May is recognised as Cystic Fibrosis (CF) awareness month, where people who have the genetically inherited, life-threatening disease shout a little louder to help people understand their fight. It’s also where CF advocates raise much needed funds to help the battle. Orbost local, Judy Farley, is a dedicated grandmother of a CF superhero who annually raises funds in Orbost.  This year alone,...

Local Orbost residents, Andy and Bridget Westaway, owners of MWM Logging, are just one of many businesses across Victoria who have been left in an unimaginable situation due to the State Government's plan to close the native timber industry by January 1. The Westaways believe the uncertainty, and a lack of clarity around the shutdown, has created stress and frustration. "There remain more...

Orbost's Forest Park project has been amended due to budget constraints. The project was costed at $1.8 million but it's understood price increases have resulted in the budget blowing out to over $500,000. Rather than allow the blowout, the project has had to be modified to stay within budget. The revised proposed concept plan has been accepted by council's funding partner, the Australian...

The State Government swung the axe on the native timber industry last Tuesday, announcing harvesting would grind to a halt by January 1, 2024, six years early. The announcement has left Orbost locals in dismay, with 115 of its workers facing an uncertain future. The State Government made the announcement as part of last week's state budget, announcing a $200 million package for retraining....

Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) and Fire to Flourish is holding a series of Big Map events that will focus on small communities in far East Gippsland. During these sessions, a huge satellite image map is spread on the floor of a public hall. Local residents are then walked through disaster events by experienced facilitators and talked through emergency response scenarios. Residents get a better...