b'The Great Eastern Mail FEBRUARY 10, 2023 21BACK TO BASEWorld precinct transformation underwayPhoto: smithcreative.com.au T HE WORLD precinctMr Chester said.redevelopmentOver coming weeks the in Bairnsdale issite will be a hive of activity as making great progress withthe netball courts are sealed EAST GIPPSLAND Softball is backan interest in or history with theschool term.contractors taking advantageand the synthetic pitch is for another term.game to come and enjoy fun, For full details or to register toof the fine weather, accordinginstalled which will absolutely Catering to all ages andsocial games and skills clinics,play (registration is essential forto local MP Darren Chestertransform this community experience levels, this volunteer- every Saturday morning at theinsurance purposes) visit the East(pictured). sporting facility.run program invites everyone withWest Bairnsdale Oval during theGippsland Softball Facebook page.Mr Chester secured $5This project is a testament million from the previousto the hard work of the Federal Government to getcommunity for advocating for Night aviation patrols take offthe project in after issues werethis project and this progress raised about the safety of thewill be very exciting for them existing netball facilities. to see.for high-risk fire period The redevelopment willEast Gippsland Shire see all netball courts replacedCouncil is also contributing along with a new syntheticfunding and managing the hockey pitch and turf pitch,project.V ICTORIA is prepared for thecomplete reconnaissance flights duringVictorians safe.highest fire-risk period ofthe afternoon before conducting waterVictorias aerial firefighting fleet also32 new citizens summer, with the states Nightbombing flights at night. includes two Large Air Tankers based at Aviation Program taking off for a seventhThe Andrews Labor GovernmentsAvalon Airport, a Super Puma based at consecutive year. investment in fire surveillance andMangalore, a Black Hawk based at Ballaratofficially call Minister for Emergency Services Jaclynresponse is protecting Victorians inand a Bell 214ST helicopter flying out of Symes and Emergency Managementevery part of the state and aircraft haveGippsland. An Aircrane capable of holding Commissioner Andrew Crisp recentlyresponded to about 200 fires so far this9,000 litres of water is based at Moorabbin. Australia homevisited Essendon Airport where threesummer. Emergency Management helicopters engaged for night aviationMinister for Emergency ServicesCommissioner Andrew Crisp said, While operations are based. The craft are part ofJaclyn Symes said, As grasses dry out,our air and ground crews will continue the states 50-strong firefighting fleet. the night aviation fleet provides a vitalto do everything they can to protect ourE AST Gippslandswe share, and our common The program will include two nightextra element in our efforts to protectstate, its important for Victorians to benewest citizensfuture and the ceremony firebombing helicopters, including acommunities across the state. This is theprepared for fires, have a plan, know whenhave been officiallyis an opportunity for all CH47 Chinook which has already beenperiod where we know risk can be higher,to leave your property and never rely onwelcomed at an AustraliaAustralian citizens to affirm supporting operations during the day. and were remaining vigilant night andone source of information. Day citizenship ceremonythis commitment.An aerial intelligence gathering Firebirdday. As part of national aircraftthis morning in Bairnsdale. Our newest citizens 308 helicopter is supporting nightI want to also thank the crews andarrangements, the Q400 Large Air TankerThe 32 conferees fromrepresent a wide range of operations, aided by new technologypersonnel who have been operatingis shared with Queensland, and based inBritain, Canada, Denmark,backgrounds and ages. Some including an infra-red high-definitionaircraft right across Victoria through theVictoria for our high-risk weather season.Greece, India, New Zealand,have lived in East Gippsland video camera. These enhancements willmassive flooding eventI saw first- Victoria has a surge capacity of up to 100Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines,or Australia for many years, help operational decision-making andhand the difference these assets made toaircraft, including thousands of dedicatedPoland and Switzerlandwhile others are more recent can be streamed to control centres toregional communities. emergency services workers from acrossformally pledged theirarrivals to our great country.better inform operations. These aircraft have also been importantall agencies. commitment to Australia inCongratulations to those While based at Essendon, thefor the flood response over recent months,For more information on how you canfront of a large crowd of morebecoming Australian citizens helicopters have the ability to bewith helicopters like the Chinook alongprepare for fires and other emergencies,than 120 family and friends aton making their commitment deployed across the state. Nightwith a huge effort from their crews download the VicEmergency app or visitSt Marys Parish Centre. to Australia.crews are highly experienced and willand support staff crucial to keepingemergency.vic.gov.au Mayor, Cr Mark ReevesCouncil holds four said citizenship ceremoniescitizenship ceremonies each are one of his favouriteyear. Attending a citizenship Levelling the playing field forevents. ceremony is the final step in Its a joyful occasion forthe journey to become an families and friends, as wellAustralian citizen and receive community sport clubs as the conferees, who havea certificate of Australian chosen Australia as the placeCitizenship. The ceremony they want to call home, Crfulfils the requirements under Reeves said. Australian citizenship law C OMMUNITY sport clubs acrossNow in its sixth year, the program haslocal club level and help to inspire the nextCitizenship representsand provides an opportunity a commitment to Australiafor Council to officially Victoria are being supported toalready funded activations and events atgeneration of female sporting stars. and its people, the valueswelcome its new citizens.increase participation for womenmore than 350 organisations across theThe club used its grant to host an and girls with grants from the Andrewsstate. umpire and coaching session to help Minister for Community Sport RosWatchem Netball Club, a club that pridesits dedicated and hard-working volunteerTHE GREAT EASTERN l IN THE GEMLabor Government. One such initiative was with Birchip- boost participation in netball and rewardmai ADVERTISESpence today opened applications for theitself on being an inclusive and welcomingworkforce.2022-23 round of the Change Our Gameorganisation embracing members ofTogether with the Fair Access Policy Community Activation Grants Program. all abilities, nationalities and sexualRoadmap, launched by the Government in The Labor Government program backsorientations.August 2022, the program provides a greatGREAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE clubs to deliver events and initiatives thatMinister for Community Sport Rosopportunity for clubs and organisations promote gender equality. Spence said, Removing the barriers facingto expand equitable access and use ofNOW AVAILABLE TO PROMOTE Grants of up to $10,000 are availablewomen and girls getting into communitycommunity sports infrastructure. YOUR BUSINESSto eligible clubs and community groupssport has huge benefits on and off the fieldGo to changeourgame.vic.gov.au for across Victoria to help them create more from the grassroots to the elite level. more information on the 2022-23 ChangeContact Jason today on 0428 366 651opportunities for women and girls at theThese grants help create moreOur Game Community Activation Grantsor email jason.cherry.gem@gmail.comgrassroots level. opportunities for women and girls at aProgram.'