9 Friday, August 28, 2026| Gippsland Weekend The local music community is set for a weekend of professional performances, educational workshops and masterclasses this spring. Melbourne's The Crossing Machine string quartet and internationally performing tenor Douglas Kelly will bring a collaborative program to Bairnsdale from October 2 to 4, 2026. The weekend will feature public concerts alongside vocal and instrumental workshops designed for local singers and string musicians of various skill levels. The weekend program begins with a collaborative concert at the East Gippsland Art Gallery, featuring Douglas Kelly performing alongside the Melbourne-based string quartet. On Saturday, October 3, at 2pm, The Crossing Machine will host a second concert at St John's Anglican Church in Bairnsdale. Entry to the Saturday church concert is $5, or an alternative amount of the attendee's choice. Following the performances, both Kelly and the quartet will lead group workshops on Saturday, October 3, at St John's Anglican Church. These sessions offer local musicians a chance to learn from experienced professionals: - Vocal and choir workshop: Led by Douglas Kelly from 11am-1pm. This workshop is open to local choir members and singers wishing to develop their vocal technique. - Strings workshop: Led by the members of The Crossing Machine from 4pm-6pm, following their afternoon concert. Participation in either of these group workshops is $5 per person. On Sunday, October 4, the program moves to The Hub for intensive, small-group masterclasses. Running from 9am-11.30am, these sessions are designed for intermediate to advanced students looking for personalised instruction: - Vocal masterclasses: Individual coaching with Douglas Kelly. - Strings masterclasses: Focused instruction on violin, viola, and cello with members of the quartet. Due to the individualised nature of masterclasses, participant spots are strictly limited. Applications are now open for local musicians wishing to participate in the workshops or masterclasses. To apply or request more information, prospective participants should contact Marianne at The Crossing Machine via email. Detailed application forms are available upon request. Music weekend announced Report highlights Gippsland Lakes progress Collaborative works are making a difference across the Gippsland Lakes and the newly released 2025-26 Annual Report showcases the impact of working together towards a shared vision of a healthy Lakes. The 2025-26 Annual Report is a visual 'snapshot' of what has been achieved in 2025-26 across the dynamic catchment. It details how evidence-based programs are helping build resilience into the environment so it can meet future challenges. The Gippsland Lakes Ramsar Site Management Plan supported by the Priorities Plan ensure the highest priority works are being delivered through clear priorities and cooperation for return on investment for the Lakes' wildlife, waterways and community. The Victorian Government provided $6 million over four years (2021-2024) as part of a wider $248 million investment to encourage Government agencies, groups and individual landowners to get involved in activities to help improve the health of the Gippsland Lakes on Gunaikurnai Country. Working together has turned this direct investment of $6 million into $18.65 million and many volunteer hours to deliver across the vast landscape with over 40 formal partners. New jobs have been created for Traditional Owners and community groups and new partnerships formed. Gunaikurnai Traditional Owners are the Lakes' First Peoples and have selfdetermined their roles in the ongoing management and protection of the Gippsland Lakes. Across the year, Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) continued to lead work on Country. Through pest plant and animal control, their team worked across the Outer Barrier to target invasive species impacting native flora and fauna in this important area. The report also highlights the success of creating and improving habitat for native fish in rivers with local angling clubs and interest groups. These works have improved the availability, density and connectivity of habitat for species such as Australian Bass, Estuary Perch, Black Bream, as well as threatened species such as the Australian Grayling. "We are especially proud of this year's achievements that contribute to the bigger picture of protecting this world-renowned and precious Ramsar wetland and its catchment," chief executive officer of East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority, Bec Hemming said. "We would like to thank everyone involved in this ongoing effort to work together for the Lakes. It once again showcases the benefits of the Love Our Lakes model of working together to deliver innovative, evidence-based initiatives while promoting Traditional Owner self-determination and work on Country." The 2025-26 Gippsland Lakes Annual Report is now available on the Love our Lakes website. Avon River fish habitat structures following works. > jU pD_Q j 88*>"\D> pD_Q UÁ ߨ PQ Ç ßÇ Ø«£Á âÑ ¢ÇÔ Ô£â»Ô j»»«Á£ßÇÁ U¨«Ô ÇâÁ«» À«» ÁíØŗ 115a Foster Street, Sale sale@jamesyeates.com.au 0490 848 329 Grace Smolenaars Introducing Have a chat with Grace about the range of services James Yeates offers. to the James Yeates team! • Professional graphic design • Environmentally friendly offset printing • Digital printing • Signage – including flags & banners • Websites design & management • Direct mail & letterbox drops • Social media management • Marketing
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