Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the growth in The Centre Combined Health in Bairnsdale, describing it as an innovative approach to improving access to healthcare services in regional communities. Mr Chester recently visited the purpose-built...
2014 Archive
EDUCATION GAP FOR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has highlighted growing concerns about gaps and inconsistencies in the education system for children with autism, following a meeting with a local mother worried her son may be left without a suitable schooling option. Mr...
EAST GIPPSLAND FIELD DAYS: CHESTER
The East Gippsland Field Days are much more than a social event on the local calendar. They are a celebration of the people, industries and community spirit that make our region unique. By bringing together farmers, families, businesses, community groups and visitors...
GOVERNMENT ‘LIGHT ON DETAILS’ FOR FOOD SECURITY
The Albanese Government has been challenged to provide greater assurances that fuel will be prioritised for agriculture, food manufacturing and the transport sector if the war in Iran causes further supply disruptions. Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and...
COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO ATTRACT GP TO LAKES ENTRANCE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed a community-driven campaign to attract a new general practitioner (GP) to Lakes Entrance, describing it as a positive step to strengthen local healthcare services. Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre has launched the...
TIME FOR ACTION ON EUROPEAN CARP: CHESTER
Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester says it’s time to get serious about European carp, which are destroying waterways and impacting biodiversity across Australia. Speaking in Federal Parliament, Mr Chester has backed the Victorian...
ALBANESE SELLS OUT AUSSIE FARMERS IN EUROPEAN DEAL
The Albanese Government has failed to secure a fair deal for Australian farms in an Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement that has been slammed by agricultural organisations. Shadow Minister for Agriculture Darren Chester has challenged the Agriculture...
FRUIT AND VEGGIES YUMMY YUMMY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed a new national campaign encouraging children to eat more fruit and vegetables, while also supporting Australia’s fresh produce industry. Mr Chester met with Jo Crawford-Wynd, Corporate Affairs and Policy...
CHESTER MEETS WITH ONE GIPPSLAND AHEAD OF FEDERAL BUDGET
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has met with representatives from One Gippsland in Canberra, highlighting the importance of regional advocacy as work begins ahead of the 2026 Federal Budget. "Engaging directly with regional leaders is incredibly important,...
94-YEAR-OLD EAST GIPPSLANDER SHARES LIFETIME OF EXPERIENCE IN NEW BOOK
At 94 years of age, East Gippslander John Mulligan continues to share his knowledge and passion for the environment, with his new book Our Mismanaged Forests set to be officially launched this Sunday. Speaking in Federal Parliament, Member for Gippsland Darren Chester...
ENSAY RECREATION RESERVE REDEVELOPMENT DELIVERED
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated the Ensay Recreation Reserve Committee of Management and local volunteers on the successful completion of a major $2.2 million redevelopment, delivered as part of the Black Summer bushfire recovery. Mr...
CHESTER TO ELEVATE FOOD SECURITY ISSUE IN CANBERRA
Elevating the issue of food and fibre security to a matter of national importance will be the primary focus of new Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Darren Chester. Speaking after the announcement of The Nationals’ revised Shadow Ministry, Mr...
CHESTER MEETS WITH LATROBE CITY COUNCIL IN CANBERRA
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has met with Latrobe City Council representatives in Canberra to discuss the region's priorities ahead of the 2026–27 Federal Budget. Mr Chester met with Latrobe City Council Mayor Sharon Gibson, Deputy Mayor Dale Harriman,...
STATEMENT FROM DEPUTY LEADER OF THE NATIONALS DARREN CHESTER
I'm incredibly honoured to have been elected Deputy Leader of The Nationals Federal Parliamentary team, serving alongside our new Leader Matt Canavan. I acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the previous leadership team, David Littleproud and Kevin Hogan, who I...
CHESTER CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON SALE COLLEGE REDEVELOPMENT
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has renewed calls in Federal Parliament for the Victorian State Government to prioritise the construction of a new Sale College campus, describing the current facilities as outdated and no longer fit for purpose. Speaking in...
NEW PAVILION TAKING SHAPE AT REC RESERVE
The $6.2 million redevelopment of Traralgon Recreation Reserve is progressing well, with construction of the new flood-proof Multipurpose Pavilion underway following the demolition of the site's long-standing, flood-prone facilities. Federal Member for Gippsland...
CHESTER RECOGNISES GLENGARRY PRIMARY SCHOOL LEADER
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated the 2026 student leadership group at Glengarry Primary School, touting today's student leaders as tomorrow's community leaders, volunteers and decision-makers. Mr Chester met with the newly appointed...
BOARDWALK PROJECT WILL GET BACK ON TRACK
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he believes the Krauatungalung Walk project can get ‘back on track’ after meetings this week with East Gippsland Shire Council (EGSC) and the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLAWAC). Mr Chester said...
UNIQUE ARTWORK CELEBRATES ‘RAILWAY DOG’
Three metal sculptures depicting a famous kelpie are set to grace the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail, thanks to the work of Cowwarr artist Jo Caminiti. Jo bought herself a welder for her 50th birthday and is a self-taught sculptor who was commissioned to create the...
SHIRLEY CELEBRATES 95TH BIRTHDAY WITH CYCLING WITHOUT AGE
A 95th birthday is a remarkable milestone, and Shirley Boulton marked hers in memorable fashion this week with a special trishaw ride around Lake Guthridge thanks to Cycling Without Age Gippsland. The volunteer-run charity was delighted to help Shirley celebrate her...




















