Regional Cities Victoria announces new leadership team for 2026

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12 December 2025

MEDIA RELEASE

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) has today elected its new leadership team for 2026, with Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain appointed Chair, alongside Wodonga Mayor Cr Michael Gobel as Deputy Chair.

RCV is a powerful alliance of Mayors and CEOs from Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga – united in their vision for stronger, more sustainable growth across regional Victoria.

“As we head into a state election year, RCV is focused on championing the policy settings that will unlock population growth, strengthen liveability, and expand economic prosperity across regional Victoria,” Cr Blain said.

“Our cities are ready to be part of the solution – supporting housing supply, attracting new industries and creating a thriving future for Victorian families.”

Deputy Chair Michael Gobel, Mayor of Wodonga, said sustained investment in regional cities would be critical to shaping Victoria’s future.

“Our regional cities are central to what makes Victoria so great. As more people choose regional Victoria for its opportunity, lifestyle and affordability, we must match that growth with the jobs, housing and essential community infrastructure needed to support it,” Cr Gobel said.

Following recent mayoral elections, RCV has also welcomed three new mayors to the table: Cr Ali Cupper (Mildura), Cr Thomas Prince (Bendigo), and Cr Brian Klowss (Horsham) and we look forward to their contributions.

2025 RCV Chair and Mayor of Greater Shepparton, Cr Shane Sali, will continue as an active member of the alliance.

“Leading RCV has been an honour. Our shared advocacy has strengthened the voice of regional cities and positioned them as a key part of Victoria’s economic and social future. While I am stepping back from the Chair role, my commitment to this alliance remains strong, and I look forward to supporting the next phase of RCV’s leadership,” Cr Sali said.

 

New RCV leadership for 2026: (L-R) Deputy Chair Cr Michael Gobel, Mayor of Wodonga and Chair Cr Ben Blain, Mayor of Warrnambool.

 

Regional Cities Victoria welcomes freeze on ESVF levy for farmers – a win for regional communities

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5 December 2025

MEDIA RELEASE

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) today welcomed the Victorian Government’s decision to freeze the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) rate for farmers for two years.

RCV – a powerful assembly representing Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga – has consistently raised concerns over the impact of the new levy on drought-affected farmers, families under increasing cost pressures, and the broader economies of regional Victoria.

The freeze is a welcome recognition of those concerns, and of the very real challenges faced by regional communities.

COMMENTS FROM RCV CHAIR CR SHANE SALI, MAYOR OF GREATER SHEPPARTON:

“Our member councils welcome this decision. Farmers across regional Victoria are the backbone of our state. This freeze offers much-needed relief at a time when many are doing it tough.

“RCV’s advocacy has been integral to achieving this outcome. We have consistently advocated against a significantly higher emergency services levy which is unrealistic and unfair. This announcement shows the Government has heard those calls – it’s a win for farmers, families and regional towns doing it tough.

“RCV will continue its advocacy for the best outcomes for our community.”

Contact RCV Media on 0411 035 695