Following the outcome of the State Election, Council will continue to advocate on our key priorities and look to deliver improved outcomes, particularly in areas such as higher education, health, erosion, public transport and infrastructure. It was great to receive many promises and commitments in the lead up to November 24. Now, we will look at chasing those commitments, introducing our advocacy priorities to new Ministers and establishing a relationship with our local member of Parliament, to ensure the government really does 'get things done' for Bass Coast.

I attended the Bass Coast Adult Learning open day recently and it was great to gain a deeper insight in to what the organisation provides for the local community. The beauty of the campus is that there is something for everyone and there are opportunities delivered in all sorts of ways. BCAL is an organisation truly connected to its community, with a vested interest in strengthening our community through sharing knowledge and providing opportunities for development.

It was fantastic to see 33 Bass Coast community groups share in $82,236 when we presented Round 2 of the 2018 Community Grants last week. Projects ranged from a dust extraction system for Wonthaggi Woodcrafters, to new tents for Inverloch Scouts, to a motor for Woolamai Beach Surf Lifesaving Club's rescue inflatable boat, to a digital platform for the Phillip Island and District Historical Society. Congratulations to all of the worthy recipients.

I attended the Bass Coast Health AGM last Thursday where I heard some insightful presentations from guest speakers and learned about how the Health Service has performed over the last 12 months. It will be exciting to see work starting soon on the $115 million expansion of the hospital, funded by the State Government.

It's inspiring to see a number of community groups and individuals getting out an about to clean up our roadsides and beaches. A recent gathering along Cape Paterson Road saw around 30 people collect almost five square metres of litter along a six kilometre stretch. Included in their haul, among all the fast food packaging, were three vacuum cleaners and two child car seats. It's so disappointing to hear about. We have some of the most spectacular beaches and coastal reserves in the country, not to mention our pristine hills, bushland and waterways. If we keep throwing trash out of our car window and littering on our beaches, we risk losing the natural amenity which our economy relies on and which is key to making Bass Coast such a beautiful place. Please, if you see something, say something, and if you walk past some litter, pick it up and put it in a bin. Let's try to break these dirty habits and rebuild the pride in our community

Cr Brett Tessari, Mayor

Bass Coast Shire Council