With restrictions now eased in regional Victoria, let’s all do our best to support our local businesses, especially over the upcoming long weekend. While it is disappointing that restrictions may see visitation to our area over Queen’s Birthday weekend reduced – there are plenty of things we can do to support our local economy. Keep doing the right things, by wearing your mask indoors and checking to shops and businesses with the QR code. It is so important that we follow the rules, to make sure that we can stay safe, and stay open.

We know that the uncertainty around the COVID-19 pandemic and the change to our day-to-day routines can be frustrating and distressing. Don’t forget to check in with your friends and family, stay connected, take time out for yourself and get some fresh air and exercise. It’s ok to ask for help if you’re not feeling yourself and there are many resources out there to help you, such as headtohealth.gov.au or www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/mental-health-resources. Above all else, please remember to be kind to one another – these challenging times can bring out the worst in people, but also the best.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, the community drop-in session to provide feedback on the concept plans for the Bass Coast and Phillip Island leisure centres, scheduled for Wednesday, 2 June has been moved to Wednesday, 16 June between 9.00am and 1.00pm at the Bass Coast Aquatic and Leisure Centre in Wonthaggi, with another session at the same location planned for Saturday, 19 June from 9.00am to 1.00pm. The session scheduled for Wednesday, 9 June at the Phillip Island Leisure Centre will now be held online, between 9.00am and 1.00pm. During the session, on each half hour, a Council officer will explain the concept plans in detail and then provide attendees the opportunity to ask questions and provide their thoughts. On the day, simply click on the session at the time you would like to attend from our website at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/aquatics. A second, in-person session will be held at the Phillip Island Leisure Centre on Saturday,12 June from 9.00am to 1.00pm. These session times are subject to change, in line with COVID-19 restrictions.

Did you hear that the whales are back? Now that restrictions have eased, it’s a perfect time to take a trip to the coast, to see if you can catch a glimpse of one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. They have been sighted off Cape Paterson and Cowes in the past few weeks – so get your binoculars out!