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The Governor Discovers Bass Coast

After a whirlwind 24 hour tour, the Governor of Victoria, the Hon.

After a whirlwind 24 hour tour, the Governor of Victoria, the Hon.

By Bass Coast - 1st May 2012 - Back to News

"The Governor’s visit was spread over two days taking in a full itinerary of activities, places and meeting local people. At 12.30pm on Friday I welcomed the Governor and Mrs Chernov to Bass Coast at a Civic Reception held at the Wonthaggi State Coal Mine. Over 80 people were at the reception and it was a wonderful event.

"A highlight of the function was the Bass Coast Young Leaders presentation. The leaders from all our Bass Coast schools were presented with their Young Leaders badges and had the opportunity to meet the Governor at the function. I know he was delighted to have the chance to speak with the students."

After the reception, the official party was given an entertaining tour of the underground mine by Parks Victoria and State Coal Mine volunteer, Rod McLean.

"Rod gave us a unique experience and told anecdotes about miners having to work amongst mice and spiders while they toiled underground, "Cr Dowman said.

After the State Coal Mine, the Governor toured the Victorian Desalination Project, one of the States biggest infrastructure project. Parks Victoria staff then accompanied the party on the Bunurong Coast Drive where the weather held out for a leisurely walk along Shack Bay. The day finished with a dinner with Councillors and local Rotarians at Archies on the Creek.

Cr Dowman said the second part of the visit included a visit to Phillip Island and Corinella.

"On Saturday, the Governor and Mrs Chernov visited the Churchill Island Farmers Market and were taken on a tour of the Heritage Farm. They were able to talk to some of the local providers and were very interested in the smoked trout and other wares on display at the Rhyll Trout and Bush Tucker Farm stall," said Cr Dowman.

"The staff of the Phillip Island Nature Parks gave us a wonderful tour through the original homestead and provided some real insights into the history of the area and the conservation work that they do. There was also time for a morning tea with the Friends of Churchill Island volunteers who work so tirelessly for our environment."

After Churchill Island, the official party visited the Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit.

"We had a fascinating tour through the History of Motorsport Museum and the track. The Governor has a keen interest in cars and motorsports and I believe this was a real highlight for him. Both the Governor and Mrs Chernov mentioned how much their grandchildren would enjoy the Circuit and Churchill Island, so hopefully they will have the chance to come back for a longer visit with their family."

The tour ended with an informal lunch at Pinehaven Manor in Corinella with 25 community representatives.

"I was very thrilled to have the Governor and Mrs Chernov visit my ward and have the opportunity to meet some of our hard working residents," said Cr Dowman.

"The Governor told us how much he had enjoyed his visit and how impressed he had been by the strength of community spirit on display. Even though we were only able to welcome him for such a brief time, I think the visit really did showcase our area. Hopefully, the next visit will not be so short and we will have the opportunity to introduce the Governor to more of our community."

After leaving Bass Coast, the Governor and Mrs Chernov continued on their regional tour, travelling to Baw Baw Shire.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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