Being Mayor keeps me on the go, and this September has been one of the busiest months I can remember. The best part of my job is getting out into our towns and communities, catching up with people, and seeing the great things happening right across East Gippsland. 

Early in the month, I headed up to Swifts Creek for the opening of the recreation reserve. It was Omeo District grand final day for footy and netball and to have the opening on the community’s biggest day was fitting of the tremendous effort put in by so many. On the same day, I joined the East Gippsland Hockey Association as they marked 60 years. It was wonderful to reflect on the generations of players, coaches and volunteers who have shaped hockey in our region – and the lasting friendships it has created. 

The following week I sat down with people at our Caring for People Roundtable. It was a serious but hopeful discussion about how we can better support families doing it tough. From there, I visited Paynesville for a site visit, then further east to Mallacoota for the Atomic East Gippsland Bream Classic. Events like this highlight our waterways and the enthusiasm of our fishing community. 

Sport was front and centre again at the East Gippsland Football Netball League Grand Final luncheon and the Joyride Rookie Cup (mountain bikes) in Bairnsdale. These gatherings remind me how important local sport is for our health, friendships and community spirit. 

One of the real highlights for me this month was leading a citizenship ceremony on Australian Citizenship Day. I genuinely love this part of the job – welcoming 24 new Australians from 18 countries and hearing their stories is something that always stays with me.  

We’re seeking your views on two important policies: our Community Engagement Policy, which guides how we engage and seek feedback on projects, plans and services, and our draft Open Space Strategy, which outlines how we protect and improve our parks, reserves, waterways and community spaces. These consultations are a real opportunity for you to have a say. 

On infrastructure, the Sarsfield Recreation Reserve redevelopment is running ahead of schedule. When finished, the $3.6 million project will provide a multipurpose centre with flexible spaces, a commercial kitchen, accessible bathrooms, landscaped grounds and new play equipment. It’s being built with the community and will serve as a hub for many years.  

And then there’s the Omeo Mountain Bike Park. The bike trails there now stretch for well over 100 kilometres, with 40 new kilometres opened just in time for the school holidays. The official opening is planned for December, but already we can see the boost it’s giving to tourism and local jobs. 

A reminder, with the first instalment of 2025/26 rates due on 30 September, our Rates team will be holding drop-in sessions in Orbost, Bendoc, Bonang and Goongerah – and they’re only a phone call away if you have concerns or simply want to know more. 

Two other matters worth noting: changes to the Raymond Island ferry pass system are being introduced to make it fairer for residents and tenants, and Council has expressed its support for extending the Bairnsdale Airport runway. 

It’s been a full month, but also a rewarding one. From sport and culture to environment and infrastructure, there’s plenty happening across East Gippsland.  

Mayor Cr John White

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