Brett Tessari

In the absence of any response to our questions, or to our request for profile information to post here, we are providing a copy of Brett Tessari’s Candidate Statement, as lodged with the VEC, for the community’s information.

I have lived in Wonthaggi all my life, I love this place. The natural environment and the sense of community. I have managed hardware stores, worked in a local abattoir, a caravan park, the building industry and in real estate. I love my footy and cricket.
Married to Leanne, with three adult children. I am just your average guy. In 2016 I decided our community deserved a better deal and stood for council. I had no idea what lay ahead! I spent the first two years as Deputy Mayor before having the honour of serving two as Mayor.
Its been the most difficult, satisfying yet rewarding four years of my life. So proud of what I have helped achieve in this time, Wonthaggi Hospital rebuild, new Wonthaggi Secondary College, Bass Coast University Hub, new Inverloch Tennis and Netball courts, new Cape Paterson Lifesaving Clubhouse, as well as upgrades to Apex Park, Guide Park and the Historical Society to name just a few.
Other highlights include climate action plan, a reconciliation plan, support for marriage equality and organic recycling. There’s a renewed pride in the community but still plenty more to do. Post Covid recovery, Governments will fund infrastructure projects and council needs a range of projects ready to go, tackling coastal erosion in partnership with State and Federal Governments, supporting social and emergency housing and redeveloping the old Wonthaggi Secondary College site, which has so much potential to reshape Wonthaggi.
So much still to do! Transforming the local tourism sector, walking and biking trails, indigenous and natural heritage including a dinosaur trail from San Remo to Inverloch, all this will bring long-stay visitors to Bass Coast year round. Challenges and opportunities lie ahead and I am ready to tackle them. It is crucial to maintain the momentum.