From 25 – 28 February 2025, the Governor participated in an official visit to Wellington and East Gippsland.
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.
Key themes
Agriculture and manufacturing
In Wellington, 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.
In 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.
Education and infrastructure
The visit to Wellington commenced with briefing from the local council, before a visit to the Southerly Ten project office saw the Governor receive a briefing on the proposed offshore wind farm’s potential to supply a large portion of Victoria’s electricity, while also creating substantial local jobs and investment.
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, the Governor received a briefing from the Mayor and the CEO of the local council, before 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
The Governor’s regional visit saw her travel to the lands of the Gunaikurnai People.
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.
Background information
Wellington
Wellington is a large shire which includes a strong agricultural base and important secondary and tertiary industries, notably in the largest centre, Sale.
Wellington is home to a major prison, the Longford gas plant, an RAAF base and the Ninety Mile Beach.
The main industries include oil and gas extraction and agriculture.
For more information, visit Wellington Shire Council.
East Gippsland
East Gippsland Shire, in south-east Victoria, covers the second largest area in Victoria.
The Shire includes an extensive coastline, a major lakes and river system, rugged high country, extensive national parks and state forests.
The shire's economy is based on tourism, agriculture, horticulture, forestry and fishing. The main industries include oil and gas extraction, agriculture.
For more information, visit East Gippsland Shire Council.