Over the past year, the Bemm River Progress Association has worked closely with East Gippsland Shire Council to deliver a series of projects that have significantly enhanced the town’s boardwalk precinct.
Last year, East Gippsland Shire completed the boardwalk project around the town, which has been warmly welcomed by both locals and visitors.
At the same time, the Bemm River Progress Association partnered with Monash University’s Fires to Flourish Program, Moogji, and East Gippsland Shire to secure funding to further enhance the area through the creation of the Bush Tucker Walk.
This project involved the installation of planter boxes along Sydenham Parade, showcasing a variety of edible native bush plants.
The plants were supplied and planted by Moogji, with each planter box featuring an interpretive display identifying the plant species and outlining their uses and benefits.
In addition, progress association president Wayne Hind undertook an extensive amount of historical research, with the assistance of Marilyn Morgan from Orbost, to develop a series of history boards located along the Boardwalk.
This was a substantial task, particularly given Wayne has only lived in the area for three years.
Each historical display includes a QR code, allowing visitors to access additional content on their personal devices.
Solar-powered bollard lights have been strategically installed along the boardwalk, further enhancing safety and ambience.
Following this success, additional solar bollard lights have been purchased and will be installed along Sydenham Inlet Road, extending towards the Caravan Park.
As the project neared completion and funding remained available, the Progress Association liaised with East Gippsland Shire to address the condition of the Luderick Park retaining wall. Originally a Progress Association project completed in 2005, the wall required repair after nearly 20 years.
The shire generously provided labour, with the progress association funding the materials.
This project has now been completed and is looking fantastic, just in time for the 2026 Hobie Competition.
These achievements represent a fantastic outcome for our small coastal town and highlight the value of collaboration between community groups and local government.
