BAIRNSDALE
LOCAL DETECTIVES HAVE arrested and charged a 34-year-old Bairnsdale man following a series of alleged offences across the East Gippsland and Wellington areas during April and May. It is alleged the man was first sighted in a stolen vehicle, bearing false plates, in the Lindenow area on April 19. He has been charged with several offences including theft of a motor vehicle, criminal damage, burglary, possess cannabis, unlicensed driving, failure to stop on police direction, dangerous driving while pursued by police, reckless conduct and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.
THIS WEEK IS National Road Safety Week (May 17-24), with East Gippsland Shire Council taking the opportunity to remind drivers to slow to 40 kilometres per hour when passing any stationary or slow-moving vehicle with flashing lights, including road crews. Road Safety Week this year carries the theme “Drive So Others Survive”. When you see flashing lights, slow to 40 as soon as it is safe and maintain that speed until you are safely past, with the rule applying in all lanes. Road Safety Week also includes Walk Safely to School Day on Friday, May 22 — a reminder to watch for children and slow down around schools.
SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE to help manage drought conditions now and into the future. Farm Drought Support Grants are available to share the costs of key farm business activities such as water carting, improving grain feeders and troughs, pasture restoration and stock containment areas. Up to $5000 is available as a co-contribution grant statewide, with farmers in south-west Victoria able to access up to $10,000. Eligible expenses dating back to September 30, 2024, can be claimed as part of the co-contribution. Find out more and apply at Rural Finance Grants.
LAST WEEK WAS International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing. The day honours the critical role nurses play in healthcare worldwide and highlights their dedication, professionalism and impact on patient care. The International Council of Nurses has set the 2026 theme as “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives”. The theme emphasises the importance of empowering nurses through safe and fair workplaces, full professional practice, leadership opportunities and influence in healthcare decision-making. It also reflects the urgent need to support nurses amid global challenges such as workforce shortages, rising healthcare demands, and the impacts of conflict and climate change.
BRIAGOLONG
THE BRIAGOLONG RSL was established by returning servicemen after World War II in 1946, with construction of the famous log cabin commencing soon after. Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Challen was elected the branch’s first president in the same year. His daughter, Jane Mosley, still lives in Briagolong on the family farm. This Sunday, a gathering will be held at the log cabin to celebrate the RSL’s 80th birthday. The day will kick off at noon, with food vans and a coffee van on site. The licensed bar will be open for refreshments, while entertainment will be provided by Garry Rose and the Briag Bush Band, along with the ukulele “Ukestra”. Formalities will begin from about 1pm. New RSL shirts and “Challen Ale” will be available for purchase on the day. Weather permitting, activities will be held outside and attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs. The afternoon is expected to conclude around 4pm.
KALIMNA
GLAWAC IS PLEASED to support partners at the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) in a project aimed at restoring the endangered West Gippsland galaxias to a tributary of the Tyers River. The West Gippsland galaxias is a small freshwater fish growing to only about eight centimetres long, making it vulnerable to introduced trout. The species is currently found only in a small tributary of the Latrobe River north of Traralgon, with populations threatened by trout, sedimentation, bushfires and drought. For the first time, the species has been successfully bred at the VFA’s Conservation Hatchery at Snobs Creek, allowing fingerlings to be released back into native waterways. Coordinated by DEECA’s Arthur Rylah Institute, a small population of galaxias was released into a tributary of the Tyers River last month. GLaWAC On Country Ranger Coordinator Michael Welsh-Dalton and ranger Kobi Cook attended the release. The stocking program was funded through the Federal Government’s Saving Native Species Program. “It feels good being a part of projects like this around and throughout Gippsland and Gunaikurnai country,” Welsh-Dalton said. This project is part of the VFA’s 10inTen conservation program, which aims to restock and recover 10 of Victoria’s most at-risk aquatic species by 2034.
LAKES ENTRANCE
AT THE END of next term, Lakes Entrance Primary School will celebrate 100 years on its current site. The school is seeking past photos and memorabilia from earlier times. Anyone with information or pictures they are willing to share is encouraged to contact the school office. If you know someone who may be able to assist, please pass the information on.
LOCH SPORT
AMBULANCE VICTORIA IS looking for more recruits to join the Loch Sport Ambulance Community Officer (ACO) team. The team is made up of local volunteers who provide first responder support to Loch Sport and surrounding areas 24 hours a day, seven days a week. ACOs are employed on a casual basis to work on-call in rural and remote communities where ambulance caseloads are lower. They are trained to provide advanced first aid, support qualified paramedics and transport patients to hospital. You do not need prior medical experience to join, with all training provided and new members fully supported by existing ACOs. Becoming a first responder with Ambulance Victoria offers opportunities to gain practical life skills and recognised qualifications, while also meeting new people and contributing to the community.
METUNG
THE QUIET COASTAL hamlet has been recognised as one of Australia’s best towns, featuring in Australian Traveller’s 100 Best Aussie Towns to Visit, where Metung was ranked number 35. Set on the Gippsland Lakes, Metung is known for its relaxed waterfront lifestyle, boating, fishing and natural beauty. It is also home to the award-winning Metung Hot Springs, offering geothermal bathing with views across the lakes and surrounding landscape. The recognition cements East Gippsland’s place on the national tourism map.
A LOCAL MUM is turning her personal journey into a campaign supporting regional families living with autism, while preparing to tackle the Lakes Entrance Half Marathon later this year in honour of her four-year-old son. Lily Martyn founded the Do It For Foundation after struggling to access support and education pathways for her autistic and non-verbal son George. The foundation aims to help fill gaps often left by the NDIS and other support systems for families in regional communities. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester recently met with Ms Martyn and publicly backed her push for improved education options for children with autism in regional areas. More than 10 East Gippsland businesses have already signed on as sponsors ahead of the Lakes Entrance Half Marathon in November. Martyn will complete the event in George’s honour and is encouraging others to sponsor the cause or run alongside her. The foundation has also launched a “Wall of Names”, recognising regional children and families impacted by autism, with 15 children already registered.
SALE
WELLINGTON POLICE WILL hold a “Coffee With a Cop” event on Thursday at Muffin Break Café inside the Gippsland Centre from 10am-11am. The initiative brings police officers and community members together for informal conversations over coffee. Residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions and raise concerns with local police.
A PROUD NIGHT for Wellington Shire Council at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Victoria Awards for Excellence last week, with two major projects recognised for their impact on the community. The Aqua Energy Leisure Centre redevelopment received the Public Works Project Award for projects over $5 million, recognising the transformative $23 million upgrade which has delivered a modern, inclusive and energy-efficient facility. Since reopening, Aqua Energy has recorded the highest participation levels in its history. Council also received the Public Works Project Award for projects between $2 million and $5 million for the North Sale Wetland and Biodiversity Reserve Project. The project transformed an ageing drainage reserve into a constructed wetland delivering flood protection, stormwater treatment, biodiversity outcomes and valuable open space for the community.
LAST WEEK’S “The Middle of Everywhere” Jobs and Careers Fair brought together students, job seekers and employers from across Gippsland. The expo showcased opportunities in healthcare, trades, education, hospitality, defence, transport, local government and community services.
ANIMAL RESCUE GROUPS across Gippsland are facing growing pressure due to rising costs and increasing demand, with nearly 8000 pets currently waiting for adoption. Petstock Sale is working with local rescue groups as part of the Petstock Foundation’s Pet Adoption Month, encouraging locals to consider adoption, fostering or donating to support animals in need. Store manager Sharyn Postill said 10 kittens had already been rehomed locally, with 221 cats and kittens adopted across Petstock stores this month.
GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR OLD scholars have confirmed this year’s Decades Reunion will be held on Saturday, November 7, welcoming back members of the classes of 1976, 1986, 1996, 2006 and 2016. Further details will be provided via email and in the next edition of Veritas.
SARSFIELD
RECENTLY, AN INCREDIBLE show of regional solidarity saw fencing materials valued at approximately $20,000 delivered to the Alexandra Rodeo Grounds as part of the Return The Favour campaign. Led by the Sarsfield Rural Fire Brigade in conjunction with the Sarsfield Community Association, the initiative is supporting fire-affected residents in Yarck and surrounding districts by helping rebuild vital farm infrastructure lost during recent bushfires. Fencing materials were donated by community members and supported by Elders, BrownWigg, Goodmans and Bairnsdale Treated Pine. Additional materials were donated through the Omeo CFA, while transport was provided by Buchan Towing. CFA peer supporters from Bairnsdale and Alexandra also assisted, providing welfare support for volunteers involved in the operation. Fencing is often one of the first priorities following bushfires, helping secure livestock and restore farming operations. The campaign reflects the strong tradition of rural communities supporting one another during difficult times.
STRATFORD
POLICE ARE CALLING for witnesses following reports of a white dual-cab ute being driven erratically at the intersection of Tyers and Dixon streets at approximately 5.40pm on May 7. Anyone who has in the area and witnessed the vehicle, heard it, or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Victoria Police Sale Police on 5142 2200 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
