By KATRINA BRANDON   DO NOT TOUCH THE FLOWERS. Just a few months away from the acclaimed Morwell Centenary Rose Garden Festival, Morwell Centenary Rose Garden volunteers have been picking up mess left by intruders. Starting on Australia Day this year, Deputy Chair of the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden Committee (MCRGC), Carl Ellefsen, returned from festivities in Traralgon only to find the group’s committee room had been broken into. The intruder started by taking computers, printer, new tools, a hose reel, taps and pipes (for the outdoor sink) and the first aid kit in their first theft attempt and later stole the replacement first aid kit. Graffiti has also been left throughout the grounds. “Up until 12 or 18 months ago, we never have any real problems,” Mr Eleefsen told the Express. “Various times there has been graffiti and other rubbish strewn around the courtyard, and we figured they were getting in the back gate. I put a chain on it, but it hasn’t stopped them.” Just recently, Mr Ellefsen said that they experienced another theft. Taking about 21 long-stemmed roses a few days before planting, the volunteers were left in shock. Latrobe City Council councillor Steph Morgan (Yallourn Ward), who is also the chair of the MCRGC, said that the roses roughly cost about $600. She also said that the plants were just about to be planted alongside the Commercial Road side of the garden, which they have had to find replacement plants for. Around the garden, MCRG secretary, Lyn Reid said that the volunteers also have had to be more careful about prickly things in the garden. Volunteers are resorting to using sticks to ensure they aren’t stung by used needles around the flower gardens. Being volunteers, people giving up their own free time, the committee said that it’s not fair for them to have to be poking around with sticks for their own safety, and dealing with plant and equipment theft. “It’s not fair for people who are paid staff members, but there’s more protection for them than there is for volunteers,” Cr Morgan said. A lot of the people that volunteer for the garden are often older or retired people, who enjoy their time outside amongst the flowers. Ms Reid said that with some of the characters around, they can find it confronting sometimes to be in a place that would normally feel safe to feel otherwise. “It just feels like a smack in the face,” Ms Reid said. “Volunteers have made this garden with help from council in grants and so forth. Council really emphasize how good the garden is, and the festival is really widely publicised, and people come from all over to enjoy it. But the volunteers keep it up to scratch every week. “The community, no matter who they are, come in and have a stake in the garden, then people respect the garden because it’s our garden, and it would be nice … people who are very fond of roses so much that they take them; if they’re that passionate about it and want to have some ownership over it, then come and volunteer, put some effort in. Don’t steal the roses.” Posted throughout the garden are signs saying, “Unauthorised removal of flowers is prohibited: The garden and the flowers are for all to enjoy”. Removal of flowers and plants from the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden is strickly prohibited. Photograph: Katrina Brandon Around Valentine’s Day, Ms Reid and Mr Eleefsen mentioned that it can be particularly bad. Over 12 months, volunteers contribute around 3000-3500 hours a year in the garden, with numbers slightly down this year. In previous years, it was around 4000 hours a year. They also spend more hours on behind-the-scenes administrative work to prepare their semi-annual newsletter and other tasks. One includes keeping each plant from the garden documented with what, where and when about the particular plant. The group starts work in the garden at 8am on Tuesday mornings, where there were about 50 members (40 active), now down to 20. With the numbers depleting, the committee welcomes people to join them in the garden to help keep the “heat of Morwell” alive and well. The garden was established to celebrate the centenary of Morwell Shire/City in 1992 from a suggestion by Cr Martin Hill. Following ten months of hard work by volunteers and Office of Correction staff, along with generous support from local businesses, contractors, service clubs, Morwell Council and The Rose Society of Victoria the garden was opened in November 1992. There are now two hectares of gardens, imaginatively landscaped with more than 100 beds in which are planted over 3500 roses, drawn from a professional selection of 400 varieties of recent hybrids and traditional favourites. Among these varieties are species, heritage, floribunda, tea roses, hybrid teas, miniatures, rugosas, climbers, pillar and rambling roses. For more informaiton, go to https://morwellrosegarden.com.au/friends-of-the-garden/

Amy Lohf, a 44-year-old mother of two from Mannum, South Australia, has been sentenced to two years, eight months and 13 days in jail after seriously injuring a young female swimmer while operating a speedboat under the influence of alcohol. On Australia Day in 2025, Lohf, who had shared four bottles of champagne with friends, was towing two water skiers when she struck the swimmer, pulling her into the boat’s propeller. The victim suffered catastrophic injuries but miraculously survived. During the sentencing, the court heard that Lohf accelerated in an area where swimmers were nearby and had to be told to stop the boat, indicating her extreme intoxication. She pleaded guilty to causing serious harm by dangerous driving. While the judge acknowledged her genuine remorse and the social backlash she has faced in Mannum, he ruled that the severity of the offence made home detention or a suspended sentence inappropriate. Lohf will be eligible to apply for parole in September next year.

Alt: a kangaroo is looking at the camera with the words " good day mate " below it

  LOCAL firefighter Gavin Parker was one of five CFA volunteers honoured with an Australian Fire Services Medal this Australia Day. Mr Parker led a crew to fight the Churchill fire, operating under extreme conditions to successfully defend a critical communications tower, during Black Saturday. In the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, he played a key role in managing complex peat fires, applying his deep tactical expertise to coordinate safe and effective multi-agency responses. He began his service with CFA as a volunteer at Neerim South Fire Brigade in 1976. Mr Parker became a career firefighter with CFA in 1995, and following the transition of career firefighters to Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) in 2020, he has continued to serve CFA in Gippsland on secondment from FRV. Over the course of almost five decades, Mr Parker has served in a wide range of frontline and leadership roles across Victoria, particularly in the Latrobe Valley and throughout CFA’s South East Region. He has held positions including senior station officer and currently serves as a commander, leading emergency operations in one of the state’s most complex and high-risk regions. “I’m still a member of Neerim South brigade and proud to be a life member,” Mr Parker said. “I’m still passionate about the brigade and attend as much as I can – though not as much as I’d like to.” Mr Parker joined the brigade at a young age because his father was the captain. “I really enjoy my time with my local brigade,” he added. “CFA is a good family organisation, with generations of families involved. A brigade is a great place for people to come together. “What is especially important about brigades is that they mirror the community they serve, comprising a range of people with different views and experiences.” Mr Parker is a highly experienced and credentialed emergency services professional, holding formal qualifications across a broad spectrum of incident management roles. Primary qualifications include; Operations Officer Level 3, certified as a Rostered Duty Officer, Regional Agency Commander, Planning Officer Levels 2 and 3, Division Commander, Sector Commander, Incident Controller Level 2, Logistics Officer Level 3 and Strike Team Leader. These qualifications reflect his extensive operational expertise and his capacity to lead and support complex emergency incidents across multiple levels of command and coordination. “I’m really grateful to have been given so many opportunities. This is a real strength of CFA. Whether you are operational or in a support role, CFA gives members opportunities to develop,” Mr Parker said. “I’ve embraced those opportunities and taken on some interesting tasks that have pushed me out of my comfort zone. “It’s worth being flexible in CFA, and this has allowed me to take on a range of roles in incident response.” Mr Parker has demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience in numerous emergency incidents. He has even been involved in deployment to fight fires over in California in 2017. Beyond his operational leadership, he will leave a legacy of innovation. Instrumental in introducing thermal imaging cameras (TICs) to CFA, Mr Parker is recognised as the organisation’s subject matter expert. He also developed and delivered structured TIC training drills that significantly enhanced firefighter safety and operational capability. Mr Parker’s training methodology was internationally recognised and published in both Australian and international fire magazines.

Hot weather ☀️ Hot BBQs 🌭 Hot firefighters 🚒 Happy Australia Day 🇦🇺🔥 #australiaday #firefighter #summer #holidays #longweekend

Critics on X called it cringe and rallied for defunding the taxpayer-funded ABC. The post ABC Indigenous Satire Sketch Draws Online Backlash and Defund Calls first appeared on VibeWire Magazine.

By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT, KATRINA BRANDON AND PEACE IJIYERA   AUSTRALIA Day was celebrated across the Latrobe Valley, with free community events that brought locals together. Many enjoyed a complimentary breakfast and other activities, while also seeing community members honoured for their tireless hard work. At the 2026 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards ceremony held at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, 57 new Australian citizens were welcomed into the Latrobe Valley, a supposed record amount for the region. Federal Member for Gippsland, Darren Chester and Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron joined Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson and Latrobe City councillors for the proceedings. Long-time local radio voice Julie Strini emceed the event, taking over from Barry Whitehead, who served in the role for 25 consecutive years.   Traralgon THE smell of bacon filled the air on Australia Day in Traralgon. Bringing together hundreds of people, the Lions Club of Traralgon hosted a giant Australia Day breakfast, accompanied by the City of Traralgon Band. Before the event started at 9am, people were getting ready for a large breakfast cooked by the Lions Club, which featured all kinds of breakfast treats associated with the Aussie spirit. The line for food traced from one side of the library to the end of Kay Street. Those who lined up early took a seat along the road outside GPAC, where multiple tables were set up for people to mingle, discussing all things Australia Day. Crowd: Hundreds of people enjoyed the annual Australia Day event at Traralgon. Photograph: Katrina Brandon Keeping the atmosphere nice and chill, only three speeches took place. Latrobe City Council Deputy Mayor, Dale Harriman, welcomed everyone to sit and enjoy their food while listening to the band play on. He also highlighted the band’s worldly achievements. “I want to thank my fellow Lions at Traralgon for putting on the barbecue,” he said. “I want to give a big thank you to the City of Traralgon Band – they are now an international award-winning City of Traralgon Band, having just done a tour around Europe and knocking off a number of awards, including Brass Bands from the British Military and United States.” Mr Harriman welcomed organiser Dennis Paigne to say a few words. Mr Paigne said that he was happy to see so many people at the event and gave many thanks to all involved from sponsors of the event, the Lions Club members and the Traralgon Heart Walkers for helping the event come to fruition. Matching shirts: Traralgon’s Mars Pratt, Sivbhan Hodgson and Greg Pratt. Photograph: Katrina Brandon As a formality, the Air Force cadets raised the flag. Lions Club of Traralgon President Marty Taylor was the final speaker, before the band started playing again. To finish off, he told the group, “We (the Lions Club) welcome you to this annual event – we love doing it, not just for us but for everyone.” As music continued to flow throughout the morning, the Traralgon Heart Foundation set off on their annual walk around town with a few others tagging along.   Morwell PROUD Morwell residents were spoiled for choice last week, with dual Australia Day celebrations lighting up the town. The Lions Club of Morwell ran a fantastic event in the morning out of Immigration Park, attracting locals galore for a free feed and colourful space for families. A scavenger hunt was put on for the kids to run riot, while the local lions club was happy to report that no snag was lost off the barbecue despite gustily winds that shot through. Wear it all over: Morwell pair Shaye Dynes and Simon Steele get in on the fun of Australia Day. Photograph: Blake Metcalf-Holt Morwell East Joeys, Cubs and Scouts then took to the flag pole at precisely 11am, given the honours of raising the Union Jack and Southern Cross high above while saluting from below. While the sudden wind overload provided some trouble for organisers such as Lions Club of Morwell President Alice Foster, it did provide picturesque images as the flag flew beautifully. Just down the road, the Italian Australian Club also ran another exceptional Australia Day Festival, attracting well over 100 people across the day. Providing an assortment of entertainments and market stalls, the function room was jam-packed with locals checking out what was on offer. Throw another one on: Alex Foster and Janine Hearn worked the barbecue, while Lions Club of Morwell President Alice Foster covered every corner of Morwell’s Australia Day celebrations. Photograph: Blake Metcalf-Holt While circling the differing stalls, the Pirotta Brothers took to the stage with some fine tunes for the passing audience. Out the back of the Italian Australia Club, a car and bike show gave a chance for the local rev-heads to show off their fine pieces of work, which was run by the Gippsland Model Car and Bike Club. The Morwell Bocce Club also opened the courts for the public to play for free across the duration of the Australia Day event.   Trafalgar AUSTRALIA Day celebrations in Trafalgar this year was a “cultural experience” acknowledging the history of Australia while celebrating its future. Held at the Trafalgar Public Hall, and hosted by Trafalgar Rotary Club, celebrations started as early as 8am and continued till around 10am with about 50 people in attendance. While some just came for the free breakfast, others stayed and enjoyed the community spirit. The celebrations started outside with a smoking ceremony and a Welcome to Country conducted by Kurnai Elder, Aunty Cheryl Drayton. Back in the hall, attendees were served breakfast, courtesy of the Trafalgar Rotary Club, whilst enjoying live entertainment from husband-and-wife duo band, Jamieson Road. Aussie, Aussie, Aussie: Traf locals Nicole Jackson, Hannah Jackson, Rotary Club president Glen Makin and Ben Jackson. Photograph: Peace Ijiyera Organiser from the rotary club, Michael Fozard addressed the audience explaining his approach to Australia Day this year. “This year I just wanted to do something a little bit different. I wanted to make sure that there was a reason for us coming together as a community,” explaining the significance of Aunty Cheryl conducting the Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony. Baw Baw Shire East Ward Councillor Brendan Kingwill was in attendance, and gave a speech highlighting the gift of community spirit. “Today we come together as a community to reflect on who we are … where we come from,” he said. “Australia is built on values that live out every day in communities. Fairness, resilience and the belief of giving everyone a fair go. “Australia Day is a time to celebrate, but also a time to reflect. We can be proud of what we have achieved, honest about our history, and hopeful about our future. “What makes Australia special is not a building or event, it’s not a land or a city, it’s the people. The people we have here in this room, in our shire, in our state, in our country.” Judy Bishop, chairperson of the Trafalgar Citizens of the Year Committee, was then invited on stage to present awards. Nominations were given by people in the community and judged by those who had received the award in the past. Raising the flag: Attendees sang along to ‘I am Australian’ at the Trafalgar celebration. Photograph: Peace Ijiyera This year’s recipient for Citizen of the Year declined the award. “She was honoured by receiving a nomination, but she has chosen not to receive the award,” Ms Bishop said. To close out the event, Jamieson Road led the audience in a sing-along to The Seekers’ I am Australian. Attendees waved the Australian flag proudly as they sang loudly, “we are one, but we are many, and from all the lands on Earth we come, we’ll share a dream and sing with one voice, I am, you are, we are Australian”.   Moe THE Lions Club of Moe and Old Gippstown Heritage Park once again hosted a thrilling Australia Day celebration. Families and their dogs took advantage of the beautiful weather, coming together to celebrate all it means to be an Australian. The gates opened at 8am for a free community breakfast with the Lions members cooking up a storm. Come together: The Moe Australia Day service had a great turnout of around 500 people venturing to Old Gippstown. Photo supplied Around 500 people were presented for the raising of the Australian flag by the 1st Newborough Scouts at 9am. Latrobe City Moe Ward Councillor Adele Pugsley welcomed the crowd, and Lions member Judy Ransom-James announced the Australia Day Award winner. The Moe/Newborough Senior Citizen of the Year went to Ricka Ebsworth, who was presented the honour by Lions member Rod Sharrock and Latrobe City Mayor and Newborough Ward Councillor Sharon Gibson. Ms Ebsworth has an unrivalled volunteer resume with the Yallourn/Newborough RSL and the broader community. For the past three to four decades, she has been an unswerving ambassador for the RSL, serving as secretary, manager, and barperson. Hardworking: Yallourn/Newborough RSL stalwart Ricka Ebsworth was recognised as the Senior Citizen of the Year at this year’s Moe Australia Day honours. Photo supplied That also doesn’t include her countless volunteer hours visiting the sick and grieving, cleaning and maintaining grounds, continuing social contact for members, and her daily admin tasks. Ms Ebsworth’s outstanding organisation of the annual Anzac Day event that the RSL is best known for, as well as hosting events for sporting clubs, mothers’ groups, health supporters, cadets and more are also on her list of achievements as a selfless, silent achiever and true pillar of the community. The day was topped off with music from the 350s Blues Band, while Old Gippstown provided some Australiana with volunteers in costume and the general store being open for demonstrations at the forge with Sean the Blacksmith.   Boolarra ANOTHER great Australia Day celebration at Railway Park in Boolarra saw around 150 people turn out to enjoy the mild weather, an egg and bacon sandwich and a chance to have a chin wag with friends they don’t run into often. Volunteers on the barbecue started at 8am to ensure the hungry masses were very well catered for. Locals wished to send a big thank you to members of the Boolarra Community Development Group for feeding everyone breakfast. Eggs, bacon, sausages and vegetarian burgers were enjoyed by all. The crowd was kept on its toes by Australiana trivia, with questions provided by Robert Franssen. Kudos: Boolarra community recognition awards went to Liz Black, Denise Oliver, Juliette Oliver, Doug Black, Callum Oliver, Rhonda Keegan and Denise Schiller, receiving congratulations from Latrobe City Councillor, Leanne Potter. Photograph supplied There was seven nominations for the community recognition awards. This reflects the enthusiasm people have for being able to have their friends’ efforts formally acknowledged in front of an audience of their peers. Once again, it was a terrific range of recipients this year, with a number of the quiet achievers acknowledged, along with a number of people who have been closely involved. Latrobe City Budgeree Ward Councillor Leanne Potter arrived from her prior commitments at Churchill and Yinnar, and spoke of the significance of Australia Day, and the values it represents, and how these are reflected in the community and the strength of the community spirit within Boolarra. The raising of the flag then took place. Congratulations were had to the following recipients in recognition of their significant contribution to the Boolarra community: * Doug Black, for his more than 20 years’ service to the Boolarra Community Development Group; * Liz Black, for her dedication to the Boolarra Memorial Hall; * Callus Olivier, for Boolarra community activities and town Christmas decorations; * Juliette Olivier, for Boolarra community activities and town Christmas decorations; * Denise Warne, for Boolarra community activities and town Christmas decorations; Denise Schiller, for helping in the community, and; * Rhonda Keegan, for her work as grants coordinator at Boolarra Community Development Group.

His words alongside Reconciliation Australia CEO Karen Mundine and journalist John-Paul Janke drew sharp backlash. The post Race Commissioner Calls Australia ‘Stolen Land’ on Australia Day first appeared on VibeWire Magazine.

If the aim of Australia Day is to promote national unity and social cohesion, writes Dave Donovan, then it ain't working.

Federal police flag further changes possible after footage released of alleged bomb being thrown

Australians remain split on whether January 26 should remain Australia Day – but new survey data shows attitudes are hardening, with fewer people holding moderate views and more expressing strong opposition or support.

STAFF WRITERS   LATROBE City Council has congratulated recipients of the 2026 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards. The awards recognise the selfless acts of Latrobe City locals who make Latrobe City a great place to live, work and play. Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson said award winners were all outstanding local citizens. “What a delight it is to celebrate all winners and nominees of the 2026 Latrobe City Australia Day Awards,” she said. “Every moment they’ve given has helped make Latrobe City the great place we know it is. Recognising them on this special day inspires me, and I’m sure many others, to give back and support our community.” Awards for the following categories were announced during a ceremony at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre. (Feature stories on the winners will appear in future issues of the Express, along with local OAM recipients).   Community Service of the Year – Willow House Community Support (Paid Forward Program) WILLOW House Community Support Ltd is a grassroots volunteer-run organisation based in Newborough, dedicated to supporting individuals and families facing hardship.   Community Event of the Year – Traralgon Community Christmas Parade, Market and Grottos THE parade market and grottos event combines the spectacle of the parade, the fun of the Grottos and the festive stalls of the market to celebrate the joys of Christmas. The event is a combined effort from various local community groups working together.   Young Citizen of the Year – Emily Sutton EMILY has been part of the GippSport team for two years and is a member of the Changing Gippsland’s Game network, contributing to the promotion of gender equality in sport and recreation.   Senior Citizen of the Year – Jeffrey Sawyer JEFFREY is a dedicated and community-focused professional with more than 50 year’s experience across the energy, transport, youth services, and waste management sectors. Jeffery is well-known for his commitment to volunteering throughout the Latrobe City community.   Citizen of the Year – Blake Bourne LAST year, Blake became the youngest person to run 380 kilometres across the Simpson Desert, to advocate for mental health awareness. He raised more than $30,000 for mental health charity Speak and Share.

I won’t throw the bloody thong, and I may not be your mate