Rose Lodge, a not-for-profit aged care facility in Wonthaggi, is recruiting a Retail Supervisor for its Opportunity Shop. The role involves running daily shop operations and helping to generate funds that support the facility's residents. The position is part-time, at 15 hours per week. Interested candidates are asked to send their resume to the People and Culture Manager, Nicole Hrvatin, by the closing date of Sunday, November 1, 2026. Applicants must hold a current police check clearance covering unsupervised contact with vulnerable groups.
Wonthaggi Power has re-signed Zac Mabilia as head coach for the 2027 season. The Australian Kelpies midcourter will lead both the club's A and B Grade netball teams. Bec Wright will also return to the coaching staff. Mabilia began playing junior netball at the club and went on to represent Australia at under-17 and under-20 levels. He was also the youngest athlete to debut for the Kelpies.
A storm cell struck Leongatha around 7pm last Saturday, bringing wind, rain and heavy hail. Leongatha SES received calls about fallen trees, collapsed ceilings and flooding. Three SES teams attended nine fallen trees or branches and five building damage incidents. One rescue was carried out. SES controller Teresa Jans said some drivers showed little courtesy to police and emergency crews at the scene, which she described as a concern. Local SES also cleared trees in Inverloch.
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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.
Victoria's Labor government has promised 45 extra beds and 145 nurses for Werribee Mercy Hospital as part of a $1.5 billion election commitment. The plan would expand emergency departments at 12 Victorian hospitals by an average of 25 per cent and reduce waiting times at those hospitals by up to 20 per cent. Labor says the expansion depends on winning re-election. The government has not yet released construction timetables or explained how the waiting time reduction was calculated.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll has launched Labor's campaign for a fourth straight term, pledging to cut emergency department wait times. He announced $1.5 billion to expand emergency departments at 12 hospitals, with 250 extra beds and 1500 more health workers. Opposition Leader Jess Wilson, speaking at a vandalised Upwey South tennis club, focused on crime and pledged 3000 new police officers. Mr Carroll accused the coalition of seeking to Americanise the health system, a claim Ms Wilson rejected. The state election is on November 28.
The Wonthaggi and District Historical Society will hold its annual memorial dinner on Friday, November 27, at the Wonthaggi Workers Club. The theme is the beginnings of the State Coal Mine Park. Guest speakers will recall how the Eastern Area mine was secured to become a heritage tourist site after the State Mine closed in 1968. Tickets cost $50 per person and bookings close November 14.
Volunteers are preparing the annual Bayside Health Fete at the Wonthaggi Senior Citizens Club on Saturday, October 31. The day will include stalls, a major raffle, a sausage sizzle and freshly made scones. Doors open at 9am. Funds raised will support local healthcare. Bass Coast Health Ladies Auxiliary president Raye Tucker says the auxiliary has raised tens of thousands of dollars over more than 100 years. Volunteer and Fundraising Manager Kerry Redmond said past funds have bought syringe drivers for palliative care and a resus cot for the Maternity Department.
Community groups across Bass Coast and South Gippsland have until October 30 to register interest in Stronger Communities grants of between $2500 and $20,000. Federal Monash MP Mary Aldred says up to 20 eligible projects in the electorate will share the funding. Eligible projects may include facility upgrades, sporting infrastructure, equipment purchases and veterans' projects. Projects must cost no more than $50,000 in total and be completed by March 31, 2028. Expressions of interest are considered with a local committee.
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.
Wonthaggi volunteer Stella Hitchins has been honoured as a 2026 Community Gem by Jordan Crugnale, State Member for Bass. The award recognises her work at the Wonthaggi Community Harvest Garden, where she has volunteered for 15 years. Hitchins has also distributed food, clothing and household goods to relief centres across the region. Crugnale said Hitchins had left a lasting mark on the community. The Community Gem initiative, now in its seventh year, invites residents to nominate people who show selflessness and generosity.
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.
Wonthaggi Hospital has introduced 20 self-contained units to attract healthcare professionals and alleviate local housing pressures. The Williamsons Sounds Apartments aim to accommodate doctors, nurses, and allied health workers, including podiatrists and physiotherapists, as the hospital plans to expand its nursing staff. Bayside Health Regional Care Group CEO Louise Sparkes highlighted the importance of comfortable accommodation in recruiting and retaining medical professionals. The facility, funded by the State Government's Regional Worker Accommodation Fund, also seeks to free up rental properties for the broader community.
One Gippsland has launched a tool that tracks major party election commitments for Gippsland against its own regional priorities. The Victorian Commitment Tracker covers hospitals, roads and housing. Commitments already announced include a new West Gippsland Hospital and extra funding for the Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment. Chair Nathan Hersey said residents can compare promises by party and policy area. Voters are encouraged to check the tracker regularly as the state election nears.
One Nation supporters gathered at Pakenham's Railway Hotel on Monday to hear state leader and local candidate Warren Pickering. Pakenham is held by Labor's Emma Vulin, who will not recontest the seat at November's state election. Pickering said many voters want change from the major parties. The latest Resolve Political Monitor put One Nation's primary support at 23 per cent, with the coalition on 28 per cent and Labor on 25 per cent. Victorian Labor and One Nation have both announced new election promises.
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Residents of Wonthaggi have shown strong support for their town at the first round of consultation sessions on Bass Coast Shire Council's structure planning review. Local resident Dyonn Dimmock praised the town's access to amenities, bushland, beaches and bicycle trails, and urged wider community participation. Feedback highlighted demand for long-term jobs, an education hub, safer roads and crossings, and better links to walking and bike trails. Residents also raised concerns about water pressure and sewerage capacity. The consultation period runs until October 30, and feedback will inform the next draft of the structure plan.
Bass Coast Mayor Brett Tessari has put forward a notice of motion calling for a pause on the proposed lights and stripes pedestrian crossing in Murray Street, Wonthaggi. The motion follows concerns from local business owners about lost parking, deliveries and traffic congestion. Tessari is seeking a further report on costs, funding, safety, consultation and alternative designs, to be presented to the November 18 council meeting. The motion needs majority support from councillors to proceed.
Police have recovered a stolen Toyota Landcruiser, a mower trailer and a Cub Cadet ride-on mower taken from Leongatha on October 12. Detectives executed a search warrant on a Moe property on October 14, then found the trailer and mower dumped in bushland near Tyers. A 21-year-old Wonthaggi man has been charged with theft of a motor vehicle, theft and committing an indictable offence while on bail. His bail application was refused and he remains in custody. A 17-year-old Morwell male was interviewed and released pending further investigation.
Former Collingwood star Steele Sidebottom has signed with Wonthaggi Power for the 2027 season, the club has announced. The 2010 premiership teammate of Jarryd Blair joins after an 18-season AFL career in which he played more than 370 games for Collingwood. The Power said his decision was driven mainly by friendship and family, with the chance to play alongside Blair the key factor. Sidebottom has also been involved with the club's junior development since 2014. Power president Darren Brown said the signing would be a major drawcard for members, fans and players.
Three Wonthaggi pharmacists have completed a Monash University course that lets them treat a wider range of health conditions. They are waiting for Victorian Government approval before they can offer the full range of services. The course covered 22 medical conditions, and the pharmacists can only begin treating them once the government recognises each one. Louise O’Keeffe said the changes would allow patients to get care sooner, without waiting weeks for a doctor’s appointment. Some services, including antibiotic treatment for children with impetigo, are already available.
