The devastating bushfires that impacted Mallacoota on New Year’s Eve highlighted a multitude of shortcomings in critical services in the remote community, the most pressing being a significant lack of housing and emergency accommodation.The Miva Hall at the Mallacoota District Health and Support Service (MDHSS), among other places, became a temporary home for displaced residents, many with high...

Orbost is in safe hands with the promotion of two female police officers to the rank of sergeant.Long time local residents, Jo Geddes and Andrea Craigie, were recently upgraded from leading senior constables to sergeants as part of an overall increase in police resources in East Gippsland.Sgt Craigie, who lives in Marlo with her husband, Jason Coath, and teenage son, has been with the Orbost...

With Christmas less than 10 weeks away now, the Orbost Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for a Christmas like no other.While many things have been scrapped this year, Christmas has not been.Following on from the passing of much-loved local identity, Tracey Barnett, who reinstated the Nicholson Street decorations with her solid group of loyal volunteers, Sammi Reynolds has volunteered her time to...

The Bonang Road will finally be fully sealed after years of campaigning by local residents, business owners and local MPs.Federal MP, Darren Chester, confirmed the Federal Budget will include an additional $7 million to seal 12 kilometres of the road between Goongerah and Bonang.It brings the total Federal Government commitment to the project to $9 million, while the State Government has refused...

It’s been a welcome return to tourism in Mallacoota.Arguably the East Gippsland town hit hardest by bushfires and COVID- 19, the easing of restrictions over the past fortnight has seen an influx of visitors to the town.Denise Evans, at Shady Gully Caravan Park, was extremely pleased to welcome back visitors.“Since relaxation of rules in regional areas, the phone started ringing immediately after...