- Published:
- Thursday 4 August 2016
Tireless advocates for regional education, training and healthcare, hard-working local business people and champions of diversity and creativity are among the new members of the first Mallee Regional Partnership.
Minister for Regional Development Jaala Pulford congratulated the seven successful applicants who were today appointed the community and business members of the Partnership. They were chosen for their broad skills and experience, know-how and ability to positively contribute to the development of their communities.
Regional Partnerships are also being established in Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Loddon Campaspe, Ovens Murray and Wimmera Southern Mallee, to give rural and regional Victorians greater say about what matters to them and direct regional priorities straight into the heart of Government.
Ms Winifred Scott, who recently retired as SuniTAFE Chief Executive Officer after a distinguished career in regional vocational education and training, has been appointed Chair of the Mallee Regional Partnership. Ms Simone Heald, Sunraysia Community Health Service Chief Executive Officer, will be Deputy Chair.
The other members include:
- Mr Glenn Stewart, Strategic Manager, Robinvale
- Mrs Kay Martin, Consultant lawyer, MIR Lawyers
- Ms Rebecca Wells, Chair, Merbein and District Community Bank Branch of Bendigo Bank
- Dr Tony Alessi, a practicing chiropractor and owner, Dr Tony Alessi Chiropractic Centre
- Mr Robert Jardine, recently retired Regional Development Victoria Economic Development Coordinator
The community members will be joined by local council CEOs, Regional Development Australia representatives and senior Victorian government officials.
Population attraction, retention and enhancing the liveability of small towns, supporting farmers dealing with the impact of climate change, the modernisation of Sunraysia’s irrigation infrastructure and addressing health and education concerns, are likely to be among the issues tackled by the Mallee Regional Partnership.
As Mallee Regional Partnership Chair, Ms Scott 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 successful applicants for membership of the Mallee Regional Partnership are from diverse backgrounds, with a range of experience and an ability to collaborate across community and industry groups.”
Quotes attributable to Mallee Regional Partnership Chair Winifred Scott
"The reason this is so significant is that it looks at plans and priorities across the entire region and that allows us to see the whole picture.”
“The Partnership is an independent body and as members, we bring our strategic views from a range of industries and backgrounds, which complement each other well and will empower us to deliver considered advice to government on the priorities for our communities."