, and opening up more opportunities for evening sport at the local Recreation Reserve.
