Last Wednesday's Council meeting was certainly a big one to finish off the year.

One of the highlights of the evening was the announcement of Bass Coast's new CEO, who will start with us here in February. It is exciting to welcome Ali Wastie to the team and we are really looking forward to working with her over the coming years, and continuing on from the great work of outgoing CEO Paul Buckley.

Christmas is a time for celebration, a time with family and most likely, a time for a fair bit of over-indulging. It is also a great time to reflect on those things we often take for granted, I for one feel very lucky to live in an amazing place like Bass Coast, with its wealth of beauty and opportunities. There is no better time of year to think of those around us. For some, Christmas can be lonely and it isn't always a time for celebration and enjoyment. This is a great reminder to be mindful of those around us. Sometimes a simple 'hello' or 'merry Christmas' to someone who isn't having a great time can be a good as giving them a present.

Last week, I was asked to officially launch the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Visitor Guide. Phillip Island and San Remo attract over 1.85 million visitors each year. That number is expected to grow to 4 million visitors a year by 2035. Tourism is so important to the livelihood of Bass Coast, with over 30 per cent of the population on Phillip Island employed by the tourism industry. The visitors we welcome to our Shire each year help to drive our economy, so please be courteous and patient as there's no doubt the traffic will increase and we will be sharing our beaches, car parks, shops and footpaths with thousands of visitors, coming to Bass Coast to enjoy their holidays.

It is always exciting to see local businesses and individuals kicking goals. Wonthaggi Tyrepower has recently celebrated an incredible achievement, named as the 2018 Region A Dealer of the Year. It is the second time in the business's 13 year history that they have taken out the award. Congratulations to Melanie and Kris Baker and the team at Tyrepower on Wonthaggi, on an incredible achievement.

To everyone heading off on a well-deserved break, enjoy your holiday and travel safely. To those sticking around to enjoy the hustle and bustle and beaches of Bass Coast, remember to look out for each other in the water, and check in on family, friends and pets on hot days.

Cr Brett Tessari, Mayor
Bass Coast Shire Council