News
Don’t mention the ‘R’ word
May 21, 2026 - Councillors at odds over staged “retreat” for vulnerable coastal communities 
Fire team revives Bunurong tradition
May 20, 2026 - A cultural burn in the Gurdies last week is the first undertaken in the area for almost two centuries. 
Cars out, military drones in
May 15, 2026 - Defence tech boss buys former Holden proving ground 
Safety concerns sink childcare centre
May 20, 2026 - Councillors wasted little time in rejecting San Remo venture. 
Community rallies for winter shelter
May 19, 2026 - Cowes refuge prepares to lay out the welcome mat. Environment
Home delivery, minus the diesel
May 19, 2025 - Prefab nine-star home trucked to The Cape in Australia’s first carbon-free housing journey. 
Rental remedies
May 18, 2026 - Helping renters to share in the energy transition to warmer homes and lower power bills. 
Community diary
What's on and where |
Viewpoint
Mind the gaps
May 20, 2026 - Catching the V/Line bus to the city can be a lottery. Here’s our chance to fix it. Nature notes
Long live the olive!
May 20, 2026 - Love `em or hate `em, olives have earned their place in Wonthaggi, writes Matt Stone. 
A photo journal
May 20, 2026 – Our native flora marks the change of season in a subtle way. By Julie Paterson Local history
The sinking of the Eagle Star
May 21, 2026 - How a fleet of sailors, paddleboarders and swimmers saved the day. By Pamela Rothfield 
Just add water
May 18, 2026 - All going well, we hardly notice the Candowie Reservoir, writes Rob Parsons Arts
Sea Country
May 19, 2026 – The next best thing to sharing the water with a whale, writes Colin McHenry of Helen S Tiernan’s new exhibition. Gardens
The great feijoa divide
May 21, 2026 - Kiwis go weak at the knees for them. Australians mostly say “Uuuugh no”. By Catherine Watson |
News
War of words over woodlands
May 2, 2026 - MP and Mayor clash over interim overlay and funding 
New mayor gives up the day job
May 1, 2026 - Cr Brett Tessari says big election year needs a full-time mayor. Nature notes
The final journey
May 1, 2026 - At the Mouth of the Powlett, a secret migration unfolds each autumn. 
The secret life of figs
April 30, 2026 - Matt Stone will never look at a ripe fig in quite the same way Environment
Ready to buy an EV?
May 1, 2026 - Talk to the experts. No sales pitch, just honest answers from local EV owners at Phillip Island session 
Partnering for plovers
April 30, 2026 - Plover lovers gather at Kilcunda to talk progress on plover protection. |
Viewpoint
How Inverloch was led down a one-way street
May 1, 2026 - Residents were only ever told half the story, writes Michelle Gardiner, but it’s not too late to get it right. 
An MP’s Diary
April 30, 2026 - Mary Aldred on juggling politics in Canberra and community work at home. 
On church going
May 1, 2026 - Nikki Nicols only got involved with her local church because she didn’t want it to close. Along the way, she found respite in a troubled world. Local history
Home-grown history wins state recognition
April 29, 2026 - Wonthaggi talks take out major museum award. Arts
A touch of stardust
April 30, 2026 - Meet Leigh Rowles, a disciplined artist with a mischievous soul. Be Liane Arno 
A cook’s journal
May 1, 2026 - While you’re making quince jelly, get two for the price of one by making this delicious paste.
Community diary
What's on and where |
News
Back to basics
April 16, 2026 - No-frills council budget sticks to core services and maintenance in uncertain times 
How about it, Woodside?
April 15, 2026 - Bass Coast joins chorus of councils calling for fossil fuel companies to pay for the impacts of climate change. 
New leash on life for dog rules
April 16, 2026 - More dog parks, more no-go areas as council seeks balance between dogs and wildlife Viewpoint
To be or
not to be April 17, 2026 - Catherine Watson's three friends had all lived rich, fulfilling lives. Then they were ready to depart. Local history
Saltwater sanctuary
April 15, 2026 - How a bunch of locals with sledge hammers and gut-buster drills carved Victoria’s only man-made ocean rock pool. By Mike Tesch 
The Scots and Red Wonthaggi
April 16, 2026 - Scottish miners were a driving force in the militant unionism for which Wonthaggi became known. By Linda Cuttriss Nature notes
Beetle vs spider
April 16, 2026 - Gayle Marien scores a ringside view of an epic drama in our local wetlands.
Community diary
What's on and where |
Feature stories
One ordinary morning
April 15, 2026 - In an instant Etsuko Yasunaga’s world tilts and reminds her of the fragility of all that she holds dear. 
Changing of the guard at Glen Forbes
April 13, 2026 - The names may change but the purpose and community spirit remain the same. By Rob Parsons. 
War and peace, one street at a time
April 13, 2026 - Eighty years after our fathers and uncles did their best to kill one another, our lives are woven together by friendship. By Catherine Watson Environment
Floating wetlands take root
April 16, 2026 - RMIT-led trial shows improved water quality and biodiversity in farm dams across Bass Coast. Arts
Coming to a screen near you
April 16, 2026 - The world comes to Bass Coast with the 14th Wonthaggi International Film Festival this weekend. 
Not fighting, dancing
April 16, 2026 - From happy accidents to AI anxiety, Gonzalo Varela finds poetry and light in uncertain times 
A cook’s journal
April 13, 2026 - This quiche is so rich that even macho types will enjoy it. By Liane Arno |
News
Thanks a million
April 3, 2026 – Peter Hawkins narrowly survived drowning on Inverloch beach. He returned to Wonthaggi Hospital to thank staff who helped to save his life. 
Mission accomplished for Friends
March 30, 2026 - It’s been a long haul for Friends of the State Coal Mine but they’ve finally got the news they'd hoped for. Viewpoint
Rethinking Surf Parade
March 31, 2026 - Four locals take on the challenge. Have they cracked it? By Glenn Morris 
Trials and tribulations
March 31, 2026 - When does a job trial turn into unpaid labour, asks Liane Arno Environment
The power trip speeds up… again
April 3, 2026 - Are we there yet? Getting closer, writes Werner Theinert Arts
Many voices, one community
April 3, 2026 - A day of music, dance and food celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Bass Coast. By Laura Brearley 
The art of illusion
April 1, 2026 - Step into Pat Wishart's garden and nothing is quite what it seems. 
Send her packing, again
March 31, 2026 - Pauline Hanson didn’t get far with Victorians in the late `90s, writes former MP Susan Davies. Now she’s back for a second go. |
Feature stories
King of the underground
April 2, 2026 - Lou Storti loved drilling tunnels and digging coal. Along the way he also saved our mining history. By John Bordignon and Moz Wilson 
The other Norm Smith
April 1, 2026 - Our Norm Smith was a footballer with one eye and a banged-up body. He made up for it with guts and determination, writes Bruce Phillips Nature notes
The world in miniature
April 2, 2026 - Dick Wettenhall’s monumental study of orchids in the Gurdies uncovers a complex web of life. 
Bruce, Scabby and Bob
April 2, 2026 - Matt Stone observes an unfolding family drama from his front deck. 
Autumn nature notes
April 3, 2026 - As the nights draw in, Lisa Gilbert tells us what to watch for on Phillip Island. 
The Happy Snapper
April 2, 2026 - Dyonn Dimmock's first visit to Harmers Haven gave her plenty to think about and photograph. Gardens
Welcome back, old friend
April 1, 2026 - Catherine Watson hails the annual return of a plant that is celebrated around the world in many guises.
Community diary
What's on and where |
News
Counting down to beach rebuild
March 20, 2026 - Anticipation builds as crews prepare to reshape Inverloch’s Surf Beach 
Holding the line
March 20, 2026 - Silverleaves residents brace for winter storm surges with their own coastal works delayed. 
Dust-up ahead
March 19, 2026 - Pay $4000 or lose the seal – road plan set to test neighbourhood unity. 
Port plans deserve scrutiny
March 19, 2026 - Phillip Islanders have a natural interest in what happens across the bay, writes Maurice Schinkel. 
Cold nights bring a warm response
March 19, 2026 - The Bass Coast Winter Shelter is set to reopen in June after a successful pilot season last year. Viewpoint
Googled
March 19, 2026 - How many steps in the Buchan Caves? Don’t Google it, mate. By Geoff Ellis Arts
Where art meets Country
March 19, 2026 - Two local artists take a leap of faith with their new studio gallery. By Laura Brearley |
Feature stories
My great big adventure
March 19, 2026 - Lesley Kool shuts the door of her lab and immerses herself in a world that’s long gone. 
The show goes on
March 21, 2026 - Gwen Derrick was the creative, tireless heartbeat of the Wonthaggi Theatrical Group. By Karen Milkins-Hendry 
Of triangles and points
March 20, 2026 - Phillip Island and its people have their own a way of doing things, writes Tim Shannon in the second extract from An Architect’s Story. Nature notes
Special spiders
March 18 2026 - The clever leaf curling spider has plenty of fans, including Matt Stone. 
Community diary
What's on and where |
News
Kernot bridge on track
March 4, 2026 - The council awarded the tender for the project at today’s additional council meeting. 
Desal dodge back in spotlight
March 4, 2026 - Wellington’s rates push revives old questions about AquaSure’s exemption 
Think you can spot a rip? Think again.
March 4, 2026 - We may be better than our city cousins at spotting dangerous surf, but most of us are still guessing. Viewpoint
An MP’s diary
March 6, 2026 - Cracking a whip outside Parliament House wasn’t on Mary Aldred’s bingo card at the start of 2026. 
From protest to participation
March 4, 2026 - Rob Parsons takes us inside the Grantville Quarries Reference Group. 
The MotoGP’s gone. What now?
March 6, 2026 - From golf links and a motorsports festival to sweet revenge, there are plenty of ideas. 
Small shop with a big heart
March 6, 2026 - Toni Cooper introduces us to the people and pup of Hadden House Op Shop |
Feature stories
Light Sand Wind Water Tide
March 5, 2026 The sinking sun transforms the everyday into something magical. By Julie Paterson 
After 12 years in limbo, a place to call home
March 5, 2026 - Syrian family relishes new life in Bass Coast. 
A foot soldier for the cause
March 6, 2026 - American Sandy Shively fell in love with the Australian bush, and joined the ranks of those working to protect it. 
Sink or swim
March 4, 2026 - Harry Freeman throws himself in at the deep end of stand-up comedy. 
Finding my island
Feb 3, 2026 - A long relationship with Phillip Island has provided the balance in a sometimes stressful architectural life, writes Tim Shannon. 
Surprise turns
March 6, 2026 - The Bass Coast Post sometimes works in mysterious ways, writes editor Catherine Watson. Community diary
What's on and where |
News
Council wish list
Feb 18, 2026 - The Wonthaggi pool and old high school site, a new sports precinct in Phillip Island, protection of the Western Port Woodlands and coastal erosion top the council’s new advocacy list. 
Farmers win in rates shake-up
Feb 18, 2026 - Council cuts farm rates and lifts vacant land charges. Park upgrade approved despite tree loss
Feb 19, 2026 - Councillors say they have no power to stop the felling of 44 mature trees as part of a major redevelopment of a Phillip Island holiday park. 
Inverloch path back on track
Feb 18, 2026 – Long-awaited path closer as council moves to make a section of Surf Parade one way. 
New nurses join the team
Feb 16, 2026 - Twelve graduates start their careers at Wonthaggi Hospital and San Remo District Nursing. 
Green targets the youth vote
Feb 17, 2026 - Sophie Thorn, a 34-year-old youth mental health worker, has been selected as the Greens candidate for Bass in the November state election. Viewpoint
Here we go again
Feb 18, 2026 - Revelations of massive corruption in Melbourne’s Big Build come as no surprise to Mark Robertson, who says it started during construction of the Wonthaggi desalination plant. 
I’m not racist but …
Feb 15, 2026 - Recent events remind Blue Barlow that most racists think they’re just being reasonable. 
A cook’s journal
Feb 16, 2026 - When the nectarines re falling faster than you can eat them, it's time for a sumptuous slice. By Liane Arno 
Love your work
Feb 16, 2026 - Glenn Arnold talks to Cathie Agg about his beloved Inverloch beach and the people who make a surf lifesaving club. Listen online. |
Feature stories
Meeting Itsuku
Feb 17, 2026 - A newborn baby brings joy and healing to Etsuko Yasunaga’s family. 
The long view from Hurricane Hill
Feb 19, 2026 - How Bob Davie reshaped farming and community life on Phillip Island. By Catherine Watson 
Playing close to home
Feb 16, 2026 - Bass Coast’s young musos are ready – and you might want to listen, writes Anabelle Bremner 
The unforgettable Laurie Chizzoniti
Feb 16, 2026 – The genial fruiterer lifted the belligerent drunk and gently danced him out of the pub. Bruce Phillips tells the tale of one of nature’s gentlemen. 
Warrior woman
Feb 17, 2026 - There was nothing in Phyllis Papps’ mild demeanour to suggest the courageous feminist who faced down homophobia and discrimination, writes Jan Bourne. 
How we Learn English
Feb 18, 2026 - In a speedy world, slow learning gives students a chance to go much deeper, writes Daryl Pellizzer Local history
From Italy to Wonthaggi
Feb 16, 2026 - By the mid 1930s a thriving Italian community of around 800 people was living in the district, writes Linda Cuttriss. Environment
Welcome, stranger
Feb 16, 2026 - Spotted on Reef Island, the Eastern Yellow Wagtail is a long way from home, writes Dave Newman. 
Eco made easy
Feb 16, 2026 - Caring for the environment is a serious business but there’s room for a little fun as well at the Bass Coast Sustainability Festival. Community diary
What's on and where |
Features
The final curtain
Jan 16, 2026 - Gill Heal has left the theatre but a touch of magic remains. By Catherine Watson Viewpoint
Lost in Bunnings
Jan 15, 2026 - All Liane Arno wanted was a garden tap, and she got a reminder of why our snap judgements are so often wrong. 
Waiting for the shot
Jan 15, 2026 - Dyonn Dimmock timed her visit to Twin Reefs to capture the turning of the tide. 
I had a dream
Jan 14, 2026 - Matt Stone delves into the mysterious world on the other side of sleep. Environment
A touch of home
Jan 15, 2026 - The Victorian Acclimatisation Society worked hard to introduce a host of plants and animals that would be useful to new settlers. By Anne Paul 
Community diary
What's on and where |
Arts
So real you can almost smell them
Jan 16, 2026 - Jam Jerrup fibre artist Jennie-maree Tempest is forging a growing reputation with her extraordinary botanical works. 
Where words grow wild
Jan 15, 2026 - Normally quietly spoken, poet Kathy Wiltshire finds her voice on stage. Local history
Annual vigil continues to grow
Jan 15, 2026 - This year’s commemoration of the hanging of two Aboriginal men in Melbourne in 1842 has added significance. 
A cook’s journal
Jan 14, 2026 - Liane Arno offers a delicious fresh take on the apple tarte tatin during a bumper year for stone fruit. |
News
$12.7m social housing project unveiled
Dec 12, 2025 - The State Government will fast track a 30-unit social housing development on the edge of the Wonthaggi CBD. 
Beach works take shape
Dec 11, 2025 - Contractors are working against the clock to extend the sandbag wall on the Inverloch foreshore before the start of the holidays. Fossil-free is small change
Dec 11, 2025 - Despite the outrage, council’s ‘woke’ investment policy cost just 0.03%. Features
Just mucking around
Dec 9, 2025 - Retirement and the freedom of her own patch of earth combined at just the right moment for Barbara McNulty. 
Are we there yet?
Dec 9, 2025 - No gears, no lycra – kids’ epic ride to Inverloch amazes six decades on. 
Keep your koel, ed
Dec 12, 2025 - A noisy intruder sparks Matt Stone’s musings on a word with many tangents. Viewpoint
An MP's diary
Dec 15, 2025 - Monash federal MP Mary Aldred looks back on her first six months in the job. 
MICROSOFT™ versus me
Dec 14, 2025 - Catherine Watson just wanted a functioning computer. Microsoft had bigger plans. Arts
The summer canvas
Dec 11, 2025 - As 50 artists descended on Berninneit Art Gallery carrying around 130 artworks it was bedlam … and curator Warren Nichols loved it. 
The back story
Dec 13, 2025 - Will the author get lost? Will the punters come? Will they enjoy the talk? Organising an author talk can be fraught, writes Julie Statkus 
End of the journey
A year of hard work for EAL students ended with a joyous party. Words by Daryl Pellizzer. Photostory by Laura Brearley Community diary
What's on and where |
Environment
Return of the wild
Dec 3, 2025 - Trees and animals are returning to a windswept coastal patch near Wonthaggi that was grazed for decades. 
Eye to eye
Dec 5, 2025 - Andrew Keir's birds look straight down the barrel of the lens as if they’re letting him into their world. 
The gardener’s friend
Dec 12, 2025 - Gayle Marien welcomes the return of the not-so-humble hover fly. 
Rhyll leads the charge
Dec 13, 2025 - Up to 60 Rhyll households will have their electric hot water systems switched to daytime operation to sop us excess solar power. 
A nose for trouble
Dec 4, 2025 - Dogs and humans alike are being trained to keep Phillip Island fox-free. 
Who’s in charge of tidal matters?
Dec 10, 2025 - The two major parties show little interest in helping Victorian communities adapt to coastal erosion, writes Neil Daly. Local history
Kernot Bridge: the vital link
Dec 12, 2025 - Current closure is latest chapter in a century of collapses, repairs and community perseverance, writes Rob Parsons. 
Sun, surf … and a dash of history
Dec 11, 2025 - Wonthaggi Historical Society’s mini history talks have become a highlight of the Bass Coast summer. 
Happy 200th Birthday, Baron von Mueller
Dec 10, 2025 - Reminders of the renowned botanist abound on Phillip and Churchill Islands, writes Christine Grayden 
Lost and found
Dec 10, 2025 - Despite the peaceful beauty of the Phillip Island Cemetery, finding a loved one’s resting place was a challenge, writes Pamela Rothfield. 
A cook’s journal
Dec 12, 2025 - When you’ve done everything else with your bread beans, think falafels, Egyptian style. By Liane Arno |
Bass Coast Post, November, 2025
News
Kernot bridge works funded
The Kernot bridge is set for a $2.2 million upgrade, with the Federal Government today confirming $1.7 million in funding for the project. 
It’s good night, BURT
Most council strategies are entirely un-noticed by the community. BURT was different. It raised hackles before, during and after its short life. 
Pommytown residents celebrate
Nov 19, 2025 - Wonthaggi earthmoving business fails to gain retrospective approval for a depot in a rural residential zone. 
Mayoral team back in business
Nove 19, 2025 - Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead declared herself ready for action after being re-elected unanimously at today’s council meeting. 
Sandbag works to start
Nov 18, 2025 - Council to begin emergency repair works on sandbag wall near Inverloch Surf Lifesaving Club. 
Buckingham back for round two
Nov 10, 2025 - Labor confirms its first candidate as the battle begins for Victoria’s most marginal seat. 
Here’s to you, Comrade
Nov 12, 2025 - Fifty years since the Dismissal, a gathering of the faithful started as a wake and turned into a celebration. 
Irreconcilable differences
Nov 11, 2025 - Catherine Watson digs deep looking for the seeds of the Great Wonthaggi Garden War of 2025. 
Picnic with a purpose
Nov 12, 2025 - Tired of waiting for action on the Wonthaggi high school site, locals are planning a subversive action. Local history
From the Old Country to Wonthaggi
Nov 9, 2025 - Thousands of people crossed the oceans to work in the State Coal Mine at Wonthaggi. One of them was Linda Cuttriss’s grandfather. 
A cook’s journal
Nov 12, 2025 - While the coriander's in season, do yourself a favour and try some pani puri, writes Liane Arno Community diary
What's on and where |
Environment
Two parts science, one part magic
Nov 8, 2025 - With a scientist’s mind and a gardener’s heart, Miriam Ford is turning a modest Wonthaggi block into a showpiece of Australian plants. 
Call of the wild
Nov 13, 2025 – Long days, sleepless nights and endless dedication … Julie Paterson meets the team behind Bunurong Wildlife Care. 
Penguin secrets of success
Nov 10, 2025 - Just like humans, penguin chicks that get a good start tend to prosper in later life. 
The happy snapper
Nov 9, 2025 - Dyonn Dimmock photographs the natural beauty of Bass Coast and the passionate, dedicated, resilient and committed people who live here. Features
Life, luck and long journeys
Nov 11, 2025 - Laura Brearley is still dancing, still singing, still marvelling at the journey with friends old and new. 
After we are gone
Nov 10, 2025 - Somewhere between joy and silence, Etsuko Yasunaga catches a glimpse of eternity. 
Stories of home
Nov 10, 2025 - When Win Kyi thinks of growing up in Myanmar, he recalls the bamboo house he built with his father. Story by Daryl Pellizzer 
The class of `76
Nov 10, 2025 - Meeting old school mates after a 50-year gap prompts some profound questions for Geoff Ellis. 
All in a day’s work
Nov 9, 2025 - Sick of the daily grind? Then get a job that aligns with your personal values, advises local podcaster Cathie Agg. Arts
Into the music
Nov 8, 2025 - After the long quiet of lockdown, Anne Olsen found her voice again in singing with others. 
Millowl comes alive
Nov 12, 2025 - Vegas Fitzmaurice turned to nature for a moving artistic tribute to his late mother. |
