Leadership role for Kirby

GOLDEN Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby has been named to a key leadership position with a statewide local government group.

Last Friday she was elected as the co-deputy-chair of the Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils for that alliance’s 2020/21 term.

PUGRC is a coalition of six municipal areas on the fringes of major metropolitan areas like Melbourne and Geelong and includes Moorabool, Surf Coast, Bass Coast and Baw Baw shires.

“As peri urban councils, we face a unique set of challenges and opportunities and it’s important our group of rural councils work together to ensure the appropriate investment in our municipalities,” Cr Kirby said.

“Being on the doorstop of two major regional cities, we need to actively seek State Government investment to ensure our existing and new residents have quality community facilities and services that keep pace with our growing communities.”

Last September, Golden Plains Shire benefited from $270,000 grant that came out of PUGRC program with the money going towards to the Shire’s youth hub in Bannockburn.

Cr Kriby said she was looking forward to further positive outcomes through Golden Plain’s involvement with PUGRC.

“The Peri Urban Group of Rural Councils is a valuable strategic partnership and I look forward to working with the member mayors and CEOs to further our advocacy and lobbying successes,” she said.