AIRLY
MAJOR COLLISION INVESTIGATION UNIT detectives are investigating a crash that occurred last Tuesday, which claimed the life of a child. A woman also sustained life-threatening injuries from the collision. It is believed a Kia Carnival collided with a Kia Sportage on Airly Road about 8am. The driver of the Sportage, a woman in her 60s, was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries. The child in the Carnival was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries and later died. The two other occupants of the Carnival, a woman and child, sustained minor injuries. Investigations into the circumstances of the collision are ongoing.
BAIRNSDALE
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW open for the 2026 Victorian Senior of the Year Awards. If you know an older person who gives their time, energy and experience to make a real difference in the community, now is the time to recognise them. Whether it is daily hands-on support or leading organisations, there are many ways older people make a positive impact in local communities. Nominations must be 60 and over or a First Nations person 50 and over.
IF IT IS visible, it is vulnerable. Thieves are targeting tradies’ utes and trailers, looking for easy wins — like an unlocked door or unsecured setup — taking anything from basic tools to high-value gear. Police, alongside Crime Stoppers Victoria, are urging tradies to park off street where possible and keep tools locked up and out of sight. If you have got information about stolen tools, including those being sold online, report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria.
NAGLE COLLEGE WAS pleased to last week welcome Maria O’Donnell from St Mary’s College at the University of Melbourne, who spoke with some of year 11 and 12 students about residential college life. O’Donnell shared how St Mary’s offers a supportive and balanced transition to university, with a strong focus on developing the whole person — academically, socially, culturally and spiritually. With around 160 students, the college provides a close-knit community while still offering plenty of opportunities to connect and make lifelong friendships. Year 12 students interested in applying for 2027 are encouraged to see Ms Kelly as soon as possible, as applications are now open and filling quickly.
THE BAIRNSDALE REGIONAL Health Service advises that essential building works within the hospital (Frazer/Flanagan Wards) will be taking place this week. The works will improve facilities and better support patient care. During this period, you may occasionally hear construction-related noise, such as drilling or machinery. Every effort will be made to minimise noise and disruption, particularly in patient care areas.
ROTARY JUNIOR COMMUNITY Awards were recently presented by East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth, who recognised four inspiring young locals from St Mary’s Primary School at last week’s Council meeting. Evie Walsh, Milla Morgan, Arielle Halligan and Francesco Villa each received a Council pin, marking their connection to civic life and local governance. The Rotary Junior Community Award has strong East Gippsland roots, created by local teachers, parents and Rotarian David Hawkey (Rotary Club of Mitchell River, Bairnsdale) to help young people build confidence, develop skills and contribute to their communities. Since starting in 1997, the program has grown from a local idea into one reaching thousands of young people across Australia and beyond.
ON MONDAY, LOCAL police set up their Mobile Policing Facility on Main Street, adjacent to the rotunda for three hours. Police, along with staff from The Orange Door (Bairnsdale office), were on hand to answer questions from the community.
EAST GIPPSLAND WATER is reminding customers it has a range of support options available for people who will face difficulty paying their water bill. Whether from an unexpected large expense, increases in interest rates, grocery and fuel prices, or personal circumstances, East Gippsland Water understands that managing household bills can be challenging at times. By contacting them as soon as you know you are unable to pay your bill in full allows them to explore options with you and put plans in place. East Gippsland Water offers flexible payment arrangements that allow customers to pay in weekly or fortnightly amounts that suit their budget. For customers experiencing ongoing financial hardship, their Pay ‘n’ Save option may help reduce an overdue balance through matched incentive payments. They can also assist eligible customers to apply for the Utility Relief Grant Scheme, which provides financial help for essential services.
EARTH DAY WAS HELD last Wednesday, an annual event held on April 22 for the past 56 years. It includes a wide range of events coordinated globally through earthday.org and includes one billion people in more than 193 countries. It is the annual day where people rethink what goes in their bin. Batteries and electronic items with embedded batteries should never go in any bin as they can cause dangerous fires in rubbish collection trucks or recycling facilities. If the item you are recycling needs charging, makes a sound, lights up or moves, then it probably has an embedded battery even if it is not obvious to see. Please take the item to an electronics recycling drop-off point instead.
LOCAL POLICE ARE appealing for information after 4pm on Friday, April 10 a brand new WR 450 was removed from a stall at Bairnsdale Field Days. If you have any information with regard to the whereabouts of this trail bike, please contact Bairnsdale Police or Crime Stoppers. The small business owners would really like this returned.
HEYFIELD
VISITORS TO THE Heyfield Wetlands can now refill their drink bottles and give their dogs a drink, with a new permanent drinking fountain installed at the popular community space. Gippsland Water managing director Sarah Cumming said the addition supports everyday use of the wetlands by both locals and visitors. The Heyfield Wetlands is a place people come to walk, exercise and spend time outdoors, and providing drinking water in well-used community spaces supports how people use the area and makes it easier to stay longer and enjoy it. The installation forms part of a growing network of public drinking water refill points across Gippsland. Gippsland Water continues to work with local councils and community groups to roll out fountains in shared spaces, encouraging the use of tap water and reducing single-use plastic waste.
THE MUSEUM recently suffered damage to the roof during recent storms. A quote to carry out repairs came to nearly $6500. They have been very fortunate to have received a donation of $5000 toward the repairs from the committees of the Heyfield Timber Festival / Heyfield Lumberjacks Bachelor and Spinster Ball. The contribution will keep the building watertight and secure.
NINE YEARS AFTER the Mary Street bus shelter in Heyfield was blown over during a wind event in December 2017, the structure has still not been replaced, despite repeated assurances from the Victorian Government. Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull said, after a long period of back and forth between Wellington Shire Council (WSC) and the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) over whose responsibility it was, WSC was correct that the rebuild funding was a DTP requirement. After denying it was their responsibility, DTP finally conceded it sat with them, and Minister Ben Carroll wrote to Bull in both 2023 and 2025 committing to its rebuild. Despite this, the government is now shirking this responsibility, and the community is rightfully fed up with the excuses. Senior citizens have been forced to wait in heavy rain without shelter while travelling to medical appointments. Bull said there had been more than 32,000 services that have come and gone since the shelter was damaged. After nine years, it is time.
HILLSIDE
RIVIERA CHRISTIAN CENTRE will be a hive of activity from 10am next Tuesday, when the Hillside community holds its annual Biggest Morning Tea in aid of the Victorian Cancer Council. Now in its 24th year, the morning tea has become a major fundraiser, last year collecting over $3200. The Hillside ladies provide a delicious home-cooked morning tea. Support from every vegetable grower in the Lindenow Valley makes the ultrafresh vegetable stall a feature, and a multitude of raffle prizes gives everyone a chance.
LAKES ENTRANCE
POLICE ARE INVESTIGATING an affray/assault which occurred at a licensed premises in town at approximately 12.15am on April 12. The suspect/s are known to police; however, police are appealing for witnesses who may have observed the incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Lakes Entrance Police.
THE LEARN TO Swim pool at the Lakes Entrance Aquadome is currently closed and will remain closed until Friday for essential repairs. Swimming lessons are continuing in the 25-metre pool, with lap lane availability reduced during this time.
LAKES ENTRANCE HELICOPTERS have closed another season in the sky, sharing incredible views of the Gippsland Lakes with grateful punters.
LAKE GLENMAGGIE
BIG WORKS ARE currently underway at the weir wall. Southern Rural Water is refurbishing one of the dam’s needle valves that helps control water flow into the Main Southern Channel. This essential maintenance ensures the needle valve remains in good working order so irrigation across the Macalister Irrigation District can continue.
LINDENOW
THE NIGHTS ARE beginning to become cold. The local fire brigade is recommending that if your wood heater is back on, it is time for a chimney check. A clean chimney is not just about efficiency — it is about safety. Creosote build-up is one of the most common causes of chimney fires in winter. Before settling in for the season, check your chimney and flue are clean and clear. Make sure there is no visible build-up or blockages and ensure your fire is operating safely and efficiently. Never leave a fire unattended — stay warm and stay safe.
MALLACOOTA
LAST WEEK WAS the eighth anniversary of the disappearance of 48-year-old Greg Tory, who was last seen in Mallacoota on April 24, 2018. He was wearing jeans and a T-shirt at the time. Police Air Wing searched the Bastion Point boat ramps, Mallacoota Inlet, bushland, scrubland and residential and surrounding areas of interest. A Gippsland Water Police vessel and Coast Guard vessel searched the lower reaches of the Mallacoota Inlet and Harrisons Channel, while search parties covered coastal areas and Mortimers Paddock Bushland Reserve.
THE NEW CHANGE room being built at the Fire Brigade has commenced and will provide three cubicles and 30 hooks to hang firefighting PPC, with plenty of room for new members. No more getting changed in the corner of the engine bay behind the trucks.
ORBOST
PLENTY OF OUTSTANDING feedback has followed last week’s “parma of the week” at the Orbost Club Hotel, with the lamb souvlaki parma gaining rave reviews. The golden crispy schnitzel, loaded with juicy lamb yiros, lettuce, tomato and onion, smothered in melted cheese and finished with garlic yoghurt sauce, has been described by one patron as big, bold and downright filthy in the best way.
ANOTHER Gippsland Community Leadership Program participant has been announced, proud East Gippsland resident Stefan Kempff, manager of Corporate Services at Orbost Regional Health, where he leads key operational services including catering, environmental, ICT and facilities, while driving occupational health and safety, contract management and sustainability initiatives. He has lived near Orbost for almost two decades and enjoys the region’s pristine surroundings and strong sense of community. Through the GCLP, Kempff is looking to further develop professionally while following in the footsteps of colleagues who have found the program highly valuable.
PAYNESVILLE
THE LOCAL FIRE Brigade recently hosted a fashion show at the Bairnsdale RSL and it was a fantastic success. The event raised an incredible $6601.29 — an outstanding result that will go a long way in supporting the brigade to build a new fire station.
TOXIC ALGAE IS currently prevalent in Lake Victoria, Lake King and Lake Wellington. The public is advised not to swim in affected waters. Prawns, mussels and crabs should not be eaten, while fish need to have their gills and guts removed prior to cooking. People who come in contact with contaminated water should wash immediately in fresh water and seek medical advice if experiencing illness after contact. Pets should be prevented from entering the water.
THE LOCAL NEIGHBOURHOOD has been successful in receiving funding through VicHealth’s Growing Healthy Communities grants for the Fresh Futures Project. They are delighted to be working in partnership with CWA Paynesville Toonalook Branch, Paynesville Primary School and Paynesville Childcare Centre to host a series of workshops for families and create local resources promoting healthy eating and food sustainability over the next 12 months.
SALE
AFTER AN INCREDIBLE turn-out last year, the Wellington Early Years Expo returns on Thursday (1–5pm) at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, with new activities, new experiences and even more to discover. Designed for families with babies, toddlers and preschoolers (zero to five years), the expo brings together a wide range of local early years services, organisations and play-based experiences. Last year’s event brought big smiles and busy hands as little ones explored every corner. This year, organisers aim to build on that success, adding fresh experiences while remaining perfect for first-timers.
WELLINGTON CRIME INVESTIGATION detectives are investigating a series of burglaries on commercial premises in town between April 1–2. At approximately 12.10am on Wednesday, April 1, it is believed an unknown male forced entry into a business on Raymond Street and stole a quantity of cash. Shortly after, at approximately 1am, the same male forced entry into a York Street business, rifling through drawers and cupboards and stealing unknown items. On Thursday, April 2 at approximately 3.30am, the same male forced entry into a Cunninghame Street business and stole cash and a safe. Investigators believe the incidents are linked and are appealing for information. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
THE MIDDLE OF Everywhere Jobs and Careers Fair will be held at the Sale Memorial Hall on Wednesday, May 13 from 9.30am–2.30pm. The event is designed to help people explore opportunities, whether they are students, job seekers, school leavers or entering the workforce, with local employers, training providers and employment services all in one place.
THE BIG QUESTION around town is which businesses will be setting up shop next to Sale’s new Bunnings Warehouse. A permit-approved development site has been brought to market, with strong interest anticipated from retail, trade and service-based operators. The 9753-square-metre landholding is approved for four retail premises, a convenience restaurant and café.
SARSFIELD
YOUNG AND OLD pitched in at a recent working bee at the Recreation Reserve, coming together to prepare the facility for the community hall opening on Friday. The official opening ceremony will take place from 4pm.
SEASPRAY
LAST SATURDAY’S ANZAC Day service was one of the most memorable our community has seen. With beautiful weather and a strong crowd of about 150 locals, it was a fitting opportunity to pause, reflect and remember. The service was organised by community stalwart and outgoing Seaspray Ratepayers Association president Kaylene Wheeler, who welcomed everyone and shared the story behind the historic sea mine displayed at the ceremony. The mine, believed to be from a German minefield laid off the Australian coast during World War II, washed ashore between Seaspray and Golden Beach in the early 1940s. Originally discovered by an RAAF aircraft and guarded by local Volunteer Defence Corps member Bill McKenzie, it has since travelled through several Gippsland museums and now resides at the Gippsland Armed Services Museum in Fulham. The ceremony also included readings, wreath laying, the Ode and a moving performance of “Hallelujah” by Seaspray historian Sue Kennedy.
STRATFORD
THE 2026 SHAKESPEARE “Regency Revival” is officially underway. Last week, Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Cindy Madeley formally opened the festival, marking the beginning of another year celebrating storytelling, creativity and Shakespeare. Live performances, festival awards, short story winners and the presentation of the Janice Jones Youth Award made it a night to remember. Mae McCubbin was named the 2026 recipient of the Janice Jones Youth Award. This year’s festival includes more than 20 events and runs through to May 10.
YARRAM
POLICE ARE APPEALING for assistance after an improvised explosive device was located inside a James Street supermarket in Yarram on March 25 at about 6.45pm. The scene was evacuated and the Bomb Response Unit attended and rendered the device safe. The circumstances remain under investigation, with police believing it to be an isolated incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
poppy trishaws. (PS)
