Bass Coast Shire Council election candidates

I’m Caitlyn and I’m living, working and raising my daughter in Inverloch. I love it here, but we need better roads, more maternal and child health services, and more access to quality, affordable childcare. With your support, I can increase road maintenance funding, improve services for families, and save the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club from coastal erosion - protecting our natural environment for future generations. We deserve better access to healthcare, mental health care and support for new parents and children. I value community service: I am an active volunteer in school council and other local community groups, and I want to take my community contribution to the next level – as your local representative. I work in the not-for-profit sector advising government on the needs of children and families, so I have the skills and understanding to ensure council delivers the right services, where they are most needed. I care about this community, and I want to help make it as great as it can be. If you support fixing our roads, improving local healthcare, and saving our beaches - I need your vote. To achieve these things together, Vote 1 Caitlyn Robertson.

I’ve lived in Wonthaggi all my life. I love where I live, the natural environment and the sense of community. I’m married to Leanne and I have three adult kids. I’m just your typical local, I love my sport and you’ll find me most days walking the shops chatting. I’m proud to have been your Bunurong Ward representative for the past eight years, including three years as Mayor of Bass Coast. They were the most difficult yet satisfying years of my life. There are so many achievements but still so much work to do. The next four years are going to be tough, things are getting harder. Right now we don’t need people banging the drums promising the world – we need experience, stability and someone willing to show common sense. We need a local that people know and trust, not someone who has been here five minutes. We need someone willing to fight for their community, someone with life skills. More than ever we will need the help of State and Federal Governments. I have the experience to advocate at these levels for the good of Bass Coast. Vote 1 for Brett Tessari, a true local.

Are you getting value for your rates money? Bring council’s focus Back to Basics, core services done well. It is time for action on what matters (rather than endless surveys and being heard but not listened to): fixing local roads, footpaths, rubbish, reducing rates, protecting our coastline, beautifying our streetscapes, improving community safety and encouraging investment in an environmentally balanced way to provide opportunities in our region. With a successful proven track record in representation & advocacy that has changed policies, I’m Meg, a community and small business person - specifically agriculture, construction and tourism. Prior to having a family (I’m the mother of two school aged boys) my professional career was mainly as a Business Banking Executive. My values are simple: kindness, transparency & economic responsibility. After direct consultation, I will consider every issue on its merits and as your representative be able to explain to you the basis of how I come to positions. Together we can change the focus of Bass Coast Shire Council. Get to know me (information including videos on values and frequently asked questions) or contact me at: https://www.facebook.com/MegEdwardsAU or www.megedwards.com.au I kindly ask you to Vote 1 Meg Edwards

I’m standing as a candidate for the Bunurong Ward because I care that many issues which concern residents and ratepayers are not being addressed. Having lived in wonderful Inverloch, and now in Wonthaggi, and having our children and grandchildren thrive in Cape Paterson I also experienced the devastation of the Government and Councils actions from the non-communicated retrospective Environmental Audit Overlay placed on our new property. With a professional career as a teacher, and seven years as a national community engagement manager, I knew I had to support the 1000+ residents affected by this planning fiasco. I was a member of the community appointed committee which successfully challenged the State Government and Council to remove the blight placed on over 600 North Wonthaggi properties. Council needs to get back to basics and prioritise the needs of our increasingly diverse community. I care that Council finances are scrutinised and utilised to address issues of safety such as road potholes and additional footpaths, first. Our vibrant community needs investment in childcare, libraries, small business support, youth engagement, seniors programs and the arts across the whole Shire. I care that our community planning is conducted with honesty, integrity, foresight and competency.

It's time for a council that listens, acts, and represents everyone. My name is Brian Robinson, I am a fulltime Bunurong resident (Inverloch) and care deeply about our community and its future. I have never been part of any political party, allowing me to focus solely on our community's needs. I promise to serve my fellow residents with integrity and dedication. My 15 years farming in South Gippsland taught me the value of hard work, sustainability, and local produce. My corporate career equipped me with the skills to handle complex issues and ensure honesty and transparency. As a member of the Inverloch Tourism Association, I am passionate about sustainable tourism, supporting local businesses, and enhancing community well-being. I will keep the Council focused on local issues and responsibilities. As your representative, I will work hard for: 1.Community engagement, ensuring your voices are heard. 2.Local businesses and produce. 3.Sustainable development that respects and protects our environment. 4.Transparency and accountability in governance. 5.Affordable rates by opposing unnecessary spending and protecting key assets. I believe we can build a vibrant, sustainable, and secure future for Bunurong Ward. I hope you will support me in this election.

Are you frustrated that your concerns are ignored by the council repeatedly? As an independent candidate with no ties to political parties or special interest groups, I offer a fresh, common-sense approach. My independence allows me to focus on what matters to you, free from external pressures. Having lived in this community for nearly 15 years, I’ve experienced the frustrations of rising costs, unnecessary bureaucracy, and neglected services. I know what it’s like to feel unheard, and that’s why I’m committed to rebuilding trust with real solutions. My priorities include repairing neglected roads, improving infrastructure, and maintaining essential services. I’ll address storm damage to our beaches and protect key assets like the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club, ensuring urgent issues are handled quickly. I’ll also amplify your voice directly to the council, ensuring your concerns are heard. By seeking regular feedback, I’ll ensure the council’s actions reflect community needs. I’m committed to improving sporting facilities and ensuring services for all, from children to the elderly. With decades of leadership experience, I offer a new perspective free from political games and special interests. Let’s work together to create meaningful change. Vote for leadership that listens, acts, and delivers on what matters.

I’m a sixth-generation Gippslander and care deeply for our Bass Coast community and our precious coastal environment. With experience as a musician, supermarket worker, student and government adviser, I understand the struggles of workers and students, especially during the cost-of-living and rental/housing crises. During these tough times, we need our council to do better for our community. If elected, I’ll prioritise: [1] improving accessibility by building more footpaths and improving street lighting; [2] bringing household costs down by bringing back free hard-rubbish collection, introducing public wifi and hosting regular events with free food; [3] focusing on sustainable, long-term town planning so people don't have to drive to find a playground or dog park; [4] improving waste and recycling management; [5] using every tool available to protect our precious environment including opposing toxic waste incinerators, supporting our local environment groups and saving the Western Port Woodlands. I've knocked on thousands of doors to hear what matters to our community, and you can reach me anytime on 0480 670 578 or matforbasscoast@gmail.com. Insert some fresh energy into Bass Coast by voting [1] Mat Morgan.

It has been an honour serving our community as councillor and Deputy Mayor. Let's build on our achievements and do better. Ravaged by extreme weather, our community suffers from lack of quality facilities. Re-elected I will push for new aquatic facilities in Wonthaggi as our regional hub, it needs more upgrades. The disgrace of the old College site left to decay must be addressed with a bold vision that develops the site for the community: arts, education and community facilities. Inverloch is in desperate need of activity centre upgrades. The scourge of coastal erosion has resurfaced, and we need commitment and action on the Cape-to-Cape Resilience Plan. We successfully changed council’s position to restrict the northern boundary of Cape Paterson to Seaward Drive, but without the Distinctive Area Landscapes plan being finalised, we remain vulnerable. The fight continues. I will fight to protect our natural spaces; protect town boundaries and revegetate where we can. I care about our local community deeply. It’s a precious place - I value it for future generations. As a qualified lawyer, I work locally and I'm raising my family here which includes my three children. Vote 1 Leticia Laing for a better Bass Coast.

To ratepayers and residents. I thought it was important to outline my vision for the future of Bass Coast Shire Council. Council exists to service the needs of the community in an effective and efficient way, and this fundamental is so often overlooked. The best interests of ratepayers and residents should always be at the forefront in the decision making processes and this includes being mindful of costs at all times. My view as a Certified Practicing Accountant, is that rates and garbage charges should be frozen for twelve months to drive transformation of Council’s finances and provide cost of living relief. Similarly, a complete review of the capital expenditure program and ten year long term financial plan is necessary, with particular emphasis on advocacy programs for health including disability services and positive ageing, education, roads & footpaths and coastal management to protect our environment, properties and infrastructure. Excellent communication and engagement is also essential, and it is imperative for Council to clearly communicate all proposals and decisions in a way that people understand and, by a large majority, support. It would be my privilege to represent our community in the next term. Thank you, Les

For the last 4 years it’s been an honour to be your representative for the ward. I have proven track record. I fought for transparency and accountability of Council and defended public question time. I achieved commonsense outcomes for the dogs off leash on the beach and inappropriate property developments. I valiantly moved motions 1. have the red bin to be picked up every week from Christmas to Australia day, 2. address the parking problems in Cowes, 3. to save the three mature gumtrees at the Cowes boat ramp carpark. Going forward I will concentrate on our core responsibilities; rates, roads and rubbish and cut back on spending. Rewrite the Council’s 10 year plan in light of economic climate. I will move; 1. the red bin be picked up in summer, 2. have a yearly free hard rubbish collection, 3. freeze the waste levy. Switch Council’s advocacy from the Cowes Streetscape plan to what we really need, sporting facilities. A new football and cricket oval, basketball, netball facilities, dog park and aquatic centre. Redirect the bike track from Cowes to Ventnor away from the foreshore and save the environment. A vote for me is a vote for our Island.

My name is Darrell Silva and have a Master of Applied Finance and a Medical Science degree. Now retired, I have experience in international consulting and project collaboration. I have been a resident in Cowes for 10 years and am a member of the Cowes Yacht Club and Phillip Island RSL. I believe in Council transparency and accountability, especially when dealing with ratepayer finances. By listening directly to ratepayers, I will understand the community needs and be enabled to take appropriate action. I will lobby for an annual review of multi-year council plans and programs taking into consideration the evolving needs of the Phillip Island community and Island visitors. Examples of long term planning needs are, Cowes parking strategy; holiday season waste (Red Bin) management; Cowes streetscape; strategy to address erosion of the northern shoreline. I am in favour of bike tracks and trails, but not at the expense of native foreshore bushland. I will support green energy initiatives where commercial viable. My experience in finance and dealing with large corporations will be invaluable in Council and for the community. A vote for me is a vote for our Island.

Growing up on Phillip Island was incredible, and I am so grateful for the dedication my parents contributed to the community. Now it’s my turn to help ensure that our unique Island remains sustainable for future generations while continuing to attract the tourists that keep local businesses thriving. I have successfully worked in a range of industries, including education, recreation and sports, hospitality, the snow, environmental protection, administration, and the hardest one—parenting. As a sole parent to two neurodiverse tweens, I understand the challenges of financial, physical, and mental health struggles. If elected, I will passionately advocate for equality and inclusivity for all. My priorities include addressing mental wellness, easing the housing crisis and helping alleviate the financial stressors of today’s society. Preserving our history and nurturing Phillip Island’s natural environment is crucial. We must protect what we have rather than overdevelop, risking the loss of our precious green spaces. As the Lorax said, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better." Let’s work together to ensure a brighter, more sustainable future for our community and environment. I am passionate, caring, and committed to making a meaningful difference and learning along the way.

I deeply care about the world we leave for our children. My family are proud to call Millowl our home, where we live, work and learn together. We’re actively involved in sports and activities which fuel my passion for fostering a strong, vibrant community. I'm running as a candidate because our growing community deserves better delivery of the basics. I'm dedicated to creating safe spaces for our young people to engage and thrive. My top priorities are setting up a youth resource centre, establishing safe bike paths, and building the long-promised recreation reserve. We need a Council that embraces change, responds to our needs, and prioritises our community’s immediate concerns. Working at Bass Coast Health gives me a deep appreciation for our community’s diverse needs. In my professional life, I have gained valuable experience in government, healthcare, and tourism. If elected as an independent councillor, I promise to listen, be accountable, and work tirelessly to achieve the best results for our community. Together, we can make our shire an even better place to live. I care about a community for everyone – inclusive for people of all ages and cultures where all can participate, be engaged, and feel connected.

I’m seeking re-election as an independent candidate. I’ve lived on the Island for 24-years and with my wife raised our two daughters here. I recognise our community wishes to keep our island home a special place to reside and visit. As such I will continue to protect and enhance our natural environment, remain steadfast on maintaining our town boundaries, and push for a network of pedestrian and cycling paths across the Island. I’m proud, as part of last terms Councillor group, we achieved record capital investment, a 125% increase from the previous term. Furthermore, we delivered our much loved Berninneit Cultural Centre and supported the Phillip Island landscape with the Urban Forest Strategy to re vegetate our townships. I work locally as Centre Manager at Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre (PICAL) and further maintain my strong links with community through 18 years service as chair of the following Phillip Island groups: Kindergarten, Scouts, Tennis and currently Landcare and Phillip Island Land Alliance. I care for our community and I’m enthusiastic to continue providing experienced and strategic leadership as an Island Ward Councillor for the betterment of all. More information at david-rooks.webnode.page

Vote 1 John Trigt - I am seeking your vote in the October 2024 Council election. I have lived on Phillip Island since 2000 and have a broad understanding towards the needs of Phillip Island. I regularly attend Council meeting and have contributed to community questions time, gaining knowledge of how Council operates. I am committed to representing you, the ratepayers of the Island Ward. I am prepared to challenge the CEO, Senior Officers of Council if required. What is required for the Island Ward?. 1 Phillip Island Recreation Reserve Master Plan to be rescheduled to commence progress now, for an Aquatic Centre and Sports Ovals. As a high priority. 2 Improvements to the collection of waste products at Christmas time plus a free Hard Rubbish collection once a year. 3 Better cleaning and maintenance of all roads and areas, including weekly cleaning of the Cowes precinct.4 Strong support for the Distinctive Areas Landscape including protection of the zoning to farmland and inundation across the whole shire. As your Councillor I will represent the entire community by working jointly with other Councillors in enhancing our community’s direction. We deserve better and together we can do better.

Bass Coast Council needs an injection of capable new blood and new ideas. As ratepayers, you know it. With increasing population pressure on services, roads, parking and our beautiful coastline, we need a responsive council who has the community at its centre, and acts on resident's concerns. I am a resident, Gippslander born and bred, writer and editor. My wife and I previously owned the Phillip Island Winery, experiencing at first-hand the challenges of business here. I’m not afraid to press an argument in any forum. If elected, my focus will be: 1. New ovals/facilities for Phillip Island Football Netball club. The land is there, they have waited long enough. 2. Coastal erosion impacting on Silverleaves (and elsewhere) must be a priority of Council. It must keep DEECA and the State Government on the hook on this. 3. Environmental protection for Westernport Woodlands to address the disaster of sand mine expansions (sacrificed for sand for Melbourne). 4. A General rates cap and a fairer deal for our farmers. 5. Designated ‘safe routes’ for EV mobility scooters for elderly, school-age and community users. 6. Pedestrian walkways in built-up areas (so that families, kids and pooches need not use busy road shoulders).

I am a committed environmentalist with a background in the corporate world. My family has a long association with Phillip Island and I now live on a West Creek bush property with a Trust for Nature covenant. I have practical experience and skills from farming, the arts, CFA, Landcare and other community service organisations, teaching, risk management in multinational companies and running my own OHS consultancy. I will be a strong and independent voice for the Western Port Ward. I will advocate to: protect and enhance Bass Coast’s natural environment, especially the Western Port Woodlands; increase arts and cultural opportunities as part of a strong local economy; improve community connectedness, local transport options and access to health and community services in the smaller Waterline townships; improve services and facilities for residents of the shire’s new estates, including safe, accessible public open space; and support our younger generations to become more involved. Bass Coast needs safer roads; more public transport options; better community services and better protection of our environmental assets. Given the current rate cap, I will push for our council to secure additional funding from State and Federal Governments to achieve these aims. Vote: 1 Jon Temby.

A small business owner, along with an employment background in government, education and with two farms in my family – beef and dairy, I understand the challenges faced by Westernport Ward communities. Strategic planning interests me and I am proud of my advocacy to adopt the Bass Coast neighborhood character study, housing policy and progression of the San Remo township structure plan. Keen to see a return to the core responsibilities of local government, I am committed to the provision of infrastructure, asset management, services for a growing population, protection of our natural environment and consideration of our agricultural sector in all that we do. A graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, I have an intimate understanding of plans, policies and strategies that drive the organization for outcomes on the ground and a desire to work with and strengthen our community. Serving my first term as your Councillor from 2020 and as Deputy Mayor from 2022 to 2024 has been both a challenge and a pleasure and I thank you for the opportunity. There is more to do and today, I ask for your support to keep going. Please visit https://www.facebook.com/rochellehalsteadforwesternport/ or contact me at halsteadrochelle08@gmail.com

I am not affiliated with any political party. Government openness and accountability is vital. Planning for superior community livability is my passion. I have been a science teacher -librarian, farmer, rural resident, owner builder, tourism host, licensee, youth mentor, volunteer, CWA office bearer, and Board Director of community organizations, and now North Wonthaggi resident. I have the skills and experience to listen, understand, and effectively represent fairly, the needs and aspirations of my fellow residents and ratepayers. As population pressure increases, I intend to ensure Council plans properly to protect and improve our lifestyle from poor development decisions. I will advocate for height restrictions, sensible zoning, a rural rate review, provision of excellent recreation facilities, better community connections and ensure developers contribute positively to our communities. Council must take an active role in protecting and improving our natural and built environment. We must also plan carefully to keep what we value especially in new estates in Wonthaggi, San Remo and our lovely coastal villages. By being the voice for sensible, commonsense solutions that will benefit us now and the years ahead, my vision for our future has all of us saying, “Why would we ever live anywhere else?”

I am running as an independent candidate for Western Port Ward. Since retiring to Corinella six years ago, I have observed Council's spending priorities often overlook those of Western Port — our community deserves better. In the latter part of my career, I found myself working in a large regional council where I gained first hand insights into how local government could enrich communities. By listening to community concerns and balancing current and future needs, councils can truly enhance lives. Councils are not a typical business — Bass Coast manages over $1B in assets, and this year will spend $80M delivering services to the community and a further $24M in capital works. This significant budget demands rigorous financial oversight to ensure funds are allocated and used wisely – afterall, it’s our rates at work. As a retired CPA, with expertise in business process improvement, IT, project management, consulting, and senior experience in local government, I am uniquely qualified to provide this oversight. I am committed to transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility while prioritising community needs. Together, we can ensure that Western Port receives the attention and resources it deserves. For more information or to support my candidacy, visit Facebook: BrianOFarrell4WesternPort or email: brianofarrell4westernport@gmail.com.

The Bass Coast is a truly special place with its stunning natural beauty, strong sense of community, and vibrant local culture. I love living here and am passionate about preserving and enhancing what makes it great, which is why I’m running for council—to help make our community even better for everyone. My goal is to enhance our region by engaging directly with the community and leading a council that genuinely listens and responds to residents' concerns. I will advocate for expanding services, supporting local businesses, promoting tourism, and improving transport options for easier mobility. I am committed to supporting those who farm, utilise, and care for our land, recognising them as integral to the fabric of our municipality and will champion environmental stewardship, ensuring that our land, waterways, and bays are protected for future generations. As a farmer, small business owner and mother of two young children, my passion for rural communities runs deep. My 20-year career in Social Work, along with a Master’s degree focused on the mental health of Australian farmers, has reinforced this dedication. My experience as President of San Remo Pre School, co-founder of the Bass Playgroup has further fuelled my commitment to serving our community.

Time for a new direction. Let's do the basics better and deliver value for money and make a real difference in Western Port. As a former chief of staff to a federal parliamentarian, I have gained experience on procedures, research, constituent advocacy, while also developing expertise in various areas of government. This background equips me to effectively navigate council procedures and make impactful decisions for the community. My focus will be on fundamental areas such as roads, housing, small business, childcare, sports facilities, land care and management, sustainability, environment and community engagement. Priorities include free roadside hard waste collection, low-income housing, negotiating a fair rating system for farmers and residential footpaths. Currently I volunteer as Secretary for Corinella and District Community Centre, Former Treasurer and now Grants and Events for Corinella Residents and Ratepayers Association, Grants and Events Officer for Corinella CFA, a member of Boomerang Bags, an initiative of Totally Renewable Tenby and CDCC, on Monday's assist residents on aged care packaging, social security, housing and other issues at the CDCC. I pledge to be a dedicated Councillor and to work diligently for Western Port Ward. Facebook Jan Thompson for Westernport Ward, jan.thompson3984@hotmail.com, PO Box 2057 Corinella 3984