Australia's world-leading rates of melanoma and skin cancer serve as a stark reminder to stay vigilant about sun protection as ultraviolet (UV) levels rise heading into summer, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. Mr Chester, who co-chairs the...
Latest Blogs
2026 #LOVEGIPPSLAND CALENDARS MAKE WAY ACROSS THE REGION
Residents at Crossley House in Yarram are among the first Gippslanders to receive their copy of Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester’s free 2026 #lovegippsland calendar, with the aged care facility one of several to receive a direct delivery this week. Mr...
LABOR-GREENS DEAL WILL COST MORE TIMBER JOBS
The native hardwood and plantation timber industry are both facing 'deaths by a thousand cuts' after a Labor-Greens deal to pass reforms to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC), according to local MP Darren Chester. The Federal Member for Gippsland...
SUPPORT LOCAL MAKERS THIS CHRISTMAS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging Gippslanders to support local businesses this holiday season, including the many artisans, creators and small producers who contribute so much to the region's economy and community spirit. During a visit to...
MALLACOOTA–GENOA ROAD DELAYS A DISGRACE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has accused the Victorian Labor Government of gambling with the safety and lives of Gippslanders and visitors by failing to act on long-overdue upgrades to the Mallacoota–Genoa Road, despite $10 million in federal funding...
SUPPORTING YOUNG PARENTS TO SUCCEED
Kurnai College is helping young Gippslanders complete their Year 12 VPC, alongside VET modules and other qualifications, through a dynamic educational program designed specifically for young parents balancing study and the challenges of raising children. Federal...
NDIS CUTS IMPACTING GIPPSLAND FAMILIES
Gippsland National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants and providers are being disproportionately affected by the Albanese Government's recent decision to freeze allied health pay rates and halve travel allowances. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren...
ALBANESE FORCED INTO HUMILIATING RETREAT ON DEFENCE HONOURS
The Albanese Government has been forced to withdraw legislation that would undermine the integrity of the defence honours and awards appeals system after failing to consult with veterans and Australian Defence Force personnel. Shadow Minister for Veterans’ Affairs...
SENATE INQUIRY CONDEMNS ‘DISGRACEFUL’ BILL
Coalition and crossbench Senators have joined forces to reject the Albanese Government’s plan to undermine the defence honours and awards system, which veterans groups have described as ‘disgraceful’. The Defence Amendment (Defence Honours and Awards Appeal Tribunal)...
LOCAL SPORTING CHAMPIONS GRANTS OPEN TO YOUNG GIPPSLAND ATHLETES
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging eligible young athletes across the region to apply for Round Three of the 2025–26 Local Sporting Champions grant program, which provides financial support to help junior sportspeople compete at elite levels. Mr...
CELEBRATING GIPPSLAND’S FARMING COMMUNITY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has paid tribute to the region’s farmers, producers and agricultural workers as part of National Agriculture Day, recognising their vital role in sustaining local communities and contributing to Australia’s food security. Mr...
WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR 2026 #LOVEGIPPSLAND CALENDAR COMPETITION
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has announced the winners of his 2026 #lovegippsland calendar competition, following another outstanding collection of photographs showcasing the beauty of the region. This year’s theme, ‘Iconic Gippsland’, challenged...
AKD WORKERS TO RECEIVE FULL PAY: CHESTER
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he has been assured that AKD Yarram Sawmill workers will receive their full entitlements and additional assistance to manage yesterday’s shock announcement of major job losses. Mr Chester said he had met with a senior...
YARRAM JOB LOSSES DEVASTATING FOR LOCAL FAMILIES
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says employees at a Yarram sawmill are owed an explanation from senior management after losing their jobs without warning. Mr Chester said the loss of more than 70 direct jobs was devastating for the community, with the...
NEW MALLACOOTA RESPITE CARE CENTRE OPENS
Mallacoota residents requiring respite care can now access high-quality support close to home with the opening of the new purpose-built Mallacoota Respite Care Centre, delivered by Mallacoota District Health and Support Service (MDHSS). The facility has been designed...
UPGRADED MALLACOOTA HALL READY TO SERVE COMMUNITY NEEDS
The Mallacoota Hall, which became a vital hub for relief and recovery efforts during the Black Summer bushfires, has now been transformed into a more functional, accessible and resilient community facility. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester helped secure...
CHESTER ENGAGES FUTURE LEADERS AT CHAIRO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Year 5 and 6 students at Chairo Christian School in Traralgon gained firsthand insight into Australia’s political system this week when Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester visited their classroom as part of their civics and citizenship studies. The students...
‘PUTTING LOCALS FIRST’ CREATES LOCAL JOBS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging Gippslanders to support local businesses this Christmas and help to create more jobs across the region. Mr Chester says putting locals first is the best Christmas gift because there are so many outstanding...
KALIMNA WORKS READY FOR PEAK SEASON
Work is progressing well to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians on the western approach to Lakes Entrance, with a new pathway set to be popular with locals and visitors. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) secured the majority of the $2...
MALLACOOTA LOOKING GREAT FOR HOLIDAY RUSH
The major upgrade to the Mallacoota streetscape is looking great for the Christmas holiday rush, according to local MP Darren Chester (pictured). Mr Chester secured funding from the previous Federal Government for the Mallacoota streetscape project, which has been...




















