BAIRNSDALE
GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR’S much-loved Giving Garden program has returned to the Bairnsdale Campus for 2026, once again giving students the opportunity to grow, harvest and prepare meals for people in need within the local community. The first session for the year was held last week, with students harvesting silverbeet, leeks and potatoes from the Campus vegetable garden before preparing homemade potato, leek and silverbeet soup and individual lemon drizzle cakes. Students also contributed fresh eggs and lemons from home to support the cooking session. The meals were delivered to Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House, where they were distributed to members of the community experiencing hardship. Bairnsdale Head of Campus Virginia Evans said the program provides valuable learning opportunities for students while encouraging service to others. The program also creates opportunities for students to learn from community volunteers, with parents and grandparents assisting each week. Originally launched in 2023, the Giving Garden Project was designed to help students understand the importance of caring for others while learning how to grow and prepare healthy meals using fresh produce. Students will continue cooking meals throughout the term, with next week’s menu featuring potato and bacon frittata.
VICTORIA CAN EXPECT an earlier fire season in spring due to below-average rainfall being forecast across the state, meaning the potential for a continuation of the drying trend, despite entering the cooler season and lower-risk period for bushfires over winter. The forecast for winter suggests it may be warmer and drier than average, which may lead to an earlier-than-normal fire danger season. Emergency services are continuing to monitor conditions for changes in fire risk, particularly throughout these regions. Victorians should also remain vigilant that the winter season can bring significant storms and wind gusts, and it is important to be prepared for all types of potential emergencies. Preparedness activities include statewide briefings for the emergency management sector to ensure that incident management personnel are adequately prepared to mitigate emerging risks and respond to any emergency scenario. Victorians are encouraged to take this time to prepare their properties ahead of the spring and summer seasons, and review and practise their fire safety plan. The Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for winter is developed by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council and supported by the Bureau of Meteorology, along with state and territory fire and land managers.
LOCAL FIRE BRIGADES would like to remind punters that a fire hydrant near your home or property could be crucial in an emergency. Making sure hydrants are easy to see and access helps crews respond quickly when every second counts. A few simple things can make a big difference: keep grass and weeds trimmed around the hydrant, avoid parking in front of it and don’t let bins, garden beds or other items block access. If you notice any leaks or damage, report it to your local council and if posts or markers are missing then contact local council.
LAST WEEK NAGLE College hosted its inaugural Top Arts Showcase Evening. The special showcase featured outstanding performances from the school’s VCE unit three Music Repertoire students, VCE unit one and three Dance and year 10 Dance students. Audiences enjoyed a diverse program of solo and duet works, including original dance pieces choreographed by the talented students. The evening celebrated the creativity, dedication and artistry of young performers as they share their hard work with the Nagle community. The school is appreciative of the parents, friends and community members who came along and supported the students for this exciting celebration of the performing arts.
SOME OF BAIRNSDALE Secondary College’s year 10 English students recently visited Federation University’s Churchill campus, gaining valuable insight into the possibilities that await beyond secondary school. Throughout the day, students participated in interactive workshops and activities alongside university staff and student leaders, building their writing skills, confidence, cultural understanding, and awareness of future study and career options. A highlight of the excursion was seeing students envision themselves in a university environment. Many were surprised by the independence, flexibility, and opportunities that university life can offer, sparking conversations about their own goals and aspirations. Experiences like these play an important role in helping young people explore future pathways, broaden their horizons, and begin planning for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.
BUCHAN
THE REDEVELOPMENT OF the Buchan Recreation Reserve is now complete, with more than $6 million invested to deliver a modern, multi-use community hub. The grand opening will be on Sunday from 1pm, a celebration of a project shaped by community need and local input. This is a fantastic space for sport, events and community life, so come along, bring the family, and check out the new facilities.
FULHAM
THE CORONERS COURT of Victoria has handed down its findings regarding the death of a 35-year-old inmate, Phi Long Deng, at the Fulham Correctional Centre on August 4, 2024. Deng was on remand for drug-related offences when he died of a drug overdose, with coroner David Ryan’s findings showing drugs were smuggled into the prison across multiple visitations. The cause of death was drug toxicity after ingesting a balloon containing methylamphetamine. Deng’s death followed a visit the day prior from a female friend, who was screened by security prior to visiting Mr Deng but no contraband was detected. A drug detection dog was on site, but not used to screen the visitor. Security cameras recorded Deng going to the bathroom in his unit on 19 occasions after the visit, and he was found unresponsive in his cell. An intact 20-millimetre diameter balloon containing methylamphetamine was found in his stomach, which has been found to have likely leaked into his stomach. The visitor to the prison was interviewed by police in November 2024 and was charged with criminal offences relating to smuggling methylamphetamine into the jail. The charges were discontinued on February 17 this year. The coronial investigation found Mr Dang and his female visitor were trafficking contraband across multiple visits.
HOLLANDS LANDING
DEECA RECENTLY ISSUED an algal bloom update; their advice remains in place to avoid contact with water in Lake Wellington and Hollands Landing due to high levels of blue-green algae in these areas.
For areas further east, advice to avoid contact with water has been downgraded as the levels of harmful species have reduced. The risk to human health from water contact in these areas is now considered low.
Avoid contact if you see discolouration or surface scums even where signage is not present and if you experience skin or eye irritation after contact with water in the lakes; rinse in fresh water. Do not drink water collected from the Gippsland Lakes. Boiling the water will not remove the risk and seek medical advice if you experience illness after contact with these waterways. The previous advice on consuming seafood remains in place for the Gippsland Lakes. Do not collect or eat shellfish, prawns or crabs, gut and gill any fish before cooking and do not cook or eat whole fish.
JOHNSONVILLE
THE EAST GIPPSLAND Shire Council has announced an install date for the brand-new play space at Harry Clues Memorial Reserve. Works are kicking off on June 17, with the reserve expected to be closed for around seven–10 days while equipment is installed. The upgrade includes new seating and bollards to make the space even better for everyone as well as the upgraded play space.
LAKES ENTRANCE
BIG NEWS AT Lakes Betta Home Living with the electrical department closing down. After many years serving the community with electrical appliances, they have made the decision to close that department, to expand the furniture and bedding departments. That means everything in electrical must go, fridges and freezers, televisions and audio equipment, washing machines and dryers, air conditioners and heating, cooking appliances and small appliances, vacuum cleaners and more. Massive discounts storewide, all stock must be cleared.
GIPPSLAND JERSEY HAS taken out Australia’s Best Light Milk award at the 2026 Dairy Industry Association of Australia Awards in Melbourne. The award recognises the commitment of Gippsland Jersey founders Sallie Jones and Steve Ronalds, along with their team, to producing high-quality dairy products while supporting local farmers. Gippsland Jersey has built a strong reputation within the dairy industry, focusing on quality products and ensuring dairy farmers receive a fair return for their milk. The company has also become well known for its support of regional communities and its advocacy for farmer wellbeing and mental health initiatives across Gippsland. Among those initiatives is the annual Gippsland Jersey Winter Dip, which returns to Lakes Entrance on June 20. The event encourages participants to brave the icy waters of the Gippsland Lakes while raising awareness of mental health issues affecting rural communities. The national award highlights the strength of Gippsland’s dairy industry and the contribution local farmers and producers continue to make to Australia’s food and fibre sector.
TONY FROM FAR Out Fishing Charters attended last week’s Gippsland Lakes Fishing Club meeting. Tony spoke to the group about how to know when is the best time to cross the bar. The club was delighted to see many new faces in the club rooms, with a special welcome to the new members that joined on the night. The club is taking part in the Reel Talk Fishing Challenge to help more young men access the support they need and to help them feel less alone. All money raised will support Top Blokes, a youth mental health charity that run programs that helps young men build the skills to communicate, handle pressure and look out for each other.
MALLACOOTA
THE BAKERY HAS gone back to its old closing hours, with operating hours now 6am-2pm.
METUNG
THE ANNUAL DUMPLING Eating Contest is set to return for the third time on Saturday, June 27 at the Metung Winter Festival event. Registrations will close by 4pm on the day for your chance to be randomly selected to compete in either the Adults or Kids Contest, which will both be run simultaneously on the stage from 4.15pm. The adults section is for people over 13 years of age. The first to eat one kilogram (38 dumplings) dripping in sauce, chilli and coriander will take home, the coveted Dumpling Eating Champion Trophy, $50 cash, one kilogram of frozen dumplings, Doin’ Dumplings merchandise and a jar of ‘Pickler in the Woods’ Crispy Chilli Oil. The kids section is open to eight to 12 years, with the first to eat a dozen dumplings doused in dumpling sauce (no chilli) will take home the coveted Kids Dumpling Eating Champion Trophy, $50 cash, one kilogram of frozen dumplings, Doin’ Dumplings merchandise and a jar of ‘Pickler in the Woods’ Condiments.
MOUNT TAYLOR
THE LOCAL FIRE Brigade 2026 Battery Drive is underway. They are collecting unwanted batteries to help raise money for the Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation, Lifeline, and the 000 Foundation as part of the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb. If you have any old or unused batteries around the farm, shed, workshop, or home, they would greatly appreciate your support. Batteries can be dropped off at the Mount Taylor Fire Station, B and J Crane, Bairnsdale Stockfeeds and Bairnsdale Irrigation. If you can’t make it to a drop-off point, give John a call on 0438 524 029 and they can organise a local collection.
OMEO
SPILLWAY AND PEDESTRIAN works are taking shape in Livingstone Park. Local contractor Jarvis Norwood has done prefabrication works and has begun construction. Prefabricated components for the new pedestrian bridge have been delivered to site, ready for installation at a later stage of the project. To keep the work crews safe the creek flow is being temporarily diverted through a tunnel while the heavy lifting happens. The immediate construction zone is a strict no-go zone for the public for the duration of the works – those include all water activities/swimming right by the bridge area. Visitors and locals can expect a few changed conditions inside the park. Watch out for extra construction trucks and vehicles moving around the site.
DUE TO PREDICTED heavy snowfall, the Bogong High Plains Road has been closed between Falls Creek Resort and Trapyard Gap (near Shannonvale). The seasonal closure has been brought forward to help keep people safe during severe winter weather. The road is scheduled to reopen on October 15, subject to conditions.
ROSEDALE
LAST WEEK THE local fire station welcomed the prep to grade three students from Rosedale Primary School to their station. The students enjoyed learning about fire trucks, equipment, and the important role volunteers play in keeping the community safe. They asked some fantastic questions and showed great enthusiasm throughout their visit. A special moment from the day was seeing two members of the brigade share the experience with their own children who attended the visit. The brigade looks forward to seeing some future firefighters in the years to come.
SALE
A CIVIC RECEPTION was held last week to mark the closing of the ‘John Leslie Foundation’ and to honour the life and legacy of an extraordinary local man, John Leslie OBE. Councillors, dignitaries and former Wellington Shire Mayors, Foundation Trustees, members of the Gippsland Art Gallery and the Rotary Club of Sale, council staff and community members joined for the special evening which was held fittingly at the John Leslie Theatre at The Wedge Performing Arts Centre in Sale. Leslie was born in Sale in 1919 and stayed closely connected to the town his whole life. He served eight years on the City of Sale Council, including three as mayor, and gave his time generously to many local organisations. He helped establish the Sale Regional Arts Centre, the Sale Arts Festival and Sale Elderly Citizens’ Village, just to name a few.
After he passed away in 2016, that spirit continued through the John Leslie Foundation, which has distributed nearly $14 million across 80 projects in and around Sale, an incredible contribution that has helped shape the shire as we know it today. From $1 million for the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, to $1.5 million for the Port of Sale precinct, $950,000 towards reopening the Aqua Energy Leisure Centre and a further $400,000 towards the John Leslie Art Prize, the impact can still be seen and felt across our community in so many ways. As current Wellington Shire Council mayor Cindy Madeley reflected in her opening address, Leslie’s legacy lives on in shared spaces, in the arts, and in the many lives he touched. In many ways, he helped shape Sale into more than just a place to live, but a true community. Leslie was a true gentleman and one of a kind.
THE WELLINGTON SHIRE Council has recently awarded $120,648 in Community Assistance Grants to support 25 local projects and events across the Shire. This funding is helping communities grow, connect and thrive. Some highlights include new seating at the Seed Community Garden, pickleball court upgrade at the Heyfield Tennis Club, technical equipment for the Port Albert Fishing Club, support to produce local newsletters, safety fencing at The Quarry Reserve in Briagolong, support for local events like the Yarram Agricultural Show, as well as equipment and furniture upgrades for Sale Food Support Incorporated. The next round of Community Assistance Grants (up to $6000) opens mid June, while Quick Response Grants (up to $2500) are available year round.
THE WELLINGTON SHIRE Council is making changes to their waste service – based on your feedback. Through the waste survey, they heard the community wanted better support for families with nappies and residents with medical waste needs. So, at last week’s council meeting, councillors voted to offer a fully subsidised additional 120L red-lidded general rubbish bin to eligible residents. That will include those with medical or disability-related waste needs (with a doctor’s note), and families with two or more children under four managing nappies (with supporting documents). For everyone else who needs more space, the council has introduced the option to add another bin, meaning people can have extra capacity without putting the cost on the broader community. Keeping weekly rubbish collection would dramatically push costs up for all households, so this subsidy strikes the balance between supporting those who need it most without adding extra financial pressure on everyone else. Council appreciates this won’t suit everyone, but the new system is tried and tested across 30 other council areas, works for the most households based on local data, reduces landfill and keeps costs down. The FOGO rollout is underway, with new bins arriving across the shire until the end of June, with collections starting the week of July 6.
DUE TO SEVERE weather, snow and public safety considerations the following roads and tracks are now closed; Dargo High Plains Road (between Dargo and Hotham Heights), Blue Rag Range Track, Basalt North Track, Twins Track, Twins Jeep Track, Mount Murray Track North and Gunns Track. The seasonal closures have been brought forward to help keep people safe during severe winter weather. The roads are scheduled to reopen on October 29. Each year, Forest Fire Management Victoria, Parks Victoria and the Conservation Regulator enforce road and track closures across public land from June to November.
GIPPSLAND ART GALLERY is inviting visitors to experience the incredible vision of Sale artist Frank Mesaric through his exhibition Gippsland Gothic, which was launched last Friday. A contemporary realist painter with the soul of an old master, Mesaric draws heavily on his local Gippsland environment to create a haunting and surreal world where reality meets illusion. Annemieke Mein’s latest exhibition is now on display, which includes five new, never-before-seen artworks, alongside several returning favourites, and an updated Borun and Tuk Gallery, which presents the work of First Nations artists living and working on Gunaikurnai country. Also now opening is a new exhibition of artworks from Assist Gippsland, and students from Guthridge Primary School in the Youth Exhibition Space.
STRATFORD
ORGANISERS OF LAST month’s Walk and Talk for Mental Health have called for the public’s help to retrieve a portable toilet, which was stolen the day before the event. The community event on May 2 saw hundreds of people walk from Stratford to Briagolong, raising funds for the Black Dog Institute and awareness of mental health issues. A local hire company donated toilets to be placed along the route. A portable toilet was placed next to a bus shelter at the corner of Briagolong and Stockdale Roads. It is believed the toilet was taken sometime between noon and 2pm on Friday, May 1. Police have been informed of the theft.
LAKES ENTRANCE: Last week, Alex and Jodie from Victoria Police attended Lakes Entrance Primary school to talk to students about online safety. They discussed ideas such as what the internet is, why it’s important to have adult supervision and ways they can be safe while playing and talking to their friends online. (PS)
HEYFIELD: Local bowling club members attended a morning tea last week for a very important occasion. Max Page was awarded a Life Membership, with club president Mick Stubbe highlighting Page’s 30 plus years of association with the club. Page has been a valued contributor to the club, playing an active role in numerous maintenance and construction projects. He is a regular presence, consistently assisting with cleaning and ensuring the club is well-presented. He has also supported many bowlers in developing their techniques and has always been more than willing to assist new players by providing guidance and training support. His dedication and willingness to help make him a highly respected and appreciated member of the club. (PS)
BAIRNSDALE: Last week the West Bairnsdale Oval hosted The World No Tobacco Day Colour Run. (PS)
MALLACOOTA: The local fire brigade recently was involved in training at the Cann Valley Brigade. They investigated the best locations to gain water, big fill pump access points and reticulated supplies. The group went over the maths to work out percentages of fire involved building or building and contents, closed pump pressure of the reticulated supply and updated some BA skills maintenance. Later the group reconvened at Cann Valley station for a barbecue lunch. The session included 15 members from three brigades; Mallacoota, Bemm River and Cann Valley. (PS)
PAYNESVILLE: Local Lions supporter Shirley Ward donated 100 handmade trauma bears to local emergency responders. Pictured are Paynesville Ambulance team leader Stephanie Franklin, leading senior constable Allison Triggs from the Proactive Policing Unit, Michelle Carton from the SES and Shirley Ward. (PS)
