Cr Ben Blain was elected to Warrnambool City Council in 2020. Elected Mayor of Warrnambool City Council on 23 October 2023.

Grew up on a dairy farm in Glenormiston, went to high school at Mercy Regional College Noorat and Camperdown. Graduated from Deakin University Warrnambool with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Public Relations and Sociology.

Worked in the wool industry starting around 14 years of age for a number of different companies. Opened a wool buying company (Ackroyd and Dadswell Mortlake) in 2012 with depots in Mortlake and Geelong.

Been involved and interested in local government especially in Warrnambool over the last decade with a keen interest in social housing and community infrastructure.

Current member of the Audit and Risk Committee at Warrnambool City Council, also a past member of the South West Victoria Livestock Exchange Advisory Committee and Harbour Reference Group. Current Volunteer at CFA.

Andrew Mason is the Chief Executive Officer of Warrnambool City Council.

Michael Gobel is the Mayor of Wodonga Council. Michael brings over three decades of leadership in finance, local government and advocacy to champion the growth of Victoria’s regional cities. As a local resident to Wodonga for over 21 years and elected to the council in 2024, Michael is a trusted voice in his community. He served as Wodonga’s Director of Investment and Attraction from 2004 to 2011, gaining valuable insights into local government and its role in community growth.

Michael believes in the importance of good governance, collaboration and strong leadership. He has also held leadership roles on various boards, including Chair of Hume Bank and Deputy Chair of the Victorian Ovens and Murray Regional Partnerships Board. Michael’s extensive community involvement, including volunteer work with schools and regional development projects, reflects his deep commitment to the future of regional Victoria.

Matt Hyde commenced with Wodonga Council in July 2022, coming from the CEO role at Snowy Valleys Council in NSW. He has more than 25 years’ experience in local government with time spent in Queensland and NSW. He holds a Masters in Business Administration, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and served on the board of Local Government Professionals NSW.

Thomas is passionate about the issues of waste management, recycling, roads and growing the economy, and is proud to be part of Greater Bendigo’s diverse and inclusive community.

Thomas has been an active volunteer in the community for the past 20 years and is currently studying part time at La Trobe University.

His past achievements include development of the Bendigo Dragons Gridiron Club and helping deliver school programs to get more children playing sport.

Andrew Cooney became CEO of the City of Greater Bendigo in December 2023.

He is a highly regarded executive who is passionate about community development and enjoys long, established relationships locally, regionally and at a state government level.

He first joined the City as Director Corporate Performance in 2018 and led the City’s involvement in the development of Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub.

He also served as Director Commonwealth Games and is well-versed in all areas of the organisation, with excellent skills in financial management, governance, advocacy and community engagement.

Prior to joining the City, Andrew’s previous roles include as an Executive Director with DELWP, the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (now called DEECA, the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action), General Manager Governance and Strategy at Coliban Water, Director Community and Corporate Services at Gannawarra Shire Council, and Manager Organisational Development at Loddon Shire Council.

He is currently on the Board of Goulburn-Murray Water and Bendigo Strikers Netball.

Cr Tracey Hargreaves was elected as the City of Ballarat Mayor following her election as Councillor for the Delacombe ward in October 2024. It is her second term on Council having previously served as Councillor from 2020 to 2024.

She has lived in Ballarat for over 40 years and is passionate about open spaces and walking tracks, Ballarat’s sporting facilities and historical sites, and fabulous local businesses.

She is a Yoga and Pilates teacher and small business owner, as well as a secondary school teacher. Related to her professional expertise, Cr Hargreaves has a keen interest in wellbeing and supportive mental health practices like exercise, social connection and education.

Evan King commenced as the Chief Executive Officer at the City of Ballarat in February 2021.

Evan previously spent past two and a half years as CEO of Hepburn Shire, and has a Local Government career which includes executive roles at Pyrenees Shire Council as the Director of Corporate and Community Services and Hepburn Shire Council as the General Manager Corporate Services.

Prior to working in Local Government, Evan had an extensive career working in manufacturing and held senior management positions with Mars Wrigley and FMP (Bendix Mintex) as well as working within the social sector and notably working as the Business Manager for Salvation Army Western Victoria.

Evan has a Bachelor of Business from Federation University, is a qualified CPA and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Stretch has a long history of community involvement, particularly in local government and in supporting ethnic communities, for which he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 2001 and the Centenary Medal in 2003.

Ali is a purpose driven leader who holds degrees in Arts and Education, complemented by a Masters of Diplomacy and Trade. With a wealth of experience in executive roles within the Victorian Public Service and Local Government, she currently serves as Chief Executive Officer at the City of Greater Geelong, overseeing a workforce of over 2850 delivering more than 120 services to the community.

Ali is a seasoned Board Director in the not-for-profit, community, tourism, and health sectors, holding key positions such as Chair of Alpine Resorts Victoria and Royal Melbourne Showgrounds. Additionally, she contributes as a Board Director for organizations like Bass Coast Country University, Destination Gippsland, and Destination Phillip Island.

Ali, an accredited executive coach and mediator, is dedicated to fostering high-performing teams and cultivating workplace cultures that are strategic, outcomes-focused, trusting, and enjoyable.  

Ms Gatt brings a wealth of experience in local government leadership, having held senior roles across regional Victoria. Previously, she served as General Manager Strategy and Effectiveness at Surf Coast Shire, led key portfolios at Latrobe City Council and also worked at Wellington Shire Council.

Councillor Sharon Gibson is the longest standing Councillor, having been first elected to Council in December 2008 and has been successfully elected each term up to November 2024 consecutively.

Cr Gibson is now serving her third term as Mayor and has served five terms as Deputy Mayor, with three being in succession. Cr Gibson has been on four State Municipal Association Victoria (MAV) Committees, including, Emergency Management Transport, Environmental and Professional Development Reference.

Cr Gibson is a past Chair of Gippsland FM and has a regular program on Gippsland FM called The Valley Talks where she interviews four guests each week on a wide range of topics.

Cr Gibson has actively contributed to the community through various leadership roles, including founding and serving as Secretary of the Merton Ward Residents Association, reforming and holding the position of Secretary for the Moe Traders Association, and previously serving as Secretary of the Latrobe City Cycling Club. She has also been on the Lowanna School Council for many years serving as both chair and deputy chair (also her current role).

Cr Gibson is passionate about helping people and one of the things she loves most about Latrobe City is its people and its location; the fact that it’s only one hour from the beach, snow and close to Melbourne.

In her upcoming Council term, Cr Gibson is aspiring to diversify Latrobe City’s economy, fighting for more investment, more opportunities and more pathways for local people to secure employment.

Steven joined Latrobe City Council in 2014 as General Manager Community Infrastructure and Recreation. He was appointed CEO in December 2018. He has over 20 years’ experience in local government, including eight years at Bass Coast Shire Council, where he worked as Community and Economic Development Director and prior to that, Infrastructure Director.

Steven has a degree in Civil Engineering and graduate certificate in Business Administration.

Cr Cupper attended Pasadena Kinder, Irymple South Primary School, Irymple Secondary College and Mildura Senior College. Following VCE, she completed a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, and Bachelor of International Studies majoring in politics at Flinders University. Cr Cupper later completed a Bachelor of Social Work at Latrobe University Mildura.

She has worked with families and children for most of her career in various capacities as a lawyer, mediator and social worker, and across various sectors including family law, child protection and youth justice. Cr Cupper is the Principal and Director of her own boutique family law practice, focussed on helping families avoid court.

This is her third term as a Councillor, and third (1-year) term as Deputy Mayor. She served as Member for Mildura in the 59^th Victorian Parliament, working closely with Mildura Rural City Council to secure funding for a range of key projects. She is passionate about all aspects of the community and Council, and is especially excited to contribute her skills and knowledge to the cause of regional rate reform and infrastructure development, particularly in relation to roads and road safety.

Her hobbies include reading, writing, listening to political podcasts, and spending time with friends and family, especially her husband Ben and son Jed.

With over 20 years of local government experience Martin brings experience and expertise to the role of acting CEO for Mildura. While acting CEO Martin also performs the role of general manager and has strong connections within council and local government.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, proudly served as the Chair of Regional Cities Victoria in 2024 and 2025. He is entering his fourth year as Mayor of Greater Shepparton in 2026.

During this time, Shane made a commitment to the regions to advocate for positive change. He is driven by a collective approach, one which ensures ongoing growth, prosperity, and investment for regional cities.

Born and raised in Shepparton, Shane has a deep connection to the community and a great understanding of its unique needs and aspirations. He carries strong family values which continue to shape his approach to leadership and his commitment to Council, along with his desire to maintain a thriving community for future generations.

Shane’s professional background includes significant experience in the retail sector, particularly business management which has equipped him with a practical perspective on economic development and the challenges faced by local businesses. He is passionate about growing the local economy, one which supports both entrepreneurs and consumers.

Shane is looking forward to continuing to advocate for positive investment, sustainability and achieving real change for regional cities.

Fiona has led a rich career across a number of organisations, sectors and portfolios within Victoria and Tasmania.

Fiona has expertise, strengths and experience in strategic and business planning, government and stakeholder relations, industry and community engagement, business and workforce development, and cultural change.

She also brings in-depth knowledge on strategic marketing and communications, customer service, people management, development and leadership, service model development, financial management and leading organisational and community transformation.

Prior to returning to Greater Shepparton City Council as CEO, Fiona has held director, management and leadership roles at Council, TasTAFE (Tasmania),  GOTAFE, Berry Street and the former Victorian Department of Human Services, including a recent stint as acting Chief Operating Officer at TasTAFE.

As a skilled and result-driven Executive, Fiona is able to conceive and transform strategic ideas, into tangible opportunities and outcomes. Working in partnership, she further has the ability to deliver projects that best position an organisation, industry or region in a competitive environment.

Fiona has qualifications in management, marketing, psychology, sociology and social work and is a graduate of the Australian Company Directors course.

Fiona has been an active Board member for a range of community and commercial organisations in both Greater Shepparton and Tasmania, including undertaking the role as Board and Sub-Committee Chair.

Graduate Certificate In Management
Advanced Diploma of Management (Marketing)
Bachelor of Social Work
Bachelor of Art (Psychological and Sociology)
Australian Institute of Company Directors

Irene has been a mayor (three terms) and a councillor with the Rural City of Wangaratta (2000 – 2005). Irene was also appointed chairperson of the Australian Regional Cities Group in 2003, representing 30 municipalities across regional Australia.

Mr McGrath commenced as Chief Executive Officer of the Rural City of Wangaratta on 11 February 2014. Prior to this he had been Chief Executive Officer of Indigo Shire Council, a role he had held since February 2008.

Before starting with Indigo Shire, he was the General Manager of Community and Recreation with Mitchell Shire and had at different times acted as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Corporate Services.

Brendan has also worked in the private sector in the conference, accommodation and hospitality areas and has managed recreation facilities.
Mr McGrath is a board member and current vice-president of LGPro, the peak body for Local Government professionals in Victoria. He is also a board member with Tourism North East Victoria. He has a Bachelor of Applied Science degree and is studying Business through the Australian Institute of Management.