Around Gippsland – July 29

BAIRNSDALE

NAGLE COLLEGE STUDENTS in years 10, 11 and 12 recently had the opportunity to hear from Pat Hearne from Deakin University about the many study pathways available at Deakin. Hearne showcased Deakin’s four campuses and provided valuable information about bachelor degrees, overseas study opportunities and pathway courses offered through Deakin College. He also discussed the range of accommodation options available to future students. Following the presentation, students had the chance to speak with Hearne one-on-one and ask questions about university life and their future study options.

EAST GIPPSLAND ART Gallery was thrilled to have exhibiting artist Bradley Brown present last week, sharing his creative practice through a series of inspiring art workshops and conversations with visiting school groups. Students enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about Brown’s beautiful artworks, his techniques, and the stories behind his artistic journey.

URBAN FUNK DANCE will close at the end of the year. The studio has operated for 25 years, the last 21 under the directorship of Casey Davidge. She has decided the time is right for her and her family to close the studio. She conceded it wasn’t an easy decision, but one she had made with a lot of thought. Davidge is incredibly grateful for every student, family and teacher who has been a part of this journey with her. It certainly does not mean the end of dance; in fact, it has now opened up the opportunity for two of her teachers to go out and start their own ventures. This will mean more options and spaces available, and Davidge will rest easy knowing the dancers of the future will be in very capable hands. This year’s end of year concert is aptly named “With Love”, and Davidge couldn’t think of a better send off.

THE BAIRNSDALE LANDFILL will have new operating hours from Saturday. The new times are Monday to Friday (8.15 am – 4.30 pm) and Saturday and Sunday (9.15 am – 4.30 pm). Across East Gippsland the waste facilities continue to support thousands of residents and businesses. In the past 12 months, the teams have processed more than 167,000 transactions across the landfills and waste transfer stations — an increase of more than 6,500 transactions compared with 2023. Bairnsdale Landfill accounted for almost half of all transactions, with Orbost, Lakes Entrance and Metung combined contributing a further third.

BAIRNSDALE PRODUCTION LINE Theatre Company is looking for an organised reliable production manager to join the stage comedy production, “Allo Allo”. The role is a supported volunteer role that manages the show’s logistics, budget and scheduling while linking the committee, director, cast and crew.

LOCAL BUSINESSMAN MATT Henderson recently spoke at a meeting of the Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise. He gave members a short version of his cafe success in the area through good work ethic and supporting locals. His cafes both in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance have been local favourites since he learnt the business from his dad, Garry “Washer” Henderson when he left school. He now has three popular businesses, Phoenix Cafe in Bairnsdale, D.F. Cafe in Eastwood and his new Fatty Matty Gelato in Bairnsdale. Henderson sees his future in Gelato and works very long hours, starting at 3am seven days a week using local products. He was joined by Paul and Leanne Poulter from High Country Hooch Distilling Co. in Glenaladale who told the story of their very successful business over the past two-and-a-half years after purchasing their 123-acre property known as Squatters Run nestled at foothills of the high country to semi retire. They decided to move their hobby of producing liquor to a full-time career. They attended courses to make liquor and applied for a licence. Their licence allowed them to sell at the Rotary Sunrise Howitt Park market and the response was brilliant. They went wholesale six months later, teaming up with Monacellers. They currently distribute to over 120 venues in Australia, producing spiced rum, single malt whiskey, liquors and vodkas.

CLUB EASTWOOD AFFILIATE, the Moe Racing Club has been nominated for the Country Racing Victoria Club of the Year. Last time they were nominated was 2004, and they took out the award. The winner will be announced in Melbourne in late August.

LAST FRIDAY SAW the official launch of Village 21 in Bairnsdale. Village 21 is an exciting new initiative that will support First Nations young people over a three-year period, providing safe housing, guidance and opportunities to help build strong foundations for a brighter future. Gippsland and East Gippsland Aboriginal Cooperative (GEGAC) came with their partners, supporters and community to celebrate what can be achieved when governments, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs), community organisations and businesses work together with a shared vision. GEGAC extended their thanks to Kids Under Cover, Homes Victoria, NH Architecture, IKEA for their invaluable support in bringing Village 21 to life. Together, they are creating culturally safe opportunities that will make a lasting difference for First Nations young people and the community.

MAKE A WISH, East Gippsland Volunteer Branch came early at Club Eastwood had a wonderful afternoon last Sunday for the Make-A-Wish East Gippsland Christmas in July fundraiser, with a delicious lunch, plenty of laughs, Christmas cheer and, most importantly, some fantastic fundraising for an amazing cause. The volunteers added their own special touch with beautiful table decorations, and guests enjoyed caramel popcorn bags complete with a Christmas joke. There was also a raffle packed with fantastic prizes generously donated by local businesses and individuals, trivia, and much more. The generosity of the afternoon will help grant wishes for children with critical illnesses. Branch president, Dave Williams acknowledged the wonderful efforts of two Lucknow Primary School students, who recently raised almost $2500 for Make-A-Wish with a sausage sizzle. Their generosity is a beautiful reminder that wishes matter to all of us, not just the children who are waiting for their own wish.

THE BAIRNSDALE NEIGHBOURHOOD House is delighted to receive an outstanding $5000 from Johnno’s Op Shop, which will be put to good use to support the local community.

BUCHAN

THE SNOWY RIVER Sprint 2026 is returning to Buchan and Lakes Entrance on September 12-13, and organisers are looking for enthusiastic locals to join the team as event officials. If you are a bit of a rev head, this is a great way to get closer to the action than you ever could as a spectator. You will see some incredible cars up close, hear them at full noise, meet other motorsport enthusiasts, and experience what it takes to run a tarmac rally. It’s a weekend spent around great cars and great people. Organisers will provide all the support and equipment you need. Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet like-minded people, or be part of an exciting community event, they would love to have you on board. As an official, you will receive training and guidance, catering throughout the event, accommodation if required, an official’s event shirt and the chance to be part of a fantastic volunteer community. If you are interested, or would like to learn more, please send an email to beth@tarmacrally.com

COWWARR

THE LOCAL LANDCARE GROUP recently hosted the Cowwarr Primary School on National School Tree Day 2026 for a planting event along the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. A very enthusiastic group of students engaged in a variety of educational and hands-on activities which included planting, watering, feeding, placement of tree guards and mulching.

DUNETOWN

SAILORS GRAVE BREWING will launch a commemorative book celebrating 10 years of Sailors Grave Brewing on August 7, International Beer Day at the brewery. The book is part photo book, part art book and part brewery story, a reflection on a decade of beer, collaboration, creativity and the wild East Gippsland landscape that has shaped everything they do. The team at Sailors Grave are incredibly excited to welcome Joe Lyward, who has travelled all the way from Cornwall, UK, to celebrate this milestone with them. He will help share the stories behind the beers, the artwork and the journey that brought Sailors Grave to where it is today. Copies of the book will be available on the night.

LAKES ENTRANCE

ENCOURAGING REPORTS FROM the local oyster trial involving GLaWAC and Victorian Fisheries Authority. After a few years of careful cultivation, the little beauties are sizing up nicely, with hopes that there will be a commercial quantity of oysters ready to sell to the public by the end of this year. This is an important step toward the bigger goal of creating local and long-term jobs for the community in a thriving and sustainable seafood economy. Work is currently being done in regard to creating a Gunaikurnai name for this commercial venture that makes a strong connection to country and culture.

THE FLYING FOX at the Esplanade Playground is temporarily closed while some essential repairs to the cable are carried out. Always one of the playground favourites, it’s set to be up and running in a few weeks.

AMBULANCE VICTORIA HAS welcomed its first intake of new paramedic recruits for the 2026-27 year. The cohort of 53 new graduate and qualified ambulance paramedics started their careers with Ambulance Victoria and comes on top of 294 new recruits to Ambulance Victoria in 2025-26. The first intake of new graduate and qualified paramedics for this financial year started their four-week Ambulance Victoria induction program on July 20 and will hit the road on August 17. Of the 48 Graduate Ambulance Paramedics, for their on-road training, 18 will be placed in Gippsland, including Wonthaggi, Leongatha, Korumburra, Cowes, Grantville, Morwell, Warragul, Traralgon, Drouin and Sale. Of the five Qualified Ambulance Paramedics, one will be placed at Lakes Entrance. More intakes of new graduate and qualified paramedics will continue to join Ambulance Victoria throughout 2026-27.

LOCH SPORT

TRIVIA AT THE local bowls club this month was taken out by the Gastronaughts with their table of three, while the wooden spoon went to the aptly named, No Eye Deer.

OMEO

THE LIVINGSTONE PARK spillway project is progressing well. Works to replace the spillway and pedestrian bridge are progressing smoothly. The new concrete spillway wall, bridge beams and bridge abutments have now been completed, with work continuing on the rock chute and handrail installation. The project is on track for completion in August.

FLOMEO 2.0 STAGE two works are underway. The crew have smashed through stage one and the focus immediately turned to stage two. With mint dirt conditions, they are continuing their top-to-bottom refresh of one of Australia’s most-loved flow trails. Expect rebuilt lips, improved drainage, smoother transitions and fresh berms. This trail will leave punters grinning from ear to ear when it’s finished. Flomeo will now be closed between Mesley Track and the Midpoint Gravity Hub. All riders wanting to access the Midpoint Gravity Hub, including Pendulum, Rowdy and the middle section of Flomeo, will need to follow the signed diversion from Mesley Track down to the Midpoint Gravity Hub. For the safety of both riders and the trail crew, the closed section of Flomeo must remain off-limits while works are underway.

Riders found entering closed sections will be directed back up to the diversion route.

PORT ALBERT

THE CORNER INLET Fishery Management Advisory Committee recently came together, with recreational and commercial fishers, Victorian Seafood, VRFish, and other key stakeholders all at the table to discuss the future of one of Victoria’s most important fisheries. Topics included seagrass restoration projects led by commercial fishers, a new rock flathead stock assessment model, King George whiting recruitment, catch and effort trends, and more. The common theme of the meeting was everyone wants to see a healthy, sustainable Corner Inlet fishery for years to come.

SALE

POLICE HAVE LAUNCHED a firearms storage and compliance operation across the East Gippsland and Wellington areas. Local officers, with assistance from the divisional firearms officer will be conducting inspections to ensure licensed firearms holders are complying with storage obligations. This will include engaging with licence holders over the age of 70 to speak with them about forward planning options, encouraging discussions with family around estate planning and transferring ownership of firearms they may no longer use. The focus comes as more than 50 firearms were stolen from farm locations across Victoria in the year to March 2026. Firearm storage requirements include storage in a purpose-built steel storage receptacle with steel of a thickness of at least 1.6 millimetres. If the receptacle weighs less than 150 kilograms when it is empty, it must be bolted to the structure of the premises. When firearms are stored in the receptacle, it must be locked with a lock of sturdy construction. Cartridge ammunition must be stored in a locked container separate from the storage unit in which the firearm is stored. The requirements are there for a reason, to keep everyone safe and prevent opportunistic thefts. A national firearms amnesty is in place which allows people to hand in unregistered firearms and firearm-related items for sale, registration, or destruction without fear of prosecution. A person in possession of unregistered firearms, firearm parts or cartridge ammunition can surrender the items to a licensed firearms dealer or police.

POLICE ARE APPEALING for witnesses after an accident on June 15. At approximately 11.40am, two vehicles were traveling south on York Street, approaching the intersection of MacArthur Street where it then becomes three lanes. The victim in this matter who was driving a Black BMW has moved from the centre lane into the right-hand turning lane as the offending vehicle described as a red coloured vehicle has moved from the left lane into the centre lane. The offending vehicle has collided with the victim’s vehicle contacting the front passenger side panel causing damage. The offending vehicle has continued south on York Street and failed to stop and exchange details after the incident. Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any information regarding the matter, please contact the Sale Police on 51 42 2200 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

THE UNDERCOVER CAR at the Port of Sale is currently closed due to important maintenance and repair works on the western end of the building. It will reopen on Saturday, but the EV charging stations are still open. Lots of parking is available along Canal Road and Foster Street.

LAST WEEK WELLINGTON Shire Council mayor, Cr Cindy Madeley and fellow councillors welcomed delegates attending the National Anglican Deans’ Conference at a Civic Reception held at the Port of Sale. With the five-day conference in Gippsland, the council took the opportunity to welcome Anglican Deans from across Australia and New Zealand to showcase the region.

CYCLING WITHOUT AGE Gippsland has a new established home near the Seed Community Garden. It’s the perfect spot to base the free trishaw rides for older Gippslanders with mobility issues, as the group focuses a lot of its activity around the Lake Guthridge precinct.

SALE CITY BAND Solo Cornet Tom Condron made his solo debut on cornet at the Victorian State Championships over the weekend. Taking the stage for your very first solo performance at a state level is a massive milestone in itself, but walking away with third place in his section makes it even sweeter. A fantastic achievement and testament to all his hard work, practice, and dedication put in behind the scenes.

YARRAM

THE TOWN WILL host a safe plate day on Saturday from 10am-12pm at the Woolworths Store. It’s a chance to meet the Wellington Proactive Police Unit and talk about crime prevention in the community. Attendees will also be able to collect anti-theft screws for their vehicles’ number plates to help prevent number plate thefts in the local area.

HOMICIDE SQUAD DETECTIVES last Friday charged a woman with murder as part of their investigation into the fatal shooting of a man in Yarram in January 2024. A 53-year-old Cheltenham woman was charged with murder and appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court. The charge follows an investigation into the death of a man found badly injured on Yarram-Morwell Road on Tuesday January 16, 2024, about 3pm. Two men aged 39 and 28 years old were arrested by detectives in Yarram and Mildura in September 2024. Both were subsequently released. A then 50-year-old woman was arrested and interviewed at the time of the incident and was released without charge.The parties involved were known to each other.

DID YOU KNOW that Yarram was formerly known as Yarram Yarram? Back in the early 1900s, when the town had a population of around 400, it was known by the double name. Yarram is widely thought to mean “plenty of water” or “water always flowing”. Surrounded by beaches, ports, rivers and waterfalls, that name certainly fits.

LOCAL SECONDARY COLLEGE students, Cooper and Jesse, spent a whole week of their recent holidays levelling up at the Spark Engineering Camp 2026 in Melbourne. Out of more than 300 top applicants from across the state, the boys were two of just 40 students to receive an all-inclusive scholarship. The scholarship gave them the opportunity to experience life at a University of Melbourne residential college, take part in hands-on STEM workshops, and connect with leading industry professionals and mentors.