BAIRNSDALE
PLANNED RESEALING AND resurfacing works are taking place this week in the Bairnsdale Regional Health McKean Street car park. These works are part of ongoing improvements to maintain safe and accessible facilities for patients, visitors and staff. During the works, the car park will be closed, including some parking bays within the delivery area. Alternative parking for patients and visitors can be accessed in the Gospel Trust car park (directly opposite the McKean Street car park entrance), available Monday to Friday between 5am and 5.30pm. Dedicated parking for oncology, dialysis and consulting rooms will remain available. Customers are advised to allow additional time for parking. Temporary signage will be in place to assist with traffic flow and safe access.
FOUNDATION FOR RURAL and Regional Renewal and Telstra are inviting remote, rural and regional community groups to apply for grants of up to $10,000 through round four of Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program, which is now open. With $200,000 available, the program will support locally led initiatives that strengthen digital inclusion, enhance community connection and resilience, and build the sustainability and liveability of rural Australia. Now in its fourth year, the program has already enabled almost 70 not-for-profit organisations nationwide to upgrade digital infrastructure, deliver digital skills training, support disaster readiness, and improve service delivery. This has led to more resilient communities, greater digital equity, sustained social connection, more empowered volunteers and staff, as well as environmental and cultural benefits. Previous rounds show communities are not just seeking access to technology – they want the capability, confidence and infrastructure to sustain and strengthen their community. Digital access is fundamental to community wellbeing and opportunity – whether running a local service, volunteering, learning, caring for Country or staying connected in times of crisis. Telstra’s Connected Communities Grant Program consistently attracts
strong interest from groups seeking to modernise operations, improve cyber security, develop digital learning programs, support remote participation, or equip local hubs with accessible digital resources. There is also increasing demand for technology that enhances disaster preparedness and strengthens social connections, particularly for older people, young people and isolated residents.
THE BAIRNSDALE NEIGHBOURHOOD House has temporarily closed its Friday night cafe until further notice due to a variety of additional commitments.
LAST WEEK NAGLE College Eco Warriors travelled to Lakes Entrance for a Marine Discovery Day. They worked with Matt from the Marine Mammal Foundation. It was a busy day and included an introductory session on the Burrunan dolphins of the Gippsland Lakes, a Burrunan Watch Citizen Science activity, and a litter clean-up on Bullock Island. The day was made possible thanks to the Victorian Junior Landcare grant the school received last year. The school also took the opportunity to start their National Schools Cleanup Australia Day early by cleaning up marine litter around Bullock Island.
THE REJECT SHOP is on the cusp of disappearing for good, following its $259 million acquisition by Canadian discount giant Dollarama. The iconic Australian brand is set to be systematically phased out, replaced entirely by its new owner’s banner. This strategic rebranding and expansion will not only alter the consumer experience but fundamentally reshape the identity and utilisation of hundreds of retail properties across the nation. The transition will see the 395 existing The Reject Shop locations gradually shed their longstanding identity. Each store will change its name once it contains a “critical mass” of Dollarama products.
THE LOCAL SECONDARY College recently held its ‘Not the Swimming Sports Carnival’ event. As is tradition when anything swimming is held, the rain set in early but cleared just in time for the festivities. The school was delighted to see everyone getting into the spirit of the day. There was plenty of competition between houses, with Bogong taking the lead early and coming out victorious. Final scores were Bogong (76), Tanjil (50), Curlip (44), Tambo (40), Dargo (39) and Tarra (35).
BRIAGOLONG
WELLINGTON SHIRE COUNCILLORS (Mayor Cindy Madeley, Deputy Mayor Liz Foat, Councillors Garry Stephens, Carmel Ripper, Catherine Bannerman and John Tatterson) last week met with the Briagolong Improvement Group (BIG) at the historic Briagolong Mechanics’ Institute to talk about what matters most to the local community. The visit started at the Briagolong Recreation Reserve, where BIG shared their ideas and plans for the future of Briagolong. What stood out most was their energy and “whole of town” approach – looking at everything from community events and youth activities to footpaths, beautification and local business support. BIG has been speaking with residents about their priorities and is focused on ensuring Briagolong continues to be a welcoming, connected and thriving place to live.
BUCHAN
NEW FIGURES SHOW wild dog attacks are surging in Victoria. Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) records show livestock killed or maimed in wild dog attacks have risen sharply over the past three years. Livestock losses in 2023 were recorded at 1372, rising to 1937 in 2024, with 2489 reported in the first 10 months of 2025. These figures were released to the Victorian Farmers Federation and show losses returning to levels not seen in over a decade. Attacks have surged across the Tallangatta Valley, Corryong, Buchan-Gelantipy and Mansfield regions, placing enormous pressure on farming families. These are wild dogs attacking livestock in farming zones, not dingoes. Wild dogs in livestock protection areas are typically hybrids and are managed as pest animals because of their devastating impact on sheep and cattle enterprises.
BUNDALAGUAH MAFFRA DRAMATIC SOCIETY is currently holding full-dress rehearsals for its upcoming production of The Rocky Horror Show, which opens at The Wedge in Sale on Friday, March 20, and runs until March 29 at the local hall. The show has gathered an outstanding cast, with participants from Metung to Yallourn and many places in between.
DUTSON DOWNS
WHELAN’S GROUP HAS been awarded the contract to deliver a new hardstand at Gippsland Water’s regional organics recycling facility. The 8500-plus hectare site at Dutson Downs has been the home of Gippsland Regional Organics, an EPA-licensed facility since 2008. The site also supports waste management operations, agribusiness activities and significant native ecosystems. A hardstand is a paved or concrete area engineered to provide a stable surface to withstand heavy loads. The scope of works includes site establishment, bulk cut and fill earthworks, pavement construction, and the installation of swale drains and pipes. This project forms part of a broader site expansion to increase the processing and recycling of organic material into compost. Whelan’s has partnered with Gippsland Water on a range of civil projects previously and is well positioned to deliver this hardstand upgrade with the quality and capability for which they are renowned.
GENOA
MOBILE PHONE AND seatbelt detection cameras will soon be monitoring motorists moving in both directions on NSW roads. From Sunday, March 1, the new bi-directional capabilities of the state’s traffic cameras will be put to use. There are 10 cameras which capture images of passing vehicles and use artificial intelligence (AI) to review the images and detect offences, which are then verified by trained personnel. The cameras, when on single-lane roads, will now be able to scan both lanes of traffic. Drivers caught without a seatbelt are fined $423 in New South Wales and given three demerit points. It is also a $423 offence to be seen using a mobile phone, even if it is sitting on your lap. Statistics show that one in every 1300 vehicles checked by the cameras in 2025 had someone breaking seatbelt laws. One in every 1200 were caught using their mobile phone illegally – about three times as many mobile phone offences as when the cameras were first rolled out in 2019.
HEYFIELD
THE NATIONAL TIMBER Workers Hall of Fame invites all past and present timber workers, families and friends to join them for a special afternoon celebrating the timber industry and the people who built the community. The event will take place at the Heyfield Tennis Club on Saturday, March 28, from 11am–3pm. It is a chance to reconnect with old mates, share stories from the bush and the mills, and honour the generations who shaped Heyfield’s timber heritage.
LAKES ENTRANCE
TYRONE HAYES, WHO leads GLaWAC’s Aquaculture Enterprise crew, has been selected for the 2026 National Seafood Industry Leadership Program. Hayes is one of a growing number of GLaWAC staff involved in projects on Sea Country, often working from a boat rather than a ute or tractor. Along with Harley Wanganeen and Tyler Hood, Hayes has been spearheading the Sydney rock oyster trial – farming oysters in the Gippsland Lakes to assess potential economic viability. Despite the name, Sydney rock oysters are native to the Gippsland coast and grow wild in the Lakes. Hayes is one of just 35 young people from across Australia selected for the program, which begins with workshops in Fremantle in March. The program aims to help young professionals start and grow innovative and successful seafood enterprises. GLaWAC’s oyster trial is supported by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, who visited Lakes Entrance this week to congratulate Hayes and review the trial’s progress.
THE EAST GIPPSLAND Convoy For Kids will take place on March 14. The convoy will leave Traralgon (7.30am) and Orbost (10am) heading to the Great Lakes Airfield, where between 9am–4pm there will be a show ‘n’ shine, food trucks, charity auctions, merchandise stalls, a family fun day and Truck’n with Tim. It is an alcohol-free event.
LOCH SPORT
THE LOCAL HISTORY group will meet for an informal meeting on March 9 at Arrawarra, at the rear of Loch Sport Public Hall, from 10am–1pm to discuss moving forward with their information and
photo collection.
LUCKNOW
TRANSPORT VICTORIA HAS started preliminary works on approximately one kilometre of the Princes Highway, from the Great Alpine Road roundabout to 100 metres past Phillips Lane. Preliminary works, with minor traffic delays during the day, are expected to take up to two weeks. Main construction works will start in March and continue through April. To minimise delays during busy traffic periods, works will be undertaken at night between 6pm and 6am. During works, there will at times be road closures with signed detours, single-lane closures and reduced speed limits to ensure the safety of crews and all road users. These dates and times are subject to change due to weather conditions.
MAFFRA
THE LOCAL HOCKEY club recently took delivery of four new goalkeeping kits provided by Just Hockey. Two junior kits and two senior kits were funded via a $3000 Community Assistance Grant from Wellington Shire Council. The new equipment will provide the club’s goalkeepers with up-to-date protection this season. Training begins this week on Thursday at 5.30pm for juniors and
6.30pm for seniors.
NOWA NOWA
IF WEATHER CONDITIONS are suitable, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMV) will burn piles of forest residue along the Princes Highway near Nowa Nowa commencing this week. The burn heaps, located between Veldens Road and Long Hill, contain small material left over from preparatory works for future fuel reduction burns. All suitable firewood has already been removed. The material being burnt is the remaining residue (slash) not suitable for firewood. The works have improved access for firefighters and will help reduce fire intensity and future impacts to the highway. Traffic management signage will be in place. These works are part of FFMV’s ongoing program to reduce bushfire risk and maintain safer travel routes.
PAYNESVILLE
CONSTRUCTION OF EAST Gippsland Water’s new 300-megalitre recycled water storage has reached a key milestone. The inlet valve was opened for the first time, flooding the basin floor with Class “C” recycled water. The basin will continue to be filled through autumn and winter, allowing storage during periods too wet to irrigate. Works around the basin continue, including creating an access track and re-establishing the topsoil and grass. The $8 million project is expected to be completed in May.
SALE
THE WELLINGTON BLUE Light disco committee has announced its first disco will be held on March 20 at the Sale Memorial Hall. The event is for children in grades three to six. No mobile phones will be permitted. Glow wear, drinks and snacks will be available for purchase. Water and cups will be provided free on site. Parents wishing to stay must notify Leading Senior Constable Kim Kell on 5142 2200 and hold a current Working With Children card.
GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR Year 11 student Shaven Rajapaske has been selected for the highly regarded Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program, a two-year academic enrichment initiative run by the University of Melbourne. The program recognises high-achieving students from across Victoria and provides access to university-level learning, mentoring and enrichment workshops during years 11 and 12. Entry is highly competitive – in 2024, more than
2,300 students applied, with only a small number offered a place. Over summer, Rajapaske attended his first workshop, gaining insight into university life and connecting with like-minded peers. Participants also heard from Professor Kwong Lee Dow OAM, the program’s founder and former University of Melbourne vice chancellor. Over the next two years, Rajapaske will attend additional workshops and events during school holidays to continue building academic skills and explore future study and career pathways.
Gippsland GRAMMAR’S BAIRNSDALE Campus has officially opened its new Wellbeing Circle, a calm and caring space designed to help students slow down, reflect and connect with nature and each other. The project began in 2022 when the community gathered to hear mindset coach Ben Crowe speak, raising more than $23,000 to support student wellbeing. The Wellbeing Circle is now a place where students can listen, share stories, explore the natural environment, and enjoy a peaceful outdoor setting. The opening featured a Welcome to Country, reflections on the purpose of the space and the unveiling of its name – ‘Together
We Gather’ – chosen by the year six leaders. With Indigenous artwork by Alfie Huson etched into the concrete and harp music played by Dr Cath Connelly from The Abbey, it was a beautiful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together with shared purpose.
WELLINGTON SHIRE COUNCIL is calling on local businesses to explore new work opportunities by learning how their existing skills and services could support large organisations operating locally. Council, in partnership with the Office of Defence Industry Support (ODIS – Federal Department of Defence), will host a free Defence 101 information and networking event on Wednesday, March 25, from 9am
to 1pm at the Wellington Room, upstairs at the Port of Sale. With major organisations nearby, including RAAF Base East Sale,
there is steady demand for trusted local suppliers across a wide range of services. Businesses from any sector are encouraged
to attend. The event will include an information session, Q&A, networking
and light refreshments.
SEASPRAY
A NEW ALL-ABILITIES access ramp at the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club has been completed, improving accessibility for locals and visitors. The project, delivered with support from the Stronger Communities Grant Program, provides safe, easy
access to the ocean-facing grassed area, a
popular gathering space overlooking
Ninety Mile Beach.
POLICE ARE CALLING for information around Seaspray and Rosedale on February 26 regarding two stolen vehicles. A red Ford Falcon (YVP662) with a trailer was stolen from Rosedale, while a red Nissan Patrol (YVP437) was stolen from Seaspray. Anyone with information or dashcam footage is asked to contact Sale Police. Police remind residents to lock sheds and vehicles at all times and remove keys from vehicles. In Victoria, approximately 70 per cent of vehicles are stolen using their own keys.
STRATFORD
ON TUESDAY NIGHT, the local CFA brigade trained at VEMTC West Sale, putting crews through high-intensity live fire scenarios. The primary exercise involved a bin fire that had extended into a nearby home, with simulated exposures and rapid internal rescue. The exercise tested fireground communication, sharpened practical firefighting skills, and reinforced teamwork across multiple crews and appliances. Training nights like this ensure brigades remain capable, confident and ready to protect the community.
