Cr Tracey Bell

12/05/2026

Congratulations to the Wonthaggi & District Historical Society on their well‑deserved win at the 2026 Victorian Museums and Galleries Awards 👏

Their 15 Minutes of History events have become a much‑loved part of the community — bringing local stories to life through short, engaging presentations each January. It’s wonderful to see how these events have grown, with attendance more than doubling since 2021.

What’s especially inspiring is how the group continues to evolve. With support from Council’s Community Grants Program, they’re now recording and digitising these stories to build a lasting digital library — preserving Wonthaggi's history for future generations.

This award is a testament to the creativity, passion and dedication of the volunteers behind the scenes, achieving incredible outcomes with limited resources.

A fantastic achievement for our community — congratulations again! 👏

Images from the 2026 Victorian Museums & Galleries Awards, held at the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art (ACCA) on 28 April 2026. Photos: Peter Casamento.

11/05/2026

🎯 Calling young people to help shape the Wonthaggi Active Youth Space!

Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting young people to get involved in designing the new Wonthaggi Active Youth Space (WAYS). This area — currently home to the skate park — is being reimagined to include an upgraded skate space, a new playspace, and other active elements.

The goal is to create a safe, welcoming place where young people can connect, be active and spend time together.

If you know a young person who would love to have their say, I strongly encourage you to share this with them and get involved.

Help us design and fun space for youth in Wonthaggi

10/05/2026

Works are continuing to move ahead on the Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, with Phase 3 now well underway and some great progress already visible.

Over the past few weeks, crews have established the new work zone, completed significant demolition works, progressed drainage upgrades (now around 60% complete), and reached an important milestone with excavation of the roadway now finished — paving the way for the new road construction.

I want to sincerely thank our local traders, residents and visitors for your patience as these works continue. I get that this period is really disruptive.

💙 But it’s so important to remember — our local businesses are still open and need your support more than ever.

👉 Please don’t avoid the main street during construction!
Instead:
🛍 Shop local
☕ Grab a coffee
🍽 Enjoy a meal
💬 Stop in and say hello

Every visit makes a real difference to the people who keep our town vibrant year‑round.

This project is an investment in Cowes’ future, and with continued community support, we can ensure our traders come through this period strong and ready to thrive in the revitalised precinct.

Thank you for continuing to back local businesses 🙏

Reinvigorating Cowes.

08/05/2026

I'm at the Phillip Island Craft Market on the corner of Thompson Ave and Church St (opposite Coles) this morning.
Come down for a Devonshire Tea and a chat.

03/05/2026

HER Network is a new, community‑led initiative creating a safe and inclusive space for women across Phillip Island to connect, build skills and explore opportunities together.

If you or a woman in your life might benefit from connecting in a supportive local network, please share this post and encourage them to come along to the launch.

📅 Friday 8 May | 10am–12pm
📍 PICAL, Cowes
👉 Free event – register via www.pical.org.au

Please help spread the word 💗

What is HER Network? It’s more than a program, it’s a community-led initiative.

HER Network is creating a safe and inclusive space for women across Phillip Island to:
✨ Build skills
✨ Access support
✨ Connect with others
✨ Explore pathways to employment and leadership

Whether you're seeking support or want to give back through volunteering, there’s a place for you.

💬 “Its real strength will come from the women who join, connect and grow it together.”

Join us at the launch and help shape what comes next.

📅 10am to 12pm, Friday 8 May
📍 PICAL, 16 Warley Ave, Cowes

👉 Book your free spot via www.pical.org.au or call 03 5952 1131.

This community-led initiative is made possible thanks to financial support from Barry Plant Real Estate Agents.

01/05/2026

Free Marketing Masterclasses for Small Business! 🚀

Council’s Business Support team, in partnership with Business Victoria, is bringing a series of FREE marketing masterclasses to Bass Coast designed to help small businesses grow and stand out.

✨ What’s coming up:
📱 Social Media & Content Marketing – 7 May
🎨 Canva for Business – 12 May

Find an upcoming workshop, training session or event to improve your skills as a business owner, network with others and get expert advice.

30/04/2026

Lots of people have been asking me when they can put in their submission (objection 😉) to the McDonald’s planning application.

Good news — you can do it now!

Apologies for my error in an earlier post where I said we had to wait until the application was out for public notice. That’s not the case — submissions can be lodged at any time.

Here’s the link with clear instructions on how to make a submission or objection 👇
https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/building-planning/advertised-plans-and-planning-register/submission-or-objection-to-a-planning-application

If you have views on this proposal, I encourage you to make them known.

How to lodge a submission or objection to a Planning Application

29/04/2026

It's that time of year again. Flu season = time to get vaccinated.
Here's a short video explaining the benefits of flu vaccination.

6 likes. "The Flu - It's Not a Cold, It's a Killer"

28/04/2026

📍 The former Wonthaggi Secondary College site

Vacant since 2019 and currently managed by the Victorian Department of Education, this site presents a real opportunity for our community.

So… what should it become? 🤔

We want to hear your ideas and aspirations for the future of this space. This is a great chance for locals to add their voice and help shape what comes next.

✅ Interactive activities are now live on Engage Bass Coast
✅ Drop‑in sessions where you can visit the perimeter of the site, ask questions, and share your thoughts in person 😊

Your input matters – I encourage everyone to get involved and have their say.

Revitalising the Former Wonthaggi Secondary College Site

27/04/2026

At our April Council Meeting, we endorsed the Priority Actions 2026–2030 for climate action, following a comprehensive mid‑term review of the Climate Change Action Plan.

This work builds on Bass Coast’s long‑standing leadership on climate, shaped by strong community input and focused on practical action — from resilience and energy transition to nature, transport and climate justice.

Bass Coast Shire Council has endorsed priority climate actions for 2026–2030 following a mid-term review. Shaped by strong community input, the next phase focuses on practical, balanced action that supports both the environment and cost-of-living pressures.

26/04/2026

📌 Reminder: Draft Budget 2026–27 now open for feedback

Council’s Draft Budget 2026–27 is currently out for community engagement, and I encourage residents and businesses to take a look and share their views.

Your feedback helps shape how Council invests in services, infrastructure and local priorities.