New members have been appointed to Victoria’s nine Regional Partnerships, giving rural and regional communities a direct voice to the Victoria Government to aid the growth and recovery of our regions.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas welcomed more than 150 new, re-appointed and continuing Regional Partnership committee members.
The Government established Regional Partnerships in 2016 across each part of the state in recognition that local communities are best placed to understand their region’s challenges and opportunities, and to present priorities to the Victorian Government.
In the short time since they were established the Regional Partnerships have achieved valuable outcomes for their communities, including the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s award-winning early years project BY FIVE, the Mallee’s campaign for Victoria’s Cross Border Commissioner and Barwon’s role in securing the Geelong City Deal.
The value of the Partnerships was demonstrated as the Government responded to the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. Insights and evidence from the Partnership’s roundtables held last year highlighted specific issues and impacts of the pandemic on country communities and how to seize the opportunities to recover.
Regional Partnership members reflect the diversity of Victoria’s regions. This includes more Aboriginal Victorian members and greater female representation, with women making up 62 per cent of the business and community representatives.
Regional Partnerships are made up of community and business leaders, senior local and state government officers, and Regional Development Australia committee members.
Regional Partnerships are based at Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Loddon Campaspe, Ovens Murray, Mallee and Wimmera Southern Mallee regions.
To see the full list of Regional Partnership members, visit rdv.vic.gov.au.
Source: Vic Government