Mayors Message

By Cr Clare Le Serve

I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. It is with great pleasure that I bring you some exciting updates and initiatives from our vibrant community in the Bass Coast region.

On Thursday last week, Bass Coast Shire Council won two prestigious Victorian Tourism Awards, for tourism in local government and its visitor information services.

The awards, organised by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, recognise tourism excellence and outstanding innovation within the sector.

Council was a finalist in two categories, the Local Government Award for Tourism and Visitor Information Services, taking out silver and bronze, respectively.

Bass Coast is synonymous with tourism, hosting more than 3.4 million visitors every year. This is a testament to the entire community who work together to support tourism in this beautiful region.

As you may know we recently held the Bass Coast Business Awards in which many of our local businesses garnered well-deserved recognition. To further support and uplift our local businesses, I encourage all eligible enterprises to take advantage of the shopfront improvement rebates that we have available.

This initiative aims to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our town and create a more welcoming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. I urge businesses to apply for these rebates and contribute to the ongoing beautification of our community.

In the spirit of community support, last week we celebrated the Community Strengthening awards ceremony at Berninneit, during which we distributed nearly $300,000 to a diverse array of community organisations. These funds are a testament to our commitment to fostering a strong and resilient community. 

The initiatives supported by these awards span a wide range, from education, environment, and health to arts and culture. It is heartening to witness the positive impact these organisations have on our community, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in their commendable efforts.

As we approach the upcoming tourism season, our beautiful region is set to welcome visitors from far and wide. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for both residents and tourists, we are actively planning for events and addressing potential challenges such as road-trips and traffic congestion. I kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this busy period.

Our team is working diligently to manage these aspects, and we are confident that with the cooperation of our community, we will make this tourism season a resounding success.

As a start to the festive season, please keep an eye out for upcoming Carols and Fireworks which Council are supporting. The first of which kicks off this Sunday at Grantville from 5-9pm. Check out our website for more events near you!

Thank you for your ongoing support.