Newsletter: Hot one today

Plus: You now own a wind farm.

Author

Jacob Wallace
January 09, 2026

⏱️ This Friday edition of our newsletter is a six-minute read.

👋 Hello Gippslanders, it’s Jacob here.

☀️ I hope everyone managed to escape the heat yesterday and stay cool, it’s going to be another scorcher today so make sure to stay out of the sun and drink plenty of water.

Extreme fire danger has been declared for much of Gippsland so make sure you have the Vic Emergency app downloaded on your phone and stay updated with the latest events.

🏝️ After work on Wednesday I went for a dip in Andersons Inlet to cool off. By the time I got into the water at around 5:30 it was very cold and refreshing, plus there was a nice light breeze coming through. If you can get down to the beach I highly recommend going for a dip today, I know I will.

🎤 While I was in Inverloch I interviewed locals on the street about a range of topics. One of the questions I asked: the best way to beat the heat. Take a look at what they had to say below.

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👀 Here’s a quick rundown. In this week’s newsletter we’re talking about:

  • The Victorian State Electricity Commission’s acquisition of the Delburn wind farm;

  • The most severe heatwave Australia has experienced since the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires;

  • Paul The Pieman’s fourth place pie at the Australian Meat Pie Awards; and;

  • Our guide to what’s on in Gippsland this weekend (apologies for the incorrect event dates in my last newsletter, that was my fault. I’m chalking it up to a rusty first week back at work).

🚀 Let’s jump into the Monitor’s latest yarns, local interviews and silly videos!

🎊 WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK 🎟️

🧺 FARMERS MARKETS 🥧

🔍 HEARD THIS WEEK👂

Just before the end of 2025, the Victorian government announced the State Electricity Commission (SEC) will take over development of the Delburn wind farm in Gippsland. 

This marks the third major project undertaken by the revived SEC and the state’s first publicly owned wind farm.

The development, just southwest of the Hazelwood mine, is set to begin construction this year and is expected to lead to hundreds of jobs.

Quick rundown:

  • The farm will consist of 33 wind turbines that will generate 103 megawatts of energy (enough to power 130,000 homes).

  • It’s estimated the project will provide upwards of 300 full-time jobs during construction. 

  • The project aims to begin construction this year and be completed by 2028.

  • The SEC will invest up to $700 million of taxpayer’s money into the project.

Minister for the SEC, Lily D'Ambrosio, said in a statement she hoped the project would assist in transitioning local coal mine working jobs into the renewable energy sector.

What do local councils and organisations think?

South Gippsland Mayor Nathan Hersey told the Monitor the council is “supportive of any opportunities to bring economic development and employment options into the Gippsland region”.

  • 🗣️ “People have been calling for diversification of energy in Gippsland for some time. If this is the state government's response then we welcome it.”

Hersey said the council’s focus is to ensure jobs and procurement are provided to local businesses.

LOOKING NATIONALLY 👀

My colleague Archie Milligan from the National Account put together a video on the severe heatwave currently hitting Australia.

A BOM spokesperson told the AAP this is likely the most significant burst of heat southeastern Australia has experienced since the summer of 2019-20.

Take a look at the video Archie made on the extreme weather below.

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🎥 Watch: Paul The Pieman’s Korean BBQ pork pie review

While in Inverloch I also stopped into Paul The Pieman’s bakery to have a nibble on a gourmet pie which just missed out on a podium finish at the 2025 Australian Meat Pie Awards. Take a look at my video review below.

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Thanks for catching up with us this week at the Monitor. I hope you enjoyed this Friday issue of our newsletter and I’d love to hear your feedback. If you have any suggestions for things we should add to this email then feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] 

I’ll be back in your inbox next Wednesday morning with more local yarns, food reviews and Gippsland updates so stay tuned.

Stay cool and safe everyone.

Cheers,
Jacob & the Gippsland Monitor team

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