The Bells are back! In some great news for the community, the Harmony Bells that were taken from Cowes earlier this month have been recovered. It was also great to hear that the bell taken from Kilcunda was also found. I want to give a massive thank you to Senior Constable Varli Blake of Bass Coast Crime Unit and all other members involved from Victoria Police. We await further details as the Police continue their investigation, but they deserve our sincere thanks. Unfortunately, the bells were damaged during their ordeal, but now they have been returned, we can begin looking into the possibility of them ringing in the community once again.

It’s nice to have some restrictions lifted and to be able to get out and enjoy our region and beyond once more. It is a really great testament to the processes that have been put in place to protect us from this virus, that out of all of those exposure sites, Bass Coast appears to have emerged out the other side safely. Well done to everyone doing the right thing by checking in, wearing their masks, and getting tested and isolating if needed. It is up to us to protect ourselves and those around us. Please consider getting vaccinated if you are eligible and if you have any symptoms, no matter how minor, get tested.

The inaugural exhibition, featuring works from the Robert Smith Collection, is now on display in the foyer of the Wonthaggi Union and Community Arts Centre. The exhibition, Noel Counihan, Robert Smith and Wonthaggi, features 26 works drawn from the Collection by curator Ken Scarlett OAM, an expert in Australian art and sculpture. The exhibition will be on show from Tuesday, 3 August until Friday, 19 November. The foyer is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Learn more about the Robert Smith Collection on our website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/robertsmith.