March was a month full of community gatherings, health research updates and important discussions on regional development.
The month kicked off with the 12th Biggest Ever Blokes BBQ, a celebration that brought 300 men together at Cremin Hall for lunch and entertainment.
Guests enjoyed appearances from comedian Dave O’Neil, AFL Hall-of-Famer Dermott Brereton, Australian tennis star Mark Philippoussis, and veteran Channel 7 journalist Nick McCullum, making the event a highlight on the local social calendar.
Orbost also hosted its 15th Annual Poker Run on Saturday, March 1, raising essential funds for Ronald McDonald House Monash.
The event was once again a major success, raising more than $32,000 and drawing participants from across the region for a day of fun, camaraderie and community support.
Lovers of fishing, fresh seafood and music enjoyed the Labor Day long weekend in style at Hooked on Lakes on Sunday, March 9. The event was hosted by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and backed by East Gippsland Shire Council and Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Local Government Bushfire Recovery Funding, and saw huge crowds flock to the esplanade in Lakes Entrance for a range of fishing and seafood-related activities.
VFA chief executive officer, Travis Dowling, said spectacular weekend weather ensured the event built on that of previous years.
“We had thousands of people enjoy the festivities and they were spoilt for choice with family-friendly activities showcasing fishing and fresh Victorian seafood,” he said.
The 10th anniversary of Opera by the Lakes at Nyerimilang Heritage Park on Sunday, March 16 was a spectacular success, despite concerns of torrential rain.
Gippsland Opera’s Andrea Ford was delighted with the performances of the entire ensemble, with one attendee from Narre Warren saying “we have been coming to the Opera by the Lakes for years now and we have never been disappointed”.
In healthcare, Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) released new research on mortality rates, avoidable deaths and potentially preventable hospitalisations in the region.
Environmental and community concerns were also at the forefront.
Community members and First Nations representatives toured the proposed Fingerboards mineral sands project site, a location of significant cultural importance due to its rivers, wetlands and lakes.
Aboriginal Elders voiced strong concerns about the potential impact of mining on the land, water and community wellbeing, urging government protection of the environment and cultural heritage.
In response, Gippsland Critical Minerals (GCM) provided an update on the Fingerboards Project at the first Community Reference Group meeting held in Lindenow.
GCM chief executive officer Michelle Wood outlined 12 initial design changes to address community feedback and improve the project.
The meeting included a site tour and discussions on the significance of the Fingerboards critical minerals deposit, mining and rehabilitation methods, and ways to better engage with the community.
In cricket, Lindenow South Glenaladale was crowned the 2024/25 Bairnsdale Cricket Association premier after inflicting a painful defeat on premiership favourite Wy Yung on Sunday, March 23 at the Meerlieu Recreation Reserve.
The Bulls finished the season as minor premiers and were keen for redemption and their share of the silverware after going down to Lakes Entrance in the one-day final four weeks prior.
From major community gatherings to health research and regional development debates, March demonstrated East Gippsland’s vibrant social life, active civic engagement and ongoing focus on sustainable growth and community wellbeing.
