BAIRNSDALE
EXCITING NEWS FOR Bairnsdale Secondary College’s production of Hall of Fame, with the ticket link officially live. Tickets can now be purchased online. The production is set to be something special, with over 100 students involved across the cast, band, and backstage crew. This is the first major school production in almost a decade, and the college would love to see the community there supporting the amazing young people who have poured so much into making this happen. Available performances will be staged on September 11 from 6.30pm to 8pm, September 12 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and September 12 from 6.30pm to 8pm.
BAIRNSDALE REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE (BRHS) is excited to share with the community that the new BRHS Best Care Café has officially opened. This refreshed space has been designed for staff, patients, and visitors to enjoy great coffee, delicious food, and a modern, welcoming environment right at the hospital. Management is also proud to support a number of local businesses, including Chocky Sweet Box (delicious gluten-free snacks and treats), House of Bloom at New Leaf (beautiful fresh flowers), and Nicholson Farm Coffee and Nuts (coffee beans). The refreshed space will operate on extended trading hours from 7am to 4pm, seven days a week.
ON FRIDAY, MAY 22, investigators from the East Gippsland Family Violence Investigation Unit executed a search warrant pursuant to Section 465 of the Crimes Act. During the search, investigators seized several exhibits linking the offender to the offences of stalking and criminal damage. The offender was arrested and has been remanded to appear in the Bairnsdale Magistrates Court on June 3.
LAST WEEK WAS National Reconciliation Week (May 27–June 3), a time to reflect on our shared history and take meaningful steps toward a more respectful, united future for all Australians. Reconciliation is not just a conversation — it is a commitment to listening, learning, and walking together. We acknowledge the strength, resilience, and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the oldest continuing cultures in the world. Together, we can create stronger communities built on understanding, truth, and respect.
CHECK OUT THE new sculpture at the Hoddinott Reserve Playground in East Bairnsdale, which is creating plenty of interest. Designed and handcrafted by Dougie Hood from GLaWAC’s Business Enterprise team, the friendly turtle started as a simple sketch before being carefully carved and sanded into the finished piece, now welcoming children to the playground.
The sculpture adds a finishing touch to the East Gippsland Shire Council’s work at the playground, which delivered new play equipment, accessible paths, picnic facilities, seating, landscaping, and drainage improvements.
BAIRNSDALE REFRIGERATION AND Air Conditioning (BRAC) are proud to be the Mitsubishi Electric’s Regional Dealer of the Year. For a country town the size of Bairnsdale, this achievement is something truly special. BRAC appreciates that this wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support of their loyal customers who continue to choose and trust them for their heating and cooling needs.
DARGO
PLENTY IS HAPPENING at present at the Bush Nursing Centre. Works are underway on two projects after the centre was successful in gaining infrastructure grants to improve the facility. The first of these upgrades is the complete water system replacement project for the centre and residence. Funded under the Regional Health Infrastructure Funding (RHIF) grant, this project will see the underground tank replaced with an above-ground tank. Ongoing leaking of the tank and sediment issues with the pump have hampered the water supply in the past. The above-ground tank will also feature a multi-stage water filtration and disinfection system. The old underground tank will be repurposed to become a reserve for firefighting water.
This is a fantastic upgrade for the centre and ensures that water quality is of the highest standard. The crew from East Gippsland Plumbing and Drainage have been working hard to get these works completed. The second successful grant project is a new portable office building, which has multiple purposes for the centre. These include holding meetings, providing additional office space, and offering a room for visiting services to utilise, such as Allied Health clinics. The portable will free up the residence to improve privacy for the clinical team. The centre would like to thank the Community Bank Maffra and District for the grant they awarded to complete this vital infrastructure project. Without the voluntary assistance of Phil Davies, Mick Eccles, and George Elias, and equipment borrowed from Hally, the centre would not have been able to move the portable into place and cannot thank them enough for all the hours they have contributed.
HEYFIELD
WELLINGTON CRIME INVESTIGATION Unit detectives have seized a cache of weapons following a search warrant in Heyfield recently. Investigators executed the search warrant on Thursday, May 21, looking for allegedly stolen goods. The search uncovered a range of weapons, including a machete, a slingshot, nunchucks, over 20 knives, and firearm parts, including bolts and magazines, as well as several homemade firearms and a quantity of drugs. A 40-year-old Heyfield man was arrested at the scene and has since been charged with numerous offences, including burglary, theft, prohibited person possessing a firearm, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled weapon without excuse, as well as drug and bail offences. He was remanded in custody to appear at the Sale Magistrates Court on May 27.
ILLEGAL HUNTERS AND those trying to avoid detection in the High Country are in the crosshairs of local police. Heyfield and Mansfield police, alongside the Game Management Authority, conducted an operation within the Wonnangatta Valley and neighbouring high country — including Dargo and Licola — over several days recently. Patrols were conducted targeting illegal hunting, including spotlighting, the use of thermal cameras, and hunting within deer habitats at certain hours of the evening, as well as impaired driving and other antisocial behaviour. Approximately 50 vehicles were intercepted, and their drivers and passengers were checked for firearms, game licences, and any illegal equipment, as well as drugs and alcohol. Areas covered included the Wonnangatta Valley, Hearnes Spur, Cynthia Spur, Eaglevale, Crooked River, Billy Goats Track, Black Spur Track, and Tamboritha, Howitt, South, and Spring roads. Two men, both aged 37 from Napoleons, were seen allegedly spotlighting in the Wonnangatta Valley while consuming alcohol. It will be further alleged they had loaded firearms with silencers and thermal equipment.
Their firearms were seized. A 40-year-old man from Riddells Creek was allegedly caught with a loaded firearm while spotlighting and in possession of thermal equipment in the Wonnangatta Valley. His guns and equipment were seized, and he is expected to be charged on summons. A 39-year-old man from Ascot had his firearms seized after checks revealed he was unlicensed while shooting in the Hearnes Spur area. He is expected to be charged on summons. A 37-year-old man from Jackass Flat is expected to be charged on summons for firearm and ammunition possession and storage offences after being caught at Hearnes Spur. A 31-year-old man from Cockatoo was allegedly caught drink driving at Zeka Spur. His driver’s licence will be suspended. A large group of foreign nationals residing in Ascot and Jackass Flat were seen camping near Hearnes Spur in possession of unregistered firearms, which were confiscated by police. They are expected to be charged on summons. Two people were issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) for driving off-road and having dogs in a national park. Hunting invasive species is permitted if you have valid firearm and game licences and are in designated areas. Seasons where hunting is permitted differ between species and areas.
LATROBE VALLEY
LATROBE REGIONAL HEALTH (LRH) has added another day procedure to its list of services, enabling Gippslanders to receive an endoscopic ultrasound closer to home. Morwell man Daryl Smith was the first patient at LRH to undergo the procedure to investigate ongoing pain he has been experiencing after having his gallbladder removed at the start of the year. The new procedure involves inserting a small endoscopic ultrasound down a patient’s oesophagus, allowing doctors to examine the lining of their digestive tract and nearby organs, like the pancreas, liver, and gallbladder. The device is used to take small samples from patients to examine under a microscope. Previously, patients would have to travel to either Frankston or Clayton to receive an endoscopic ultrasound.
A GIPPSLAND MAN has been banned from keeping wildlife for five years after reptiles in his care were found dead and others malnourished. The 35-year-old was sentenced in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court last month for failing to provide animals with proper and sufficient food. He was also fined $800. Authorised officers executed search warrants at a Yinnar property in 2024, finding three dead pythons, a dead shingle-back lizard, and a carpet python and tiger snake alive but in poor condition. A wildlife licence is required to keep most native animals as pets. Licence holders must ensure animals are properly fed and cared for.
LINDENOW SOUTH
LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL students and staff recently visited the Glenaladale Hall to help complete the final stages of a local tree–planting project. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to contribute to an important environmental initiative and strengthen the connection with the community. A highlight of the day was the visit from the local CFA, who generously gave students a hands–on look at the vital work they do. Their demonstration sparked plenty of excitement and provided valuable insight into the role they play in keeping our community safe.
OMEO
LAST WEEK AT the Omeo Service Centre, students from Omeo Primary School participated alongside millions of kids right across the country in National Simultaneous Storytime. The story was shared by Natalie Mitchell from the Omeo Benambra Football Netball Club, adding a meaningful local link to the occasion. Moments like these are a great reminder that libraries aren’t just shelves of books – they’re places for imagination, connection and curiosity. If you missed it or your little (or big) readers are already asking for a replay, you can now watch Luna Roo the Kangaroo Baller anytime on StoryBox Hub.
OMEO: The Community Hub’s Biggest Morning Tea raised $1952 last week – an amazing effort from the community. Organisers are thankful to all who helped in any way to make this event so successful. The Omeo Soldiers Memorial Hall’s recent upgrades make this venue a wonderful place in which to hold functions. (PS)
OMEO: The Community Hub’s Biggest Morning Tea raised $1952 last week – an amazing effort from the community. Organisers are thankful to all who helped in any way to make this event so successful. The Omeo Soldiers Memorial Hall’s recent upgrades make this venue a wonderful place in which to hold functions. (PS)
ORBOST
THREE WEEKS AGO, students from grades three to six from St Joseph’s Primary School travelled to Bairnsdale to visit the landfill and Tambo Waste’s Material Recovery Facility to learn what really happens to the contents of our bins. The visit clearly made a lasting impression, with the students returning full of information. They were amazed by how complex our waste system is and loved finding out about the costs involved and the use of AI. They all made Earth Day pledges focused on their own consumption and power to create change, and are now co-writing a script about waste to present at an assembly. The East Gippsland Shire Council’s Waste Education and Natural Environment teams have also been visiting local schools and kindergartens to share The Land of Away story and practical recycling tips.
PAYNESVILLE
THE PAYNESVILLE NEIGHBOURHOOD House’s amazing Tuesday Craft Group came together to host a beautiful Biggest Morning Tea last week, raising a fantastic $884 for the Women’s Health Care Nurse at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service. Organisers were thankful to special guests Sue and Doug from Paynesville Uniting Church Friendship Shed and Opportunity Shop / Paynesville Uniting Church Faith Community, everyone who baked, donated, and supported, your generosity makes such a difference to our local community.
SALE
COLLINS BOOKSELLERS IN Raymond Street has turned a new page, with Terese Bailey and David Faulkner taking ownership. They have taken over from Natasha and Daryl Hunt, who after six years decided to close this chapter in their lives.
A MAN FROM South Gippsland has pleaded guilty in the Sale Magistrates Court to hunting without a licence and having loaded firearms in his vehicle in the Crookayan area of the Alpine National Park. The man was fined $1200 and had his firearms, ammunition, spotlights, two thermal imaging devices, and hunting equipment forfeited. Game Management Authority (GMA) authorised officers targeted the area after community members and hunters reported illegal hunting activity occurring in the region. GMA officers intercepted the man in his 4WD vehicle during a patrol of the area. Upon inspection of the vehicle, officers found and seized two loaded rifles, along with loose ammunition, two spotlights, two thermal imaging devices, and other hunting equipment.
Illegal spotlighting and irresponsible behaviour is dangerous and can put communities, properties, wildlife, and livestock at risk. Community members, including hunters, campers, and local residents, are urged to report illegal hunting activity and spotlighting to the GMA through its website.
LAST FRIDAY MARKED an historic occasion with the Sale and District Agricultural Society signed a 15-year lease extension for the Sale Greyhounds Club. This guarantees the race club’s future at the showgrounds until 2057, and provides an opportunity for both the Agricultural Society and Greyhound Club to build on their long-standing relationship and continue their strong community involvement in the Wellington Shire. All parties are very excited to continue working alongside each other and to support each other in the common goal of creating and maintaining entertainment spaces for locals and visiting tourists.
DOWD MORASS STATE Game Reserve near Sale has fully reopened to duck hunting, while Green Lake, including Fresh Lake, near Corop will be closed to hunting from Sunday, May 31. Dowd Morass has been partially closed since the beginning of the 2026 duck season to provide refuge to a breeding colony of protected Australasian Darters, whose young have now left the nest. Green Lake and the immediately adjacent Fresh Lake near Corop are now closed to hunting, as recent surveys show significant numbers of endangered Brolga are routinely present at the wetlands. Closing wetlands ensures that threatened species are protected and duck hunting remains sustainable. If the reason for closure no longer exists, wetlands may be reopened to hunting.
STRATFORD
AN 18-YEAR-OLD man has been taken to hospital after his car left the road and crashed into a tree in Stratford last week. Ambulance Victoria and SES crews were called to the scene on the Stratford-Maffra Road about 8am. The Stratford man, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, was freed by SES crews and taken to Latrobe Regional Hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. Police closed the road while authorities investigated the incident, and the vehicle was towed away from the scene just before 10am. Investigations into the collision remain ongoing.
IN JUST A few weeks, Stratford CFA will officially commence operations under the Fire Medical Response (FMR) Program in partnership with Ambulance Victoria. Members have recently completed the specialised FMR training and are now preparing to go live, further strengthening the emergency response capability available to the community. This means when a highest-priority medical emergency occurs in the area and a Triple Zero (000) call is made, both Ambulance Victoria paramedics and Stratford CFA firefighters may be dispatched at the same time. As a result, you may see a CFA fire truck arrive before an ambulance. The trained firefighters can provide initial medical assistance and support until paramedics arrive. Most importantly, it means help can reach people faster when every minute counts. This program is all about improving patient outcomes by ensuring emergency care starts as quickly as possible.
LAKES ENTRANCE: The local secondary college is incredibly proud of its year 12 VCE VM students who have volunteered with the Lions Club this month, helping with the setup and pack-up of their weekly bingo nights. Their commitment has allowed the students to raise $1000 to donate to the local CFA, which they will present in the coming weeks. This experience has not only supported the local community but has also helped students further develop their interpersonal skills, social awareness, teamwork and leadership skills as part of their Unit Three studies. (PS)
