Bass Coast Shire Council is proud to announce that Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has been recognised as a finalist for the prestigious Mary Rogers Award, acknowledging her exceptional leadership, resilience and long-standing commitment to community service.
The Mary Rogers Award honours women in local government who embody the spirit of Mary Rogers - a pioneering figure in Victorian civic leadership - by championing equality, strengthening community wellbeing, and mentoring emerging female leaders.
Council extends its warmest congratulations to Kylie Spears from Maroondah City Council, who has been awarded the 2025 Mary Rogers Award for her outstanding contributions as a civic leader. Her dedication to equality, community wellbeing and sustainability, along with her commitment to supporting emerging women leaders, reflects the true legacy of Mary Rogers.
Mayor Halstead's selection as a finalist recognises her significant achievements and leadership within Bass Coast and beyond. Over recent years she has championed major community initiatives, including leading the development of a comprehensive BMX, Pump Track and Mountain Bike Strategy adopted by Council in August 2024 and passionately advocating for the creation of the Berninneit Cultural Centre - now a thriving hub for arts, learning and community life
These initiatives continue to deliver strong community outcomes. Berninneit has become a vibrant cultural destination offering high-quality arts programming, an accessible library, gallery and cinema, while new riding facilities will draw bike enthusiasts from across Victoria and support healthier, more inclusive recreation opportunities for all ages.
Cr Halstead's recognition also reflects her courage and resilience. Having faced profound personal loss and her own breast cancer diagnosis, she rebuilt her life in Bass Coast, was elected to Council in 2020, served two terms as Deputy Mayor, and now leads Council with compassion, integrity and strength.
She is an active advocate for cancer awareness, a mentor to local women and a strong supporter of small business, drawing on her lived experience as a local business owner.
Her colleagues have highlighted her inclusive leadership style, strong governance approach and ability to bring councillors, community groups and staff together around shared goals - qualities that have shaped Council's strong performance and collaborative culture
Mayor Halstead said she was honoured to be recognised among such inspiring leaders.
"Being named a finalist for the Mary Rogers Award is incredibly humbling. This recognition belongs to the whole Bass Coast community - it's a reflection of the passion, resilience and generosity I see every day. I also congratulate Kylie Spears on this well-deserved achievement and thank her for her leadership and service to Victoria's communities."
