Gippsland Times in Sale, Victoria | Broadcasting & media production company

Gippsland Times

Locality: Sale, Victoria

Phone: +61 3 5143 9333

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25.01.2022 A Glenmaggie sunrise. Photo: Samantha Clark

24.01.2022 In Friday's Gippsland Times, we pay tribute to former VFL footballer, first class cricketer and Gippsland Times contributor Blair Campbell, who died last week, aged 74.

24.01.2022 Demolition of the former Wesley Church on Commercial Rd in Yarram will prepare the site for what the CFA hopes will be the new home of the town's brigade. The current CFA station on James St is now too small for modern fire tankers with volunteers having little space to don their protective gear beside the trucks. The station's position opposite the busy Woolworths car park poses problems for firefighters returning and having to reverse into the station, blocking traffic on one of Yarram's busiest streets.

24.01.2022 Reports of the environmental effects of filling the Latrobe Valley's three coal mines has prompted questions to the state government over the mine rehabilitation. Speaking in parliament last week, Gippsland South MLA O'Brien raised concerns a decision was needed from the government around how the Morwell mine void is going to be rehabilitated. A government spokesperson told the Gippsland Times the region's environment and rights of existing users would be fully protected during any process for mine rehabilitation. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

24.01.2022 In a roller-coaster ride for workers and their families, ExxonMobil has again abandoned plans to sell its Gippsland Basin assets. The change of mind comes just six weeks after the deadline expired for indicative bids for the portfolio, and a little more than 14 months after the assets were placed on the market. ExxonMobil's Bass Strait oil and gas interests includes Australia's oldest and largest oil field Kingfish A and B, but given decommissioning expenses for end-of-life assets, the sale was never going to be straight-forward.

24.01.2022 A motorist who had just filled up their car with petrol was lucky to escape injury after a milk tanker crashed into a service station in Traralgon early this morning. Police have been told the truck was travelling on Princes St when the driver appears to have lost control coming out of a bend just after midnight.

24.01.2022 ExxonMobil has confirmed it will continue its early decommissioning works in Bass Strait this year, as well as planning for the eventual and costly decommissioning of non-producing platforms in the Gippsland Basin. However, after the federal government’s recent approval of a raft of changes to Australia’s decommissioning framework, oil and gas companies are facing stricter decommissioning regulations. The process of decommissioning offshore facilities is a complex process for oil and gas companies, and inevitably costs the industry billions of dollars. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

24.01.2022 On Saturday, the Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association held an odd socks round, requiring players to mix and match to raise awareness for mental health. The round reminded players that it's okay to feel a little 'odd' every now and then. The COVID-19 pandemic and its social and economic ramifications has affected many local players this year, and the round attempted to spark a conversation around there's more to say after 'R U OK?'. For more tennis, including WGTA results..., read Friday's Gippsland Times. Slammin' Sam's Sure Shots

24.01.2022 As the announcement for Wellington Shire's fire danger period nears, firefighting authorities and emergency responders are preparing for a 'normal' fire season. In late August, the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook indicated above average winter rain had substantially reduced the risk of campaign fires in Victoria's east for September to November. Nevertheless, even a normal fire season in Victoria presents a high risk to communities, and Forest Fire Management Victoria says it isn't taking any risks.

24.01.2022 The restrictions on travel within Melbourne, and between Melbourne and regional Victoria will be removed at midnight Sunday, November 8, Premier Daniel Andrews has announced.

24.01.2022 Do you have a beautiful garden pic to post below? We all need something to brighten our days right now, and gardens across Gippsland are just popping with colour. Just beautiful!

23.01.2022 With the passing of Gwen Webb OAM at the age of 98, Gippsland has lost one of its greatest advocates and a friend to artists everywhere. A true one-of-a-kind, Gwen was a champion of the region, putting the Sale Regional Arts Centre (now Gippsland Art Gallery) on the cultural map during her 15-year tenure as the gallery's inaugural director from 1976 to 1990.

23.01.2022 Photos submitted by Gippsland Times readers and followers. Email images to [email protected] By submitting photos, those taking images also consent to them being used in print.

23.01.2022 No paper today? It's out tomorrow! Just a reminder that because of public holiday disruptions, your regular Tuesday Gippsland Times will be out tomorrow (Wednesday) instead of today. There will be no Friday issue this week, but things will return to normal next week, with regular Tuesday and Friday issues.

23.01.2022 People in the West and South Gippsland weather forecast district (including Wellington Shire) may experience asthma symptoms or difficulty breathing due to the combination of thunderstorm activity and high grass pollen levels in West and South Gippsland.

23.01.2022 Those in the local music scene are seeing an uptake in new and retuning faces to the industry, as many people turn to instruments to help fill the isolation void. With no sport to play or places to travel to, music has provided an outlet to those cooped up indoors. Guitar remains one of the most popular instruments, and thanks to the advent of technology, hundreds of online tutorials are just a click away. David and Dawn Stothers from Stothers Music & HiFi, Sale, said en...try-point instruments were in high demand. For more grab a copy of todays Gippsland Times.

23.01.2022 Maffra Cricket Club has appointed Lee Hopkins as head coach for the impending Sale-Maffra Cricket Association season. The 30-year-old will be aiming to take the first grade team deeper into March after a couple of near misses. Since making finals in 2017-18, the Eagles have been unlucky the past two seasons, narrowly missing the post regular season action by just two points in 2018-19, and eight points last season.

22.01.2022 Images sent in by Gippsland Times readers and followers. If you have a photo youd like to contribute, email [email protected] with reader gallery in the subject line. Because of the smaller size of images received via Facebook messages, we will generally only consider emailed images. Images must be at least 400kb to be usable in print.

22.01.2022 The new Heyfield skate park expansion is well on the way! The skate park is scheduled for completion in the next couple of weeks with the new pump track to f...ollow. Check out these pics for an update We're so excited to welcome you back soon Gippsland Times Heyfield News Visit Heyfield Region Discover Cowwarr

21.01.2022 Seven young Sale-Maffra Cricket Association players debuted for Melbourne Premier clubs in the under 16 Dowling Shield competition Sunday. Five made their debut for Richmond against Frankston Peninsula at Richmond's home ground, Central Reserve, Glen Waverley: Bayden Dowsett (Bundalaguah), Austin Bauer (Longford) and a trio from Boisdale-Briagolong: Mason Annear, Austin Anlezark and Ed Phelan-Penson.. Tom Wrigglesworth (Stratford) and Josh Cope (Rosedale-Kilmany) made their debut for Casey-South Melbourne against Melbourne.

21.01.2022 Regional Victoria will take the next step out of coronavirus restrictions at midnight tomorrow night. Regional Victoria today reached a 14-day average of 3.6 and with no mystery cases, reaching the necessary "trigger point" in the states roadmap. Premier Daniel Andrews said public health experts have advised the next step can be taken.

20.01.2022 People walking or lunching in the Sale Mall outside the Gippsland Centre are being urged not to feed the birds, after attacks by aggressive magpies recently left two people hospitalised with serious eye injuries. In the latest incident on Tuesday, Officer resident James Glindemann, who runs a business in Sale and has the necessary permit to travel outside the Melbourne metropolitan area, received injuries to both eyes after being swooped in the mall. The Gippsland Times believes a woman attacked by a magpie in the same area last Friday was forced to spend a week in hospital after receiving extensive injury to her eye.

20.01.2022 The sporting pavilion at JA Boyd Reserve has recently undergone a $1.45 million facelift, providing Stratford Recreation Reserve’s user groups with far more inclusive facilities. Home to both Stratford football-netball and cricket clubs, the refurbishments will provide enormous benefit to a large portion of the town’s sporting community. With plenty of modern, clean lines and a good splash of the Swans’ and Redbacks’ signature red and white, the refreshed pavilion will provid...e the clubs with more female and family-friendly options than its predecessor. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times. Stratford Football & Netball Club Page Stratford Cricket Club Wellington Shire Council

20.01.2022 Gathering limits in Victoria will be reduced from 30 to 15 people from 5pm tonight. Masks will again be mandatory indoors in all spaces other than people's own home.

20.01.2022 Ross River Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in the Gippsland Lakes area around the 90 Mile Beach. The Deputy Chief Health Officer has issued a health alert, warning people to protect themselves against mosquito-borne diseases.

20.01.2022 Vote for your favourite Yarram pump track design If you live in Yarram, tomorrow is the final day to vote for your favorite pump track layout Jump onto www....wellington.vic.gov.au/yarrampumptrack, check out the concept designs and cast your vote before COB on Christmas Eve. The new Yarram pump track will be funded through the Federal Government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. The recently opened Heyfield pump track. Darren Chester MP The Bridge -Local News Yarram & District Traders Association Common Ground Trails

19.01.2022 Be aware - snakes are about (and isnt this Red-bellied Black Snake a stunner?) As the days become warmer, snakes are beginning to emerge from their winter hibernation to bask in the sun and search for food and mates. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning says most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill them. People who see snakes are advised to keep calm, move away from the area and not attempt to capture or harm them.... To make yards less attractive to snakes, maintain lawns and clean up around houses, as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, and building materials. DELWP also advises people to undertake first aid training and ensure first aid kits contains several compression bandages. If someone is bitten, phone 000 immediately. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to capture, harm, or kill them. DELWP says reports of people willfully destroying protected wildlife will be investigated. See more

19.01.2022 On September 26, the tragic death of young Sale horsewoman Christina Rose Dolly Jacobs at the Royal Melbourne Showgrounds in a trotting event in 1928 will be remembered once again. Earlier this year, the National Harness Racing Trainers and Drivers Memorial was unveiled at Tabcorp Park, Menangle, New South Wales, and to date a photograph of Dolly has not been found to form part of the memorial.

19.01.2022 Monash University medical students are reaching out to Gippsland communities in a publicspirited initiative to help keep people connected during COVID-19 restrictions. Volunteer and medical student Dewmi Abeysirigunawardana said Conversation In Isolation was an initiative by furloughed students to provide social support to people self-isolating because of COVID-19 "one friendly phone call at a time". Ms Abeysirigunawardana is a third year Monash University medical student, currently living in Sale for her placement this year. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

19.01.2022 A local chiropractor is fundraising to support those suffering from domestic violence, during a time when victims need it most. During September, Dr Anthea Todd, from Sale, is selling T-shirts to raise money for safe steps, Victorias 24/7 family violence response centre. The State Of Me

19.01.2022 Passenger trains on the Gippsland line will be able to travel at 90 kilometres per hour over the new Avon River Rail Bridge at Stratford, from next Monday, December 7. It will be a welcome improvement on the 10kmh speed limit on the old bridge, which was crossed by a train for the final time on Friday night.

18.01.2022 Robyn Fraser knows only too well that the people who need help the most are often the last ones to put their hands out. So, five years ago, the former 'farm girl', who has seen the hardship of life on the land firsthand, joined Gippsland Farmer Relief Inc. to do her bit to help farming families suffering through the drought. The volunteers at Gippsland Farmer Relief do what they can to ease the financial burden of feeding a family by providing regular assistance in the form of non-perishable food, as well as some personal items. For more grab a copy of today's Gippsland Times.

18.01.2022 Vandals have targeted Sale Common Nature Conservation Reserve over the past few weeks, prompting Parks Victoria to issue a reminder to treat the park and its assets with respect. According to Parks Victoria, fences have been cut at the reserve, and a fire was started on one of the boardwalks.

18.01.2022 The "ring of steel" separating regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne will be removed at midnight, Sunday, November 8. Victoria on Monday and Tuesday recorded back-to-back days of no increase in coronavirus restrictions. The previous day Victoria didn't have a new case was June 9. Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday and today outlined the easing of restrictions in Melbourne, including the end of lockdown.

18.01.2022 Headlining a big weekend of greyhound racing at Sale, the 2020-21 Gippsland Festival of Racing begins on Sunday with the heats of the group one Sale Cup. The first of the four heats, features Playlist (pictured), who won the group one Vic Peters in Sydney for Briagolong trainer Matt Clark. There will also be greyhound racing in Sale tomorrow night. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.... Sale Greyhound Club Greyhound Racing Victoria - GRV

17.01.2022 The first sods were finally turned at the site of the new TAFE Gippsland Port of Sale campus yesterday. Shovels in the ground marked a crowning glory for a number of local stakeholders, who have waited and campaigned for some 20 years to see the project come to fruition. After numerous false dawns, disappointing iterations and near misses due mainly to funding changes, a central TAFE campus for Sale and district students is set to be up and running by 2022. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

17.01.2022 People from all backgrounds are being encouraged to stand as candidates when nominations for local government elections open this week. Local Government Minister Shaun Leane said serving on council was an opportunity for people to represent their community, play a role in Victorias recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and deliver changes that could make a real difference to peoples lives. Candidate nominations will be open for six days - from this Thursday until noon next Tuesday, September 22.

17.01.2022 Elderly man arrested over possession of child abuse material A 78-year-old Sale man has been charged with possessing child abuse material following a raid at a property in Sale this morning. Detectives from the Sale Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team arrested the man as part of an investigation. Police seized numerous electronic devices and allegedly found electronically stored child abuse material.... The man was interviewed and will appear at Sale Magistrates’ Court on March 23, 2021. People with information about online offending are urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or can submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Offences for the possession, distribution and access to child abuse carry penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment in Victoria. Victoria Police say they will continue to work with other state and federal law enforcement agencies in Australia and across the world, to ensure they are continuing to improve the response to this type of crime. See more

17.01.2022 While the decision to close Sale's 123 Cafe at the end of 2020 because of the sale of its premises was made pre-COVID-19, the preservation of its mission has always been a strongly supported aspiration. Bishop of Gippsland, the Right Reverend Dr Richard Treloar, told the Gippsland Times it had been pleasing to see the level of interest from other community groups, faith groups, and individuals in partnering with the Anglican Church to give the social enterprise a new chapter, and retain the ministry it had provided Sale.

17.01.2022 With the cricket season on the horizon and local players getting restless at the thought of having a field, hit or bowl in the sun, there is still no clear path forward to when on-field activities can resume. Unfortunately the question of when will we play? will remain unanswered for a few weeks, although Monday, November 23 is looming as D-Day, as that could be the day regional Victoria will move onto the "last step" in the state governments road map. For that to happen, there must be no new cases for 14 days across Victoria, in line with preceding landmarks achieved before that, starting with a below-five average of daily cases in a 14-day period as well as zero cases in regional Victoria with an unknown source in the same time frame. For more read Fridays Gippsland Times.

17.01.2022 With worries about the future as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, people stuck in transit are facing extra layers of uncertainty. For English backpacker James Smith, the current climate has virtually defeated the whole purpose of his backpacking trip. The 28-year-old well and truly chose the worst time to travel to a new part of the country. For more read Fridays Gippsland Times.

17.01.2022 Chalk art festival this weekend Footpaths in Yarram will be transformed into a temporary public art gallery this weekend, as more than a dozen chalk artists display their talents on footpaths. The inaugural Yarram Chalk Art Festival will take place in the town's main street Saturday and Sunday. Artists will captivate bystanders as they take to the pavement armed with vivid pastel chalks, spending hours drawing on their hands and knees.... The event has been arranged by Yarram and District Traders Association. COVID- safe rules will apply. See more

16.01.2022 Stratford teenager Lily Taylor will today go in for major surgery to help her fight against epilepsy. The brave youngster is undergoing two rounds of brain surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital, where she is expected to spend up to 10 days. It will be her third and fourth rounds of epilepsy brain surgery since her last bout three years ago.

16.01.2022 Sale Football Netball Club Inc was too strong for Warragul at home to maintain its undefeated start to the Gippsland League football season. Meanwhile, Maffra Football Netball Club recorded its first win of the season, turning a four-point three-quarter-time deficit into a 36-point victory.

16.01.2022 Like all schools, COVID-19 restrictions have challenged Catholic College Sale to change almost all of its learning and teaching practices and day-to-day operations. Rapid and substantial planning, as well as a great deal of staff improvisation, enterprise and IT skills enhancement have come to the fore. So too has the goodwill and resourcefulness of students and teachers.

16.01.2022 Keno win in Sale - what would you do with a big win? A local man has begun the year on a high, after winning more than $50,000 on a Keno ticket which was bought at Sporting Legends, Sale, on Saturday. The man took home the money with a Keno Mega Millions 7 Spot win, with the first Mega Millions ticket he has ever bought. The thrilled player had the winning entry in draw 540, drawn on Saturday, taking home a total prize of $50,417.70.... The man told a Keno he went completely silent when he discovered the win. "I popped into the venue on Saturday night to have some dinner and play a bit of Keno," he explained. "I wasn't actually watching the draw, so I had no idea I'd won. "I heard someone had won the 7 Spot prize, so I checked my ticket on the Keno app and that's when I saw it was me. "It's the first time I have ever played Keno Mega Millions, so I was pretty surprised. "I celebrated at the club. It was a great moment." When asked how he planned to enjoy his prize, the stoked bloke said although the news was still sinking in, he did have some rough ideas. "I would like to go on a few holidays this year around Australia, and then hopefully next year I can go overseas," he said. "It will certainly come in handy." Sporting Legends Club supervisor Adam Pinkus said it was a great win, and wished the man all the best with his prize. See more

16.01.2022 The easing of restrictions is enabling local neighbourhood houses to again plan activities, delighting volunteers and the communities who rely on them. Loch Sport Community House manager Anna Roberts said they were now able to have indoor activities for 10 participants. At Heyfield Community Resource Centre, manager Caroline Trevorrow said that after COVID-19 restrictions eased, there had been an increased focus on mental health at the centre, including a mental health training workshop supported by Lifeline. For more grab a copy of today's Gippsland Times.

16.01.2022 Severe thunderstorms are likely to produce damaging, locally destructive winds and large, possibly giant hailstones over the next several hours. Locations which may be affected include Morwell, Traralgon, Warragul, Sale, Moe, Maffra, Bairnsdale, Buchan and Mt Baw Baw. People should be aware of potential hazards caused by the severe thunderstorms, including flash flooding, debris, and property damage.

15.01.2022 The once popular Seabank Caravan Park at the Old Port, Port Albert, has gone into receivership. The park has for a number of years failed to comply with council regulations regarding sanitation, health and fire safety requirements, and while a number of operators have made attempts to find the means to bring the park up to required standards Wellington Shire Council withdrew the park's operating permit in October. The closure of the park, the only one in close proximity to Port Albert, has dealt a blow to the significant number of campers and fishers who had in past years frequented the park when it was in better condition, and who added significantly to the economy of Port Albert and Yarram. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

15.01.2022 In a major coup which is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to the area, Gippsland Art Gallery has been named as the sole Victorian host venue for the 2021 Archibald Prize Regional Tour. The gallery will host the prestigious prize for portraiture, celebrating its centenary year, from October 8 to November 21 next year.

15.01.2022 More than 1000 Victorians have been diagnosed with type two diabetes in the past year, according to Diabetes Australia statistics. For Sale resident Cindy Adam, type two diabetes has been a normal part of life for 25 years. Cindy is one of 7400 people living with type two diabetes in Victoria. For more grab a copy of today's Gippsland Times.... Hannah Gilbert Photographer

15.01.2022 Briagolong Mechanics' Institute's committee members have been hard at work behind the scenes during the COVID-19 lockdown, preparing the centre for its grand reopening. The much-loved institute has just come to the end of a long period of refurbishment and renovation in time for its expected October opening, and volunteers are keen to show off its makeover and welcome the community back.

15.01.2022 The We Mavericks show which was scheduled to take place at Valencia Creek this Sunday, January 3, has been cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions. For more information phone 5145 4428 or 0439 454 428.

15.01.2022 Wellington Shire Council will tonight consider a motion to advocate the connection of Stratford and Heyfield to the natural gas network. A motion will be moved for council to write to state Regional Development Minister Jaclyn Symes and Regional Development Victoria chief executive Beth Jones to seek support for the proposal.

15.01.2022 Red Rooster closes its doors in Sale Fast food chain Red Rooster has closed the doors to its Sale outlet. The company has confirmed the restaurant had closed "due to the end of lease". The Gippsland Times this week approached Hungry Jack's after rumours surfaced that it planned to open up on the site, but has not received a response to date. ... A Red Rooster spokesperson said she was not aware of what would happen with the premises in the future. See more

14.01.2022 The state government is announcing a multi-billion package to help out businesses, including cash grants, tax waivers and tax deferrals. Its likely that in the next few days there will be more announcements regarding the limited reopening of hotels, restaurants and cafes in regional Victoria.

14.01.2022 Scott Pendlebury equals Tony Shaws games record tonight. Some career: 313 games 161 games as captain (equal w/ Buckley)... 6x All-Australian 5x Copeland Trophy winner 3x Anzac Day Medallist 1x Premiership 1x Norm Smith See more

14.01.2022 Tuesdays atmospheric conditions created this amazing combination of hues of colour, about 6.15am near RAAF Base, East Sale. Photo: Graham Slingsby

14.01.2022 The 2020-21 Sale-Maffra Cricket Association season will - weather permitting - begin on Saturday. Sale will begin its premiership defence at home against Rosedale-Kilmany. Also in the opening round, Longford will host Stratford, Maffra will head to College Oval, and Boisdale-Briagolong and Bundalaguah will pick up where they left off, having played each other in the last round of the 2019-20 season. For a full season preview read Friday's Gippsland Times.

14.01.2022 More than 20 new police officers have begun work across the Bairnsdale division since July, as part of the biggest spend on regional policing in Victoria Police's 167-year history. In March, it was announced the Wellington and East Gippsland police service areas, which are included in the Bairnsdale division, would receive 23 additional police during the coming 12 months - the most significant number of new police ever provided to the region in one allotment. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

14.01.2022 Paper is out today! Because of public holiday disruptions, your Gippsland Times is out today, rather than its usual day (Tuesday). There will be no Friday issue this week, but things will return to normal from next week, with regular Tuesday and Friday issues.

13.01.2022 At the time the Gippsland Times went to print on Thursday morning, there were eight cases of COVID-19 in regional Victoria. There were five active cases in Mitchell Shire, which borders Melbourne, and three in Greater Shepparton. A case recorded earlier this week in East Gippsland is now being included Melbourne's numbers.

13.01.2022 The womens and childrens special care neonatal nursery at Sale Hospital now has a special chair that will help mothers remain at their babies bedsides for long periods of time. The electric recliner was donated by the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation, with the support of donations from local businesses and the community.

13.01.2022 Forest Fire Management Victoria has begun the spring planned burning program in Gippsland. This summers devastating bushfires had a significant effect across east Gippsland and FFMVic says it is important it continues to work to protect communities and the environment across the region.

13.01.2022 A 75-megawatt solar farm near Toongabbie has been approved by state Planning Minister Richard Wynne. The $110 million farm will span 110 hectares two kilometres south of Toongabbie, with proponents saying it will generate enough electricity for 29,000 homes. It is envisaged construction will begin in 2021, and the farm will be fully operational in 2022. For more read Fridays Gippsland Times.

12.01.2022 The debate over a state government plan to allow camping on almost 30,000 kilometres of Crown land with river frontages has Gippsland farmers at loggerheads with hunting and fishing representatives. Controversial legislation to amend the Land Act to permit camping on Crown land adjacent to waterways is currently before the Upper House. The move is part of the state government's pre-election promise to get more people using outdoor resources and to provide better access to fishing and camping on Crown land with river frontage.

12.01.2022 Heyfield Primary School students swapped their red uniforms for blue last Friday to mark World Children's Day. Classroom doors were decorated with blue balloons and streamers, while the Grade 5 and 6 students painted banners. Blue is the symbolic colour promoting the rights of children. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

12.01.2022 An increase in the number of people working from home has resulted in new faces descending on the usually quiet town of Loch Sport. With a reliable NBN service now available, outsiders are flocking to the area to set up home offices.

12.01.2022 One of Sale's newest but fastest growing sports clubs, Gippsland Water Dragons, took to the Thomson River on Saturday to celebrate the end of a year with a festive paddle - dress ups and Christmas tunes included. With 22 in the boat, the Dragons' carol cruise began at the Port of Sale, their usual route, before setting up for a picnic lunch further along the river.

12.01.2022 The spirit of giving was alive and well when the Keith Hamilton Toy Run made its way into Sale on Saturday. Run by the Red Knights motorcycle club, the run had about 30 bikes at the start line, with the number swelling to 70 bikes for the final leg from the Gippsland Vehicle Collection in Maffra to the Sale pedestrian mall. For photos grab a copy of today's Gippsland Times.

12.01.2022 An aerial view of Stratford's western entrance. Photo: John Morgan

11.01.2022 Gippsland Water is taking part in a ground-breaking national project using wastewater sampling to detect and help slow the spread of coronavirus. Wastewater can hold clues to the presence of coronavirus in communities where there are no known cases.

11.01.2022 Local beauty and nail salon operators could hardly dare to breathe when Premier Daniel Andrews unveiled a U-turn in his coronavirus restrictions roadmap plan on Saturday. Beauty services, which fall under retail, will be able to open under the state governments third step - as long as face coverings can be worn for the duration of service, similar to hairdressing. While regional Victoria moved to the second step as of yesterday, Mr Andrews has hinted we may move to step three in "a matter of days", with a 14-day rolling case number average of 3.9 on Monday.

11.01.2022 Uniting Vic.Tas's Christmas Appeal received a huge boost last week, thanks to the Gippsland Lodge. The Lodge donated $2000, after being asked by Sale Lions Club to support the appeal. The amount was matched by the Freemasons Foundation Victoria, meaning $4000 went to Uniting.

11.01.2022 Images sent in by Gippsland Times readers and followers. If you have a photo you'd like to contribute, email [email protected] with 'reader gallery' in the subject line. Because of the smaller size of images received via Facebook messages, we will now generally only consider emailed images. Images must be at least 400kb to be usable in print, and emailed as separate JPEGS. We do not accept collages.

11.01.2022 Wildlife advocates and environmentalists are urging the public to respect Wellington Shire's flying foxes, following the catastrophic fires that wiped out massive areas of their natural forest habitat and food sources in eastern Victoria. Thousands of the protected mammals have made their home in Sale in recent weeks, feeding on the flowering gums which have proliferated since the heavy spring rains, in what is thought to be a one in 20-year blossoming event. While commonly known as fruit bats, grey-headed flying foxes are known to move along the eastern coast to breed and follow a range of food sources.

10.01.2022 Long before football, and indeed all sport, was put into perspective by COVID-19, another event had a similar impact. Just four days before the 2001 ( Official page) North Gippsland Football Netball League grand final between Rosedale Football Netball Club and Churchill, shockwaves reverberated around the world following the September 11 attacks. Where ordinarily the focus of grand final week would solely be on the impending match and nothing else, those close to the action found their attention quickly diverted to something much bigger than a game of football.

09.01.2022 The Victorian Farmers Federation recently issued a questionnaire to candidates for the Wellington Shire Council elections seeking their support for a review of rates and to gauge candidates' support for rural issues. Nine of the 18 candidates submitted reponses.

09.01.2022 Curisously-named veteran I'm Easy Boys and a syndicate of first-time greyhound owners are chasing a fairy tale group one victory in Saturday night's Sale Cup final. Sale Greyhound Club Greyhound Racing Victoria - GRV

09.01.2022 Sale Golf Club is entering a new era, thanks to a donation from the John Leslie Foundation. The club has recently installed and commissioned a $330,000 automatic irrigation system to efficiently deliver water to fairways, tees and greens. Club president Robert Horner (pictured left) said this was a major step for the club, which it wouldn't have been able to take without the help of the foundation. For more grab a copy of today's Gippsland Times.

09.01.2022 For the past 10 years, Steve Dwyer and Melesa Eldred have been keeping the fun of Book Week alive by putting on performances for young children at libraries and schools around the shire. Tomorrow, that tradition continues - weather permitting - with two performances of Curious Creatures, Wild Minds at the Wedge, Sale, from 11am and 1pm, albeit with a few minor changes to the set-up. Tickets for both shows have been booked out. Tickets are still available for the Halloween shows on October 31 through The Wedge.

09.01.2022 The mother of a teenager pecked on the eye by an aggressive magpie in Sale on Thursday is urging authorities to take reported incidents seriously and act quickly to prevent further attacks. It was the third report in just over a week, and follows an attack on a woman last Friday and a man on Tuesday that resulted in both being rushed to hospital with serious eye injuries.

08.01.2022 Beach scene. Photo: Robert Johnston

08.01.2022 Local residents may have noticed an increase in the number of young people sporting mullets recently. While it is unlikely the haircut will ever truly come back into vogue, the reason for the uptake is a worthy one. A group of mates, most of whom also play local football or basketball, are sporting mullets this month to raise money for the Black Dog Institutes Mullets for Mental Health.

08.01.2022 A cold, wet weekend in Seaspray. Photo: John Morgan

08.01.2022 Regional Victoria on Monday entered the second step of the state governments roadmap plan out of COVID-19 restrictions, with hopes the third step may happen sometime this week. Stage three restrictions across regional Victoria ended at midnight Sunday, with up to five people now able to gather together in outdoor public places from a maximum of two households. Social bubbles begin, allowing those living alone or single parents to have one other person in their home.

08.01.2022 Sale City Football and Netball Club marked a significant milestone in club history following a win over Woodside in AGL Loy Yang North Gippsland Football Netball League on Saturday. While the Bulldogs were celebrating 50 years, their seniors defeated the Wildcats by just one point. Other winners were Heyfield, Yallourn-Yallourn North and Churchill, while Traralgon-Tyers United and Yarram played the second draw of the season.

08.01.2022 Hospitality businesses are seething over the lack of clarity and "common sense" in the state governments plan to bring the state out of restrictions, widely dubbed as a "roadmap to nowhere". In a shock move that has stymied the plans of pubs, clubs and restaurants to open on Monday, Premier Dan Andrews has outlined a three-step plan for re-opening, with the aim of reaching a "COVID normal" state by the end of the year. While Melburnians face another two weeks of stage four restrictions after September 13, regional Victoria will jump straight to the second step from Sunday - however, it will still be restricted to takeaway and delivery food services. For more read Fridays Gippsland Times.

08.01.2022 A Sale couple has been fined for breaching Chief Health Officer directions after a frivolous roadtrip on Saturday. Despite restrictions preventing unnecessary travel, the couple drove 185 kilometres to Dandenong, giving police the excuse they needed to buy "specific vegetables that their baby liked".

08.01.2022 There was a strong turnout to a rally at the Glenaladale Recreation Reserve on Saturday as residents voiced their opposition to a proposal for a mineral sands mine in the area. The rally was organised by Mine-Free Glenaladale, a community group formed in response to Kalbar Operations Pty Ltd’s mine project. One of the rally organisers and a speaker at the event, Debbie Carruthers, called on the Victorian government to listen to the concerns of the community and reject Kalbar’s mine proposal. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

07.01.2022 An online fundraising raffle organised by the family of a three-year-old Sale boy will help raise money for important gene therapy medical research. Little Jerry Ong was born with a rare genetic disease, and his parents Dave and Bess are on a mission to improve the outcomes for their son and others like him. Jerry has a condition known as SPG50 - associated hereditary spastic paraplegia - a mutation of the AP4M1 gene.

07.01.2022 Eligible local businesses can now request a free infrared thermometer from the State Government to help them stay COVIDSafe. Eligible businesses must: Be a r...egistered business with an ABN number Be operating with staff on-site 5 Be operating with at least 5 employees (at the same site) Have a genuine need for an infrared thermometer If your business meets these requirements, you can request a free infrared thermometer by calling our COVID-19 Relief Information Line on 1300 137 218. We have more helpful COVID-19 business resources on our website at wellington.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. Gippsland Times The Bridge -Local News Visit Maffra Yarram & District Traders Association

06.01.2022 A selection of Christmas church services being held across Wellington Shire...

06.01.2022 Grab a copy of Friday's Gippsland Times for a preview of Saturday's round of Sale-Maffra cricket, and the first round of the Gippsland Cricket League senior and under 18 competitions.

06.01.2022 Still confused about what you can and can't do under the latest COVID rules in regional areas? https://www.premier.vic.gov.au//201025%20-%20Regional%20VI

06.01.2022 Restrictions in regional Victoria will be eased further from Wednesday, following announcements by Premier Daniel Andrews at the weekend. Gym enthusiasts will be delighted at the announcement that indoor gyms and fitness spaces will be able to open for up to 20 people, with a maximum of 10 per space and a density of one person per eight square metres. Indoor pools will open to all ages, up to 20 people, while indoor non-contact sport will begin for those 18 and under. Food co...urts will be able to open, and live music can resume as part of outdoor hospitality. For religious celebrations, 20 people will be able to gather together indoors with their faith leader - or 50 outdoors. School graduations will be able to be held within school communities. See more

06.01.2022 Horses and riders enjoying the great weather at a Seaspray farm. Photo: John Morgan

05.01.2022 There were mixed results for residents who submitted petitions to Wellington Shire Council. Last week, councillors voted to begin the process to upgrade Commercial St, Yarram, but not to build a bike and pump track in Gormandale.

05.01.2022 There will be no play in the Sale-Maffra Cricket Association (junior and senior grades) today because of overnight rain and the condition of the majority of grounds. The season was scheduled to begin today. Today's senior grade matches will be rescheduled for the reserve day, February 20.

03.01.2022 High hopes for Australia Day in beach areas Wellington Shire’s beaches will be the place to be this Australia Day weekend. The Golden Beach Australia Day weekend fishing carnival from January 21 to 24 has been given approval to go ahead, and unless advice changes, will be back for 2021. As per Health Department directions, a COVID safe plan will be posted online. ... Tickets are available at the Golden Beach General Store, and organisers will be in Sale in the lead up to the event to promote it. The Australia Day weekend market will also be back (COVID-dependant and with measures in place), on Saturday, January 23, from 7am to 1pm. Just up the road at Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club on Australia Day, Tuesday, January 26, everyone is invited to join the celebrations. The event will include flag raising ceremony, national anthem, guest speakers, and a sausage sizzle, along with children’s activities. In Loch Sport, the Lions Club of Loch Sport will also celebrate Australia Day with a flag raising ceremonies, speeches and the Lions Citizen of the Year award ceremonies. Organisations planning Australia Day activities are invited to email details to: [email protected] Photo: Australia Day in Seaspray in 2018.

03.01.2022 Grab a copy of Friday's Gippsland Times for results and photos from the weekend's Wellington Gippsland Tennis Association pennant, as well as the Stratford Tennis Club Championships. Robin Lowe

03.01.2022 The final train will travel across the Avon River rail bridge at Stratford tonight, before work begins to connect the track to the new bridge.

02.01.2022 The amount of vegetation around a local bridge could result in a repeat of a devastating flood which swept through Newry 13 years ago. Local farmers are concerned not enough is being done to deal with vegetation around Hagens Bridge, which crosses the Macalister River, south of Newry. However, the West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority said the community did not want to pursue further vegetation management after being presented with flood modelling. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times.

02.01.2022 Catholic College Sale's junior students have so far been enjoying the spoils of being the first cohort through the school's brand new John 23rd building. The building has undergone a $6 million refurbishment and extension, now housing the school's Year 7 and 8 students who made the move from Sion to the St Patrick's campus last week.

02.01.2022 Garry Stephens has been elected Wellington Shire Council mayor for the next 12 months. Cr Stephens was unopposed for the position. Scott Rossetti was elected deputy mayor ahead of Jill Wood, six votes to three.

02.01.2022 A mental health hub has been established in Sales Inglis Medical Centre. Announced on Sunday by federal Health Minister Greg Hunt, HeadtoHelp Hubs will be established in 15 locations across the state - nine in greater Melbourne and six in regional Victoria, including two in Gippsland (the other being established in Warraguls Central Clinic).

02.01.2022 Regional Victoria will move to the third step on his road map out of lockdown from midnight tomorrow. Public gatherings of up to 10 people outdoors will be allowed, and homes can be visited by up to five people from another household. Hospitality businesses will be able to serve patrons outside, with a cap of 50 seated patrons per venue. Property inspections can move from online to private inspections by appointment only, and auctions can be held outside subject to gathering ...limits. Outdoor contact and non-contact sport can resume for under 18s and outdoor non-contact sport only for adults. Weddings are allowed with up to 10 people, funerals up to 20 people and outdoor religious gatherings for up to 10 people. Regional Victorians will be able to travel across regional Victoria with accommodation also open. See more

02.01.2022 There will no doubt be some sad faces at the Sale cattleyards canteen today, as boss Cherie Straughen says farewell to the staff and customers on her final day at the helm. After 18 years of running the show, Cherie says she is "hanging up the tongs" and stepping away from the grill. That's almost two decades of making some of the best burgers in Sale (according to a local Facebook poll), the tastiest steak sandwiches this side of Texas, and egg and bacon sandwiches worth getting up early for.

01.01.2022 Playgrounds are now open! As of today, playgrounds throughout Wellington are open for use under Step 2 of the Victorian Governments roadmap to reopening. ... Before you head out, remember that face coverings are still required and to practice good hand hygiene and physical distancing to stay COVIDSafe. Our parks crew are working hard to remove closure signage, so please be patient while we get around to every playground If youd like more information, weve got a full list of council facility closures on our website at wellington.vic.gov.au/coronavirus Gippsland Times The Bridge -Local News

01.01.2022 Gippsland has featured front and centre in a multi-million-dollar campaign launched this week, which encourages Victorians to take a break in their home state and support the local tourism industry. Visit Victoria's new 'Stay Close, Go Further' campaign leads with two regions most affected by last summer's bushfires and COVID -19 restrictions - Gippsland and the High Country. 'Stay Close, Go Further' promotes Victoria across multiple platforms - television, print, radio, digi...tal and social - and has launched in line with the state's 'ring of steel' opening at midnight Sunday. For more read Friday's Gippsland Times. John Morgan Visit Central Gippsland Visit Gippsland