Around Gippsland

BAIRNSDALE

CHRIS MARTIN HAS been recognised for his achievements with an induction into the Lifetime Circle at the Smarter Training Australasian Real Estate Awards. A huge moment in the career of the King and Heath First National employee.

THE ALL ABILITIES Playground in Bairnsdale is closed today, while contractor Rubber Tough Industries carries out important repairs to the rubber soft-fall surface. The team will work quickly – the playground is expected to reopen on tomorrow (Thursday).

THE EAST GIPPSLAND Winter Festival will return in 2026 from June 19 to July 19.

CHANDLERS CREEK

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash last Friday. It is understood a livestock truck traveling south on Monaro Highway veered off the road and rolled about 12.30pm. The yet-to-be formally identified driver and sole occupant of the truck died at the scene. Agriculture Victoria were called to assist with the numerous injured and deceased cattle. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing. Monaro Highway was closed at Chandlers Creek for some time. Anyone who witnessed the crash or with dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

DARGO

ALL CAMPFIRES ARE not permitted during total fire ban days, including those for warmth or personal comfort are banned during Total Fire Ban Days. If you are not taking appropriate precautions around fire, you will face the consequences and penalties. Penalties for recklessly causing a bushfire or grass fire include up to 15 years’ imprisonment. The maximum penalty for arson resulting in death is 25 years’ imprisonment.

GREG LYNN HAS been granted an appeal to his sentence of 32 years’ jail for shooting camper Carol Clay in Victoria’s High Country. Last Thursday, Lynn’s conviction was set aside in the Court of Appeal by president Karin Emerton, citing “serious irregularities” of the trial process that possessed a “substantial” likelihood of a miscarriage of justice. His appeal is up for mention on January 28, 2026.

EAGLE POINT

THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT has introduced a series of new speed limit reductions across East Gippsland. These changes reflect local road conditions and feedback from residents living along or near the affected routes. Updated speed limits include Baades Road, Lakes Entrance (now 60 kilometres per hour), Connellys Road, Omeo (50 and 80 kilometre per hour sections), Lake Victoria Road, Eagle Point, between Paynesville Road and Forge Creek Road (60 kilometres per hour) and Mathiesons Road, Eagle Point (50 kilometres per hour).

HEYFIELD

APEX PARK HAS been awarded the Wellington Shire Council “Playground of the Month”. The location is a beautiful park for both kids and adults situated right in the centre of Heyfield. Recently redeveloped the park has a magnificent playground complete with wooden tree house, giant swing, bouncy truck and Australian animal wood sculptures. There are many picnic tables scattered among the trees and gardens, a dry creek bed meanders through the centre of the park and undercover free electric barbecue and toilet facilities are all available. For those wishing to take a stroll the rail trail passes right by and continues on past the skate park, the migrant walk and on to the Lions Club rotunda and memorial rose garden. It’s the perfect spot to take a break, let the kids release some energy, refresh and enjoy a relaxing lunch.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE Licola Rd, between Heyfield and Licola are being targeted to improve safety for motorcyclists. Funding is being provided by the Federal and State governments through the Motorcycle Safety Infrastructure Program, which will deliver eight life-saving projects to help reduce the likelihood and severity of motorcycle crashes. Crews will install new motorcyclist friendly barrier treatments, improve signage and seal dangerous intersections.

LAKES ENTRANCE

EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE Council advises that the Cunningham Arm footbridge will be closed to the public from 10pm to 1am on New Year’s Eve. This temporary closure is a safety measure implemented to help reduce the risk of anti-social behaviour on Main Beach during peak celebrations. They thank the community for their understanding and cooperation in ensuring a safe and enjoyable New Year’s Eve for all.‍ The Summer Carnival is back on the Lakes Entrance Foreshore from Tuesday, December 23 to Monday, January 26, 2026. Opening daily from 6pm until late.

POLICE ARE APPEALING for public assistance to help locate Taylah Lock. A warrant has been issued for the 30-year-olds arrest. Lock is known to frequent the Latrobe, East Gippsland and Melbourne areas.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Lock is urged to contact the Morwell Police Station or Crime Stoppers or submit an online report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

POLICE ARE ALSO appealing for public assistant to locate Peter Boehmke. A warrant has been issued for Boehmke’s arrest for criminal offences. He is known to frequent the East Gippsland and Wellington areas, anyone with information in regards to his current whereabouts is urged to contact the Lakes Entrance Police or the Bairnsdale Police. A confidential report can also be made to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online.

LAKES ENTRANCE HELICOPTERS’ original blue helicopter is back flying over the Gippsland Lakes this summer, meaning more flights available during peak times. They are currently operating Wednesday-Sunday with additional days available during the new year period.

LOCH SPORT

ART CLASSES WILL be held at the Community House for six weeks starting mid February with talented local artist, Matt Ledger.

ROSS RIVER VIRUS was detected last week in the Loch Sport mosquito trap. While mosquito numbers are average for this time of year, recent rain has caused water to pool in many areas, creating ideal breeding conditions.The local council continues to carry out larvae control work.

MAFFRA

THE LOCAL ELDERS store recently generously donated $10,000 to the Little Jem Foundation. This kind of donation goes a long way to support numerous families that are living their worst nightmare and allows these families to feel the love from the community.

AT THE RECENT Community Bank Annual General Meeting the contribution of Neil Gannon and Kylie Hadden was celebrated, two of the longest serving directors and members of the original steering committee that helped establish Community Bank Maffra and District.

MAFFRA SECONDARY COLLEGE was delighted to announce its 2025 dux is Emily Johnston, who has achieved an ATAR of 96.45. The school’s VCE students have performed exceptionally well with the English mean study score reaching a high of 30 this year. They have also hit the highest median scores in a decade for a number of other subjects. The school is incredibly proud of all 2025 graduates, from those who have secured great local apprenticeships, to those now awaiting university offers. Johnston is planning to study Physiotherapy next year.

THE SCHOOL HAS announced its school captains for 2026 – Kaicee Reid and Declan Collins.

MALLACOOTA

THE TOWN WILL come alive this Thursday with twilight shopping and that unbeatable Mallacoota summer magic. It will be a chance to stroll the shops, tick off your Christmas list, support local businesses and soak up the warm twilight glow with friends and family.

MEERLIEU

THE LOCAL CRICKET Club is holding its annual Ham Night and Auction Fundraiser this Friday 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.

OMEO

THE ANGLERS REST Walking Track is officially open. East Gippsland Shire Council general manager of assets and environment, Stuart McConnell, recently attended the opening of the newly completed project, a beautiful five kilometre return walk leading to a stunning lookout. Council provided quiet but meaningful support behind the scenes, including bushfire recovery funding for early scoping and design work.

PAYNESVILLE

THE RAYMOND ISLAND Ferry is now fully operational, two days ahead of schedule. Council thanked the community for its patience during the temporary service arrangements, and acknowledges the efforts of operators who ensured continued access throughout the outage. The scheduled maintenance works — including a full external blast and repaint of the ferry superstructure — have been successfully completed. The ferry is now in excellent condition and ready for service.

AFTER 16 YEARS at Captains Cove Resort, Tamara and Chris Cook have passed the baton new owners, Maddy and David. Tamara will continue to manage Mariners Cove Motel and Apartments.

SALE

LAST SATURDAY THE Wellington Highway Patrol escorted the Red Knights Annual Christmas Toy Run around the towns in Wellington finishing at the Sale Clocktower for the handover of all the gifts collected to the Salvation Army to distribute to children across the Wellington Shire. This year is the 28th year the Toy Run has been conducted, with an estimated total of nearly $40,000 donated and collected in toys and donations for Wellington families to bring Christmas cheer to the children.

MEMBERS FROM THE Wellington Highway patrol have charged a 64-year-old Sale woman with negligent driving causing serious Injuries after a collision on the intersection of Cobains and Gibsons Road, Sale on July 9 this year. Police will allege the accused was speeding and failed to stop at a stop sign when colliding into two oncoming cars. Two of the passengers in the accused’s vehicle were airlifted to the Alfred Hospital with one passenger suffering serious injuries. The matter returns to Sale Magistrates Court on April 30, 2026. Wellington Highway Patrol would like to thank members of the public in assisting with the investigation.

THE SUMMER EXHIBITIONS opened last week at the Gippsland Art Gallery, with Wellington Shire Council mayor Cindy Madeley deliver an opening speech to mark the occasion, setting the tone for a season of creativity and connection. Now open for Summer are Synchron City (contemporary art that challenges reality), Olive Cotton and Her Contemporaries (pioneering photography masters), Borun and Tuk Gallery (First Nations voices and stories), The Art of Annemieke Mein (textile artistry at its finest) and Beci Orpin: Wonder Nature Nook (an interactive creative space in the YES Gallery). These exhibitions run until February 22, 2026.

CAROLS WERE POPULAR last week in the Sale Botanic Gardens for Carols by Candlelight 2025. It was a wonderful evening of music, community and festive cheer under the stars.

A special highlight was hearing from mayor Madeley, who shared a heartfelt message about the importance of connection, generosity and celebrating the spirit of Wellington Shire.

The night was filled with incredible performances from Sale City Band, local choirs, and talented dance groups. Santa even made an early stop to delight the kids.

SALE COLLEGE HAS announced Keely Burrows Kuizenga as its 2025 Dux.

CATHOLIC COLLEGE SALE proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of its class of 2025, led by Dux, Madison Jones (97.35). Tessa Lee, Stella Whitford, Jasmine Henry and Zachary Hatt, who all achieved scores of over 90.

STRATFORD

HEREFORDS AUSTRALIA IS proud to announce that Andrew Tulloch is the recipient of the $5000 CM Hocking Memorial Scholarship for 2025. The scholarship was presented by Herefords Australia chief executive officer Hamish Chandler at the Future Leaders and Breeders industry dinner in Tamworth on Thursday, November 6. Over the past 10 years, Tulloch has built his own beef herd, including Hereford and Hereford-influenced cattle, and has recently established a 50-head feedlot, with capacity to grow to 150 head. He also has a long-standing affiliation with the Mawarra Genetics Hereford Stud, assisting with all aspects of cattle work, particularly the preparation of bulls for their annual sale. Attending events, such as the Herefords Australia Future Leaders and Breeders Study Tour, has helped build his knowledge of the industry and with the scholarship funds, he is particularly excited to further his understanding of advanced breeding technologies, including artificial insemination, sexed semen, and embryo transfers, through research and training with companies like ST Genetics.

SWIFTS CREEK

THE LOCAL HALL is shining brighter than ever following extensive upgrades since becoming the community’s official assembly point in 2022. With a fresh coat of paint, a new roof, extended multipurpose room, flooring and amenities, it’s now a welcoming place for everyone to gather, celebrate, and connect. Last Tuesday, the hall was alive with excitement for the book launch of The Sandy Family: From Storekeeper to Soldier by Robyn Sandy, a story of pioneers, entrepreneurs, and farmers of the Tambo Valley. Peter Sandy, grandson of Joseph “Doc” Sandy, discovered his grandfather’s 100-year-old diaries and, with Robyn, carefully transcribed them before they deteriorated. Their work brings Doc Sandy’s experiences, including his military service on the Western Front, to life. Copies of the book will be available at Swifts Creek Bakery from next week, with a donation from each sale supporting the Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre, whom the family have been linked to since 1914.

VALENCIA CREEK

OFF THE BACK of their recent reunion concert, the Briagolong Bush Band will be returning for a New Years Eve dance and concert at the local hall. Garry, Alex and Col have been presenting these shows for many years and will sing your favourite songs and lead everyone through bush dances and a fun night from 8pm.

YARRAM

THE POOL IS almost ready to make a splash again. Aqua Energy has shared some exciting updates, with painting underway and the plant room is nearly finished. They are on track to reopen before Christmas.

YARRAM SECONDARY COLLEGE last week announced its two top students for 2025, William Pearson and Hector Macaulay. Pearson is the 2025 Dux with an ATAR of 96.1 and is planning to complete a bachelor of Surveying Technology at the University of Southern Queensland. Macaulay achieved an ATAR of 91.6 and is planning to complete a Bachelor of Agriculture at Melbourne University. In VCE Vocational Major (VM) the stories this year have been very exciting. Khaedyn McKay is the 2025 VM Dux. McKay will be pursuing an electrical apprenticeship in solar energy.