The highway is open!After more than a month being closed due to the impact of the bushfires, the Princes Highway has been opened to the New South Wales border.Over the past week motorists have been able to access Cabbage Tree Creek and then Cann River before Tuesday afternoon’s complete reopening.The 22km stretch of Mallacoota Road was also fully reopened on Wednesday. The reopening comes on the...

”It’s about supporting people in need, it’s not about recognition.”That’s the belief of Bairnsdale man, John Beynon, who on Australia Day was rewarded for years of volunteerism with an Order of Australia medal.Mr Beynon has been a life-long servant of rural communities, but one that never seeks the spotlight.Growing up in Hay, in central New South Wales, Mr Beynon joined Apex at a young age...

A man who has worn many hats, chaired numerous meetings, supported tons of causes and been a vital cog in a variety of community groups, Paynesville’s Lindsay Crawford was recognised with on Order of Australia Medal on Australia Day.“Gobsmacked,” Lindsay said when asked his reaction to the news.“It’s a great honour, it’s not to be taken lightly. For my life, it’s the pinnacle, it’s the best...

It’s the story of a community sticking together to run their local races despite the bushfires.It’s also a story of a local seven-year-old racehorse, Firefree, who is now known worldwide as the horse who was taken to Buchan and cared for by owner, Robyn Sandy, under strict instructions from her husband, Peter.“Peter brought him into town and said ‘the way things are looking this horse might be...

An additional 200 police are in the East Gippsland area to help with the bushfire effort.Victoria police is playing a secondary role in assisting fire services in firefighting and recovery efforts.“The police role is supporting the fire agencies and we have a coordination role in any emergency management event,” Superintendent Simon Humphrey, who is the police commander overseeing the operation...