The Allan Labor Government is 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 Melton.

Member for Melton Steve McGhie today announced the appointees across the nine Regional Partnerships, who have been chosen for their strong connections to local community, industry and business groups, and 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 the Labor Government to drive economic growth to benefit the unique and diverse strengths of regional communities.

The Labor 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 in Melton 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.

Regional Partnership Community and Business Appointees in the Central Highlands Regional Partnership include:

Chair

• Mr Peter McAllister – Retired

Deputy Chair

• Ms Lee Morton – National Practice Leader, Communications and Engagement; Stantec

Members

• Mr Chris Whitefield – Executive Director of Communications and Community; Plenary Group
• Ms Sophie Ellis – Senior Youth Advocate; Victoria Legal Aid
• Mr Stuart Squire – Director, Capital Projects; Grampians Health

In total, 67 people have been appointed to roles across the nine 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 a new CEO with sole responsibility to lead RDV along with significant recruitment to the Regional Partnerships reflects the Government’s 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.

For more information about the Regional Partnerships, go to rdv.vic.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney

“Regional Partnerships are a key voice to Government, recognising local communities are in the best position to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their region.”

“We look forward to working with new and continuing appointees to drive the economic development of regional Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Melton Steve McGhie

“These new appointments to the Regional Partnerships strengthen our ability to champion local priorities, giving Melton a powerful voice in government to drive economic growth and deliver the support our communities deserve.”

Quotes attributable to RDV CEO Xavier Csar

“Regional Victorian communities are vibrant, growing and diverse, and it’s pleasing to see we have Regional Partnership appointees who will provide these people with an important and effective voice to government.”