FORGET Donald Trump! That’s old news.
There’s been a sensational outcome to the Bass Coast Shire Council elections with sitting councillors David Rooks, Leticia Laing and Les Larke all ousted by the voters.
With former mayors Michael Whelan and Clare Le Serve retiring and Geoff Ellis not re-standing, there’s an almost completely new council on the way.
Three sitting councillors have been returned with thumping majorities including Brett Tessari in Bunurong, Rochelle Halstead in Western Port and Ron Bauer in the Island ward but the other six councillors are all newbies.
Joining Cr Halstead at Western Port will be Jan Thompson, secretary of the Corinella & District Community Centre Incorporated Association (CDCC), a former chief of staff to a federal parliamentarian and Jon Temby, a former CFA Deputy Group Communications Officer with 12 years’ experience as a fire- fighter also closely associated with the Save the Western Port Woodlands group.
On Phillip Island, now all part of one ward, Cr Ron Bauer has been joined by former local business operator Tim O’Brien and mother of school-age children Tracey Bell.
In the Bunurong Ward which includes the population centres of Inverloch, Cape Paterson and Wonthaggi, Brett Tessari has been joined by former South Gippsland councillor Meg Edwards and Greens candidate Mat Morgan.
It offers Bass Coast a new beginning with many of the new councillors-elect calling for more open and transparent local government and a return to the basics.
Tracey Bell, who wasn’t at the declaration of the poll was frankly “gobsmacked” when contacted by a friend immediately afterwards.
“Amazed. I thought I’d missed out,” she said.
The three Western Port councillors-elect appear to have already found a strong bond.
Speaking all together they acknowledged the challenges ahead for a diverse ward but following a “respectful, supportive campaign” where they “looked out for each other”, Jon Temby, Rochelle Halstead and Jan Thompson said they looked forward to working together.
Brett Tessari thanked the retiring councillors for their work noting that he was excited about the new council and what they might be able to achieve as a group.
Mat Morgan was equally pleased.
“I think it’s a strong vote for progressive politics in Bass Coast,” he said.
