Your local and independent news from the Prom Coast and South Gippsland.
What’s happening on the Prom Coast? Bird flu has arrived in South Gippsland with a positive detection in a tern at Sandy Point, council has voted unanimously to advocate to protect agricultural land, the Gippsland New Energy Conference sparked hope, and the Corner Inlet Stingrays have two teams heading to Grand Finals. Read on for all the stories, or grab the latest digital edition here.
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Quote of the fortnight
“We work with wildlife because we care deeply about it. Watching animals that you know and study potentially being affected can bring a very real sense of environmental grief and helplessness… please remember that there are people behind the science, response efforts and wildlife stories you are reading. Check in on them. Be thoughtful about what you share. And above all, please be kind.” - Sue Mason, from Phillip Island Whale Watchers, on the how to support local wildlife carers, researchers, parks rangers, veterinarians, and tourism operators deal with the impact of bird flu.
NEWS
Bird flu confirmed at Sandy Point. H5 bird flu has been confirmed in South Gippsland, with a positive case in a Greater Crested Tern recorded on 15 August at Hourigan's Camp Lane, Sandy Point, and sick and dead birds reported at the Spit and a Black Swan at Shallow Inlet. Signage has been erected at local beaches by DEECA. Dogs must be kept on leashes at all beaches, including the off-leash section at Ned Neales. Do not touch any sick or dead wildlife. Call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888. Full article in this week's edition →
Gippsland New Energy Conference sparks discussion and hope. Last week's annual Gippsland New Energy Conference showcased the remarkable progress being made across the region as aging infrastructure is retired and renewable capacity grows. Foster's Emma McKay spoke about the need for community involvement in benefit schemes, and Mayor Nathan Hersey called for long-term investment rather than one-off projects. Read more →
Council votes unanimously to advocate to protect South Gippsland's farmland. South Gippsland Shire Council has voted unanimously to take a motion to the MAV calling for a coordinated state government strategy to protect agricultural land — mapping high-value land, establishing statewide planning criteria and restricting incompatible land uses. Councillor Schelling was blunt: "This is the food bowl of Victoria, even the food bowl of Australia. If we don't protect this now for our kids going forward, what are we going to eat?" Read more →
COMMUNITY
It's all happening! The annual Buffalo Community BBQ is this Sunday 30 August at the Buffalo Hall; the Tidal River Visitor Centre has reopened following its major upgrade; more than 40 volunteers turned out on 8 August to plant 1,100 native seedlings along Battery Creek in Fish Creek, in a Prom Coast Ecolink and South Gippsland Water partnership, and Foster Primary School has introduced a co-teaching model in its Prep and Year 1 classes, with two teachers and an Education Support Staff member working together every morning. Plus, seven Prom Coast organisations have shared in $122,959 of Council community grants, with applications for Round One of 2026/27 closing Monday 31 August. And thespians take note: Coal Creek is looking for local actors to portray ten historical characters in a new virtual experience — expressions of interest close Sunday 30 August.
LIFESTYLE
FAMDA's 24th South Gippsland One Act Play Festival takes over the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre this Friday and Saturday 29 and 30 August, with more than 20 plays across five sessions. Twenty-three young performers present White Mouse at the Foster Arts Centre this Friday 28 August at 6.30pm. The Meeniyan Town Tavern Night on Saturday 5 September brings eight acts to Meeniyan Hall with all proceeds toward the Paint the Hall appeal — $15 entry, BYO. Fish Creek's Fish Creek Memorial Hall hosts Prom Recitals' Liquid Threads on Sunday 30 August at 2.30pm — two world-class viola da gamba players, 400 years of music.
SPORT
The Corner Inlet Stingrays are heading to not one but two Grand Finals, in the U10s and U12s - good luck kids! In senior football, Fish Creek survived a Sharks fightback to win their elimination final 13.10 (88) to 7.8 (50), with Charlie Wilson booting six. And MDU staged a remarkable comeback to beat an injury-depleted Thorpdale 11.14 (80) to 10.13 (73) at Willow Grove, with Trent McRae putting on a four-quarter clinic to finish with five goals. Fish Creek and MDU meet next Sunday at Newborough in what promises to be a fascinating semi-final.
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