FEATURE ARTICLES
‘Absolute disgrace’ in 2020
June 19, 2020 - Mayor calls out sacked minister’s misogyny and relates his own evolution from a footy-loving country lad. 
Virus diaries 6
June 19, 2020 - Cafes, nail salons and libraries re-open, and everywhere there are new rules to learn. Catherine Watson ventures out to sample the new normal. 
The solace of birds IV
June 19, 2020 - You don't have to be an expert to appreciate birds, writes Patsy Hunt. Enjoy their beauty, their tenacity and their ability to enjoy life despite all the threats they face. 
Clock ticking on Holden sale
June 12, 2020 - Coalition of environmental groups calls for urgent action to protect the rare coastal woodlands of the Holden Proving Ground. 
Councillors can marina plan
June 14 - Bass Coast councillors label $380m marina plan for Mahers Landing “absurd” and “ridiculous”. 
Solidarity in Surf
June 7, 2020 - Bass Coasters did it their way when it came to supporting the Black Lives Matter campaign. Geoff Ellis reports 
The armchair arts tour 4
June 12, 2020 - More than 30 writers responded to artist John Mutsaers’ challenge. Listen to the results and pick your favourite. 
Virus Diaries 5
May 29, 2020 - COVID hibernation was quite cosy, writes Catherine Watson, but now for a dose of reality. 
Hospital clock ticks again
June 12, 2020 – A century-old staff clock has been brought back to life with some local know-how, reports Brad Lester. 
A work in progress
May 29, 2020 - It’s back to business, but not as we knew it, writes Pam Rothfield. And there’s no better time to rethink the way we work. 
Sand fences offer glimmer of hope
May 29, 2020 - Conservation Society calls for extension of wet sand fencing along Inverloch beach. 
A new world of work
May 29, 2020 - As we emerge from our COVID-19 cocoons, we must learn to live with uncertainty and embrace change, writes Ajanta Judd 
The Cyan Way
May 29, 2020 - The sea is too often seen as the intruder, but it also offers farmers new options for carbon sequestration projects, writes Neil Daly 
Solidarity in Surf
June 7, 2020 - Bass Coasters did it their way when it came to supporting the Black Lives Matter campaign. Geoff Ellis reports 
Thanks for the memories
May 15, 2020 - For Ed Thexton, the lockdown is not so much about what he’s missing as what he’s discovering with his son. 
Grebe $m community 0
May 15, 2020 - A weary Peter McKenzie counts the cost of objecting to a development proposal at VCAT 
The art of isolation
May 15, 2020 - The lockdown has seen an outpouring of work by members of local artists’ group The Isolated Penguins, writes Baden Johnson 
Down to earth
May 15, 2020 - Liz Low pays tribute to trees that succumb to the need for a good lie down. 
Bob Smith and Wonthaggi
May 1, 2020 - The esteemed art historian and collector was drawn to a working class town with a collectivist character. 
Not in front of the children
May 1, 2020 - The lockdown should be a time for parents and children to get to know each other but it isn’t always working out that way, writes Mikhaela Barlow. Cartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak Too close to home
May 1, 2020 - “If you can’t be honest in a diary format, then what is the point of writing?” asks Jennifer in her brutally honest account of working from home while home schooling. 
Virus diaries 4
May 1, 2020 - As the novelty of the lockdown wears off, people are emerging from hibernation. Catherine Watson reports from the front line. 
Fast forward to 2022
April 17, 2020 - Mikhaela Barlow imagines a special day for Bass Coast – the re-opening of the community-owned Holden Proving Grounds. 
Crises I have known
April 17, 2020 - Eulalie Brewster looks back on turning points of history she has experienced in her 93 years. 
A time to spend
April 17, 2020 - Projects such as the Cowes Cultural Centre will be the key to rebuilding Bass Coast’s economy after the COVID-19 crisis, writes Cr Michael Whelan. 
Solace of birds, II
April 17, 2020 - When the sound of a chainsaw jangles the nerves, Patsy Hunt returns to the comfort of her garden and the birds that call it home. 
It's time for our own national park
April 3, 2020 - The GMH Proving Ground would make a fitting entrance to Bass Coast and a new national park, writes Meryl Brown Tobin 
Closer to the edge
April 3, 2020 - The clock is ticking as workers race to complete protection work on Inverloch beach before the storm season. Geoff Ellis reports 
Season of lists and mellow thoughts
April 3, 2020 - Miriam Strickland embraces the randomness of the list. 
Holden’s last hurrah
March 20, 2020 - GM-Detroit owes Australia, writes Tim O’Brien, and the Holden proving ground is the perfect parting gift. 
The virus diaries
March 20, 2020 - Catherine Watson takes notes as empty shelf syndrome spreads faster than COVID-19. Cartoon by Natasha Williams-Novak. 
On common ground
March 20, 2020 - “Dinkum folk” and a culture of working for the public good created a multi-cultural society in Wonthaggi ahead of its time, writes Frank Coldebella. 
View from the Chamber
March 20, 2020 - A walk along the Grantville beach leaves Cr Bruce Kent fuming. 
Not so fast, GM
March 6, 2020 - GM will probably seek to sell the Lang Lang proving ground to the highest bidder. Mikhaela Barlow argues that Bass Coast needs to stake its claim first. 
Bin there, done that
March 6, 2020 - Bass Coast was way ahead of the pack in 2017 when it introduced an organic collection, Catherine Watson reports. 
Damn you, John Mutsaers
March 6, 2020 - Catherine Watson accepts a writing challenge and finds herself down a rabbit hole. 
Home is where the art is
March 6, 2020 - Setback provides an unexpected stimulus for Phillip Island’s pop-up exhibitions. 
Enough with the climate gloom
Feb 21, 2020 - Let’s stop the angst about climate change and start talking about the economic benefits of climate action, writes Michael Whelan, who says there is plenty happening locally to give us heart. 
Cancer service to ease the pain
February 21, 2020 - The long haul to the city for Bass Coast cancer patients is ending with chemotherapy services to start at Wonthaggi Hospital next week. 
No place like home
Feb 21, 2020 - A tent in the bush, a young woman washing in public toilets … subtle signs that not everyone in Bass Coast has a roof over their heads. A local forum looks at solutions to a growing crisis of homelessness. 
Phillip Island writer takes top prize
Feb 10, 2020 - Phillip Island writer and historian Christine Grayden has won first prize in the inaugural Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction with Jobs that no longer exist. 
‘Blue poles’ director hailed from Wonthaggi
NGA director James Mollison’s death revives memories of his purchase of Blue Poles, dismissed by one newspaper as ‘$1.3m for dribs and drabs’. 
Forged by fire
Jan 25, 2020 - In the wake of her family’s ordeal in the Mallacoota bushfires, Laura Brearley reflects that catastrophe reminds us of what matters. 
Weighty words
Jan 25, 2020 - Forty-two entries, more than 300,000 words … the three judges for the first Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction approached the task with mingled anticipation and nervousness. Catherine Watson reports 
Thrills and spills
Jan 25, 2020 - Liz Low is nostalgic for the days when children roamed free and took risks. 
Here’s to the old Tech
Jan 25, 2020 - As Wonthaggi Secondary College moves to a sparkling new campus, the old tech school still holds a special place for many, writes Carolyn Landon. |
The inside story
June 19, 2020 - Farewell to the Leongatha Star, writes newspaper veteran Matt Dunn, and welcome to the future of local journalism. 
Money, going cheap
June 19, 2020 - There’s work to be done and no better time to borrow to do it, writes Frank Schooneveldt, as he casts an eye over the council budget. 
No worries! Too easy
June 19, 2020 - Working on a Bass Coast farm wasn’t on the timetable when a young French student arrived in Australia, but he took it in his stride. 
The positive disrupter
June 12, 2020 - Kay Setches never forgets she is on the side of the exploited and vulnerable. She’s now also a member of the Order of Australia. 
A break from poverty
June 12, 2020 - Hair cuts, tyre repairs, petrol, supermarket specials, an internet connection … local beneficiaries tell Geoff Ellis how they’re spending their temporary JobSeeker windfall. 
Looking for Saunders
June 12, 2020 - Deep in lockdown, Vilya Congreave watched a miracle of Nature unfold in the backyard. 
A new beard and a smiling mind
June 12, 2020 - When the lockdown throws a spanner into her mental works, Miriam Strickland tries a new approach 
Country comes alive
Place names give voice to Country, writes Laura Brearley, when the language is spoken and sung again. 
Last gasp for Jam Jerrup
May 29, 2020 - After decades of lobbying, Jam Jerrup residents welcome a plan to protect the crumbling cliffs in front of their homes. Geoff Ellis reports. 
Marina project fails on 17 counts
June 12, 2020 - Council report pans the latest plan to turn Anderson Inlet into a millionaires’ playground. Catherine Watson reports 
All stand for the Magistrate!
May 29, 2020 - Reports from Wonthaggi’s Court of Petty Sessions in 1911 make the place sound like a Wild West town, writes Carolyn Landon. 
Get ready for action
May 29, 2020 - The future is uncertain for many in our community, writes Mayor Brett Tessari, but new opportunities are coming our way. 
When blood turns bad
May 15, 2020 - Mark Robertson gives thanks for the end of the arduous trek to Melbourne for cancer treatment. 
The solace of birds III
May 15, 2020 - The koalas are gone from Cowes, writes Patsy Hunt, but so far the birds are hanging in there, thanks to people who still treasure their gardens. 
Brave new world
May 15, 2020 - Governments have acted decisively to stop a deadly virus. Let’s show the same sense of purpose in tackling climate change, writes Frank Schooneveldt 
Literary flame still burns in Bass Coast
May 1, 2020 - The second Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction has been brought forward to take advantage of the lockdown when many writers have more time for writing. 
Gotta run
May 1, 2020 - The doctor’s orders were simple – no more running for Etsuko Yasunaga until she got the all clear. 
A man of many words
May 1, 2020 - Writer’s block? No problem for Kit Fennessy, as Liane Arno discovers. 
Just dropped in
April 17, 2020 - Maddy Harford ponders the strange behaviour of some unwelcome visitors. 
Virus diaries 3
April 17, 2020 - Catherine Watson tracks the highs and lows of home detention, including a loaf of bread made with beer. 
The deadliest epidemic
April 3, 2020 - Exactly 101 years ago, Wonthaggi schools and shops were closed and the town hall set up as a hospital as the town prepared for the deadliest epidemic the world has ever seen. Carolyn Landon reports 
The virus diaries 2
April 3, 2020 - Catherine Watson struggles to keep abreast of the rapidly changing rules. 
History in the making
April 3, 2020 – We are living through interesting times, writes Libby Skidmore, and each one of us should record our experiences. 
Mum’s tea towel
April 3, 2020 - Certain humble objects hold strong memories, writes Liz Low, and they deserve a fitting end. 
Beyond the view
April 3, 2020 - Linda Cuttriss was highly commended in the Bass Coast Prize for Non-fiction for her essay Beyond the view: Phillip Island’s landscape of labour and love. 
Man of many parts
March 20, 2020 - Liane Arno meets the enigmatic Geoff Ellis, writer, photographer, councillor, activist and petrol head. 
Ed and the Birds
March 20, 2020 - Karen Bateman was highly commended in the Bass Coast Prize for Non-fiction for her essay Ed and the Birds, a very local response to environmental issues. 
The solace of birds
March 20, 2020 – In troubled times, Patsy Hunt turns to the comfort of a garden alive with birds. 
Self portrait of an architect
March 20, 2020 - Creative endeavor is full of heartbreak, writes Tim Shannon, punctuated by rare moments of delight. 
Alzheimer Sufferer/Carer Suite
March 6, 2020 - Cape Woolamai poet Malcolm Brodie won third prize in the inaugural Bass Coast Prize for Non-Fiction for a cycle of 56 poems celebrating his mother Florence. 
One of us?
March 6, 2020 - Australians trapped in Hubei province, ISIS wives and children, Julian Assange and Dusty Martin’s dad … citizenship is back in the news, writes Anne Heath Mennell 
Our town
March 6, 2020 - “Progress by property developers” isn’t good enough for the next generation of Wonthaggi residents, writes Joan Woods. Poles apart
March 6, 2020 - John Parsons puts an alternative perspective on climate change. 
Flower power
March 6, 2020 - An old-fashioned garden favourite reminds Liz Low that gardening is often a mysterious art. 
Salutations from the high ground
Feb 21, 2020 - Like the climate emergency itself, the Emergency Summit was almost too big, writes Cr Geoff Ellis 
Why I love Cape
Feb 21, 2020 - After watching so many quiet seaside villages succumb to suburbia, Pete Muskens has found a haven in Cape Paterson … but for how long? 
Pittosporum Flowering
Feb 21, 2020 - Julie Constable’s memoir of an environmental awakening won second prize in the inaugural Bass Coast prize for Non-Fiction. 
Memories of Hiroshi
Feb brings bitter-sweet memories of a beloved nephew to Etsuko Yasunaga and gratitude for what she learned from his short life. 
Jobs that no longer exist: a memoir
Feb 10, 2020 - Chicory drying, kelp harvesting and cuttlefish collecting … Christine Grayden’s prize-winning memoir is a fascinating insight into a world of work that once existed on Phillip Island. 
A force of nature
Feb 10, 2020 - Eulalie Brewster’s inquiring mind and vast knowledge make her a much loved companion and an invaluable resource, well into her 90s, writes Terri Allen 
‘A gentle man who earned respect’
Jan 25, 2020 - Terri Allen pays tribute to local park ranger Bill Slade, who died while fighting fires in East Gippsland. 
It’s complicated
Feb 10, 2020 - As she celebrates her 20th anniversary, Miriam Strickland reflects on what makes a relationship endure. 
A blazing star
Jan 25, 2020 - Ricardo Alves-Ferreira’s friends remember a free spirit who lit up the world and inspired others to be true to themselves 
Keep it #$%@!!*& nice
Jan 25, 2020 - Catherine Watson used to pride herself on the fact that comments posted by Bass Coast Post readers were constructive, relevant, respectful. So unlike those in other publications. 
Making his mark
Jan 25, 2020 - Bricklayer, masseur, clay artist … Pat Wishart lets his hands do the talking. |