Passenger ship

Grammar scholarships

I T ’ S a Ne w Y e a r a n d n e w opportunities are available for students at Gippsland Grammar. Scholarships are about to be offered – giving students who may not otherwise have the means to attend the highly-regarded school the opportunity to fulfil their dreams. Academic and general excellence scholarships for entry into Years 5-11 in 2023 at each of the School’s three campus – St Anne’s and Bairnsdale junior campuses and Garnsey senior campus, will be offered. Applications are open now but must be lodged before Monday February 7, 2022. Age-appropriate tests will be sat on Saturday, February 26. Gippsland Grammar principal Leisa Harper encouraged locals ‘start the new year well’ and check out the opportunities offered by the local School. Gippsland Grammar is renowned for valuing a holistic education where the gifts and talents of its students can be nurtured, according to Mrs Harper. “While our school has a strong academic focus, we are also equally committed to the development of the whole child and have a strong co-curricular program that includes rowing, equestrian and a broad range of outdoor education pursuits,” Mrs Harper said. “Our students are at the heart of all we do, and this is reflected in our purpose; a Passion for Excellence. “Regardless of the pathway students pursue after school, we know that young people need rich, engaging learning experiences during their formative years. “Year in, year out, the results of our VCE students are outstanding and puts them among the best in the state.” Mrs Harper was pleased to presented yet another scholarship to graduating 2021 student Alizah Triplett the first ever Mildred Lapthorn Scholarship. Alizah, from East Gippsland, was presented $10,000 to help her attend university. Mrs Harper encouraged anyone interested in a Gippsland Grammar education to apply for a scholarship or discuss your child’s education with the Gippsland Grammar Enrolments Team by contacting 5143 6388. Additional learning opportunities can be also found on the school’s website www.gippslandgrammar. vic.edu.au Music Scholarships will also be offered this year. Closing date for applications will be Friday, March 4 2022 with the audition date set for Friday, March 25, 2022.

High-voltage powerlines to be protected under scheme

MORE than more than 30,000 kilometres of high voltage powerlines across regional Victoria will be protected under a scheme to reduce the risk of bushfires. The state government is rolling out the third round of its Powerline Bushfire Safety Program, after upgrades had been completed in Moe last year. The upgrades include installing giant safety switches - or Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters - which prevent fires starting by shutting off a powerline’s power when it makes contact with vegetation. Nineteen of these operating switches prevented 33 potentially catastrophic fires in the summer of 2019-20. Baw Baw and Wellington shires have also been included in a powerline upgrade fund directed to areas most affected during the summer 2019-20 bushfires. Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the Powerline Bushfire Safety Program has “delivered on its promise to significantly reduce the risk of bushfires started by barewire powerlines”. “It now has a proven track record with this report detailing a great outcome for the Victorian community, especially those in high bushfire risk areas,” Ms D’Ambrosio said. “This program − along with our record $517 million investment in the 2021/2022 budget to reduce bushfire risk − is helping to keep Victorians safe.” The $750 million program was implemented following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. The commission found more than 70 per cent of deaths in the Black Saturday fires were caused by fires started by electrical infrastructure. An independent audit carried out by Aurecon found the program has resulted in a 44.1 per cent reduction in powerline bushfire risk across the state.

Trains are replaced by buses

BUSES have replaced Traralgon and Bairnsdale trains for the entire journey until Thursday, February 10 for level crossing removal works. Services will be replaced by a mix of express, semi-express and stopping-all-station coach services. The Level Crossing Removal Project will see 85 level crossings removed across metropolitan Melbourne. To plan your journey, head to vline.com.au. The latest public transport information and network status is available at ptv.vic.gov.au or in the PTV mobile app. If you’re travelling on public transport, or in a taxi or rideshare service, you must wear a fitted mask covering your nose and mouth for the entire journey. QR codes have been rolled out across the public transport network to help keep passengers safe. Check-in every time you see a QR code. For more information and advice about coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit coronavirus. vic.gov.au.