Korumburra community members packed the Middle Hotel to show support for the town's outdoor pool and its future. Community organisers said a local company has approached South Gippsland Shire Council about buying the pool and running it as a community owned asset. Costings of $3.5 million for works were presented, far below the $18 million council has put on the work. Mayor Nathan Hersey encouraged residents to make submissions before feedback closes on Sunday December 6.
Fish Creek Football Netball Club is among 261 clubs to receive funding from the TAC Club Rewards Program, which recognises efforts to encourage safer driving. Korumburra Bena is one of seven clubs to receive the maximum grant of $10,000. Poowong and Kilcunda Bass are also receiving funding. The grants will pay for equipment, facilities and community programs. The clubs will promote the 2027 message Be the Difference. Make the Right Choice. Slow Down on the Road. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Paul Hamer announced the grants.
Teams from Korumburra, Wonthaggi and Leongatha won five titles at the 41st Korumburra Junior Basketball Tournament over the weekend of October 17 and 18. A total of 166 teams played across six stadiums in Korumburra, Leongatha, Wonthaggi, Poowong and Warragul. Korumburra's Under 19 Girls won the A Grade title, beating the Traralgon T-Birds 38 to 22. Wonthaggi Coasters' Under 18 Boys completed an undefeated campaign with a 31 to 25 win over Warragul Warriors. Association president John Murdica said the event is an important annual fundraiser and benefits local communities.
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A magnitude 4.9 earthquake struck near Korumburra, a small farming town in Victoria's Gippsland region, at about 2am earlier this month. Young mother Anakin Martin said the shaking woke her and her son, and she first thought a semi-trailer was passing her home. At least five aftershocks have been reported in the area over several days. Geoscience Australia seismologist Tanja Pejic said Gippsland is one of the more active seismic areas in the country. She said severe large earthquakes in the region are rare, but cannot be ruled out.
A magnitude 3.0 earthquake aftershock has been recorded in south-eastern Victoria, three weeks after an initial late-night quake woke thousands. Geoscience Australia said it struck at a shallow depth of 5 kilometres just after 2pm, with its epicentre at Kardella South, near Korumburra. More than 200 felt reports were lodged in the hour afterwards. No injuries or damage have been reported. Monash University earthquake geologist Dee Ninis said aftershocks are often felt hours, days or even weeks after a main quake, and the Gippsland Basin has a history of seismic activity.
The Martin Carlson Foundation has put forward a three-stage redevelopment plan for the Korumburra outdoor pool, backed by local students. The plan would keep the existing 50-metre pool while adding facilities and jobs. The foundation is urging South Gippsland Shire Council to reverse the closure and provide emergency funding. Students say the pool provides swimming lessons, lifeguard training and first jobs for young people. South Gippsland Shire Council is consulting the community on the $78 million cost of running its six aquatic facilities over 15 years.
Bass Coast police say information from the community helped them carry out a series of search warrants over a wave of stolen and torched cars. Acting Inspector Jason Hullick said vehicle crime had risen significantly in the past four to six weeks. Police recovered two stolen Toyota LandCruisers, two trailers and a Kubota tractor from a Korumburra property on October 7. Two men were interviewed over alleged offences and will be summonsed to Korumburra Magistrates' Court. Police are also trying to locate other persons of interest. Residents are urged to report any information to Crime Stoppers.
A celebration was held on Saturday afternoon for Ida Blue, a new business in Korumburra, and artist Bruce Plant, whose exhibition hangs in the combined gallery and shop. The self-taught artist's show spans 50 years of work, from oil paintings to recent pieces made with oil sticks. Business owner Mark Bryant named the shop after his mother's favourite colour. The exhibition is part of the Open Studio Trail run by Art Connect South Gippsland and has no fixed end date.
Korumburra Fire Brigade is hosting the town's parkrun this Saturday, October 10, and will take on all of the event's volunteer roles. Members of the brigade say volunteering is a way to give back to the community they serve. Fourth Lieutenant Sarah Davies said the event offers a chance to connect with local people and promote health and wellbeing. Attendees can meet a firefighter, look at a truck and learn about volunteering with the CFA. Participants should meet at the shelter on the Rail Trail behind Kelly's Bakery by 7.50am, ahead of the 8am start.
Local musicians aged 25 and under will perform at Coal Creek Community Park and Museum in Korumburra on November 15 and 29. The Sunday Sessions feature soloists, duos, and groups, with tickets priced at $20 for adults and $5 for children. South Gippsland Shire Mayor Cr Nathan Hersey said the events aim to bring locals and visitors together to enjoy homegrown talent. The sessions are funded by a grant from the State Government’s 10,000 Gigs Fund.
Local musicians will perform at Coal Creek in Korumburra across two Sundays in November. The Sunday Sessions offer a relaxed setting for families to enjoy live music from both emerging and established artists. Attendees can expect to hear soloists, duos, and groups showcasing their talents. The events are scheduled for 15 and 29 November 2026. Tickets and further information are available online.
Hugh Hendry, a World War II veteran and respected community figure, received a Quilt of Valour at Korumburra RSL. The handcrafted quilt, featuring an aeroplane and poppies, honours his military service and that of his late father. Quilts of Valour president Cheryl Billing Smith presented the quilt, highlighting its symbolic elements representing family, community, and national support. Hendry, who will turn 100 on Boxing Day, expressed gratitude for the recognition. The RSL president nominated Hendry for his war service and ongoing community contributions.
