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Allan Labor government appoints 40 members to strengthen partnerships and advocate for Eastern Victoria and Gippsland

The Allan Labor government has appointed over 40 new members to Victoria's Regional Partnerships, enhancing regional communities' voices in government and focusing on economic growth and local development in Eastern Victoria.

By news@gippsland - 13th November 2024 - Back to News

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 the Eastern Victoria Region. Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing 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.

Regional Partnerships engage local communities to identify priorities, providing advice to the Victorian government on regional issues and solutions

Strengthening regional voices

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 Gippsland 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.

Gippsland leaders appointed

Regional Partnership Community and Business Appointees in the Gippsland Regional Partnership include:

• Mr Stephen Angus - Consultant and Interim CEO, Gippsland Jersey
• Ms. Stephanie Thoo - General Manager Innovation & Sustainability, Pro-Pac Packaging Group
• Ms. Corrinne Armour - Self-employed Leadership Specialist
• Daniel Miller - CEO Gunaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation
• Ms. Ionela (Mary) Manescu - CEO Omeo District Health
• Ms. Janette Fitzgerald - CEO Sports Environment Alliance
• Ms. Lisa Maatsoo - Industry Engagement & Innovation Manager, Federation University
• Mr Mark Johnson - Semi-retired consultant
• Ms. Nicola Pero - Executive Manager, Engagement & Social License, Iberdrola Australia
• Ms. Yaniesha Pillay - CEO Lifeline Gippsland

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.

Driving regional growth

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 Regional Development Victoria website.

Empowering regional voices

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney said, "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."

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing said, "These new appointments to the Regional Partnerships strengthen our ability to champion local priorities, giving Gippslanders a powerful voice in government to drive economic growth and deliver the support our communities deserve."

RDV CEO Xavier Csar said, "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. Our work with the Regional Partnerships is part of the Victorian government's ongoing commitment to making rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay and play."

Pictures from East Gippsland Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com