“Disappointing” was a polite was of describing the vandalism on Sunday night that trashed the Christmas Tree in the Main Street, along with decorations on trees.The tree was set up in the first week of December by members of the Bairnsdale Chamber of Commerce and Industry, near the rotunda to beautify the town and create some positive Christmas spirit.Potted Pear’s Mark Hopley, who helped clean...

The importance of technology in helping people to stay in contact and informed during a natural disaster proved paramount last summer.Fortunately for Gippsland, 10 local towns are among the first in the state to receive a new nbn Disaster Satellite Service.“We have all seen how crucial access to information is during a natural disaster and through the recovery period afterwards,” Mr Chester...

Pamela and Ian Carr (pictured) are worried about fire.Outside their front gate is a nature strip and the couple is nervous about the fuel load that lies between it and the Great Alpine Road.“A cigarette butt could be all it takes, it would be enough to light it up,” Mr Carr said.The Carrs have lived beside the highway for seven and a half years on the Bruthen side of the Sarsfield Fire Brigade...

Local vegetable growers could be forced to watch their produce rot in the paddock due to a labour shortage in the Lindenow Valley. It’s nearing the pointy end of the season where crops need to be harvested but the traditional seasonal workforce used to ‘top-up’ the year-round local labour force is stuck overseas, despite those countries being COVID-19 free.Organic grower, Kane Busch, of Busch...

The Royal Cave at the Buchan Caves Reserve has reopened.Parks Victoria will recommence guided tours from today with additional hygiene and safety measures in place.While the Fairy Cave will stay closed for the time being, Caves House, the campground and the main visitor area of Buchan Caves Reserve will be open for the public’s pleasure.Parks Victoria staff have been busily preparing for...