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Mayor’s MessageIt’s been another busy week in Bass Coast, and now we’re officially into summer, it’s only going to get busier! By Portal Admin - 5th December 2016 - Back to News While we’re all focussing on what’s happening here at home as we head into our peak holiday season, I recently attended my first Gippsland Local Government Network (GLGN) meeting, which was an opportunity to meet with councils and representatives from across the entire Gippsland region.
For those unfamiliar with the GLGN, it is an alliance of the six Gippsland councils, and it represents the collective interests of Gippsland and works cooperatively on issues and projects of mutual interest. Advocacy is certainly a feature of this group, and I understand the group were strong advocates for the funding secured earlier this year for the Penguin Parade’s new premises.
The meeting at Sale was an introduction of the six mayors and CEOs, as well as the forum in which the chair for the forthcoming year, Baw Baw Mayor Cr Joe Gauci, was elected. During the day we had presentations from VicRoads Regional Director Scott Lawrence and Red Tape Commissioner and Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance Dr Matthew Butlin, and also discussed matters including the transition of the closure of Hazelwood and the Great Forest National Parks Proposal.
I’ll be meeting with the GLGN bi-monthly and look forward to working with our neighbours for the betterment of our region.
I was also fortunate enough to attend and speak on the Saturday of the fifth annual Shearwater Festival on Phillip Island last weekend, and must say the day was absolutely divine! A special moment in particular was the Festival’s largest participation in the traditional smoking ceremony yet. Over 100 onlookers walked through the smoke, which is believed to have cleansing properties and the ability to ward off evil spirits.
The Festival has become an important part of our cultural landscape and with so many amazing performers and activities, including the inaugural Cape Woolamai Fun Run, it’s fantastic to see the weekend growing bigger and better every year. Do yourself a favour and keep an eye out for the 2017 dates to mark in your diary so you don’t miss out next year!
Cr Pamela Rothfield, Mayor
Bass Coast Shire Council
For more information contact:
Simone Short
media communications officer
t (03) 5671 2703 | f (03) 5671 2222
e simone.short@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com
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