New mayor outlines her priorities By AIDAN KNIGHT   THE 2025/26 Mayoral term is the third in the career of Sharon Gibson. The recently elected Madam Mayor, many will know as a longstanding Newbrough Ward councillor, recently swapped roles with her now-deputy, Cr Dale Harriman (Loy Yang Ward). Cr Gibson previously served as mayor in 2013/14, preceding Cr Harriman’s first term, and then again in 2020/21, taking over from former long-time councillor Graeme Middlemiss. The Express spoke one-on-one with Mayor Gibson last week, after she’d had a fortnight to adjust to the role, one she knows well. “I didn’t expect to be mayor again, no, because you can never really expect anything until it happens (in elections)”, she said. “I said it in my speech as outgoing deputy, a lot more comes onto my plate as mayor, admittedly, but over the last 12 months we really have worked as a leadership team,” remarking on the effectiveness of a close-knit and collaborative squad at the head of the table. “When you’re really working as a team, you can achieve, hopefully, a lot more, because one person doesn’t have all the answers.” This collaborative strategy, the mayor notes, has already proven effective during recent delegations to Canberra, enabling council to address key community issues with a united front. Looking ahead, she intends to build on this teamwork-driven ethos to guide council actions and better serve the community. Mayor Gibson has seen both side of this dynamic, serving as Deputy Mayor for five terms in Latrobe City Council. This renewed focus on sharing the load echoes comments she’s made previously, often imploring councillors to continue to strengthen their ability to work together. Many of Latrobe City Council’s current line-up have also run for state elections in various parties, and the Express inquired as to whether Cr Gibson would consider putting herself forward a second time next year, after running as an independent in 2022. “Not while I’m mayor,” she confirmed, saying she would prefer to do her role “properly”. “I would hope it’s different to the last two (terms), because each time we had emergencies, the mine fire and the floods and storm damage.” Cr Gibson detailed the second of one of her more forefront political memories, when emergency services were dropping in supplies for affected people they couldn’t reach through the floodwaters, “medication and baby formula and such”. “I actually worked to get different MPs and a particular morning television show to visit the Latrobe Valley to see the aftermath (of the 2021 Traralgon flood),” she recalled. Then acting Premier James Melino surveyed the damage in Traralgon, at the time when Daniel Andrews was on crutches. Gibson chuckled that it “didn’t stop me”, referring to her recent hip surgery which failed to slow down any of her work in council. Mayor Gibson is of the opinion if such a disaster was to occur again, the support of her deputy and chief executive, Steve Piasente, and their combined experience as a team, would help Latrobe City manage such an event. “Going through those experiences, you learn, and we have that knowledge as the senior members of council – some of which is really needed in the role,” she said. Cr Gibson said the best part of being on council was “you have the chance to speak up for your community, and enact change for the better.” The most challenging aspect was “when people see the need but aren’t there on the journey with us, or don’t care.” “Let’s face it, the Valley has actually empowered the state to be so prosperous for 100-odd years, off the back of cheap power. Now our power stations are coming to an end, where are they?”, she said, seemingly referring to state government assistance. “We were good enough to help you, now where are you in our hour of need?” Citing clear commitment to leading through cooperation and openness, the mayor remains optimistic about the community’s direction over the next year, focusing on tangible outcomes through unity and shared effort, and declared the local economy as her biggest priority over the next year of her mayoral term. “We’re very, very keen to see how we can land with diversifying our economy,” she said. “It has a kick-on effect with crime too, to a point. If there is enough employment for everybody, people have less time that creates room for some desperate crimes to occur. It wouldn’t solve everything, but it would help.” Despite this, and the eventual passing of the CBD Outreach Program at November’s council meeting, aimed at reducing these issues within the municipality, Mayor Gibson maintains that she “will follow up with Minister Carbines (Police Minister Anthony Carbines), and see if he will (visit the area), because I took it (his interest in doing so) in good faith. “At the end of the day it’s about community,” Cr Gibson said “That for me is the be-all, end-all about it (being mayor). What you can do for the community. “I want to create hope for the community, one in which some are really struggling.”

LV Express: New mayor outlines her priorities #News #AnthonyCarbines #CBDOutreachProgram

Better late than never: CBD outreach program passes By AIDAN KNIGHT   LATROBE City Council put to bed its most contentious issue of the year, with a unanimous decision on how to progress localised crime prevention within the municipality at last month’s council meeting. During the sitting of the November, 24 meeting, a motion was passed on the CBD Community Outreach Program. Originally called the Community Connectors Program, the proposal had been deferred three times in the nine months it had been the topic of disagreement within council chambers, and led to the first (rather passionate) Star Wars reference spoken in the history of Kernot Hall, at the September meeting (see the Express October 1 issue). Moved this final time by Yallourn Ward Councillor Steph Morgan, the wielder of the aforementioned pop culture quote, and seconded by Morwell River Ward’s Cr Tracie Lund, Cr Morgan opened strongly on her staunch defence of the program, telling her colleagues that “Police are not a social service”. After previous meetings had seen tensions rise between Cr Morgan and fellow councillor, Cr Sharon Gibson (Newborough Ward/then Deputy Mayor, now Mayor), who saw it more effective to wait for police advice pending a visit from Minister for Police Anthony Carbines, the tone in the chamber shifted significantly when Cr Gibson and previously opposing councillors ultimately supported the program. “This aligns very well with our council plan,” she said, “where we outlined community safety as a priority. “Anyone who attended the Victoria Police Community safety forum (held at Kernot Hall the week before) would know, the police cannot be everywhere at once. “It’s really important that we, as council, implement a Community Outreach Program that brings together social services, health services to create a community-focused response to feelings of safety and lack thereof in our community. We need to ensure we’re supporting people, but also freeing up police resources so they’re not spending their time doing someone else’s job.” Cr Morgan argued it was up to local government to do something, and promptly, as “now is the time to get on top of it and make a decisive decision.” “The community deserves to feel safe walking down the street and operating their businesses,” she went on to say. After Cr Lund reserved, Cr Gibson spoke for the motion for the first time, apologetic in her opposition to being proactive while the Minister’s visit was still not even a definite promise. “I’m sorry it’s taken so long – in good faith we were told a meeting would happen,” she said, even though Latrobe City Chief Executive Steve Piasente had previously clarified that Minister Carbines said he would be interested in visiting Latrobe, but had made no firm commitment. “This has been in front of us a few times, and we need to be really honest about how we got here,” Cr Lund said openly. “Meanwhile, our community hasn’t stopped raising concerns, and we’ve heard from some of our residents tonight about exactly that, referencing three public speakers who implored council to finally pass the motion The first of these was Linda Reid of Churchill, who found it pleasing to see many councillors at the policing forum the week before, but “what was not pleasing was the data produced”, “Crime, domestic and family violence in Morwell was extremely concerning – basically the worst in the country.” Ms Reid saw it even more alarming that amid this, cuts to the Latrobe Health Assembly meant that programs were either halted or unable to get off the ground to begin with, programs designed to offset these issues in the community. “There is also very little funding for YouthSpace,” she said, emphasising the generational needs being addressed by these two organisations, which were receiving positive data that showed benefit. “I heard on the radio today an appeal not to move the transit police from Traralgon railway station,” she said, describing her own experiences of feeling unsafe in Latrobe. As a regular commuter, Ms Reid felt protective service officers do a great job, but “am yet to see any form of security or assistance on the new platform at Morwell. “There’s no staff there at night, and if you get off on your own, it is very very scary.” The second platform at Morwell station is the only unstaffed platform in Latrobe Valley. “I don’t have the answer because it’s multifaceted with many causes. I urge council to fund this very important program, as a step forward.” Another resident, Wendy Castles held a similar opinion, with the unique perspective of experience in the special education sector. She referred to the Positive Behaviour Interventions Framework, which is adopted broadly across Australian schools, noting it could be adopted to some extent by agencies funded by council to help counter the issues plaguing Latrobe City. Ms Castles felt that young people and people with disability are not receiving the social support that they need in Latrobe, which may cause them to be more engaged in antisocial behaviours – or become victims of it. “I don’t believe the actions being taken in Latrobe Valley, particularly Morwell, are addressing those needs,” she said. The final public speaker on the issue was Jewel Burchell-Robins, youth co-chair at Gippsland Youth Spaces, who spoke on gaps in support for youth, and their safety. This is something Ms Burchell-Robins says “we need now more than ever”, and she herself does not feel safe in Latrobe, as a young person. Cr Lund told her colleagues each of these perspectives “are not political speaking points – they’re lived experience.” She also made a pointed statement, likely aimed at Cr Gibson, that policing has a role, but to rely on authorities is not enough, and called for a multifaceted approach, as suggested by Ms Reid. “Council needs to step up and do what we’re here to do, (…) it’s long overdue,” Cr Lund said. Latrobe City Council will now allocate a sum of $30,000 from the accumulated unallocated cash reserve in order to develop the program model to improve community safety. A report will return to future council meetings, outlining how the program – successful in several metropolitan areas – can be adapted into a localised model for Latrobe City.

LV Express: Better late than never: CBD outreach program passes #News #AnthonyCarbines #CBDCommunityOutreachProgram

And where is that spinless police minister? @vicalpe.bsky.social #policeminister #anthonycarbines

Moe Cup stage is set HORSE RACING By LIAM DURKIN “Come taste the wine, come hear the band. Come blow your horn, start celebrating; right this way, your table’s waiting.” Liza Minnelli – Cabaret (1972) JUST four sleeps remain until the gates of Moe Racing Club are flung open to welcome patrons to this year’s Moe Cup. The finishing touches are being put on the first-ever Sunday Moe Cup, as a bumper crowd is expected to come to town. The move to Sunday means there will be something for the whole family to enjoy. Kids can enjoy mini golf, a merry-go-round, face painting and an animal farm. Great day out: Jade Stevenson, Katherine Vitale and Mikaela Heenan enjoying last year’s Moe Cup. File photograph For young members, there is the chance to sit down, relax and unwind in casual seating, while enjoying acoustic tunes and delicious bites to eat. General excitement is expected to permeate over the next few days, as the final countdown commences. Moe Racing Club has indeed been very busy in recent years, upgrading virtually all facilities to come into line with the 21st century. Of most note is the two storey race day building, described by state racing Minister Anthony Carbines as being “world class standard”. Living it up: Patrons dining at last year’s Moe Cup. File photograph Located just off the existing Turfside Function Centre, the elevated race day building features two function spaces, and offers an enhanced race viewing experience, thanks to a panoramic view of the entire track. It is said this view is on par with the best in country Victoria. While all will be hoping for favourable weather, members and the general public will be sheltered from the elements regardless, and as they say “the show will go on”. Don’t expect the meeting to be abandoned. Not even flooding across the entire state could stop the Moe Cup in 2022. Come one, come all: Moe Racing Club Treasurer Pauline Turra and chief executive Cassandra Rendell hope to see a great turnout for the Moe Cup this Sunday. Photograph: Liam Durkin Moe Racing Club’s premier StrathAyr track has stood the test of time, and pretty much paid for itself since being installed in 2016. Its sand-based design allows continuous drainage to occur and prevents surface water laying on the track. Trainers will be vying for a share of the $130,000 prize pool on offer in this year’s cup, with the winner pocketing $71,500. At time of going to press, fields had not been released for the main event. Fashions on the field is set to be as hotly contested as the races.

LV Express: Moe Cup stage is set #Sport #AnthonyCarbines #fashion

Glad to hear that. These days speeding cars travel on the wrong side of the road a lot here in Australia (sad to say). Terrifying. Probably alcohol, ice or to many computer games growing up. Does it happen elsewhere? #AnthonyCarbines #MelissaHorne

What Tom Elliott didn’t like about reaction to CBD protests Mr Carbines labelled the demonstrators who descended on Flinders Street station as “unhinged grubs” The post What Tom Elliott didn’t like about reaction to CBD protests first appeared on VibeWire Magazine.

#Australia #BreakingNews #3AW #AnthonyCarbines

Protester fires up over Anthony Carbines’ ‘unhinged grubs’ comment I’m pissed off … I’m telling you 95 per cent of the people that were there were good and calm. The post Protester fires up over Anthony Carbines’ ‘unhinged grubs’ comment first appeared on VibeWire Magazine.

#Australia #BreakingNews #AnthonyCarbines #MarchforAustralia

Alarming rate of youth crime By AIDAN KNIGHT   TO say youth crime is on the rise is hardly news to anyone. A Traralgon resident (who wished remain anonymous), has come forward to the Express after experiencing targeted acts of crime by young boys for the past three years, which has led to her being relocated temporarily out of the region into safe community housing. She speaks of the urgency of the epidemic as a “crisis situation”. An Aboriginal woman herself, she speaks on the intricacies these issues have on her communities, as the appeal of crime to boys aged as young as 13 doesn’t discriminate. “There are kids in the Valley stealing cars and vandalising every day, both Aboriginal and mainstream. Too many communities are seeing their sons and nephews out doing these things because they think it’s fun and know they can get away with it as minors,” she said. Victoria’s Sentencing Advisory Council (2022) found that young people who offend are more likely to reoffend than any other age group. The data shows more than 60 per cent of young offenders reoffend within two years, particularly those with a history of serious or violent crime. According to the council “Youth who begin offending early often become entrenched in the justice system. Without strong intervention, patterns of reoffending escalate as they age.” The overall offence rate in Victoria has risen by 15 per cent, as reflected in the data collected by the Crime Statistics Agency. This is the third quarter in a row, according to Victoria Police, that has trumped the previous in having “the most arrests since electronic records began”, which date back to 1993. Almost equal to this statistic is the rise of youth within that percentage, with offenders aged 10 to 17 increasing by 17.9 per cent. Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron has written letters on behalf of the Traralgon woman to the state housing board of housing and the Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines. “This is a multi-faceted issue and I acknowledge there are many other contributing societal factors at play when it comes to youth crime,” Mr Cameron said. “Aggravated burglaries in particular have skyrocketed, and the rise in young people carrying weapons is alarming. “A recent amendment to the Control of Weapons Act means police can carry out searches, but it doesn’t go far enough, and these searches can only be conducted in designated areas. “Our police do a terrific job keeping our community safe, but they are critically under resourced, with some 1000 vacancies for frontline Victoria Police officers. It’s also important to remember that police are not just law enforcement officers – they conduct youth outreach programs, link with local services to provide referrals, and work tirelessly to support disengaged youth – all these things go a long way to curbing crime in the first instance.” Anglicare Victoria, who work directly with at-risk youth, described this reality in their 2023 Missing Pieces report. “We see too many young people cycling in and out of the justice system, with no consistent adult support. Once caught up in that cycle, getting out becomes increasingly hard,” an extract from the report said. Police have been regularly canvassing the Traralgon Centre Plaza since early July, after extraordinary community support was put into a petition by Traralgon local, Bailey Miles. This was prompted after he found himself scrolling Facebook, “through the Traralgon community page, and the amount of crime and posts about crime in the plaza I have been seeing is just sickening.” “Personally, I was threatened/intimidated by an individual, which has also motivated me to create this petition for an attempt at us being heard.” The petition accumulated upwards of 700 signatures on its first day alone. Traralgon Police have been present at the plaza daily. “We are sick and tired of the crime in the plaza, youths thinking they run the place intimidating the shoppers and also the workers in stores,” Mr Miles said. “One of my family member had a group of teens arrested against their store window a few months ago and that’s not acceptable, with more police or security presence they wouldn’t of even gotten into the plaza.” Shopping centres seem to be a particular hotspot of youth crime, and have been for some time. Last October saw local police execute Operation OMNI, which saw the seizure of four knives in the patrolling and searching of persons at Mid Valley Shopping Centre. Mid Valley was identified as a local epicentre of youth crime, and experienced a particularly alarming incident earlier in 2024 involving an assault on an elderly man by five young boys.

LV Express: Alarming rate of youth crime #News #AnglicareVictoria #AnthonyCarbines

Tough bail laws, machete ban introduced By TOM HAYES   VICTORIA is set to have the “toughest bail laws” in the country, after the Premier Jacinta Allan, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, and Minster for Police Anthony Carbines announced the new ‘Tough Bail Bill’. The state government…

LV Express: Tough bail laws, machete ban introduced: By TOM HAYES


 


VICTORIA is set to have the “toughest bail laws” in the country, after the Premier Jacinta Allan, Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny, and Minster for Police Anthony Carbines… #News #AnthonyCarbines #AustralianBureauofStatistics

Out of control crime By TOM HAYES   THE recent crime spike across Victoria has raised alarming concerns, as repeat offenders are granted bail and youth crime becomes more common. In late February, following a stabbing on Morwell’s Commercial Road, the offender, facing…

LV Express: Out of control crime: By TOM HAYES


 


THE recent crime spike across Victoria has raised alarming concerns, as repeat offenders are granted bail and youth crime becomes more common.


In late February, following a stabbing on Morwell’s Commercial… #News #AnthonyCarbines #BailLaws