I would like to recognise and congratulate Surf Beach’s Kay Setches, who was appointed to the Order of Australia on the Queen’s Birthday Honour list last week, for significant service to the people and Parliament of Victoria and to women in politics. As a former MP and minister with the State Government, Kay was instrumental in paving the way for women in politics. Throughout her life, Kay’s political, social and feminist beliefs have been central to her community service and she continues to make a significant contribution to the community. People who know Kay would attest to her active engagement in community events and causes, her generosity as a mentor and the leadership she demonstrates in all areas of her community service. Kay is highly deserving of this recognition.

It was fantastic to hear last week, that the State Government has included Bass Coast in its Growing Suburbs Fund. We have been advocating strongly for Peri-urban Councils to have access to this fund, or a fund like it for the past year. Our inclusion in the Fund recognises that Bass Coast is a growing municipality and we need additional financial support to meet our communities’ expectations. The Fund provides Council with an opportunity to access funding to deliver key community infrastructure projects that are shovel ready and in our capital works program. It’s a bit early to tell which projects we will put forward, however, we will let everyone know what they are once applications have been submitted and the outcomes are known, which should be in late August.

Now restrictions are easing across the State, is has been fabulous to see visitors back in Bass Coast, especially across the recent long weekend. There is also no better time for us to get out and about in our own patch and make the most of what our region has to offer. Get out there and spend! From Phillip Island to Inverloch and everywhere in between, there are some incredible small businesses in Bass Coast that would love to see you right now.