HEAD

EAST A GUIDE TO LIVING, WORKING & INVESTING

IN EAST GIPPSLAND

30 PRIMARY, 6 SECONDARY SCHOOLS & ACCESS TO TERTIARY

EDUCATION LOCALLY

HEAD EAST >> EAST GIPPSLAND

* SOURCE: BAIRNSDALE, AUSTRALIAN PROPERTy MONITORS, NOvEMBER 2011

EASTGIPPSLAND

90 HOME TO AUSTRALIA’S LONGEST BEACH (90 MILE BEACH) AND LARGEST INLAND WATERWAY (THE GIPPSLAND LAKES)

8 MAjOR TOWNS AND AROUND 40 INDIVIDUAL COMMUNITIES 8/40

LARGEST AREA OF NATIONAL PARK IN AUSTRALIA – 1.5 MILLION HECTARES 1.5 mill ion hectares

MEDIAN HOUSE PRICE$251,000*

YEAR ROUND TEMPERATE CLIMATE

TRAIN: MELBOURNE TO BAIRNSDALE 3 TIMES DAILY (3.5 HOUR jOURNEY)

ONE OF THE LARGEST PER CAPITA BOAT OWNERSHIPS IN AUSTRALIA

HOME TO ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST SIGNIFICANT FISHING PORTS,

AND THE LARGEST TRAWLING FISHING FLEET IN AUSTRALIA

home to tranquil lakes, pristine beaches and the rugged beauty of the high country.

Whether you have a lifetime, a month, a weekend or a day there are many reasons to explore this magical corner of Victoria.

Our relaxed regional lifestyle means that you can forget about traffic jams and get home on time to enjoy everything the region has to offer. Spend time with family and friends or head out doors for some quality “me” time.

East Gippsland is clean, green and beautiful, with significant natural and ecological advantages, large areas of national and state reserves and Australia’s largest inland water system – the gippsland lakes. We have colourful fishing and boating villages, turquoise lakes and rivers, high-country grandeur, isolated beaches, rugged coastal outcrops and an easy-living temperate climate.

But lifestyle is about more than our famous natural beauty. East Gippsland’s affordable housing, strong employment, quality healthcare, excellent education infrastructure including tertiary options, and plentiful land supply add to our competitive advantage. The region also caters well for families by offering a broad range of childcare and developmental services.

East Gippsland is eastern Victoria’s major economic region with a diverse population and industry profile, growing economy, stable labour force and an abundance of primary produce and natural resources.

We have more than 20 towns and villages with around 23,000 jobs throughout East Gippsland. Most jobs are found in retail (14%), health care and social assistance (13%) and agriculture, forestry and fishing (10%). Skills Victoria estimates that employment will increase by 2.1% in the next five years with growth in transport and storage, communications and business services.

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Welcome to east gippsland

WELCOMETO EAST GIPPSLAND

HEAD EAST AND EXPERIENCE

> A better work/life balance

> A more relaxed lifestyle with time to enjoy our diverse natural wonders

> Affordable housing so you can spend more money on the things you want

> A chance to further your career in a thriving and vibrant community

> A wide range of educational opportunities to help deliver a bright, successful future

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our major employers

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service The primary hospital servicing East Gippsland, Bairnsdale Regional Health Service employs more than 700 people across a range of sectors. As well as medical roles, including nursing, medical imaging, and allied health, the health service offers non-medical opportunities in support services such as administration, accounting, health information, human resources, information technology and hotel services.

Patties Food Ltd Australia’s leading branded frozen food company, Patties Foods Ltd employs around 500 people in its manufacturing plant in Bairnsdale. Patties manufacture iconic Australian brands, including Four n’ Twenty, Herbert Adams, Nannas and Creative Gourmet. Employees in the Bairnsdale office cover a wide range of roles including administration, quality control, engineering, IT, plant workers, product development, warehousing and logistics.

East Gippsland Shire Council Representing the needs of around 45,000 residents across an area of 21,000 square kilometres, East Gippsland Shire Council employs around 350 people across a range of disciplines. Roles at the council can be professional or trade based and range from administrative, human resources, library, management, maintenance and technical. The shire’s corporate offices are located in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance with smaller hubs across the entire Shire.

top industries in east gippsland by employmentSOuRCE: AuSTRALIAN BuREAu OF STATISTICS, 2006

Retail Trade 14.6%

Health Care 12.9%

Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing 9.9%

Accommodation & Food Services 9.4%

Education & Training 9.2%

Manufacturing 9.1%

Construction 7.2%

Public Administration & Safety 4.8%

Transport, Postal & Warehousing 3.7%

Professional, Scientific & Technical Services 3.1%

Wholesale Trade 2.9%

Administrative & Support Services 2.1%

Financial & Insurance Services 1.6%

Other 9.5%

With a population of around 45,000, East Gippsland offers a stable workforce, low unemployment, a strong industry training sector and job opportunities across a range of sectors and professions.

The region has a strong, well-educated workforce with retail trade; health and community services; agriculture, fishing and forestry; education and manufacturing collectively providing almost 50 per cent of all employment. The diversity of job opportunities for both trade-qualified and professionals in the region is one of East Gippsland’s real advantages. About a third of the region’s workforce is either a manager or employed in a professional role.

PATTIES FOODS LTD IS AN AuSTRALIAN SuCCESS STORy OPERATING PRIMARILy OuT OF BAIRNSDALE, AND

EMPLOyING AROuND 500 STAFF LOCALLy.

EMPLOYMENT

find a job in east gippsland

East Gippsland has a range of local recruitment providers to help you find the perfect role to meet your career and lifestyle goals.

The largest employment service provider in East Gippsland, Workways Australia Ltd offer tailored employment assistance to jobseekers. The not-for-profit community services organisation now operates from 35 sites across Victoria and NSW listing employment opportunities, working with local businesses to recruit staff and assisting people to gain employment. Visit their website at www.workways.com.au

other recruitment providers include:

Employment Innovations Victoria www.eiv.com.au

Mission Australia www.missionaustralia.com.au

GBS Recruitment www.gbsrecruitment.com.au

Recruit Solutions www.recruitsolutions.com.au

Workforce Extensions www.workforcexs.com.au

and SKILLED www.skilled.com.au

The local newspapers are a valuable source of information on the latest

employment opportunities in East Gippsland. There are several newspapers across the region – for further information visit www.eastvicmedia.com.au

other popular sources of employment opportunities include:

Job-seeker websites such as www.seek.com.au, www.careerone.com.au and www.mycareer.com.au

Employer websites such as East Gippsland Shire Council www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au or Bairnsdale Regional Health Service www.brhs.com.au

The Victoria’s East website www.victoriaseast.com.au

employment

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Managers 18.1%

Professionals 15.5%

Technicians & Trades 13.7%

Community & Personal Services 10.3%

Clerical & Administration 11.8%

Sales 10.9%

Machinery Operators & Drivers 5.3%

Labourers 13.5 %

Not stated 0.9%

employment types in east gippslandSOuRCE: AuSTRALIAN BuREAu OF STATISTICS, 2006

margaret harley finds happiness in bairnsdale

Originally based in Brisbane, Margaret Harley had never heard of Bairnsdale before moving to East Gippsland to become the human resources manager at employment services group Workways Australia Ltd. As well as expanding her career and skills base, she has adjusted easily to regional life.

“It is a vibrant area; people are friendly and the pace is relaxed,” says Margaret, who spends her spare time indulging her love of the outdoors. “There is a wealth of activities to engage in, the scenery is incredible.”

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Education is the fourth largest industry sector in East Gippsland and continues to grow.

With more than 30 primary schools, 11 secondary schools, a strong tafe sector, tertiary courses, a growing community-education hub, and a range of specialist education and training facilities linked to industry and trades training, our region offers everything required to meet your education needs.

There is a range of services to support children through their early years, including childcare, playgroups, child-health services and kindergartens. In addition, community led programs that encourage active learning, socialisation and play are available throughout the region such as reading days, young gymnasiums, swimming classes, arts and craft events and sporting programs.

East Gippsland is also home to one of Victoria’s best specialist schools, which provides a comprehensive curriculum for primary and post-primary students with intellectual, physical and other disabilities.

secondary

East Gippsland has a diverse and innovative Secondary School sector, providing access to education throughout the entire region. The schools are all closely linked to their local community, and students are encouraged to engage with industry and tertiary institutions to develop strong career pathways.

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EDUCATIONImportantly, our schools recognise the different needs, abilities and interests of individual students and develop curriculums that encourage and enhance learning.

Being situated in a regional area, East Gippsland schools realise the potential of technology and have ICT rich curriculums and ICT enabled delivery that ensures distance is no barrier to learning.

Specialist learning areas are encouraged with many schools offering comprehensive studies in music and performing arts, materials technology, science, physical education, food technology and primary industries, among others.

tertiary

East Gippsland offers an array of tertiary study options through partnerships with universities and the region’s advance tafe. Students can choose from undergraduate and post-graduate courses, along with vocational, trade and accredited training programs, and on-the-job training tailored to meet industry needs. There is also a wide range of non-accredited leisure and lifestyle courses.

Advance TAFE

advance tafe is the vocational and tertiary education hub of the East Gippsland region. The two main campuses in bairnsdale and sale have a wide range of higher education and vocational facilities, including commercial kitchens, trades centres and university programs, which combine on-campus classes with the latest in online and video-conferencing technology.

advance tafe also delivers courses throughout the region through its outreach centres at swift’s creek, orbost, mallacoota, yarram and heyfield.

Community College East Gippsland

Offering the most diverse program in the adult education sector in East Gippsland, the community college provides nationally recognised accredited training and non-accredited leisure and lifestyle courses. Among the many offerings are certificate courses in industries as diverse as healthcare, information technology, beauty therapy, hospitality, horticulture and visual arts.

IN A REGION RENOWNED FOR ITS NATuRAL WONDERS, ADVANCE TAFE

PROVIDES COMPREHENSIVE COuRSES IN CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT.

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education

kahli higgins, abbs-olute personal training, paynesville

Studying at Gippsland Grammar allowed Kahli Higgins to pursue her dream of becoming a personal trainer and ultimately owning her own business, Abbs-olute Personal Training, in Paynesville on the Gippsland Lakes.

young and motivated with a passion for fitness, Kahli was captain of many different sporting groups during her time at Gippsland Grammar, including dance, volleyball, touch football, equestrian and house captain. As a school prefect, she was involved in public speaking and learned confidence in communicating with crowds. The skill has stood her in good stead in her business and in dealing with clients.

After graduating VCE in 2009, Kahli completed a personal training course and set up her business in Paynesville. She hasn’t looked back. In 2011, Kahli won the young Achiever Award at the GSI East Gippsland Business Awards for her achievements in overcoming the challenges of starting and financing her own business. She is now expanding her skills with courses in Pilates, sports strapping and business management.

THE ADVANCE TAFE SEAMEC CAMPuS OFFERS SPECIALIST MARITIME TRAINING AND INDuSTRy LINKS

STuDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO AquATIC CENTRES AND OuTDOOR POOLS ACROSS THE REGION SOuRCE: SWIFTS CREEK P-12

EAST GIPPSLAND HAS MORE THAN 30 PRIMARy SCHOOLS ACROSS THE REGION

ADVANCE TAFE OFFERS A RANGE OF VOCATIONAL COuRSES INCLuDING BEAuTy THERAPy AND HAIRDRESSING

COMMuNITy COLLEGE EAST GIPPSLAND PROVIDES NATIONALLy RECOGNISED ACCREDITED TRAINING AND NON-ACCREDITED LEISuRE AND LIFESTyLE COuRSES.

EAST GIPPSLAND SECONDARy SCHOOLS PROVIDE A BROAD CuRRICuLuM OF CREATIVE AND ACADEMIC SuBJECTS SOuRCE: SWIFTS CREEK P-12

FORESTEC OFFERS HIGHLy SPECIALISED EDuCATION FOR STuDENTS SEEKING CAREERS IN FORESTRy, CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT, FIRE SAFETy, AND FuRNITuRE MAKING AND DESIGN

STuDENTS RECEIVE TuITION IN A RANGE OF SuBJECTS INCLuDING MuSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS SOuRCE: BAIRNSDALE SECONDARy COLLEGE

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HEALTHCARE

head east >> EAST GIPPSLAND

East Gippsland has hospitals located in Bairnsdale, Orbost and Omeo with outreach services operating in most towns and communities throughout the region.

With its large number of private medical and dental practitioners, access to visiting specialists and a full range of hospital, community and aged-care services, the region offers everything to meet your healthcare needs.

This includes 13 medical clinics, a wide array of visiting specialist services, visiting surgeons, specialised programs to assist the Indigenous community, acute care, primary care, aged care and community and home-based health services, along with innovative preventative programs designed to keep our community fit and healthy.

For further information and medical contacts, please see the directory on page 27.

MAJOR SERVICESRegional hospital offering full range of acute care including emergency, rehabilitation, specialised cardiac wing, palliative care, maternity, paediatrics and surgery.

Oncology and dialysis treatment, including visiting oncologist and nephrologist.

Visiting specialist services including cardiology, gynaecology, gastroenterology, ear, nose and throat, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, rheumatology, urology, cognitive dementia service and neuropsychology.

Allied health services including dietetics, Koori health liaison, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, podiatry, social work, continence and speech pathology.

Community health services including dental, children’s care, maternal health, women’s health, drug and alcohol counselling, district nursing, home care, volunteer transport, teen health.

Health preventative services and education, including diabetes education, school dental service, post-natal support, planned activity groups, pulmonary and cardiac education.

Aged-care services, respite care and residential care.

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BAIRNSDALE REGIONAL HEALTH SERVICE PROVIDES EAST GIPPSLAND’S MAJOR HOSPITAL

a healthy lifestyle

In East Gippsland, we appreciate our environment and value the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Our residents have access to a wide range of programs to help them to maintain healthy minds and bodies, to socialise, enjoy the outdoors and keep fit.

The many healthy lifestyle programs offered by our local health services include:

> Art and craft workshops.

> Support groups for people living with conditions including Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, cancer and diabetes

> Cooking classes

> Exercise programs for adults, including a “blokes only” gym, diabetes and rehabilitation gym, fitness classes for older people, walking groups and tai chi

> Pre-school gymnasium program that helps develop co-ordination and balance, and encourages socialisation

> New mothers support group

> Swimming programs for children

> Bloke’s group and Men’s Shed

> Fully equipped gymnasiums and indoor aquatic centres

> Sports coaching and mentoring across a range of disciplines

healthcare

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Whether your dream home fronts a picturesque lake or canal, overlooks a tranquil valley, is nestled in a traditional village, is found on an acreage or is a modern apartment in town, you can find it in East Gippsland.

With our laidback regional lifestyle, waterfront opportunities, abundance of space and affordability, now has never been a better time to buy.

East Gippsland has a large array of trades and service providers to help you with your move, whether you want financial, property or legal advice, assistance in designing or building a home, planning assistance, transport or banking.

Visit www.victoriaseast.com.au for a list of real estate agents servicing East Gippsland. Most East Gippsland properties are listed for sale and lease on popular real estate websites such as www.domain.com.au and www.realestate.com.au

median house price

Bairnsdale $251,000

Paynesville $300,000

Metung $267,000

Lakes Entrance $280,000

Orbost $190,000

Mallacoota $247,000

Omeo $350,000

Bruthen $231,000

SOuRCE: AuSTRALIAN PROPERTy MONITORS, NOVEMBER 2011

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REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT

HOME DESIGN By SLAP ARCHITECTS, CONSTRuCTED

By BROOKER BuILDERS

WATERFRONT LIVING WITH yOuR OWN JETTy BERTH IS AN AFFORDABLE REALITy ON THE GIPPSLAND LAKES. KINGS COVE METuNG MARINA BERTHS

THERE ARE MORE THAN 20 REAL ESTATE AGENTS IN EAST GIPPSLAND

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real estate & property development

jane & angus mckay

When Melbourne-born copywriter Jane McKay and her architect husband, Angus, decided to take the next step in their lives, East Gippsland offered the perfect opportunity to achieve a work-life balance.

“We thought: why live on the outskirts of Melbourne and commute when, for less money, we can build our dream home, in a small, safe community?” says Jane, from the modern home Angus designed for the family.

Jane quickly found a job in the area and, while it is still a challenging job, the stress of daily life isn’t compounded by the stress of peak-hour traffic. Angus drives to work without passing through one traffic light while Jane combines part-time work with freelance marketing and motherhood. Jane has also launched her dream business, forming muesli and biscuit company East Gippsland Eats with her sister, Lucy in 2011.

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major developments

East Gippsland is in the midst of a construction boom with a significant number of new developments planned and under construction.

From those with rural outlooks to homes on the lake or tucked away on picturesque bush blocks, there is a huge range of new houses to choose from.

Eastwood

One of the largest rural subdivisions ever undertaken in regional Victoria, the Eastwood Estate in Bairnsdale is nearing completion after 25 years. The site includes more than 800 developed lots, 40 hectares of developed parkland with 10 kilometres of walking tracks, and three kilometres of deep-water frontage on the beautiful Mitchell River. Eastwood Estate also has the region’s largest primary school, two child-minding centres, Eastwood Retirement Village and the recently opened Eastwood Community Aged Care facility.

CONSTRuCTED By HOTONDO HOMES

EASTWOOD ESTATE

HOME DESIGN By SLAP ARCHITECTS, CONSTRuCTED By CM & HM BANKS

BuILT By BLAy BuILDERS

DEVELOPMENT By RIVIERA PROPERTIES

Coast

The Coast Estate in Paynesville offers nearly 100 generously sized lots incorporating 25 acres of public parks, wetlands and walkways.

Ideally situated on the Paynesville Rd, it provides residents with easy access to the corporate centres of Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance, and is close to schools and community facilities.

Coast endeavours to incorporate as many energy saving and water recycling technologies as possible within the development including an integrated water management strategy focussed on demand management, reuse, recycling and conservation initiatives

Kings Cove Metung

Kings Cove Metung is a unique marina, golf and residential waterfront development at Metung on the Gippsland Lakes. The Ted Parslow designed golf course meanders through the community and provides the Clubhouse and Pro-shop facility for members and visitors.

On the edge of the lake, Kings Cove’s enclave ‘The Beaches’ consists of nine waterfront sites with endorsed architectural house plans and jetty berth in the adjacent marina with prices ranging from $550,000 to $650,000.

East Gippsland’s economy, like the region itself, is diverse and robust.

The five strongest industry sectors by financial output are: manufacturing; construction; agriculture, forestry and fishing; retail trade; and property and business services.

Some of Australia’s leading brands and businesses operate from East Gippsland including the world’s largest pie manufacturer, Patties Foods Ltd, Australia’s largest trawling fishing fleet and Australia’s largest fresh cut horticulture business, Vegco.

Data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics and analysed by Remplan found the total annual estimated gross output generated by business in East Gippsland in 2010 was $3,308 million, a $582 million increase on 2006.

The diversity of the job opportunities for both trade qualified and professionals in the region is one of East Gippsland’s real advantages. In general, there’s a solid demand for skilled employees across a wide range of businesses such as legal services, accounting, engineering, sales, ICT and general management.

East Gippsland’s top five manufacturing products are: fruit and vegetable products; ships and boats; sawmill products; bakery products and processed seafood. The tourism industry is also strong, with East Gippsland attracting 1.1 million visitors in 2010, yielding around $27 million.

INDUSTRY &INVESTMENT

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Why invest in east gippsland?

> affordability: Competitively priced industrial land in and around corporate centres and comparatively low labour costs.

> Workforce: Stable, skilled workforce and strong staff retention.

> logistics: Excellent road and rail transportation infrastructure between East Gippsland and Melbourne, with access to the Port of Melbourne within four hours. High quality road access to Sydney (eight hours) and Canberra (five hours).

> climate: Temperate conditions, high rainfall, no water restrictions and plentiful primary resources.

> lifestyle: Natural wonders including the Gippsland Lakes, alpine high country, stunning beaches and 1.5 million hectares of national parks and reserves.

> support: East Gippsland Shire Council has dedicated resources to help businesses establish and relocate to the region.

For further information about doing business in East Gippsland, please contact the East Gippsland Shire Council on 03 5153 9500 or email feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au. Alternatively, visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au

LAKES ENTRANCE FISHING CO-OPERATIVE PROCESSES MORE THAN 4.2 MILLION KILOGRAMS OF SuSTAINABLy FISHED SEAFOOD ANNuALLy, AND SERVICES 40-50 VESSELS FROM ITS FACILITy IN LAKES ENTRANCE.

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DyERS GIPPSLAND TRANSPORT IS THE LARGEST AND LONGEST SERVING PROVIDER OF ROAD TRANSPORT SERVICES IN GIPPSLAND

PATTIES FOODS LTD MANuFACTuRES SOME OF AuSTRALIA’S BEST KNOWN BRANDS INCLuDING FOuR N’ TWENTy, HERBERT ADAMS AND NANNA’S PASTRIES

THE GIPPSLAND LAKES HOST A THRIVING MARINE INDuSTRy WHICH INCLuDES MARINE MECHANICS, SHIPWRIGHTS AND SLIPyARDS

melissa & paul churchman, sarsfield WildfloWer farm

Melissa and Paul Churchman spent a number of years searching for the opportunity to escape the corporate world in Melbourne and overseas and run their own enterprise. They finally settled on Sarsfield Wildflower Farm in East Gippsland.

Paul, with a Commerce Degree and background in accounting and senior project management, and Melissa who has a Business Communications Degree with an Advertising Major and spent 13 years in mainstream advertising agencies, apply their extensive knowledge to managing the farm from a business perspective.

Beyond the farm gate, the real area of business activity is wholesale supply to the domestic flower markets and more recently, export to Japan. using local suppliers and sophisticated freight services has meant that Melissa and Paul have been able to build strong business relationships, which has been vital for their business success. “Businesses here really want to help you find solutions and they can be so accommodating” says Paul. “This can make the difference between moving forward or being stuck. We’re moving forward.”

A WORK/LIFE BALANCE IS A REALITy FOR EAST GIPPSLAND RESIDENTS

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paynesville

bairnsdale

omeo

buchan

bruthen

metung

MITCHELL RIVER NATIONAL PARK

lindenoW

THE LAKES NATIONAL PARK

ALPINE NATIONAL PARK

< sale

sWifts creek

WELCOMETO EAST GIPPSLAND

melbourne 3.5hrs

lakes entrance

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buchan

ALPINE NATIONAL PARK

orbost

lakes entrance

cann river

mallacoota

SNOWy RIVER NATIONAL PARK

CROAJINGOLONG NATIONAL PARK

COOPRACAMBRA NATIONAL PARK

LIND NATIONAL

PARK

ERRINuNDRA NATIONAL PARK

ALFRED NATIONAL PARK

hospital

high school

place of interest

commercial centre

fishing industry

sailing

snoWfields

LEGEND

marlo

canberra 5 hrs

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FOOD& WINE

With its fertile soils, good rainfall and temperate climate, East Gippsland is a food bowl for Australia, producing fresh fruit and vegetables all year round.

The region is also renowned for its quality gippsland beef and excellent seafood.

As well as a plentiful supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, the region produces quality wines, beer, award-winning cheese, olives and olive oil, chocolate, beef and sausages. Set out on a food trail to learn about local food production from the producers and growers themselves. Pack a picnic filled with goodies for an al fresco lunch, or settle into a café or restaurant and savour your meal with a glass of wine from our emerging cool-climate industry.

East Gippsland also is home to the largest fishing port in Victoria, and the lakes entrance Fishing Co-op processes 4.2 million kilograms of sustainably fished seafood each year, including flathead, gummy shark, prawns, scallops, abalone and squid. Watch the fleet as they motor into port, then buy your seafood straight from the boats. It’s hard to get fresher than that!

DAVID LuCKES FRESH FOOD MARKET’TWIN RIVERS FOOD TRAIL

Where to buy local produce

There are many places to buy East Gippsland’s local produce, including delicatessens, at the farm gate, in local stores or community outlets. Source local goods at one of the region’s many community markets, which offer produce such as jams, relishes and chutneys, delicious baked goods, olive oil, honey and cheese. Look for specialty items such as cured meats, pâté , lamb and venison, handmade sausages, pasta and soup.

farmers markets

> East Gippsland Farmers’ Market, Bairnsdale Secondary College Oval, Bairnsdale – 1st Saturday of the month

> Metung Farmers’ Market, Village Green, Metung – 2nd Saturday of the month

> Paynesville Farmers’ Market, AJ Freeman Reserve, Paynesville – 3rd Saturday of the month

foodie eXperiences

This list provides a small sample of fantastic food and wine experiences available when you live in East Gippsland.

> Take the Twin Rivers Food Trail and enjoy fresh stone fruits, blueberries, raspberries and local wines.

> Visit Lakes Entrance and enjoy the freshest fish and prawns straight off the trawlers

> Watch in Lakes Entrance as the chefs make mouth-watering French chocolate truffles, then take home your own bag to share

> Buy fresh eggs, vegetables, fruit and walnuts direct from the farmgate at various outlets around East Gippsland

> Get a fireside seat in a cosy high country pub during winter, and dine on succulent Gippsland beef

> Pick wild asparagus from the roadside, or scour the countryside for the many wild apple and stone fruit trees ripe for the picking

> Pick up supplies from our many plant nurseries and organic farms and then grow your own vegies in the nutrient rich soils. Plentiful water supplies produce bountiful crops every year.

> Throw a line in the lakes, rivers and ocean or take the prawning nets out to catch your own dinner.

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shannon and tennille mee, albion hotel, sWifts creek

Shannon and Tennille Mee are qualified chefs who trained in Melbourne but honed their skills working in high-end restaurants in London.

upon settling back in Melbourne and taking on head chef roles with Prahran’s Flying Duck Hotel and The Terminus in Fitzroy, they longed to relocate to a regional area where they could raise their young family but still indulge their passion for great food.

Since taking over management of Swifts Creek’s Albion Hotel on the Great Alpine Road in 2008, Shannon and Tennille have shaken-up the food experience for many locals and visitors, with exciting dishes and quality food all year round. With a firm belief in supporting local producers, Shannon and Tennille endeavour to use local ingredients where-ever possible, even generating fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs from their own garden.

The locals all agree that The Albion is the best place to eat, with the venue awarded the ‘Best Pub / Bistro in Australia’ as part of the ‘Lifestyle Channel I Love Food’ Awards for three years running.

food & Wine

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SPORTS& RECREATION

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Home to the iconic Gippsland Lakes, many rivers, mountains, coastal inlets and stunning national parks, East Gippsland is the perfect outdoor playground whether you wish to explore by foot, by bicycle, by boat or by car.

Paddle around the canals of Paynesville, cruise the secluded coves of the Gippsland Lakes – at more than 400 square kilometres, the largest lakes system in Australia – or head to secret fishing spots on board a charter from Metung, Mallacoota or Lakes Entrance. East Gippsland offers excellent fishing for those with a rod and reel.

The region is also ideal for cyclists who can explore the area on the 97km East Gippsland Rail Trail, pedal the trails around the lakes or tackle the many roads and trails through the High Country and Snowy River area.

East Gippsland offers incredible diversity in more than 1.5 million hectares of national parks and reserves, from the ancient rainforests of Errinundra, the spectacular coastal wilderness of Croajingolong and the rugged majesty of the Alpine National Park. The region has an enormous network of hiking trails and 4WD tracks to explore.

East Gippsland has a high level of local participation in sports and outdoor activities thanks to its array of venues and reserves. Popular activities include football, tennis, cricket, yoga, pilates, netball, athletics, triathlons, soccer, hockey, badminton, rowing, sailing, boxing, bowls and swimming. East Gippsland has two surf lifesaving patrolled beaches at Lakes Entrance, and children are well catered for with Aquatic centres, athletic clubs, cycling clubs and other planned activity groups operating across the region.

joining a sporting club

Visit the East Gippsland community directory for a full list of sporting clubs in the region.

www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/About_Us/Our_Shire/Community_Directory

For more information on exploring East Gippsland, visit www.discovereastgippsland.com.au or drop into one of our visitor information centres where you can find maps, transport guides and a range of useful brochures and publications.

For comprehensive visitor information, call 1800 637 060.

EAST GIPPSLAND IS A FISHING MECCA WITH A SPRAWLING NETWORK OF RIVERS, LAKES AND OCEAN ALL OFFERING uP SOME OF THE BEST FISHING IN AuSTRALIA

SuRFING IS A POPuLAR PASTIME WITH BOARD RIDING CLuBS ESTABLISHED IN RED BLuFF, CAPE CONRAN, LAKES ENTRANCE AND MALLACOOTA

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sports & recreation

ryan cross, triathlete & bairnsdale resident

When Ryan Cross and his wife Katie decided to leave their London life to move to Bairnsdale, where Ryan grew up, Katie was nervous.

“Moving to somewhere I had never lived before was daunting,” she says. But a love of netball soon found her involved in many different networks and embraced by the community.

Ryan’s participation in and love of triathlons also keeps him busy. “The roads are much quieter and picturesque and the variety of courses is astounding,” he says.

The pair has never looked back. Ryan quickly found a job using his engineering skills with company Crossco and Katie found work as a teacher. Then, after building a new home in the region, Katie and Ryan celebrated the birth of their first child, son Cadel, who was born in Bairnsdale hospital.

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EAST GIPPSLAND IS AN IDEAL REGION FOR CyCLISTS TO EXPLORE

THERE ARE A RANGE OF GyMNASIuMS AND FITNESS OuTLETS ACROSS EAST GIPPSLAND THAT ENCOuRAGE SOCIALISATION AS WELL AS FITNESS. SOuRCE : R u FIT, BAIRNSDALE

WATERSPORTS ARE A POPuLAR PASTIME ON THE GIPPSLAND LAKES INCLuDING WAKEBOARDING, WINDSuRFING, CANOEING, KAyAKING AND STAND-uP PADDLE BOARDING.

THERE ARE OuTDOOR AND INDOOR POOL FACILITIES FOuND THROuGHOuT THE EAST GIPPSLAND REGION

KATE MCANERGNEy OF SHIMMER yOGA TEACHING STuDENTS IN BRuTHEN

yOuNG SINGERS AND MuSICIANS TAKE PART IN THE PAyNESVILLE MuSIC FESTIVAL EACH yEAR. SOuRCE: DAVID ELLIS

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Get swept up in the richness and vibrancy of arts, culture and heritage in East Gippsland

The region attracts renowned artisans passionate about their craft, including painters, sculptors, silversmiths, glass artists, photographers, performers and musicians. Visit galleries or home studios to see their work or meet artists by appointment.

There is a large collection of public art and regular exhibitions are held at the regional gallery. Learn about East Gippsland traditional art and culture at the krowathunkooloong keeping place in Bairnsdale or visit the east gippsland historical museum for an insight into the region’s early-settler history.

Live performance venues are dotted throughout towns and villages in East Gippsland and are a good place to experience our musical and performing arts talent. The main venue is the forge theatre and arts hub in Bairnsdale which attracts acts from around the country. Check out one of the many arts and cultural festivals, such as bruthen blues, paynesville music festival, café culture, en pleine air, nowa nowa nudes, buchan arts & crafts show or the month-long be inspired arts festival in May.

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ARTS &ENTERTAINMENT

yELENS STuDIO GALLERy IN NOWA NOWA IS ONE OF MANy PRIVATELy OWNED AND

OPERATED GALLERIES FOuND THROuGHOuT EAST GIPPSLAND.

EAST GIPPSLAND HAS A STRONG PERFORMING ARTS CuLTuRE

WITH SEVERAL THEATRE GROuPS OPERATING THROuGHOuT THE

REGION. EAST GIPPSLAND HAS PRODuCED A NuMBER OF

FAMOuS FILMMAKERS, ACTORS AND PLAyWRIGHTS INCLuDING DAVID WILLIAMSON AND MATT

NORMAN. SOuRCE: DAVID ELLIS

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our cultural heritage

East Gippsland’s history is rich with the culture and heritage of its traditional inhabitants, the gunaikurnai people, and Swan Reach was the central corroboree point for the five clans of the gunaikurnai.

The bataluk cultural trail provides a wonderful insight into this history, telling a story about the traditional inhabitants, where they came from and what they encountered. It explains significant Indigenous heritage sites and provides information about Indigenous culture.

The krowathunkooloong (keeping place) cultural museum in Bairnsdale offers an in-depth look at the Indigenous history of the gunaikurnai people from pre-European settlement through to today. Their stories unfold through imaginative displays of traditional items such as shields with traditional markings, boomerangs, bark canoes and baskets. There is also an exhibition of contemporary koori art.

fun for all the family

Whether you are young, old or young at heart, there’s always something to do and see in East Gippsland no matter what your budget. Here are just a few ideas:

Buy or hire a boat and cruise the rivers or Gippsland Lakes

Cycle the koala trail on Raymond Island

Play mini golf

Visit the archery park or a skate park

Join a performing arts troupe, music group or art class

Enjoy coffee and breakfast in a lakeside cafe

Cast in a line and catch your own dinner

Get fit! Join the local golf club, gymnasium or board riders club.

Saddle up for a horse ride in the high country

Cycle or hike on our scenic rail trails

art galleries

Here is a selection of the many galleries in East Gippsland:

The Regional East Gippsland Art Gallery, Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale

East Gippsland Aboriginal Art Corporation, Nicholson Street, Bairnsdale

Stables Gallery, Service Street, Bairnsdale

Artspace, Lakes Entrance Visitor Information Centre

Lakes Art and Print Gallery, Gray Street, Lakes Entrance

Orbost Exhibition Centre, Clark Street Orbost

FeastonArt, Nicholson Street, Orbost

Bruthen Arts and Information, Main Street, Bruthen

For a list of regular East Gippsland events see the list on page 26 or visit www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au

arts & entertainment

LOCAL ARTIST DANIEL JENKINS SPECIALISES IN COPPER SCuLPTuRES AS WELL AS PHOTOGRAPHy.

ARTEFACTS: EAST GIPPSLAND ABORIGINAL ART CORPORATION.

METuNG IS HOME TO THE EAST GIPPSLAND ARTS TRAIL WHERE VISITORS CAN VIEW WORKS FROM A RANGE OF ARTISTS INCLuDING SILVERSMITHS, PAINTERS AND SCuLPTORS. ONE OFF TWO GALLERy IN NuNGuRNER IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS uNIquE JEWELLERy DESIGNS.

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A GREAT PLACE TO

RETIRE

With a laidback and affordable lifestyle, temperate climate and excellent services, East Gippsland is a popular destination for retirees.

The region offers a wide range of accommodation designed to suit the needs – and budgets – of retirees. Housing prices are much lower than urban areas, allowing retirees to save their money to spend on their new lifestyle. There also is a wide range of low-maintenance accommodation and support services, including retirement villages, relocatable villages, low and high-care retirement homes, home help and respite care.

For those who are keen to get out and explore, East Gippsland provides a convenient base, with plenty of options to tour without even leaving the shire. Travel farther afield along the five-hour scenic drive to the south coast of NSW or drive five hours to Canberra. Melbourne is just three and a half hours away or head north to Sydney in eight hours.

John & Anne Hubel, Eastwood Retirement Village, Bairnsdale

John and Anne Hubel are vibrant, active retirees who have chosen East Gippsland as the perfect place to enjoy their “freedom” years.

The couple, who previously lived in Melbourne and sought a “sea change” for their retirement, bought property at Eastwood Retirement Village after realising that retiring in Bairnsdale “ticked all the right boxes”. John was keen to take it easy after years of travelling with a busy job, but wanted to keep busy doing things he loves, such as kayaking, bike riding, golf and caravanning.

“There is everything you need here such as the hospital and aged-care facilities, which is important to us as we are not getting any younger,” John says.

The cost of living in East Gippsland was a significant factor and they were delighted to find excellent quality housing on a good-sized block close to the shops.

spotlight: eastWood retirement

A resort-style retirement village on the outskirts of Bairnsdale, Eastwood Retirement offers a relaxed, maintenance-free lifestyle among landscaped gardens and modern construction for people aged 55 and above.

The village ensures residents enjoy a high quality of life including security, socialisation and a stress-free home setting, within walking distance to the local shopping centre.

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activities

Social and education groups aimed at over 55s include:

> Neighbourhood houses and community centres offer a range of educational services

> The Bairnsdale Club in Bairnsdale’s Nicholson Street Mall hosts a social club for people of all ages, and regularly runs social outings including golf days and mystery bus tours

> Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance RSL clubs

> university of the Third Age (u3A)

> Men’s Sheds in Buchan, Bruthen, Paynesville, Mallacoota, Orbost and Cabbage Tree Creek

> Clubs for various sporting pursuits including bridge, golf, lawn bowls and table tennis (Keenagers)

> Craft groups including Growing Old, Living Dangerously (GOLD), and Paynesville Community Craft Centre

> Social and fundraising clubs such as Rotary, Probus, Inner Wheel, Lions Club, Senior Citizens

a great place to retire

services

Many services in East Gippsland are tailored to meet the needs of our retired population including specialised financial and legal services.

The region is also well supplied with healthcare services, including three hospitals, home and community care, tailored physiotherapy and exercise programs and support services.

making the most of your time in east gippsland

Be as busy or as relaxed as you wish while enjoying retirement in East Gippsland, with numerous activities and social groups catering to the desires of the over-55s.

Organisations such as bairnsdale regional health service offer specialised social groups called ‘planned activity groups’ that enable social networking for people of all ages, with activities such as cooking classes, board games, computer skills and dancing.

There are also social and recreational programs for the frail aged, those with a disability, and people from non-English speaking backgrounds.

volunteering is a great way to meet new people while contributing to the community, and retirees make up a large percentage of volunteers in East Gippsland. Opportunities to volunteer range from working with local primary schools, to working with organisations such as Red Cross, Animal Aid, and local healthcare services. East Gippsland has a volunteer network that can assist with placement.

EAST GIPPSLAND IS A POPuLAR AREA FOR RETIREES DuE TO ITS MILD CLIMATE, AFFORDABLE HOuSING AND RANGE OF SuPPORT SERVICES. DOMAIN AGED CARE IS ONE OF THE LARGEST PROVIDERS OF RESIDENTIAL CARE SERVICES IN EAST GIPPSLAND

THE REGION INCORPORATES A GOOD RANGE OF TOuRING ROuTES AND DESTINATIONS AND IS ON THE SyDNEy TO MELBOuRNE COASTAL ROuTE

anything is possible in east gippsland, With no other victorian region offering such an array of mountain and coastal pursuits.

Spend a day on the ski slopes in the victorian alps, go fly fishing for trout in a mountain stream or ride a horse through the high country. Cast a line off the beach to catch fresh fish for dinner, hire a boat to cruise the famous gippsland lakes and rivers or simply kick back and sample fresh local produce, washed down with a glass of wine from one of our distinctive local wineries. Trek through pristine coastal wilderness, see where the mighty Snowy meets the sea, marvel at the underground splendour of stalactites and stalagmites at the buchan caves or feel the sand between your toes and the salt on your skin at the spectacular ninety mile beach.

Whether it is the coastal attractions of lakes entrance, the pretty lakeside villages metung or paynesville, the rugged spectacle of the Snowy River region, pristine beauty of mallacoota or the High Country hospitality of omeo, East Gippsland’s towns and villages have much to offer.

Steeped in Indigenous and early settler history and retaining 80 per cent of its original vegetation, the region appeals to both the adventure-seeker and those wishing to be pampered. With an array of fresh produce and an emerging cool climate wine industry, the region also has gastronomic appeal.

East Gippsland boasts an exciting range of cycle and walking options, and picturesque rail trails, or bring your RV, four-wheel drive or motorcycle and explore the great alpine road, one of Australia’s most spectacular touring routes.

Snuggle up in one of the region’s many hotels, check into a B&B for some friendly local hospitality, book into a cabin or caravan park, or hire a motor cruiser and spend a night – or a week – aboard. And with more than a million visitors each year, we are ready to receive you at one of our many accommodation outlets.

For information and ideas about activities and tours in East Gippsland, visit www.discovereastgippsland.com.au or drop into one of our visitor information centres where you can find maps, transport guides and a range of useful brochures and publications. For free advice call 1800 637 060.

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VISITEAST GIPPSLAND

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monthly markets

east gippsland farmers market 1st Saturday

Bairnsdale Secondary College Oval, Bairnsdale

surf club market 1st Sunday

Foreshore Rotunda, Lakes Entrance

metung farmers market 2nd Saturday

Village Green, Metung

paynesville market 2nd Sunday

Gilsenan Reserve, Paynesville

bairnsdale uniting church boot market 3rd Saturday

Great Alpine Road, Bairnsdale

paynesville farmers market 3rd Saturday

AJ Freeman Reserve, Paynesville

bruthen village market 4th Saturday

Mechanics Hall, Bruthen

howitt park market 4th Sunday

Howitt Park, Bairnsdale

omeo region high country market Last Saturday (October to May)

Colonial Gardens, Omeo

visit east gippsland

MOnTH EVEnT LOCATIOnJAnUARY Marlo Triathlon Marlo

Gippsland Triathlon Championships Eagle Point

Audax Alpine Classic Falls Creek/Omeo

FEBRUARY Lake Tyers Fishing Comp Lake Tyers

Lakes Entrance Fishing Classic Lakes Entrance

Bruthen Blues & Arts Festival Bruthen

Bairnsdale Motor Expo Bairnsdale

East Gippsland Corporate Triathlon Paynesville

Paynesville Music Festival Paynesville

MARCH Orbost Agricultural Show Orbost

Alpine Discovery Festival Omeo & District

Hinnomunjie Picnic Races & Kids Day Out Hinnomunjie, Benambra via Omeo

APRIL Cycle Pink Wy yung

Paynesville Cup - Power Boat Races Paynesville

Boating and Lifestyle Show Paynesville

Mount Nowa Nowa Fun Run Nowa Nowa

East Gippsland Field Days Bairnsdale Airfield

Omeo Rodeo Omeo

Tambo Valley Picnic Races & Family Fun Day Swifts CreekBuchan Rodeo Buchan

MAY Creative Gippsland Be Inspired Festival Gippsland

Mothers Day Classic Bairnsdale

Rotary Schools Art Show Lakes Entrance

JUnE Rotary Riviera Art on Show Kalimna

Great Alpine Roast Great Alpine Road

JULY Twin Rivers Bream Classic Twin River

Lakes Oil Cycling Tour of Gippsland Various/Lakes Entrance

AUGUST Advance Sled Dog Challenge Dinner Plain

SEPTEMBER Rowing Regatta Bairnsdale, Mitchell River

Bairnsdale Running Festival Bairnsdale

OCTOBER Barry Sheene Tribute Ride Bairnsdale

East Gippsland Rail Trail Event Bairnsdale - Orbost

Hinnomunjie Campdraft Hinnomunjie Race Course

Noweyung Garden Show Bairnsdale

Gippsland Lakes Paddling Marathon Paynesville or Metung to Lakes Entrance

Nowa Nowa Nudes Nowa Nowa

nOVEMBER Bairnsdale and District Agricultural Show Bairnsdale

Omeo & District Agricultural Show Omeo

Metung Fun Run Metung

Alpine Rally Lakes Entrance

Bairnsdale Christmas Parade Bairnsdale

DECEMBER Seafarers Multicultural Festival Lakes Entrance

Toy Run Bairnsdale

SkyFest Lakes Entrance

New years Celebration Paynesville

Victorian High Country Fishing Classic Omeo and Benambra

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

All information printed in this booklet was correct at time of printing. Images courtesy of Destination Gippsland Ltd and East Gippsland Shire Council. This booklet is produced by East Gippsland Marketing Inc. PO Box 1753, Bairnsdale vIC 3875 Ph. 03 5152 3677 Designed by Clover Creative Marketing. Printed by James yeates Printing

EMERGENCIES 000 NURSE ON CALL 1300 606 024

HOSPITALS

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, Day St, Bairnsdale 03 5150 3333

Omeo District Health, 12 Easton St, Omeo 03 5159 0100

Orbost Regional Health, Boundary Rd, Orbost 03 5154 6666

NURSING SERVICES

Cann valley Bush Nursing Centre 03 5158 6274

Ensay Bush Nursing Centre 03 5157 3215

Gelantipy Bush Nursing Centre 03 5155 0274

Swifts Creek Bush Nursing Centre 03 5159 4210

OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES

Gippsland Lakes Community Health 03 5155 8300

Latrobe Community Health Service 1800 242 696

Mallacoota District Health Service 03 5158 0243

Maternal and Child Health Service 03 5152 0052

Gippsland Psychiatric Services 1300 363 322

OTHER NUMBERS

East Gippsland Shire Council 03 5153 9500

Department of Sustainability & Environment 03 5152 0600

East Gippsland Water 1300 720 700.

VOLUNTEER COAST GUARD 03 5155 1601 GIPPSLAND WATER POLICE 03 5156 7462

MEDICAL CENTRES

Bairnsdale Medical Group, 438 Main Street, Bairnsdale 03 5152 4123

Cunninghame Arm Medical Centre, 8 Whiters Street, Lakes Entrance 03 5155 2300

Dr Elspeth McRae, 305 Main Street Bairnsdale 03 5152 2088

GEGAC, 37-53 Dalmahoy Street, Bairnsdale 03 5150 0760

Gippsland Lakes, 22 Jemmeson Street, Lakes Entrance 03 5155 8300

Macleod Street Medical Centre, 93 Macleod Street, Bairnsdale 03 5152 5145

Mallacoota Medical, 21 Maurice Ave, Mallacoota 03 5158 0777

Moogji, 52 Stanley Street, Orbost 03 5154 2133

Omeo Medical Centre, Easton Street, Omeo 03 5159 0140

Orbost Medical Centre, Tyndall St & Boundary Road, Orbost 03 5154 6777

Paynesville Medical Centre, 6 Fleischer Street, Paynesville 03 5156 7243

Lake Tyers H&C Services, Rules Road, Lake Tyers Trust 03 5155 8500

Lakes Entrance Aboriginal HA, Jemmeson Street, Lakes Entrance 03 5155 8465

COMMUNITYDIRECTORY

www.discovereastgippsland.com.au www.victoriaseast.com.au www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au

Ph. 1800 637 060

PAYNESVILLEBAIRNSDALE

OMEO

BUCHAN

BRUTHEN

METUNGLINDENOW

< SALE

SWIFTS CREEK

MELBOURNE 3.5HRS

ORBOST

LAKES ENTRANCE

CANN RIVERMALLACOOTA

MARLO

CANBERRA 5 HRS