Orbost’s Forest Park has undergone a transformative $1.9 million upgrade, celebrated with a community event led by East Gippsland Shire Council and featuring local leaders, organisations and students last Friday.
The revamped space now boasts enhanced walking paths, expanded parking, new picnic and barbecue facilities, an accessible toilet block with baby change amenities and a modern adventure playground co-designed by Orbost Community College students and constructed by Whelans Group Investments.
The event was led by Fiona Wiegall from the East Gippsland Shire Council, who acknowledged the council’s 30th anniversary since its formation through the amalgamation of the Orbost, Tambo, Bairnsdale, Omeo, and part of the Rosedale Shires.
Over the years, 17 mayors have served, with four – Brenda Murray OAM, Peter Bommer, Mark Reeves, and Marianne Pelz – holding strong ties to the Orbost community.
Mayor Cr John White highlighted the significance of the upgrade.
“Today we celebrate a milestone for East Gippsland and the Orbost community, transforming Forest Park into a modern, welcoming space that is accessible for everyone, appealing to locals and many, many visitors for generations to come,” he said.
To mark the occasion, a Teddy Bears’ Picnic and community barbecue lunch were held, symbolising the park’s inclusive and family-friendly nature – a welcoming place for people of all ages to come together and connect and enjoy the beauty of the region.
The project brought together community groups, including the Orbost and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Probus Club of Orbost, Orbost Historical Society, Orbost Residents Community Association and local schools.
Students from St Joseph’s Primary School and Orbost Community College were both present as well as several local families who also gathered.
Students of the previously known Orbost Secondary College helped to co design the park through consultation in the Broadening Horizons class.
Local MP, Tim Bull, spoke on behalf of Darren Chester whom was an apology and highlighted the hardships in which the local Orbost community has endured in recent times, emphasising the need for funding to be secured to ensure the visitor economy is able to attract many visitors to the region however, everyone has a role to play in promoting this park and area as a fabulous stopover.
Orbost Community College principal Peter Seal commended the collaboration, highlighting year eight and nine students’ involvement in pitching ideas to consultants.
He praised the work of one particular student, Dylan Conte, who created a digital flyover design of the playground.
“This project not only empowered students to engage with real-world challenges but also taught them about balancing creativity with practical constraints such as time and budget,” Mr Seal said.
Harper Milliken and Damian Strickland from St. Joseph’s Primary School shared their excitement about the new playground, expressing gratitude to the community for creating a fabulous space to play in their address.
Fiona Wiegall emphasised the importance of the park for Orbost and its visitors, saying, “This event is about the community and the users of this park.”
The celebration concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, with a sea of attendees joining in the momentous occasion before enjoying their lunch together.
