- Published:
- Thursday 4 August 2016
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford today congratulated the seven inaugural community members of the Andrews Labor Government’s new Barwon Regional Partnership.
Regional Partnerships are being established in Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Loddon Campaspe, Ovens Murray, Mallee and Wimmera Southern Mallee and will transform the way rural and regional Victorians engage with government, as well as giving people a greater say about their local area.
The new members have diverse backgrounds and broad experience, and include representatives from the community, business and the three tiers of government. Together, they have a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing local families, workers and businesses in their regional communities.
Ms Kylie Warne, Geelong Chamber of Commerce President, has been appointed the Chair of the Barwon Regional Partnership. Mr Kean Selway, Deakin University Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will be Deputy Chair. The other members include:
- Mr Nick Stanley, Co-founder and CEO, Tribal Campus
- Mr Matthew McDonald, CEO, SeaRoad Ferries
- Ms Anne-Marie Ryan, CEO, Geelong Region Local Learning and Employment Network (GRLLEN)
- Ms Libby Mears, CEO, Leisure Networks and Trustee, Kardinia Park Stadium Trust
- Mr William (Bill) Mithen, CEO, Give Where you Live Community Foundation
The community members will be joined by local council CEOs, Regional Development Australia representatives and senior Victorian government officials.
Supporting local manufacturing, managing the impacts of transitioning industries, generating new jobs and tackling disadvantage are likely to be among the matters addressed by the Barwon Regional Partnership.
As Barwon Regional Partnership Chair, Ms Warne will also sit on Victoria’s Regional Development Advisory Committee, working with the other Partnership Chairs on cross-regional issues and opportunities.
For further information www.rdv.vic.gov.au/regional-partnerships
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford
“The new Regional Partnership members are passionate locals who will strongly represent their region and help direct regional priorities straight into the heart of government.”
“Each region has its own history and way of setting strategic directions and priorities. The work of the Regional Partnerships will build on this work by finally giving regional communities a direct path to government.”
Quotes attributable to Barwon Regional Partnership Chair, Kylie Warne
”I’m privileged to be leading a team of local people who bring diverse perspectives on the economic, social and environmental opportunities for the Barwon region.”
"We’re taking an evidence-based approach and building on the existing work of a range of regional business and community stakeholders to help Barwon realise its exciting potential."