Mayor’s Message

By Cr Michael Whelan

After two years, this is my final Mayor’s Message as I come to the end of my term as Mayor.

It has been an absolute privilege to represent Bass Coast and this role has enabled me to meet so many inspiring members of our community who are dedicated to making our region an even better place to live and work.

I’ve been constantly in awe of the volunteers, the small businesses, the families and the young and old who are the soul and heart of the Bass Coast. As I look back over the past couple of years, I’m especially proud of the resilience shown by our community as we successfully bounced back from the challenges of Covid lockdowns. 

Bass Coast Shire Council has never lost sight of the fact that our job is about getting the basic things right that impact ratepayers’ lives every day.

In addition, I would like to think that our Council has demonstrated further leadership on behalf of the community to ensure that our future generations are looked after. 

Protecting the environment has always been a personal passion – as it is for so many of you. The coastal erosion biting Bass Coast has been distressing to watch, but we are continuing to campaign locally as well as lobby the state and federal governments to ensure that our beautiful region receives the funding and support it deserves.

I am extremely proud of the work we have done with the East Cowes community resulting in the repair to the existing Cowes rock wall with a new revetment. As we know, erosion has intensified in the Silverleaves area.

We are continuing to work closely with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to prioritise a study to better understand the coastal processes and to provide a basis for considering the options for the future management of the area. This study will be done in the context of sea level rise due to global warming and a consideration of actually increasing the projected sea level rise prediction beyond the previous 0.8 of a metre by 2100 benchmark.

As I look back, I must admit to becoming a little bit emotional around last month’s opening of the Berninneit Cultural Centre at Cowes.

From the significant engagement with community; the naming of Berninneit through Bunurong Land Council; the Program Launch concert; the launch of the Baluk Arts Millowl exhibition putting First

Nations first; and finally the family concert and parade through the Grand Hall – it has been wonderful to watch as this beautiful Passivhaus designed building has been claimed by the community.

I thank Gillian, Mark and Josh from the Bunurong Land Council for their continued engagement, friendship and support through the project. Bunurong culture is represented throughout the building, with local Bunurong artist Kobi Sainty creating symbolic artwork for the window decals and carpet in key areas as well as Baluk Arts creating the ‘Millowl’ exhibition, the first of many First Nations pieces of work.

Berninneit will stand proud as a testament to cultural aspiration and as commitment to excellence and reconciliation for decades to come.

None of these achievements would have been achieved without a committed Council and the many immensely capable and dedicated officers, volunteers and you, the community.

To each and every member of the Bass Coast community, I sincerely thank you for the opportunity to be your Mayor.