Well, tomorrow is Christmas! Of course, Christmas isn’t only a time for Santa and presents, but a time that brings people together and prompts us to reflect on the year we’ve had, and celebrate.

However, for some, Christmas can be a lonely and difficult time, and I would like to acknowledge that there are many families who will celebrate Christmas this year feeling the absence of a loved one, or families who may not be able to participate in the same celebrations as others. Bearing this in mind, I encourage you to be generous and kind and to hug your loved ones close and appreciate the special moments you share together.

Christmas is also a time where we need to exercise extra care and patience, particularly on our roads. We can easily get swept up in the Christmas rush and while I encourage everyone to have a fun filled Christmas, I also urge you to take your time, look around, enjoy your moments with your loved ones and make this Christmas a safe one.

Once Christmas is over, it’s time to celebrate the new year. This time around, we will be entering a new decade – can you believe 2020 will soon be upon us! If you are keen to celebrate, there are some fantastic New Year’s Eve activities happening around the region, including fireworks in Inverloch, Cowes and Coronet Bay. Get together with friends and family and friends and enjoy, but please remember to stay safe and look out for your mates if you do choose to go out and celebrate the New Year.

It’s warming up out there now, so what better time of year to get out there and explore our own backyard. We have so many great events right here in Bass Coast, it couldn’t be easier to support local. Summer also means tourists and I think it is incredibly important that we give a warm welcome to all visitors who chose our special part of the world to spend their holiday. Tourism makes up a major part of our livelihood in Bass Coast and we want all of our visitors to enjoy their time here, so they keep coming back year after year.

On behalf of everyone at Bass Coast Shire Council, have a wonderful Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. I look forward to seeing you all around the Shire in 2020!