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
From Caridà to Wonthaggi
Sam Gatto’s memoir of his family’s migration from an Italian village to an Australian coal town was written for his descendants, but it’s a remarkable story for the rest of us too.
Riders versus orchids
Mountain bike riders are cutting a swathe through The Gurdies Nature Conservation Reserve, threatening some of Australia’s rarest orchids.
The homing instinct
A lifelong Phillip Islander, Cherry McFee didn’t like to go too far from the sea. Story by Gill Heal
The last goodbye
To be present at the death of a loved one is a precious and profound experience, writes Etsuko Yasunaga
VCAT rejects Harmers subdivision
The fragmentation of the continuous vegetation cover would have a detrimental impact on the biodiversity of the area, including the adjoining Harmers Haven Coastal Reserve.
Return of El Niño bodes ill for Inverloch beach
As long-term planning continues to protect the Bunurong Coast, destructive storm surges are expected to return, writes Philip Heath.
Yes we do
Bass Coast has joined the ranks of Victorian councils that have formally endorsed a Yes vote, but it was a close call.
The battle for Western Port
Successive threats to Western Port have been stopped only by massive public opposition, writes Neil Daly
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