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EAST GIPPSLANDERS DISMAYED BY FIRE GRANTS PROGRAM
East Gippsland community leaders have written to the Prime Minister to express disappointment with a bushfire recovery grants program they say is insulting to the local community. East Gippsland Shire Council Mayor Mendy Urie, State Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull,...
EXTENSION OF GUARANTEES FOR HOME BUYERS
An extension to the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, the temporary New Home Guarantee program and the Family Home Guarantee will continue to support more Gippslanders achieve their dream of owning a home, says Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. The Federal...
OFFICIAL OPENING OF MALLACOOTA COMMUNITY CLUBROOMS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester officially opened the Mallacoota Community Clubrooms over the weekend. Mr Chester said the new clubrooms would be a valuable asset for the community now and into the future. “These clubrooms will be able to be used by the...
FEEDBACK WANTED ON DAIRY CODE OF CONDUCT
Local MP Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland dairy farmers to have their say on the Dairy Code of Conduct. Mr Chester said the Code of Conduct was introduced at the beginning of 2020 to address market imbalances in the industry and was about to undergo its first...
SUPPORT SERVICE FOR PEOPLE WITH A DISABILITY
People with a disability in Gippsland will be encouraged to interact with a new dedicated one-stop shop providing advice and up-to-date information as a national campaign rolls out across our televisions. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the name of...
VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT FAILS TO SUPPORT ASH
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says Gippslanders are owed an explanation after the State Labor Government backed imported timber over the local product for a signature building project. Mr Chester said the decision by the Victorian Government to award the...
FURTHER SUPPORT FOR GIPPSLAND JOB SEEKERS
Job seekers in Gippsland will benefit from continued support with the extension of the Employment Facilitator services in the region. Local MP Darren Chester said the Gippsland Employment Facilitator would continue to coordinate employment and training opportunities...
CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS ON PRINCES HIGHWAY
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has reminded local motorists to allow extra travel time and be alert to changed road conditions on the Princes Highway between Traralgon and Sale. A number of traffic changes have been implemented along the highway in the...
BULLOCK ISLAND UPGRADE UNDERWAY
The ongoing investment on Bullock Island is starting to take shape with almost $10 million worth of works set to transform the island for locals and visitors. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester (pictured) said all levels of government had committed funding to...
GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR BUSHFIRE RECOVERY GRANTS
The guidelines have been released for the $280 million Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the grants are designed to support bushfire impacted communities in their continued recovery. “The early release of...
WELLINGTON NOW ELIGIBLE FOR STORM RECOVERY ASSISTANCE
Residents in Wellington affected by the recent floods and storms are now eligible for Federal Government assistance. Local MP Darren Chester welcomed the announcement and said eligible residents could make claims from today, Friday July 2, 2021. “The Federal...
LOCAL HOTELS TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Hotels across Gippsland can now improve energy efficiency and lower power costs thanks to the Federal Government. Local MP Darren Chester said three accommodation providers in Wellington received funding. “Power bills can be a huge cost for local accommodation...
LOCAL HOTELS TO IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Hotels across Gippsland can now improve energy efficiency and lower power costs thanks to the Federal Government. Local MP Darren Chester said four accommodation providers in East Gippsland received funding. “Power bills can be a huge cost for local accommodation...
NEW TRAILER FOR MATHISON PARK VOLUNTEERS
Local MP Darren Chester has announced Mathison Park Community Asset Committee in Churchill have received a $2,500 grant. Mr Chester said the committee was using the grant to purchase an equipment trailer and tools to help the volunteers. “The new trailer will help the...
YARRAM SHOWGROUNDS UPGRADE COMPLETE
Yarram showgrounds new exhibition shed is now complete. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the upgrade boasted a new exhibition and storage shed at the Yarram showgrounds. “The project involved the demolition of the existing shed and construction of a...
NEW FLYNN HALL AND TENNIS COURTS OFFICIALLY OPEN
The new $1.25 million upgrades of the Flynn Community Hall and tennis courts are now complete. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the Flynn community now has a place to gather during times of celebrations and emergencies. “The Flynn community had long...
GENOA BRIDGE UPGRADE UNDERWAY
A major upgrade of community facilities in Genoa is set to benefit locals and visitors, according to Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester. Mr Chester said the construction of a new pedestrian access bridge and upgrades to the tennis court and playground would...
STATEMENT BY MEMBER FOR GIPPSLAND DARREN CHESTER
I entered politics to make a difference and over the past three years I’ve been part of a team which has helped to save lives and transform the system of veteran support in Australia. Along with my loyal and incredibly capable staff, the outstanding leadership team at...
CHESTER WELCOMES ADF PERSONNEL TO GIPPSLAND
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has welcomed the first Australian Defence Force Personnel on the ground in Gippsland to assist with recovery works. Mr Chester was in Gormandale to greet Colonel John Molnar and his crew who will be working on debris and...
MEN’S SHED GRANTS NOW OPEN
The latest round of National Men’s Shed Development Programme (NDSP) is now open. Local MP Darren Chester encouraged local men’s sheds to apply for funding to improve their facilities for members. “Men’s sheds provide a welcoming environment for men to gather,...
NEW ABALONE CO-OP REBUILD GETS UNDERWAY
The redevelopment of the Mallacoota Abalone Co-Op into a high standard processing facility and visitor attraction is taking shape, according to local MP Darren Chester. Mr Chester said it was great to see work had started on the rebuild after the co-op was one of the...
GRANT TO SUPPORT GIPPSLAND AUTO MUSEUM
Gippsland Auto Museum in Maffra has been successful in receiving funding under the latest round of the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Program. Local MP Darren Chester visited the museum to announce the funding and discuss the scope of works to be undertaken. Mr...
DISASTER ASSISTANCE FOR PROLONGED POWER OUTAGES
Disaster assistance has been made available for Gippsland households which continue to be affected by prolonged power outages from the extreme weather event in Victoria. Assistance is being provided through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery...
LAKES ENTRANCE CHANGEROOM UPGRADE COMPLETE
The long awaited transformation of the Lakes Entrance Football Netball Club changerooms is officially complete. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the $500,000 upgrade was great news for all users of the Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve. “The upgrade...
NATIONALS MPS REQUEST ADF ASSISTANCE
Gippsland National MPs Darren Chester and Melina Bath say the Australian Defence Force (ADF) should be called in to help clean up the region after massive storms and flood damage. The MPs are urging the State Government to request the ADF support, saying the recovery...
CHESTER SAYS RECOVERY COULD COST MILLIONS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the full extent of the flood damage was becoming clearer as waters subsided early yesterday, showing it would be a significant cost to residents and local communities. “With hundreds of buildings impacted along with the...
WORKS PROGRESSING ALONG MALLACOOTA-GENOA ROAD
Works to improve safety on Mallacoota-Genoa Road are well underway but there’s much more to be done, according to local MP Darren Chester. Mr Chester drove the improved section this week and then met with local residents to discuss future upgrade opportunities....
CHESTER: STATEMENT ON GIPPSLAND FLOODS
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has expressed his sympathy for the many locals who have experienced significant property and asset losses due to floods across Gippsland, particularly in Latrobe Valley. “It will be a significant clean-up effort to restore...
SCIENTISTS TO ASSESS GIPPSLAND WETLANDS
The impacts of bushfire events on Victoria’s Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site will be investigated by scientists to help build resilience and protect them into the future. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has been working to secure funding for an environmental...
$236,600 TO BOOST WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN STEM
Workforce Plus Inc has received a $236,600 grant to deliver the Change Makers of Gippsland project that will break down the barriers preventing girls and women getting into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education and careers. Federal Member...
TEAM TO COMBAT DRUG AND ALCOHOL HARM IN LATROBE
The Latrobe Valley will now have a dedicated Local Drug Action Team (LDAT) to help combat the harm of drugs and alcohol in the region. Local MP Darren Chester welcomed the announcement, saying it was the fourth LDAT established in Gippsland. “Having dedicated services...
IMPROVED COURTS FOR TRARALGON TENNIS COMPLEX
Local tennis players now have safer facilities to play on with work to improve the Traralgon tennis courts complex now complete. Six tennis courts have been resurfaced to improve the quality of the playing surface, thanks to Federal Government money. Local MP Darren...
CHESTER AND DPM VISIT PATTIES
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack toured Patties Foods facility in Bairnsdale to showcase some of Gippsland’s manufacturing industry. Mr Chester and Mr McCormack visited to view the facility and hear about the...
$9m in fire recovery funds headed to East Gippsland
A number of key projects from Mallacoota to Swift’s Creek have been funded in the latest round of the Federal and State funded Local Economic Recovery (LER) grants program announced today and while local MP’s are happy, they want more. Local Federal and State...
UPGRADES FOR LAKES ENTRANCE REC RESERVE
Lakes Entrance Recreation Reserve facilities upgrades will take another step forward with an additional grant through bushfire recovery funding. Local MP Darren Chester said just over $400,000 had been allocated to improve shower and toilet amenities along with a new...
BRUTHEN RECREATION RESERVE TO GET $1 MILLION UPGRADE
The Bruthen community is set to benefit from a $1.07 million upgrade to the Bruthen Recreation Reserve. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said this transformational project would upgrade existing amenities as well as providing additional amenities for club...
$1.9 MILLION TO UPGRADE MALLACOOTA GOLF CLUB
The Mallacoota Golf Club is set to receive funding to rebuild and restructure the course after last summer’s bushfires. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said this was a huge victory for the club who suffered significantly during the bushfires. “The funding...
SIX LOCAL MEN’S SHEDS SHARE IN FUNDING
Men’s sheds in Gippsland will receive a welcome funding boost through the National Shed Development Program. Local MP Darren Chester announced six local men’s sheds would share in more than $12,000 in funding. “Men’s sheds are an integral part of local communities and...
GRANTS TO SUPPORT DEFENCE COMMUNITY IN SALE
Australian Defence Force (ADF) families who have provided essential support to the defence community have received a funding boost under the Government’s Family Support Funding Program (FSFP). Federal Member for Gippsland and Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence...
WORKS COMPLETE AT LUCKNOW RECREATION RESERVE
Works to transform Lucknow Recreation Reserve are now complete with the new change rooms, expanded club rooms and upgraded netball courts finished. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the new facilities were finished in time for this weekend’s first home...
$2 MILLION FOR THE EAST GIPPSLAND RAIL TRAIL
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester and the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack today visited the East Gippsland Rail Trail to inspect the site before work gets underway. Mr Chester secured $2 million for an upgrade of the first stage of the rail trail as...
Nationals back timber jobs at Gippsland forestry forum
A round table forum with Gippsland forestry professionals and Nationals MP’s has reaffirmed support for Victoria’s sustainable native and plantation timber industry. Held at the Gippsland Forestry Hub in Churchill, the group discussed future strategies to support the...
$16 MILLION TO UPGRADE FOUR TRARALGON INTERSECTIONS
More than $16 million has been allocated towards upgrading four major Traralgon intersections to improve safety in Latrobe City. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the funding had been announced as part of the 2021-22 Budget. “This funding will add to...
SUPPORT FOR DISABILITY SECTOR IN GIPPSLAND
The disability sector in Gippsland will benefit from a Federal Government grant as part of the Local Recovery Fund. Local MP Darren Chester said the $177,048 investment would help train locals to enter the disability sector. “Generation Australian will deliver an...
LET’S SAVE LIVES THIS NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY WEEK
This week is National Road Safety Week, a time to reflect on the impact of trauma on our roads and encourage everyone to drive safe. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said this week was an opportunity to honour and remember the lives lost on Gippsland roads...
MORE THAN $300 MILLION TO BUILD A SAFER, STRONGER AND FAIRER GIPPSLAND
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he is looking forward to seeing work get underway on more than $300 million in Federal Government spending, confirmed in this week’s Budget. Mr Chester said additional funding for infrastructure across the region would...
MORE THAN $300 MILLION TO BUILD A SAFER, STRONGER AND FAIRER GIPPSLAND
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he is looking forward to seeing work get underway on more than $300 million in Federal Government spending, confirmed in this week’s Budget. Mr Chester said additional funding for infrastructure across the region would...
MORE THAN $300 MILLION TO BUILD A SAFER, STRONGER AND FAIRER GIPPSLAND
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester says he is looking forward to seeing work get underway on more than $300 million in Federal Government spending, confirmed in this week’s Budget. Mr Chester said additional funding for infrastructure across the region would...
BUDGET SUPPORTS SAFER, STRONGER, FAIRER GIPPSLAND
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said this year’s federal Budget continued to build a safer, stronger and fairer Gippsland. Mr Chester welcomed the Budget’s focus on additional funding to keep delivering infrastructure and securing the jobs Gippslanders...
Nationals MP’s welcome Federal Court judgement on VicForests
Gippsland timber jobs are more secure following the announcement the full bench of the Federal Court unanimously upheld VicForests appeal against a single judge’s decision a year ago. The initial ruling forced timber harvesting operations to cease across many coupes...