Darren Chester MP

It’s important to tell our stories as a region.

Personal accounts and recollections from people affected by the 2016-19 drought, the 2019-20 bushfires and COVID-19 are being sought as part of a new project.

The collection of stories will appear in the book ‘Heartbreak to Hope’, compiled by members of this year's Gippsland Community Leadership Program.

Submissions can be in the form of stories, poems, photos, drawings or anything else suitable for print media. The maximum length is 1000 words.

Content can be about suffering, survival, resilience, recovery, community, coping, healing or anything related to the bushfire events.

For more information and to submit visit: www.gclp.asn.au

With summer on the way, here’s a reminder that surf lifesaving patrols don’t just happen!

Our volunteer lifesavers need to train and keep their qualifications up to date if they are going to continue to provide an outstanding service to keep us safe at the beach every summer.

Terrific to see some young Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club members taking advantage of the beautiful weekend weather to undertake inflatable rescue boat (IRB) driver and crew training.

The IRBs are an important patrol and rescue tool which allows crews to launch and respond quickly to emergency situations.

Across my electorate, we have patrolled beaches at Mallacoota, Lakes Entrance, Woodside and Seaspray - thanks to all the volunteers who do such a great job.

#lovegippsland

Pix courtesy Lakes Entrance SLSC

This week is ‘police week’ and today is national ‘Thank a Cop Day’.

I want to take the opportunity to thank all police officers who serve Gippsland, and throughout Australia, along with the family members who support them.

It’s an often difficult, emotionally challenging, sometimes dangerous, and always important vocation you have chosen to uphold the law.

We are blessed as a nation to have police officers who serve with such distinction and keep many vulnerable people safe.

Thank you.

#lovegippsland