BASS Coast Shire Council are today celebrating Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead, who was last night recognised with a 10-Year Service Award from the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). The honour acknowledges her decade of dedicated service to local government and her enduring commitment to the communities she has represented.

Cr Halstead’s career in local government spans many years and reflects her strong sense of civic duty, leadership and community connection. Her public service journey began with her election to Frankston City Council in 2003, where she also served as Mayor.

Since being elected to Bass Coast Shire Council in 2020, Cr Halstead has represented the Western Port Ward with passion and integrity, according to Council. She served as Deputy Mayor in both 2023 and 2024, before being re-elected at the 2024 local government election for a further four-year term.

In addition to her role as Mayor, Cr Halstead was elected earlier this year as the Regional Board Director for the MAV representing Gippsland, where she continues to advocate strongly for the needs of regional and rural councils.

Reflecting on the milestone, Mayor Halstead said her greatest motivation has always been the people she serves.

“Representing this community is both an honour and a privilege. Every conversation, every project, every decision is about making Bass Coast an even better place to live, work and visit. I’m constantly inspired by the passion and care our residents have for this region, and it’s what drives me every day to do my very best on their behalf.”