Mayor's Message

By Cr Brett Tessari

Last week was a great week for Bass Coast businesses.

The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards brought together business owners, managers, staff and supporters from across Bass Coast to celebrate the people and businesses helping drive our local economy.

It was fantastic to see so many businesses taking the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day pressures of running a business and enjoy a well-earned night of recognition and celebration. With comedian Dave O'Neil keeping the room entertained and local Cape Paterson band Ozone Street ensuring the dance floor stayed busy.

The evening's highest honour, Bass Coast Business of the Year, was awarded to Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre. The family-owned business enjoyed an exceptional night, also receiving awards for Access, Equity and Inclusion, Environmental Sustainability, and Marketing and Communications.

The celebrations continued on Friday night at the Gippsland Business Awards in Churchill, where Bass Coast businesses were again in the spotlight.

Bass Coast was again well represented, with local finalists including Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre, All Done Plumbing, Deery Consulting Engineers and Harman Wines.

And what a night it was for Bass Coast.

Fresh off their success at the Bass Coast Business Awards, Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre took home the Accommodation and Tourism Award, capping off what can only be described as a ripper week for the team.

Harman Wines also secured the Food, Wine and Hospitality Award, before going on to claim the evening's highest honour, Gippsland Business of the Year.

To see a Bass Coast business take home the top accolade across the entire Gippsland region is an outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to all finalists and winners. Being recognised among the very best businesses across Gippsland is a tremendous achievement.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the passing of Danny Carr, who died on August 9 at the remarkable age of 99.

Many people from across Wonthaggi and beyond attended Danny's funeral last week to pay their respects to a man who made an extraordinary contribution to our community.

Danny was a true Wonthaggi icon, remembered for his lifelong passion for engineering, local history and the State Coal Mine.

Alongside many dedicated volunteers and advocates, he played a significant role in saving the last remaining section of the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine, helping preserve one of our town's most important tourist attractions and a lasting connection to our mining heritage.

His passion and determination helped preserve an important part of Wonthaggi's history for future generations.

On behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council, I extend my sincere condolences to Danny's friends and family. He leaves behind an important legacy and will be remembered fondly by many.