Orbost’s iconic Snowy Rail Bridge is set to serve as the backdrop for a special community gathering next month, designed to bring together local residents, businesses and regional partners to celebrate regional progress and discuss the future of the Far East Gippsland visitor economy.
Titled Brunch by the Bridge, the relaxed, family-friendly event will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 10.30am to 1.30pm at the western end of the historic bridge.
The initiative was created by local residents Michelle Webb, Michael Lee, and Cash Lucas, who met through the Building Resilient Forestry Communities Program.
Hoping to build a practical, optimistic event to highlight local progress and strengthen community connections, they designed the brunch to showcase the people, businesses and ideas shaping the future of Orbost, Marlo and Far East Gippsland.
The event comes at an important developmental juncture for the region.
Over recent months, the 10-Year Visitor Economy Plan for Orbost and Marlo has been presented to all levels of government and key regional stakeholders, including the East Gippsland Shire Council, Regional Development Victoria, Member for
Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh MP, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) and Destination Gippsland.
The Snowy Rail Bridge stands as a centrepiece of this broader long-term vision to foster a connected and thriving visitor economy in Far East Gippsland.
Organisers note the upcoming gathering provides an ideal informal setting for residents to hear the latest plan updates, build community awareness and discuss the future partnerships and investments required to strengthen the local economy.
Rather than acting as a formal meeting, Brunch by the Bridge is designed to be a relaxed morning for the community to reconnect.
The program includes:
– 10.30am: Arrivals, coffee and bridge viewing.
– 11am: A buffet grazing brunch prepared by Tara and Patrick.
Throughout the morning: Live acoustic music by local performer Rachel, community update displays showcasing local projects and open community conversations.
Families are highly encouraged to attend, with dedicated children’s activities, kid-friendly food and hot chocolates provided to ensure a welcoming environment for all ages.
For those arriving by car, parking will be available at the Eastern Carpark (marked by the red arches), with complimentary shuttle buses operating to transport attendees to the western end of the bridge.
Brunch by the Bridge is proudly supported and sponsored by the Committee for
Gippsland and the Building Resilient Forestry Communities Program.
