Call to unite for reconciliation
National Reconciliation Week 27 May – 3 June is a time for everyone to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
This year the theme of Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future and asks us all to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
Bass Coast Reconciliation Network (the Network) acknowledges National Reconciliation Week each year with member organisations hosting events at their workplaces for their teams with some open to all community members to attend.
National Reconciliation Week is bookended by two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum when Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and the 1992 Mabo decision when the High Court of Australia recognised native title – the recognition that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ rights over their lands did survive British colonisation.
“We all have a role to play when it comes to reconciliation, and in playing our part we collectively build relationships and communities that value Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, histories, cultures, and futures,” said co-Chair of the Network, Dr Bev Munro.
The day before National Reconciliation Week, 26 May, is National Sorry Day commemorated nationally to remember and honour the Stolen Generations.
Public events happening across Bass Coast to acknowledge the week include a program of free First Nations films and Story Times at your local Myli Library, a special free screening of “Off Country” at Berninneit, Cowes and celebrating the launch of Bass Coast Health’s Reconciliation Action Plan on Wednesday 28 May in Wonthaggi.
“Across Bass Coast, organisations are acknowledging National Reconciliation Week in their workplaces, schools and communities and everyone is encouraged to join in and show their support,” said Dr Munro.
Find out more and join the events happening across West Gippsland for National Reconciliation Week here and at your local Shire website.
Chasing the milky way pays off for photo comp winner
A spectacular night sky photo titled ‘Where Two Rivers Meet’ has been awarded first prize in West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) photo competition.
The celestial image was chosen for its unique perspective of West Gippsland’s rivers. Taken by Sale resident Iryna MacMillan, it perfectly reflects the theme of rivers being much more than just water.
“I was chasing the Milky Way at Swing Bridge. In the image we can see the Milky Way, the planet Venus and a pink Aurora on the left. It was a beautiful night and very inspiring,” said Iryna who moved to Australia from Ukraine over 20 years ago.
With her flair for photography, it’s the second time Iryna has entered the competition coming runner up in 2024.
“I’m an amateur nature photographer. I love nature, but mostly I love the Night Sky…. I love taking night photos of our Milky Way Galaxy and unpredictable Aurora too. I call this my Night Sky Therapy…. because I’m alone with all these stars around me…. But when I get reflection of the stars in a river it’s an extra bonus,” Iryna said.
Colin Cook took out second prize for his vibrant image of Lower Latrobe Wetlands shot during a memorable visit to Heart Morass with the Latrobe Valley Camera Club.
“The Heart Morass project is a shining example of how human intervention can restore the natural balance of ecosystems. Located in the Gippsland region of Victoria, Australia, this ambitious initiative has successfully transformed degraded farmland back into its original wetland state, benefiting both the environment and local communities,” said Colin.
Spoilt for choice, the judges also nominated two special mentions to Paula Walland for her photo titled ‘Fishing’ and Kylie Jackson for her image ‘Durt’Yowan’.
“More than just water, the Latrobe River not only provides recreational value in the form of fishing and peaceful moments in nature but also serves as a powerful reminder of the vital connection between water, food and life. With fishing, relaxation and lessons learned, what more could you want from water? said Paula.
Kylie’s image ‘Durt’Yowan’ captures the rich, ancient beauty of rivers at their headwaters where they start their journeys.
“This photo symbolises life, representing growth, renewal, and nourishment. It conveys peace and tranquillity,” said Kylie of her image. “I remember my Dad handing me his camera at Marlo with a 24 exposure film and l used the entire film on taking photos of the pelicans. Landscape & nature photography are my passion and I try and take a different perspective with my photography and keep the photos original as possible to show the capture’s natural beauty.”
Judges were impressed with the number and quality of images submitted in this year’s competition.
“It was very difficult to choose the winners – and we thank everyone for taking the time to submit and to share their reasons why West Gippsland’s waterways are much more than water to them,” said CEO of West Gippsland CMA, Martin Fuller.
“The photos showcase the many ways, places and times that people connect, respect and enjoy the region’s rivers and wetlands.”
Images will form part of the West Gippsland CMA’s annual Seasonal Watering Proposal document to be submitted to the Victorian Environmental Water Holder. Once approved, the proposal is used to plan the year’s environmental water deliveries to promote and support healthy waterways and ecosystems along the:
- Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) – including the Lower Latrobe Wetlands such as Dowd Morass, Heart Morass and Sale Common
- Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River)
- Carran Carran (Thomson River) – including Heyfield Wetlands.
“We are proud to be caring for catchments and delivering water into the environment to keep rivers and wetlands flowing and healthy for nature, wildlife and our highly valued community,” Martin concluded.
The annual competition will be held again in early 2026.
West Gippsland CMA is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region and delivers programs for healthy and resilient catchments. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.
Become a river lover
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Casting call for Gippsland producers to star in sustainable irrigation program
It’s not quite Farmer Wants a Wife, but it’s just as important! West Gippsland Catchment Management is on the hunt for irrigators to join us in ensuring Gippsland irrigation practices are world class.
The Lake Wellington Irrigator Reference Group meets four times a year to have robust conversations around irrigation and explore opportunities to improve water use efficiencies and deliver cutting edge change on the ground.
“The current group has left a fantastic legacy for the region and now it’s time to welcome some new voices to the conversation,” said Sustainable Irrigation Project Officer with the CMA, Bonnie Dawson.
Group members play a leading role in supporting the Sustainable Irrigation Program in Gippsland. For the past 25 years, the successful program has worked to reduce the environmental impact of irrigation and increase efficiencies and productivity for busy farmers. As the program expands beyond the Macalister Irrigation District for the first time, members will help deliver the latest round of extension and incentive programs in their local community.
“With more farmers set to benefit from our activities, we’re keen for irrigators across the catchment to get involved, bring their industry expertise to the table and help us drive the program into the future. Farmers along the Latrobe River, producers in Thorpdale and surrounds and all irrigators across the Lake Wellington Catchment are encouraged to apply,” said Bonnie.
Supported by staff from both the CMA and Agriculture Victoria, members will be remunerated for their valued time and input.
Current member Rod Warren said being involved in the group has helped him make decisions about upgrading infrastructure on his dairy farm in Winnindoo. “Being part of the reference group has been a rewarding experience. A highlight for me was being involved in the irrigation demonstration trials, which really got people thinking about ways they can improve efficiencies on their own farm. I would strongly encourage anyone thinking about joining the reference group to give it a go,” said Rod.
Agronomist and fellow member Liz Semmens agrees. “It’s been an amazing experience to be able to participate in the group. I’ve enjoyed seeing the younger members come through and challenge the ‘norms’ with more AgTech and progress to stay up to date with world best practice. There has also been significant growth toward collaboration between agencies and the opportunity to get a seat at the table is one I am grateful for.”
For more information, contact Bonnie Dawson from the CMA for an initial conversation at bonnied@wgcma.vic.gov.au or call 0448 037 461.
Expressions of interest close on Friday, 6 June 2025.
This program is a part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action’s Sustainable Irrigation Program (SIP), implemented in Gippsland by Agriculture Victoria and the WGCMA.
West Gippsland CMA is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region and delivers programs for healthy and resilient catchments. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.
Become a river lover
Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates.
From Corner Inlet to Alaska in nine days: the amazing feats of migratory birds
A tiny bird the size and weight of a matchbox that flies thousands of kilometres from the Siberian tundra is one of the amazing stories of Corner Inlet’s migratory birds that West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is celebrating this World Migratory Bird Day.
Corner Inlet’s migratory birds are busy preparing for their annual long haul flight to summer breeding grounds in north-east Asia and Siberia. They are preening their feathers and feeding intensively to have enough fuel for the epic journey.
Migratory Bird Day is on Saturday 10 May. The theme of Shared Spaces aims to raise awareness of the many challenges migratory birds face and how crucial it is to work together as a community to provide safe havens for these remarkable world travellers.
“Communities working together to enhance and protect Corner Inlet Ramsar site and the migratory birds that call it home is something we have been doing for decades,” said Tanya Cowell, Waterways Project Officer for West Gippsland CMA.
“Our latest project focuses on monitoring and understanding the inlet’s migratory bird populations.”
Summer monitoring by BirdLife Australia staff and volunteers counted just over 27,000 shore and water birds including 9,631 Bar-tailed Godwits and 9,439 Red-necked Stints – two birds with incredible stories.
Red necked stints are the smallest of Australia’s migratory birds, weighing just 30 grams. Despite their size, their annual 15,000 kilometre migration is a mighty effort and in their lifetime of about 20 years they travel further than the distance between the Earth and the Moon!
Bar-tailed Godwits are also remarkable with godwits making their 11,000 kilometre journey to Alaska non-stop in nine days!
There are 16 species of international migratory shorebirds that are regularly supported by the Corner Inlet Ramsar site. Many travel to north east Asia and Alaska along what is known as the East Asian Australasian Flyway with habitat destruction being one of their biggest threats.
Corner Inlet became an internationally recognised wetland through the Ramsar convention in 1982. The inlet’s extensive intertidal mudflats provide food for migratory species.
“Rewards of a consistent and sustained effort to protect and enhance Corner Inlet by the CMA, Landcare, Greening Australia, GLaWAC Traditional Owners and partners Parks Victoria, Trust for Nature and BirdLife Australia are definitely paying off,” said Tanya.
“Ongoing monitoring is crucial to understanding the bird populations and threats they face. This can then guide effective management efforts and assist in community education and how special the inlet is and how lucky we are that these birds return each year.”
As a community it is important to recognise and celebrate these amazing birds and how we are working together to protect the incredibly unique habitat that supports these special species,” Tanya said.
“The Corner Inlet Ramsar Site Coordination project is supported by the Victorian Government.”
West Gippsland CMA is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region and delivers programs for healthy and resilient catchments. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.
Become a river lover
Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates.
Reallocated water to flow across Gippsland
More water is set to flow in West Gippsland’s rivers with Minister for Water Gayle Tierney announcing an allocation of 16 gigalitres of water for the environment, Traditional Owners and farming.
This water (that’s 16 billion litres or 6,400 Olympic-sized pools was previously set aside for power generation, but is currently unused and has now been reallocated to be equally shared between Traditional Owners, the environment and agriculture.
“I’m so pleased to announce this reallocation of water which is a win-win-win for Gippsland. This change ensures more water supply within Gippsland to support the environment, farming, and Traditional Owners,” said Minister for Water Gayle Tierney.
Additional water for environment flows will improve the health of Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) as well as the Gippsland Lakes system downstream.
“This allocation of water for the environment will play an important role in improving the health of one of Gippsland’s iconic rivers with additional benefits for communities and the Gippsland Lakes,” said West Gippsland CMA Board Chair Mikaela Power.
Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) will have access to additional water for self-determined cultural uses.
“Water is more than a resource; it’s a pathway to healing and a stronger future for our people. This allocation recognises the Gunaikurnai People’s enduring connection to Country, and our right to lead how water is respectfully managed and shared,” said GLaWAC Chair, Troy McDonald.
Southern Rural Water will make additional water available to farmers.
Southern Rural Water Managing Director Cameron FitzGerald said the organisation would effectively consult with its customers from June.
“Our focus is to ensure that all farmers will have fair access to this water,” Mr FitzGerald said. “We will be consulting over the coming months to ensure that the water can be provided in a way that meets their aspirations to ensure a thriving agriculture sector.”
“Having more water available for farming benefits everyone, from irrigators looking to improve their water security or expand their operations to farmers looking to set up in the region,” said irrigator Angus Zilm.
This water allocation, known as the Latrobe 3-4 Bench Bulk Water Entitlement, was originally allocated back in 1996 for coal fired power generation.
The decision to reallocate 16 of the total 25 gigalitre water entitlement was made through the Central and Gippsland Region Sustainable Water Strategy. The remaining nine gigalitres will be retained by government to provide continued flexibility to respond to emerging needs in Gippsland.
West Gippsland CMA is working with Traditional Owners, government, community groups and partner organisations to continue the long process of restoring Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River) from a working river to a river that works again. Read more and keep up to date.
West Gippsland CMA is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region and delivers programs for healthy and resilient catchments. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.
Become a river lover
Find out more about the work we do and sign up to our e-news for updates.
Popular Irrigation Incentive program set to benefit even more Gippsland farmers
West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (the CMA) and Agriculture Victoria (Ag Vic) are pleased to open a new round of farm plan incentives, and for the first time, farmers in Warragul, Thorpdale, Noojee and Perry Bridge and across the entire Lake Wellington Catchment are eligible to apply.
Up to $10,000 per farm is available through the Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentive Program to help with the cost of a professionally designed irrigation plan.
“A farm plan sets down on paper the irrigation design for an individual property,” said Alexis Killoran Senior Irrigation Extension Officer from Agriculture Victoria. “This can be a simple irrigation system, right up to a detailed survey and design with integrated farm infrastructure. “The final farm plan provides a comprehensive document to refer to whenever the farm business is ready to implement the planned design.”
“Designing an irrigation farm plan is the first essential step for any irrigation renovation,” said Brad Missen, Irrigation Development Coordinator at the CMA.
“Through the Irrigation Incentives Program, the CMA and Agriculture Victoria will work with you to develop a plan and design that’s tailored to your property and farm business.”
“As part of the farm planning process, the business goals and values, irrigation design, water use efficiency, staged development, and any environmental or statutory requirements are considered and planned for,” Brad explained.
Boisdale beef farmer Nicky Reeves recommends the program: “I had lots of support from the Ag Vic team through the farm planning process. They provided different points of view, and together we found ways to solve the irrigation problems on farm.
With their help I felt comfortable interacting with statutory authorities to make sure everything was compliant and approvable, and the rules and regulations were explained so that they made sense, and I understood why they were necessary.”
The Irrigation Efficiency Incentives Program has been running in the Macalister Irrigation District for 25 years with irrigators helping to retain 46 gigalitres of nutrient rich water, carrying an estimated 23 tonnes of phosphorus, on-farm every year.
“That’s a huge load of phosphorus being kept out of the waterways and the Gippsland Lakes and wetlands and it’s thanks to those farmers who put their hands up to get involved in our sustainable irrigation programs that we’ve been able to see these great results,” said Brad.
We want to continue supporting as many irrigators as possible which is why we’re excited to expand the program outside the Macalister Irrigation District,” said Brad.
“If you’ve never had an irrigation farm plan developed before or it’s been over ten years since you’ve made any irrigation improvements, now is the time to do it.”
Applications are now open with funding allocated on a first-come, first served basis, you can call the CMA for more information on 1300 094 262.
The Lake Wellington Irrigation Efficiency Incentive Program is run by West Gippsland CMA and Agriculture Victoria and funded by the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Irrigation Program.
Water for the environment deliveries planned
Please be advised of upcoming Autumn freshes, that will start on or around Friday 11 April 2025 in the following waterways:
- Wirn Wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River)
- Carran Carran (Thomson River)
Releases are dependent on many factors, and can often change, so it is important to keep up to date by checking back on this Current water releases page regularly for the most current information and to sign up for future notifications.
Calling all photographers to enter our “More than just water” photo comp
Grab your phone or camera and get clicking because West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is launching its annual Water for the Environment photo competition with great prizes to be won.
“This year’s competition theme of ‘more than just water’ reflects that the rivers and wetlands across West Gippsland are more than just the water in them,” said Tash Marty-Cripps, Waterways Project Officer for the CMA.
“We know that people will be out enjoying our beautiful rivers in Autumn, and would love to see photos of your adventures and hear your stories.”
The rivers and wetlands across West Gippsland are more than just the water in them. They are special not just because they are home to many plants and animals but for their many other values. Like being places to hike, swim, kayak, fish and camp. They look and smell nice, the water feels cool to our touch. They are also places to learn teach and share stories and where we go to boost our mental health and feel good. They are also important places of financial value for farmers and for local kayaking, fishing and tourism businesses.
“We all benefit from healthy waterways and we are especially proud to support them by delivering water for the environment.”
‘Water for the environment’ is water that is set aside in major reservoirs and carefully released into a waterway to support the health of rivers and wetlands. In dry times it can be used to connect pools and improve water quality, protecting animals such as fish and platypus.
Environmental releases can trigger native fish or eel migration, help waterplants grow, protect waterbirds from predators and improve access to food for fish, frogs and birds. By taking care of the water, we’re also improving these waterways for people to enjoy as well.
The popular annual competition encourages photographers to get snapping and enter photos from the four waterways in of the region that receive annual water for the environment allocations:
- Durt’Yowan (Latrobe River)
- Lower Latrobe Wetlands ie: Dowd Morass, Heart Morass and Sale Common
- Wirn wirndook Yeerung (Macalister River)
- Carran Carran (Thomson River)
Simply capture one or more images of one of these waterways to show us how it’s more than just water to you. There are $1,000 worth of local business association vouchers up for grabs for the winners. It’s free and you can enter multiple times.
The competition opens on Tuesday 1 April and closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday 30 April 2025. Good luck snappers!
West Gippsland CMA is responsible for over 40,000 kilometres of designated waterways across the region and delivers programs for healthy and resilient catchments. All these waterways flow to the Victorian coast, discharging through the Gippsland Lakes, or directly into Bass Strait and the Southern Ocean.
You can learn more about water for the environment in West Gippsland and signup to receive email notifications to keep up to date when environmental flows are scheduled.
Banner photo – ‘By the banks of the Thomson River’ 📸 Iryna MacMillan
Current Grant Opportunities
Whenever possible we are delighted to be able to support Landcare, landholders and the community with additional funding for projects that help us achieve our shared vision of a healthy catchment.
The following grant opportunities are on offer.
Irrigation Efficiency Incentives for Gippsland farmers
Rebates for irrigation planning and design are now available for farmers in Central and West Gippsland wanting to upgrade or install best practise irrigation systems on their farm.
The CMA and Agriculture Victoria will work with you to develop an irrigation plan and design that’s tailored to your property and farm business.
The rebate program helps with the cost of the plan so you can maximise return on your infrastructure upgrades or investment.
Eligibility rules and criteria are in place for this incentive program, and can be found here.
Page updated 16 June 2025
Irrigation Efficiency Incentives for Gippsland farmers
Overview
Rebates for irrigation planning and design are now available for farmers in Central and West Gippsland.
The CMA and Agriculture Victoria will work with you to develop an irrigation plan and design that’s tailored to your property and farm business.
The rebate program helps with the cost of the plan so you can maximise return on your infrastructure upgrades or investment.
Funding
Rebates of up to $10,000 are available to eligible farms for the following activities:
- New Irrigation Farm Plans
- Updated Irrigation Farm Plans
- Tailored Irrigation Farm Plans
Funding is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eligibility
In general, you can apply if you have a licence to irrigate and are located within the Lake Wellington Catchment.
The Lake Wellington Catchment spans West and Central Gippsland, and includes Warragul, Noojee, Thorpdale and Perry Bridge as well as the Macalister Irrigation District.
Other criteria:
- The proposed area has not previously had a survey and design completed with the assistance of the Irrigation Efficiency Incentives Program; or
- The existing farm plan for the property is more than 10 years old; or
- You can demonstrate, with confirmation from Southern Rural Water, that the supply system changes (e.g. modernisation of supply channels, pipelines and outlets) have opened up new opportunities for improvements on farm.
Guidelines
You can download a copy of the Landholder Booklet (PDF – 1.2 MB)
Contact
Brad Missen, Irrigation Development Coordinator at the CMA on 1300 094 262.
Page updated 11 July 2025
