BAIRNSDALE
LAST FRIDAY MORNING, East Gippsland Shire Council hosted around 80 locals at its annual Contractors’ Breakfast at the WORLD Centre, Bairnsdale. The event was a great chance to connect with the local trade community and share how the council is changing the way it works with contractors – included was a look at the new Project Management Framework. The council is shifting toward more collaborative procurement (including early contractor involvement), and improvements to the tender and evaluation process. Contractors also got early visibility of the 2026-27 program of works and a preview of the emerging 2027-28 pipeline, with plenty of time for questions over breakfast.
AUSTRALIAN AND NEW Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) has released Australia’s national bushfire outlook for spring with fire authorities predicting a heightened risk of fire across northern and southeastern NSW, south-east Queensland, northeastern Tasmania, parts of Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria, and large parts of the Northern Territory. Below average rainfall has increased bushfire risk potential across northeast and eastern Tasmania, as well as parts of Victoria. In contrast, above average fuel loads and dry soil conditions are contributing to elevated fire risk across parts of Western Australia. AFAC CEO Rob Webb said: “This outlook highlights a heightened risk of fire across several parts of the country, driven by a combination of dry conditions in the east and increased fuel loads through parts of central and northern Australia. The variety of risk factors across different regions reinforces the need for communities to understand their local conditions and prepare early.” “While some areas are facing an elevated risk of fire this spring, bushfires can still occur in regions with a normal seasonal outlook. Communities are encouraged to stay informed, monitor local conditions and follow advice from their fire and emergency services as the season unfolds.” The Seasonal Outlook is the culmination of a complex analysis by expert fire specialists across Australia, and climate prediction and fire weather experts from the Bureau of Meteorology.
NAOMI BARR, THE friendly face of the Bairnsdale Library and operations coordinator for East Gippsland Shire wide library services, celebrates 35 years working across council libraries this month. Starting in August 1991 as the Lakes Entrance branch librarian, Barr has a love of libraries and sharing the joys and benefits of reading. She said it was seeing the joy the library brings people, and the many colleagues she has worked with across council, which have made her career so fulfilling. Barr has seen many changes in the library across her more than three decades, including transitioning from manual to digital borrowing, new library management systems, shire amalgamations, mobile libraries, online offerings, and supporting the community through the access of books during the pandemic. Barr has demonstrated a dedication and passion for libraries – a quality that is incredibly valuable because it is not just about the work Barr does, but the difference she makes to the people around her, her team and most importantly the local community. The Bairnsdale Library is a better place to visit and spend time because of Naomi’s experience, knowledge, passion and pride in the library, and the work behind the scenes to keep the library service running smoothly.
BAIRNSDALE RAILWAY STATION will finally receive both Myki and ‘tap and go’ contactless technology for the first time next month, making travel more convenient for passengers by unifying the ticketing system. The state government announced readers for Myki and tap and go for the entire regional V/Line network would progressively be built and switched on in the coming weeks and months – from late August until November 22. The Bairnsdale Line’s readers will be activated from September 20, meaning passengers will be able to tap on with a bank card (Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card), phone, smartwatch or Myki card at every station on the Gippsland Line (you must tap off with the same method you tapped on). Tap and go was launched for the Traralgon Line in June, which already had Myki readers for years. All tap and go fares are charged at full price, so concession users, seniors, and youth under 18 are advised to continue using their designated Myki when travelling. Anyone who prefers to continue using Myki can still do so. You will still be able to buy V/Line tickets (paper or eTickets) for long-distance trips, and you’ll need a V/Line ticket to reserve a seat. If you’re travelling on non-activated lines, V/Line coach services or regional non-myki buses, keep paying for travel as you do now. You can buy and top up a Myki from staffed stations, V/Line retailers, 7-Eleven or buy a Myki online. You can use the PTV App on your smartphone top up your myki instantly. Android users can add a Mobile Myki to their Google Wallet. Public transport in Victoria is half price until January 1, 2027, for everyone, including concession card holders. If you need help or make a mistake, speak with station staff, visit the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station or phone Transport Victoria on 1800 800 007.
COWWARR
THE HISTORIC COWWARR Hotel is nearly ready to open, with news coming through that it has a courtesy bus ready to ferry passengers. “Daisy” will eventually be out and about helping patrons enjoy a night at hotel and get home safely — all while turning a few heads along the way.
EASTWOOD
FOLLOWING RESIDENT FEEDBACK regarding local flooding and water ponding, the East Gippsland Shire Council’s Infrastructure and Engineering teams have completed drainage improvement works along Howitt Avenue. These enhancements will improve surface water flow during heavy rain, helping reduce stormwater build-up and creating a safer, more reliable drainage system for the community.
GLENMAGGIE
VICTORIAN FISHERIES AUTHORITY have been busy, stocking another 44,000 trout into Victorian waters last week, as their technical officers continuing to clock up the kilometres and get plenty of fish into the water in the lead-up to spring. Out west, the Hopkins (1900) and Merri Rivers (5000) each received a top-up of brown trout. These rivers can be fished all year-round, and have been producing some stunning winter browns recently. Brown trout were also stocked in Lakes Hume (10900), Lake Glenmaggie (10000), and Lake Wartook (2500). Rainbow trout were stocked at Lake Eildon (10,000) and Lake Wartook (3700). The fish stocking program is funded by fishing licence fees and the Victorian Government’s $96 million Go Fishing & Boating Plan.
GOLDEN BEACH
THE GOLDEN BEACH (GB) Energy Storage Project has been approved the for the drilling of three offshore wells in the Golden Beach gas field. GB Energy were recent granting by the Environment Protection Authority of a development licence for the gas processing facility. The drilling activities will take about 140 days to complete, and will be conducted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Drilling of the three wells will be carried out using the Valaris 107 jack-up drilling rig. As this type of rig cannot move on its own, it will be towed into position by up to three support vessels. Once in place, the rig’s legs will be lowered to the seabed, and it will be raised securely above sea level.The rig will operate in accordance with international safety and environmental standards and will have an approved safety case and environmental plan. During drilling, a 500-metre petroleum safety zone will be established around the drilling rig in line with Australian offshore safety regulations. This zone helps ensure the safety of all vessels and personnel operating in the area.The testing will involve controlled flaring, where gas is safely burned off in intermittent periods at varying rates. During testing, the flare may be bright and produce some noise, which GB Energy claims is normal and expected. The Golden Beach Energy Storage Project is proposed for four kilometres off the 90 Mile Beach, and has two phases. Beginning with a production and processing of 30-to-40 petrajoules of natural gas at a new compression station close to the Longford Gas Plant.The project will then transition to an underground offshore gas storage facility. GB Energy is targeting first gas supply in 2028, before transitioning to being a storage facility in 2029.
GOON NURE
EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE Councillors and staff recently visited East Gippsland’s farming frontline. Chief executive officer Fiona Weigall, councillors Ian Trevaskis, Sonia Buckley and Joanne Eastman, along with senior council officers, visited the Gippsland Agricultural Group’s (GAG) research farm at Bairnsdale Aerodrome, before heading out to Skeene Creek for the second leg of the tour. Born from the passion of Central and East Gippsland farmers and service providers, GAG is a not-for-profit, farmer-driven group on a mission to boost productivity, profitability and sustainability through real, relevant research trials right here in the region. The visit provided a valuable opportunity to learn firsthand about the great work this team is doing, the priorities driving their efforts, challenges the agriculture sector is facing and an opportunity to share their knowledge.
KALIMNA
TAFE INSTRUCTOR KEVIN Nunn recently spent time with GLaWAC Country Operations team members Bryce Baxter and Andrew Jonkers, training the crew in how to safely and properly use a Lucas Mill, a portable timber sawmill that turns big pieces of wood into smaller sections you can work with. The Lucas Mill is owned by TAFE Gippsland, GLaWAC neighbours at the Kalimna campus, who kindly agreed to provide training to GLaWAC staff interested in learning how to mill. The unmilled hardwood logs and slabs that were run through the Lucas Mill for this training originally came from Buchan. They were washed up in a big pile at Buchan Munji (Buchan Caves Reserve) during the devastating 2023 floods, and needed to be cleared away as part of the post-floods repair and recovery work GLaWAC has been undertaking in partnership with Parks Victoria and DEECA. It’s an economic win for GLaWAC and community too. The less money they need to spend on timber, the more money we have for other investments and projects that benefit community.
A GROUP OF Aboriginal students from Sale College’s Macalister Campus recently travelled to Kalimna to visit the offices of GLaWAC. The visit provided students with a valuable opportunity to explore Koorie pathways, culture and future career possibilities in a welcoming and informal environment. During the visit, students were able to meet and talk with Aboriginal people working across a diverse range of roles connected to land and water management, conservation, caring for Country and project development throughout the Gippsland region. These conversations gave students an opportunity to hear firsthand about different career pathways and the many ways Aboriginal knowledge, culture and connection to Country are reflected in contemporary workplaces. Importantly, the experience allowed the students to see Aboriginal people working, leading and contributing across a range of professional roles within their own region. For young people considering their future pathways, being able to connect with Aboriginal role models and learn about opportunities available close to home can be incredibly valuable. The small-group format created a relaxed environment where students could ask questions, share conversations and learn more about the work being undertaken across Gippsland. The visit was also a wonderful opportunity to strengthen connections between Sale College, community and Aboriginal organisations, while supporting students to explore their aspirations, cultural identity and connection to Country.
LAKES ENTRANCE
EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE Council is reminding residents that batteries, lightbulbs, blister packs, phones, small e-waste and vapes are not to be included in household bins. Council has installed new Recycling Hubs at council libraries, the Lakes Entrance Aquadome, and Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre.
BAIRNSDALE SECONDARY COLLEGE (BSC) advised local families and students last week of an important change to the morning public bus service from Lakes Entrance, which commenced on Monday. The Lakes Entrance public bus used to Bairnsdale Train Station and then continue to the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre (BARC). But now it terminates at Bairnsdale Train Station and no longer continues to the BARC. To ensure students travelling from Lakes Entrance can continue to travel safely and conveniently to the BSC, the school have arranged for Gillicks Bus Service to provide a morning transfer from Bairnsdale Train Station to the BARC. This service will only be available to students attending Bairnsdale Secondary College and Bairnsdale West Primary School. Members of the public will be unable to use this transfer. Gillicks Bus will be picking up in bay five at the Bairnsdale Train station and will depart at approximately 8.25 am. This arrangement will operate each morning until the end of 2026.They will review the arrangements for 2027 in the coming weeks and will provide families with an update regarding the outcome during term four. There is no change to the afternoon service at this stage.
LAKE TYERS
PERFECT WEATHER HAS meant a flying start to the enhancement works at Skidale Close Reserve. The majority of the civil work is already complete, including both main stair sections along the path to the tavern carpark. This week, the team are pouring the footings for the new lounge furniture, with the pieces arriving right on cue. The project is now tracking ahead of schedule.
LOCH SPORT
TRIVIA WAS AGAIN popular at the local bowling club on Sunday, with the “Gastronaughts” announced the winners, and the wooden spoon reluctantly accepted by “Party On”.
MAFFRA
MAFFRA SECONDARY SCHOOL student Jaxon Marshall caught up with Darren Chester MP in Federal Parliament last week. Marshall was in Canberra to represent Gippsland at the 2026 National Youth Parliament and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. As part of the visit, Marshall was able to make a speech about a subject he is passionate about, the future of agriculture in Australia. The youngster told the Youth Parliament that when farmers are hurt it’s not just the communities in Gippsland or regional Australia that are. It is every town and city and suburb of Australia.That is why he advocates for regenerative farming, creating a healthier, more biodiverse and more resilient environment that can continue producing food for future generations. He believes that farmers cannot do this alone, calling for more than just grants. Marshall explained funds are needed to fund research, share knowledge and give farmers the tools they need so they can do what they love and pass it on to future generations.
THERE WERE PLENTY of dogs at the Morrison Street Complex on the weekend with the Sale/Maffra and District Kennel Club and Macalister All Breeds Kennel and Obedience Club hosting its Gippsland International Winter Festival. A much-loved event in Wellington, the festival has been bringing people together for more than 60 years. The event attracted more than 300 dogs on show last Friday and in excess of 400 over the weekend. From tiny terriers to giant breeds, competitors from across Australia are taking part in the three-day event.
THE MAFFRA COMMUNITY Sports Club recently hosted their 2026 Annual Cheque Presentation Night, bringing together local sporting clubs, community groups and charitable organisations for one of the most important nights on the calendar. This year, they are incredibly proud to have contributed $274,407 in support to 56 local organisations through donations, raffles and sponsorships.
It’s a significant investment in the local community and one they extremely proud to make. These funds support clubs, community groups and organisations that play such an important role throughout Maffra and the wider region. Nationals candidate for Gippsland East Gemma Rendell spoke on the night, alongside Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull, who also attended to help recognise the contribution of recipient organisations. Maffra Secondary College year 11 student Bill Huts, was also in attendance and shared his experience completing the Kokoda Trail through the Charlie McCallum Scholarship. Huts gave guests an insight into the experience and what it meant to learn more about the history, sacrifice and significance of the Kokoda campaign.
SALE
ON AUGUST 8, at approximately 1.30pm, two unknown persons entered a job site on Alexandra Avenue. The unknown persons dragged a hire trailer containing a portable toilet from the work site, out on to Alexandra Avenue, where a vehicle was waiting with a third unknown person. The trailer was hooked to the blue vehicle that is missing the fuel cap cover and the three unknown persons left the area. Police believe that the persons pictured may be able to assist them with their enquires. If you have any information into the identification of the persons or vehicle involved, please contact senior constable Benson at the Sale Police Station on (03) 51 422 200, the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
ROBERT MURPHY IS currently wanted on warrants for burglary, theft, commiting indictable offence while on bail and contravene a conduct condition of bail. He is known to frequent Sale, Morwell and Bairnsdale areas. Murphy is 23 years old, Caucasian, approximately 160 centimetres tall, medium length wavy brown hair, brown eyes, a thin build and a beard. Anyone who has any information in regards to the whereabouts of Murphy, or sights Murphy, is urged to contact Police. You can also make a confidential report via Crime Stoppers either online at https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au or by calling 1800 333 000.
WY YUNG
When the bright red boat that was long a feature of Wy Yung’s Apex Park was stolen earlier this year, the local Facebook page was filled with comments about how sad kids were to lose it. A new boat has just dropped anchor in the park and is now ready for kids to climb aboard, ride the waves, imagine, explore and play. You’ll find it at 127 Bullumwaal Road, Wy Yung.
YARRAM
THE CUSTOMER SERVICE at the Yarram Hub has reopened and is operating as normal following its temporary closure. It is now open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am–2pm.
