The prospect of an El Nino summer always worries those of us interested in forests, whether they are native or urban. Hotter summer temperatures and lower rainfall can greatly impact both our natural and urban environments. This summer shows every indication of being hotter than usual.

After years of waiting, wondering and watching, Toora’s historic bakery is finally about to come back to life. If all goes to plan, Red Pig Historical Bakery will open its doors on October 14, with local boy and internationally experienced chef Allan Allsop taking charge.

Several Prom Coast artists are among 33 selected for the inaugural Artists of Gippsland touring exhibition, which opens at ArtSpace Wonthaggi on Tuesday 3 November before travelling to Coal Creek in Korumburra and finishing at Meeniyan Art Gallery early next year.

Fish Creek artist Sarah Parkes is bringing Gippsland's agricultural rubbish to Geelong, exhibiting a large woven work made from silage wrap and hay bale netting at the inaugural Victorian Regional Design Fair.

South Gippsland's six public swimming pools have been placed firmly on the community agenda, with Council considering whether one or more may eventually close.

The announcement that Australia's three major telcos will switch on temporary disaster roaming from 1 October, but questioned how the system would work in practice on the Prom Coast and said it still didn't address the region's fundamental communications vulnerability.

Card surcharges have disappeared, but while Prom Coast shoppers may welcome the end of the extra fee at the checkout, local businesses warn the cost of processing those payments has not disappeared with them.