VMBSG is excited to invite members and supporters to our first in-person Professional Development Seminar of 2026, hosted by Latrobe City Council and held at the Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), Traralgon on:
Friday 20 March 2026 | 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Venue: Gippsland Performing Arts Centre (GPAC), Traralgon
Register HERE
We have a big program planned, with timely updates and practical insights you can take straight back into your day-to-day work.
Program highlights
- Update from the Office of the State Building Surveyor (OSBS) and the Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC)
- Municipal Building Control Plan (MBCP) and reporting update, including:
- Overview of the project and engagement results
- High level early findings
- Delivery of results. What does this look like for Councils and what can they expect from this round of the MBCP program
- Plan moving forward
- Monthly reporting. Why do we need this and what is it for
- Other general information and updates
- Con Lolis, Compliance & Enforcement Team Lead (Building and Plumbing Commission) on Practitioner Discipline
- Paul Horton, Commander, Fire Rescue Victoria (Community Safety | Fire Safety | Inspection and Compliance). Presentation on the final part of the Rooming Houses Project
- Ben Wain, Fire Safety Officer, Fire Rescue Victoria (Regional Fire Safety Unit) on How the Regional Fire Safety Unit work with Municipal Building Surveyors to achieve compliance in the built environment
- Russell Kennedy. Topic: Section 16 prosecution case study involving a registered building practitioner. Synopsis: This presentation examines a recent prosecution for various breaches of section 16 of the Building Act 1993 (Vic) by a registered building practitioner, a body corporate and its directors in relation to building work carried out without a building permit.
After the formality of the seminar, we’ll be heading to The Crown for drinks and a catch-up, which is a great chance to connect with colleagues.
Why not make a weekend of it?
Bring the family or stay overnight and enjoy some local activities across Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March 2026.
What’s on that weekend (Fri 20 to Sun 22 March 2026)
- Cosentino: TRICKED, An Evening of Wonder (GPAC, Traralgon)
Friday 20 March 2026, 7:30pm. A fun night out for couples and friends (family friendly, 5+). - The Elvis & Buddy Show (GPAC, Traralgon)
Saturday 21 March 2026. A great “easy night out” option. - Gippsland Wellness Expo (Morwell)
Saturday 21 March and Sunday 22 March 2026, 10:00am to 4:00pm. Heaps of stalls, activities, and a relaxed browse (good for couples and families). - 2026 Henselite Victorian Open (lawn bowls), Latrobe Valley
20 to 29 March 2026. Free for spectators, great atmosphere and easy to drop into for a look.
Easy “anytime” things to do around Traralgon (perfect fillers between events)
Outdoors and nature (all ages)
- Traralgon Railway Reservoir Conservation Reserve. Easy local walk, birdlife and picnic potential.
- Tarra-Bulga National Park (day trip). Rainforest walk and a proper “wow” factor without needing a huge hike.
Low-key local exploring
- Use the Latrobe City “What’s On” calendar to add markets, community events and kid-friendly activities happening that weekend.
Quick pick itineraries (choose your vibe)
Couples
- Fri night: Dinner in Traralgon + Cosentino at GPAC
- Sat: Day trip to Tarra-Bulga or a relaxed local wander + Wellness Expo
- Sat night: Elvis & Buddy if you feel like a second show
Young families
- Sat: Short nature outing + picnic + Wellness Expo (easy, indoors, lots to look at)
- Sun: Pop in to watch some of the Victorian Open bowls (free, family-friendly atmosphere)
Individuals
- Fri night: Cosentino for something different
- Sat and Sun: Wellness Expo + a long walk, nature reset or café crawl (and keep the Latrobe City “What’s On” page handy)
For more ideas on where to go and what to see on your weekend in Latrobe City, check out the 36-page Latrobe City Visitor Guide.
Accommodation suggestions (Traralgon)
If you’re planning to stay overnight, here are a few options listed on the Latrobe City “Visit” site:
- Bridges on Argyle Motel and Serviced Apartments
- Traralgon Serviced Apartments
- Black Bull Motel
- Motel Traralgon
- Plus more accommodation options are listed on the Latrobe City “Visit” website
Places can fill quickly, so we encourage you to register early and lock it into your diary.
We look forward to seeing you in Traralgon!