Latrobe Regional Health

20/01/2026

Something special has landed at the LRH Community Op Shop thanks to a very generous donor.
This artwork was created by a famous (former) AFL footballer, but we’re not saying who just yet....
Want a chance to see it in person (and maybe even buy it)?
The LRH Community Op Shop re-opens tomorrow! You’ll find our fabulous team of volunteers and a bunch of treasures and pre-loved items we collected over the summer break at 81 Argyle Street, Traralgon (next to the Good Guys).
We’re open 10am-4pm Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Oh, and drop your guess below… which footy legend do you think created this piece? And if you know who, tell us how he created it? The answer might just be there in black and white…

13/01/2026

☔ Rain is forecast across Gippsland this Thursday.
👉 Check the latest local forecast via the Bureau of Meteorology: bom.gov.au

While rain will be welcome, it could wash ash into rainwater tanks. Properties close to a fire ground may have large amounts of ash and debris in gutters and on roofs. Here’s what you need to know to help keep your rainwater safe 👇💧

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/bushfires-and-water-tanks

10/01/2026

Environment Protection Authority Victoria are releasing regular smoke forecasts that are changing rapidly. Check out their feed for the latest.

Stay informed and stay safe:
✔️ Check air quality 👉 epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality
✔️ Fire updates 👉 emergency.vic.gov.au
✔️ If you see or smell smoke, take precautions: stay indoors, follow health advice

• Smoke in the air can trigger asthma and worsen heart disease and other lung conditions.
• For the short-term, your eyes, nose and throat maybe irritated, you might cough, sneeze or be congested. In healthy adults, once the smoke leaves, these symptoms should go away.
• Close your windows and doors until the air outside improves. If the air quality is good, open the windows and doors.
• If it is smoky outdoors, stay indoors and close windows – put a wet towel along the edges to cover gaps – until the air clears
• Switch air-conditioners off if they can’t recirculate or re-use air.
• Use a P2, KN95 or N95 mask when needed.

Smoke and your health 👉epa.vic.gov.au/smoke-and-your-health

09/01/2026

🚨 A leave now warning has been issued for:
Arbuckle, Billabong, Black Snake Creek, Blomford, Budgee Budgee, Castleburn, Cobbannah, Cowa, Crooked River, Dargo, Gibbs, Hawkhurst, Maguires, Miowera, Moornapa, Moroka, Shepherdson, Toolome, Treasures, Waterford, Wongungarra, Wrathung, and Talbotville.

Residents are urged to travel to:
➡️The home of family or friends that is away from the warning area.
➡️ The Emergency Relief Centre set up at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex (116 Cobains Road, Sale).

When you leave remember to take your pets, medications, mobile phone and charger.

Stay informed:
🌐 VicEmergency website: https://brnw.ch/21wYWFL
📱 VicEmergency app
📞 VicEmergency hotline: 1800 226 226
📻 Tune in to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations, or Sky News TV.

The next update is expected by 09/01/2026 08:30 pm or as the situation changes.

Dargo Bush Nursing Centre Inc. Dargo Hotel Dargo Community House Gippsland Times TRFM ABC Gippsland The Bridge -Local News GippsNews WIN News Gippsland

09/01/2026

Air quality across parts of Gippsland has worsened today with increased smoke in the air. You can check the latest conditions at https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/check-air-and-water-quality

😶‍🌫️ Smoke can irritate the eyes and airways and may worsen symptoms for people with asthma, heart or lung conditions, older adults, pregnant people, and young children.

How to protect your health:
• Reduce outdoor activity, especially strenuous exercise
• Keep windows and doors closed where possible
• Use air conditioning on recirculate if available
• If you have asthma or a respiratory condition, follow your management plan and keep medications close
• Check on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours

If you feel unwell or symptoms worsen, seek medical advice.

08/01/2026

Mozzies love summer and kids are easy targets 🦟
Before you head outside, swipe through our slides for simple ways to protect little ones from mosquito bites this season.
Click here for more info: betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mosquitoes-can-carry-diseases -a-mosquito-repellent

08/01/2026

The extreme weather we are experiencing may lead to power outages over the next couple of days. Here are some important food safety tips in a power outage:
✅ Before & After the power goes out
Keep your cold & frozen food cold to the touch (below 5 °C) — if it still is, it’s safe.
Once cold or frozen food warms up above safe temperature, you have up to 4 hours to use it — after that, it must go.
Frozen food that remains solidly frozen when power returns is still safe.
Hot food must be eaten within 4 hours of heating or be discarded.
⚠️ During the power outage — do this!
Move food from fridge → freezer (if possible) to maximise cold.
If the outage lasts more than an hour, place bagged ice under food packages and trays in freezer/fridge.
Cover cold/frozen food with an insulating blanket where possible.
Only open fridge/freezer doors when absolutely necessary — this helps keep the temperature down longer.
🔍 Bottom line: Power outages can put your food at risk — but by following these steps, you can help keep your food safe, avoid illness, and reduce waste.
Stay safe, and keep that fridge door closed!
More info: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/food-safety/food-safety-during-power-outages https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/emergencies-coping-without-gas-or-electricity
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/food-safety-and-storage

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

Heading out for a walk with your furry friend?

Our four-legged friends need water on the go just like us, especially on those warm summer days.

Keep an eye out for the dog friendly drinking fountains to keep those tails wagging. 🐕🐩

💧Westernport Water’s fountains can be found here - https://bit.ly/WPW-permanent-refill-stations

💧South Gippsland Water’s fountains can be found here - https://bit.ly/SGW-drinking-fountains

04/01/2026

Extreme heatwave conditions forecast in East Gippsland later this week - the BOM forecast for Friday below.

To keep you and others safe:
• Stay hydrated
• Keep cool
• Watch for signs of heat related health problems
• Check in on those at risk

Why not pop over to your neighbour - wish them a happy new year and check they are OK.

For more information on how to stay safe during extreme heat, visit: https://go.vic.gov.au/4pEHtsC

30/12/2025

🦟 Mozzies love summer in Gippsland just as much as we do.
Take a quick swipe through these tiles for simple tips to protect yourself, your family and your backyard this season.
Remember, Mosquitoes can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans through mosquito bites. These viruses are known as 'mosquito-borne diseases'.

In Victoria, the most common viruses transmitted by mosquitoes to humans are:

Ross River virus
Barmah Forest virus
Buruli ulcer

Check here for more info: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/mosquitoes-protect-your-holiday-checklist

29/12/2025

🏊Summer means more time at the pool

🤮💩 It’s also peak season for viral gastro, which spreads easily in water and shared spaces.

Here’s how to help keep everyone safe: