Regional cities alliance enters 25th year

THE Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) alliance has elected its leading representatives as the group prepares for another year of advocacy to State and Federal governments in 2025.

Greater Shepparton mayor Shane Sali and City of Greater Bendigo mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf are respectively chair and deputy for another 12 months, aiming to make Victoria’s regional areas even better places to live.

“In 2025 RCV marks 25 years as the trusted voice to government for the regions, their cities and the rural communities they support,” Cr Sali said.

“With a federal election expected in the first half of 2025 and a state election in 2026, RCV is determined to ensure that through dynamic policy settings regional Victoria can home a greater proportion of the state’s population and economic prosperity.

“We will continue our work towards RCV’s vision for regional prosperity and enhanced liveability through sustainable growth.”

The RCV alliance includes chief executive officers and mayors of Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Cr Metcalf said priorities for the alliance in the near future are support for population growth, opportunities and training for skilled workers, and boosting liveability.

“Our regional cities are central to what makes Victoria so great, and as more people embrace our opportunities, we must ensure that the jobs, housing and lifestyle offerings are matched with reliable services and community infrastructure,” she said.

New mayors in the alliance following the recent municipal elections include Geelong’s Stretch Kontelj, Ballarat’s Tracey Hargreaves, Horsham’s Ian Ross, Latrobe’s Dale Harriman, Mildura’s Helen Healy, Wangaratta’s Irene Grant, and Wodonga’s Michael Gobel.