East Gippsland
East Gippsland is a large and vibrant region in a beautiful natural setting, home to proud and involved communities. It stretches from west of Bairnsdale to the New South Wales border. The region is distinguished by its natural setting, with its southern edge defined by the Gippsland Lakes and rugged coastline and the rising backdrop of the High Country. Historical rural landscapes and natural bushland areas characterise the region and surround its communities.
Communities in the Far East Gippsland region were devastated by the bushfires of 2019/20, with over 1,300,000 hectares burnt, hundreds of houses destroyed, and four lives lost. With COVID-19 restrictions announced in Victoria barely a month after the fires were contained, the recovery in the area has been extremely difficult for residents, some of whom were forced to live in temporary accommodation for years afterwards.
With the timber industry facing a 2030 deadline for cessation of native forest logging, a substantial transition process is underway in the area. East Gippsland's smaller, more isolated communities face challenges due to their remote location: restricted access to communications, such as internet and phone service, limited transportation, healthcare providers and financial hardship. The East Gippsland Fire to Flourish team is hoping to assist their community to move towards resilience through a transition to a new economy.
The area holds a small Aboriginal community, mostly in Cann River and a non-resident community of Traditional Owners living mostly in Orbost, Lakes Entrance and Bairnsdale. There is a long history of Aboriginal people working on the farms and timber mills of the district.
Meet the East Gippsland Fire to Flourish Team
The East Gippsland team is working with ten communities who they listen to, learn from and adapt to, so they can meet their diverse
recovery needs. They have established strong partnerships with existing community groups and have built on what was done before them.
What’s Happening in East Gippsland?
East Gippsland Indigenous artwork
East Gippsland artist Paula Wandin celebrates the bold colours of her region in this design connecting clan and Country.
“This piece is representative of the clans of our region coming together under our flag and connecting to Mother Earth. The blue represents water, the giver of life. The five clans are Bratwoloong, Brayakooloong, Brabuwooloong, Tatungooloong and Krowathunkooloong.”