The panel comprises 10 mayors from Victoria’s urban, regional and rural communities and changes yearly.
Their role is to offer advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy issues affecting councils across Victoria, meeting with Local Government Minister Melissa Horne four times a year.
As chair of Regional Cities Victoria, Cr Sali will represent both Greater Shepparton and Regional Cities Victoria on the panel.
Cr Sali said he was incredibly proud to be elected and highlighted the opportunities it may open up for the region.
“This provides Greater Shepparton and Regional Cities Victoria with a seat at the table, allowing me to regularly meet with the minister and raise important issues affecting our communities,” he said.
This year’s panel will focus on governance, representation and inclusion, which are important topics in regional cities like Greater Shepparton.
“Regional cities are the backbone of Victoria, and we have an important role to play in advocating for positive change in the local government space,” he said.
“I look forward to working alongside the other mayors on this year’s panel to share ideas and advocate for the needs of our regions.”
The members of the 2024 panel are:
- Cr Shane Sali, Greater Shepparton City Council, representing Regional Cities Victoria.
- Cr Clare Le Serve, Bass Coast Shire, representing Peri Urban Councils Victoria.
- Cr Fiona Stitfold, Bayside City Council, representing the Inner South Metropolitan Mayor’s Forum.
- Cr Naim Kurt, Hume City Council, representing Interface Councils.
- Cr Jenna Davey-Burns, Kingston City Council, representing the Association of Bayside Municipalities.
- Cr Cuc Lam PSM, Maribyrnong City Council.
- Cr Damien Gallagher, Murrindindi Shire.
- Cr Robert Vance, Pyrenees Shire, representing Rural Councils Victoria.
- Cr Ian Bye, Wellington Shire, representing One Gippsland.
- Cr Denise Massoud, Whitehorse City Council, representing the Eastern Region Group of Councils.
To find out more about LGMAP, visit https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/our-partnerships/local-government-mayoral-advisory-panel
