With H5N1 Bird Flu arriving on our shores we need to get an understanding of what we are facing, and where preparations are, or are not adequate. Birdlife Australia is the primary NGO wildlife organisation with the knowledge.

With H5N1 Bird Flu arriving on our shores we need to get an understanding of what we are facing, and where preparations are, or are not adequate. Birdlife Australia is the primary NGO wildlife organisation with the knowledge.

A program that looks to what's going on in the community, aims to understand issues that affect us, and lets you know what's on in the coming weeks.

We summarise what's in the local press each week (with members of the Regional News Team), present interviews with experts from here or even around the world to get to the bottom of topics, talk to local politicians from Shire to Federal parliament, talk to local people who are making things happen, and to local performers and artists presenting in the region.

A program that looks to what's going on in the community, aims to understand issues that affect us, and lets you know what's on in the coming weeks.
We summarise what's in the local press each week (with members of the Regional News Team), present interviews with experts from here or even around the world to get to the bottom of topics, talk to local politicians from Shire to Federal parliament, talk to local people who are making things happen, and to local performers and artists presenting in the region.

West Gippsland Week EXTRAS

West Gippsland Week Extras

Sean Dooley Birdlife Aust H5N1

With a predicted hotter and drier summer ahead it's useful to think about what we need to do to prepare...

With a predicted hotter and drier summer ahead it's useful to think about what we need to do to prepare...

Amelia Pearson Bushfire prep

Regular chat with Baw Baw Mayor Kate Wilson, covering further discussion of the bin collection, suddenly a state election issue, the Shire's "ask" for the election, and processes for dealing with Councillors who stand for election. Also, there has been some new flood mapping included after some delay in the planning scheme, which could affect some residents.

Regular chat with Baw Baw Mayor Kate Wilson, covering further discussion of the bin collection, suddenly a state election issue, the Shire's "ask" for the election, and processes for dealing with Councillors who stand for election. Also, there has been some new flood mapping included after some delay in the planning scheme, which could affect some residents.

Kate Wilson Baw Baw Mayor Aug

Several Battery Energy Storage System proposals are in the application process around west gippsland and raising much miss-understanding, miss-information and even husteria, so here we seek explanations for what is proposed and what the real risks are.

Several Battery Energy Storage System proposals are in the application process around west gippsland and raising much miss-understanding, miss-information and even husteria, so here we seek explanations for what is proposed and what the real risks are.

BESS ib voit explainer Terry Daly

Full replay of our chat with Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham, in which he defends proposals by te Liberal leadership to mandates "red bin" collection and cap road tolls. He also takes a swip at One Nation's leader for standing in a seat that is considered winnable, rather than his residential community.

Full replay of our chat with Member for Narracan Wayne Farnham, in which he defends proposals by te Liberal leadership to mandates "red bin" collection and cap road tolls. He also takes a swip at One Nation's leader for standing in a seat that is considered winnable, rather than his residential community.

WayneFarnham aug 6

Warragul RSL has a strong focus on supporting veterans with health issues and getting appropriate support from Veterans Affairs, and in this chat we discuss their services with ben Vahland, immediate past president and welfare manager, and he also raises the widee concern about decisions to cap some medical services.

Warragul RSL has a strong focus on supporting veterans with health issues and getting appropriate support from Veterans Affairs, and in this chat we discuss their services with ben Vahland, immediate past president and welfare manager, and he also raises the widee concern about decisions to cap some medical services.

Ben Vahland RSL vets support

One of the most delightful, and successful fundraisers is Daffodil Day for the Cancer Council. Here we chat about the day and the way the money has been used to advance treatments.

One of the most delightful, and successful fundraisers is Daffodil Day for the Cancer Council. Here we chat about the day and the way the money has been used to advance treatments.

Lyrian Parsley Cancer Council Daffodil Day Aug 20

Bird Flu has reached Australia and it is a threat to native birds and mammals, but also to our pets. 

Bird Flu has reached Australia and it is a threat to native birds and mammals, but also to our pets.&nbsp;

Fiona Pearson RSPCA bird flu and pets

There has been talk of the potential role of Virtual Power Plants, but what are they and how would they work.

There has been talk of the potential role of Virtual Power Plants, but what are they and how would they work.

Amelia Pearson VPP 

The company that owns Yallourn coal fired power station has announced it will close soon, and be replaced by batteries, but could it provide a better alternative?

The company that owns Yallourn coal fired power station has announced it will close soon, and be replaced by batteries, but could it provide a better alternative?

Amelia Pearson Furure role for closing Yallourn power station

Australian children under 16 are supposedly banned from social media - what do they report as the impact and what are their concerns, and importantly what alternative might they turn to.

Australian children under 16 are supposedly banned from social media - what do they report as the impact and what are their concerns, and importantly what alternative might they turn to.

Tony Fitzgerald Kids Helpline concerns and safe space option

Caroline is a Landcare facilitator, and for Landcare week we chat about the history, achievements and challenges.

Caroline is a Landcare facilitator, and for Landcare week we chat about the history, achievements and challenges.

Caroline Hammond Landcare week

Well intention-ed efforts to assist wild life following disasters such as the wild-fires on Kangaroo Island can be counter-productive unless done with knowledge. Prof Sophie Pettit from Adelaide University has done some of the research required.

Well intention-ed efforts to assist wild life following disasters such as the wild-fires on Kangaroo Island can be counter-productive unless done with knowledge. Prof Sophie Pettit from Adelaide University has done some of the research required.

Sophie Pettit - helping animal recover from disasters

Hoarding is a an increasingly noticed practise, so what is behind it?

Hoarding is a an increasingly noticed practise, so what is behind it?

Coffee with Chris -  hoarding

With sales of EV's surging will charging stations expand to match?

With sales of EV's surging will charging stations expand to match?

Amelia Pearson ev charging

We discuss the complaints about changes to the rubbish collection in the shire, the recent trip to Canberra, and other local issues.

We discuss the complaints about changes to the rubbish collection in the shire, the recent trip to Canberra, and other local issues.

Mayor Kate Wilson July 26 

We chat the latest in Victorian State politics, with member for Narracan Wayne Farnham, and his recent walk of the Kokoda track in PNG with 3 local students. Why is this piece of important history not better acknowledged?

We chat the latest in Victorian State politics, with member for Narracan Wayne Farnham, and his recent walk of the Kokoda track in PNG with 3 local students. Why is this piece of important history not better acknowledged?

Wayne F july 2026

Member for Monash in Federal Australian Parliament has joined a select committee examining the role (positive and negative) in the use of AI in Small and Medium business. But we also chat about the rise of One Nation in the polls and what else is going on in our parliament.

Member for Monash in Federal Australian Parliament has joined a select committee examining the role (positive and negative) in the use of AI in Small and Medium business. But we also chat about the rise of One Nation in the polls and what else is going on in our parliament.

Mary Aldred July 2026

Food Share is a way to build neighborhoods and help with living expense by sharing the excess produce from our gardens. To follow up you can go to this link to complete a simple survey to join. Sign-up link:https://forms.office.com/r/DFtgfJjybB

You can also find their Facebook group by searching Food Share Baw Baw.

Food Share is a way to build neighborhoods and help with living expense by sharing the excess produce from our gardens. To follow up you can go to this link to complete a simple survey to join. Sign-up link: <a href="https://forms.office.com/r/DFtgfJjybB" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://forms.office.com/r/DFtgfJjybB&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1785310413356000&amp;usg=AOvVaw1riz0qM2TIEVtKx8gJYGXE">https://forms.office.com/r/DFtgfJjybB</a>
You can also find their Facebook group by searching Food Share Baw Baw.

Franchesca Hazikian Food Share

The coastline around Australia is being washed away in many parts, especially in Victoria. We discuss the forces involved and what is happening.

The coastline around Australia is being washed away in many parts, especially in Victoria. We discuss the forces involved and what is happening.

Amelia Pearson beach erosion edit

We may be familiar with Brass Bands, but a Brass Quintet? Let's dive in ....

We may be familiar with Brass Bands, but a Brass Quintet? Let's dive in ....

Karina Filipi Brass Quintet

The AMA is pressing for improved food labeling to help us make healthier choices, but is struggling to counter the industry lobby, and at the same time is trying to counter the Pharmacy Guild who are lobbying to gain more ability to be involved in prescribing.

The AMA is pressing for improved food labeling to help us make healthier choices, but is struggling to counter the industry lobby, and at the same time is trying to counter the Pharmacy Guild who are lobbying to gain more ability to be involved in prescribing.

Dr Daniel McMullen AMA

Its Diabetes week so what has been developing in improved outcomes?

Its Diabetes week so what has been developing in improved outcomes?

Diabetes Week

After the huge Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse a "redress" scheme was set up which it now appears significantly underestimated the need, so there now is a risk it may close leaving some people out. We discuss what the problems are, and what people should do.

After the huge Royal Commission into institutional child sexual abuse a "redress" scheme was set up which it now appears significantly underestimated the need, so there now is a risk it may close leaving some people out. We discuss what the problems are, and what people should do.

Rachel Neil Knowmore re abuse redress scheme closing

Usually useful aps on our phones and devices can be "weaponized" in domestic violence, but we aren't clear on how much this is a factor, so a Federation University survey is looking to find out. 

The anonymous surveys can be completed here:

Victim-survivors: https://tinyurl.com/FVsurvivor

Practitioners: https://tinyurl.com/FVpractitioner

Usually useful aps on our phones and devices can be "weaponized" in domestic violence, but we aren't clear on how much this is a factor, so a Federation University survey is looking to find out.&nbsp;
The anonymous surveys can be completed here:
Victim-survivors: <a href="https://email.streem.com.au/c/eJwsy81u6yAQQOGngR0WPwOGBYts_Ah3Gw3MOEHXblpwHPXtq1TdfkeHMmBaSXI2c9QuaIhB3nPUBDpywIQzcAJTLc3FVeMwWeeDbDmgYevNDDElvJpCGrQNycQoQI9G_L99qR3bxn2o6Cn5sFbvVaE-6vQOcsv34_gcwl2EXYRdjvbx_ezbVB-7sMvybzz72c5HlztTQ9V5YxysGuVfuP6BcBewEKzs-XV7CdCulL7u06PfJnzKcXTm_X25uFJ0a1EWqCoICRVqp1WCYKufESAWeWb7EwAA__9fLVPs" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://email.streem.com.au/c/eJwsy81u6yAQQOGngR0WPwOGBYts_Ah3Gw3MOEHXblpwHPXtq1TdfkeHMmBaSXI2c9QuaIhB3nPUBDpywIQzcAJTLc3FVeMwWeeDbDmgYevNDDElvJpCGrQNycQoQI9G_L99qR3bxn2o6Cn5sFbvVaE-6vQOcsv34_gcwl2EXYRdjvbx_ezbVB-7sMvybzz72c5HlztTQ9V5YxysGuVfuP6BcBewEKzs-XV7CdCulL7u06PfJnzKcXTm_X25uFJ0a1EWqCoICRVqp1WCYKufESAWeWb7EwAA__9fLVPs&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1783747342464000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3VEpGrIzO2KJ0cCTOARwpS">https://tinyurl.com/FVsurvivor</a>
Practitioners: <a href="https://email.streem.com.au/c/eJwsyz1uAyEQQOHTQMeKn4GFgsLNHiGtNcBgo-zaDuBYuX3kKO339EoEDLVwimr10jgJ3vFrDEhOrjqkREkCoZUQSClArBmCUbxFh4q0VSv4EPCsUpEgtQvKewZytEKf7Usc2HbqQ3hbgnU1WytS6SMv78D3eJ3zMZg5Mb0xvc12-3n2fcn3g-lt-3h0zLPNdr9R5weVhqLTTjhItBL_4PwPzJxAg9O8x9flxUCalHo9lnu_LPjkY3ai430ZX4s3NQkNJQtwAQVKI0UAp7NdEcAn_h31bwAAAP__S7FV8w" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://email.streem.com.au/c/eJwsyz1uAyEQQOHTQMeKn4GFgsLNHiGtNcBgo-zaDuBYuX3kKO339EoEDLVwimr10jgJ3vFrDEhOrjqkREkCoZUQSClArBmCUbxFh4q0VSv4EPCsUpEgtQvKewZytEKf7Usc2HbqQ3hbgnU1WytS6SMv78D3eJ3zMZg5Mb0xvc12-3n2fcn3g-lt-3h0zLPNdr9R5weVhqLTTjhItBL_4PwPzJxAg9O8x9flxUCalHo9lnu_LPjkY3ai430ZX4s3NQkNJQtwAQVKI0UAp7NdEcAn_h31bwAAAP__S7FV8w&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1783747342464000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0nXnPTZgIwdMX8zRbfa748">https://tinyurl.com/FVpractitioner</a>

Prof Zenfelt phone DV abuse survey

There is any amount of talk about "critical minerals" but what are they, and do they really help improve our environment by contributing to the eletrication of our systems.

There is any amount of talk about "critical minerals" but what are they, and do they really help improve our environment by contributing to the eletrication of our systems.

Amelia Pearson - critical minerals

While the statistics report near full employment there are many employers claiming they can't find suitable applicants. Simon tackles some of the statistical gaps, and considers how to approach employers even if you don't have exactly what they ask for, and how to dodge the automatic filtering.

While the statistics report near full employment there are many employers claiming they can't find suitable applicants. Simon tackles some of the statistical gaps, and considers how to approach employers even if you don't have exactly what they ask for, and how to dodge the automatic filtering.

Simon Ortega employment anomaly

The Committee For Drouin is a community group aiming to improve the live of one town. It's an example of many around the country but takes on a wide brief...

The Committee For Drouin is a community group aiming to improve the live of one town. It's an example of many around the country but takes on a wide brief...

Jeanie Horton Committee For Drouin

There is a wide variety of battery options so we go through our choices.

There is a wide variety of battery options so we go through our choices.

.css-2log3m{color:currentColor;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-2log3m:hover,.css-2log3m:focus{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}West Gippsland Week EXTRAS

West Gippsland Week EXTRAS