January in East Gippsland saw a vibrant start to the year, with communities coming together for celebrations, remembrance events and civic engagement.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day kicked off with the usual round of festivities, followed by a series of music performances and outdoor gatherings along the region’s waterways.
On the Paynesville foreshore, Ruth and Bernie Ryan once again entertained locals from the iconic Floating Tin Shed.
The Damon Smith Trio from Coburg, Melbourne, treated the crowd to New Orleans jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
The area also played a starring role in a national anti-bullying campaign.
Bairnsdale hosted filming for a new TV commercial by Dolly’s Dream, the national anti-bullying charity.
Local residents, including Carlee Knight from the Bairnsdale Horse Centre, were involved in the production, which aimed to reflect the town’s community spirit.
Eagle Point Primary School was also invited to get involved with the campaign, much to the delight of teachers and students.
In Sarsfield, the community came together at the Recreation Reserve to mark five years since the Black Summer Bushfires devastated much of the area.
Residents enjoyed live music, a twilight market, food trucks, and activities that celebrated the resilience and spirit of the Sarsfield community, blending remembrance with festive connection.
January also saw local debate over the State’s new Emergency Services Levy.
East Gippsland Shire Mayor Cr John White expressed concern that the levy, which replaced the Fire Services Property Levy on July 1, 2025, would place a significant cost burden on both ratepayers and the council.
Cr White warned that while the fund is necessary, its financial implications could be challenging for the community.
Australia Day celebrations and awards highlighted the contribution of East Gippsland residents.
Ensay’s Barbara Dodd was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division on this year’s Australia Day Honour’s List.
Ms Dodd has been a committee member of the Ensay Bush Nursing Centre since 1990, as well as a former president and secretary, receiving a 30-year long service award in 2020.
Such has been Ms Dodd’s impact on the Ensay community, some 25 years ago she received a National Medal for her work as a volunteer.
Meanwhile, events across the shire included flag-raising ceremonies, live music, barbecues and the presentation of Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year awards.
Mayor Cr John White congratulated Metung’s Bill Newcomen on being named Citizen of the Year at the Forest Park ceremony in Orbost, attended by more than 150 people.
The Young Citizen of the Year went to two recipients – Tanner McMillan and Alfie Simpson for their outstanding contributions to local initiatives and positive influence on their peers.
The Community Event of the Year was awarded to the
Mountain Cattleman’s Association of Victoria annual get together in Omeo, which made an exceptional impact on the community and the way it brought people together in celebration.
Infrastructure and development were also in focus.
Finally, local MP Darren Chester raised concerns about reductions in federal funding for Victorian roads compared with Queensland.
Mr Chester criticised the Albanese Government for requiring a 50–50 funding split in Victoria, calling it “hypocritical and offensive” and warning that it could disadvantage regional projects in the state.
From music and community celebration to civic debate and infrastructure planning, January highlighted the vibrancy, resilience and active engagement of East Gippsland’s communities as they started the year.
