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Cowes Primary students visited Berninneit, meeting Mayor Halstead, exploring community spaces, learning about leadership and environmentCurious Cowes Primary students meet Mayor Halstead at Berninneit, exploring local government, community spaces and environmental leadership during community walk visit. By news@gippsland - 17th October 2025 - Back to News Cowes Primary School students brought plenty of energy and curiosity to Berninneit this week for a special Meet the Mayor visit as part of their Community Walk on Wednesday. Organised by Island Ward Councillor, Cr Tracey Bell, the visit began with a warm welcome from Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead, who greeted the students at the door. 
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead with one of the students from Cowes Primary School The group explored key community spaces - the Phillip Island Museum and the library - before heading into the community room set up for a Council meeting. Inside, the students were polite, interested and highly engaged, listening carefully and asking curious questions like, "What do you do as Mayor?" and "Do you get to help people?", Before heading back to school, each child received a gift pack, including native seeds to plant at home - a hands-on reminder that everyone can help care for our environment. "It's always inspiring to see young people so interested in how their community works. Their respectful questions and enthusiasm were fantastic - I'm sure we met some future leaders today," Mayor Halstead said. Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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