Most Cricket Latrobe Valley clubs now field senior women's teams, and the standard has risen over the past decade. Columnist Liam Durkin points to strong batting at a recent game at Ted Summerton Reserve in Moe, where Emily Nadj scored 30 runs off 16 balls. He says women players are often better at improvised shots, while investment in the women's game still lags behind the men's. Local player Nicole Faltum, who has played in the WBBL for more than 10 seasons, says growing professionalism will lift the standard further.
Traralgon landholder Ashley Schoer says land rezoned for residential use 14 years ago cannot be developed. He said the land is ready, with surveys completed and concept plans drawn up. Planning approval has stalled after a geotechnical report submitted by AGL raised concerns about ground movement near mining activity. The state government has committed to its own risk assessment. Opposition planning spokesman David Southwick said the Coalition would unlock the land for up to 2000 homes if elected, and would audit coal overlays across the region.
Tobacco Licensing Victoria and Victoria Police have closed four suspected illicit tobacco stores across the Latrobe Valley for 90 days. The closures follow new laws introduced on September 9 that give authorities power to intervene in the illicit tobacco trade. Tobacco Licensing Victoria's chief operating officer, Bree Oliver, said the area was targeted due to intelligence about high illicit supply. Latrobe City Mayor Sharon Gibson welcomed the action. Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the closures showed the scale of the illegal trade in his electorate.
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The Victorian government says all revenue from EnergyAustralia's water entitlement for the Yallourn coal mine will go into the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund. Treasurer Colin Brooks announced the decision, which follows a similar move for AGL's water entitlement. EnergyAustralia will pay $230 per megalitre each year, rising with inflation, once water is used for mine rehabilitation. Payments will start after the planned closure of Yallourn Power Station in 2028. Strict conditions limit water use in dry years to protect river flows and local users.
Cricket returned to the Latrobe Valley for the 2026/27 season at the weekend, with early rust evident across grades. In the Rod Dunbar Shield, Raiders beat Churchill, while Glengarry made 6/240 against Imperials, with Sam Marks unbeaten on 105. Morwell beat Rovers with a bonus point, and Ex Students defeated Moe by eight wickets. Several clubs suffered heavy player unavailability, leading to frequent forfeits in lower grades.
Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing has announced a further $750,000 for the Ladder Step Up Latrobe Valley Program. The announcement was made at the program's Morwell office. The program helps people aged 16 to 25 build confidence, independence and skills through education, employment and training. At least 120 young people will be supported through to 2028, and 404 have graduated since 2017. Graduates have gone on to work in retail, hospitality and the Royal Australian Navy, among other fields.
