Watching Rory Smith meet some of the medical team for the first time since they helped save his life at the Bairnsdale Hospital, it was interesting to observe the reactions.“I went for a run the other day,” Rory told them.“But I’m not pushing myself too hard.”The amazement on the health professionals’ faces was unmistakable. It clearly wasn’t something they expected from someone who had...

Due to a documentation error, Bernie Ryan’s attempt to enter the Guinness World Record Book earlier this year for the world’s longest bicycle, which had to travel 100 metres unassisted, was deemed invalid. However, recently the attempt again took place at Paynesville with Bernie’s wife, Ruth, steering the bike while son, Ryan, pedalled at the rear. This time documentation was completed...

East Gippsland Shire councillors unanimously opposed the proposal for the Fingerboards Mineral Sands Project at their first ordinary council meeting last Tuesday.The decision has been met with mixed reactions with Mine Free Glenaladale members “elated”, while the proponent’s chief executive officer, Jozsef Patarica, of Kalbar Operations, said the company was “disappointed with council’s...

A variety of characters roamed the streets of Eagle Point and Bruthen last Friday driving brightly painted cars and bringing smiles all round.Variety’ s main motoring event, the famous Variety Bash, has been put on hold for the first time in 30 years, so entrants from the event decided to celebrate the state reopening in the way they know best, hitting the road and bringing support and...

One of the few people in East Gippsland who had to battle COVID-19 infection says she is relieved restrictions are easing.“I agree with masks even though I hate them,” she said.“I can’t breathe properly when wearing one, it makes me feel claustrophobic, but I’m happy to wear them for a bit longer, just to be sure we’re all safe.”The rules changed Sunday night so that people do not have to wear...