East Gippsland Shire Council

17/08/2026

RISING RIVER ALERT – SNOWY RIVER BELOW JINDABYNE DAM
The NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is has issued a rising river alert for the Snowy River for Wednesday 19 August 2026.

Residents and landholders along the Snowy River are being urged to stay alert, with a significant environmental water release planned from Jindabyne Dam.

While the release is taking place in New South Wales, the increased flows are expected to be noticeable all the way downstream into Victoria, with water likely to reach the Orbost area within three to four days. Landholders are being advised to take precautions to protect stock, fencing and any property located close to the river. People are also being urged to avoid entering or attempting to cross the river while water levels are elevated.

More information is available from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/our-work/projects-and-programs/snowy-scheme/environmental-flow-management/snowy-river-increased?fbclid=IwY2xjawTvcC9wZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMTBrbThRZmV4MUc4dUk1YjdzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEer0rpWkEiLybvJ94P1KPelwg_IUfsAnoedxL5ed6n0LMiStpJcrLEFZkxI88_aem_p0SwrAr8jXBFJjT_QfsWDw

Read about the environmental water released to the Snowy River below Jindabyne Dam.

17/08/2026

🌱 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲 – 𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟮𝟭 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 🐂

Spring is almost here, and so is one of East Gippsland's biggest cattle sales of the year!

More than 2000 high-quality East Gippsland-bred cattle – including Angus, Hereford, Shorthorn and European breeds – will go under the hammer as buyers from across Victoria and beyond head to the East Gippsland Livestock Exchange.

🤝 A key date for local producers.
🌾 A showcase of the region's outstanding cattle.
📍 Another great example of the important role our Council-owned livestock exchange plays in supporting East Gippsland's agricultural economy.

📅 Friday 21 August
🕘 9.00 am
📍 East Gippsland Livestock Exchange
Agent: Bill Wyndham & Company
For more, visit eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/building-and-development/livestock-exchange

16/08/2026

🚧 More exciting things happening at Skidale Close Reserve!

From tomorrow (Monday 17 August), we're kicking off the next round of enhancement works at Skidale Close Reserve, Lake Tyers Beach – made possible thanks to the Victorian Government's Tiny Towns Round 3 Program.

Here's what's coming:
🪵 Timber edging along the existing steps from Skidale Close to the tavern carpark
💡 New solar bollard lighting
🪑 New furniture to enjoy the surrounds

It's all about making the reserve safer and even more enjoyable, while keeping that natural coastal charm intact.

⏳ The works will take about a month, with completion expected by mid-September but we will keep you updated on the progress.

You'll see temporary safety fencing around work areas the whole way through, and we'll have alternative accessways in place as things progress.

16/08/2026

We're inviting local contractors, suppliers, and industry partners to a Contractors Breakfast.

📅 Friday, 21 August 2026
🕢 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
📍 WORLD Centre, Wallace Street, Bairnsdale

Hear how we changing the way we work with contractors - from a new Project Management Framework to more collaborative procurement models and get early visibility of the 2026-27 program of works.

What to expect:
✔ A first look at Council's new way of working with contractors and industry
✔ A look at Council's new Project Management Framework
✔ A shift toward more collaborative procurement, including early contractor involvement
✔ Improvements to the tender and evaluation process
✔ A preview of the 2026-27 program of works and emerging 2027-28 pipeline

🎟️ Bookings are essential — $9.50 tickets include breakfast: https://www.trybooking.com/DNZLR

Bairnsdale And Surrounds Community Noticeboard Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lakes Entrance Noticeboard Orbost Chatterbox LEADA Paynesville Neighbourhood Centre Omeo Community Hub Mallacoota Community News

16/08/2026

Spent your weekend volunteering your time with your organisation?
Need a little extra funding to bring a project to life?

Applications open tomorrow for our Community Grants Program, and we're encouraging community groups and organisations across the shire to consider applying.

💰 Up to $3,000 available as a Small Grant for community-strengthening activities
💰 Up to $20,000 available through Impact Grants, across two streams: Facilities and Place, and Environmental Sustainability

Applications close Friday 14 September 2026.

Find out more, including grant guidelines and how to apply, at eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/community/grants

16/08/2026

H5 bird flu update

Three new positive detections of H5 bird flu have been confirmed in wild birds in Victoria, showing spread to East Gippsland. No detections have been found in poultry or other animals.

The latest positive detections are:

One little penguin from Phillip Island
One crested tern from Lakes Entrance
One crested tern from Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula.

Chief Biodiversity Officer James Todd said the detection at Lakes Entrance is significant because it confirms H5 bird flu in East Gippsland and shows the virus is continuing to move through wild bird populations across Victoria.

‘The Gippsland Lakes are also habitat for large numbers of seabirds, shorebirds and waterbirds at higher risk from H5 bird flu, so spread of the virus through this area is likely to have significant impacts on wildlife,’ Mr Todd said.

Community members should avoid touching sick or dead wildlife wherever possible and keep pets away from animals and carcasses. If disposal is required in an affected area, follow the advice provided and take appropriate precautions.

If you see sick or dead birds or wildlife, report it via the Agriculture Victoria website or call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Read more: https://agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/media-centre/media-releases/2026-releases/h5-bird-flu-update-new-detections-in-wild-birds

DEECA Gippsland Agriculture Victoria Love Our Lakes

H5 bird flu vaccinations of Phillip Island’s little penguins will begin on Monday evening following Victoria’s first detection of the disease in a penguin.

15/08/2026

🚨 Training Exercise – Mount Sam, Omeo – Today, Saturday 15 August

From around 3:00pm today, you might notice some extra activity on Mount Sam as local emergency services team up for a training rescue exercise at the Omeo MTB Park.

It's all about our local crews getting to know each other, so they're ready to work as one team when it really counts.
Training will run into the evening and may go past 8:00pm, with crews practising in low-light conditions to make sure they're prepared for real-world situations, whatever the hour.

So, if you spot emergency vehicles or personnel around – no need to worry!
It's all part of keeping our local emergency response teams sharp and ready.

Omeo Community Hub Ride Omeo
OMEO Community, Business & Events Benambra Neighbourhood House

14/08/2026

Join us on Tuesday for our Council Meeting at 6.00 pm in the Council Chamber, 273 Main Street, Bairnsdale, or watch live online via https://www.youtube.com/eastgippytv

Some items for discussion are:
• Planning Application - Use and Development of a Medical Centre
• Municipal Association of Victorian October 2026 State Council Motion
• Contracts for Howitt Park Pedestrian Bridge Replacement, bridge replacements contracts and Recreation Centre Plant Room Maintenance

The public gallery (Level 1) can accommodate up to 70 visitors. Reserved seating is available, and while seating is limited, there is plenty of standing room.

To view the meeting agenda, visit: https://www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/council/meeting-minutes-and-agendas

Please note: Students who wish to attend a Council Meeting as part of the Rotary Junior Community Awards Program are encouraged to register by 2.00 pm on the day of the meeting. Registration forms are available on our website: www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/council/council-meetings

14/08/2026

In partnership with Wellington Shire Council, we have been recognised with a Highly Commended acknowledgement in the inaugural ALGIM Project of the Year Awards for our Shared Services partnership.

The recognition is for the delivery of a shared, cloud-based Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) — a first-of-its-kind project that is transforming how information is managed, protected and accessed across both organisations.

The project has delivered measurable benefits, including:
• Reduced manual processing
• Strengthened cybersecurity protections
• Cost efficiencies across both organisations

The partnership demonstrates how collaboration and shared solutions can help improve the way we work and support ongoing service delivery to our communities.

13/08/2026

🏉𝗚𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗹𝘂𝗰𝗸 𝘁𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆! 🏉

Behind every great game, tackle and goal across our shire is a team working hard behind the scenes. Council’s outdoor teams work alongside local clubs and volunteers to maintain around 40 sports grounds across our region – keeping them in top shape week after week for training, weekend matches and finals.

If you are heading to Bairnsdale City Oval this Sunday, here is what is on the schedule:
• Under 11s: Non-scoring competition matches
• Under 13s Grand Final: Lucknow vs Wy Yung - 12.30 pm
• Under 15s Grand Final: Wy Yung vs Lakes Entrance - 2.30 pm

A huge shout-out as well to the Bairnsdale Girls, who are heading down the road to take on Traralgon in their Grand Final at 2.00 pm this Sunday at the Traralgon Recreation Reserve. Best of luck, team!

Thank you to all the players, coaches, umpires, volunteers and supporters who make local junior sport possible – including many of our own Council staff and their families who will be out on the field, in the coaching box, or helping out on the day.

May the best teams win! 🏆🏉