Representatives of the East Gippsland Shire Council, including mayor, councillor Tom Crook have been in Canberra at the Australia Local Government Association National General Assembly. The team were pushing the case for certainty on funding and untied funding, and a one per cent increase in Financial Assistance Grants from the Commonwealth Government.
Bairnsdale Pony Club is pleased to announce it has six newly accredited gear checkers. Natalie Goves, Merryn Henderson, Janine Bromwich, Erica Lynch, Claire Davidson and Sarah Johnston have all stepped up and gained their certificates recently.
The Bairnsdale and District Amateur Basketball Association (BADABA) is again rolling out the Aussie Hoops program in term three. The introductory program for children aged between five and nine years old gives the youngsters the chance to learn the basic basketball skills and game rules in a supportive, encouraging environment, before then moving into our junior competitions. It’s the BADABA’s goal to provide an exciting, fun and inclusive program for the next generation of little superstars, where they are encouraged to consistently build on their skill level and understanding of the game and start to build a love for basketball through a range
of activities and practice games. Designated Coaches on each night, hold Working With Children Checks and are either holding or working towards holding coaches accreditations. Sessions will be held on Thursdays (4.15-5pm) commencing on Thursday, July 25 and Friday (5.15-6pm), commencing on Friday, July 26.
Senator Tony Sheldon, Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, recently visited our region, travelling to Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Buchan, Cann Valley, Lake Tyers, Mallacoota and Orbost to gain a better understanding of recovery and reconstruction efforts following the disasters the region has endured. He met with the East Gippsland Shire Council mayor, councillor Tom Crook, chief executive officer, Fiona Weigall, community recovery committee head Peter Williams, Member for Gippsland Darren Chester, local councillors, staff, and community leaders. Key topics included streamlining disaster recovery funding and governance, supporting essential recovery projects, enhancing telecommunications systems for emergencies, securing long-term funding for NBN stand systems at assembly areas, and addressing the impacts of climate change on infrastructure. The potential outcomes of these discussions are significant and could include improved efficiency and accessibility of disaster recovery funding, enhanced support for vital recovery projects, better emergency communication systems, secured long-term funding for critical infrastructure, and increased resilience of infrastructure against climate change impacts are some of the anticipated benefits. The visit underscored the importance of continued support for these communities and we are pleased to have gained a commitment from Senator Sheldon to return to East Gippsland within three months and will take in the Omeo region on that visit.
Bairnsdale Eight Ball Association will have its annual general meeting at the Bairnsdale RSL on Tuesday, July 23.
Students from Nagle College have been successful in the Global Design Challenge, winning the International New Energy Challenge. The school recently had three teams participating in the International New Energy Challenge learning about skills and attributes relating to employment in the New Energy sector. The students competed with other Gippsland schools and a school in Hong Kong to design a solution for new energy. The Sigma Squad, consisting of Elizabeth, Imogen, Blake and Bella won both categories of the competition, People’s Choice award and the Industry Partner’s award.
Bairnsdale Squash and Racquetball Association is looking for potential players for its Wednesday night competition that will start on July 17.
West Bairnsdale Cricket Club will hold its annual general meeting tonight at 6pm at the Bairnsdale Club.
