Darren Chester MP | Politician

Darren Chester MP

Phone: +61 3 5144 6744

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25.01.2022 Students at St Gabriel’s Primary School in Traralgon and St Vincent De Paul Primary School in Morwell will benefit from upgraded facilities. The two schools will receive a share of $3.75 million to make upgrades to the schools’ infrastructure. St Gabriel’s will receive $1.75 million to create five new learning spaces and a new library. While St Vincent’s Primary School will receive $2 million to improve disability access throughout the school, including the main front entranc...e. Upgrades will be made to existing classrooms and amenities as well as the main school entry and reception area to improve child safety and accessibility. The funding is under the Federal Government’s Capital Grants Program, which helps non-government schools to improve infrastructure. Works are expected to start in 2021. #lovegippsland #myvalley

24.01.2022 Even before the Reserve call-out in January, Australian Army Corporal Amy Broham had put her hand up to be part of #OpBushfireAssist. The South Australian high school teacher and mother of two wanted to contribute and help the local community in the wake of catastrophic bushfires. I wanted to put my military skills and training to use. For me, the opportunity to help was one I couldn’t overlook. ... The 9th Combat Services Support Battalion Section Commander deployed to Kangaroo Island with more than 700 other ADF Reserve and full-time members to support local authorities. Seeing my fellow soldiers giving everything they had to the effort was an incredible show of what we can do as reservists and as human beings in a time of need. The smiles on the faces of people as we delivered water to fill their tanks and dams, or fodder for their stock, was unforgettable. Amy recently had the opportunity to reunite with Kangaroo Island Deputy Mayor, Councillor Bob Teasdale, and some of the rescued koalas in support of Defence’s Employer Support Awards. I am really lucky to be supported by my civilian employer to fulfil my reserve service. It is a fantastic part time career with endless personal and professional opportunities. #YourADF #TYFYS #OurPeople

23.01.2022 Former refugee Able Seaman Khin Thaung is well-known for his broad smile, positive outlook & willingness to lend a hand. He said that being able to forge a career in the Royal Australian Navy for the past 10 years gave him immense pleasure. Read his story: https://news.defence.gov.au/p/grateful-be-serving-australia ... #TYFYS #OurPeople

23.01.2022 Donald (Don) Goode was born in Port Pirie, South Australia, 100 years ago today. In March 1939, Don started flying with Spencers Gulf Aero Club and in July 1939 joined the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Reserve. In May 1940, Don enlisted with the RAAF and commenced the No 2 Empire Air Training Scheme course. He served with 85 Squadron, 5 Squadron, and 24 Squadron. Don was a pilot and was trained in bombing, strafing, artillery shoots, fighter tactics, night flying, and nav...igation. He flew many planes including the Gypsy Moth, Tiger Moth, Moth Minor, Boomerang, and Kittyhawk P40s. After the war, Don worked with his father-in-law in a successful wool broking business. He and his late wife, Val, were married for 71 years before Val passed away in 2014. Together they raised their five children. Don enjoyed sailing, playing golf and travelling. He credits his long life to family genes, being very active and not smoking. Happy birthday Don and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

21.01.2022 Born in Winchester, United Kingdom, Royal Australian Air Force Squadron Leader Stephen Lampard arrived in Australia with his family in late 1967 and with an interest in aeroplanes and model trains, began looking for an apprenticeship. During year 10, he decided on an aviation career and was selected to join the ADF. More than 50 years later, Squadron Leader Lampard is still working with Air Force in the critical role of Capability Management and Capability Preparedness Report...ing at Headquarters Combat Support Group, RAAF Base Amberley. Read more: https://news.defence.gov.au//half-century-service-and-achi #TYFYS #OurPeople

21.01.2022 I join with the Prime Minister in condemning the falsified image of an Australian soldier that was posted by an official Chinese Government Twitter account. The fake image is deeply offensive and grossly misrepresents the Australian Defence Force. It is an unwarranted slur against the two million Australians who have worn the uniform of the Navy, Army or Air Force with pride, and served with great distinction. Australians are justifiably proud of our veterans, our current ser...ving personnel, and the families who support them in their service. They have kept us safe in wars and the darkest of days; served on peacekeeping missions; and rushed to help millions during humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions. We are blessed as a nation to have a culture of service above self which has seen so many Australians volunteer to help others. I encourage all Australians to stand with our veterans and with our ADF personnel today in the face of this offensive action. Please show them your support. If you are a Defence member, a veteran, or one of the many families that support them, please know that support is available if you are impacted by media coverage of recent events. For all current Australian Defence Force members and their families, the Defence all-hours Support Line is a confidential telephone and online service and is available on 1800 628 036. And for all current and former ADF members, and their families, Open Arms provides 24-hour free and confidential counselling and support on 1800 011 046. Open Arms also has support available through SafeZone and when you call, it is up to you how much or how little personal information you share. This is available on 1800 142 072. #TYFYS

18.01.2022 Despite being turned upside down and spun around, here’s solid proof Nate from ABC @News Breakfast didn't get sick...as for me, you'll have to take my word for it! The Roulettes are the Royal Australian Air Force's aerobatic display team and are well known across Gippsland and the rest of Australia for their manoeuvres flown in various formations at low level. This weekend they celebrate their 50th birthday, and you can watch more here. Thanks to the personnel at RAAF Base Ea...st Sale, thank you to all those pilots who have brought joy to the community with their displays as Roulette pilots, and happy 50th birthday! #lovegippsland #TYFYS

17.01.2022 It’s bucketing down in Gippsland today and here’s hoping the rain is getting to the right places. There's been steady rain all morning and it looks like it’s sticking around for the rest of the day. Judging by the kayaks out the front I think the staff at BCF in Bairnsdale are predicting more rain to come too! What's the rainfall like out at your place? #lovegippsland #myvalley

17.01.2022 Caught up with Sky News this morning ahead of a momentous day for the Royal Australian Navy as Ordinary Seaman Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean received our highest military honour, the Victoria Cross for Australia. We also spoke about the repugnant and deeply offensive false image tweeted by a Chinese Government official yesterday, as well as the response to the IGADF Afghanistan Inquiry findings. #TYFYS

15.01.2022 Legendary Gippslander.... There is a new installation at the front gate of RAAF Base East Sale... a PC-9/A propeller painted by Gunaikurnai artist Alfie Hudson. Alfie is a Gunaikurnai/Monaro man who hails from East Gippsland and was honoured to paint the propeller.... The artwork was inspired by a Dreamtime story about the Southern Cross constellation where a female emu saves a young boy from drowning but the emu unfortunately died saving him. Alfie said the story is about sacrificing your life for others and that is what he sees the Australian Defence Force members prepared to do for others in the community. The artwork also features hand prints of East Gippsland veterans and base personnel, with poppies representing the stars of the Southern Cross. #lovegippsland Pix credit: ADF

15.01.2022 Let's make it a Great Gippsland Christmas. TerryWhite Chemmart Traralgon has gifts for everyone! They stock a large range of cosmetics, including Napoleon Perdis and fragrances for that someone special. There is also a selection of gift packs, toiletry bags and goodies that would make a lovely gift for someone this Christmas.... Remember by shopping locally you are supporting local jobs. #lovegippsland #myvalley

15.01.2022 Obviously it was a lot of fun to take my first trip in a PC-21 when I joined the Roulettes for the afternoon. But the serious side of the experience was the insights I gained as Minister for Veteran’s Affairs and Defence Personnel. Getting a first hand understanding of the training requirements, the workload, pressure and physical impacts of preparing and then flying the aircraft helps me as I do my Parliamentary job to support our serving members, veterans and their families.... Just getting kitted up to fly, having a medical examination, then getting into the aircraft, and feeling the G-forces during manoeuvres was physically tiring... and I was just a passenger! It’s why we need our defence force personnel to be physically and mentally prepared for their jobs and constantly training to be at the top of their game. We have a world-class defence force and I was impressed with the professionalism, skill and dedication of the entire team who made my flight possible. Oh, and it was seriously good fun for someone who grew up loving carnival rides at the Sale Show and theme park thrill rides on the Gold Coast! Thanks to the team as East Sale RAAF Base who made it possible... the PC21 is a magnificent aircraft and we’re proud to host Defence’s basic flight training in Gippsland. #lovegippsland

15.01.2022 It was his passion for mechanics and a desire to serve his country that motivated former Able Seaman Adrian Thomas to join the Royal Australian Navy as a marine technician, straight out of high school. ‘My job was to operate, monitor and service the engineering equipment on board the ships,’ he explains. Adrian sailed from Hobart to Sydney the day he joined his first ship, which was quite a thrill for him.... ‘Not knowing anyone and having to sleep amongst strangers on a warship was a little nerve wracking for a 17 year old. But once I learnt how supportive and helpful the crew were it made all our port visits very memorable,’ said Adrian. Originally from the Gold Coast, Adrian’s service ended earlier than he had planned due to medical reasons and he transitioned into civilian life in August this year. ‘Even though it was tough at times, I will really miss the culture of the Navy, and belonging to the big Navy family.’ I had an abundance of help from several service providers and some very caring and supportive people guiding me through the transition process. My passion for operating machinery had not subsided so I used the Defence Force Transition program funding to get the excavator, bobcat and loader licences I needed for a role in the earthmoving industry. Adrian is currently working on the Western Sydney Airport Bulk Earthworks project and has never been more satisfied. ‘It’s another great job where I get to operate enormous machinery. The pay is great, the safety standards are excellent, the team are supportive and I get to go home every day.’ Adrian was single for the majority of his service but acknowledged that for his ‘oppos’ (or ship mates), being away from home was one of the biggest challenges of military life. His advice for others facing their transition is to make the most of the support and services available to prepare you for civilian life. Thank you for your service Adrian. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

14.01.2022 The 2020-21 round of the Supporting Younger Veterans (SYV) Grants Program is now open. SYV grants aim to help improve and expand services and support for the younger veterans’ community, and raise awareness of the important issues faced by our younger veterans. The Government is committed to putting veterans and their families first and has allocated $1 million for this grants round. Grants are open to Ex-Services Organisations (ESOs) and community organisations that work wit...h ESOs to provide services and support for younger veterans. For more information and to submit an application, visit www.communitygrants.gov.au.

13.01.2022 This is Laurence Lunson, born in Sassafras, Tasmania, 100 years ago today. Laurence was a member of the Australian Army during the Second World War and served for nearly two years with the 12th/50th Australian Infantry Battalion. When asked the best thing about his service, Laurence quipped ‘Not the tucker’. But he did enjoy the friendships along the way. He still visits one friend as often as he can. He advises younger serving personnel to ‘Stick to it and do as you are told...’. After the war, Laurence worked for the government for over 30 years fixing telephones and he enjoyed gardening and bike-riding as recreation. He and his wife Mavis were involved in the local RSL and are still members. Laurence’s secret to his long life is to eat old fashioned food. Happy birthday Laurence and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

12.01.2022 Ordinary Seamen Edward ‘Teddy’ Sheean did something extraordinary 78 years ago. In the face of a Japanese aerial attack and after being given the order to abandon ship, Teddy went back to one of the ship's guns, strapped himself in and did what he could do to protect his mates. Teddy was 18 and he died in an act of true heroism during the Second World War that saved the lives of many of his fellow sailors. Today he will receive our highest military honour, the Victoria Cross... for Australia. He is the first Royal Australian Navy sailor to be awarded the VC, and by receiving this honour it will ensure his story of mateship, endurance, courage and sacrifice lives on for generations to come. Today, Teddy’s family will see a long campaign come to fruition and it will no doubt be a moment they, and the many people who worked so hard to see Teddy receive this award, will cherish. This is a proud day for our Navy, our Australian Defence Force and the Australian people. BZ Teddy and thank you for your service.

09.01.2022 Legendary Gippslander It’s been a tough year for 17-year-old, Tom Rankcom from Traralgon South after almost losing his life. Tom was enjoying an exercise class with his mother, Carolynne and brother, Charlie when he went into cardiac arrest.... Fortunately that there was an off-duty MICA paramedic in front of him in the class and rushed to his side to perform CPR and a trainer pulled a defibrillator from the wall. The quick thinking of the other gym-goers meant that he survived through the condition that only one in 10 Australians survive. Tom was originally taken to Latrobe Regional Hospital where he was later flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital. Doctors found blood clots and fluid on his heart and Tom was put on life support in a critical condition for two weeks. Nine weeks later, Tom returned home from hospital with a new implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) installed. The Gippsland Grammar student recently finished year 12 and with exams just around the corner he hopes to become a nurse or paramedic. What an incredible young man, with an amazing story, good luck with your exams Tom and wishing you all the best for the future. Pix credit: Herald Sun and Carolynne Rankcom. #lovegippsland #myvalley

07.01.2022 Happy 100th birthday to Alexander (Alex) Gow who was born in Barry, Scotland on 30 November 1920. As a youngster Alex had a tough life in Scotland. He was mostly left to fend for himself while his mother was away housekeeping. At age six, he would rise at 4.30am (snow and all) to help the local milkman who had a horse and cart. He was given a billy of milk a day. Alex still loves milk and credits it with giving him strong bones. He worked as a ploughman when he became a teena...ger and migrated to Australia in 1938 where he worked many jobs to survive. Alex joined the Australian Army in December 1942 and served as a gunner in New Guinea with the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion. Alex valued the mateship while serving. After the war, Alex started a saw doctor business in Toowoomba which also sold Pope motor mowers and Kawasaki motorbikes. He sold his successful business and turned his hand to selling real estate. Alex returned to Scotland, but after some time decided to make Australia his permanent home. Alex credits his longevity to ‘a nip of good quality scotch every day, hard work and healthy eating’. Happy birthday Alex and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

07.01.2022 Let's make it a Great Gippsland Christmas. Got a friend or family member who's into board games? One of Australia’s most popular board games now features our very own Gippsland. An Australian Community Relief Edition of Monopoly is being released and Gippsland is one of the 22 localities chosen. ... The special limited-edition Australian Monopoly has been created with a matching puzzle featuring regional towns affected by bushfires and COVID-19 other places include Noosa, Mildura and Broken Hill. The rest of the game has been 'Australianised, with Chance and Community Chest cards updated with Australian events and 2020-relevant content (here's looking at the toilet paper hoarders!), and the player pieces now Aussie icons like a footy, thong and kookaburra. This is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful region and that we are open for business. All purchases of the new products will directly support the Australian Red Cross, with $5 from every board purchase and $2 from every puzzle purchase going towards charity. This really could be the perfect thing for a Gippsland and game lover's stocking! Available in BIG W, Sanity, QBD Books, Dymocks Books, Toys ‘R’ Us and some online stores. #lovegippsland

06.01.2022 Happy birthday to Milton Alderson, born in Mayfield, NSW, 100 years ago today. Milton enlisted in the Australian Army in November 1942. He was a driver/mechanic and served in New Guinea, Fraser Island, Halmahera Island, Morotai Island, and on the Cape York Peninsula. Milton recalls that being stationed in the north brought many risks. Apart from the bombings by the Japanese, there was also the possibility of coming across crocodiles and snakes. He remembers the driving condi...tions being very rugged especially when entering the creeks ‘where you could not see the bottom of the creek bed to see if there were any wash-a-ways or deep holes’. One of the most rewarding experiences for Milton was the rescuing of downed pilots. He also recalls a time when he was fined three pounds for being AWOL to go and visit his mum. Milton says the best thing about serving was the mateship, excitement and adventure. Some of the friendships he made lasted a lifetime. Milton’s CO was best man at his wedding and the friendship remained until he passed away. Milton advises younger serving members to learn all they can and maintain friendships. After the war, Milton drove trucks for a timber company, drove trains for Lysaghts, and finished his working life at the printing section of the Water Board. Milton credits his long life to hard work, long hours, a good supportive family and the occasional black beer. Happy birthday Milton and thank you for your service. #TYFYS #OurVeterans

03.01.2022 Let’s make it a Great Gippsland Christmas. There are some inspiring young people in Gippsland, and Elle James from Stradbroke stands out from the crowd. Elle had just started to make a name for herself in her dream job as a make-up artist when it was all whipped away thanks to coronavirus lockdowns.... Elle, a single mum, started to plan new ways to provide for herself and her two-year-old daughter, Harper. As well as makeup artistry, Elle had inherited a love of sewing from her mother and mama, both accomplished seamstresses. Elle had spent her younger years watching and learning from them, so she decided to put all she had learnt to good use and joined her mum in her sewing room where she created Nightbabes - silk pillowcases and hair scrunchies. Nightbabes are made from 100 percent mulberry silk, and Elle even has a special one, Festive Gold, ready for Christmas. You can see Elle’s beautiful range of gift ideas on her website nightbabe.com.au and on Instagram. She hopes to one day to be able to expand her small business and move out of her small home-based sewing room into a larger premise. Her dream is to be able to employ local seamstresses so they can pass on their skills to the younger generation. Why not consider a Nightbabes pillowcase or scrunchie gift for a loved one this Christmas? Made right here in Gippsland! #lovegippsland

02.01.2022 A reminder that nominations for the 2021 Prime Minister’s Veterans’ Employment Awards close next week. The Awards recognise and celebrate organisations of all sizes from across Australia who employ and support veteran employment and recognise the skills and attributes that veterans offer as employees. Nominations close Friday 20 November 2020, with winners announced in 2021. For more information or to nominate, visit: https://www.veteransemployment.gov.au/prime-minister/awa...rds. #TYFYS #VeteransEmployment

01.01.2022 I love summer because it means catching up with family and friends, evening barbecues, beach visits, and hopefully a bit of time to relax and read some books I’ve been planning to get to all year! It’s going to be a warm one across Gippsland with the first day of summer today. As the weather warms up it’s the perfect time to take a break in Gippsland and explore everything our great region has to offer. Gippsland is home to many wonderful beaches and waterways including the... iconic Gippsland Lakes and 90 Mile Beach. Our Gippsland lifesavers are getting ready for another busy summer, when we see many locals and visitors coming to our beaches and holiday towns. It’s the surf lifesavers watching over us as we swim and have fun in the water. But it’s everyone’s responsibility to play it safe by the water, look after each other and only swim between the flags. If you are camping by rivers and creeks, please keep an eye on each other and look after your mates. Conditions can change from year to year and it’s important to check before entering the water. Stay safe everyone and have a great summer! #lovegippsland