It was a privilege last week to be re-elected Mayor of our beautiful region for a second 12-month term.

I congratulate Cr Rochelle Halstead on being elected unopposed as Deputy Mayor. Rochelle is well known as a councillor in the Western Port ward and she brings with her much experience and passion for Bass Coast.

And I personally thank Cr Leticia Laing for her immense contribution to the role of over the past year.

Now it’s straight back to business because while much was achieved over the past 12 months there is a lot more to do and I look forward to continuing to work closely with the community on what we all value: healthy communities, protecting our natural environments, sustainable development, social connection, creativity and a strong local economy.

After last year’s incredible capital works program we continue to build and support the infrastructure our community needs.

We have a number of exciting projects nearing completion including:

• Guide Park in Wonthaggi.
• New purpose-built facilities for PICAL in Warley Avenue, and
• Inverloch Kindergarten which will be ready for the start of the 2023 school year.

In 2023 will also see the opening of the Cowes Cultural and Community Centre.

It is an exciting time with plenty to focus our time and energy on in the coming year.

Thank you for the opportunity and we will look forward to continue to be guided by our community vision.