IN FEBRUARY 2024, Cr Rochelle Halstead blew the whistle on Bass Coast Council’s decade-long cover-up of the theft of the mayoral chains and robe, a theft estimated to exceed $100,000.
Watching Rochelle’s positive and forthright response to this matter, I really had great hope that she might be willing to pursue the matter and bring justice for our community.
Here’s some of what Rochelle said in February 2024: As custodians of this historically and financially significant property this council should be taking action.
She had personally made enquiries about the robes and chains, only to be waved off and laughed at as if it were no big deal.
Council can no longer sweep this issue under the carpet and needs to address it.
When Rochelle was chosen as mayor following last year’s council election I thought now might be the time for her to put her words into action.
So, last month I wrote to Mayor Halstead pleading that her Council now properly and fully report the theft to Victoria Police. Unfortunately, Rochelle has now changed her view and advises that she is satisfied that all available options to bring closure to the matter have been exhausted.
So, with my hopes dashed that Rochelle would properly and fully report the theft to police, my endeavours to pursue justice from within Council are also exhausted.
To this end, I will be writing to our local Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale. I will also write to other MPs, on both sides of the chamber. I acknowledge that success is unlikely.
But surely out there somewhere, must be a leader to properly pursue justice in a matter of major theft of public property.
Kevin Griffin, Inverloch/Wonthaggi
