Recent weeks have taken me right across our shire – from the High Country to the coast – and I’ve had the chance to sit down with people, hear their stories and see first-hand the work being done in our communities.

In Bairnsdale, I opened the East Gippsland Jobs Expo at Cremin Hall. The hall was buzzing, with more than 300 people through the doors and 29 stallholders sharing opportunities. Talking with students looking for their first job, locals thinking about a career change, and employers keen to find the right people, it was clear how much talent and potential we have here. The launch of the new Gippsland Jobs Hub on the day means those connections can now continue online, making it easier for people to find work close to home.

A trip to Moe reminded me just how much sporting talent comes out of East Gippsland. At Gippsland Sports Academy’s Gippstar Awards, I was proud to present two awards – one to Newlands Arm’s Jack Bateson, recognised for his clay target shooting, and another to the Lindenow Primary School Lawn Bowls Team, named Team of the Year. Their achievements show what can happen when natural ability is matched with community support.

In early August, my fellow Councillors and I travelled to the High Country where we met with Tom McIntosh MP and over 40 farmers in Benambra. We discussed the difficult season and rising costs they’re facing. From feral pests to the price of essential inputs, the challenges are significant, but the conversations were open, honest, and constructive.  

Tom McIntosh also joined us in Lakes Entrance for a dinner with fishing industry representatives, where the conversation focused on the future of offshore wind and its potential impact on local fishing grounds. The following morning, Tom visited Bulmer Farms in Lindenow to see new laser weeding technology in action and hear from growers about innovation and biodiversity. We then met with the Gippsland Agricultural Group (GAgG) at their pavilion at the Bairnsdale Aerodrome for a valuable discussion about agriculture. Each stop reinforced the resourcefulness and determination of our producers, particularly when conditions are tough.

On the 27^th of August, I attended the Gippsland Agricultural Group AGM at the Gippsland Agricultural Centre. It was fantastic to see Leecia Angus take on the role of Chair – huge congratulations to her and the rest of the new committee. Leecia comes from a farming background and is a highly respected agricultural executive with loads of experience in strategy, leadership, and supporting rural communities. She also sits on several boards, bringing her expertise to both industry and community initiatives. I’m really looking forward to seeing the GAgG thrive under her leadership.

At this month's Council meeting, we also made an important decision about the future of aquatic facilities across the shire. Council has resolved to commission an independent safety inspection of the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, seek quotes for any repairs needed to meet safety standards, and begin work on a new East Gippsland Aquatic Strategy. The strategy will be developed in consultation with the community, including through a community reference group, and will guide planning for the Bairnsdale pool site and aquatic facilities right across East Gippsland. This is about making sure we balance safety, demand, and community aspirations with the responsible management of public resources.

Advocacy work saw me sit at the table with Deputy Mayor Cr Sonia Buckley, fellow councillors, Shadow Minister for Local Government Beverly McArthur and our local MP Tim Bull. We discussed issues that matter to East Gippsland: the emergency services levy, reforms to waste and recycling, the need for fair financial returns from renewable energy projects, planning reform, and housing supply. Meeting in person ensures our concerns are properly understood and not lost in the detail of what is often city-focused policy.

Council is also pressing ahead with projects that make a difference day to day. A new procurement system called VendorPanel will roll out in December, making it simpler and easier for local businesses to work with us while keeping the process transparent. I encourage businesses to register before the end of November, so they are ready to take part.

Expressions of interest are open for the Eagle Point Foreshore Hub. It has pretty much everything an experienced hospitality or events operator could want – a commercial kitchen, function rooms, office space and a stage with an amphitheatre. The wide deck overlooking Lake King makes it ideal for dining, events and fitness classes. I’d encourage anyone interested to take a drive to Eagle Point and see for themselves.

Looking ahead to September, the Gippy Girls Can program will run across the shire, encouraging women and girls to give something new a go – whether it’s mountain biking in Omeo, a self-defence class or trying out a sport they once loved. It’s about confidence, fun and community, not competition, and I encourage everyone to spread the word and join in.

As I travel around, I keep meeting people who give their time and energy to make life better for others. Our Australia Day Awards are a way of recognising those efforts. Nominations are now open for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year and Community Event of the Year. Please take the time to think about someone who inspires you and put their name forward before 5 December.

East Gippsland is a big place, but every trip reminds me how connected our communities are. Whether it’s a jobs expo in town, a farm visit in the High Country or a sports awards night outside our borders, I see the same spirit – people working together to make this a great place to live, work and visit.

–– Cr John White, Mayor