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Wednesday 4 December 2024
For all advertising and editorial, call 03 5974 9000 or email: team@mpnews.com.au www.mpnews.com.au MILA (prep) checking out the new buddy bench. Picture: Gary Sissons
Student ‘buddy bench’ promotes friendship A NEW ‘buddy bench’ has been installed at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Hastings that aims to build connection and a sense of belonging. Men’s Shed members helped build and install the bench at St Mary’s Garden thanks to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council providing funding for the project. Students from Prep to Grade 4 worked with Indigenous education and art consultant Sam Richards, a proud Indigenous woman from the Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung Tribes. “Sam ran a workshop on Indigenous symbols and the use of these symbols to tell and share stories,” the school’s deputy and community leader Lisa Galvin said. “The students learnt about traditional customs and traditions from across Australia and worked with Sam to design their own artwork using these symbols. Sam took these artworks and designed a collaborative piece to use as the basis for the Buddy Bench final design. Also known as a friendship bench, buddy benches are provided at school playgrounds as a way for students to signal to others that they are feeling lonely and isolated and need a friend to play with or someone to talk to. “Congratulations to St Mary’s, New Peninsula Men’s Shed, Sam Richards and everyone involved in ensuring all students belong and connect,” Galvin said. Brendan Rees
Baker departs early, acting CEO appointed Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au IN a dramatic turn of events last week, an unscheduled council meeting was called for Wednesday (27 November) with the only agenda item being the appointment of an acting CEO following the early departure of John Baker. The new appointment was made from within the organisation, with the shire’s chief financial officer, Bulent Oz, being elevated to the role of acting CEO. It is unclear why Baker, who was
due to vacate his role on 6 December, left his role early, but what is known is that by the time the meeting occurred, he had already left, departing the day before. A source inside the shire told The News it was believed to be at Baker’s request, to aid his transition to his new role at Sunshine Coast Council (Shire CEO Baker resigns, The News 29/10/24). Whatever the reason for the early departure, the appointment of a financial controller to the role provides insight into the mindset of the new council at a time of pending financial challenges (Financial crisis looms for
shire, The News 22/10/24). Oz joined the shire nearly ten years ago as an interim financial controller before becoming chief financial officer in August 2019. He holds a bachelors degree in economics from Boğaziçi University in Istanbul, Türkiye and undertook postgraduate studies in economics and accounting at La Trobe University. Oz will act in the role while council undertakes a recruitment process for a permanent CEO to replace Baker. “I would like to sincerely thank John Baker for his six years of service to the Mornington Peninsula community. I know I speak for eve-
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ryone in the organisation in wishing John all the best as he transitions into his new role as CEO of the Sunshine Coast Council,” said mayor Cr Anthony Marsh. “On behalf of council and the broader shire, I’d like to congratulate Bulent on his appointment as acting CEO. “Bulent is a highly respected and capable leader within our organisation, known for his strong fiscal stewardship and deep understanding of the Mornington Peninsula’s challenges. “Bulent’s leadership will be invaluable as we navigate the current envi-
ronment for the sector and continue to serve our great community. “Bulent is supported by an incredible executive team, each dedicated to serving this community every day. I look forward to working together as a cohesive and high-performing executive and councillor team.” On his ascension to the top role, Oz said “I’m honoured to step into the acting CEO role. I look forward to leading this great organisation and working with the executive team and newly elected council to serve our community and achieve positive outcomes together.”
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