Welcome to the Bass Coast Post, an online magazine written by and for residents of Bass Coast. The next edition will be published on October 16. Email submissions to editor@basscoastpost.com
NEWS
‘Do your own dirty work!’
Councillors maintain the rage against State Government levy that will drag an extra $5 million out of Bass Coast ratepayers
‘Ricko’ relishes third chance at life
AFTER cheating death twice in the past 12 months, Wonthaggi’s Ian Rixon attributes his third chance at life to his “angels” at Bass Coast Health (BCH).
Now for Wonthaggi
With the release of the long-awaited Bass Coast Statement of Planning Policy, 27 of the shire’s 29 settlements now have planning certainty,
It’s official. The Western Port Woodlands matter.
The government has finally recognised their value. Now to turn recognition into protection. By Catherine Watson
Let’s talk some more
The Teal movement missed out in the Monash electorate, writes Robert Durkacz, but a community approach to politics remains an attractive idea.
My local MP blocked me
What does it means for democracy if our politicians can shut us up if they don’t like what we’re saying? By Oliver Jobe
Across the waters
When author Christine Dineen related a story of the first French Island ferryman, his daughter happened to be in the audience and told how she was named after the ferry.
Crays, muttonfish and gars with tails like pick-axes
Fishing yarns from the Bunurong Coast, by Rees Quilford
VIEWPOINT
Come on Labor, finish the job!
Despite years of promises, the nationally significant Western Port Woodlands remain as vulnerable as ever to sand quarrying.
From ram raids to road repairs
After a couple of busy weeks in Canberra, Mary Aldred is back to the issues closer to home
Harriet Shing bows out
After 12 years representing Eastern Victoria in the Victorian Parliament, there were a few digs, some personal reflections and a spirited defence of the record of the Labor governments she served under.
ENVIRONMENT
The bush as supermarket
On a walk through The Gurdies, Bunurong ranger Ross Henry reveals a landscape where every plant has a story and most have a use.
Planting against the odds
Eighty volunteers brave wind, sand and salt to begin the long haul to restore Inverloch’s lost dune habitat
What’s killing Phillip Island’s eucalypts?
Research student Evie Cowling discovered the answer is complicated.
Don’t dream it’s over
Fifty-five years ago Professor Shapiro wrote “Western Port is more than an amenity; it is a treasure to be cherished for generations to come”. By Neil Daly
The koala detectives
Koalas living in the Western Port Woodlands are part of the special Strzelecki genetic lineage, but there is still much to learn.
ARTS
Breakthrough
Anabelle Bremner was there to see Bass Coast’s young performers take their first steps into the real music world.
A colourful call for Western Port
Community gathering celebrates the bay’s biodiversity and calls for stronger protection
LOCAL HISTORY
‘We never stand still!’
For over 100 years, the Kongwak Hall has been the heart of this community. By Jillian Durance
Gordon House and the Union Café
Newly arrived in Wonthaggi, Nannie Grieve found a way to make a living and a home for her family.
What's on and where