December in East Gippsland was marked by passionate community activism, a milestone for tourism in the High Country, and significant advancements in local healthcare services.
The month began with a powerful display of community spirit as 150 residents braved torrential rain to rally for the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool.
Gathering at the Main Street rotunda on December 3, protesters chanted, “We need it open, we need it repaired, and we need it to happen now.”
Rally organiser Anne Cross and East Gippsland Shire Councillor Bernie Farquhar (speaking as an individual) highlighted the pool’s historical significance and its role as a vital community hub for health, safety and social connection.
With a petition garnering around 1600 signatures, the newly formed Save the Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool group is determined to keep the facility afloat.
In the High Country, years of planning came to fruition with the official opening of the Omeo Mountain Bike Park on December 5.
East Gippsland Shire Council and the local community celebrated the launch of the world-class facility, which is set to transform Omeo into a year-round adventure destination.
Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth described the park as a “game-changer,” noting it was driven by locals from day one.
“More visitors staying longer means more spending at local businesses – it ensures both the town and wider district remains vibrant and strong into the future,” she said.
A major healthcare partnership was announced, with Epworth HealthCare establishing consulting suites at The Centre in Bairnsdale.
This initiative will bring specialist doctors to the region, reducing the need for patients to travel to Melbourne for critical care.
“By basing Epworth specialists here in Bairnsdale, we can remove that barrier and give people access to the care they need, closer to home,” The Centre owner Carolyn Donchi said.
Environmental efforts ramped up with scientists assessing key sites along the Mitchell River as part of a $1.2 million platypus habitat restoration project.
The initiative aims to protect the iconic species by removing invasive weeds and restoring native vegetation.
With December also comes the festive season, and the region had no shortage of Christmas-related events.
On Saturday, December 6, the Bairnsdale Advertiser and Whelans Group hosted the annual Bairnsdale Christmas Parade, which proved to be a resounding success despite the wet conditions. More than 50 entries made their way down Bairnsdale’s Main Street and featured a diverse array of vintage cars, trucks, tractors and go-karts.
The Orbost Christmas Eve Festival also drew generous crowds on Wednesday, December 24, with stallholders reporting some of their strongest sales in years.
Committee member Samantha Reynolds said the night exceeded expectations once again.
“The fireworks were phenomenal, and we always worry about how the event will be received given the amount of effort that goes into creating it,” she said.
