UPDATE

Wednesday 25 July 2018

First-look at concept designs for sports infrastructure projects

Earlier this week, the local community was given a first-glimpse at the concept designs for the highly-anticipated Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre (GRAC) and Traralgon Indoor Sports Stadium projects. 

Latrobe City Council Mayor Darrell White and Latrobe Valley Authority CEO Karen Cain unveiled architects’ early plans for the State Government funded projects and announced the opening of design and construct tender periods at the GRAC site.

The concept plans for the Gippsland Regional Aquatic Centre, produced by architect Peddle Thorp, feature an eight lane 50 metre indoor pool complete with 500 seats for spectators.

Current designs also include an indoor water play zone, warm water pool, designated learn to swim pool, spa and sauna areas, a wellness centre, café and retail precinct and wet and dry change facilities.

Concepts for the Traralgon Indoor Sports Stadium detail a four-court extension to the existing facility, complete with a new show court, spectator seating and associated amenities.

Both projects will use 90 per cent local content as designated Victorian Industry Participation Policy initiatives.

The developments are being funded by the Latrobe Valley Authority's $85 million Sports and Community Initiative. 

Supporting local business first

The GROW Gippsland project is working with Industry Capability Network (ICN) to help ensure our local businesses are well placed to grow and create local jobs.

• 30 key purchasers and suppliers are reviewing their purchasing and procurement profiles with the aim of increasing local spend and social impact.
• This week ICN led another round of workshops to help local businesses prepare to win work on a number of major infrastructure projects in the region. Over 100 businesses attended the workshops in Sale, Morwell and Warragul.
• More than 600 Gippsland businesses are using the new Gippsland Business Connect channel to raise their profile and collaborate with each other.
• Three major infrastructure industry briefings were held in June, providing over 400 people with a chance to learn more about major infrastructure projects.

To find out more about the progress of the GROW Gippsland program you're invited to attend a workshop on Thursday 9 August to have your opportunity to shape the program for the years ahead. You can RSVP here.

Businesses are encouraged to register on the ICN Gateway and check the Gippsland Project Opportunities page regularly to be notified about upcoming projects.

YMCA to lead Youth Space Latrobe

A game changer for the local youth sector, last week YMCA Victoria was appointed as the lead agency to deliver the new Youth Space Latrobe. 

YMCA is partnering with Berry Street, Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network, Scouts Victoria, Quantum Support Services, Latrobe Youth Choices, Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA), The Gathering Place, AGL Loy Yang and GippSport. 

This group of 10 organisations will work with young people to help them learn and develop, as well as provide social enterprise and internship activities to boost their employment opportunities.

Locals aged 12 to 25 are playing an important role in developing Youth Space Latrobe. A new Youth Board will also be established to help ensure young people are engaged in the governance of the space and shape the type of programs and services to be delivered. 

The physical site is yet to be announced.

For more information about Youth Space Latrobe click here.

Energy efficiency upgrades for Latrobe Valley

Individual home assessments are now underway for eligible low-income households to determine the most suitable energy upgrades as part the Latrobe Valley Home Energy Upgrade Program. 

Under the program $4500 worth of energy efficiency upgrades are being delivered to up to 1000 vulnerable households in the Latrobe Valley to reduce their energy bills and improve health and wellbeing for those most in need in our community.

The Home Energy Upgrade Program is being delivered by Warragul-based, family owned and operated Hills Energy Solutions.

In addition, the Public Buildings Program being delivered by DELWP will see solar hot water and solar lighting installed on 30 public buildings and sites in the Latrobe Valley to help reduce emissions and cut costs.

To view the full list of buildings to receive solar upgrades click here. 

New model car showroom for Gippsland Auto Museum

Gippsland Auto Museum in Maffra is constructing a new internal showroom to display a model car collection thanks to a $69,636 grant from Latrobe Valley Authority's Community Facility Fund.

The new showroom will house a model car collection of 4,000 vehicles from a private benefactor, all with their original packaging and receipts. 

The collection will be housed in a self-contained display area within the building that will feature and displays featuring local motor garages.

The project also includes the construction of a mezzanine storage area and complements an adjacent collection of up to 50 motorbikes which will sit alongside the model car area.

For more information on the LVA's Community Facility Fund click here. 

Forensic hub on the way

A new specialist forensic hub to be located on Saskia Way in Morwell will provide faster access to information at major crime scenes.

It will mean Gippsland police won’t have to travel to Melbourne to test evidence and forensic material. 

The new facility will allow police to process evidence collected from crime scenes locally, further freeing up police time and resources.

The construction of the hub will bring construction jobs to the local community as well as 11 ongoing forensic officer jobs.

The hub is expected to be operational by mid-2019. 

Small Business Festival

Presented by Small Business Victoria, the Gippsland Small Business Festival provides small businesses with the opportunity to exchange ideas, access free or low-cost information and support and establish valuable professional networks.

The Festival offers a wide range of practical, interactive and innovative events that cover topics such as business planning, marketing, social media, networking and financial management.

All events are presented at low cost or free, and are designed to help small business owners improve their productivity and offers opportunities to learn from, network, and engage with other like-minded businesses and industry experts.

To view full list of events and locations click here.