October was a month of significant milestones and challenges for East Gippsland, with key developments in agriculture, health services, and emergency management dominating local conversations.
In a rallying cry for the region’s agricultural future, Nelson Cox, managing director of Riviera Farms, urged local producers to embrace diversity to ensure longevity and prosperity.
Mr Cox, a sixth-generation farmer in the Lindenow Valley, reflected on the rapid evolution of the Mitchell River flats.
“One thing I’ve learnt is you can’t stand still,” Mr Cox said.
“Farming isn’t about doing things the way they’ve always been done. It’s about finding better ways.”
He highlighted the challenges of weather, markets, and labour shortages, but remained optimistic about the region’s capacity for progress and production.
Adding to the positive news for primary producers, the Federal Government invested $400,000 via the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation to trial oyster harvesting on the Gippsland Lakes.
Trials for oyster harvesting on the Gippsland Lakes have been carried out over the past three years with funding from the State Government.
Matt Jones from the FRD praised the current program’s success, noting that modern science and technology offered a significant advantage over historical farming attempts.
Community health received a major boost on October 24 with the official opening of the permanent Mental Health and Wellbeing Local in Bairnsdale.
Minister for Mental Health Ingrid Stitt and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh toured the facility, which offers free support without the need for referrals or a Medicare card.
“Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Locals are making it simpler for Victorians to access free mental health support when they need it,” Ms Stitt said.
Meanwhile, Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) celebrated its 50th anniversary on October 11.
Chief executive officer Anne-Maree Kaser described the event as a fitting tribute to half a century of community health achievements.
“It was a fantastic event and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of so many who’ve contributed to community health over the past 50 years,” Anne-Maree said.
However, October also brought alarming news for emergency services, with the state’s forest firefighting capability reportedly “crippled” just weeks before the fire season.
The entire G-Wagon and Unimog fleet was pulled off the road indefinitely due to safety concerns. Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Danny O’Brien slammed the government over the decision.
“Labor promised Victorians a state-of-the-art firefighting fleet – eight years later – Labor has delivered a world-class failure,” Mr O’Brien said.
The vehicles, part of a $32 million upgrade launched in 2017, were previously touted as world-class assets but now face an uncertain future.
