It has been a very happy new year for many Bass Coast businesses enjoying the huge influx of visitors to our beautiful region.

It sets us on the path to a prosperous 2023.

The Inverloch late-night trading event was very well received by both the businesses and the community. The working group of businesses that lead the event are now planning how they can make the night even bigger and better next year.

It was the first time Cowes did the late-night trading and while only a couple of businesses were involved due to the short planning time, but those involved were happy to be trying something new and getting involved in something bigger as part of the retail precinct and keen to do it again.

Council has also been in discussion with Cowes businesses about getting on board early to organise a 2023 Cowes late-night trading night.

And it’s not just small businesses enjoying a cracking start to 2023.

The Phillip Island Penguin Parade’s 2500 nightly capacity has been booked out from 23 December through to 10 January.

Our tourism economy in the biggest employer in the region and we need it to be successful which is why the Council is always looking at ways to add new accommodation options and encourage public and private investment in new and current destinations to enhance the visitor experience.

Our vacancy mapping shows an occupancy rate of 96.2% in San Remo, Cowes and Inverloch which tells us that accommodation businesses are being run off their feet, with flow on business for hospitality and retailers.

There are many reasons to visit the Rhyll Community Twilight Market on January 20 between 4 and 7pm and it is a great opportunity to learn more about electric vehicles and solar.

The event is hosted by Totally Renewable Phillip Island, Rotary and the Rhyll Twilight Community Market and you will be able to chat with local EV owners (cars, E Bikes, E Motorbikes) and have a look at their vehicles at the market.

Information Sessions will run in the Rhyll Hall:

5pm - 'ALL ABOUT EVs' - speaker Bryce Gaton

6pm - Council's plan to develop shire-wide EV Charing network - speaker Christian Slattery

6.15pm - Q&A with Bryce Gaton, Christian Slattery, John Lovell and Sarah Disher