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BONANG ROAD SEALING PROGRAM WELL ADVANCED
A $10.5 million program to seal the remaining gravel sections of the Bonang Rd is nearing completion with Federal MP Darren Chester predicting significant social and economic benefits for the region. Mr Chester secured funding from the previous Federal Government...
SUN SMART SURF LIFESAVERS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is helping to promote the sun smart message by donating broad-brimmed hats to Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club juniors. Mr Chester presented the nippers with new hats on the weekend with 120 juniors participating in this...
SUN SMART SURF LIFESAVERS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is helping to promote the sun smart message by donating broad-brimmed hats to Seaspray Surf Lifesaving Club juniors. “It’s fabulous to see the lifesavers of the future learning the skills that will keep them safe and provide...
PRINCES HIGHWAY ‘SMASH UP DERBY’
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the State and Federal Governments are failing to provide a safe Princes Highway following a spate of crashes on a notorious section of road in East Gippsland. Mr Chester said there were at least seven crashes on a short...
‘LIVES AT RISK’ ON SUB-STANDARD ROADS: CHESTER
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the state and federal governments are putting lives at risk by failing to improve the natural disaster resilience of critical road corridors across the region. Following the extended closure of Mallacoota-Genoa Rd due...
SLIPWAY FACELIFT A WELCOME BOOST
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) says the redeveloped slipway site in Lakes Entrance will be an asset for locals and visitors. “About 20 years ago the Old Slipway site became vacant when a purpose-built facility was constructed at the Gippsland...
CONTINUE CYCLE OF SUCCESS WITH MORE TRAIL UPGRADES
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says all levels of government need to commit to building on the success of the $5 million East Gippsland Rail Trail redevelopment with ongoing maintenance funding and new stages. At Saturday’s official opening of the...
CHESTER VISITS TAMBO UPPER PRIMARY SCHOOL
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester recently visited the students and teachers at Tambo Upper Primary School, where he discussed the different levels of government and how we can work together to fix a range of issues within our community. Mr Chester said it...
MILLION DOLLAR WIN FOR GIPPSLAND VETERANS
Veterans across Gippsland are set to benefit from a $1.1 million Federal Government grant announced today by local MP, Darren Chester. Mr Chester has congratulated the Sale RSL on its successful application for funding to deliver much needed upgrades at the Gippsland...
FURTHER BOOST TO KRAUATUNGALUNG WALK PROJECT
A proposed all-abilities walking circuit in Lakes Entrance has received a further boost with the community expressing overwhelming support and the Federal Government confirming it would honour a $3.6 million funding offer. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester...
‘KEEP FARMERS FARMING’ CAMPAIGN SUPPORT
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is supporting the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) push to raise awareness of key issues in its largest protest campaign in 40 years. Mr Chester met with new NFF President David Jochinke in Federal Parliament this week...
ROAD FUNDING VICTORY FOR COMMON SENSE: CHESTER
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has claimed ‘a victory for common sense’ with the Commonwealth’s decision to honour existing road funding commitments worth $30 million across the electorate. Mr Chester said the outcomes of the Independent Strategic Review...
CHESTER VISITS CHAIRO CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester spoke to the grade five and six students at Chairo Christian School in Traralgon. Mr Chester talked about life in Parliament and gained insights into the students’ priorities and issues within our local community. ...
Letter to the editor
Dear Editor, When Australians pause for a minute’s silence on Remembrance Day, it’s all about respect. Respect for the fallen. Respect for their families. Respect for the men and women who continue to serve today in wars, conflicts, peace-keeping and humanitarian...
The transformation of Jemmy’s Point
Pictured: The transformation of Jemmy’s Point in Lakes Entrance is well advanced with local contractors constructing a new toilet block, improved vehicle access and an elevated viewing area. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) secured $1.5 million...
SALE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE A PRIORITY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he’s worried a multi-million project to strengthen bridges on a major transport route has been abandoned by the Labor Party. Mr Chester secured $6.2 million from the previous Federal Government for the bridge work on...
PROGRESS ON BULLOCK ISLAND REDEVELOPMENT
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and East Gippsland Shire Councillor Arthur Allen are happy with the progress on the Bullock Island redevelopment. After an extensive community campaign, all levels of government have provided funding for the work which has...
RESIDENTS PAY FOR ROAD SAFETY DELAYS
The failure to deliver a $10 million safety upgrade on the Mallacoota-Genoa Rd is having a direct impact on insurance costs for local residents, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. Mr Chester has repeatedly urged the Federal Minister for...
JETTY ‘CAR PARK’ UNUSABLE FOR BOATS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is appealing for the State and Federal Governments to work together and fund a dredging program in Loch Sport for the safety of the boating community. Mr Chester inspected the public jetty near the marina this week and said...
EASTWOOD PLAYGROUND PROGRESSING WELL
Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) says work on the $500,000 Eastwood playground is progressing well, thanks to a funding partnership between East Gippsland Shire and the previous Federal Government. The project includes $300,000 funding from the Local...
MINISTER GIVES ASIC JOBS GUARANTEE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed a jobs guarantee provided to Latrobe Valley based Australian Securities Investment Commission (ASIC) business registry staff. Following concerns about the future for business registry staff currently employed at...
NOT ALL SUPERHEROES WEAR CAPES
Students at St Brendan’s Primary School in Lakes Entrance dressed as superheroes to represent their leadership ability and to stand up and prevent bullying whenever it occurs. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester met with the senior classes and talked about...
GIPPSLAND BEER FEST WORTH CELEBRATING
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is backing a new festival with a difference. Mr Chester says the Gippsland Beer Fest at Tinamba Hotel on November 26 is an opportunity to showcase the expanding local brewing sector. “Gippsland Beer Fest is the first...
CUTS TO SMALL GRANTS HITS LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has accused the Albanese Government of abandoning local sporting and community groups with its failure to provide ongoing funding for the Stronger Communities Program (SCP). Speaking in Federal Parliament, Mr Chester said...
MALLACOOTA UNITS TAKING SHAPE
Construction works to upgrade cottages and develop new all-abilities accessible units in Mallacoota are well advanced thanks to a partnership between the local health service and Federal MP Darren Chester (pictured). Mr Chester supported Mallacoota District Health and...
OLD SLIPWAY PROJECT ALMOST COMPLETE
The $1.3 million redevelopment of the Old Slipway in Lakes Entrance is nearing completion with Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester taking a ‘sneak peak’ at the much anticipated works. Mr Chester (pictured) secured $962,000 from the previous Federal Government...
KING OF DELAYS ENDANGERS LIVES
The Mallacoota-Genoa Rd is continuing to fall apart while the community waits on the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King to deliver a promised $10 million upgrade. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester drove to Mallacoota this week...
COVID INQUIRY MUST INCLUDE STATES
The decision to exclude State Government decisions from a Federal Government inquiry into the management of the coronavirus pandemic has been slammed by local MP Darren Chester. The Federal Member for Gippsland said it was ‘pointless to hold an inquiry if it didn’t...
A POOR SIGN FOR ROAD PROJECTS?
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the removal of roadside signs advertising upcoming safety works is an indication that motorists will be waiting longer for much-needed improvements across the region. Mr Chester said advertising signs had been taken...
SALUTING THEIR SERVICE GRANTS ANNOUNCED
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester this week announced Longford Primary School and Mallacoota and District Historical Society would receive grants under the Saluting Their Service (STS) program. The STS program is available to organisations for commemorative...
GOVERNMENT REVIEW IGNORING ROAD TRAUMA RISKS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has accused the Federal Government of ignoring increased road trauma risks as it delays the release of the 90-day Strategic Review of the Infrastructure Investment Program. Mr Chester has repeatedly raised his concerns in...
FRESH FLAGS FOR NATIONAL DAY
Two patriotic Orbost residents were given a surprise National Flag Day gift with new Australian flags to fly from the front yards of their homes. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester paid a personal visit to the homes of 98-year-old Bob Trewin and 92-year-old...
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOUSE NEEDS NEW FACILITIES
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is supporting a multi-million dollar bid to redevelop facilities at Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House. Mr Chester met this week with CEO Leanne Jennings and her team of volunteers who provide a wide range of services for...
2024 #LOVEGIPPSLAND CALENDAR COMPETITION OPEN
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is encouraging Gippslanders to enter their best photographs in the 2024 #lovegippsland calendar competition. Mr Chester said the competition is now open and the winning photos will be featured in the annual calendar. Mr...
‘SHOW US THE MONEY’: CHESTER BACKS FALCONS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is seeking a guarantee that a redevelopment of Falcons 2000 Soccer Club will proceed, after the Victorian Government abandoned plans to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games. Mr Chester said that it was his understanding that a...
GOVERNMENTS MUST LIFT GAME ON BUSHFIRE PREPARATION
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging the Commonwealth to get more involved in bushfire prevention measures after the Australasian Fire Authorities Council (AFAC) released its updated forecasts for the 2023-24 summer period. The AFAC Seasonal Bushfire...
REVIEW ‘RAZOR GANG’ PUTS LIVES IN DANGER
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says lives are in danger on roads in Gippsland and across regional Australia because of the Federal Government’s failure to support local projects. With the deadline for the 90-day Strategic Review of the Infrastructure...
NEW LOOK AT MAFFRA’S STRETTON PARK
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has paid tribute to Stretton Park Maffra’s volunteer board members and staff after the official opening of improved facilities. Mr Chester secured 50 per cent federal funding for Stage Two of redevelopment works which...
BULLOCK ISLAND FACELIFT IMPRESSIVE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the Bullock Island redevelopment will boost the visitor economy and improve the liveability of Lakes Entrance. Mr Chester has worked with community groups for several years to secure funding for the master plan on the...
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE: CHESTER
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the 50th anniversary since the withdrawal of the last Australian troops involved in the Vietnam War was an opportunity to ensure the veterans of the conflict were respected, recognised and given any assistance they...
MAJOR BOOST TO SALE’S ECONOMY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says the redevelopment of the Port of Sale and the Princes Highway upgrades will deliver long term social and economic benefits. Mr Chester said the multi-million dollar improvements to York St and Foster St, plus the Port...
FIRST STEP FOR KRAUATUNGALANG WALK UNVEILED
Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester has welcomed the installation of the first piece of artwork marking the commencement of the Krauatungalang Walk project in Lakes Entrance. Mr Chester said today’s unveiling of the Borun and Tuk sculpture was a significant...
CANN VALLEY HIGHWAY A DISGRACE
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has slammed the state and federal transport ministers for failing to address the ‘disgraceful and dangerous condition’ of the Cann Valley Highway. Mr Chester drove the road again this week and said it was falling apart due...
REDEVELOPED NEWMERELLA REST AREA WILL HELP SAVE LIVES ON THE ROAD
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) says the redeveloped Newmerella rest area will help to save lives on the Princes Highway. Mr Chester secured funding from the previous Federal Government for the improvements to the rest area near Orbost. “The new...
FOREIGN WORKER SCHEME IN JEOPARDY
Australians will face higher prices for fresh salads and vegetables if the Federal Government pushes ahead with changes to a popular foreign workers program. Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and industry leaders have warned the Albanese Government that...
MEDALLION FOR VIETNAM VETERANS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester is urging local Vietnam War veterans to register for a special commemorative medallion. The Australian Government has produced a 50th anniversary commemorative medallion and certificate of recognition, honouring the...
CONSULTATION FOR KRAUATUNGALUNG WALK
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and East Gippsland Shire Council Deputy Mayor Arthur Allen attended a well-supported community consultation session which detailed plans for the proposed ‘Krauatungalung Walk’. Mr Chester has secured Federal Government...
CHESTER VISITS BOISDALE CONSOLIDATED PRIMARY SCHOOL
Federal Parliament is returning for the Spring Session and Local MP Darren Chester had some early ‘training’ thanks to the students at Boisdale Consolidated Primary School. The Member for Gippsland hosted a class on civics and citizenship and answered the students’...
GRANTS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS AVAILABLE
Federal MP Darren Chester says small grants can help volunteers purchase life saving equipment or support their charitable activities.
SAFETY AUDIT FOR CAPE CONRAN BEACH
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says one of East Gippsland’s most popular beaches should have paid lifeguards in place during the peak summer season. Mr Chester has been advised that Surf Lifesaving Victoria will undertake a safety assessment of Cape...