As mayor, I’m always looking for ways to make sure East Gippsland’s voice is heard where decisions affecting our region are made – so this month, I travelled to Canberra with council chief executive officer Fiona Weigall for the Regional Australia Institute’s Regions Rising National Summit.
The theme was ‘People Power 2026’, and I think it captures something important about regional Australia: our communities should always be the driving force behind the changes happening across the regions, and our people need to be at the centre of decisions.
Regional Australia is changing quickly. Population growth, the transition to new forms of energy, a push for more domestic manufacturing, digital disruption, housing pressures and changes in the workforce are reshaping our communities. These changes bring challenges and opportunities.
Making the most of those opportunities means ensuring regional communities have a genuine say in how new systems, investment and services are designed – and that they share in the benefits.
While in Canberra, we met with federal ministers, Members of Parliament and advisers across a range of portfolios. We raised issues that matter to East Gippsland, including the cumulative impact of successive emergencies, the need for continued investment in local roads, and greater flexibility in disaster recovery funding.
We also raised concerns about bird flu, the Gippsland Lakes, environmental protection – including pest plant and animal management – and local government financial sustainability.
It is important that our shire has a strong voice in Canberra, and I’ll continue to advocate for our region and keep you updated as those conversations progress.
Back home, there is plenty happening as we head towards the warmer months.
The East Gippsland Seniors Festival begins Thursday, October 1, with a fantastic program of events across the region. I am particularly looking forward to seeing Wendy Stapleton perform at the free Seniors Concert on 14 October. More information and booking details are available on Council’s website
The East Gippsland Jobs Expo returns on Thursday, October 8, and over the coming months we’ll also welcome major events including the Lakes Entrance Ultrafecta – an obstacle course event – and the Lakes Entrance Running Festival, both set to attract thousands of competitors and spectators.
As the weather warms up, it’s also a good time to think about water safety. Water safety is a skill for life, and it’s never too early – or too late – to learn.
Twenty years ago, I was a swimming teacher at our very own BARC, and I’d encourage anyone considering aquatic education or a career in the industry to give it a go. It’s rewarding work and a great way to give back to the community.
Fire season is also approaching. Council is working behind the scenes to provide training and support for our community and organisations such as the CFA. I encourage everyone to attend a local CFA Get Fire Ready session and check in with your local brigade, and make sure you’re prepared too.
The East Gippsland Emergency Dashboard, which you can find on our website, is a useful place to start.
Finally, I’ll be attending the final Municipal Association of Victoria State Council meeting for the year, where East Gippsland will put forward a motion calling for Australia to investigate implementing a national Sovereign Wealth Fund, funded through a share of natural resource royalties and taxes, with benefits flowing back to regional communities and future generations.
I’ll report back on how that discussion goes.
Until next month, take care out there.
East Gippsland Shire mayor, Cr Jodie Ashworth
