One Gippsland Names Chair for 2021

At the first meeting of One Gippsland for 2021, the Board has endorsed current Chair, Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari for a second term.

Cr Tessari brings an incredible understanding of Gippsland through his two-terms as Mayor and as a third-generation and passionate Gippslander.

Cr Tessari, with the support and guidance of the One Gippsland Board, led the alliance through the extraordinary 2020 period and is seeking to do the same as the region looks to recovery.

Black Summer bushfires, the dairy crisis and the closure of Hazelwood, in addition to COVID-19, have challenged the region and there is expected to be more pain with the pending phase-out of the native timber industry.

Cr Tessari said the region had suffered significantly: “It has been a tough period in no uncertain terms”.

“I and my fellow Board members, remain incredibly focussed on making the most of opportunities that are possible as people rethink where they would like to live and work as a result of COVID-19 restrictions,” Cr Tessari said.

“We further remain steadfast in our belief that our natural resources – wildlife, food and fibre production, energy capability and the skills of our people are key to our economic, environmental and social recovery.

“We have enormous natural beauty, a capacity to utilise technology, and an eye to better connect our best regional products to global markets.

“As the Chair, my resolve is steadfast in achieving more for our communities. Our region deserves nothing less – and our future demands it.

“Better roads and rail, education opportunities, broadband and mobile coverage will also be required to make sure our businesses and people can excel.

“2021 is ripe with opportunities and the One Gippsland alliance is very determined to work together to seize them,” Cr Tessari concluded.

One Gippsland is a peak regional advocacy body for the Gippsland region, bringing together local government, industry leaders and education providers. Our members are:

·      Bass Coast Shire Council – Mayor Cr Brett Tessari and CEO Ms Ali Wastie

·      Baw Baw Shire Council – Mayor Cr Danny Goss and CEO Mr Mark Dupe

·      East Gippsland Shire Council – Mayor Cr Mendy Urie and CEO Anthony Basford

·       Federation University – Head of Gippsland Campus Ms Leigh Kennedy

·      Food and Fibre Gippsland – Chair Mr Barry Rogers and CEO Ms Nicola Pero

·      Latrobe City Council – Mayor Cr Sharon Gibson and CEO Steven Piasente

·       South Gippsland Shire Council – Chair Administrator Ms Julie Eisenbise and CEO Kerryn Ellis

·      TAFE Gippsland – CEO Mr Grant Radford

·      Wellington Shire Council – Mayor Cr Garry Stephens and CEO David Morcom

BRETT TESSARI - CHAIR OF ONE GIPPSLAND

One Gippsland is the peak regional advocacy body representing Gippsland. It aims to connect government, business, and community, while also collectively working together to champion the interests of the region and its people.

Cr Brett Tessari was elected Chair of One Gippsland in 2020. He is a two-term Mayor of Bass Coast and a third-generation Gippslander who is passionate about the region.

Contact

Rachael Sweeney | One Gippsland Secretariat
M: 0422 067 858 | E: rsweeney@collectiveposition.com