BAIRNSDALE
THE CROOKE STREET Wetlands will have its official opening this Thursday from 11am. Better water quality, less pollution, reduced flood risk and enhanced biodiversity – that’s something to celebrate. It will be an opportunity to learn about why this wetland area is important to protect the Jones Bay Wildlife Reserve – home to more than 100 bird species, including important migratory birds. The event will feature a ribbon-cutting, speeches, photo opportunities and a ceremonial tree planting led by East Gippsland Shire Council’s Youth Ambassadors.
THE LOCAL AIRPORT last week won the National Airport Industry Award for Infrastructure Upgrades Supporting Emergency Response, Aviation Safety and Community Resilience. The award recognises the East Gippsland Shire Council’s major upgrade program strengthening Bairnsdale Airport’s role in air ambulance transfers, aerial firefighting and emergency response. Key works included runway extension and lighting improvements, taxiway and hangar apron rehabilitation and a new Air Ambulance Patient Transfer Facility. These upgrades boost support for the emergency and aeromedical teams who rely on the airport every day.
VICTORIA POLICE HAS issued a top
five driving habits before the Christmas break, they include driving to conditions, using your indicator, phone away, leaving a safe gap and setting your playlist before you move.
THE BAIRNSDALE VISITOR Information Centre has officially moved out of 240 Main Street and is now operating from the East Gippsland Shire Council Corporate Centre at 273 Main Street. For now, you will find the team in a temporary space inside the Corporate Centre while construction of the new Visitor Information Centre area continues. Just head through the main entrance and follow the signage.Visitor Information Services are still available, but the full retail offering (including local products) isn’t operating during the temporary setup. Operation will be Monday to Friday, in line with Corporate Centre hours. Weekend visitor support will continue through our new Mobile VIC service. The Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre remains unchanged. Visitor information services are also available at our Council Service Centres in Paynesville, Omeo, Orbost and Mallacoota. The Bairnsdale centre
provides information; a free booking service for accommodation and tours; Forge theatre bookings and more. It also has a great range of souvenirs and locally made products.
THE TOP FIVE reads at East Gippsland libraries in November were Proving Ground (Michael Connelly), Sharp Force (Patricia Cornwell), The Unquiet Grave (Dervla McTiernan), The Valley (Chris Hammer) and The Picasso Heist (James Patterson).
EAST GIPPSLAND WATER contractors undertook external maintenance at the Bairnsdale Water Tower last Friday. Two heavy cranes were on site to assist.
NAGLE COLLEGE HELD its annual presentation awards ceremony last week, where we award students for all their hard work during the year. Chisholm were announced the Champion House for 2025.
DARGO
SOUTHERN STAR GOLD has applied for an exploration licence on land 43 kilometres southwest of Omeo, 49 kilometres northwest of Bairnsdale including Dargo, Crooked River and Talbotville. If granted, the minerals exploration licence would allow the company to search the area for gold, antimony, base metals, bismuth, silver, tin and tungsten. Victoria’s minerals law sets out the reasons to grant or refuse an exploration licence application. These include whether the applicant is fit and proper to hold a licence, they have a suitable program of work and are likely to be able to fund their activities.
HEYFIELD
AUSTRALIAN SUSTAINABLE HARDWOODS has supplied its biggest Masslam beams yet, an amazing length of 28 metres of locally made, precision-engineered timber, recently delivered to the new Mordi Aquatic Centre in Kingston. Masslam is a glue-laminated mass engineered timber solution. Accelerating the use of mass timber in Australia is a known pathway to significantly assist with decarbonising the construction sector and contribute to Australia’s goal of achieving net zero by 2050. Additional benefits including construction speed, sustainability and occupant well-being, solidify Masslam as the modern construction choice for architects, specifiers and builders alike. Masslam utilises uniquely attractive Australian timbers like Australian Oak (Tasmanian Oak) and Plantation Oak, chosen because they have some of the best strength-to-weight ratios of any timber species worldwide.
THE LOCAL FOOTBALL Netball Club has welcomed back Kelvin Sundermann for another stint as club president. He previously served as president from 2018-2021 and in 2024 he was awarded life membership for his longstanding service to the club.
LAKES ENTRANCE
THE LAKES AQUADOME and the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC) are proudly supporting local families this festive season. The BARC are supporting the Giving Tree Appeal, collecting Christmas lollies, biscuits and chocolates to help create hampers for those in need, which will be distributed through Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House. The Lakes Aquadome are supporting the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal, a chance to donate new, unwrapped gifts suitable for all ages – think books, craft supplies, sporting equipment and more. These donations will be sorted and distributed by the Bairnsdale Salvation Army. Donations for both appeals are open until December 15.
LONGFORD
ELATION FOR STUDENTS from Longford Primary School, who won the Tryathalon Primary division at the biggest STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) program in the country. The 2025 Energy Breakthrough Human Powered Vehicle competition took place in Maryborough, with Longford grade six students competing with two vehicles.
Their division included 18 teams, who competed across three areas of assessment: design and construction, display and presentation, and trials.
MAFFRA
ORGANISATION IS WELL underway for the 2025 Maffra Christmas Festival. To be held on Wednesday, December 17 from 5.30pm, it will be a night filled with festive cheer, fun, entertainment and good vibes. There will be Christmas market stalls with local products, delicious food trucks, kids rides and festive fun, roaming performers and live entertainment. It’s a great opportunity for the whole family, catch up with friends and celebrate the spirit of Christmas with your community.
THE BERRY DAIRY recently secured
silver in the Excellence in Food Tourism category at Victorian Tourism Awards,
held at Melbourne Park recently. The
Dairy was recognised for its outstanding paddock-to-plate experiences and dedication to showcasing Gippsland’s premium local produce.
THE RECENT BRICKSTRAVAGANZA
was popular at Memorial Hall on
November 29 and 30. More than 30 exhibitors delighted Lego fans, with intricate and vibrant displays.
IN THE PAST week, local police have received numerous reports of a dark green sedan, often without registration plates, driving in an extremely dangerous manner around Maffra. After a number of enquiries were made, Maffra police arrested an 18-year-old male in relation to the numerous instances of dangerous driving. He was charged with 32 offences and bailed to a Court date in April 2026. Maffra police would like to thank the Community for working together to keep both the Community and our roads safe.
MALLACOOTA
THE TOWN WILL come alive on Thursday, December 18, with twilight shopping and that unbeatable Mallacoota summer magic. It will be a chance to stroll the shops, tick off your Christmas list, support amazing local businesses and soak up the warm twilight glow with friends and family.
MEERLIEU
THE FENCE AT the site of the old primary school continues to disappear in the dark hours, much to the amazement of locals.
THE LOCAL CRICKET Club is holding
its annual Ham Night and Auction Fundraiser on Friday, December 19, at the Lindenow Farmers Home Hotel. The prize draw and auction kick off at 7.30pm. Prizes include 20 half hams, 10 $100 seafood vouchers, four $100 cash prizes and four
$50 pub vouchers.
NEWLANDS ARM
LAST WEEK THE newly upgraded leg of the Dinni Birraark Walk (accessed off Birrells Road) was officially opened.
ORBOST
POLICE ARE APPEALING for public assistance to help locate Jamie Clark. The 32-year-old from Shepparton is wanted on warrant. Clark is described as Caucasian in appearance, approximately 180cm tall, medium build, with brown eyes and black hair. He is known to frequent the Orbost, Shepparton and Mooroopna. Investigators have released an image of Jamie in the hope that someone may be able to provide information on his current whereabouts. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
OMEO
THE MOUNTAIN CATTLEMEN’S Association of Victoria (MCAV) recently elected its board for 2026, a team of passionate, dedicated people committed to protecting the heritage, supporting members, and strengthening the future. The strength of the MCAV has always come from its people and 2026 is shaping up to be a big year as they continue their advocacy, heritage work, community events and the Get Together preparations. Cass McCormack was elected president, supported on the executive by Ben Treasure (vice president), Cameron Rash (secretary), Tania Coleman (treasurer) and Bruce McCormack (past president). The board consists of Bruce Treasure, Michael Knott, Travis Wright, Rose Faithfull, Chris Hodge, Phillip Commins, Simon Turner, David Pooley, Lauren Turner, Chris Lewis, Max Beecher, Mark Switkowski and Emily McCormack. MCAV branch representatives are David Lovick, Julie Webster, Cath Noble and Amanda Pendergast.
THE GOLDEN AGE Hotel will be closed from Friday, December 12, to Wednesday, December 17, reopening on Thursday, December 18 for maintenance and a new change of ownership. Dale and Mel Kerrison will be the new owners.
PAYNESVILLE
THE CWA PAYNESVILLE Toonalook Branch is again holding its annual Christmas stall on Saturday from 10am
to 1pm, outside the Paynesville Library. They will be selling their fabulous Christmas Puddings along with great Christmas Fare and gifts. All funds raised assist their programs for vulnerable women, children and families within the Paynesville community.
THE LOCAL LIONS Club recently enjoyed Christmas Lunch at 3880 Restaurant – a great occasion enjoyed by all.
LOCAL BENDIGO BANK employee Karen Newman recently clocked up 20 years of service. She’s been a constant since the branch opened.
FIRST NATIONAL KING and Heath Paynesville sales manager, Todd Leggatt, and Lakes Entrance sales agent, Judy Vella, have both earned their Platinum Badge for their exceptional sales achievements over the past 12 months. This incredible recognition was presented at the recent Smartre Training Australasian Real Estate Awards in Sydney, where both were celebrated alongside the industry’s best. The three-day convention delivered a fantastic experience with insightful, inspiring, and outstanding speakers who left attendees energised and motivated.
SALE
THE 16 DAYS of Activism is a key part of the communities’ efforts to prevent violence against women in Victoria. The Walk Against Family Violence held in the Melbourne CBD in 2009 was first organised as a grassroots event and now is a key event of the 16 Days of Activism in Victoria each year. Wellington will be holding their walk against violence today at 4pm at the Sale Clock Tower.
A SLOW LEARNING unlicensed driver has been caught twice. On Friday, November 28, at approximately 2pm, Wellington Highway Patrol intercepted an unregistered Holden Calais Sedan on the Princes Highway. The 24-year-old female driver from Sale was found to be unlicensed. This was the second time in six weeks where the female driver was intercepted by policing driving a motor vehicle while unlicensed. The vehicle was impounded at a cost of $950 and the female will be summonsed to court at a later date to face charges for unlicensed driving and use of an unregistered motor vehicle.
CYCLING WITH AGE Gippsland has taken delivery of two new excitement machines, trishaws which were recently given their first ride at Lake Guthridge. It means they can offer more rides to older Gippslanders or people with mobility issues in the weeks and months ahead.
AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE Cadets No. 409 Squadron at RAAF Base, East Sale are recruiting for its next intake. If you are turning 12 years of age to 16 in the year of commencement and have an interest in aviation, drones, STEM, leadership and personal development, bushcraft, a career in the Australian Defence Force, or just want to make new friends, the Australian Air Force Cadets are keen to have you join their ranks. You will learn many new skills and have a lot of fun along the way. Sponsored by the Royal Australian Air Force, you will have the opportunity to fly and visit Defence bases in Victoria, and so much more.
LAST WEEK BREE Markovic celebrated 30 years with the Sale Greyhound Racing Club and it’s no surprise she is one of the most respected and admired members of the club 70 plus staff.
SEASPRAY
ANOTHER PROPOSED OFFSHORE wind energy project off the Gippsland coast has been abandoned. The AGL-backed consortium behind the proposed 2.5-gigawatt Gippsland Skies project has surrendered its licence to develop the project, citing poor economic prospects relative to other forms of renewables in its development portfolio. The project was proposed for south-west of Wilsons Promontory and had the potential to power more than 1.4 million Victorian homes, as well as provide replacement power for the company’s Loy Yang coal power station. The news of a third project withdrawing was welcomed by community group ‘No Offshore Turbines Ninety Mile Beach’.
THE LOCAL SURF Life Saving Club is now an emergency resilience hub. A weather-related power outage saw the club open as an emergency hub for the first time last Wednesday. Last year the club received more than $302,000 in major grant funding from AusNet to fund solar panels, a full battery energy storage system and a
back-up generator.
STRATFORD
LAST WEEK THE local Fire Brigade held its Annual Brigade Awards Night, led by the most important recognition, Years of Service. These volunteers set the benchmark with their long-term commitment and dedication to the community. The event also acknowledged the outstanding efforts shown across the year: every callout, every quick turnaround, every moment of support — even when you miss the truck — all demonstrating true teamwork and readiness. Service awards were presented to David Auld (five years), Joel Lineham (10 years), Brenton Pape (15 years), Luke Goddard (20 years) and Mark Jones (30 years). Auld was awarded the prestigious Firefighter of the Year. New inductees to the 100 plus fire turn out club were James Warren, Matt Harrap, Steve Wadey and Gary Condron. Additions to the 200 plus club included Brent Barker, Kerry Groth, Jon Dewsbury, Graham Fisher, Terry King, Lineham, Pape, Jason Scicluna, Roger Woolston and Hayden Younger-Emerson. The 400 plus turn out club welcomed Matthew Berry, Brad Rodwell, David Smith, Josh Crimeen and Josh Smith. Michael Hutchinson and Jones joined the 600 plus fire turn out club. Graham Tait went over 800 and the 1000 plus club welcomed David Baxter and Steve O’Shea. A combined total of 8400 call outs acknowledged from volunteers at Stratford Fire Brigade.
YARRAM
THE COUNTRY CLUB is proud to announce it has a new and improved summer menu.
THE FRIENDS OF Tarra Bulga National Park are seeking enthusiastic community members to join their team of volunteers at the visitor centre, as the park prepares for a busy summer season. No prior experience or specialist knowledge is required, just a friendly attitude and a willingness to help. New volunteers receive comprehensive training to ensure they feel confident and supported in their role.
JUSTIN AND STACEY Staley were recently awarded the Champion Cow and Aggregate Points in the 2025 Kelvin Trotman Memorial On Farm Dairy Cow Challenge at the Yarram Show.
