Around Gippsland – May 13

BAIRNSDALE

STUDENTS FROM ST MARY’S Primary School recently visited the Council Chambers, creating a hive of activity. The grade four students came for a hands-on experience with mayor, Councillor Jodie Ashworth. The energy in the room reached a new level when it erupted into the first-ever Mexican wave in the Chambers. It wasn’t all fun, though, with some thoughtful questions asked of the mayor, with council thankful to the students and teachers for their curiosity and enthusiasm.

LAST TUESDAY WAS International Midwives Day. Midwives are the vital professionals who make safe, respectful and person-centred care possible for millions of women, newborns and families every day around the world. This year’s theme, “One Million More Midwives”, is both a celebration and a call to action. It recognises the incredible impact midwives already have in saving lives, improving experiences of care and strengthening communities, while highlighting the urgent need to invest in many more. We must support midwives to practise their full scope so that health systems are stronger, outcomes are better and rights are upheld. We need to be training more young Gippslanders, and it’s great that Federation University in Churchill is actively working with students in secondary schools to get them interested in a career in the health sector, with training available in the region.

SCIENTISTS HOPE THAT Watson’s tree frog numbers will improve in East Gippsland thanks to a captive breeding program. The endangered species is native to eastern Victoria and south-eastern New South Wales. About 80 per cent of its habitat was lost in the bushfires. In the East Gippsland region it is now only known to remain at 10 sites, with breeding observed at half of those locations. Scientists from Zoos Victoria and Wild Research released 200 froglets and 1200 tadpoles from a breeding program for the first time this year. It is hoped the release will mark a turning point for the species. These releases have allowed the reintroduction of the frog to an additional 30 sites. Watson’s tree frogs are about six centimetres in size, with brown colouring and bright orange thighs. Listed as nationally endangered, the species is rare and hard to find in the wild. They are members of the whistling tree frog family, but unlike their cousins they have a slow baritone call. They were feared extinct after no sightings in the wild for 19 years. They have a very distinctive call and a very distinctive smell, described as similar to curry leaves.

A FOOD RECALL has been issued for Han Kitchen Topokki Cup Original 140g due to possible microbial (mould) contamination. The affected product has been sold at Coles and Woolworths stores nationally, online, and in some Asian grocery stores in New South Wales. Food Standards Australia New Zealand has warned that food products contaminated with mould may cause illness if consumed. Consumers are advised not to eat the product and to return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Anyone concerned about their health should seek medical advice.

BAIRNSDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE went blue for Do It For Dolly Day last week to take a stand against bullying and spread kindness. Dolly Everett was just 14 years old when she took her own life following relentless bullying. The school took the opportunity to “Go Blue” to honour her memory, raise awareness and support Dolly’s Dream in its mission to empower communities to end bullying. Bullying behaviours have a devastating impact on the wellbeing of many people in our community. The college community raised more than $600 for Dolly’s Dream.

LAST WEEK, THE college was visited by guest speaker and bestselling author Luke Kennedy, who gave a raw and relatable presentation to senior students. With a powerful story of personal transformation, Kennedy captivated Years 10, 11 and 12, inspiring them to overcome challenges, build confidence, express kindness and strive to reach their full potential.

BRUTHEN

LAST WEEK THE local fire brigade held its elections. From July 1, lieutenant Ross Herman will become Captain Herman as he takes on the red hat in leading the brigade for the next two years. Herman joined the brigade as a firefighter, spending four and a half years learning the craft before six years as a lieutenant and tanker driver. Other appointments included Kylie Martin (secretary), Neil Streeter (treasurer), Anthony Martin (first lieutenant and communications officer), Bryce Lewis (second lieutenant and training coordinator), James Nicholas (third lieutenant), Jon Whitfield (fourth lieutenant and community safety and education), Shane Turner (fifth lieutenant and fire prevention officer), Bob Cooper (OHS), Bec Whitfield (assistant treasurer and supplies), Gill Renshaw (station officer external) and Alan and Marj Jones (station officer internal).

BRUTHEN’S BIGGEST MORNING Tea returns with food, fun and community spirit on Thursday, May 21 from 10am–12.30pm at the Bruthen Mechanics Hall. Event organisers say this year’s program is shaping up to be one of the most engaging yet. A huge morning full of fun and connection is planned, with a delicious morning tea in support of the Cancer Council. Guests will enjoy trivia, raffles, music and dancing, along with a silent auction of artwork by local artist Marg Pearson, with winning bids announced on the day. A new addition this year is the Bruthen Op Shop Fashion Parade, which will showcase its latest looks on the catwalk. Adding a unique highlight, The Chilli Bomb — Bruthen’s entry in the Winter Shitbox Rally — will be blessed before it departs on its long journey from Mildura to Townsville via Birdsville and the Gulf of Carpentaria. The rally team is also raising funds for the Cancer Council. Organisers encourage community members of all ages to come along, enjoy a warm and welcoming morning tea, and support a cause that touches many families across East Gippsland.

DARGO

LOCAL RESIDENTS AND surrounding communities are warmly invited to a relaxed community dinner on Friday night from 6pm at the Dargo River Inn. It is a chance to come together, connect and have a chat about the recent fires and what recovery looks like for the community. Bookings are essential for the free event as places are limited. Spots can be secured by contacting Vanessa Keenan. Guest speakers David Younger and Anne Leadbeater OAM will bring practical experience and a down-to-earth approach to community recovery. The evening is hosted in partnership by Red Cross and Wellington Shire Council.

GLENMAGGIE

MORE WATER is flowing back into the system and is now available to purchase. Southern Rural Water will auction 1441ML of permanent water shares on Thursday, May 28, 2026, open to eligible Allocation Bank Account holders. This auction includes both high and low reliability shares, created through water savings from major infrastructure upgrades as part of the Macalister Irrigation District 2030 Modernisation Project. This is an opportunity to strengthen positions ahead of the next season.

HEYFIELD

MOBILE USERS in town can expect improved coverage and faster data speeds, with Telstra beginning an upgrade to the town’s mobile base station last Saturday. The works are aimed at improving 4G and 5G capacity, delivering smoother streaming, faster downloads and reduced congestion. Works are expected to be completed midweek, with 10-hour outages considered a small inconvenience given the expected outcome. Telstra says the works will not affect NBN, satellite internet, PSTN landline services or mobile coverage from other providers. Calls to Triple Zero from Telstra mobiles during the outage period will automatically connect to another available mobile network.

HEYFIELD FOOTBALL NETBALL CLUB and GBG Concrete Construction are teaming up to put on a day to remember club legend and former employee Col Woodland, and to raise awareness for Pancare. Last year Woodland lost his battle with pancreatic cancer, and both organisations would like to honour his memory and the impact he has had on both. The highlight of the day will be special guests Mick Martyn (dual North Melbourne premiership player) and Greg Dear (triple Hawthorn premiership player), who will join a chat after lunch, while local boxing sensation Max Reeves will be in attendance after the game for a meet-and-greet and interview. The inaugural Col Woodland Medal will be presented to the player showing all of the Col Woodland traits in what promises to be a great game against Yallourn Yallourn North.

LICOLA

NEW NAME, new management and new signage in Licola — despite an ongoing intention to sell the town. The Licola General Store and Holiday Park have reopened under new management, with Licola Wilderness Village now operating both businesses from early February. They have been renamed the Licola Village Store and Holiday Park.

NEWLANDS ARM

THE EAST GIPPSLAND Shire Council recently presented a certificate for a Community Impact Grant of $4,000 to the Newlands Arm Residents and Ratepayers Association to support alterations to their community hall to allow access to public toilet amenities. The Newlands Arm Landcare Coastcare Group received $3610 to support fire-wise protection, education and engagement.

ORBOST

LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE grade 5/6 students were exploring the morphology of words last week when they noticed something puzzling: if “dec” means ten, why isn’t December the tenth month? Perfect timing for a guest appearance from Graham Millward, who stepped in to explain the history of calendars, ancient Rome and why December was originally the tenth month. Students were fascinated to learn that in early Roman times, people largely did not bother properly counting winter days due to limited farming and military activity.

PAYNESVILLE

AQ BIG DAYS training was held at Paynesville Coast Guard last Saturday, starting with one minute’s silence in memory of the club’s mates from Ballina. The day then moved into practical training activities, including exercises using new spinal board equipment. Members continue to build skills, teamwork and operational readiness. The day wrapped up with a barbecue for the troops.

SALE

WELLINGTON POLICE will be holding “Coffee With a Cop” on Thursday, May 21 at Muffin Break Café inside the Gippsland Centre from 10–11am. Coffee With a Cop brings police officers and the community together to have a relaxed chat over coffee. It is a chance to ask questions, voice concerns and get to know local police members. On Saturday, May 16, members from Sale Police Station, Workforce Plus, Stratford Walk and Talk and local schools will brave the cold and have an ice bucket tipped over them to support the fight against MND. The Ice Bucket Challenge will be held at the new Sale Bunnings Warehouse from 10am–12pm. Approximately 1300 people on Sunday, May 3 — including members, staff, families and friends from Victoria Police and emergency services — braved wet weather to take part in the Angela Taylor Memorial Run/Walk in honour of Taylor and all Victoria Police members who have lost their lives serving and protecting the community. The event was established in 1989. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the event that followed Taylor’s death on March 27, 1986, when a car bomb exploded outside her workplace at the Russell Street Police Complex, Melbourne. Senior Constable Cam Lake and Leading Senior Constable Kim Kell from the Sale office attended the event at Albert Park to assist and support the Blue Ribbon Foundation and participants. The recent Wellington Early Years Expo was also a resounding success, with families attending the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex for an afternoon of fun, learning and connection. Children enjoyed activities and a visit from Toby the dinosaur, along with animals from Gumbuya World, which were a crowd favourite. The Expo was held in collaboration with Wellington Shire Council and Uniting. An upgrade is planned for the Dock Café at the Port of Sale. All other areas, including the Gippsland Art Gallery, Sale Library and visitor information centre, will remain open. Programs and events will continue as scheduled, with the café pausing service from Sunday, May 17, with the final day of trade on Saturday, May 16.

SWIFTS CREEK

TALENTED LOCAL mechanic turned artist Madelaine Last will work with Swifts Creek College P–12 students to design and create a sculpture for the Tambo Campus. If you have been following “Mad Metal Creations” on Facebook, you will know how talented Last is, and students are in for a treat as they build a two-metre-high kangaroo. She specialises in turning recycled steel into works of art, and students will learn metal fabrication and sculpture skills while creating a piece that will last a lifetime.

YARRAM

CHLOE BETHUNE will represent the region at the International United Miss pageant in Florida later this year, an exciting opportunity on the world stage. The pageant is about much more than competition, with participants judged across evening gown, fun fashion or high fashion, interview and community volunteering. It also promotes belonging and encourages contestants to feel confident, valued and supported. Bethune says the organisation’s HEROIC values — honesty, empathy, respect, optimism, integrity and community — are values she strongly believes in and has already demonstrated in Gippsland. Many will know Bethune as a Heywire winner in 2020 and as Wellington Shire Council youth mayor in 2023, where she showed leadership and commitment. Representing Gippsland internationally is a significant achievement, but like many young people pursuing such opportunities, the trip is self-funded. As a university student working casually, Bethune is seeking community support to help make the journey to Florida possible.