A special piece of East Gippsland’s history will be brought back to life this May, as a local committee prepares for a double celebration honouring the legacy of the former Shire of Orbost and the 30th anniversary of Orbost Civil & Civic Pty Ltd (OCC).
The reunion, scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, aims to bring together former employees, councillors and their families to reminisce about an era of local governance that defined the region for generations.
It has been more than three decades since the 1994 Victorian local government amalgamations saw the Shire of Orbost merged with the shires of Tambo, Omeo, Bairnsdale, and the City of Bairnsdale to form the current East Gippsland Shire.
For many residents under the age of 40, the old Shire structure is a distant memory, but for those who served or worked within it, the period remains a source of immense pride.
Covering roughly 10,000 square kilometres – nearly half the size of the current municipality – the Shire of Orbost managed a population of 4500 people with a locals for locals philosophy.
The event will also serve as a 30-year milestone for Orbost Civil & Civic Pty Ltd. Established in the wake of the amalgamation, OCC was a strategic effort to retain as many local jobs as possible by securing contracts that were formerly handled directly by the Shire.
The company successfully won three major five-year contracts during its early years and continues to operate as a successful local business today.
The reunion is open to all
staff and partners of OCC,
past and present.
The theme of the reunion is “In my day…”, with attendees encouraged to come armed with memories and anecdotes. While the full format is currently being finalised by organisers, the afternoon is expected to follow a nostalgic itinerary:
– Mid-afternoon: Registration and collection of name tags at the Orbost Club Hotel.
– Group photograph: A commemorative walk to the front of the old Shire offices for a group photo.
– Social gathering: A return to the hotel for a formal catch-up and discussion session.
Prior to 1993, the Shire was a major regional employer and infrastructure manager, featuring:
– Headquarters: Orbost Shire office and main work depot.
– Regional depots: Cann River, Mallacoota, and Bendoc.
– Workforce: Approximately 40 field staff and 20 administrative and engineering staff.
– Operations: Management of airports at Mallacoota and Marlo, as well as caravan parks in Mallacoota, Genoa, Cann River, and Orbost.
All those with a connection to the former Shire or OCC are encouraged to mark May 2 on their calendars for this rare opportunity to celebrate Orbost’s enduring community spirit.
