The public toilet in the Nicholson Street Mall, Bairnsdale, has been temporarily closed due to ongoing vandalism, anti-social and unlawful behaviour.

Over the past six months, the facilities have been damaged almost weekly, including broken fixtures, damaged automatic door sensors requiring specialist repairs, repeated graffiti and broken glass. Despite regular cleaning, repairs and repainting (sometimes multiple times a day) the level of damage has made the toilets unsafe and impractical to keep open.

East Gippsland Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Fiona Weigall said this temporary closure supports the work Council is doing with traders and Victoria Police to address immediate safety concerns while continuing to work towards long‑term revitalisation of the area.

“We remain committed to short‑term activations, ongoing maintenance, and working closely with traders, Victoria Police and other stakeholders, while also pursuing funding opportunities to support redevelopment and reactivation of this important part of Bairnsdale,” Ms Weigall said.

“The closure also aligns with the work we are progressing on our Draft Public Amenities Service Review, which is guiding a strategic approach to providing public toilets that are safe, sustainable and fit-for-purpose across the shire. We thank the community for providing the feedback on our public toilets to inform this review.”

Mall petition received
Last Tuesday night, Council received a petition, which had a combined 3,263 signatures (physical and online), which read:

“We the undersigned, hereby petition East Gippsland Shire Council to open Nicholson Street Mall for the safety of pedestrians, shoppers, workers and business owners; to stop congestion in Nicholson/Bailey Streets and Nicholson/Service Streets; and to improve traffic flow in the area.”

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said a report on this matter will be considered at a future Council meeting.

“The Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and senior officers, have met with the trader representatives from this part of the Bairnsdale CBD on several occasions and discussions have also been held with both the Member for Gippsland and Member for Gippsland East,” Cr Ashworth said.

“We've also made a commitment to establish a small working group/taskforce with key stakeholders to progress both short-term and longer-term initiatives to support this area of the CBD.

“The art installations and Holi Festival of Colour have both been very well received and are recent examples of valuable activations for the community in this area of our CBD.”

Anti-social behaviour
“Unfortunately, anti-social and unlawful behaviour is on the increase right across Victoria,” Cr Ashworth said.

“This behaviour is not isolated to the mall and has been the topic of conversations with Victoria Police. It is also a common theme we hear from councils in other parts of Gippsland and across the state.

“If anyone experiences activity in the mall area or anywhere else that involves unlawful or dangerous behaviour - such as threats to personal safety, property damage, drug‑related activity, or violence - please refer the matter immediately to Victoria Police on 000 (for emergencies) or 131 444 for non‑urgent assistance.”