A new mural has been painted on the Waterhole Creek underpass in Morwell. The project was delivered by Latrobe City Council with local artist Charles Solomon, and it recognises the Brayakaulung people of the Gunaikurnai Nation. Painters Bradley Brown, Erika Brown and Terry Hayes worked on the design, which is titled Rise and Shine. Mr Brown said the artwork is meant to encourage young people. Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson said the mural reflects the diversity of the community. The mural is expected to be finished by the end of the month.
Tobacco Licensing Victoria says it has closed 100 outlets across Victoria, with 12 in Gippsland in the past two weeks. The Mirboo North shop was issued a 90-day short-term closure notice. Monash MP Mary Aldred says closures are too slow, with an estimated 1000 to 1600 illicit shops in the state, and calls for excise cuts. Reports say some shops have reopened online or relocated, and that organised crime is involved in the trade.
Writer Liam Durkin asks whether any cricketer has stood out in Gippsland. Peter Siddle, from Morwell, has more than 200 Test wickets, while Cameron White, from Bairnsdale, captained Australia and scored two One Day International hundreds. Durkin argues that timing, selection and family or work commitments shaped many local careers. Steve Spoljaric and Neil Tatterson are also named among the region's standout players.
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Victoria Police and Tobacco Licensing Victoria have issued closure orders on illicit tobacco shops in Gippsland, including Latrobe Valley and Yarram. Criminal syndicates are adapting by de-stocking shops and offering home delivery. Organised crime is estimated to control 80% of the tobacco market, generating billions in profit annually. The Federal Government is debating new laws to combat illicit tobacco sales.
Detectives from the Clandestine Laboratory Squad have charged five people over the alleged manufacture of illicit drugs. Search warrants executed on October 2 uncovered an active laboratory at a Bundoora property, where police seized liquid MDMA, two handguns, ammunition and cannabis. A 53-year-old Bundoora man faces charges including trafficking MDMA and will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on February 8. Police also arrested two people at a Mill Park hotel room and seized drugs and electronic devices. A search of a Croydon storage unit found MDMA powder and laboratory equipment.
Leongatha residents can now book an Uber after the rideshare company switched on its service in the town and 14 other regional Victorian centres. The Leongatha zone also covers Korumburra, Mirboo North and Inverloch. Uber said driver availability would build over the coming weeks, and riders should allow extra travel time during peak periods. Eligible Victorian Seniors Card and Seniors Savers Card holders can get discounts on their rides. Uber is still recruiting drivers in all 15 new centres.
