BAIRNSDALE
BAIRNSDALE POLICE ARE hosting a Coffee with a Cop event on Tuesday, December 10 between 9am-noon at New Leaf Cafe (14 Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale). Coffee with a Cop is a great opportunity to have a chat with members from your local station, discuss any community safety concerns you may have, ask questions about recruitment and indulge in a hot beverage. Neighbourhood Watch volunteers will also be available to fit one-way anti-theft screws to your number plates, which prevents them from being stolen and used in the commission of offences.
THE NATIONAL ANTI-SCAM Centre is urging online shoppers to remain vigilant as it ramps up its efforts to disrupt scammers targeting Australians. Online shopping scams account for 50 per cent of the fraudulent or malicious websites taken down in the past three months. Consumers should ensure they are buying from a real store and be wary of products at ridiculous prices. If you believe you have been scammed, be sure to act quickly, reporting suspicious behaviour to Scamwatch.
BAIRNSDALE DISTRICT TABLE Tennis Association and KeenAgers will have their Christmas break up on Sunday from noon, featuring plenty of table tennis, food, soft drink and music.
THE NEXT SUNDAY market at Howitt Park will be held on Sunday, December 22.
NOMINATIONS ARE NOW open for the East Gippsland Shire Council Australia Day Awards which focus on individuals and events that have made a significant contribution to the region. If you know someone who has contributed to the community and deserves to be recognised, why not nominate them for an East Gippsland Australia Day Award. These shire-wide awards recognise people who have dedicated their time to making a difference in their community. Nominations are open now in the following categories: Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year. Nominations for the Australia Day Awards close on Friday.
THE BAIRNSDALE TOY Run, Riding for a Cause, will depart from the Bairnsdale Riverside Caravan Park this Saturday at 11am. It will visit Bruthen, Nowa Nowa and Lakes Entrance.
THE BAIRNSDALE BOWLING Club free barefoot bowls on a Friday night between 5-7pm is proving popular with punters.
THE FIRE DANGER period for the East Gippsland and Wellington Shires will start on Monday, December 9 at 1am.
BENAMBRA
COLOUR AND CREATIVITY workshops will be held at the Benambra Neighbourhood House on Tuesday, December 10, with attendees given the opportunity to connect with their creative side, using acrylic paint on stretchered canvas and coloured ink on paper. Art is a fun and therapeutic activity great for calming the mind and body, developing self-awareness and cultivating mental wellbeing.
THE BENAMBRA NEIGHBOURHOOD House Men’s Shed tour group last week enjoyed a magnificent lunch at the Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House.
BOISDALE
THE ANNUAL BOISDALE and surrounding district CFA brigades community day at the Boisdale Recreation Reserve was again well attended last Sunday. Families enjoyed a free barbecue and kids activities, including a jumping castle, face painting and water spraying, while enjoying a fire vehicle display and saying hello to Santa Claus.
BRUTHEN
A JOINT COLLABORATION between the Bruthen Bowls, Cricket, Football and Netball clubs will see the clubs host a special Christmas event for the Bruthen community this Sunday from midday. Everyone in Bruthen is welcome to join for an afternoon of delicious food, barefoot bowls, raffles, live music by Todd Cook and special visit from the big guy for the kids.
CANN RIVER
AUSSIE BASS ARE an iconic fish in East Gippsland and the Victorian Fisheries Authority have commenced this season’s stocking of the species. Recently Cann River (20,000), Blue Rock Lake (12,500), Latrobe River (20,000), Lake Guthridge (5,000) and Lake Narracan (10,000) have been stocked, with more bass stockings to come in the weeks ahead. The first 88,500 estuary perch have also been released with more to come in the lead-up to Christmas. These fish are the offspring of the adult species that were collected back in September, with help from keen volunteer anglers, during the annual “perch search”. They have been released in the Gippsland Lakes (43,500), Genoa River (10,000), Bemm River (10,000), Snowy River (10,000), Lake Tyers (10,000) and Flooding Creek (5,000).
EAGLE POINT
THE FLUKER POST at Eagle Point Bluff has been reinstalled, with people encouraged to assist in long term monitoring of locations by taking a picture from the post and upload it via the app. As well as the one at Eagle Point Bluff, they are also placed at various locations, including Princes Highway bridge at Cann River, West Cann bridge, Lake Tyers Beach, Marlo, overlooking the estuary, Bastion Point and Stephenson’s Point in Mallacoota. GLENMAGGIE
GLENMAGGIE
THE GLENMAGGIE AND District Boat Club’s next meeting will be staged this Saturday and Sunday. The meeting will feature the Glenmaggie Cup, Victorian Championships and Alan Hore Memorial.
HARRIETVILLE
GREAT NEWS with the reopening of the Great Alpine Road between Harrietville and Dargo High Plains Road following repairs to a section of the road damaged by a collapsed mine tunnel. The road has been reinstated with layers of compacted crushed rock and has been reopened to traffic with a reduced speed in place.
LAKES ENTRANCE
OPEN MIKE AT the Slipway is on again on Friday, December 13 from 5-9pm.
LINDENOW
REAL CHRISTMAS TREES will be sold in Lindenow at the Community Hall car park across from the Lindenow Pub this Saturday and Sunday, between 10am- 1pm.
LOCH SPORT
THE INAUGURAL LOCH Sport Fishing Association (LSFA) Club Championships awards night will be held at the Loch Sport Boat Club this Saturday night starting at 5pm for pre-dinner drinks with dinner served at 6pm. The night will acknowledge and reward the winners of the five individual rounds of the club championship and culminate in the awarding of the inaugural LSFA Club Championship Shield. Others to be recognised on the night will include the person who has excelled in their passion for promoting recreational fishing in the Gippsland Lakes, the Rising Star, the Most Dedicated fisher person, the outstanding Family Effort, the person who has encouraged and assisted in promoting inclusiveness in the sport and more.
LONGFORD
THE TWILIGHT MARKET is just around the corner, with all roads leading to the Longford Recreation Reserve on Sunday, December 22 from 4-8pm. There will be plenty of festive food stalls, gift ideas for everyone, Ally Row performing live, a car show “n” shine and of course Santa will be there.
MAFFRA
THE MAFFRA XMAS twilight festival will be held on Wednesday, December 11 from 5.30pm. The event in Johnson Street will include live tunes, street eats, market stalls and late night shopping, animal attractions, rides, entertainers and much more.
GEORGE GRAY CENTRE will present a session of theatre on Wednesday, December 11 at the Maffra Memorial Hall. The magical adventure of Jack and the Beanstalk will be the order of the day, a fun and whimsical show perfect for all ages. This is a free event, but a gold coin donation is appreciated to support the theatre program.
RICKI AND MACCA will play live music at Maffco Brewery and Distillery this Sunday from noon to 4pm.
LEGO’S BRICKSTRAVAGANZA was popular last weekend at the Maffra Memorial Hall. The event showcased incredible LEGO creations built by enthusiasts from Victoria, ACT and NSW. The event wasn’t just about fun, also raising funds for the Central Gippsland Health Dialysis Unit.
MARLO
ORBOST FOOTBALL NETBALL Club, in conjunction with the Riviera Triathlon Club, will hold its annual Marlo triathlon on January 4, 2025.
METUNG
THE METUNG HOTEL bus has had a spruce up and is now back in action.
NUNGURNER
A BIO BLITZ working bee will be hosted by the Nungurner Landcare Group this Sunday from 10am at Nungurner Bushland Reserve (36 Kleinitz Road, Nungurner).
OMEO
STAGE ONE OF the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails will be officially opened this Friday at 11.30am at Livingstone Park, Creek Road, Omeo.
ORBOST
EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE COUNCIL is excited to offer a sensitive Santa experience tailored for children with sensory challenges. Library spaces will provide a peaceful, welcoming environment where children can meet Santa without the crowds or chaos. This is an opportunity for families to enjoy the magic of the season comfortably and enjoyably for every child. Sessions will be held in Bairnsdale tonight (3-7pm) and Friday (1-2pm), as well in Orbost on Thursday (1-5pm).
POLICE HAVE ARRESTED and charged seven males following an alleged pursuit that started in Cann River on November 21. Police spotted an alleged stolen ute and sedan in Mallacoota about 9.30am and attempted to intercept the cars in Cann River however, both cars allegedly evaded police. With a coordinated effort by members from Cann River, Mallacoota, Bruthen, Orbost, Lakes Entrance along with Highway Patrol officers from Orbost and Bairnsdale, the vehicles were tracked across Cann River, Brodribb River, Orbost and Nowa Nowa. Police units pursued the vehicles east of Orbost before highway patrol officers successfully deployed stop-sticks, firstly on the Princes Highway at Brodribb River, before locating the sedan abandoned in Orbost. A second successful deployement of stop-sticks occurred later at Nowa Nowa with the ute then being located abandoned near Lambournes Break Road. Police searched dense bushland around Nowa Nowa, where all seven offenders were located and arrested. Five teenage boys have been charged and remanded in custody and will appear at a children’s court at a later date. Two males aged 15 and 18 have been bailed to face court at a later date. They have all been charged with theft of motor vehicle, fail to stop on police direction, bring stolen goods into Victoria, theft and other related offences.
PLENTY OF GREAT feedback in regard the indigenous-themed art installations as part of the Snowy River Railway Trestle Bridge project. Local artist Alfie Hudson is part of the team at Pearce Cameron in Bairnsdale and he was a major contributor to the Krauatungalung Walk project in Lakes Entrance too. The trestle bridge restoration is progressing well and it won’t be long before the first sections are open to the public.
PAYNESVILLE
COUNTRY WOMENS ASSOCIATION Paynesville-Toonalook Branch are holding a Christmas Stall this Saturday outside the Paynesville Library area from 9am.
They will have for sale very indulgent Christmas Puddings, slices and biscuits, as well as CWA cookbooks, tea towels and Christmas gifts.
LOCAL POLICE are concerned the rising cost of living is the main driver of thefts in the East Gippsland community. Unfortunately stealing can only make things worse for people in tight situations. If you, or someone you know is impacted by the cost of living or are feeling the pinch due to financial hardship, support is available, contact the Gippsland Lakes Complete Health Intake Team on 5155 8300.
ROSEDALE
A great result recently for Rosedale Uniting Early Learning, with the kinder winning the Aunty Rose Bamblett Koorie Legacy Award and teacher Pauline Dent winning Early childhood teacher of the year at the the Department of Education’s Victorian Early Years Awards. (PS)
SALE
THE WEATHER HELD off for the Middle of Everywhere Christmas parade in Sale last weekend, with the event well supported by the local population.
THE WELLINGTON WALK Against Family Violence was held last Friday afternoon with more than 100 people participating. The walk is part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign calling for action to end violence in all its forms. It runs every year from November 25 (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) to December 10 (Human Rights Day). By participating in the walk people were taking action against family violence and violence against women while standing in solidarity with victim survivors and honouring the lives lost to gendered violence. Guest speakers highlighted the importance of being an active bystander – taking action to call out harmful behaviours. The event was supported by the Wellington Shire Council, Victoria Police, and support services including Uniting, Quantum Support Services, Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Assault and Ramahyuck Aboriginal District Association.
THE POPULAR SALE BAPTIST Church “Carols on the Lawn” will be held on December 15 from 6-8pm. Pre-carol activities will start from 4pm, which includes kids activities and food.
ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 at approximately 7pm an incident occurred in the vicinity of the Pump Track, Dawson Street, Sale. A group of approximately five people have allegedly been involved in the incident. One of the persons of interest has been described as Caucasian in appearance wearing large sunglasses, Northface puffer jacket and bright pink runners. After the incident, the group have continued to walk down Dawson St towards Guthridge Parade, Sale.
GIPPSLAND ART GALLERY will launch it’s summer season program this Friday night, from 6-8pm. Exciting exhibitions from Jan Learmonth, Annemieke Mein, Alison Lester and Adventure, Elve and Gumnuts will be unveiled.
GIPPSLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL student, Josiah Levchenko has been selected to represent Australia at the International Junior Science Olympiad in Romania.
Levchenko is a year 10 student who attributes his teachers to helping him find a passion for Science. The Junior Science Olympiad program is proudly delivered by Australian Science Innovations and talking to Olympiad organisers, Levchenko said: “The teachers at my school definitely helped get me into science, giving me so many opportunities to develop my knowledge and skills, and helping me with the Junior Science Olympiad program.” At the IJSO Romania, Levchenko will meet with scientists from all around the world.
SARSFIELD
THE MULCH FAIRIES have been working hard at the Sarsfield Recreation Reserve, the playground surface getting a much needed freshen up, thanks to some dedicated volunteers.
VALENCIA CREEK
THE MAFFRA AND District Car will hold its presentation night on Saturday, December 14 at the Valencia Creek Hall, commencing at 5pm, with the theme, PJ Party.
WEST BAIRNSDALE
THE MAGNIFICENT WORLD sporting precinct will have its official opening on Thursday. To help promote hockey and show off the new facilities, the opening will even include some exhibition matches.
WEST SALE
THE GIPPSLAND ARMED Forces Museum celebrated its 25th anniversary with a free Open Day last Sunday at its West Sale base. The museum researches, educates and exhibits art, film, heraldry, photographs, private records and technology to highlight the role played by Gippslanders in our defence force in times of war and peace since 1885.
WOODSIDE
THE WOODSIDE BEACH Twilight Market will be held on Sunday, December 29 from 6-9pm. A chance to shop, eat and enjoy local, featuring food music and artisans wares.
