Some weeks offer a snapshot of the very best of our shire. This has been one of them.
National Volunteer Week has brought with it some extraordinary stories. Across East Gippsland, we’ve taken the opportunity to celebrate the people who give their time, energy and care to make life better for everyone around them. These are the people who show up before anyone else and stay long after the crowd has gone home. They coach the teams, staff the emergency vehicles, run the events, support vulnerable people, and help hold so many community organisations together.
This year, we added 47 new names to our Volunteer Honour Roll; all formally recognised for the difference they make to East Gippsland. If you know someone on that list – which you can find on Council’s website – please take a moment to tell them how much they’re appreciated. And if you’ve been thinking about volunteering yourself, I would encourage you to get involved. Our community is stronger because people choose to give.
The Apex Club time capsule event took place on Saturday, May 23. This one was personal to me as I am what you might call an ‘Apex kid’. From the age of two, I grew up watching my parents dedicate decades of service to Apex, and some of my fondest childhood memories are of camps, community projects and weekends spent alongside other families contributing to something bigger than themselves. Those experiences taught me early that volunteering isn’t just about events or projects – it’s about belonging, connecting and supporting those around you.
This week also marks National Reconciliation Week, running through to June 3. We recently had the privilege of hosting the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience gathering here in East Gippsland – an important coming together of First Nations voices and communities. It was a reminder that reconciliation is not a single event or symbolic gesture, but an ongoing commitment to listening, learning and building genuine relationships. I encourage everyone to reflect on what this week means and the role we each play.
Looking ahead, the East Gippsland Winter Festival runs from June 19 to July 19, and the program has now officially launched, and it looks spectacular, with more than 100 events from Glenaladale to Mallacoota. Head to egwinterfest.com.au to explore the program and book tickets. And save the date: the official opening of the redeveloped Buchan Recreation Reserve will be held on Saturday, June 14 – a celebration well worth attending.
Thank you to everyone who helps make East Gippsland the community it is.
Cr Jodie Ashworth, Mayor – East Gippsland Shire Council
