Mayor's Message
A week ago, I started this message by saying the flags were up
By Cr Brett Tessari
Well, that was it.
A week ago, I started this message by saying the flags were up, the shops were decorated and something special was about to happen.
A week later, I find myself saying, well, that was it.
The atmosphere was everything you'd hope for. Thompson Avenue was new, fresh and buzzing. The Esplanade transformed into a dancefloor and more than 1000 campers filled the Cowes campground.
Friday delivered one of those perfect Bass Coast days that reminds you why people love this place so much.
And then the weather arrived.
Like many people, I was disappointed to see the final MotoGP race on Phillip Island cancelled. What a bummer. There is probably no better way to put it.
But as the dust (...and mud) settles, I keep coming back to everything that did happen.
I think about local businesses embracing the occasion, decorating shopfronts and making the most of the new streetscape. I think about seeing people sitting on the new terraced seating overlooking the water, listening to music and soaking up the atmosphere. I think about the motorcycles lining Cowes.
Most of all, I think about the people behind the scenes.
Over the past 30 years, thousands of volunteers, sporting clubs, service clubs, community groups, emergency services personnel, local businesses and Council staff, past and present, have helped make MotoGP what it became.2
Our Council staff also put in an enormous effort to help make the weekend happen. From mowing, gardens and road maintenance in the lead-up, to traffic management, visitor information, camping support and event operations, there were countless people working long hours because they genuinely care about this community and the experience visitors have when they come here.
They should all be proud of the role they have played, not just this weekend, but over the last three decades. The success of MotoGP on Phillip Island has never belonged to one organisation. It has belonged to an entire community.
MotoGP has left an incredible mark on Phillip Island and Bass Coast. While this weekend may have felt like a farewell, motorsport has always been part of our story and I'm not quite ready to say goodbye forever.
So for now, let's simply say: thanks for the memories.
And hopefully, we'll see you again.
