Mayor, deputy return unopposed

 Cr Rochelle Halstead has been returned unopposed as Bass Coast Shire mayor, with Cr Brett Tessari also continuing as deputy.

At today’s November meeting, Cr Halstead was nominated by Cr Mat Morgan and seconded by Cr Jan Thompson, returning as mayor for her second term.

The deputy role was also unopposed, with Cr Tessari returning to the position, despite rumours an Island Ward councillor would also contest.

Cr Halstead said their work in 2026 would be focused on the state government election – “let’s go after the money” – with the push for aquatics facilities at “both Wonthaggi and Phillip Island” a key advocacy priority.

The Mayoral allowance is set by the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal and is currently set at $115,347 until December 2025, increasing to $118,303 until December 2026.

The deputy allowance is currently $57,673 per annum, rising to $59,152 for December 2025 to December 2026.

More details in next week’s paper.