Giving a stronger voice to our regions
22/11/2024
We’re continuing to back a strong regional voice to government with the appointment of more than 40 new members to Victoria’s Regional Partnerships, which advocate for regional communities across the state.
The appointees from across the 9 Regional Partnerships have been chosen for their strong connections to local community, industry and business groups, as well as their experience in leadership roles.
The appointments also reflect a renewed focus on economic development in regional Victoria.
Their connections position Regional Partnerships to be a direct place-based voice to Government, supporting us to drive economic growth to benefit the unique and diverse strengths of regional communities.
The Victorian Government established the Regional Partnerships in 2016 to connect local community and business leaders with all tiers of government.
The Partnerships recognise that local communities are in the best position to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their region and give a voice to regional communities and businesses to advise government and guide the delivery of local services, support, and programs.
In total, 67 people have been appointed to roles across the 9 Regional Partnerships, including 42 new members and 25 who are returning for another term.
As our state’s lead agency for regional economic development, RDV plays an integral role in working closely with communities, business and industry right across the state to ensure regional areas capture economic opportunities, building on local strengths.
The appointment of Dr Xavier Csar as our new CEO, along with significant recruitment to the Regional Partnerships reflects our commitment to increasing and unlocking economic investment opportunities and delivering quality ongoing jobs across rural and regional Victoria.
Over the past few years, the Partnerships have supported a range of initiatives to deliver real benefits to local communities.
Following representation by the Mallee Regional Partnership, the Victorian Government appointed its first Cross Border Commissioner in 2018, supporting government to address border-related issues and meet the unique needs of border communities.
As a part of the Better Connectivity Plan, the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership helped secure $1.25 million to build a new 4G digital network across rural and remote districts of the region to boost connectivity for communities.
The Goulburn Regional Partnership helped secure $15 million to fund the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub to give Seymour locals and families vital access to health, wellbeing, and community services.
To learn more, visit the Regional Partnerships page.
Regional Partnership members
Barwon
- Tracey Slatter, Chair
- Nat Anson, Deputy Chair
- Frances Diver
- Lisa Kingman
- Meg Price
- Michael Johnston
- Shaun Cumming
- Tracy Carter
- Corrina Eccles
- Thys Heyns
Central Highlands
- Peter McAllister, Chair
- Lee Morton, Deputy Chair
- Chris Whitefield
- Stuart Squire
- Sophie Ellis
Gippsland
- Stephen Angus, Chair
- Stephanie Thoo, Deputy Chair
- Daniel Miller
- Corinne Armour
- Mary Manescu
- Jan Fitzgerald
- Lisa Maatsoo
- Mark Johnson
- Nicola Pero
- Yaniesha Pillay
- Garry Austin
- Natalie O’Connell
- Sarah Lawless
Goulburn
- Stuart Locke, Chair
- Colleen Furlanetto OAM, Deputy Chair
- Brendan Mustica
- Elizabeth Capp
- Sissy Hoskin
- Kellie Giannarelli
- Leon Sargeant
- Michael Crisera
- Mike Nichol
- Matt Parsons
Great South Coast
- Michael Tudball, Chair
- Stephen Lucas, Deputy Chair
- Greg Burgoyne
- Loren Tuck
- Nicole Newman
- Steve Myers
- Anne Murphy
- Fiona Whale
Loddon Campaspe
- Tricia Currie, Chair
- Leah Taaffe, Deputy Chair
- Lexi Randall-L’Estrange
- Anna Lamont
- Claire Flannagan-Smith
- Craig Hunter
- Mark Francis
- Stephen Booth
- Rodney Carter
- Robert Musgrove
Mallee
- Florence Davidson, Chair
- Paul Northey, Deputy Chair
- Sharon Johnson
- Fiona Best
- Bernie Hyde
- Rebecca Wells
Ovens Murray
- Ian Cesa, Chair
- Jo Murdoch, Deputy Chair
- Amber Gardner
- Bess Nolan-Cook
- Felicity Williams
- Charlotte Morris
- Diarmuid Kelly
- Judy Dixon
- Katie Warner
Wimmera Southern Mallee
- Kendra Clegg, Chair
- Ray Kingston, Deputy Chair
- Colin Kemp
- Philip Sabien
- Carol Starkey
- Emelia Sudholz
- David Brennan
- Chris Sounness
- Marc Sleeman