RCV applauds commitment of outgoing mayors as it prepares for new cohort

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) has acknowledged the commitment of outgoing mayors following the conclusion of the 2024 local government elections.

RCV is widely recognised as the pre-eminent voice for regional Victoria.

It comprises of the Mayors and CEOs from the 10 largest regional cities in Victoria – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Collectively, these cities are home to more than 800,000 Victorians and contribute to approximately 10 per cent of Victoria’s economy. 

RCV’s vision is for regional prosperity and enhanced liveability through sustainable growth, and advocates for policies that invest equitably and sustainably in regional cities to support a growing Victoria.

Outgoing 2024 Mayors include Robyn Gulline (Horsham), Dean Rees (Wangaratta), Des Hudson (Ballarat), Liam Wood (Mildura), and Ron Mildren (Wodonga) (Geelong and Latrobe TBC).

All have shown a tremendous commitment to the work of RCV and played an important role in shaping many of RCV’s advocacy platforms.

Newly elected mayors will join their first RCV meeting in December and elect a Chair and Deputy Chair to lead the group in 2025. Cr Shane Sali, Mayor of Shepparton, and Cr Andrea Metcalf, Mayor of Bendigo, led as Chair and Deputy Chair respectively for 2024.

Next year RCV will mark its 25-year milestone. During that time, councils have worked tirelessly together to strengthen regional economies, support sustainable growth, and improve the liveability of major centres and the rural towns they support, for the benefit of the many Victorians that choose to live and work in regional Victoria.