Mayor's Message

By Cr Clare Le Serve

It's been a week of mixed emotions for our community.

Last Friday for Australia Day, I personally welcomed nearly 20 new Australian citizens into the region. We discussed what it means to be Australian - to lend a hand, to give things a go, to be a friend.

This citizenship ceremony was one of many Australia Day events across the Bass Coast. It was an honour to welcome in so many new people from all parts of the world who are committed to displaying the values of 'being an Aussie'.

Our warmest wishes and congratulations to the following Australia Day Citizen Award recipients who were given Medal of the Order of Australia awards: George Bird, Caroline Talbot and Jan Child.

What an honour for your incredible work, much deserved! 

These are some of the values instilled in us all and certainly actions that we see in our community. Recent events on our beaches have touched us all and I know that our community is deeply saddened and affected by recent drownings in our region.

Whilst we live in a beautiful region surrounded by beaches this is sadly a tragic reminder of how dangerous the ocean can be. Not only do I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims - but I know the impact these events have had on people and I extend my thoughts and sincerest thanks to the first responders and other beachgoers who tried to save these victims in a major multi-agency operation. These sorts of events affect us all. Please make sure you reach out to friends or family or your doctor if you're feeling negatively impacted by these tragic circumstances.

As always, we encourage all beach users to assess the environment and take precautions to prevent tragedy by swimming on patrolled beaches, checking signs and swimming between the flags.

If you are unsure about conditions on a beach; do not swim there. I beg people to please only swim on patrolled beaches where there are lifeguards.

We want everyone who comes to enjoy our beaches to go home safely.

This week, most children will be going back to school and we will all be going back into our normal routines - with the leftover memories of the holidays.

I want to thank all the amazing businesses and residents who have welcomed so many people over the holidays. We have had significant tourism and entertainment for our families to enjoy. From festivals to fun fairs; music and events; many cruise ships and of course a great range of shops trading over this time - there's been plenty to do for everyone in the area.

I love seeing the visions of so many people being instilled into these events and what it means to create community.

This week at Bass Coast Shire Council, we proudly bring in our new CEO Greg Box who we are looking forward to working with.

Greg is a visionary by nature and I know many people have worked with him already on some projects in the region. Once he has settled into his role, I'm sure you will have the opportunity to soon hear from him with his vision of the Council and how we can all best work together to bring positive and constantly improved changes for Bass Coast.

On behalf of all Councillors, I would like to congratulate Jodi Kennedy on her stewardship and leadership while in the Acting CEO position. We have had a very busy start to the new year and her guidance has been supportive, very professional and much appreciated. We look forward to continuing to work with Jodi in her Executive role at Bass Coast.

Wishing you all a safe and happy week.

Useful beach safety websites

Summer Safety - Life Saving Victoria: lsv.com.au

SLSA Beachsafe: beachsafe.org.au