IN A display of council solidarity, Bass Coast Shire Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead and Deputy Mayor Cr Brett Tessari were re-elected unopposed at this month’s council meeting to serve a second 12-month term in their current roles.
Cr Tessari thanked his fellow councillors for the support they had shown him.
“It’s been a big 12 months,” Cr Tessari said.
“I’ve enjoyed representing the community to the best of my ability and congratulate the Mayor on the job she’s done. She has been quite inspirational as far as getting around to as many community events and members of the community as possible.”
In response, Cr Halstead said serving as Mayor had been both an honour and a privilege.
“A role that has allowed me to witness firsthand the passion, generosity and community spirit that make Bass Coast so special.
“Advocacy has remained at the heart of Council’s work. We continue to champion major priorities such as the former Wonthaggi Secondary College site, a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Our push for modern aquatic facilities in both Wonthaggi and Phillip Island also remains strong, ensuring our growing community has access to safe, inclusive and contemporary recreation spaces.”
One of the greatest privileges of the role, according to Cr Halstead, was working alongside a dedicated and capable team of councillors.
“We don’t always agree, we’ll certainly continue to have those disagreements, but that’s the beauty of good local democracy. We share deep respect for one another and a genuine commitment to doing what’s best for our community. As a group, we have concentrated on delivering the best outcomes possible for Bass Coast.”
Mayor Cr Halstead made special mention of Deputy Mayor Cr Brett Tessari.
“An old hat at this, an experienced councillor, an experienced mayor and an experienced deputy mayor his support has been unwavering.”
Thanking the community for the energy, ideas and belief in what can be achieved together, Cr Halstead expressed her gratitude for their support and encouragement.
“Many individuals and groups quietly achieving incredible things, without fuss but with generosity and dedication. The challenges are never insurmountable, and the rewards are always well worth the effort.”
Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead said she was honoured to continue leading a council that had worked hard to strengthen its planning foundations and partnerships.
“We’ve established a solid framework that gives us confidence in where we’re heading.
“Council is well-positioned to deliver on the priorities as outlined in its long-term plans.”
With no other nominations, Cr Halstead was elected Mayor and Cr Tessari elected as Deputy Mayor for a one-year term from November 19, 2025. Council voted to increase expenses and allowances for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors for the next year.
Councillor and Mayoral allowances paid during the former term totalled $352,805 with Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead receiving $95,899, Deputy Mayor Cr Brett Tessari $48,369, and Councillors Meg Edwards, Mat Morgan, Ron Bauer, Tracey Bell, Tim O’Brien, Jon Temby and Jan Thompson receiving $29,790.86.
Expenses ranged from $28,556 for Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead, $12,037 for Deputy Mayor Cr Brett Tessari to between $3281 and $12,068 for Cr Edwards, Cr Morgan, Cr Bauer, Cr Bell, Cr O’Brien, Cr Temby and Cr Thompson.
