Hundreds of mountain bike riders are expected to wheel in to Omeo in a month’s time for an inaugural 100-mile race.In what will be one of the first major events post-COVID-19 restrictions, the Omeo Cattlemen 100 MTB (mountain bike) will encompass 160 kilometres of back roads and gravel roads, mostly known only to locals, from the Omeo Valley through to Benambra.Former professional cyclist and...

The not-for-profit organisation, BlazeAid, which has been working in East Gippsland’s bushfire affected areas for more than nine months, is preparing to leave the area.BlazeAid has been a blessing for farmers in restoring fences that were burnt in the bushfires.They were among the first charities on the ground working with farmers to erect fences to keep livestock contained.Working with a large...

A local woman in her 20s was airlifted to Melbourne after smashing her car into a tree on Forge Creek Road this morning (Tuesday). Police and emergency services rushed to the scene at about 8.45am after being alerted to the accident. The female driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was trapped inside and had to be cut from the wreckage. A wet road and rainy conditions are believed to have...

The Victorian Auditor General’s long-awaited report into Reducing Bushfire Risk released last Thursday has revealed the State Government has not reached half of its arguably already low fuel reduction burn target over the past four years.Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, said the independent report showed what most East Gippslanders already knew, not anywhere near enough fuel reduction burning is...

The Ensay Bush Nurse Centre (EBNC) committee of management has acknowledged the remarkable contribution of two members, Evan Newcomen and Barbara Dodd, who collectively have achieved 80 years of service to the centre.“Barbara and Evan, along with all past and present volunteers who strive to keep utilities in our shrinking town functioning, epitomise the importance of selfless contribution to...