THE newly formed Bass Residents and Rate Payers Association is set to host its inaugural Great Bass Christmas Party on Sunday, December 14, at George Bass Memorial Park from 11 am until 2 pm, with a lineup of attractions for all ages and a visit from Santa at 1:30 pm.
Launching in July after a well-attended public meeting, the association has already made significant progress in community development, and the inaugural Christmas party showcases their vision of bringing the residents of Bass, Wattle Bank and Anderson together, as well as welcoming those from surrounding towns.
The event will feature a jumping castle, photo booth, face painting, live music and a children’s activity tent – all accessible through gold coin donations. Secretary, Tracey Denby, said a highlight will be the Christmas colouring-in competition for Bass Valley Primary School students and a best-dressed pet contest.
“Head on into the activity tent, decorate a mask – whether it be for yourself or your fur-baby and enter our best-dressed pet contest. You can even decorate your own Christmas bauble and be in the draw to win a $50 bank account at Bendigo Bank,” said Tracey.
“Bendigo Bank have been a great support for the event, and all the Bass Valley Primary student colouring competitions will be on display prior to the Christmas party, so keep an eye out.”
Beyond the festivities, the association has already achieved tangible community improvements. Their most notable success is securing council funding to install a safety barrier on the Bass Bridge, addressing the long-standing safety concern for families with young children.
“Without the setup of the association, this improvement may not have been possible, and we’re extremely grateful for the council’s efficient effort in making this improvement. I know personally it makes me more comfortable to walk my grandkids, knowing they're not at risk of slipping,” said Tracey.
Looking ahead, the committee will be pursuing plans for a bus shelter for the Melbourne-bound route – a critical infrastructure project that will also benefit the Bass Valley Primary School students and commuters alike.
“At the moment, there is no shelter at our bus stop, and people are standing out in the rain.”
Driven by a core group of passionate volunteers, including Tracey McIlroy, Tony Heppleston, Ross Denby, Nikole Schellekens, Tracey Brumbaugh, Dave Brumbaugh and Tracey Denby, the association is driven to restore the community atmosphere that once defined their small town.
In a touching tribute to legacy, Tracey said the association recently honoured a couple who lived in Bass for 47 years. “We want the town to go back to what it was in their day, when everyone helped each other,” said Tracey.
“We officially made this couple our first lifetime associate members as a way of saying goodbye, while also establishing a role model for community involvement.”
The Great Bass Christmas Party exemplifies what it means to be part of a community, demonstrating what can be achieved when volunteers unite for the benefit of their town.
“Please note, this is a cash-only event.”
