Melissa Hayes is Bass Coast Shire Council’s new Media Communications Officer, taking over from Rachael Millar who is on maternity leave.

Melissa has come from the City of Whitehorse where she was Team Leader Cultural Facilities and Progr ams, and has worked in local government for sixteen years.

“Previous to my years in local government I have worked in culture and in marketing where I was responsible for advertising and publications,” said Ms Hayes.

Steven Piasente, Acting Chief Executive Officer, said that Melissa has a breadth of experience from working in several councils such as the City Port Phillip and the City of Stonnington.

“I would like to welcome Melissa to Bass Coast,” said Mr Piasente.

“Her experience will be a valuable asset and will strengthen our communication with the media and our community.”

Though Melissa is new to Bass Coast Shire Council she is not new to the region and has owned a home in Kilcunda for eight years.
 “Over the past 12 months I have used my house as a ‘weekender’, and during this time I decided that I wanted to make Kilcunda my permanent home,” explained Ms Hayes.

Earlier in the year Melissa attended the community planning workshop for Kilcunda to understand more about her neighbourhood and future needs of the area, so she is already getting to know the locality well. Melissa says she is looking forward to living near the sea, understanding key local projects and what interests people, and being sure that the community is well informed about Council activites.