BAIRNSDALE
CHOICE THE DISCOUNT STORE recently celebrated its grand opening day, marking an exciting milestone for the rebranded Cheap as Chips store. The response from the local community has been highly positive, with many checking in to see what has changed. The early message for punters is more exciting products and bigger bargains.
THE BAIRNSDALE PRODUCTION LINE theatre company has officially announced the cast for its next production, Allo Allo. The French characters will be played by David Cubley (Rene), Cosette Murphy (Edith), Teresa Ferreira (Yvette), Kimberley Robertson (Mimi), Dawn Jeffries (Michelle), Michael Murphy (LeClerc), and Bev Campbell, Ruth Engel, and Trish Lewis (café patrons). The Germans and Italians will be played by Darell Lee (Colonel Von Strohm), Stewart Whiffin (Captain Bertorelli), Fraser Gibson (Herr Flick), Ellyn McKenzie (Helga), Tim Goodall (Lieutenant Gruber), and Matt Stephenson (General Von Schmelling). The English roles will be performed by Tomas Carrero (Crabtree), Elizabeth Stevens (first airman), Abi Jessop (second airman), and Trish Lewis (radio voice). The production is set to run from October 15–18 at the Forge Theatre.
BAIRNSDALE BOWLS CLUB 2026 Board of Management election results have been announced. Following the close of nominations, the successful candidates are Trevor Selwyn (chairperson, two-year term), Doug Paterson (director, one-year term), and Barry Lake (director, two-year term). Following an election held on Saturday, June 27, Christopher Mackintosh and Bob Tonissen were elected to serve a two-year term. These appointments will be formally confirmed at the Annual General Meeting to be held on Wednesday, August 26.
LOCAL LAWYER DANIEL TAYLOR has been recognised in the 2026 Doyle’s Guide as a Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer – Regional Victoria. This year marks the first time Doyle’s Guide has published separate rankings for Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne, making this inaugural recognition especially significant. The Preeminent distinction is one of Doyle’s Guide’s most prestigious honours. In the inaugural Regional Victoria rankings, only two criminal defence lawyers were recognised at this level, including Taylor. Doyle’s Guide rankings are based on the recommendations of fellow lawyers and barristers, making this one of the legal profession’s most respected acknowledgements of professional excellence.
TALENTED EAST GIPPSLAND FASHION DESIGNERS with local connections were on show on Sunday afternoon at the Forge Theatre in the Runway Stories fashion parade event, held as part of the East Gippsland Winter Festival. The show was all about sustainability, with designers using natural fibres, repairing, repurposing, and reimagining clothing to create easy-to-wear garments. There was a great variety of items on display, with many of the pieces being ‘one-off’ designs symbolic of a broader fashion movement away from the fast, imported fashion of department and chain stores. Items from Kuwa//, Harmony Lane, Isle of Wild, Planet Fab, Pegs, Victoria 9, Foundry, Floating Threads, Potted Pear, Eleanor Margueritte, Dollygirl Vintage, The Archive, Frocksmith, and Rachael Romona were part of the parade.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING BY TRAIN to Melbourne today or tomorrow, you will need to allow extra time. Coaches will replace trains between Southern Cross and East Pakenham while Metro Trains carries out planned maintenance works. Trains will continue to operate between East Pakenham and Bairnsdale, but passengers should allow up to 60 minutes of extra travel time. Passengers should be aware that replacement coaches will not stop at Flinders Street, Richmond, Clayton, or Berwick.
LAST THURSDAY WAS A VERY SPECIAL DAY at Sun Cinema. Management had the pleasure of welcoming back one of the original owners, Rob Latimer, who stopped in with a newspaper clipping from the day the cinema opened 44 years ago. It was wonderful to look back on where it all began and celebrate the incredible history of the cinema. Back in 1982, the very first film to play was The Man from Snowy River—the beginning of four decades of unforgettable stories, blockbuster premieres, family outings, first dates, and countless tubs of popcorn.
CLUB EASTWOOD OWNER, the Moe Racing Club, has won the Regional Mental and Social Wellbeing award at the Community Clubs Victoria awards for its Tools Down, Heads Up program. The program was created by CEO Cassandra Rendell because she saw a gap, with young apprentices and trainees in Gippsland struggling in silence with mental health challenges, financial stress, and real-world pressures with nowhere to turn. She built something simple: a free breakfast program where they can sit down, talk openly, and actually get support. There is no judgment and no corporate speak, just real conversations about mental health, money, and life.
THE SPA AT THE BAIRNSDALE AQUATIC and Recreation Centre is currently running cooler than usual due to a heating pump fault, and as a result, the spa is temporarily closed. Council is working with contractors to fix this as a priority.
BOISDALE
THE NEWRY, BRIAGOLONG, AND BOISDALE Rural Fire Brigades responded to a rubbish truck carrying a “hot load” last week. Household bins can easily catch fire if they contain the wrong items, and consumers are advised to check their rubbish before throwing it out. Batteries, hot ashes or barbecue coals, aerosol cans, gas bottles, chemicals, paints, and liquids should never go into household bins.
BRUTHEN
JULY 1 SIGNALLED THE FIRST DAY for the Bruthen Fire Brigade’s new Brigade Management Team. Outgoing captain James Nicholas thanked the more than 20 members assembled for their support during his past eight years of captaincy before handing over the reins to new brigade captain Ross Hermans, a member of the Bruthen Fire Brigade for nearly 15 years, with the last six spent as a lieutenant. Captain Hermans then promoted firefighters Shane Turner and Jon Whitfield to lieutenant, while also acknowledging existing lieutenants Anthony Martin and Bryce Lewis, who have moved to different lieutenant portfolios. Three new members were welcomed to the brigade — Eden Galpin, Tony Adams, and Kane Gould — who will all shortly undertake a General Firefighters Course in preparation for the upcoming fire season.
DARGO
THE GAME MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY VICTORIA is encouraging people to report illegal spotlighting in their area. Illegal spotlighting is dangerous and may be putting your community, property, livestock, and native wildlife at risk. It occurs when people illegally use a spotlight or thermal imaging device to shoot deer or other game animals at night. If you see or hear of illegal spotlighting in your area, please report it to the Game Management Authority by visiting gma.vic.gov.au, calling 136 186, or contacting your local police. All reports received by the GMA are formally assessed.
GLENMAGGIE
LAST THURSDAY NIGHT, THE VICTORIA POLICE AIR WING rescued four occupants from a four-wheel drive washed away while attempting to cross a flooded river. A Nissan Patrol, with four people on board, attempted to cross the Macalister River at the Burgoyne Track about 8pm. The river was under a minor flood warning at the time. During the crossing, the rear of the vehicle began floating, causing the Nissan to face the current and stall. The Nissan drifted about 25 metres downstream before coming to a stop. The four sought refuge by climbing onto the roof of the vehicle. The well-equipped occupants used a satellite phone to call for help, and the Rescue and Coordination Centre (RCC) was notified, dispatching the Air Wing to the coordinates provided. Officers from the Air Wing flew into action and located the Nissan with four stranded, and very cold, occupants on the roof. The Air Wing lowered an officer to rescue the three women and one man, winching them to safety. The quartet were all transported to hospital for assessment — cold, wet, but unharmed. The Nissan will be recovered by the occupants once the river level goes down. Victoria Police urges motorists to monitor local conditions and remain alert in times of flood warnings, however minor. Be prepared to act if your situation changes, and stay informed by listening to emergency broadcasters and monitoring warnings. Floodwater is dangerous — please refrain from driving, walking, or riding through it.
LAKES ENTRANCE
WENDY DUNSTAN IS KNOWN BY MANY LOCALS and visitors to Lakes Entrance as one of the driving forces behind the local parkrun. As a regular volunteer “run director”, she is constantly encouraging more people to join in the free run and walk each Saturday. However, Dunstan has also been a mainstay at the post office until last week. After more than 40 years at Australia Post, Dunstan is taking her well-earned retirement.
NEW RECYCLING HUBS ARE NOW AVAILABLE in East Gippsland. Local council is excited to announce the launch of the brand-new Recycling Hubs, conveniently located at all East Gippsland Shire Council libraries, as well as the Lakes Entrance Aquadome and the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre. These easy-to-use hubs make recycling everyday items simpler than ever. You can now drop off batteries, vapes, light bulbs, medical blister packs, mobile phones, and small e-waste. By using these hubs, consumers are helping keep valuable materials out of landfill and supporting a cleaner, more sustainable East Gippsland.
LATROBE VALLEY
THE GIPPSLAND NEW ENERGY CONFERENCE is back for 2026. Now in its fifth year, the conference brings together industry leaders from across Australia and around the world, alongside government representatives, traditional owners, and local communities. It will focus on global best practice and how it can support Gippsland’s opportunity to become Australia’s renewable energy hub, while creating opportunities for people to contribute to the region’s future and ensure the transition supports local jobs and shares community benefits. Featuring 150 speakers across 80 diverse sessions, the conference will highlight offshore wind, workforce development, and the broader energy transition. This year’s event will be held at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre in Traralgon on August 18–19.
MAFFRA
WELLINGTON CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION UNIT DETECTIVES are investigating a series of burglaries on commercial premises in Maffra between February 25 and June 7. It is believed that the incidents are linked and that the same unknown person is suspected of committing all five burglaries. CCTV images have been released of a person who may be able to assist police with their enquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
MAFFCO’S THIRD ANNUAL DACHY DASH is back on Sunday, August 23. It is the cutest and most competitive race in Gippsland, forming part of a fun-packed day filled with food, entertainment, and furry festivities. The event will include dachshund races, market stalls, kids’ activities, family fun, delicious food, and Big Bears Donuts. Free camping is available on-site, alongside a best-dressed dog competition and plenty of laughs, paws, and prizes. It is the perfect day out for dog lovers and locals alike—grab your pup and your sense of adventure.
MEERLIEU
ANOTHER BUSY MORNING WAS HELD ON SUNDAY at the community garden. Locals came along to work on a series of tasks, which included upgrading the automatic watering system, starting seedlings ready for the August plant-out, replanting the peas, weeding around the garden, building a couple more trellises, planting oats and clover in an intermediate bulk container (IBC) as a cover crop to improve the soil, and working on the community seed bank, complete with seed envelopes that can be shared and sold.
THE LOCAL CRICKET CLUB RECENTLY HELD its annual general meeting, with Scott Ashley re-elected as president. He will be assisted on the executive by Reagan Kyle (vice president), Craig Fletcher (junior vice president), Leah Simpson (secretary), and Simon Hunter (treasurer). The general committee consists of Danielle Blandford, James Blandford, Mark Carly, Anthony Simpson, and Carly Duncan (child safety officer).
ORBOST
VIETNAM VETERANS COMMEMORATION DAY will take place on August 18 at 11am at the Orbost Cenotaph, presented by the Orbost RSL Sub-Branch.
VICTORIAN FIRE SERVICES ARE URGING RESIDENTS to check their smoke alarms and practise a Home Fire Escape Plan after new figures revealed an increase in preventable house fire deaths. Data compiled by the CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria shows there were 21 preventable residential fire fatalities across the state in 2025, up from 18 in 2024. Winter recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 85 per cent of deadly fires starting in bedrooms or living rooms. With many families at home during the school holidays, the agencies are encouraging Victorians to make sure their smoke alarms are working and that everyone in the household knows what to do if a fire breaks out. House fires can spread rapidly, leaving only seconds to escape. Families are encouraged to check that smoke alarms are working, replace alarms that are more than 10 years old, and involve children in practising a Home Fire Escape Plan. Working smoke alarms remain one of the most effective ways to save lives during a house fire. Interconnected smoke alarms are recommended so that when one alarm is triggered, all alarms throughout the home sound, giving occupants more time to escape. Fire services recommend installing smoke alarms in every bedroom and living area, testing them every month, and cleaning them annually. Battery-operated alarms should have their batteries replaced each year unless they use a sealed 10-year battery.
PAYNESVILLE
VISITORS TO GILSENAN RESERVE now have a much more comfortable stop, with a new toilet facility officially complete. Delivered by local firm Design Co Builders, the upgrade includes a fully accessible toilet with baby-change facilities, a unisex ambulant toilet, and a dedicated accessible parking space. The new facility will come in handy for everything from busy sports days to weekend wanderings, including the ever-popular Paynesville Lions Community Market.
GREAT TO SEE COLLABORATION IN ACTION, with representatives from multiple agencies and the community coming together to share knowledge and strengthen the approach to marine pest management, particularly across the Ramsar-listed Gippsland Lakes. Representatives from Agriculture Victoria, East Gippsland Shire Council, DEECA, GLaWAC, Gippsland Ports, the Victorian Fisheries Authority, Fishcare, and the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (EGCMA) were part of Agriculture Victoria’s Marine Pest Biosecurity Forum. The Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Management Plan identified introduced marine pests as an ongoing priority threat in the lakes, as they have the potential to impact native fauna through competition and predation.
SALE
FORMER LOCAL TIM BRISTOW HAS COMPLETED Australia’s mightiest ultra-marathon challenge, the Bravehearts 777 Marathon. Last week, Bristow ran seven marathons across seven states in seven consecutive days to raise vital funds for Bravehearts and support the prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. Bristow is no stranger to pushing himself for a good cause, but this challenge is personal. By sharing his own story, he is helping raise awareness, giving a voice to others, and supporting important work aimed at creating a safer world for children.
LEEANNE AND SCOTT PEARCE RECENTLY BROUGHT UP 20 years as proprietors of Khayaam Hair Salon. Last Friday evening, they celebrated the anniversary at the salon with staff and clients. Over the last 20 years, Khayaam has become known not only for exceptional hair and beauty services, but also for its commitment to education, innovation, and professional excellence. Staff have participated in countless training programs, industry events, hair shows, and competitions, ensuring clients always receive the highest standard of service and the latest techniques.
WOODSIDE
ORIGINALLY FOUNDED LOCALLY 70 YEARS AGO, Woodside Energy is delighted to return to its roots as operator of the Gippsland Basin Joint Ventures, following a successful handover from ExxonMobil. As part of this transition, they are welcoming a highly skilled team across the Gippsland Basin operations, including offshore gas production facilities, the Longford Gas Plant, and the Long Island Point gas liquids processing facility, along with a dedicated team in Melbourne. Their new role as operator means they will unlock more gas for east coast customers, with plans to explore the development of four potential wells to maximise the Gippsland Basin assets. These wells could deliver up to 200 petajoules of gas to Australia’s east coast—enough to power all the homes in Melbourne for around two years.
YARRAM
NAIDOC WEEK GOT UNDER WAY LAST SUNDAY, with the Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place, in partnership with the Wellington Athletic Club, hosting a fun run through the surrounds of the facility. Participants took on the three-kilometre or six-kilometre events with enthusiasm. The morning concluded at the dance circle, where everyone gathered to experience two powerful Wulgunggo Ngalu cultural dances before celebrating the achievements of all runners and walkers with the presentation of medallions.
THE YARRAM AND DISTRICT HEALTH SERVICE (YDHS) CEO Paul Head has issued a statement after some discussion and speculation within the community regarding the future of YDHS’ aged care facilities, Crossley House and St Elmo’s. YDHS wishes to assure locals that any suggestion these facilities are closing down or being sold is categorically false. Mr Head explained that, unfortunately, misinformation appears to be becoming more common, and it can cause unnecessary distress for residents, their families, staff, and the wider community. YDHS is currently undertaking significant upgrades to both Crossley House and St Elmo’s to ensure they can continue to offer high-quality residential aged care to locals for years to come. Works are underway at Crossley House, where crews are modernising and enhancing the living environment for residents. In an added benefit, much of this work is being delivered by local trades and contractors. Significant upgrade works are due to commence at St Elmo’s later this year. YDHS is currently working with the building design team to finalise the plans, which will see several new beds added and an increased capacity to provide residential aged care services to more locals. This is all part of an ongoing effort to ensure YDHS can meet the healthcare needs of the local community both now and in the years ahead.
