It was really exciting to hear the announcement last week, that the Federal Government has awarded $5 million through the Building Better Regions Fund, for the construction of the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre. This is an incredibly important community project and we would like to thank both the State and Federal Governments for the support they have provided Council for this project, which will enable us to create what is sure to become a highly valued community asset. The project is a culmination of many years of work and I look forward to Council considering a report at the October Council Meeting to let the tender for construction.

I was incredible honoured to be appointed to the Board of Quantum Support Services recently, to represent Bass Coast Shire Council. Quantum Support Services has been operating in Gippsland for nearly 35 years and provides support to Gippsland youth experiencing disadvantage and at risk of homelessness. We know that the demand for youth homelessness supports are steadily increasing in Gippsland, but access to affordable and safe housing isn’t keeping up with this demand. After the State Government’s Big Housing Build announcement in late 2020, which included a minimum investment of $120 million available for inner Gippsland - we have the ideal opportunity to address this situation, to help Quantum and other service providers meet the needs of young people across all of Gippsland.

The Gippsland Community Power Hub (GCPH) is a partnership between Gippsland Climate Change Network (GCCN), Energy Innovations Corporative (EIC) and the Mallacoota Sustainable Energy Group (MSEG) and is one of seven new hubs for community owned renewable energy around Victoria. The GCPH was launched by the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio on Saturday, 2 October at an online event attended by over 70 people. Community Power Hubs bring together groups and organisations to develop and deliver community energy projects. The GCPH is one of the most important platforms for communities in Gippsland, to help us move towards a renewable energy system. Working at the grass roots level, empowering our local communities with the knowledge and support they need is crucial as we make the transition to a low carbon, clean energy future.