BAIRNSDALE
DISBELIEF AT THE Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House, after the driver of a dark grey Jeep Cherokee was seen entering the community garden on weekends and helping herself to fresh produce. When questioned by a volunteer about her actions, she allegedly replied that she could do what she liked. House staff are now keen to make contact with the person involved to determine whether assistance with food is required. They encourage her to visit the front of the House for support or, alternatively, to consider helping in the garden, where there are many ongoing tasks.
LOCAL POLICE ARE appealing for information in regard to a theft from a local business. On February 13 at approximately 2.30am, an unknown person attended a Bairnsdale business in an AU Ford Falcon. The offender removed an e-bike and loaded it into the vehicle before driving away. If you have any information regarding the driver or vehicle, contact Bairnsdale Police on 5150 2600 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
PROGRESSIVE LOCAL COMPANY Whelans are currently delivering the Thompsons Road and Berwick–Cranbourne Road intersection upgrade on behalf of Big Build Roads. Last month the team reached a major milestone, with the intersection reopened as planned after a one-month closure. In just four weeks crews worked around the clock to demolish the old roundabout, move powerlines underground, install new traffic signal infrastructure, lay fresh kerbs and asphalt on all four approaches, begin constructing new shared walking and cycling paths, and shape the new carriageway, including a dedicated left-turn slip lane. Behind the scenes 3300 cubic metres of topsoil was removed, 8500 tonnes of earthworks placed, 900 metres of kerbing installed, 6700 tonnes of crushed rock and 6000 tonnes of treated rock moved, 2900 tonnes of asphalt laid and more than 3600 metres of utilities relocated or protected. A temporary roundabout is now in place to maintain traffic flow while widening works, drainage, traffic signals, lighting, upgraded bus stops, paths and landscaping continue.
IF YOU HAVE a cat or dog over three months old, their council registration is due by Friday, April 10. Registering your pet helps ensure they can be returned if lost and supports important animal welfare services across the community. You may be eligible for discounts if your pet is desexed, over 10 years old, a working dog or part of a registered domestic animal business. Microchipping is required before first registration.
HATE (PREJUDICE-MOTIVATED) crimes and incidents have a devastating impact on individuals, families and communities. If you are a victim of a hate crime or incident or know of someone who is, you should report it to Victoria Police. There is no place in Australia for hatred of any kind; every person should be able to enjoy life free from discrimination. If you see or experience hate or prejudice, do not put up with it — speak up and report it. Reporting helps stop offending behaviour and assists police in identifying patterns of behaviour in local areas to create a safer community. Any crime or incident may be motivated by hate, bias or prejudice towards attributes including race, nationality, ethnicity, cultural background, language, religion, sex, gender identity, sexuality, disability, political opinion and homelessness. A hate crime is an act motivated by such prejudice that meets the legal threshold of a crime. These offences are harmful and illegal and should be reported to Victoria Police.
GIPPSLAND FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS’ Sarah Smith has been awarded Regional Broker of the Year with Bankwest.
LAST WEEK WAS National Harmony Week, a time to celebrate the cultural diversity that strengthens our community. Across Australia, almost half of all people were either born overseas or have at least one parent who was — a reminder of the many stories and backgrounds that shape our region. Let us continue to foster inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone in East Gippsland.
CANCER COUNCIL VICTORIA has relaunched its state-wide bowel cancer screening campaign with an increased focus on younger Victorians as part of a renewed push for preventative health measures. In July 2024 the age eligibility for the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program was lowered to allow people aged 45 to 49 to request a free bowel screening test kit in the mail. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that only 11 per cent of Victorians aged 45 to 49 requested the life-saving test in its first year of availability; however, 42 per cent of those who requested a kit completed it. In 2024, 3,780 Victorians were diagnosed with bowel cancer and 1,269 people died from it, making it the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Victoria. If detected early, more than 90 per cent of bowel cancer cases can be successfully treated. The relaunched campaign features the story of father-of-two Laurie Cronin, whose life was saved through early screening. To request a bowel screening test kit visit the National Cancer Screening Register.
A NEW MOBILE health service is bringing essential health care directly to people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across East Gippsland and Wellington. Commissioned by Gippsland Primary Health Network and delivered by Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, the Health on Wheels pilot operates five days a week across Yarram, Sale, Bairnsdale, Lakes Entrance and Orbost. It is staffed by a registered nurse and homelessness outreach worker. The service provides health screening, pathology collection, wound care, chronic disease management, care coordination, referrals, needle and syringe programs, and support to access digital health services including telehealth. Homelessness in Gippsland continues to increase and the program aims to improve access to care and strengthen early intervention and continuity of support.
MORE THAN 200 staff, residents and community members gathered at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service last week to mark National Close the Gap Day. Aboriginal Elders shared stories, led a smoking ceremony and invited attendees to engage in culture through dance. The event highlighted the importance of listening, learning and walking alongside community. BRHS reaffirmed its commitment to culturally inclusive care, acknowledging the impacts of colonisation, racism and intergenerational trauma, and the need to ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel safe, respected and heard. The Aboriginal Health Unit continues to strengthen the patient journey from first contact through to discharge and reconnection with community.
EAGLE POINT
ON THURSDAY MARCH 12 at approximately 2pm a black Ford Ranger was observed speeding, overtaking dangerously and driving on the wrong side of the road on Paynesville Road in Eagle Point and Forge Creek Road and Racecourse Road in Bairnsdale. Police are appealing for witnesses and any dashcam footage. Contact Bairnsdale Police or Crime Stoppers.
CANN RIVER
A NEW SPEED bump has been installed at the entrance to Cann River Caravan Park, a free campground for short stays of up to 48 hours.
DARGO
THE LOCAL COMMUNITY House recently hosted a luncheon where Christine Brooks from the Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre provided information on wills, advance care directives and funerals. Attendees received a “peace of mind planner” booklet to record important details such as document locations, passwords, bank accounts, insurance and funeral wishes.
ENSAY
ON SUNDAY THE revitalised Recreation Reserve was officially opened after securing a $2.2 million grant following the Black Summer Bushfires. Volunteers including secretary Kath Morgan helped bring the project to completion. Cadbuild delivered the works, creating a vital community hub, gathering place and emergency asset, as well as a growing tourism destination with 20 powered sites. The upgrades will benefit both locals and visitors.
HEYFIELD
LAST WEEK THE Heyfield Lions Club fed the “Kimberley Karavanners” during their annual gathering, with around 130 visitors attending. The group enjoyed hospitality and conversation with local residents.
THE NATIONAL TIMBER Workers Hall of Fame invites past and present timber workers, families and friends to a special afternoon celebrating the industry at the Heyfield Tennis Club on Saturday from 11am–3pm. The event will feature stories, reunions and recognition of Heyfield’s timber heritage.
THE LOCAL FOOTBALL Netball Club is marking 50 years since its most successful season in 1976. A past players’ day will be held on June 20, with additional informal reunions organised by members unable to attend. All 1976 players are invited to Gordon Street Reserve from 12.30pm for a catch-up and final practice match. A light lunch will be provided.
KALIMNA
THANKS TO THE Metung Lions Club, the Kalimna West Fire Brigade now has 10-cent can collection bins in front of its station. The collection point is well signed and provides a way for the brigade to raise much-needed funds. The Metung Lions collect the cans, cash them in and return the proceeds directly to brigade bank accounts.
LAKES ENTRANCE
TALENTED LOCAL MUSICIAN Olivia Lay has a couple of big gigs coming up, including the National Folk Festival in Canberra over Easter. She will perform a collaborative set on Sunday and a longer set on Monday, and will also open for Ross Wilson at the Yarram Regent Theatre on April 11.
YEAR NINE SECONDARY College students Chelsea, Mackenzie, Jasmine, Malachai and Collin have been accepted into the School for Student Leadership. During the program, students will spend eight weeks at the Don Valley Campus, joining students from across Victoria. The experience focuses on developing leadership, teamwork, resilience and personal growth through outdoor activities, group challenges and community projects.
MAFFRA
RON D’ARCY is this year’s recipient of the Latrobe Health Services Scholarship. D’Arcy is operations manager at the George Gray Centre, where he supports disability workers. He is also chairman of Maffra Neighbourhood House and deputy chairman of Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc.
METUNG
A NEW LIVE streaming webcam is now operational on the Metung Yacht Club website. It is positioned on the exterior wall of the clubroom to provide a view of Bancroft Bay.
NOWA NOWA
AFTER BEING A huge success in 2025, degustation nights are returning in 2026 to Mingling Waters, bigger and even better. A monthly dining experience showcasing a mix of flavours and cuisines over a six-course menu, curated by chef Adrian Glover, will commence on Saturday, April 25. There will be a different experience each month.
ORBOST
JOHN JOHN’S DINER is excited to share that its alcohol licence has finally been approved. To make it even more special, staff served their first drinks to visitors from Denmark. From now on, patrons can enjoy meals with beer, wine or other beverages.
PAYNESVILLE
BAIRNSDALE POLICE ARE appealing for information regarding a stolen rolled-up cricket pitch tarp from AJ Freeman Reserve between March 2 and March 3. The item would likely require multiple people and a ute or trailer to remove. Contact Bairnsdale Police or Crime Stoppers with any information.
AS PART OF the construction of the new public toilet block at Gilsenan Reserve, Cal Civil is completing essential sewer connection works. Traffic management is in place at Raymond and Fleischer Streets, with Fleischer Street remaining open and access to the car park maintained. Three parking spaces near the Paynesville Service Centre are temporarily closed. This is the only disruption expected at this stage of the project.
SALE
THE BIENNIAL ANZAC Week Airshow on April 18–19 promises a weekend of aerial displays, aerobatics and family entertainment, featuring military, heritage and aerobatic aircraft, including performances by Matt Hall. The event also includes live music, classic vehicles, fashion shows and an education and careers hub focused on aviation and defence industries.
THE FIRST WELLINGTON Blue Light Disco since 2020 was a success last Friday night, with more than 180 children attending under supervision from Sale Police and CFA members.
LAST SATURDAY Bunnings hosted a Community Crime Prevention Day, where police provided advice and distributed number plate theft prevention screws.
SALE SOCIT have charged a 36-year-old man following investigations into a series of sexually related offences across Sale, Briagolong and Stratford between January and March. He has been remanded to appear at Sale Magistrates’ Court.
WURRUK
THE LIONS CLUBS of Heyfield, Maffra, Sale, Stratford, Loch Sport, Toongabbie and Rosedale identified a need to assist Wurruk Primary School with its school kitchen. Principal Gayle Coleman and staff sought upgrades to support the breakfast and lunch program in a safe and efficient manner. Heyfield Lions coordinated a zone project which raised $50,000 to fund the refurbishment. The official opening was held on March 6, with students hosting a spaghetti lunch, garlic bread and cake for attending Lions members in appreciation.
