Cr Tracey Bell

09/06/2026

Come and connect this Friday at HER Network at PICAL - Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre for a relaxed, women-only morning to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces and enjoy good company over a cuppa. No agenda, no pressure, just a warm and welcoming space.

What to expect:
• A warm welcome and friendly faces
• Good conversation, no agenda
• A cuppa and time to connect

Whatever your age or stage of life, you belong here. All women 18 and over are welcome.

Friday 12 June, 10am to 12pm at PICAL, 16 Warley Ave, Cowes. Free to join, and no need to register, just come along.

Questions? Contact PICAL or call Kerryn on 5952 1131.

07/06/2026

Welcome whales! Love this season ❤️

03/06/2026

Mabo Day on 3 June recognises a native title milestone in our shared history.

The day commemorates the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo and marks the anniversary of the historic 1992 Mabo decision.
Eddie Mabo was a Torres Strait Islander man who challenged the claim that his family’s traditional land was owned by the Crown.
The High Court’s decision overturned that claim and set a precedent in Australian law for the recognition of Indigenous custodianship over their traditional land.

Every year on 3 June we celebrate Mabo Day, which commemorates the life of Eddie Koiki Mabo and marks the anniversary of the historic 1992 Mabo decision.

31/05/2026

28/05/2026

Great progress is continuing on the Cowes Streetscape, with Phase 3 on track for completion in late June to early July, weather permitting. 🌊🚧

Once Phase 3 is complete, there will be a short pause before Phase 4, which will bring everything together. The final phase focuses on The Esplanade west of Thompson Avenue, plus a final asphalt wearing course on Thompson Avenue, and those all‑important finishing touches to ensure the precinct looks its best and is ready to welcome the busy season ahead. ✨

In the meantime, shops on Thompson Ave remain open, so please continue to support out local traders through this tricky time!

26/05/2026

It was wonderful to see such a strong community turnout at today’s Sorry Day event held at the Penguin Parade.

A heartfelt thank you to the Bass Coast Reconciliation Network (BCRN) for bringing everyone together for this important occasion. We were honoured to hear Dion share his deeply moving story – a powerful reminder that Sorry Day is about truth-telling, reflection, and continuing the journey toward healing and reconciliation.

Thank you also to Patrice for being such a thoughtful MC, holding the space with humour and gentleness, and reminding us all to pause and breathe.

Thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a respectful and meaningful gathering.

25/05/2026

The State Budget included some important wins for Bass Coast, including funding for Stage 2 of the Phillip Island Community Hospital, upgrades to Wonthaggi Hospital, and works on the Phillip Island Bridge.

Investment in skills through the Morwell TAFE Centre of Excellence is also a positive step for future jobs, but I still wait with bated breath to see activity at Wonthaggi's Chisholm TAFE.

The lack of a tourism package following the loss of the MotoGP is disappointing, given its importance to our local economy.

Cost-of-living relief will help, but in regional areas like ours, limited access to transport, housing and services means the benefits don’t always go as far.

Mayor and Deputy were in Spring Street a couple weeks ago, fighting the good fight in advocating for the investment our growing Bass Coast community needs.

One Gippsland has welcomed initiatives in the Victorian Government's 2026—27 State Budget that align with our advocacy and aim to improve education and health outcomes across the region.

24/05/2026

While we are still pinging from the excitement of the mountain bike track at Sunset Strip, today is the last day for engagement on the pump track at Cape Woolamai.
This weekend has certainly demonstrated proof of concept that Phillip Islanders love riding bikes and these facilities bring community together - the vibe at the Sunset Strip track is awesome!
So bring it on for Cape Woolamai!

Council has engaged World Trail to conceptually design a new pump track for Sunnyside Reserve in Cape Woolamai

22/05/2026

The mountain bike tracks at Sunset Strip are officially open!
It was fantastic to see so many people riding the trails this afternoon - all ages, all levels of skill, the three trails provide something for everyone (even councillors 😀).