- Published:
- Thursday 4 August 2016
Agribusiness owners with generations of experience will team up with tourism, health, community and regional development advocates to form the new Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford congratulated the six successful applicants who were today appointed the community members of the Partnership. They were chosen for their broad skills, experience, know-how and ability to positively contribute to the development of their communities.
Regional Partnerships are also being established in Barwon, Central Highlands, Goulburn, Gippsland, Great South Coast, Mallee, Loddon Campaspe and Ovens Murray, to give rural and regional Victorians greater say about what matters to them and direct regional priorities straight into the heart of Government decision making.
Mr David Jochinke, a third generation farmer and Victorian Farmers Federation President, has been appointed the Chair of the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership. Ms Emma Vogel, Director Sustainable Project Services and also a farmer, will be Deputy Chair. The other members include:
- Mr William Flamsteed, CEO, Grampians Regional Tourism Board
- Mr Ralph Kenyon, Executive Director, Wimmera Development Association
- Ms Robyn Gulline, Director, Gulline Farms
- Ms Wendy Sturgess, CEO, Wimmera Uniting Care
- Mr John Ackland Regional Development Australia Grampians Committee representative
The community members will be joined by local council CEOs, Regional Development Australia representatives and senior Victorian government officials.
Expanding high-value agricultural production and strengthening government service provisions in health, education, aged care and disability are likely to be among the issues addressed by the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership.
As Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership Chair, Mr Jochinke 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
“Regional Partnerships are a game changer – we have appointed people as members who are passionate about their region and who will think out of the box to strengthen local communities and economies.”
“The Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership members are from diverse backgrounds, with a range of experience and an ability to collaborate across community and industry groups.”
Quotes attributable to Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership Chair, David Jochinke
“The regional partnership initiative is a great opportunity for regions to propose local projects that will significantly boost local communities and economies.”
“It will enable the community to have input into proposed projects which can be handed directly to the relevant minister by people who live and deal with issues within the region.”
“I’m excited to be involved and representing the Wimmera and Southern Mallee in presenting the projects to make our region prosper.”