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<pstyle:2 – Body Text>East Gippsland Shire Council will cut the ribbon on three transformative projects in coming days, with the Orbost Forest Park launch set to welcome 150 school children and other interested locals from across the area for a community barbecue lunch, games for kids and a teddy bears picnic.
The official opening of Orbost Forest Park will take place at 10.30am on Friday, November 29, at Nicholson Street, Orbost and Stage 1 of the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails will be celebrated at 11.30am on Friday, December 6, at Livingstone Park in the town centre.
The WORLD Sporting Precinct in Bairnsdale will also celebrate its official opening at 5.30pm on Thursday, 5 December.
Council chief executive officer Fiona Weigall said these projects demonstrate council’s commitment to strengthening connections and creating opportunities for all East Gippslanders.
“Orbost Forest Park, the Omeo Mountain Bike Trails and the WORLD project all showcase what’s possible when Council and communities work hand in hand to bring shared visions to life,” Ms Weigall said.
“These spaces are more than infrastructure; they are places where people can come together, explore, and thrive.”
The $1.9 million revitalisation of Orbost Forest Park has transformed it into a welcoming hub for locals and travellers. It includes enhanced walking paths, expanded parking, new picnic facilities, a barbecue area and a modern adventure playground designed input with students from Orbost Secondary College.
With $1.3 million in Australian Government funding through the Regional Recovery Partnerships Program and $605,000 from council, the park is a leading example of community-focused design.
“This project reflects the importance of listening to our communities,” Ms Weigall said.
“The result is a vibrant space that caters to everyone – from families enjoying a picnic to visitors discovering the region.”
