Congratulations to Bass Coast's past and present residents who were named on the Australia Day Honours List this year. Peter Reith received an AM and John Duscher, Dennis Harris and Doseena Fergie were each recognised with an OAM. We have incredible people in Bass Coast so it is great to see this acknowledgment of their achievements at such a high level.

The Herald Sun Tour kicked off on Phillip Island last Wednesday at the Grand Prix Circuit, with both the men's and women's races. The men also started Stage 2 of their Tour in Wonthaggi last Thursday, after the community ride with former professional cyclist David McKenzie and sports commentator Matthew Keenan, which started in Inverloch and ended with a coffee in Wonthaggi. What a great way to get the community involved in this prestigious event. The start in Wonthaggi was pretty incredible and it was an honour to fire the starter's gun to get the race underway.

We are continuing to ramp up our advocacy in the lead up to the Federal Election. Last week I met with Russel Broadbent MP to discuss our top 10 advocacy priorities, identified by the Bass Coast community. These priorities include key federal portfolios such as tertiary education, aquatics, erosion and emergency housing. As we saw with the State Election, meeting with local members and candidates is an important way to keep Bass Coast's priorities at the forefront. When paired with a push from the community, media and key stakeholders, this advocacy work can lead to some great results.

Bass Coast's students are all back at school for Term 1, and we wish them all the best. If you are starting out in Grade Prep or gearing up for Year 12, make the most of it, but most of all, enjoy it. Now students are back, it is timely to remind everyone to look out for school zones and to make sure you slow to 40km/hr at the sign posted times. Take care and be safe.

Last weekend I spent some time with Council Officers at the Jetty Triangle, to talk to people about the proposed dog off-leash areas for San Remo and Phillip Island. It was great to get out there and hear directly from the community. It was also a great opportunity to experience the new Jetty Triangle precinct, which is such an incredible asset for the whole of Phillip Island.

While on the Island, I enjoyed a fantastic Sunday afternoon with the Smiths Beachcomber Association. We were given a fantastic talk on Hooded Plovers, from Alona Charuvi from Phillip Island Nature Parks. The Association was formed over 30 years ago and is still a very active group of volunteers.

Cr Brett Tessari, Mayor

Bass Coast Shire Council