Answer the call
By Eleanor WilsonSeveral local fire brigades are some of 650 firefighters on the ground in Gippsland as local crews battle to contain bushfires across the region.
Tankers from Pakenham, Beaconsfield, Tynong, Bunyip and Toomuc all formed part of strike team 0844 to Maffra on Sunday to assist crews in Briagolong, Heyfield and Loch Sport.
The strike team covered over 500km over Sunday and Monday, assisting local brigades with fire suppression and helping locals with asset protection.
It comes as residents across Victoria’s east were urged to evacuate as out-of-control
Crime rises
Crime rates in Cardinia are continuing to rise, with an 8.3 per cent increase in the 2022-23 period, but the total level still remains below pre-pandemic levels.
Fresh statistics from the Crime Statistics Agency, published on Thursday 28 September, showed Cardinia Shire recorded a total 6806 offences in the year ending June. This is an increase from 6287 offences recorded over 2022.
Top offences remained the same with family violence still dominating crime, along with theft and property damage.
There were 834 breaches of family violence orders in Cardinia over the year ending in June.
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bushfires more than tripled in size overnight Monday.
The fast-moving blaze at Briagolong in the Gippsland region covered 5000 hectares on Monday but strong winds fanned the flames, with the fire stretching across about 17,000 hectares by Tuesday morning.
Country Fire Authority chief Jason Heffernan said fire agencies had seen 220 bush and grass fires across the state since Saturday 30 September.
The wild weather is lashing Victoria, with the Bureau of Meteorology also issuing warnings for damaging winds and heavy rain for most of the state.
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Right to build
Cardinia Shire councillors have overruled shire officers in a bid to allow a Pakenham Upper property owner to construct a shed.
Officers had recommended council refuse the planning application for the Gordon Road property, but councillors opted to give it the nod subject to 11 conditions.
Cr Brett Owen said the main point of council officers was the potential for alternative sights, however, he was not satisfied the alternate proposals were better.
The motion was deferred from council’s previous meeting.
Bunyip Ward Councillor Graeme Moore said the process of deferring gave councillors better insight into the situation.
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Home gallery opens doors
Celebrated Gembrook artist Sue Jarvis will open her home to art lovers at weekends in October, as she presents her 2023 showcase.
A 60-piece collection of works from Ms Jarvis’ career, including landscapes, figure work and abstract social commentary pieces, will be cast amongst three hectares of botanic garden for visitors to enjoy.
It is the award-winning artist’s first exhibition since April last year, when the Cardinia Cultural Centre showcased ‘Art that makes you think’ - a collection of thought provoking pieces which tackled concepts such as modern life, ideal beauty, sacrifices of war and global warming.
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Sue Jarvis with one of her paintings, Yarra Valley Autumn. 363761
Picture: STEWART CHAMBERS