I had the honour of presenting to Parks Victoria about Bass Coast last Tuesday – it was a fantastic opportunity to provide them with a snapshot of who we are, what we are doing and what we plan to do in the future – which includes working closely with organisations likes Parks Victoria, so we can continue to improve Bass Coast for our residents and visitors.

There is still time to get your nomination in for the Bass Coast 2020 Australia Day Awards – for either Citizen of the Year or Young Citizen of the Year. If there is someone in your family, workplace, community group, sporting club or circle of friends that is doing something amazing, consider nominating them for one of the awards. It’s a simple online process – go to www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/ausday2020 to find out how to nominate. Get in quick – nominations close on Thursday, 14 November.

It was great to hear that Council was successful in obtaining a $100,000 grant through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s Country Football and Netball program recently. The grant will go towards an upgrade of the flood lighting on the oval at the Bass Recreation Reserve. Kilcunda-Bass Football Netball Club are contributing $50,000 to the Project, with Council contributing $100,000. Work on the upgrade is expected to take place in the early part of the 2020 season and will provide a huge improvement to the Club’s ability to train at night.

The Newhaven Primary School Fete was on Saturday – what an amazing day of fun and activities put on by the small school. Money raised at this year’s Fete will go towards the upgrade of the school’s playground. My highlight was presenting the huge $2000 prize to the winner of the Lucky Number Drop. Another highlight of the day was the student Talent Show – it is always fabulous to see young people showcase their talents on stage, especially in front of a crowd. Well done!