Newhaven's National Vietnam Veteran's Museum launched its new exhibition on Saturday, 1 December, called Behind the Wire. This incredible photographic exhibition features the stories of Australian Vietnam War veterans and it was awesome. It is such an inspiring display and I would encourage everyone to go and have a look. The exhibition is being held at the Museum until the end of May, 2019.

As we look towards the end of the year, Bass Coast's schools are all putting on their final concerts and presentations. I was invited to attend Newhaven College's Presentation Evening. It was a fantastic night and one of the best end of year school concerts I have been to. The school's music program is just mind blowing. The pride that Newhaven's students, teachers and families have in their school is obvious and a real credit to them all.

The Gippsland Local Government Network (GLGN) meeting I attended recently was a great opportunity to put forward our advocacy priorities for the next 12 months. The Network is an alliance between six Gippsland councils, including Bass Coast, South Gippsland, Wellington, Baw Baw, East Gippsland and Latrobe City and was formed to help Gippsland progress advocacy through to the State and Federal governments. Foreshore erosion control and transport are two of the advocacy items discussed at the meeting that align with our advocacy priorities, so it will be good to work together to help champion these, along with other issues affecting Gippsland.

Get your singing voices warmed up, because there are plenty of carol events happening around the Shire in the lead up to Christmas. Inverloch, San Remo, Corinella, Wonthaggi, Grantville and Cowes all host fabulous evenings of family friendly entertainment and are a great way to get into the spirit of the season. The Cowes carols on Tuesday, 18 December do feature a fireworks display at 9.30pm, so please make sure your pets are safe at this time if you live in the area.

Summer is here and with the warmer weather on its way, there are a few things we can do to keep ourselves happy and healthy. The red and yellow flags are back on our patrolled beaches on weekends from the start of December until Easter, making it easy for swimmers to find somewhere safe to take a dip. Don't forget to slip, slop, slap and remember to look out for anyone in your neighbourhood who might be affected by extended periods of hot weather.

Cr Brett Tessari, Mayor

Bass Coast Shire Council