Read about the Governor’s recent regional visit to Eastern Victoria
Last month the Governor completed the first regional visit for the year.
A journey to the South-East region of our State saw the Governor visit Wellington Shire and East Gippsland Shire over four days.
The visit was a chance to meet some of the Victorians who call this region home and get a better understanding of what’s important to them.
Facilitated with the assistance of Wellington Shire Council and East Gippsland Shire Council, engagements across a range of sectors offered an insight into the local issues and priorities for these communities.
For many decades, successive Governors of Victoria have travelled across the State to speak with Victorians where they live.
Part of the Governor’s program of community engagement, these visits provide an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Victorians, engage in discussions with community leaders, support cultural activities, interact with volunteer organisations, and hear from local business and industry.
A strong agricultural sector
For generations, farmers in the Gippsland region have built and sustained a strong agricultural industry.
Not only is it an important contributor to the local economy, but it also provides high-quality produce for consumers across Victoria and beyond.
During the visit to Wellington Shire, the Governor paid a visit to Hussey & Co – Australia’s largest exporter of baby leaf salads – as well as a visit to Hillside Dairies, which recently installed automated milking systems to improve operations.
The Governor also toured Australian Sustainable Hardwoods to get an understanding of how this local business operates and continues to innovate today.
As the regional visit continued onward to East Gippsland, the Governor met with representatives from the local agricultural sector, including Gippsland Agricultural Group and Food and Fibre Gippsland, at a roundtable to discuss ideas and challenges.
Local services and infrastructure
The visits to both Shires commenced with briefings from the local Council.
In Wellington, a visit to the Southerly Ten project office saw the Governor receive a briefing on the site’s potential to supply a large portion of Victoria’s electricity, while also creating substantial local jobs and investment.
Backed by leading fund manager Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), the Star of the South Project is set to be the nation’s most advanced offshore wind farm.
The Governor also visited the RAAF Base East Sale – home to the Air Academy, supporting a capacity of up to 700 personnel at any given time.
In East Gippsland, a tour of the TAFE Gippsland Seamec campus highlighted the importance of local education in the region.
A civic reception hosted by East Gippsland Shire Council brought together community members from a range of sectors to share stories and visions for the future.
A tour of Bairnsdale Neighbourhood House showcased the community spirit that thrives in this region, as the Governor spoke with volunteers to learn about their work to support others.
First Peoples cultural heritage and community
First Peoples have maintained cultural ties to the lands of Eastern Victoria for millennia.
The Governor’s regional visit saw her travel to the lands of the Gunaikurnai People, who continue stewardship over Country today.
Visits to the Wulgunggo Ngalu Learning Place, Gegac Krowathunkooloong Keeping Place and the Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust provided insights into cultural heritage in the region, as well as the important work of community leaders today.
To learn more about the Governor’s regional engagement, visit the Regional Visits webpage.