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Mayor's message

There are numerous art experiences and workshops happening across the six shires of Gippsland this month as part of Creative Gippsland’s Come and Play – All of May, which is in its 8 th year.

By Portal Admin - 15th May 2017 - Back to News

I hope that all mothers, everywhere, had a wonderful Mother’s Day, beginning for any with a cosy cup of tea in bed.

There is an amazing grass roots initiative happening across Bass Coast, one I am sure many of you will have seen or heard of, Boomerang Bags. Last week I had the pleasure of meeting some of the dedicated volunteers working for the Cowes Chapter of this community driven enterprise which tackles plastic pollution.

Boomerang Bags are locally sourced and sown fabric shopping bags. The idea is in their name: the bags are available to be picked up and used by anyone, with the expectation they will make their way back to be used by another.

Groups of organised volunteers are up-cycling old pillow cases and scrap fabric, and turning it into these Boomerang Bags. Across Bass Coast, schools, community groups, local supermarkets and retailers are showing their support, and I applaud all who are involved with and behind this initiative.

If the idea of making things and being creative is up your alley, then May is the month for you. There are numerous art experiences and workshops happening across the six shires of Gippsland this month as part of Creative Gippsland’s Come and Play – All of May, which is in its 8 th year. Included in the activities, an artist in residence program if offered to each of the Gippsland shires, which is designed for an artist to spend 7 days in a beautiful small town and create a piece of work in response to the environment and the community.

We are very lucky in that our Shire is hosting artist Jakeb Anhvu, an award winning documentary film maker. Jakeb is spending a week in Rhyll, soaking up the environment and community – with a dash of maritime history, I am sure. I can’t wait to see what inspiration he draws from our special landscape and culture.

To see the full program for Come and Play All of May, head to our website

I would like to wish a very 'Happy 52 nd Birthday' to the Warrawee Seniors' Club in Inverloch. It is wonderful to have a club so rich in history and so connected to its community. This club is accessed by people from all walks of life most days of the year; it’s a fine example of a community group flourishing from decade to decade.

If you are interested in where future parks, roads, housing and hubs may be established in Wonthaggi – then head to the Wonthaggi Library this week and learn about our Wonthaggi North East Development Plan.

May is also the time for you to get involved in our Domestic Animal Management Plan.

There are community sessions and an online survey where you can provide your insight into how we can best look after our four legged friends. Head to www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/damp.

The Federal Budget was released last week. The good news for regional councils is the freeze on indexing Federal Assistance Grants has ended. This is a vital source of funding for essential local services. Restoring the grants indexation means that funds can be accessed in line with population growth and inflation. This is good news for Bass Coast where we all know, every dollar counts!

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