Two local East Gippsland projects have been successful in attracting funding through VicHealth’s Jumpstart! Program, to deliver exciting new programs for young people (aged 0- 25) with the focus being all about building vibrant communities through food, art and play.

Nationals State Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, a former Vic Health Board Member, congratulated Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service and Metung Yacht Club for being successfully selected through the Jumpstart! initiative.

Mr Bull said with the support of VicHealth funding, the Metung Yacht club will expand its Junior Sailing Program to be inclusive for all young sailors, through the purchase of all abilities sailing equipment.

The Yoowinna Wurnalung Aboriginal Healing Service will deliver an after-school program for Aboriginal grade 5-6 students that will provide an inclusive space for connecting with culture through art, getting on country, cultural games and sharing stories and food and will develop a bush tucker garden.

“It is easy to see why these two local initiatives have been successfully funded, and it is fantastic these opportunities exist for young people to take part in locally,” Mr Bull said.

“Never before has it been more important to find ways to encourage young people to engage in healthy activities that support connection and inclusion. It is pleasing to see so many community activities finally return to normal participation levels post lockdown.

“Instilling life-long healthy habits is a simple way we can invest in the future of our young people.

“Personally, I would like to thank those in our region who run the countless community-lead programs in my electorate. It takes a power of work and commitment to ensure these activities can be enjoyed by others, which are often run by volunteers and families of participants,” Mr Bull said.

 Friday, July 22, 2022

East Gippsland farmers are anxiously watching developments in relation to foot and mouth disease in Indonesia, and Nationals Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, is calling on all levels of government to work with them to ensure we are ready should an outbreak occur.
“I have been in discussions with local farmers, stock agents and East Gippsland Shire Council about the situation and the slow response coming out of Canberra to implement more stringent measures for travellers returning from Indonesia.
“We also need to be prepared locally,” said Mr Bull.
“With thousands of Australians travelling to Indonesia, we need to ensure every person coming back into the country is stopped, questioned and required to sterilise or get rid of footwear that might be carrying the disease.
“Victoria’s Department of Agriculture must also step up.
“Last week I wrote to the newly appointed Agriculture Minister, the Hon. Gayle Tierney, seeking information about Agriculture Victoria’s preparedness to manage an outbreak of foot and mouth, including plans for the rapid production of vaccines and their deployment on farms.
“At the same time, I chatted with stock agents at the Bairnsdale Livestock Exchange to hear about their plans for supporting the cattle and sheep industry to monitor animals for symptoms of foot and mouth and to assist with quarantine, vaccination and the disposal of infected animals, should that be required.
“They have identified a range of practical disease control measures that I am seeking action on from Agriculture Victoria.
“But the proactive stance taken by farmers and the agriculture industry has, so far, not been met with a similar level of urgency by State and Federal governments.
“We need to be confident that all levels of government are prepared to take the appropriate action required – no matter how disruptive - to protect producers, livestock, and our economic future,” said Mr Bull.
Caption: Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is calling on all three levels of government to help farmers protect East Gippsland’s livestock industry from foot and mouth disease.

Monday, July 18, 2022

The need for improved indoor sports facilities at Lakes Entrance is a matter the local community has put on the radar of local Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.

“As many have pointed out to me, the town has simply outgrown the current facility in Carpenter Street and with an increasing population we need a building that will better cater for current and future needs.

“I can remember playing indoor soccer at the current location over 30 years ago and I don’t think it has changed much at all since then, so I don’t think anyone could argue this is not needed,” he said.

Mr Bull said sports facilities were important in regional townships for a range of reasons.

“I am a strong believer that sport can assist so many people in different ways. It not only brings a social element, but also puts our children around good role models.

“Sport is a great crash course in life, it teaches our youth about winning and losing, success and to a degree, failure. It also teaches how to work as a team and get along with others.

“But to attract young people into sport you need the facilities and that is why projects like this are important.

“I look forward to working with the East Gippsland Shire Council to bring this project to fruition,” he said.

Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, outside the Lakes Entrance Youth and Recreation Centre, which he says is outdated and needs upgrading.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Lakes Entrance CFA brigade has outgrown its station to the stage that later this year it will not be able to fit all its vehicles inside.

Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, met with brigade representatives recently who explained that when the new and longer rescue vehicle arrives this month, the members will literally not be able to house them all in the shed.

“Former captains Geof Bassett and Bob Richardson showed me the four vehicles that are squeezed in there at present with literally a couple of feet to spare, so when the bigger vehicle arrives it will just not fit.

“It is just one of the reasons Lakes Entrance needs a new station, but apart from this, it is just not fit for purpose,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bassett, said the brigade had been advocating for some time for a new fire station, stating the station had been at the present site for over 90 years and was now being restricted by room.

“It is also in a location where it is not perfectly cited for quick response given the increasing traffic around the area, so apart from being bigger, it needs to be better located,” he said.

Mr Bull said he was aware of discussions between CFA management and the council to identify land off Palmers Road as a potential site for the new station was in continued discussions to identify a specific site and work on getting the infrastructure built.

“I have been speaking to both the CFA and the council and am keen to progress this to the stage where we can put some specific plans in place.

“You don’t have to look back too far to know the important role these volunteers play in our community and they deserve to be provided with the right facilities,” he said.

Caption: Former Lakes CFA Brigade captains, Geof Bassett and Bob Richardson explain the need for a new station to local MP, Tim Bull.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Nationals Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull has encouraged all eligible East Gippsland residents to apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus (PSB).

“To apply for the PSB, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au and apply. There is also an option to compare your bill to make sure you are getting the best deal, “ Mr Bull said.

“For households without internet access, you can contact the Energy Compare Helpline on 1800 000 832 or the team in my office can also assist with the application process locally so if you need help, drop into my Electorate Office at 143 Main Street, Bairnsdale,” Mr Bull said.

“And don’t forget to bring a full copy of your latest electricity bill, which his needed to make the claim.

“We know that many households are struggling with the costs of living as everyday prices and our electricity bills continue to soar.

“Households are struggling to make ends meet, so opportunities like this are a welcome chance to relieve a bit of pressure.”

The Power Saving Bonus was last year restricted to certain concession card holders but is now open to all Victorian households who receive an electricity bill for the next 12 months.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone in East Gippsland to get online and compare their energy bill and try and find a better deal,” he said.

Caption: Nationals Member for Gippsland East, Tim Bull, is encouraging local energy customers to apply for the new $250 Power Saving Bonus payment, which opened on July 1.

 Monday, 4 July 2022