This week I am in the cold and icy Capital of Canberra. It's been a great few days. Each year Bass Coast sends a delegation to the National General Assembly, a summit where representatives from Local Government across Australia come together to discuss key issues and debate Motions.

This year, Deputy Mayor, Cr Bruce Kent, CEO, Ali Wastie and I also attended many meetings with Ministers offices and Departments, discussing our top Advocacy priorities. It has been excellent to have a seat at the table, and the opportunity to promote and push for the needs of the Bass Coast community.

Congratulations are in order for Wonthaggi legend, and past Mayor, Mr John Flemming. John was awarded an Order of Australia Medal, a fitting accolade for his years of service to his community and his generosity of spirit. I would like to acknowledge John's invaluable service and contribution – thank you.

Each year in Bass Coast, Council supports the Victorian Seniors Festival, which is held throughout October. Thanks to funding from the Department of Health and Human Services, Council is keen to help local groups promote their Seniors Festival. Our Program of Events is sent to Bass Coast Seniors Groups, Aged and Disability services clients and is available in local libraries and Council Customer Service Centres during September. To include your event in the calendar, give Council a call on 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 to get hold of the forms, and return them by Thursday, 8 August 2019.

Finally, it was a pleasure to enjoy one of the recent rare sunny days at Inverloch for the laying of tiles on a giant mosaic snake! Inverloch Primary School students did a fantastic job, painting and creating thousands of tiles to decorate the snake, which doubles as a sculpture, seat and play space. Congratulations to those involved, this is a great example of a public project coming together, involving people from all parts of the community. If you want to check out the snake for yourself, you'll find it at the end of Tea Tree Court, Inverloch.