BAIRNSDALE
SINCE ITS LAUNCH, the STOPIT team has received more than 7000 reports of unwanted sexual and anti-social behaviour on public transport. Of those, 85 per cent related to anti-social behaviour and 15 per cent related to unwanted sexual behaviour, with most reports stemming from incidents on trains. Police have investigated 500 matters, resulting in 77 people being arrested and charged with sexual offences. Information received via STOPIT gives police a broader picture of behaviour across the public transport network, ensuring the deployment of transit police is intelligence-led. Superintendent Mark Zervaas said every piece of information received has helped make the network a safer place for commuters, who are encouraged to save the number in their phone and text STOPIT if they experience or witness unwanted sexual behaviour on the network. Your information could be the final piece of the puzzle needed to arrest an offender.
EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE Council this month is supporting the Are You Safe At Home? campaign. As part of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, council is continuing to raise awareness about family violence and the role everyone can play in creating a safer community. Earlier this month, the community came together for the East Gippsland Candlelight Vigil to honour those impacted by family violence and stand in solidarity with survivors. That commitment continues through initiatives such as the Are You Safe At Home? campaign and the purple illumination of the Corporate Centre in Bairnsdale. Family violence often happens behind closed doors and the signs are not always obvious. But if something feels wrong, trust your instincts — checking in with someone could make a real difference. Head to areyousafeathome.org.au for helpful tips, conversation starters and information to support someone on their journey to safety.
AHEAD OF NATIONAL Reconciliation Week, it is a good time to reflect on the importance of listening, learning and working together — values strongly shared throughout the NIDR Gathering on Gunaikurnai Country, which welcomed delegates from across Australia to the region for several days of connection, learning and collaboration. A key theme throughout the gathering was clear: disaster resilience is strongest when communities retain authority, relationships and local capability, with government agencies playing a role in changing systems to enable, support and share decision-making power.
COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE being encouraged to sign up as volunteers for the 2026 East Gippsland Winter Festival, with organisers looking for extra help to bring some of the region’s biggest winter events to life. Volunteer roles are available across several festival activities and events, including crowd marshalling, ticket checking, serving food and drinks at the official festival opening and helping festival-goers sort rubbish into the correct bins. Additional volunteers are also needed to help keep the path clear during the popular Lakes Lights lantern parade. Festival organisers say no experience is needed for most volunteer positions, although an RSA is required for anyone serving alcohol. The festival is encouraging community-minded people keen to meet new faces while helping deliver one of East Gippsland’s biggest annual events. Festival founder and director Adam Bloem said organisers were willing to speak with anyone interested. Those wanting to volunteer can register through the official East Gippsland Winter Festival volunteer page or via Facebook. Organisers hope to make the 2026 festival the biggest and best celebration yet.
BAIRNSDALE FIRE BRIGADE celebrated Allan Cracknell and his incredible milestones within the CFA on the weekend. Surrounded by family, friends and his CFA family, Mr Cracknell was presented with his framed secretary epaulettes and mounted fire investigation helmet in recognition of his outstanding dedication. The Bairnsdale Fire Brigade meeting room has officially been named the Allan Cracknell Meeting Room. Over the years, Mr Cracknell has served as brigade secretary under six different Bairnsdale Fire Brigade captains, dedicated 26 years as a fire investigator attending and investigating 180 fires, and achieved an incredible 32 years of service as secretary.
BAIRNSDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE is seeking host families for 2026. The college will host Japanese students from sister school Yaei High School between July 26 and August 2.
SOME INTERESTING STATS have emerged from the 2025-26 fire season. The period created the worst fire danger rating since the 2019-20 Eastern Victoria bushfires. There were 2112 bushfire and grassfire warnings issued between December and March. The VicEmergency website recorded 6.7 million visits on January 9, while the season also delivered the longest heatwave since 2009.
LAST WEEK, FOR the first time, Nagle College hosted the Catholic Education Week Mass. More than 40 schools visited Nagle Catholic College for the Mass, celebrated by Bishop Greg Bennett and six accompanying priests from the Sale Diocese. Many of the schools travelled for several hours to attend. The Mass was seen as a wonderful way to celebrate Catholic education.
BULLUMWAAL
BAIRNSDALE UNIFORM AND Highway Patrol members joined Authorised Officers from the Game Management Authority (GMA) recently in the Bullumwaal and Marthavale areas. Several hunters were spoken to and several offences detected. A 39-year-old Seaton man was detected driving with drugs in his system. He received an infringement notice for the offence and a defect notice for issues with his vehicle. Further enquiries by GMA officers discovered the man was on his way hunting with unregistered hounds. As a result, he received further penalty notices and his game licence was suspended. A 39-year-old Bass man was detected hunting with unregistered hounds. His game licence was suspended and GPS equipment seized before he was issued with a penalty notice. A 40-year-old Nyora man was also detected hunting with unregistered hounds, had his game licence suspended and was issued with a penalty notice. Ongoing joint patrols will continue to ensure proactive engagement, enforcement and public safety.
ENSAY
COUNCIL CREWS ARE disappointed to report they recently removed about 13 tonnes of illegally dumped waste from along Little River Road, north of Ensay. The clean-up, carried out on Tuesday, May 12, included scrap metal, fencing wire, refrigerators, e-waste and general rubbish dumped in the local environment. Illegal dumping not only damages natural areas, it also comes at a significant cost to the community, with ratepayers ultimately footing the bill for clean-ups like this. What makes the situation particularly frustrating is that legal and affordable disposal options are available. Scrap metal can be disposed of free at council transfer stations and landfill sites. For residents in the Ensay region and surrounds, waste transfer station services are located at Swifts Creek. Illegal dumping is an offence and fines apply. Residents are encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly, report illegal dumping when they see it and help spread the word about proper disposal options.
FORGE CREEK
ROMAWI LANDCARE GROUP has received a $10,000 Community Impact Grant for its Wings over East Gippsland: Helping Peregrine Falcons Find a Home project. Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth was on site at a local property last week to see one of the four peregrine falcon eyries installed and formally present the group with a certificate recognising the successful grant and the dedication of volunteers who turn these ideas into reality.
GIFFARD
LAST WEEK, THE Country Women’s Association Giffard branch celebrated an incredible 80 years since its establishment, with a special gathering held at the Giffard West Hall. The day included high tea, a catch-up and the unveiling of a plaque and water gum tree. Celebrations continued as Wellington Shire mayor Cr Cindy Madeley presented awards to members marking 25, 50 and 60 years of service, highlighting a wonderful show of dedication and community spirit. Guests also heard a brief history of the branch, from its first meetings to decades of volunteering, fundraising, supporting the local community and building lasting friendships.
LAKES ENTRANCE
DRIVERS ARE REMINDED to slow down and take extra care around schools. School zones are in place to protect children, so please obey the 40 kilometre-per-hour speed limit, stay alert during drop-off and pick-up times, follow parking restrictions and signage, and respect school crossing supervisors. Children can be unpredictable near roads and drivers should remain vigilant. Motorists are reminded that slowing down and avoiding distractions can help prevent serious incidents. Police will maintain a visible presence at school zones during pick-up and drop-off times.
NEW MEMBERS FROM Mallacoota, Marlo, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville and Port Albert Coast Guard completed “Survival at Sea” training in Lakes Entrance last week.
LINDENOW SOUTH
LAST WEEK, LOCAL primary school students met for the annual Walk to School Day, proudly celebrating its 27th year. It was wonderful to see so many students walking, riding and scooting to school, enjoying the fresh air and time together along the way. To warm up after the walk, students were treated to hot chocolate and marshmallows on arrival. It was a great start to the day and a fantastic way to promote healthy, active lifestyles.
LOCH SPORT
THE BOWLS CLUB hosted trivia on Sunday, with plenty of laughs shared throughout the afternoon. The winners were the “Gastronaughts”, while “Sails” headed home with the wooden spoon.
MUNRO
SALE POLICE ARE appealing for witnesses who observed a blue Holden Commodore ute on Saturday, May 16, reportedly driving erratically on the Princes Highway, possibly originating in Bairnsdale and travelling through the Munro to Myrtlebank area. Anyone who witnessed the vehicle or has dashcam footage capturing the manner of driving is urged to contact Detective Senior Constable Box at Sale Police.
SALE
THERE WAS A great vibe in town last week, with local product Scott Pendlebury playing his record-breaking 433rd AFL game last Saturday in the twilight fixture. Not a bad effort for a kid who started out having a kick around the Sale oval, looked destined for a basketball career before trying his luck at Gippsland Power and being drafted by Collingwood in 2005. It has been a remarkable journey, featuring two premierships, a Norm Smith Medal and plenty of other honours attached to a stellar career.
THE WELLINGTON YOUTH Art Prize is officially open. If you are a young creative aged 12-25 who lives, works or studies in Wellington, this is your moment to shine. Whether you paint, draw, sculpt, photograph, design digitally or create something completely outside the box, this is your chance to have your work exhibited at the Gippsland Art Gallery and win prizes of up to $550. This year’s theme is Escape From Reality. Think imagination, emotion, chaos or comfort — whatever escape means to you.
THE PORT OF Sale lift is back. After a short period out of action for repairs, the lift is once again operating, making it easier to access the Sale Library, Gippsland Art Gallery and Visitor Information Centre. Both entrances are now available for accessible access.
LAST WEEK’S GIPPSLAND Irrigation Expo was a great success. The one-day event brought together the latest technologies, research, suppliers and best practices in irrigation management, with hands-on demonstrations, presentations and tech talks held throughout the day. It is great to see events like this taking place in Wellington Shire, supporting and inspiring the local agriculture industry. The expo was delivered by Agriculture Victoria with funding from the State Government’s Sustainable Irrigation Program and support from the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
MORE THAN 500 local students came together at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex last week to launch the 2026 Live4Life Wellington crew. Live4Life is a community-based program helping young people learn about mental health, support their friends and seek help when needed. Led by passionate Year 9 and 10 leaders, the event welcomed Year 8 students from across the region for a day featuring powerful real-life stories, connections with local support services and open conversations about mental health, centred around the message: “United in Care: if you’re feeling divided, speak up and share.” Together, they are building a community where young people feel supported, heard and never alone.
GUTHRIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL teacher Alexandra Delaney has been named a finalist in the 2026 Australian Education Awards. Ms Delaney has been shortlisted in the FACTS Education Rising Star of the Year category, one of only eight teachers across Australia to receive the honour. The awards celebrate outstanding educators, school leaders and education programs from around the country. Now in their ninth year, the Australian Education Awards recognise excellence in teaching, leadership and innovation across the nation’s school system, with winners to be announced at a gala event in Sydney in August. Ms Delaney was recognised for her leadership in teaching and learning, contribution to school improvement initiatives and the positive impact she continues to have on students and staff.
YARRAM
LOCAL POLICE ARE appealing for witnesses who may have seen an out-of-control blue Ford vehicle travelling on the Yarram-Morwell Road at Jack River shortly before it crashed. The incident occurred sometime overnight from Monday, May 18, into the early hours of Tuesday, May 19. Anyone with information or dashcam footage is urged to contact Yarram Police Station or Crime Stoppers.
THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED refurbishment of Crossley House is now officially underway at Yarram and District Health Service (YDHS), marking a significant milestone for the future of aged care services in the community. The important upgrade will help modernise and enhance the living environment for residents, ensuring Crossley House continues to provide high-quality, comfortable and contemporary care close to home for years to come. The project represents a major investment in the future of local aged care and reflects YDHS’s ongoing commitment to delivering safe, welcoming and person-centred environments for residents, families and staff. YDHS is proud the project is being delivered by local businesses and trades for the benefit of local people. From construction through to supporting services, the refurbishment reflects a commitment to backing local expertise, supporting local jobs and reinvesting in the Yarram community while providing a modern aged care environment for residents and families. Local builder Heathfield Building Group is leading the project, supported by a range of local contractors and suppliers contributing their skills and expertise. Supporting local businesses wherever possible is something YDHS values greatly, and they are pleased the project will provide positive flow-on benefits for the wider local economy and community.
