And just like that, it’s March. With so many activities and events happening in and around the Wellington Shire, 2023 is flying by; you know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun.

Rest assured, there are no shortages of local events and activities for the third month of 2023, with the Gippsland Times compiling just a taste of what to expect across the first month of autumn.

Wildfighter

Wilfighter is returning to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex Saturday, March 25, for another massive night of boxing.

Wildfighter’s Unfinished Business will see Stratford superstar Max Reeves take on Mark Smith for the Victorian Light Heavyweight Title.

Mad Max Reeves defeated opponent Leo Grant by TKO (technical knockout) in Round 1 of Wildfighter Round 8 at the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex six months ago. Three months later, the Stratford local floored opponent Robin Hazelman in just over a minute at the Bairnsdale Aquatic and Recreation Centre in Wildfighter Round 10, adding a consecutive Round 1 knockout to his career record.

Can Reeves do it again when Wildfighter returns to Sale in March for Wildfighter Unfinished Business?

Tickets can be purchased here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wildfighter-unfinished-business-tickets-510302567717

When: Saturday, March 25.

Where: Gippsland Regional Sports Complex

Thorpdale Potato Festival

Are you looking for a weekend venture outside Wellington Shire? Why not check out the Thorpdale Potato Festival?

The Thorpdale Potato Festival celebrates the humble potato and is yam-packed with activities for all ages.

For all the olericulturist’s out there – yes, we know that whilst they are similar, yams aren’t technically potatoes.

Happening on Sunday, March 12, the Thorpdale Potato Festival boasts everyone’s favourite spud races, world-class motorcycle performance by TC Trickz Trials, live music by Kindred, The Reel Deal and Tegan Blackstock, sheep-shearing demonstrations, a magic show, jumping castle, inflatable obstacle course, face painting, petting zoo, food, drinks and much more.

For more information about the Thorpdale Potato Festival, visit the Thorpdale Potato Festival Facebook page or the Thorpdale Potato Festival website.

When: Sunday, March 12.

Where: Thorpdale Recreation Reserve, Stockdales Road, Thorpdale.

Wellness Expo Gippsland

Supporting small businesses and connecting the community to holistic health and wellness services in Gippsland, the Wellness Expo Gippsland at The 44 Gym Traralgon will showcase more than 40 local businesses on Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 12pm until 4pm.

When: Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26, from 12pm until 4pm.

Where: The 44 Gym, 40-50 Queens Parade, Traralgon.

Sale Holistic & Psychic Expo

The Holistic & Psychic Expo at Sale Turf Club on Sunday, March 26, will feature psychics and alternative health and wellbeing practitioners, including psychics, palmists, astrologers and tarot readers, alternative health and wellbeing practitioners and associated products and services.

When: Sunday, March 26, 10am until 4pm.

Where: Sale Turf Club, 227 Maffra-Sale Rd, Sale.

Gippsland Team Penning Competition

Sale Polocross is hosting the Gippsland Team Penning Competition on Saturday, March 11, and Sunday, March 12.

Open and junior team penning will be hosted on Saturday, followed by a roast tea dinner. Ranch sorting will be hosted on Sunday.

Entries are now open, closing on March 6 or when thresholds are full.

To register or for more information, send an email to gippstp@yahoo.com or visit the Gippsland Team Penning Competition Facebook event page.

When: Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12, 8am until 3pm.

Where: Sale Polocross, Polocross Lane, Sale.

Metung Market

The Metung Market, on the Metung Village Green, boasts a variety of goods, including fresh local fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, organics and flowers. Plus, beautiful preserves, breads, pastries, home-baked cakes, biscuits, clothing, artisan items and more.

When: Saturday, March 11, 8am until 12.30pm.

Where: Metung Village Green, Metung.

Sale Producers Market

Treat yourself to delectable, locally-made baked treats, enjoy a scrumptious toastie or wrap your hands around a hot coffee while browsing the numerous stalls at the Sale Producers Market.

From fresh fruit and veg to jewellery, candles, knick-knacks, plants, clothes and more, the Sale Producers Markets offers options galore.

When: Saturday, March 18, 8am until 12.30pm.

Where: Sale Showground, Sale-Maffra Road, Sale.

Kids Day Out in Yarram

As part of Parks Week 2023, from 10am until 1pm on Wednesday, March 8, Wellington Shire Council is hosting Kids Day Out in Yarram, a free event suitable for children 0-6 years.

With a jumping castle, face painting, petting zoo and Fairy Julianne with an extensive song and dance repertoire, your little ones are sure to be entertained for hours.

BYO seat or blanket, coffee and ice cream will be available for purchase on the day.

Find out more about Parks Week 2023 and other events planned at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/parks-week.

When: Wednesday, March 8.

Where: Yarram Memorial Park, Yarram.

Headline Acts at Jack’s

Weekends at Jack Ryan’s feature local and travelling headlining artists, and with so many artists performing live every weekend of the month, there is bound to be a tune to get everyone in the mood to get down and boogie.

Not a dancer, no worries: You can soak up the good vibes and enjoy headlining artists while testing your skill at a game of pool.

Friday, March 3: Ethan Calaway

Saturday, March 4: DJ Night

Friday, March 10: Matt Howlett

Saturday, March 11: Nathan Lambourn

Friday, March 17: 1pm John Curran, 9pm Morning Glory

Saturday, March 18: MSAGRO Duo

Friday, March 24: Justin Rebecchi

Saturday, March 25: Rollertoaster

Friday, March 31: Matt-Peter Fry

Saturday, April 1: DJ Night

When: Every Friday and Saturday, from 9pm.

Where: Jack Ryan’s Irish Bar, Sale.

Disco in the Bistro with DJ Gatty

Dance the night away at the Star Hotel Sale with DJ Gatty pumping tunes that will keep you on your feet until the very end.

When: Friday, March 3, 9pm until midnight.

Where: Star Hotel Sale.

Saint Patrick’s Day with Captain Darling

Captain Darling is named, without a doubt, one of Australia’s finest Celtic bands.

The funky Celtic band, who provide an energetic and accessible approach to the performance of contemporary Celtic music, is playing at Maffra’s Cambrai Backpackers Hostel this Saint Patrick’s Day.

Join in Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations and see the night through with the tunes of Captain Darling from 6pm until 10pm at Cambrai Backpackers Hostel.

When: Friday, March 17, 6pm until 10pm.

Where: Cambrai Backpackers Hostel, 117 Johnston Street, Maffra.

Annual Gala In Support of A Better Life For Foster Kids

A Better Life For Foster Kids is hosting its inaugural Gala Dinner, raising proceeds to support children in foster care.

Enjoy a spectacular night out at the Sale Memorial Hall with live music, dancing, a welcome drink on arrival and a three-course meal catered by Tinamba Hotel, all in support of a great cause.

Tickets are strictly limited, so get in quick; they will sell out.

Book your ticket at https://www.facebook.com/events/6122268491137638

When: Friday, March 31, from 6.30pm.

Where: Sale Memorial Hall, Macalister Street, Sale.

2023 MFNC Mardi Gras – Day on the Green 

On Sunday, March 5, Maffra Football Netball Club is hosting Day on the Green, a family day event with live music featuring Justin Rebecchi, auctions, a barbeque, raffles and bar.

Byo chair or blankets and enjoy the afternoon at the stunning historical ‘Powerscourt’.

When: Sunday, March 5, from 11am.

Where: Powerscourt, Startford-Maffra Road, Maffra.