Next LEBTA Board meeting: Monday 23 January 2012.    Agenda available:  Contact admin@lebta.com.au  

There was no LEBTA board meeting in December 2011.

Next EGRBTA meeting on Wednesday 25 January 2012.  Bairnsdale.  New EO is Patricia Fulcher.

12 Page promotional Booklet:  Available at Lakes Entrance VIC

Night Walk:  Friday 27 Jan. Burnt Bridge. Friends of the Gippsland Lakes  www.fogl.gov.au

Update of things around Lakes Entrance are available on Twitter. Visitlakes or Skipper_Pete

Future of this website:  This volunteer website is run by LEBTA members for LEBTA members thus needs support from all members, both Board and general members.  One of LEBTA’s strengths is the ability to act as an information platform for various events, issues and projects relating to Lakes Entrance.  This website is available to engage and inform LEBTA members.  Information on events, projects and issues can be advertised on this website.  Please send information to editor Skipper Pete. 

Next LEBTA Board meeting: Monday November 28.  Shane Turner EGSC and Cr Jane Rowe will speak on future incident (Flood) management.  Agenda available:  Contact admin@lebta.com.au  

There will be no LEBTA board meeting in December 2011.

Previous Board meeting was Monday 26 September.  The October meeting was the AGM.

AGM – 24 October:  Elections for 8 board positions and executive positions held.  Tony Fredericks was re-elected President.  Vice-Presidents: Dale Sumner and Russell Chester.  New board members are David Fayolle – Workways, Alison Brewer – Kick back Cottages and Shane Berry – LE Bowls Club.  The board consists of 15 business operators who represent a cross-section of Lakes Entrance business and tourism industries.

Next EGRBTA meeting on Wednesday 23 November.  AGM to be held.  Guest speaker is  James Archibald – Destination Gippsland.  Further Information: Tim Ellis EO EGRBTA.   This will be Tim’s last meeting as he has a new position with Regional Development Victoria.  A new EO is currently being sought. 

Heritage Race Rally Cars:  Rally starts on Saturday 26 November in Myers Street at 9am.  Hopefully local businesses will open early to cater for the competitors and spectators.  It will take 2 hours to start all vehicles as they each leave 1 minute apart.  See posters in shop windows.

Landcare:  Thursday 24 November.  Presentation on reptiles of east Gippsland.  Mechanics Hall, Lakes Entrance.  7pm.  Further information: Colhquoun-North Arm Landcare

Cycling Tourism:  Last week a forum on Cycling Tourism was held with 50 particpants.  This forum was the basis for the production of a Cycle Tourism Strategy for East Gippsland.  Businesses with an interest in cycling (accomodation, clothing, repairs, sales etc) are welcome to contribute to the strategy. Further Information: Liz Mitchell, Orbost. 

Cycling events:  Several LEBTA members will meet with the Shire on Thursday 24 Nov. to discuss cycling events for 2012. 

Tourism Students:  Swinburne University Tourism Students are touring East Gippsland this week to examine tourism in coastal towns.  Monday – Wilsons Prom, Tuesday-  Lakes Entrance, Wednesday – Mallacoota, Thursday – Merimbula.

Lakes Entrance Foreshore Management Plan has been adopted by the Shire.  The plan identifies $15million worth of changes and improvements.  Funding is now being sought. Further Information: EGSC or DSE.

Visitor Information Centre review:  The draft report is being finalised for the council to consider.  Actions and outcomes will be made public soon.  More information: John Munns.

Sustainability Assessments:  Several Lakes Entrance Businesses were assessed free by a VECCI specialist last week.  This gave LEBTA members the opportunity to consider ways to reduce their power bill and carbon footprint.  Further Information: VECCI.

New Video:  Destination Gippsland have produced a new 1 minute promotional video to be shown in Melbourne over Summer.  The video captures the vast sand dunes of Pt. Hicks.  Video is on You-tube. 

Fishing Competition:  This great event is currently being  finalised for early 2012.

Sea-Farers Multi-cultural Festival:  Tickets are available for the feast on Friday night.  Skipper Pete has donated the Lakes-Explorer on Saturday to run free 20 minutes trips around the harbour.

Future of this website:  This volunteer website is run by LEBTA members for LEBTA members thus needs support from all members, both Board and general members.  One of LEBTA’s strengths is the ability to act as an information platform for various events, issues and projects relating to Lakes Entrance.  This website is available to engage and inform LEBTA members.  Information on events, projects and issues can be advertised on this website.  Please send information to editor Skipper Pete. 

Twitter:  As a way of keeping information flowing throughout the community, Skipper Pete has a twitter site (skipper_pete) thus is tweeting information about Lakes Entrance and his business.

Website Information: This LEBTA News Update (website) is uploaded once or twice a month.  Please supply any relevant information to  admin@lebta.com.au or peter@lakes-explorer.com.au

Next LEBTA  Meeting – AGM:  October 24: 6.30 pm.  Bellevue on the Lake.  AGM agenda items to Paullette admin@lebta.com.au    All members and prospective members are most welcome.  Board members are only elected for 2 years thus half the Board member’s terms have expired this year.  Eight new board members will need to be elected as well as a new executive group.  Please send your nominations to Secretary admin@lebta.com.au

Last LEBTA Board meeting: Monday 26 September 2011.  Draft minutes are available: 

Next EGRBTA meeting: Wednesday 26 October 2011. Agenda items to Tim Ellis.

 East Gippsland Business Awards: Congratulations to LEBTA members: Dale Sumner – LEFCOL, Jan & Robin Davis – Waverley Cottages, June Parsons – Funkey Monkey Cafe, Matt – Vibes Cafe.  Funkey Monkey Bakery Cafe won the Peoples Choice as the most popular business in East Gippsland.  All business should start considering working towards an application for 2012 awards.     Contact: Tim Ellis EGRBTA.

Gippsland Lakes Kayak marathon: 29 October 2011.  Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club are hosting a Kayak marathon from either Paynesville or Metung to Lakes Entrance.  More details: Kris Cordery LESLSC

Meetings:  Over the last 3 weeks, three community consultation meetings were held in Lakes Entrance:  Impact of Oil Industry, Commercial boating and Flood management.  Unfortunately the notifications of these meetings was at very late notice thus does high the lack of communication between various groups.  Ideas on ways to improve communication are most welcome.

Sustainibility Assessments:  Tourism Victoria and VECCI are offering assesments of businesses in Metung and Lakes Entrance.  The first 12 businesses will recieve ther assessment for free:  Contact VECCI 86625196. 

Victoria’s Islands:  A film crew is moving around Victoria filming  for a TV series on Islands.  Will be viewed on Channel 31 (Melbourne) in mid December and possibly on Channels 7 or 9 later.  Islands in Gippsland included Snake, Glennie, Raymond, Fraser and Gabo.

Tree Planting:  North Arm Landcare will be holding a tree planting morning on Sunday 23 Oct on the escarpemnet below Seaview Av.  Contact: Landcare.

Fauna of East Gippsland: DSE Landcare will run a presentation on East Gippsland fauna on 24 October in Metung.  Guest speaker is Dr Rohan Bilney who has a special interest in Owls.  Contact: DSC Landcare.

Twitter:  After completing a training session by EG Community College, Skipper Pete has created a twitter site based on his business and environmental aspects about Lakes Entrance.  Tweets can be read at www.twitter.com/skipper_pete    

First Aid training:  SEAMEC and EGCC both run First Aid Level 2 training (2 days).  Most business are encourage to have at least one staff member trained in First Aid to creat a “safe” workplace.

Australia Day Awards: Nominations close Friday 25 November 2011.

Kayaks for Hire:  Sea-Safari on Lakes-Explorer has 4 quality sit-in kayaks for hire for day use.  Insured.  Skirts, binoculars and trailer available.  

####  IMPORTANT        DATES       TO        REMEMBER  ####

Sunday 23 October:  Tree planting below Seaview Avenue.

Monday 24 October:  LEBTA AGM. 

Monday 24 October:  Landcare talk, Metung.

Saturday 29 October:  Gippsland Lakes Kayak Marathon.

 Tuesday 22 November:  Swinburne TAFE Tourism students visiting Lakes Entrance. 

Friday 25 -28 November Historic Car Rally to be held at Lakes Entrance

Website Information: This LEBTA News Update (website) is uploaded once or twice a month.  Please supply any relevant information to  admin@lebta.com.au or peter@lakes-explorer.com.au

Next LEBTA  Meeting – AGM:  October 24: 5.30 pm.  AGM agenda items to Paullette admin@lebta.com.au

Last LEBTA Board meeting: Monday 26 September 2011.  Draft minutes are available:  Meeting included presentation by “Committee for Gippsland”, SkyShow-Skyfest hand-over, Medical Staff housing (ACCOG), Grant for Fishing Competition in February 2012, delay with Foreshore Plan, VIC Review still underway, RV Strategy, EG Business Awards.

Next EGRBTA meeting: Wednesday 26 October 2011. Agenda items to Tim Ellis.

Last EGRBTA meeting (28 Sept) included: Small Business training (Social Media, Effective Advertising and Customer Service), Creative Arts Cluster for Nowa Nowa, Mallacoota Airport, Mallacoota Tourism Plan, Orbost Heated Pool, Curlip, Barry Sheen Ride, Parks Victoria Brochures, Queen Vic Market display, Phenix Restaurant Melb, VIC Review, RV Strategy, Visitor Survey.  More information from Tim EGRBTA.

 LEBTA AGM:  24 October 2011. Board members are only elected for 2 years thus half the Board member’s terms have expired this year.  Eight new board members will need to be elected as well as an executive group.  Please send your nominations to Secretary admin@lebta.com.au

SKYFEST:  As stated in the Lakes Post, the Lakes Entrance Rotary Club have underwritten the fireworks for Lakes Entrance on New Years Eve.  The Skyfest planning group and Rotary are running a range of fund-raising events.  Please support these events when possible.

Facebook, Twitter & Blogging training:  Community College East Gippsland and EGRBTA are running 3 training sessions on how to use facebook, twitter and blogs for your business.  These sessions will be at Mechanics Street Building and are free for LEBTA members.  Dates: Friday mornings 30 Sept, 7 Oct, 14 Oct.  More info: CCEG.

Mallacoota Tourism Strategy:  the Mallacoota BTA secured some funding last year to prepare a 5 year tourism plan for Mallacoota.  It is due for release on 29 Sept.  The document will be the basis for tourism projects and promotion for the next 5 years.  Mallacoota are hosting a major Caravan Weekend in Oct 2012. 

Committee for Gippsland:  A non-political business group has formed to be the spokesperson for all of Gippsland.  They will act as a “lobby” group for important issues.  It has 12 Executative (Business) members.  Any Gippsland business can join to be part of discussions and projects.  Fees start at $1000 per year.    More info: www.committeeforgippsland.com.au

East Gippsland Business Awards:  All 300 seats at the gala dinner on Friday 7th October are now booked out.   5 Lakes Entrance finalists were announced: Congratulations to LEFCOL, Waverley Cottages, Funkey Monkey Cafe, Vibes Cafe and King & Heath.   Contact: Tim Ellis EGRBTA.

RV Accommodation vehicle Strategy:  A final draft is available.  Shire is now looking at possible pieces of land suitable as RV parking areas and providing large carparks places in towns.  More info:  John Munns or Deb McTighe.

Phenix Restaurant Melbourne:  On Oct 10th, The Phenix Restaurant in Melbourne (owned by Matt Preston) is hosting an East Gippsland menu for 10 journalist and VIPs.  More details Karly EGM.

Bike Ride: A special day ride “Ride the Trail in a Day” (100km) from Bairnsdale to Orbost will be run on Saturday 1 October.  Contact: Liz Mitchell 04285 56088

Gippsland Lakes Kayak marathon: 29 october 2011.  Lakes Entrance Surf Life Saving Club are hosting a Kayak marathon from either Paynesville or Metung to Lakes Entrance.  More details: Kris Cordery LESLSC

Marlo to Mallacoota walking track:  Works have started (subject to weather) on the “bookends” to this iconic walking track.  Sections are underway west of Mallacoota and East of Marlo.  Eventually it will join up giving a 100 km pathway.  More info: Parks Victoria. 

Church Street – Myers Street Intersection:  The Shire has recieved special funding to redesign the intersection between Church and Myers Street.  More information: Martin Richardson EGSC

Australia Day Awards: Nominations close Friday 25 November 2011.

Many young seals have been seen around Lakes Entrance during the last week.  Often seen on the rocks on the inside north east wall.

####  IMPORTANT        DATES       TO        REMEMBER  ####

Friday 30 Sept:  Facebook training at Shire Mechanics Street

Saturday 1 October:  Bike ride from Bairnsdale to Orbost.

Friday 7 October: East Gippsland Business Awards presentation dinner

Wednesday 12 October:  Quickbooks training at SEAMEC.

Wednesday-Thursday 13 October:  Barry Sheen riders in Lakes Entrance

Monday 24 October:  LEBTA AGM. 

Saturday 29 October:  Gippsland Lakes Kayak Marathon.

 Tuesday 22 November:  Swinburne TAFE Tourism students visiting Lakes Entrance. 

Friday 25 -28 November Historic Car Rally to be held at Lakes Entrance

Website Information: This LEBTA News Update (website) is uploaded once or twice a month.  Please supply any relevant information to  admin@lebta.com.au or peter@lakes-explorer.com.au

Next LEBTA Board Meeting:  Monday 26 September: 5.30 pm.  Agenda items to Paullette admin@lebta.com.au

Last LEBTA Board meeting: Monday 22 Aug 2011.  

Next EGRBTA meeting: Wednesday 28 September 2011.  ORBOST. Agenda items to Tim Ellis. Minutes from previous meeting (24 Aug) are available.

LEBTA AGM:  24 October 2011. Eight new board members will need to be elected as well as an executive group.  Please send your nominations to Secretary admin@lebta.com.au

SKYFEST:  As stated in the Lakes Post, the Lakes Entrance Rotary Club have underwritten the fireworks for Lakes Entrance on New Years Eve.  The Skyfest planning group and Rotary are running a range of fund-raising events.  Please support these events when possible.

Facebook, Twitter & Blogging training:  Community College East Gippsland and EGRBTA are running 3 training sessions on how to use facebook, twitter and blogs for your business.  These sessions will be at Mechanics Street Building and are free for LEBTA members.  Dates: Friday mornings 30 Sept, 7 Oct, 14 Oct.  More info: CCEG.

East Gippsland TAFE are running several courses at SEAMEC over the next few months.  Courses include MS Quickbooks, Word 2007, Customer Service and telephone techniques.  Contact EGTAFE

East Gippsland Business Awards:  5 Lakes Entrance finalists were announced: Congratulations to LEFCOL, Waverley Cottages, Funkey Monkey Cafe, Vibes Cafe and King & Heath.  The winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 7 October.  A few dinner tickets may still be available.  Contact: Tim Ellis EGRBTA.

National System for Commercial Vessel Safety:  A consultation forum was held in Lakes Entrance last Monday.  Australia Marine Safety Authority and TSV-MSV discussed a new national process for managing commercial vessels.  More details: www.amsa.gov.au

Bike Ride: A special day ride “Ride the Trail in a Day” (100km) from Bairnsdale to Orbost will be run on Saturday 1 October.  Contact: Liz Mitchell 04285 56088

Church Street – Myers Street Intersection:  The Shire has recieved special funding to redesign the intersection between Church and Myers Street.  More information: Martin Richardson EGSC

Revegetation projects:  Landcare, EGSC and Forestech are currently working on weed and reveg projects at Kalimna Gully and Club Spit (Near No.1).  If you are aware of other areas needing veg work, please contact Forestech.   

Australia Day Awards: Nominations close Friday 25 November 2011.

Gippsland Lakes Touring Map.  East Gippsland Marketing are looking into producing a basic map of the Gippsland Lakes area which may be available to businesses to use on thier websites.  Further Info: Karly EGM

New smart phone APP:  The Australian Marine Conservation Society have produced an APP on sustainable seafood in Australia.  More info at  i-tune store.

Many young seals have been seen around Lakes Entrance during the last week.  Often seen on the rocks on the inside north east wall.

Pie Crust Crab:  Several unusual Pie Crust Crabs were washed up dead.  It shows they are in the Gippsland Lakes. 

####  IMPORTANT        DATES       TO        REMEMBER  ####

Thursday 22 September: East Gippsland Care Day for volunteers.  Day includes a tour of Lakes Tyers Trust land.  Further details: Sandie Brown DSE Bairnsdale. 

Friday 30 Sept:  Facebook training at Shire Mechanics Street

Saturday 1 October:  Bike ride from Bairnsdale to Orbost.

Friday 7 October East Gippsland Business Awards presentation dinner

Wednesday 12 October:  Quickbooks training at SEAMEC.

Monday 24 October:  LEBTA AGM. 

Tuesday 22 November:  Swinburne TAFE Tourism students visiting Lakes Entrance. 

Friday 25 -28 November Historic Car Rally to be held at Lakes Entrance

Website Information: This LEBTA News Update (website) is uploaded once or twice a month.  Please supply any relevant information to  admin@lebta.com.au or peter@lakes-explorer.com.au

Next LEBTA Board Meeting:  Monday 26 September: 5.30 pm.  Agenda items to Paullette admin@lebta.com.au

Last LEBTA Board meeting: Monday 22 Aug 2011.  

Next EGRBTA meeting: Wednesday 28 September 2011.   Agenda items to Tim Ellis. Minutes from previous meeting (24 Aug) are available.

Skyshow 2011:  The LEBTA Board and the Skyshow Committee issued a press release which was published in full in the Lakes Post on Wednesday 31 Aug.  Unfortunatley due to the lack of substantial funding, the Skyshow will not go ahead on NYE Dec 31 2011.  LEBTA board and  the Skyshow Committee worked closely over the last 6 months to explore all options to guarrantee full funding for 2011 Skyshow.  The descision had to be made now, 4 months before the event to allow contractors and suppliers to consider work in other parts of Australia.

Recent flood alert:  The possibility of flooding around Lakes Entrance caused road closures 2 weeks ago.  In hindsight, this had a huge impact on weekend visitation to Lakes Entrance.  Businesses may send ideas to help alleviate this problem in the future, to the Shire at  feedback@egipps.vic.gov.au

VIC Network evenings are being held at Lakes Entrance VIC on Tuesday 6th and at Bairnsdale on Thursday 8 September.  Reply to Wendy.  Glen Greer who was appointed the manager of Lakes Entrance VIC has resigned. 

Bike Ride: A special day ride “Ride the Trail in a Day” (100km) from Bairnsdale to Orbost will be run on Saturday 1 October.  Contact: Liz Mitchell 04285 56088

Industrial Study:  EGSC are seeking tenders for a consultant to look at future industrial opportunities in East Gippsland.  Details:  EGSC   Trudie Kohry.

Australia Day Awards: Nominations close Friday 25 November 2011.

 EGSC Community Grants Program. Applications close Wednesday 4 September.  Grants up to $5000.  Contact Ruth Fitzclarence  EGSC.

East Gippsland Catchment Management  Authority (EGCMA) are running a photographic competition.  Details at www.egcma.com.au

Gippsland Lakes Taskforce have released a report on the condition of the lakes.  More details: www.gippslandlakestaskforce.vic.gov.au

Many young seals have been seen around Lakes Entrance during the last week.  Often seen on the rocks on the inside north east wall.

####  IMPORTANT        DATES       TO        REMEMBER  ####

Saturday 3 September: Workshop on rabbit biology and control:  225 Renolds Road Metung

Monday 5 September: Victorian Tourism and Events Excellence Conference, Melbourne.

Tuesday 6 September:  Networking evening at Lakes Entrance VIC.  5.45pm.  Details: Wendy 5152 3444. 

Wednesday 14 September: Equal opportunity seminar.  VECCI, EGSC & EGRBTA. Sporting Convention Centre Bairnsdale. 

Thursday 22 September: East Gippsland Care Day for volunteers.  Day includes a tour of Lakes Tyers Trust land.  Further details: Sandie Brown DSE Bairnsdale. 

Saturday 1 October:  Bike ride from Bairnsdale to Orbost.

Friday 7 October East Gippsland Business Awards presentation dinner

Tuesday 22 November:  Swinburne TAFE Tourism students visiting Lakes Entrance. 

Friday 25 -28 November Historic Car Rally to be held at Lakes Entrance

Website Information: This LEBTA News Update (website) is uploaded once or twice a month.  Please supply any relevant information to  admin@lebta.com.au or peter@lakes-explorer.com.au