Mayor's Message

By Cr Clare Le Serve

Last week we paid tribute to all the amazing volunteers who dedicate their time and skills to making Bass Coast a better place with a particular shoutout to the overall winners - the SES who are an exemplifying example of our incredible emergency services.

It was only fitting the second annual Bass Coast Community Awards was held during National Volunteers Week - and I was blown away by the incredible number of nominations right across the region and the sheer breadth of talent we are fortunate to have here.

Everywhere you look in our diverse community, there are people who selflessly work to make our part of the world a better place.

Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community - at our sporting clubs, SES, the wonderful institution that is PICES, in our schools and riding the waves.

They inspire and teach us, giving us all something to aspire to.

We have more than 6000 volunteers in Bass Coast. People who go above and beyond, often doing the work after hours or on weekends once their own workdays are done.

Even the smallest contribution can better someone's life. And it is a wonderfully selfless gift to share your talents with others, expecting nothing in return.

We had an incredible number of nominations for the Community Awards and each and every person and organisation should be celebrated for their commitment to the community.

While it was tremendously difficult to choose the winners from a very strong set of nominations, all worthy of awards, those who took home the top prizes all share common traits.

Passion was a common theme, and I don't think anyone volunteers if they don't love what they do or have a genuine want to share their time, skills and help.

I'd like to personally congratulate all our very worthy winners of the Bass Coast Community Awards. 

Community Leader Award - Mandy Chancellor. Mandy is the glue that binds the San Remo SES, and as unit manager, she leads her highly skilled team with passion. Always seeking to inspire, especially our next generation of volunteers.

Community Group Award - Phillip Island Boardriders Club. This active group is made up of many volunteers - all with different skills and a common love of the ocean. Through President Hannah Eisen, the club has bolstered women's participation in the surf industry and offers many programs that foster mental health and wellbeing.

Contribution to Arts and Culture Award - Phillip Island Contemporary Exhibition Space. PICES is synonymous with Phillip Island, supporting new, emerging and lifelong Island artists to be at their most creative. It provides a platform for the rest of us to experience artistic talent, and all its volunteers happily share their skills with the community.

Next Generation Leader Award - Bailey Webster. There is nothing more inspirational than seeing our next generation of leaders at work. Bailey, at 15, is a shining example of someone who is not afraid to speak out and advocate for others and works hard to make the world a better place.

It takes courage and drive to be a volunteer, and we are grateful every day for the contribution of Bass Coast's local legends.

Hopefully hearing our winners' stories encourages others to also volunteer. With a large range of community and not for profit organisations in the region there's something for every talent imaginable.