Over the past few weeks, I’ve been out and about across East Gippsland – visiting towns, sitting down with community groups and having plenty of everyday conversations along the way. Listening to what people are experiencing and what matters locally, helps shape the decisions we make as a Council.

I’ve attended our 2026–27 Budget face-to-face sessions across the region to hear directly from residents, businesses and community organisations. We’ve met with chambers of commerce, ratepayer groups, advisory committees and community representatives, with another stakeholder session planned in Omeo on 6 March. These conversations are an important part of planning for the year ahead.

If you haven’t had the chance to speak with us in person, you can share feedback year-round through our Your Say page. For those with ideas for the 2026–27 budget, feedback is needed before midday Monday 9 March.

More than 150 people have already shared ideas, and we’d like to hear from as many people as possible about where Council can make a difference – from roads and footpaths to coastal infrastructure, community facilities and other local priorities.

Hand in hand with the budget is rates, and I know many households are feeling financial pressure. If you’re having difficulty paying, please reach out early. Support is available through Council’s Hardship Policy, and our Rates team will visit service and community centres across East Gippsland during March to provide face-to-face assistance.

I recently joined Council CEO Fiona Weigall at Parliament House to discuss East Gippsland priorities with Deputy Premier Ben Carroll and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh. The visit included a Rural Councils Victoria election platform launch, with a call for a $1 billion Rural and Regional Victoria Productivity and Growth Fund to support economic development, housing, community wellbeing, sustainability and roads.

Work is progressing across the region on projects that support local communities.

The Slip Road Maritime Precinct in Paynesville is entering its final construction phase, with jetties, the boat ramp and seawall taking shape. This investment will support recreational boating, strengthen the marine industry and create an improved public space.

At the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre, essential roof upgrades are underway to keep the facility safe and reliable.

We’re also bringing Council services closer to people. A new Planning Roadshow will deliver planning advice directly to rural communities, beginning in Omeo and Mallacoota.

Work is continuing on Council’s Stormwater Management Plan, which will guide how stormwater is managed into the future. A community survey is now live on Your Say until 25 March to help identify where systems are under pressure and where improvements are needed.

Two reminders: cats and dogs over three months old must be registered by 9 April and contact details updated. And with National Volunteer Week approaching in May, now is a great time to nominate someone for our Volunteer Honour Roll. East Gippsland has one of the highest volunteering rates in the country, and we should recognise the people who quietly give their time help keep communities strong.

There’s plenty happening across East Gippsland, including the Orbost Show and Field Days in Bairnsdale. I’ll continue getting out across the region – listening, learning and working alongside communities. If you see me, please say hi.

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