May in East Gippsland highlighted community health initiatives, local leadership and ongoing debates over regional development, alongside some serious public safety incidents.
The month began with a focus on men’s health.
Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre hosted a Men’s Health Night, drawing around 30 local participants.
Moss Mahony emphasised the importance of prostate awareness and personal responsibility for health, alongside the support of family as a key part of wellbeing.
Community concern over mineral sands mining continued, with Gippsland Critical Minerals pushing ahead with plans for a rare earths project near Bairnsdale.
Local schools threw their support behind Do It For Dolly Day on Friday, May 9, a national day of kindness held in memory of Dolly Everett.
Lakes Entrance Secondary College turned a sea of blue for the event, with students and staff embracing the day with enthusiasm.
May also saw National Family Violence Remembrance Day observed on May 7.
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) specialist Erin Davison highlighted the cycle of family violence and the importance of support for women and children.
Federal MP, Darren Chester was re-elected in the seat of Gippsland in the May 3 Federal Election, marking his seventh term in federal parliament.
The AFLW Hawks, a finalist last season, made a special visit to East Gippsland on May 15-16, engaging with local schools and football clubs.
Young aspiring football lovers had the chance to hone their skills while also meeting their idols.
The Gippsland Lakes Paddle Challenge, an annual fundraiser hosted by the Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club, shone a light on the Gippsland Lakes once again on Saturday, May 3, with more than 150 paddlers of all shapes and sizes turning out to take on the gruelling 27-kilometre event in picturesque weather. The sun shone brightly as racers made their way across the Lakes system before ending in front of the surf club’s social rooms.
Country Fire Authority volunteers around the state stood down in protest of the Emergency Fire Services and Volunteers Fund, after it was passed in Parliament in the early hours of Friday, May 16.
Huge protests on the steps of Parliament House in Spring Street, Melbourne, were in effect, with local brigade captains from Glenaladale, Meerlieu and Fernbank attending.
The State Government officially scrapped its free camping initiative at Parks Victoria campsites and instead introduced ‘half price’ camping fees as a replacement.
The month was also marked by a serious public
safety incident.
Police charged a 24-year-old woman after four people were stabbed in Bairnsdale on May 29.
The alleged attacks occurred at multiple locations, including a supermarket, a car park and a nearby hotel.
Police confirmed that the victims suffered non-life-
threatening injuries.
From health awareness and community leadership to environmental initiatives and critical public safety events, May demonstrated East Gippsland’s engagement with wellbeing, sustainability, and vigilance in protecting residents.
