BAIRNSDALE
VICTORIA POLICE NEIGHBOURHOOD Policing Forum welcomes local services and community members to speak with police about issues important to the community. The event will be held on Thursday, May 28 at the Bairnsdale RSL from 1.00pm. The forum will explore topics including current crime trends and crime prevention, young people, family violence, road policing,
and drug-related crime. The forum will be run by a Victoria Police panel, with questions taken from the audience throughout the event.
POLICE ARE APPEALING for public assistance to help locate Christopher Hepworth. The 40-year-old from Morwell is wanted on warrant for burglary and assault-related matters. Hepworth is described as Caucasian in appearance, approximately 170 centimetres tall, with a thin build, short brown hair and blue eyes. He is known to frequent the Morwell, Bairnsdale, Cranbourne and Corio areas. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK (May 18–24) is just around the corner. In East Gippsland, volunteering remains a
strong part of the community, with 19.2 per cent of residents giving their time to support others.
ENTRIES ARE NOW open for the 2026 Youth Art Prize. Creative East Gippslanders aged 12–25 are encouraged to showcase their talent and be part of an exciting art competition with cash prizes on offer. Categories include 2D, 3D, First Nations, Collaborative Piece and Digital Media/Photography. Prizes include first prize ($250), People’s Choice ($250), Collaborative Piece ($250) and overall Judges’ Choice ($500). Entries close August 7.
ANIMAL AID’S Fated Felines adoption event is happening this April, with cats and kittens waiting to meet their perfect match — including some in Bairnsdale. It is a chance to give a deserving feline a second chance and find a new companion, whether you are looking for a playful kitten or a more relaxed older cat.
LOCAL POLICE ARE reminding parents that before buying an e-bike or e-scooter, it is important to understand the legal requirements. While these devices remain popular, not everything sold online or in stores is legal to ride in Victoria, particularly high-powered models. Legal e-bikes must be 250W maximum and only assist up to 25 kilometres per hour. E-scooters must be approved models, not exceed 20 kilometres per hour, and helmets are mandatory. Many high-speed or throttle-powered bikes are illegal on public roads and paths. Fines can apply, and if a child is riding an illegal device, parents often bear the cost. Ultimately, faster speeds equate to a higher risk of serious injury when things go wrong. Before purchasing, residents
are urged to check that devices meet
legal requirements.
THE APEX CLUB of Bairnsdale will hold its time capsule celebration on Saturday, May 23. The opening of the sealed 1975 capsule will take place at 10.30am, with resealing scheduled for 11.30am. The next opening is planned for 2051. A free barbecue will be provided, with envelopes for insertion available from Schoolworks. All funds raised will support the BRHS maternity ward. The event is expected to attract strong community interest, with locals encouraged to take part in preserving history for future generations.
CLYDEBANK
LAST WEEK THE local fire brigade marked the start of a new era, receiving a replacement tanker. The new addition is a 2000 Isuzu, formerly used by the Meerlieu Fire Brigade. It holds 3000 litres of water and has significantly more storage on board. The tanker replaces a 1991 Hino medium tanker, which held 2000 litres, and represents a notable upgrade in both capacity and capability. The newer truck is expected to serve the Clydebank community well into the future, improving response capacity and supporting local firefighting efforts.
JOHNSONVILLE
FOLLOWING COMMUNITY FEEDBACK, East Gippsland Shire Council has ordered equipment for the playground at Harry Clues Memorial Reserve. The project will also include additional improvements such as new seating and bollards to enhance the space for families and visitors. The upgrades aim to create a more welcoming and functional recreational area for the wider community.
LAKES ENTRANCE
YOU MAY HAVE seen a new addition welcoming visitors into Lakes Entrance, with LESC signage now prominently displayed. The school extended its thanks to the Rotary Club of Lakes Entrance for the opportunity to be part of the sign, acknowledging the support shown to the school community. The signage helps promote the school to a wider audience and strengthens its connection with the local area.
MAFFRA
NEXT MONTH, a piece of local machinery history will return to the area after more than a century. Adam Taylor, of Riddells Creek, has restored the Maffra Shire’s historic “Golden Roller” steam roller and plans to return it to Maffra in mid-May, in time for the annual Heyfield Vintage Machinery Rally on May 16–17. The return of the roller is expected to attract interest from history enthusiasts and machinery collectors alike.
MOUNT TAYLOR
LAST MONDAY EVENING, the Mount Taylor Fire Brigade held its biennial brigade elections. The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on recent years, acknowledge members’ dedication, and look ahead to the brigade’s future. Geoff Crane was appointed captain and will be supported by Erika Lind (first lieutenant), Ollie Nash (second lieutenant), John Pruscino (third lieutenant), Gavin Lind (fourth lieutenant), Lucas Rowley (fifth lieutenant), Jack Peacock (treasurer), Adam Wharton (secretary), Jason Crimeen (president), Emily Crane (community safety coordinator), Nick Tomkins (fundraising coordinator) and Dylan Grayham (health and safety coordinator). The brigade also recognised and thanked outgoing members for their service, with special acknowledgement given to Grant Stewart for his 16 years of dedication.
NAMBROK
SALE POLICE MEMBERS intercepted a vehicle after reports of erratic driving in the area on April 9. The female driver returned a blood alcohol reading more than six times the legal limit. The vehicle was impounded at a cost exceeding $900, and her licence was immediately suspended for at least 12 months. She is expected to face court at a later date.
NOWA NOWA
MINGLING WATERS Bar and Bistro closed on Sunday, citing rising operational costs including fuel and stock. Management expressed gratitude to the community for its ongoing support, acknowledging locals, travellers, campers and visitors who had frequented the venue. The closure marks the end of a well-supported local business that had become a regular stop for many
passing through the area.
PAYNESVILLE
COMMUNITY BANK PAYNESVILLE and District has announced its 2026 Bachelor Studies Scholarship recipients. Bede Lulham, Tali Oates, Remy Clarke and Bridget Mott will receive support during their first two years at university through the Community Enterprise Foundation Scholarship program. The recipients were recognised at a recent ceremony, with the bank looking forward to hearing about
their progress later in the year at its
annual presentation night.
SALE
POLICE ARE APPEALING for public assistance to locate a missing 14-year-old, Ali, who was last seen on Saturday, April 4 in Moe. Police have concerns for his welfare due to his age and the length of time he has been missing. Ali is approximately 155 centimetres tall, with dark brown hair, a medium build and dark complexion. He may be in Moe, Morwell, Traralgon or Sale. Anyone with information is urged to contact Warragul Police Station on (03) 5622 7111.
THE FISHING PLATFORM located nearest the public toilets at the Port of Sale has been closed due to safety concerns, with the structure identified as being in disrepair. Fencing will be installed to prevent access while the site is assessed. Wellington Shire Council has thanked the community for its understanding and asked visitors to follow all signage and safety measures in place.
ANZAC WEEK AIRSHOW at West Sale Airport on Saturday and Sunday is set to be one of the biggest yet, featuring aerial displays, family activities, local food and trade stalls. Online ticket purchases also provide entry into a draw to win a helicopter ride, adding further interest
to the event.
LAST WEEK, Wellington Shire Council recognised Alan Lewis for his significant contribution to the community and local tourism. Mr Lewis was acknowledged for his dedicated service to council and his work with The Rubeena and Port of Sale Heritage Cruises. His retirement was marked with a presentation including a framed photograph and a standing ovation from councillors and attendees. His contribution to public spaces and tourism has left a lasting impact on the region.
THE 2026 WELLINGTON Early Years
Expo will be held at the Gippsland
Regional Sports Complex in Sale on Thursday, April 30 from 1–5pm. Hosted by Uniting in partnership with Wellington Shire Council, the free event is designed for families with young children. It will feature play-based activities, access to early years services, and opportunities for parents and carers to connect with professionals and local organisations.
THE WELLINGTON SHIRE Council is inviting community feedback on the Draft Lions Park Master Plan. The plan outlines a long-term vision for the park, focusing on inclusive spaces, environmental protection and staged improvements. Community input remains open via the Your Wellington platform, with feedback helping shape
the final plan.
WY YUNG
COUNCIL IS seeking feedback on proposed speed limit changes, including Cranswick Road, Banksia Peninsula (100km/h to 50km/h) and Wy Yung–Calulu Road between Bullumwaal Road and Bellevue Road (100km/h to 80km/h). Submissions close Friday, May 1, with residents encouraged to have their say.
YARRAM
JESSE CAMERON IS currently wanted on warrant for handling stolen goods and failing to appear at court. He is known to frequent the Yarram and Toora areas. Anyone with information is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers.
A FAMOUS FACE was spotted in
town this week, with British chef and television presenter Rick Stein visiting Yarram. Filming for his new SBS series, Stein’s Australia, he was seen with
mural artists Heesco, Wayne Tindall
and Eric Greenaway, exploring the
town’s murals and discussing their stories and inspiration. The visit generated excitement among locals.
FIRE BRIGADE MEMBERS recently gathered to mark the beginning of construction on a new fire station. CFA Commander Gary Bryant joined brigade members on site to acknowledge the milestone and the importance of the new facility for the community.
YARRAM RECENTLY CELEBRATED its first unofficial parkrun, with an Easter Sunday “Bunny Run” attracting more than 100 participants. The event featured a mapped course through Yarram Memorial Park, the wetlands and along the rail
trail, catering for both competitive runners and those taking a more relaxed approach. A children’s sticker hunt added to the Easter atmosphere, with participants rewarded at the finish. The morning concluded with a community pancake breakfast, rounding out a successful and well-supported event.
sets of traffic lights to cross the highway (you can just about make it in one go if you jog all the way). However, a notable improvement has been made with the installation of a clearly marked pedestrian walkway in the Coles car park. This enhancement is a welcome relief. (PS)
