On 26 January, we congratulated six people on becoming citizens of Australia and welcomed them to the Bass Coast community. We also welcomed four citizens, who undertook their pledge virtually last year, as part of the ceremony. Citizenship Ceremonies provide a great opportunity to talk to people about the reasons they have chosen to make Bass Coast their home, and to celebrate the diversity that they bring which enriches and strengthens our community. Australian Citizenship is overseen by the Department of Home Affairs, and there is a requirement for Local Councils to host a Citizenship Ceremony on 26 January. However, our events are given a Bass Coast focus. Council has the ability to control what is included in the Ceremony outside of the legislative requirements, such as acknowledgement of our First Nations People. It is a great honour to make such an acknowledgement and we do it with the utmost respect.

I also attended the Rotary Club of Wonthaggi’s Australia Day event last Tuesday, held at the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre. It’s always wonderful to see those in our community who give so much, being recognised for their contributions. Congratulations to all of the award recipients.

A big thank you to those in our community who took the time to provide feedback on our Draft Community Engagement Policy. We are required to bring our existing policy up to date, to align with the new Local Government Act 2020 by 1 March. The incredibly varied and constructive feedback we received will inform the final Policy, which will be presented to Council at our February Council Meeting. I look forward to continuing this great work with our community.

Students have returned to school for Term 1, and what great news it is that they are able to resume face-to-face learning this year. Just a reminder for drivers to slow down around schools, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times.