Your local and independent news from the Prom Coast and South Gippsland.
Hello from the Prom Coast! What’s happening, you ask? Well, bird flu has reached Australian shores and we have the down low on what to look out for on our beaches, the rates freeze petition has failed, Council has knocked back funding for the Long Jetty toilets at Port Welshpool, and the South Gippsland Highway has landed on the state's most dangerous roads list. But there's plenty to celebrate too, from a state arts grant for Fish Creek's (it's no) drama to Waratah Beach SLSC's first ever state medal. Read on for all the stories, or grab this week's full digital edition here.
As always, thank you for reading and supporting your community newspaper - and don’t forget to share this email with your friends, family and colleagues to spread the word, and the news! The Prom Coast News team.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"There is no qualification for rescuing dachshunds from drainpipes!" - Alice Olenich, Foster SES
NEWS
Council baulks at funding Long Jetty loos. South Gippsland Shire Council's 2026/27 budget confirms a significant pullback in toilet funding across the shire, with a long-sought proposal for facilities at the Port Welshpool Long Jetty rejected outright. The Welshpool and District Advisory Group has hit back hard. Read the full story →
Rates freeze petition fails. A petition carrying more than 2,000 signatures calling for a three-year rates freeze failed to sway the majority of councillors, generating the budget meeting's most pointed debate. Councillor Steve Finlay was the lone dissenting vote, while Councillor Bron Beach and Mayor Hersey argued a rate freeze would have cost essential services the community relies on. Read more →
Bird flu reaches Australia. Australia confirmed its first mainland detection of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza on 20 June, and the implications for the Prom Coast's waterbirds, seabirds and marine mammals are significant. If you see a sick or dead bird on the beach, do not touch it: call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Read more →
Decommissioning the Bass Strait oil rigs: a once-in-a-generation opportunity. A Victorian parliamentary inquiry has recommended full removal of end-of-life oil and gas infrastructure in Bass Strait, with major implications for Barry Beach where Esso's decommissioning works are already underway. Local advocate Zavier Evans says the project could deliver real economic benefits for the region if managed with the right oversight. Read more →
Council ends community sharps program. From 1 July, Council will remove sharps disposal bins from Foster, Korumburra, Leongatha, Mirboo North, Nyora and Tarwin Lower, transitioning responsibility to the health sector. Wall safe units in public toilets will remain. Read more →
COMMUNITY
Foster Secondary College is celebrating two outstanding student achievements, with Jahkoa Morton and Myunah Duroux recognised with Murrung Education Scholarships at a state ceremony in Melbourne, while Marrung Lead Tika Hicken was a finalist in the Victorian Education Secretary's Marrung Awards for her work transforming the school's First Nations learning spaces.
The Foster Agricultural Show has taken out a state innovation award for its Back-to-Back Wool Challenge, while big changes are afoot at Tidal River, with Wilsons Promontory Cruises announced as the new operator of the General Store and volunteers putting in more than 1,000 native plants around the new visitor centre. Also this week, South Gippsland Landcare Network representatives took their case for sustained funding to Parliament House in Melbourne.
LIFESTYLE
Fish Creek's inclusive arts company (it's no) drama has been awarded $30,000 through the Australian Government's Regional Arts Fund to create PowerLine, a major new performance work bound for Federation Square and Gasworks Arts Park. ARIA winner William Crighton brings a solo, stripped-back show to Meeniyan Town Hall on 8 August, with community tickets available for anyone doing it tough. Tasmanian researcher Neil Waters brings his documentary Eyes Like Diamonds, exploring whether the thylacine still exists, to Yarram and Foster in July.
SPORT
The Prom Coast Pack Runs braved a 1°C start at Foster on 28 June, with plenty of regulars, families and furry friends out on the rail trail. Waratah Beach SLSC made history with their first ever state IRB medal, claiming silver in the women's mass rescue at the Victorian championships. Foster FNC turned back the clock for a heritage round against MDU. In last weekend's footy, Foster put 131 points on Tarwin, MDU accounted for Mirboo North, Thorpdale kept pace in a tightening ladder with a big win over Stony Creek, and Toora fell agonisingly short against Boolarra after a barnstorming last quarter from Tex Dyson.
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