Election 2024

Meg Edwards Q&A

12/10/2024

Meg Edwards (centre) is a candidate for the Bunurong Ward in the
Bass Coast Shire Council election

1. Where do you live?
Inverloch

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
On and off since I went to school at Newhaven (14 years old). Inverloch has been my primary residence for a number of years now and my partner Carl has a small farm (140 acres) in South Gippsland.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?

Bass Coast votes

6/10/2024

22 candidates, 9 positions available

By Catherine Watson

TWENTY-two of our fellow citizens have raised their hands, eager to serve us over the next four years. Now it’s up to us to choose nine of them for the new Bass Coast Shire Council.

With ballot papers due to arrive in our mailboxes this week, here is the Post’s survey of candidates to help you choose the one who will best represent your own concerns and values.

Marnie Chadwick Q&A

4/10/2024

Marnie Chadwick is a candidate for Island Ward in the
Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
Cowes, Phillip Island

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
Since I was born 45 years ago, left to study and travel etc, but always came home, back and forth constantly. Moved permanently after a marriage breakdown 11 years ago. My family has always been here 😊

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
Conservation work, Animal rescue, Re-building of the Helmeted Honeyeater habitat, member of many neurodiverse communities, volunteer to Member of the Thompson Ave Golden Cypress trees.

Brett Tessari Q&A

2/10/2024

Brett Tessari (pictured with Chelsea from The Muffin Lady)
is a candidate for the Bunurong Ward in the Bass Coast
Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
Wonthaggi

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have lived here all my life, 55 years, I am 3rd generation.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
I am on Rotary, I also give up my time either as a volunteer auctioneer or MC for numerous community events, I have been a committee member and President of local football, on a number of boards, and chairman of the inaugural board at the Gippsland League. In my role as Mayor I also represented Bass Coast on several boards.

Les Larke Q&A

1/10/2024

Les Larke is a candidate for the Bunurong Ward in the
Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
Wonthaggi

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
My family has lived permanently in Bass Coast since mid-1970s, firstly Cape Paterson, then Wonthaggi and now Inverloch. I have three children and four young grandchildren, and have resided in Wonthaggi since 2012.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
Active campaigner to save and preserve Wonthaggi Cemetery. Also involved in Rose Lodge (Aged Care Facility), Young Achievement Australia and Bass Coast Parkinson’s Support Group activities.

4. What experience or attributes do you bring that will help you in the role of shire councillor?
Refer ballot paper Candidate Statement

Jan Thompson Q&A

1/10/2024

Jan Thompson is a candidate for the Western Port Ward in the Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
I bought land in Corinella four years ago and due to COVID home completed in July 2022.

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have lived in Bass Coast for two years. Have spent time in Cape Patterson at my father’s home for many years.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
My previous Community involvement is extensive:-

Previous
Brownie Leader, Meals on Wheels, Knox Council Volunteer, President Seville Liberal Party Branch, Liberal Party State Council Representative, St Johns Ambulance Craft co-ordinator Mt Evelyn, Secretary of Mansfield Rotary Club, Leader Cancer Support Program Maryborough Qld, Member of Lioness Club Maryborough Qld, Member of Heartkids (Royal Children’s Hospital) and coordinated a large Horse Show & Family Fun Fair in Yarra Glen, Volunteer driver for Bass Health.

Rochelle Halstead Q&A

30/9/2024

Rochelle Halstead (pictured with her dog Goldie) is a candidate for the Western Port Ward in the
Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
San Remo

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast? 8 years permanently

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?

As a breast cancer survivor, I have had a special interest in raising funds for breast cancer and have participated in the following charity events:

Mothers Day Classic
Sussans Breast Cancer Walk
BCNA Pink Sports Day
Pink for Pinker – Cranbourne Turf Club with Shane Crawford
Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Walk for Parkinsons charity event
Fight for Bella charity (Leukemia Foundation)
San Remo CFA Red Shield Appeal
Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal
The Big Freeze – Fight for MND
Walk for the Kids San Remo
San Remo Tidal Festival Committee Member
Langwarrin Junior Football Club Volunteer

Eddie Halaijian Q&A

30/9/2024

Eddie Halaijian is a candidate for the Bunurong Ward in the
Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
I live in Inverloch, after spending several years in Wonthaggi. Both towns have been my home, and I’ve seen the diverse needs and challenges that our community faces across Bass Coast.

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I’ve lived and worked in Bass Coast for nearly 15 years. This experience has given me a deep understanding of the community's evolving needs, from the pressure on local services to the economic and environmental challenges we face.

Leticia Laing Q&A

30/9/2024

Leticia Laing is a candidate in the Bunurong Ward for the
Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
Wonthaggi

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
8 years

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?

Wonthaggi Primary School Fundraising Committee - current
Wonthaggi United Soccer Club (soccer mum) - current
Bass Coast Climate Action Network member 2019 - 2021
Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club (communications committee 2018-2021)

Glenda Minty Q&A

29/9/2024

Glenda Minty is standing as a candidate for Western Port Ward in the Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
North Wonthaggi

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
For nearly 6 years, but I was born in Korumburra and lived in Tallangatta for 40 years

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
I have been in or still am a member of

Bass Coast Artists Society ( Secretary since 2023)
L2P Mentor
CWA ( with senior positions of responsibility)
Wonthaggi Harvest Garden
ArtSpace Wonthaggi
KiliKruisers Cycle group
Host for Bass Coast Edible Gardens

Brian Robinson Q&A

29/9/2024

Brian Robinson (pictured at Inverloch Beach) is a candidate in the Bunurong ward for the Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
I live in Inverloch (full-time permanent resident), in the Bunurong ward of the Bass Coast Shire.

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have lived in the Bass Coast region for several years and am deeply committed to our community. I have lived in South Gippsland for over 15 years.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
My community involvement includes volunteering in local charities, disability services, culturally and linguistically diverse organizations, and local sporting clubs. Additionally, I am an active member of the Inverloch Tourism Association, advocating for sustainable tourism and local business support. I have been actively involved in lobbying the State Government to take action to save our Surf Club & beaches from erosion.

Tim O'Brien Q&A

26/9/2024

So where are the ovals? Tim O'Brien is a candidate for the Island Ward in the Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
Ventnor, Phillip Island

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
Permanent residents for 14 years (shared family holiday house for 30 years prior)

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?

Founding member of Save Western Port Woodlands
Landcare member
Active with Ventnor Coast Action
Phillip Island Conservation Society members

4. What experience or attributes do you bring that will help you in the role of shire councillor?
I have a thorough understanding of the workings of government (having held an executive government-facing role with a large industry NGO).

Brian O'Farrell Q&A

25/9/2024

Brian O'Farrell is a candidate for the Western Port Ward in the
Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
I presently reside in Corinella.

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have resided in Corinella since 2018.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
I am Secretary of the Corinella Residents and Ratepayers Association and a member of the Grantville Cemetery Trust. I recently completed migrating its historical and current records to a new system.

I also volunteer technology support through the Corinella & District Community Centre, having previously offered the Commonwealth funded Be Connected program to assist older citizens with online engagement.

Nikole Schellekens Q&A

25/9/2024

Nikole Schellekens (pictured with a foster puppy) is a candidate for the Western Port Ward in the Bass Coast Shire Council elections.

1/2. Where do you live?/ How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I’ve lived in the Western Port Ward for many years on our beautiful farm, and I’m deeply connected to the entire community. I’m passionate about supporting local residents and addressing the unique needs and challenges of our diverse region.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
I’m a co-founder of the Bass Playgroup, where we provide activities for local families to connect and build relationships. I also served as President of the San Remo Pre School for 3 years, an operational and volunteer role with governance responsibility for the Pre School.

Tracey Bell Q&A

24/9/2024

Tracey Bell (pictured with her son at the Island Sounds Festival) is a candidate in the Island Ward for the Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
Cowes

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
Since February 2019

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
In Bass Coast, I’ve volunteered at PICAL. Outside of Bass Coast, I’ve was a Girl Guide leader in Mount Waverley, worked with Australian Conservation Volunteers in Canberra, and spent many years volunteering with the Victorian YMCA in their youth programs. Before living in Cowes, I lived for nine years in Kenya where my tour company engaged with community-based organisations and we encouraged our guests to visit these organisations to see the positive work Kenyans were doing to develop Kenya. I was also a member of Nature Kenya and took part in a number of their activities including bird walks and wildlife censuses.

John Trigt Q&A

21/9/2024

John Trigt has nominated for the Island Ward in the
Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
Surf Beach Phillip Island

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have had a holyday home since 1985 and lived permanently on the Island since 2001.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area? Previous- C.F.A member North Warrandyte fire Brigade, committee member of the North Warrandyte Progress Association, Committee member of the Phillip Island P.I.T.T.S CRG group, committee member of the Bass Coast Ratepayers and Residents Association. Presently committee member of Island Voice.

Darrell Silva Q&A

20/9/2024

Darrell Silva is standing in the Island Ward for the
Bass Coast Shire Council election.

1. Where do you live?
Cowes, Phillip Island

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have been visiting Phillip Island for 25 years and have had a house in Cowes since 2013. In 2019 my wife and I decided to make the sea change and spend our time in Cowes. I still have an apartment in Melbourne.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
I am an active sailing member of the Cowes Yacht Club, and member of the Phillip Island RSL. I play cards with the Euchre Club at the RSL and play golf with the RSL Golf Team of a Friday afternoon.

Caitlyn Robertson Q&A

19/9/2024

Caitlyn Robertson is a candidate in the Bunurong Ward.

1. Where do you live?
I call Inverloch home and it’s where I live, work, and raise my daughter.

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I am the sixth generation of my family living in the Bass Coast and South Gippsland. My parents live in Cape Paterson, I live in Inverloch, my grandparents were Korumburra locals, and my great grandfather worked here at the Wonthaggi Coal Mine. My family have been involved in this community for a long time, and I want to build on their legacies of
contributing to the community that I’m proud to live in.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in
Bass Coast or another area?
Since my daughter started school here in Inverloch, I have been an active member of the school council and am now joint Vice President. I am proud to be able to contribute to our local school, and help it to be the best place for our children to play, learn, and grow. I love helping out at the Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club supporting the families in the Nippers program every summer, and I support the Inverloch Surf Life Saving Club when I can too.

Ron Bauer Q&A

18/9/2024

Ron Bauer is a candidate in the Island Ward.

1. Where do you live?
Cowes, Phillip Island

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have had my holiday house in Cowes since 1981. In 2013 my wife and I decided to make the sea change. I still have a home in Melbourne.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
I am a member of the Cowes Yacht Club, Phillip Island Jazz, and attend in an observer status at Island Voice meetings. I have just been inducted into Rotary. Outside of the Shire, I am the vice president of the Jewellers Association of Australia, Australia’s head delegate to the world Jewellery Congress (CIBJO), I have held the positions of President, Chairman constitutional officer of the Gemmological Association of Australia (GAA). I am an honorary Life member of the GAA. I also was Victorian president of the Australian Sex Party (ASXP) (2016-18) and was instrumental in having the name changed to Reason in 2017. I have been independent since 2018.

Mat Morgan Q&A

18/9/2024

Mat Morgan is a candidate in Bunurong Ward.

1. Where do you live?
I live in Cape Paterson, an ecologically delicate coastal village where the community is fighting to bring the town boundary back to Seaward Drive. Our current councillors haven’t even been able to deliver a response from the relevant minister on this issue.

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
My family and I have been bouncing around Bass Coast and South Gippsland for six generations.

I moved to my Grandparents’ (Margaret and Daryl Hook) farm in Pound Creek as soon as I finished high school. I studied remotely from the farm and worked at Aldi in Wonthaggi before taking an adviser role to Emma Davidson, who’s a ACT Gov Minister. I now live in Cape Paterson and work in digital communications.

Jon Temby Q&A

16/9/2024

Jon Temby is a candidate for Western Port Ward.

1. Where do you live?
I live on a few acres in West Creek.

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
I have lived here for a little over three years but have a lifetime of holidays and immediate family contact in Bass Coast.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?

Member Three Creeks Landcare
Member Gippsland Threatened Species Action Group

Prudence Scholtes Q&A

16/9/2024

Prudence Scholtes, candidate for Bunurong Ward.

1. Where do you live?
I live in the new Powlett Ridge East in Wonthaggi.

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
Two years but have been visiting my step children here regularly for 5 years prior to this.

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?
I have been a member of the Active Adults Inverloch group and the Broadbeach Gym since we arrived in the Shire. We rented in Inverloch before we bought in Wonthaggi. My most significant involvement has been as an elected member of the Save Wonthaggi North East Residents Executive Committee. This group was established to fight the retrospective Environmental Audit Overlay placed on the new precinct in Wonthaggi.

David Rooks Q&A

16/9/2024

David Rooks, candidate for the Island Ward

1. Where do you live?
Ventnor township

2. How long have you lived in Bass Coast?
24 years

3. What is your previous community involvement (voluntary work or membership), either in Bass Coast or another area?

Chair of Phillip Island Kindergarten committee – 3 years
School Council – 1 year

Council in the balance

12/9/2024

This story was revised on September 18 after final nominations were confirmed.

Going, going, going ... Crs Michael Whelan, Clare Le Serve and Geoff Ellis

By Catherine Watson

AFTER three progressive councils, the pendulum could be about to swing for Bass Coast Shire with the exodus of three current left-leaning councillors, Clare Le Serve, Michael Whelan and Geoff Ellis.

If the council does swing right, there will likely be less interest in issues such as climate action, reconciliation, the environment and gender equity and more on the traditional three Rs of local government: “roads, rates, and rubbish”.