Last week was NAIDOC Week and I took the opportunity to visit Wonthaggi ArtSpace, to see the Bass Coast/South Gippsland Reconciliation Group Indigenous Art Exhibition and it was fantastic. The exhibition features works by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and it really is a must see. It’s on until Sunday, 14 August, but if you can’t make it in person, you can view the full exhibition online at www.naidoc-art.com.au.

A new date has been set for the first ever Phillip Island Reconciliation Bridge Walk, after it was postponed in May, due to bad weather. In a demonstration of solidarity, and 22 years since the monumental Sydney Harbour Bridge Walk, the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network invites everyone to come together to walk side by side for a Bridge Walk across Phillip Island bridge on Friday, 15 July. Please meet at the San Remo Foreshore at 11.00am for a smoking ceremony and then, from 11.30am, walk from San Remo and across the bridge to Graydens Reserve in Newhaven, on Millowl (Phillip Island) for a barbecue, flag raising, mural painting and kids activities. It would be great to see everyone wearing colours of the flags (red, yellow, black, green and blue) for the event.

Did you know you can receive your Rates notice electronically, instead of in the post? eNotices are delivered straight to your inbox. With over 3,000 ratepayers already signed up, this has resulted in considerable savings, both in terms of money spent on printing and postage as well as the impact to the environment. Importantly, if you would like to pay your rates via direct deposit, you will need to sign up for an eNotice. For more information visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/rates, or to sign up, visit basscoast.enotices.com.au.

On behalf of Bass Coast Shire Council, I would like to acknowledge the recent passing of John Fleming. John was Councillor and Mayor of the Borough of Wonthaggi prior to amalgamation. He also served as one of the three Commissioners for the new Bass Coast Shire, for three years following amalgamation. John was with the State Coal Mine for over 20 years, and he gave more than 50 years of service to the CFA and Lions Club of Wonthaggi. John has made an outstanding contribution to Wonthaggi over many years, helping to make the town what it has become today. Vale John.