Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Coordinated Approach To Schoolies IdentifiedBass Coast Mayor, John Duscher and CEO, Allan Bawden have met with James Merlino, the Minister for Youth Affairs, to discuss Council’s Summer Safety Program. By Bass Coast Shire Council - 11th December 2009 - Back to News In particular, the meeting identified resources and a state-wide approach to handling the influx of school leavers in November each year.
Mr Bawden said the Mayor and CEO from Surf Coast Shire Council also attended the meeting.
"Minister Merlino has agreed to meet with us again after summer to discuss how State Government departments may be able to work closer with the affected councils," said Mr Bawden.
"During our meeting we explained our ‘Enjoy it, don’t spoil it’ campaign to the Minister. We run this as part of our Summer Safety Program to ensure school leavers have a good time and stay safe."
"The Minister was impressed with our approach.
"We believe that there needs to be a state-wide government message about school leavers staying safe and more financial resources directed to the week," said Mr Bawden.
Council received $15,000 from the State Government as part of the summer safety campaign.
"Each year, Summer Safety planning takes resources away from other Council services and programs," said Mr Bawden.
"We would like to see a more coordinated approach to Summer Safety, particularly relating to school leavers.
"We were extremely grateful to the Minister for meeting with us and look forward to meeting with him again in the New Year."
Mr Bawden and Cr Duscher also met with Deputy Commissioner, Kieran Walshe, of the Victoria Police to discuss the Summer Safety issues.
"Mr Walshe was very supportive of our program and was keen to talk more about how it could be improved," continued Mr Bawden.
"He has a real interest in taking a whole of community approach to better managing alcohol and identifying ways we can reduce alcohol abuse."
Council, local Police, the YMCA and volunteers have worked together to minimise the impact of school leavers holidaying in Bass Coast on the community.
There were over 1,100 registered school leavers in Bass Coast at the end of November.
Staff, Police and volunteers have reported that as a whole, the youths were well behaved.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
Related Articles- Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
Bass Coast Shire Council will deliver a new 2km Ventnor Road Shared Path, linking Cowes and Ventnor, improving safety, accessibility, and community connectivity. The $1.96m project is jointly funded with the Australian government. - Bass Coast wins National AustStab Award for sustainable road recycling and innovative rehabilitation
Bass Coast Shire Council won the 2025 AustStab Award for Excellence for pioneering road recycling methods, cutting emissions by 85%, truck movements by 80%, and delivering faster, more sustainable, durable roads with less disruption. - Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing its Climate Change Action Plan 2020-2030, celebrating renewable energy achievements and inviting community feedback through surveys, pop-up sessions, engagement events, and a special film screening. - Bass Coast Shire Council begins Cowes foreshore upgrades with $8M funding improvements for safer, greener, connected spaces
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon commence the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged civil and landscaping upgrades with $8 million federal funding, revitalising Cowes into a safer, greener and more connected destination. - Bass Coast Shire Council hosts free creative industries workshop with marketing strategies, PR insights on 12 November 2025
Bass Coast Shire Council is hosting a free creative industries workshop in Cowes on 12 November, offering marketing strategies, PR insights, business support, and networking with local media. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government, LSV to ensure lifeguard patrols continue safely, without cuts
Bass Coast Shire Council urges Victorian government and LSV to guarantee lifeguard patrols, warning proposed funding hike strains budgets while beaches remain high-risk, with recent drownings highlighting urgent safety needs. - Bass Coast celebrates Victorian Seniors Festival this October with events, workshops, performances and community connection
The Victorian Seniors Festival returns to Bass Coast this October with the theme Connect, Create, Celebrate, offering workshops, performances, games, tours, and free transport for Seniors Card holders. - East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors lead with vision, proving young voices shape community and lasting impact
Eight months in, East Gippsland Youth Ambassadors are shaping the region's future, addressing key issues, leading projects, and gaining leadership skills that build confidence, community engagement, and long-term positive impact. - Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub. - Allan Labor government backs regional footy and netball with $1.5M from 2025-26 Country Football and Netball Program
The Allan Labor government is investing $1.5 million in Morwell sports clubs through the Country Football and Netball Program, while opening new grants to upgrade regional facilities and boost community participation. - Allan Labor government backs First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with new sports grants
The Allan Labor government has announced over $67,000 in Aboriginal Sport Participation Grants, supporting First Nations athletes in Eastern Victoria with travel, uniforms, and equipment to compete locally and nationally. - Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals. - Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
|
|
