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...
Latest Blogs
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State Government to prioritise the construction of a new Sale College campus, describing the current facilities as outdated and no longer fit for purpose.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...
COMMUNITY COLLEGE GIPPSLAND FACILITY OPENS IN MORWELL
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the opening of Community College Gippsland's new Morwell facility, joining educators, students and community leaders to celebrate the milestone set to bolster the organisation's long-standing contribution to the...
VOLUNTEER GRANTS PROGRAM OPEN FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling on local not-for-profit organisations to submit Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the 2025–26 Volunteer Grants program. Mr Chester said the Volunteer Grants program provides practical support to community...
NEW ALL-ABILITIES RAMP IMPROVES ACCESS AT SEASPRAY SLSC
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the completion of a new all-abilities access ramp at the Seaspray Surf Life Saving Club, improving accessibility for locals and visitors during the busy summer season. The project was delivered with support from...
WILSON LODGE RESIDENTS ENJOY FIRST CWAG OUTING
Residents from Wilson Lodge have enjoyed their very first outing with Cycling Without Age Gippsland, taking in fresh air, sunshine and the simple joy of a shared community experience. The local volunteer-run charity provides free trishaw rides for older people and...
CHESTER BACK IN SHADOW CABINET ROLE
After a tumultuous month in Canberra, Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he's happy to be back in Shadow Cabinet to represent the interests of Australian Defence Force veterans and their families. Mr Chester was returned to the role after the new leader...
CYCLING WITHOUT AGE GIPPSLAND HOST OLDEST EAST GIPPSLAND PASSENGER
Cycling Without Age Gippsland has hosted its oldest East Gippsland passenger, with 98-year-old Joyce Grimer enjoying a circuit of the Lakes Entrance esplanade with her daughter Pam Waters. Local volunteer Julie Chester was the pilot for the record-breaking ride. ...
YOU BUCHAN BEAUTY: PAVILION IN GREAT SHAPE
The major redevelopment of the Buchan Recreation Reserve, with a multi-million dollar community pavilion and sporting change rooms, will serve the region for generations to come, according to local MP Darren Chester. The Federal Member for Gippsland visited the site...
CELEBRATING RURAL SCHOOL LEADERS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has congratulated the newly appointed student leaders at Nambrok-Denison Primary School, following a visit to the school’s assembly to present leadership badges for 2026. Mr Chester thanked the school community for the warm...
STATEMENT FROM DARREN CHESTER
I welcome the decision to re-form the Coalition between the Liberal Party and The Nationals. The Federal Coalition has delivered the best form of government in our nation’s history, and our party room is united in its commitment to reset this successful political...
COUNCIL URGED TO EXPLAIN BOARDWALK FAILURE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has called on the East Gippsland Shire Council to publicly explain its failure to deliver a highly popular boardwalk project in a timely manner, despite receiving more than $5 million in Commonwealth funding. Mr Chester has...
CHC HELICOPTER CREWS HONOURED FOR BUSHFIRE SERVICE
Five CHC Helicopter personnel who were stationed at the East Sale RAAF Base during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires have been recognised with the National Emergency Medal for their outstanding service in responding to one of Australia’s worst natural disasters....




















