Inverloch's annual Open Gardens returns on Saturday, November 7, with a self-guided tour of private coastal gardens. Hosted by the Inverloch Uniting Church, the event runs from 10am to 4pm. Garden owner Janet Davies, whose property features natives, exotic plants and a vegetable garden, relies on 3,000 litres of rainwater storage for watering. Tours start at the church, where tickets include a hot drink, and proceeds support local community initiatives. Garden addresses remain confidential until shortly before the event.
The Kirra dredge and its workboats have left Inverloch for Middle Park, where a similar sand renourishment project is set to start by the end of the week. Dredging at Inverloch finished in September, when sand was pumped from Anderson Inlet onto the eroded surf beach. Dune monitoring will now run on a rolling schedule, with drone flights about every six weeks and ground measurements from Point Norman to Flat Rocks. The City of Port Phillip says Middle Park's work has been delayed, and dredging is expected to finish by the end of November, weather permitting.
The mothers of Dyson Heppell, Eleanor Patterson and Josh Gardiner spoke about their children's careers at an event in Inverloch. Faye Gardiner, Helen Patterson and Ann-Marie Heppell spoke at The Inlet Hotel on Thursday, October 15, as part of the Southern Business Women's Network event. The mothers described supporting their children through setbacks, long travel and early starts. Organisers said 58 people registered for the evening, and the speakers encouraged parents to let children enjoy being young for as long as possible.
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Carers across the Bass Coast and South Gippsland were recognised as unpaid heroes at the 2026 Carer Expo held at Berninneit. The free event, part of the Bass Coast Seniors Festival, promoted local resources and professional help, with Latrobe Community Health Service as the key provider. Iris Gillard said many carers do not see themselves as carers, despite taking on heavy unpaid workloads. Attendees heard from speakers on planning ahead, health decisions and local networks, and a light lunch was provided. A follow-up Learn, Connect and Share event is planned at the Inverloch Community Hub on October 28.
Bass Coast Shire Council has defended its decision to raise annual registration fees for short-stay rental providers. The fee has risen from $324 to $600, or $900 for homes with more than five bedrooms. Holiday home owners and a tourism group have started a petition calling for the increase to be dropped. Council says the fees cover extra costs from the holiday accommodation industry, including waste and anti-social behaviour. Tourism advocates warn the fees could leave more holiday homes empty.
Eight emergency services groups across Bass Coast and South Gippsland will share $304,845 from the state government in a record investment. Wonthaggi Fire Brigade will receive $76,400 for a field command vehicle, and Wonthaggi SES will get $41,953 for solar panels and battery storage. Cape Paterson and Inverloch surf lifesaving clubs will also receive funding for a crew cab ute and rescue equipment. State Bass MP Jordan Crugnale credited volunteers' fundraising, which the state matches at $2 for every $1 raised locally.
Sixty Grade 3 and 4 students from Inverloch/Kongwak Primary School spent three hours at The Glade in Inverloch learning about sustainable fishing and marine conservation. The Anderson Inlet Angling Club and Fishcare Victoria ran the pilot program with volunteers. Students rotated through three groups of 20, practising knot tying and casting at plastic fish targets. Lessons covered safety, teamwork, catch-and-release ethics and local size and bag limits. The day ended with a practical session on the beach in front of the South Gippsland Yacht Club. Organisers have scheduled two further programs for primary and secondary schools.
Three-time Wynne Prize finalist Kathryn Ryan is showing her exhibition What the Light Holds at the Zenith Gallery in RACV Inverloch Resort. The free display of painting and drawing is open to the public and resort guests until December 2. Ryan, a Warrnambool artist, says the windswept coastlines and green hills of south-west Victoria shape her work and her outlook. RACV head of visual arts Mardi Nowak says the paintings show a deep connection to the region. Ryan will attend the exhibition on October 17 and October 18.
Victoria's Bass Coast Cycle Challenge returns to Inverloch on 7 November, attracting riders from across the state. The 15-year-old event, capped at 1,000 participants, offers five routes ranging from 40km to 121km, catering to all skill levels. Proceeds fund road-safety education for Bass Coast and South Gippsland secondary students, with over 3,000 beneficiaries since 2010. Organisers emphasise a friendly, non-competitive atmosphere, supported by local volunteers and businesses. All rides start and finish in Inverloch, showcasing the region's scenic coastal and hill routes.
