At last Wednesday's Ordinary Meeting, we adopted the final 2019/20 Budget and revised Council Plan 2017-2021. After four weeks on public exhibition, we received 35 Budget submissions, and of those, 15 were heard in person. In response to submissions received from the community, a number of changes were recommended for the final 2019/20 Budget. It was great to see such a high level of community engagement with the Budget process - as the final result effects everyone - ratepayers, visitors and businesses. You can view the adopted Budget at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/budget.

Our wonderful Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre is growing its appeal, through the presentation of a diverse range of shows, films and community events. In the past week we have seen the amazing Wonthaggi Theatrical Group bump out after their phenomenal season of Les Miserables, a new release cinema program, international singer/songwriter Toni Childs, a Refugee Week community event and a Bass Coast Fine Film Group film event, which is of course open to non-members too. The best way to keep up with what's on at the Centre, is to follow it on Facebook, look out for the ads in local papers or join the growing number of community members who receive email updates. If you would like to join the mailing list, or find out more, give the Centre a call on (03) 5671 2470.

On Sunday, I attended the program launch for the Phillip Island Story Gatherers Inc's upcoming festival. This is the third year for the annual event, which until now has been known as the Phillip Island Literary Festival. From this year, however, the festival will now be called the Phillip Island Festival of Stories. The Festival, which is being held in Cowes from 26 to 28 July, celebrates all the different ways to tell stories and provides everyone with the opportunity to share their stories, in any medium they chose. Congratulations to the hard working group of volunteers that puts this program together, which will provide the community and visitors with a unique cultural experience. Council is proud to support this event which is a great asset to Bass Coast. Check the program out for yourself at www.pifestivalofstories.com.