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STATEMENT ON INCREASE TO JOBSEEKER BASE RATE
Today’s decision to permanently increase the Jobseeker base rate by $50 per fortnight is a fair approach to a notoriously difficult issue. Jobseeker was temporarily set at emergency levels to support people through the pandemic but the increase was not sustainable and...
HELPING HOTELS LOWER THEIR POWER BILLS
Small and medium hotels across Gippsland can access support to lower their power bills and invest in their business. Local MP Darren Chester said hotels, motels and serviced apartment complexes with up to 99 rooms can access grants up to $25,000 for energy-saving...
LAKES TO LIGHT UP THIS WINTER
Lakes Entrance will come alive this winter with the inaugural East Gippsland Winter Festival. Local MP Darren Chester secured a $35,745 grant to support the festival and highlight event Lakes Lights. “The East Gippsland Winter Festival will celebrate our region and...
CHESTER ATTENDS LAUNCH OF YOUTH INSEARCH END SUICIDE CAMPAGIN
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester attended the launch of the Youth Insearch End Suicide campaign this week at Parliament House. Mr Chester said Youth Insearch was the only Australian organisation dedicated to helping young people face trauma through peer...
APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR LOCAL DRUG ACTION TEAMS
More Local Drug Action Teams are set to rollout across Australia as the Federal Government continues to take action to combat the scourge of ice, alcohol and other drugs. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said applications were now open for registration of...
LIFE-SAVING FUNDING FOR GIPPSLAND ROADS
Lives will be saved as some of Gippsland’s worst roads receive a $25 million funding boost, according to local MP Darren Chester. Mr Chester said the Federal Government was providing $20 million for the road safety program with the State Government contributing $5...
WORKS TO REVITALISE TOONGABBIE NEARING COMPLETION
Works to revitalise the township of Toongabbie and improve the local infrastructure are approaching completion. Local MP Darren Chester said the $300,000 revitalisation would make Toongabbie more accessible and attractive to locals and visitors alike. “These upgrades...
CHESTER VISITS ORBOST SECONDARY COLLEGE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester last week visited Orbost Secondary College to present leadership badges and certificates and to receive a tour of the new buildings. During his visit, Mr Chester attended the school assembly to present student leaders with...
WORKS TO START ON A SECTION OF BONANG ROAD
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says sealing of a 1.7 kilometre section of the Bonang Road will begin this week. Mr Chester said planning is underway to seal the remaining section of the Bonang Road between Bonang and Goongerah. Mr Chester has campaigned...
UPGRADES UNDERWAY AT RAAF BASE EAST SALE
Local contractors and businesses, as well as Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel based in Sale will benefit as upgrades to facilities at RAAF Base East Sale are carried out. Federal Member for Gippsland and Minister for Defence Personnel, Darren Chester said $34...
CHESTER MEETS WITH BUCHAN RECOVERY COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with Buchan Community Recovery Committee members Greg Brick and Kate Hodge discussing plans for a $2.8 million upgrade for the streetscape. The project is being funded by the Federal and State Government’s Bushfire Recovery...
TAX CUTS PROVIDE MORE MONEY FOR GIPPSLANDERS
Gippslanders are seeing more money in their pockets thanks to the 2020-21 Federal Budget tax cuts. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the government’s tax cuts were already benefitting Gippslanders and were focused on helping people with cost of living...
GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES TO TRIAL 5G TECHNOLOGY
Businesses in Gippsland can now apply for grant funding through the Australian 5G Innovation Initiative, to trial commercial uses of 5G technology. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the initiative would help small to large businesses in Gippsland test...
OFFICIAL OPENING OF HEYFIELD YOUTH PRECINCT
The Heyfield Youth Play Precinct was officially opened today by Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Wellington Shire Council Mayor Garry Stephens. Mr Chester said the $250,000 project was a testament to the Heyfield community which advocated for the new...
EAST GIPPSLAND SHORT-CHANGED BY BUSHFIRE FUNDS
Bushfire-impacted East Gippslanders have been short-changed and are owed an explanation, with the announcement of funding under the ‘Regional Economic Stimulus and Resilience Grants’ program. As the Victorian region which suffered the most direct social, economic and...
NBN rebuilt in bushfire-torn Mallacoota
The NBN fixed line network in Mallacoota has now been rebuilt after sustaining severe damage during the bushfires of last summer. Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said that NBN Co had been working hard...
CREATIVE PRECINCT OPENING TO SHOWCASE LOCALS
The opening of the Latrobe Creative Precinct will be a celebration of local talent and performing arts in the Latrobe Valley. Local MP Darren Chester announced $45,000 for the opening celebration and 50th anniversary of the Latrobe Performing Arts Centre. “The Latrobe...
CHESTER HEADS BACK TO PARLIAMENT
Local MP Darren Chester has headed back to Parliament for the first time in 2021 with a focus on delivering projects and securing more funding for Gippsland. Mr Chester said he feels extremely positive and optimistic about the future and expressed how proud he is of...
LUCKNOW RECREATION RESERVE UPGRADE TAKING SHAPE
The transformation of facilities at Lucknow Recreation Reserve is well underway with new change rooms and expanded club rooms, to complement the upgraded netball courts. Local MP Darren Chester said works were progressing and the main building was now at lock up stage...
DROUGHT ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS AVAILABLE
More assistance is available to farming families in Gippsland affected by drought. Affected households can now apply for payments of up to $3,000 through the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Drought Relief Program. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester...
MORE MAKING THE MOVE TO GIPPSLAND
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the growth in demand for regional properties is a positive sign for the future of the region. But he warned that all levels of government will need to move quickly to provide the infrastructure and services demanded by...
TRIALS TO INVESTIGATE BETTER VOICE SERVICES FOR GIPPSLAND
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the announcement of $2 million for the Alternative Voice Services Trials (AVST) Program to trial alternative ways to deliver voices services in rural and remote areas of Australia, including Gippsland. Mr...
HEADTOHELP IN SALE OFFICIALLY OPENS
A new service for those needing mental health care and support in Wellington is now officially open. Local MP Darren Chester said the new clinic would provide welcome assistance to Gippslanders who were struggling. “The HeadtoHelp hub will assess and provide mental...
SWIFTS CREEK POOL UPGRADE UNDERWAY
Swifts Creek will soon be home to a new swimming pool as a major redevelopment of the pool and amenities gets underway. Local MP Darren Chester said the roof replacement works, installation of the pool chlorinators and solar heaters have now been completed. “Works on...
AUSTRALIA DAY: REFLECT. RESPECT. CELEBRATE
Australia Day is more than a public holiday – it’s the perfect opportunity to pause and reflect on what has made our nation successful, and the determination we have to overcome any challenges. But what makes Australia such a great nation? Other countries have...
PREMIER MUST ACT ON FARM WORKER SHORTAGE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is calling on Premier Daniel Andrews to bring in more Pacific workers to help address the seasonal farm worker shortage in the Victorian agricultural sector. Mr Chester wrote to the Premier in December expressing the...
FUNDING STRATEGIC PROJECTS CRITICAL IN RECOVERY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has nominated six strategic projects which should receive bushfire recovery funding as soon as possible to boost local jobs. Mr Chester said the long delays in announcing funding for regional economic recovery projects was...
WORKING TO IMPROVE MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE IN LICOLA
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the first step towards improving mobile phone coverage in Licola. Mr Chester said the installation of a new small cell would provide year-round coverage in Licola township. “The installation of a small cell...
BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUND NOW OPEN
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging local councils and community organisations to now apply for the latest round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF). Mr Chester said round five would support communities which had been affected by drought,...
#LOVEGIPPSLAND STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAM NOW OPEN
Community groups across Gippsland can access Federal Government grants to upgrade and improve their facilities and resources. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said $150,000 had been allocated to upgrade local community infrastructure through round six of...
RECORD ROAD FUNDING ON THE WAY FOR GIPPSLAND
Gippsland motorists are set to benefit from record road funding for local projects over the next two years, according to local MP Darren Chester. Mr Chester said the Federal Government was partnering with other levels of government to deliver road and bridge projects...
BUSHFIRE ROADS RECEIVE FUNDING BOOST
Three arterial roads significantly impacted by last summer’s bushfires will receive more than $10 million in Federal Government funding to improve safety and resilience of the transport corridors. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Bonang Rd,...
BUSHFIRE COMMUNITY PROJECTS RECEIVE WELCOME BOOST
Nine community projects across East Gippsland will share in $2.4 million of funding to assist bushfire recovery efforts in the region under the Local Economic Recovery Program (LERP). Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the joint Federal-State Government...
BOOST FOR LAKES ENTRANCE ROADS
The transformation of Lakes Entrance’s main transport routes will continue in 2021 with the Federal Government signing off on $13.6 million worth of works. Local MP Darren Chester said the funding package would include the next stage of works on The Esplanade, a new...
PRINCES HIGHWAY EAST UPGRADES ANNOUNCED FOR GIPPSLAND
The Australian Government has today announced 12 projects totalling over $40 million to upgrade the Princes Highway East in Gippsland. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the projects would...
BOOST FOR SALE’S MARLEY STREET COMMUNITY HUB
A community organisation in Sale will receive a helping hand from the Federal Government to support its hard-working volunteers. Local MP Darren Chester said the Marley Street Community Hub would receive a grant worth more than $1000. “Volunteers and local community...
BOOST FOR GIRL GUIDES AT GLENGARRY WEST
A community organisation in the Latrobe Valley will benefit from Federal Government funding to support its hard-working volunteers. Local MP Darren Chester said $1,930 had been allocated to the Girl Guides Burnet Park Campsite in Glengarry West. “Volunteers and local...
BOOST FOR VOLUNTEER ORGANISATIONS IN EAST GIPPSLAND
Six local community organisations in East Gippsland will receive money from the Federal Government to support their hard-working volunteers. Local MP Darren Chester said grants between $1,000 and $5,000 had been allocated to help the local groups with their expenses....
DANCE HUB FOR EAST GIPPSLAND
A regional dance hub will be established in East Gippsland after receiving funding through the Federal Government’s Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund. Omeo Dance Inc has received a $68,000 grant to create the hub in East Gippsland. Federal Member...
FRAMEWORK IN PLACE AT FLYNN
The Flynn Recreation Reserve is a hub of activity with the slab laid and the framework in place for the new Flynn Hall. Local MP Darren Chester visited the site to see the new frame and work taking place. “Work officially commenced at the site at the end of October...
$1.7 million to support timber jobs in Gippsland
Local MP Darren Chester has announced the Federal Government will invest $1.7 million in an innovative advanced manufacturing facility in Heyfield to secure and create local jobs. Mr Chester said Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) would use the money to establish...
OMEO TRANSFORMS INTO A CENTRE FOR ADVENTURE SPORTS
Local MP Darren Chester says Omeo is on the cusp of becoming a must-visit destination for mountain bike enthusiasts. Speaking at the opening of the Omeo Pump and Skills Track at Livingstone Park, Mr Chester said the high country town had positioned itself perfectly to...
FACELIFT FOR YARRAM’S HISTORIC REGENT THEATRE TO START SOON
Work will start in the new year to restore a grand lady of Yarram, the historic Regent Theatre. Wellington Shire Council is calling for tenders to restore the façade of the building, which dates back to 1930. Local MP Darren Chester said the Federal Government had...
INVESTING IN ROAD SAFETY IN THE LATROBE VALLEY
Latrobe City is part way through a multi-million dollar works program that will help save lives on local roads. The municipality will receive around $2.5 million this financial year through the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program to fund the works. Local MP...
TECH HUB TO HELP SOLVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ISSUES IN THE REGIONS
People experiencing issues with their internet or mobile phone now have one place where they can get free independent advice and help to solve their problems. Local MP Darren Chester said the newly launched Regional Tech Hub would help Gippslanders to more easily...
GRANTS TO HELP MODERNISE MANUFACTURING IN GIPPSLAND
Manufacturers in Gippsland with shovel-ready projects to increase productivity and grow jobs can now apply for government funding to help modernise their operations. Local MP Darren Chester said businesses could now apply for between $100,000 and $1 million to invest...
ESPLANADE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE FINISHED FOR CHRISTMAS
The latest stage of the multi-million upgrade of the Esplanade in Lakes Entrance will be finished before Christmas. Local MP Darren Chester has paid tribute to the local workforce for cooperating with business owners and getting the job done with a minimum amount of...
STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER IN GIPPSLAND, URGES CHESTER
Gippslanders are being urged to take safety seriously this summer with visitor numbers in holiday hotspots expected to soar as Melbournians leave the city after months of coronavirus curfews and lockdowns. Local MP Darren Chester says traffic on the roads will be...
VALLEY FAMILY REPLACES LONG LOST MEDALS
Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has helped one Latrobe Valley family replace lost war medals. Mr Chester met with Morwell resident Pat Ruane this week to present her with medals for her brother’s service during the Second...
BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUND OPENING SOON
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging local councils and community organisations to prepare their applications for the latest round of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF). Mr Chester welcomed the release of the guidelines for round five and...