I hope everyone is feeling refreshed after their Easter break. It sure was great to have an extended weekend to spend time with family and friends, and bite into a few chocolate rabbits as well.

The Wonthaggi Theatrical group held a free, week long camp for young people interested in performance and musical theatre during the school holidays. The camp catered for 45 students from across Bass Coast, who were nominated by their schools to take part. The students were taught by professional trainers from Melbourne, so it really was a unique and valuable experience for them. At the end of the week they put on a concert and wasn't it just amazing! How much those kids learnt in one week was just incredible. What a great initiative by the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group which ran the camp as part of their 50th anniversary program of events.

I recently attended the Gippsland Local Government Network meeting in Bairnsdale with our CEO Ali Wastie. This month's meeting was focussed on finalising the group's advocacy priorities, which include education and transport. It is really great to see that these priorities line up perfectly with Bass Coast's advocacy priorities, which we are continuing to push to all of our Monash candidates in the lead up to the Federal Election.

I spoke at the Wonthaggi and District Probus Club's meeting last week, which was a fun experience. It was a great opportunity to talk to the group about not only my background, and my aspirations as a Councillor, but also the great work the Council is doing with regards to projects and improving infrastructure. The group took the opportunity to ask some really fantastic questions as well, which I always enjoy.

We held a live Facebook question and answer session on the extension of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch last Tuesday. These sessions are a really great opportunity for the community to engage with Councillors. There were some great questions and suggestions that came through on the night, which will form part of the report that will be considered by Council in June.

We will be holding another Q and A session on the Draft 2019/20 Budget on Wednesday, 1 May from 6.00pm, so make sure to tune in.

Anzac Day is this Thursday, which is always a significant day on the calendar of Australians and New Zealanders. It will forever remain a significant day in our history and deserves to be remembered and celebrated. There are Anzac Day ceremonies held in many towns across the Shire, check out Council's events calendar www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/events for more details.