By the time you are reading this, you will already be aware that Victoria is once again experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 – with a lockdown currently in place until midnight on Thursday, 3 June. As I said back during the last lockdown – we have done this before, so we know what to do. Keep up the good work and together we will get through it. Please remember to be kind to one another. It can be really easy to get caught up in the negatives, which makes it even more important for us all to focus on the positives. Let’s do all that we can to make sure kindness rules in Bass Coast.

During the lockdown period, some of Council’s services will change, so please visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/covid19 to keep up to date.

The Wonthaggi Town Hall is currently operating as a COVID-19 vaccination centre, with vaccines now available for everyone aged 40 years or older. You can find out more or book in for your vaccination by calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398, or on Bass Coast Health’s Facebook page. And of course, if you have any symptoms, no matter how minor, please get tested.

We held our budget submissions hearing virtually last Wednesday. It was great to have community members from all over the Shire present their submissions to Council. The submission hearing was recorded and is now available for everyone to view on our website – visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/budget to take a look.

Deputy Mayor Cr Michael Whelan and I spent some time in Nagambie in Victoria’s north east last week, to attend the Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) 2021 Summit. RCV is the peak body representing and advocating for Victoria’s rural councils. The summit provides an excellent opportunity to learn about what is important to Victoria’s other rural councils and to work with RCV to let them know the projects and initiative that we think need to be advocated for.

Make sure you have your say on the draft feasibility studies and concept plans for the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi and the Phillip Island Aquatic and Leisure Centre. The draft Plans are available along with a survey on our website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/aquatics.

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Bass Coast Business Awards, and I want to encourage all Bass Coast businesses to nominate, as well as vote in the People’s Choice Awards. After an incredibly challenging 12 months, these Awards provide a great opportunity to stand back and assess your business operations and reflect on any successes. Nominate your business, or vote for your favourite at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/businessawards.