Around Gippsland

BAIRNSDALE

CRIMINALS ARE TARGETING students with easy-money offers for the use of their bank accounts. The Australian Federal Police advises that if someone asks you to move money for payment, they are not offering you a legitimate job — they’re recruiting you as a money mule. They slide into your messages, connect via apps, post fake “money transfer agent” job advertisements, or even approach you in person. It may seem like quick cash, but the money they are moving is often stolen and used to fund serious criminality such as cybercrime, terrorism, and human trafficking. In Australia, being a money mule is not a side hustle — it’s a serious crime. Penalties range from 12 months to life in prison. You could also lose access to your bank accounts, along with your savings. So, if the offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t share your bank details or let strangers “borrow” your account. Just block them and walk away.

THE LOCAL AMBULANCE Victoria Branch will be hosting an open day on Saturday, March 21, from 10am. It will be a chance to meet local paramedics and first responders, Ambulance Auxiliary volunteer members, and learn life-saving skills such as CPR and how to use a defibrillator. You can also enjoy children’s activities, guided tours, door prizes, and view a vintage ambulance. The event will take place at the Bairnsdale Ambulance Branch at 446 Main Street.

VICTORIA STATE EMERGENCY Service celebrated its 51st birthday over the weekend. It was born out of the Civil Defence Organisation in 1975. The organisation is thankful to their members, past and present, for over three decades of committed service to the communities.

BAIRNSDALE FIRE BRIGADE Easter Colouring Competition is open to all local kids. If you would like to enter, please collect a colouring sheet from the front door of the station at 73 Calvert Street, contact their Facebook page with your email address, or email Chelsea.beechey@members.cfa.vic.gov.au with your child’s age, and she will send you a printable PDF copy. Age categories are zero–five, six–10, and 11–15 years. One winner from each age group will receive an Easter goodie basket and a station/truck tour. Entries can be dropped off at the station (addressed to Chelsea), emailed to the above, or posted back to the brigade (addressed to Chelsea) before 11.59pm on Friday, March 27. Winners will be contacted and announced on the brigade’s social media on Tuesday, March 31.

A PRODUCT RECALL has been issued on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 (FJA300R). The vehicle is being classed as a fire risk due to a Transmission Control Module programming issue. As a result, transmission may rev faster than intended, causing a loss of motive power and transmission fluid to leak. A transmission fluid leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire whilst driving.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST for the 2026 East Gippsland Winter Festival are now open. If you are keen to get involved and help put your town on the Winter Festival map, the organisers would love to hear from you. This year’s festival will run from June 19–July 19, right across the East Gippsland Shire.

BAIRNSDALE PRODUCTION LINE Theatre Company is proud to announce their October play will be ‘Allo ‘Allo. Directed by Susan Hawton and assisted by Tony Porter, this hilarious comedy is sure to have audiences laughing all the way through. The company can’t wait to bring this classic show to life at The Forge Theatre.

POPULAR BOOKS AT East Gippsland libraries currently are Identity Unknown (Patricia Cornwell), A Calamity of Souls (David Baldacci), The Dark Hours (Michael Connelly), The Impossible Fortune (Richard Osman), and The Italian Secret (Tara Moss).

BAIRNSDALE REGIONAL HEALTH Service has reported that due to heavy rain earlier last week, resurfacing works in the McKean Street car park have been slightly delayed and will now be completed by Thursday. These works are repairing potholes, cracked and uneven surfaces to make the car park safer and more accessible for patients, visitors, and staff.

DISBELIEF AT BAIRNSDALE Secondary College, vandalised over the weekend, with nearly every building spray-painted.

COWWARR

THE ICONIC CRICKET Club Hotel is on the market, presenting an opportunity to breathe new life into a much-loved piece of Gippsland history. Originally established in 1880 and beautifully rebuilt in the 1930s, the Cricket Club Hotel has always been a cornerstone of the Cowwarr community. Like many great country pubs, it’s more than just a building: it’s a meeting place, a storybook of local history, and a hub for community connection. Currently not trading, the venue offers a clean slate for a new operator to reopen with their own vision from day one.

FERNBANK

OPERATION ARID HAS begun, with Victoria Police urging drivers to take extra care this March, which is historically the most dangerous month on Victorian roads. Last March, more than 1,600 injury collisions were recorded, including 23 fatalities, with crashes peaking over the long weekend. Speed, fatigue, drink and drug driving, and incidents involving motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians all spike during this period. The regular warnings are in place: slow down, speed limits aren’t suggestions, and save the overtaking manoeuvres for the Formula One drivers. Don’t drive tired, as fatigue equals slowed reaction time. If you’re yawning, you’re not winning. If you’re going to drink, organise a designated driver, use public transport, or get a ride share.

GLENGARRY

THE GIPPSLAND PLAINS Rail Trail committee of management is excited to announce the launch of the three Railway Dog sculptures along the trail. The sculptures will be positioned at Glengarry, Toongabbie, and Cowwarr stations. The launch will take place on Sunday, March 22, at 11am, at Glengarry station. With the uncovering of the story of the Railway Dog via the Gippsland History Group, networks soon came together to initiate the creative project, with the committee receiving a generous grant from Alinta Loy Yang B Power Station and contracting Jo Caminiti, a local Cowwarr-based artist, to commission the three Railway Dog sculptures. In the 1930s, a female red kelpie known as the Railway Dog adopted the Traralgon rail crew and was a “confirmed tourist,” travelling the trains around Gippsland. In December 1935, the Railway Dog made the front page of the Melbourne Herald, “Gippsland’s Wonder Dog Believes in Two Means of Locomotion,” which told the story of her missing the Stratford train then giving chase for 20 miles from Traralgon to Cowwarr. Caminiti has also written a ballad about The Railway Dog, which you can hear on the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail website.

GOLDEN BEACH

GB ENERGY, the developer of the Golden Beach Energy Storage Project located off the coast of Golden Beach, has funded the purchase and installation of three water tanks to assist local fire-fighting efforts. They were installed at the Veronica Maybury Recreation Reserve, Golden Beach Golf Club, and the Open Garden by the Paradise Beach Ratepayers and Residents Association. The local fire brigade was also involved in the process and ensured the tanks were ready to go, providing the water. The GB Energy Project will initially produce natural gas via an offshore drilling program, before converting to an offshore gas storage facility, with construction expected to begin later this year and be completed by 2028.

HEYFIELD

LATROBE COMMUNITY HEALTH Service is offering a new, free aged care program funded by the Federal Government, called the Seniors Lifestyle Victoria (SLV) program. The SLV program supports older Victorians who want to stay active, healthy, and independent. It is for people who are mostly in good health but may need a little extra help. This might include setting goals, looking after your health, or finding local activities to enjoy. The program focuses on long-term wellbeing, helping people reach their goals with supports that build strength, confidence, and independence.

LAKES ENTRANCE

GLAWAC IS PROUD to be a partner of the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience (NIDR) Gathering 2026, to be held on Country in Lakes Entrance on May 5–7, 2026. This national gathering brings people together from across Australia to share Indigenous leadership, knowledge, and lived experience in disaster resilience, recovery, and Caring for Country. The gathering will focus on learning from communities who have lived through fire, flood, and long recovery — and recognising the strength that sits within culture, Country, and community.

IN ITS VERY first month of operation, the new EV charger in Lakes Entrance has already made a powerful impact, delivering 1.2 MWh of energy, which is 619 kilograms of CO₂ emissions avoided. Drivers plugged in from postcodes near and far, including Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand; Fishermans Paradise, New South Wales; Molonglo, Australian Capital Territory; Albury, NSW; Junee, NSW; Merimbula, NSW; Bega Valley, NSW; and Manly West, Queensland. EV chargers do more than power cars — they give visitors time to wander, shop, and connect, supporting the local economy in the process.

POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING a fatal crash last Saturday morning. Emergency services were called to reports a car crashed into an embankment and rolled on Princes Highway, near Lake Bunga Beach Road, at about 11.30am. The driver and sole occupant, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has footage or information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

LOCAL SECONDARY COLLEGE captains Alexis and Killian hit the road last week, heading to ABC Gippsland to learn first-hand how they can bring a student podcast to life at their school. The visit helped explore how a podcast could give students a platform to strengthen student voice and agency, share ideas, stories, and conversations from across the college, and connect with the broader Lakes Entrance community.

LAKE TYERS

EXCITING ENHANCEMENT WORKS are coming to Skidale Close Reserve. From Monday, March 16, the East Gippsland Shire Council will be adding new picnic settings, play equipment, and landscaped areas to complement the park’s natural environment. During construction, the lower section of the reserve will be fenced off and access restricted. Pedestrians can follow the temporary path from the carpark to Cross Street via the Tavern. Works are expected to be complete by June 2026.

MALLACOOTA

FRIDAY EVENING, the cruise ship Norwegian Spirit could be seen cruising past not far offshore. It had just departed Eden and was heading south through Bass Strait toward Burnie, Tasmania, when it passed near Gabo Island. With nearly two thousand passengers aboard, and around 1,000 crew, the ship slid past at about 20 knots on its overnight run to Tasmania.

MEERLIEU

AT AROUND 3.30AM on Wednesday, the Meerlieu Public Hall was targeted for a break-in. Thieves attempted to break into three different doors, damaging all of them in the process. Thankfully, they were unsuccessful in getting inside the hall, but the damage left behind is something the small community now has to repair and pay for. After failing there, they moved to the roller shed, stole a shovel, dug under the roller door, and stole a brand-new petrol blower. Sale Police have attended and investigated the incident.

ORBOST

A DOUBLE REUNION will be held at the Orbost Club Hotel on May 2 for Orbost Shire and Orbost Civil and Civic former employees and partners.

PAYNESVILLE

AS PART OF building a new accessible toilet block at Gilsenan Reserve, the contractor Cal Civil will be carrying out sewer connection works from March 10–20 (weather permitting). During this time, up to three parking spaces near the Paynesville Service Centre will be closed. Traffic controls will operate at the intersection of Raymond and Fleischer Streets, the latter will remain open, and access to the car park from Raymond Street will still be available throughout the works.

SALE

LOCAL POLICE ARE appealing for public assistance to help locate Zac McSweeny. Warrants have been issued for McSweeny’s arrest for criminal offences. He is known to frequent the Sale and surrounding areas. Anyone with information regarding his current whereabouts is urged to contact the Sale Police Station on 51 42 2200 or Crime Stoppers.

THE SKY ABOVE West Sale Airport will again be filled with thrilling flying action in April. The ANZAC Week Airshow will be held on April 18–19. The biennial event, previously held around Anzac Day, will now be held on the weekend preceding the public holiday.

VEGUARY HAS WRAPPED up for another year, and what a fantastic celebration it was of sustainable food, gardening, and community across the Wellington Shire Council. With an amazing turnout throughout February, the community came together to enjoy open gardens, hands-on workshops, expert talks, and community events that inspired people of all ages to grow, cook, and connect with local food. The Open Gardens weekends were a standout, showcasing the many creative ways the community grows food — big and small.

THE STAR HOTEL are excited to let everyone know that the town’s best beer garden has just become even better, with the recent extension ready and being enjoyed. There are plenty of tables, outdoor games (giant Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole), and an incredible atmosphere for afternoon drinks, lunch with the family, bottomless lunch, or a night out on the town. This extension will also ensure an even bigger and better Oktoberfest, which will run on Sunday, October 11.

THE WELLINGTON SUSTAINABILITY Festival is on this Sunday. A number of presentations will take place at Nakunbalook, including growing native food with Peppermint Ridge Farm (10am), conservation success stories with EcoGipps and Biodiversity Legacy (10.30am), big science fun with Fizzics Education (noon), the power of biochar with Ben from Biobloom (12.45pm), and how home electrification helps the environment and your bills (1.30pm). At the Seed Community Garden, there will be garden tours all day and workshops including beekeeping with the Gippsland Apiarists (11am) and secrets of incredible compost with Tony King (1pm). Drop-in activities include Bug Blitz Mobile Lab with Dr John Caldow, animal stories with Electra — Sweet Dreaming Cultural Programs, sustainable activities with Wellington Youth Vic, endangered-animal art with the Wellington Climate Action Network, and a family art pop-up with the Gippsland Art Gallery. Emily Nock will be performing beautiful tunes throughout the day.

LAST WEEK, THE Wellington Shire Council welcomed the Live4Life Wellington Crew to their 2026 journey at the Crew Induction Day. The day brought young leaders together to plan events for the year and shape a positive mental health theme to share across their schools and community. Councillor Geoff Wells attended to acknowledge their important role as mental health ambassadors.

Now in its third year in Wellington, Live4Life continues to provide evidence-based mental health education, reduce stigma through open and meaningful conversations, and empower young people to lead change.

HARP GENIUS JOSH Layne will play live at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday night from 7pm. Layne has performed extensively across Canada, America, Europe, South America, Australia, and New Zealand and has been praised for both his virtuosity and the sensitivity of his playing. He has recorded four albums of solo harp music, including his 2013 CD Passage: Music For Solo Harp, which features three of his original compositions for harp. Recent projects include a revival of Bochsa’s long-dormant Concerto No. 1 in D Minor with a performance at the World Harp Congress in Wales in July 2022.

COLLINS BOOKSELLERS IS set to close its doors in Sale unless it finds a new owner. Current owners Natasha and Daryl Hunt have decided to retire from retail. Small business owners may be facing challenges, but the Hunts hope passion and community prevail to keep the bookshop open and thriving.

BUNNINGS OFFICIALLY OPENED its brand-new Sale store on Saturday, boosting the retail and commercial offerings the hardware store provides. Located on the corner of the Princes Highway and Cobains Rd, the store spans more than 12,000 square metres and has been designed to support local DIYers, tradies, and commercial customers. Management is proud to have added 37 new local jobs as part of the expansion, joining the existing 78 team members from the old site.

CATHOLIC COLLEGE SALE teachers Kelly Burgiel and Jo Gieschen have commenced the 2026 Teaching Excellence Program at the Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership. This is a fantastic opportunity for both to connect with other passionate educators from across the state, strengthen their leadership skills, and explore new ideas to bring back to Catholic College Sale.

STRATFORD

DISAPPOINTMENT OVER THE long weekend for the local fire brigade, who were made aware of a number of “illegal” burn-offs, and attended two of them. While they understand there has been some decent rainfall over the past few weeks, we are still well and truly in the Fire Danger Period. A few warm or windy days can quickly dry things out. Often the grass may look green on top, but underneath it can be very dry — and before long we’re back out chasing fires that have gotten away. Please remember that if you conduct a burn-off during the Fire Danger Period and the brigade is paged to respond, police are automatically notified. In most cases this results in the property owner receiving a summons to attend court.

WILLUNG SOUTH

LOCAL ATHLETE, Florence White, who is only 11, has been named the September Junior Gippstar Award winner for her outstanding achievements in the sport of Tetrathlon. The four-phase event includes a 100-metre freestyle swim, kilometre run, laser pistol shooting, and horse riding across both cross-country and show-jumping courses.