City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali and Greater Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf are back as chair and deputy chair of Regional Cities Victoria. Photo: Supplied.
City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali has been re-elected as chair of Regional Cities Victoria.
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Alongside Cr Sali, the Greater Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf was also re-elected as deputy chair.
On his re-election, Cr Sali said now is more important than ever to make sure regional voices are heard.
“In 2025, RCV marks 25 years as the trusted voice to government for the regions, their cities and the rural communities they support,” he said.
“With a federal election expected in the first half of 2025 and a state election in 2026, RCV is determined to ensure that, through dynamic policy settings, regional Victoria can home a greater proportion of the state’s population and economic prosperity.”
RCV is a leadership group made up of mayors and chief executive officers of the 10 largest regional cities in Victoria, including Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.
Regional Cities Victoria consists of the mayors and CEOs from top regional cities. Photo: Supplied.
These cities are collectively home to over 800,000 Victorians, with RCV members working together on issues and projects for these regional cities.
This is the second time Cr Sali has held the chair position, having previously served as chair in 2024 and deputy chair in 2023.
“We have a solid strategic plan for the coming year, one which needs clear direction and leadership to achieve infrastructure investment, housing, roads, transport and positive economic development for regional communities,” he said.
Deputy chair Cr Metcalf said more investment is needed to enable Victoria’s regional centres to grow, to secure a skilled workforce and to further enhance the livability of regional centres.
“Our regional cities are central to what makes Victoria so great, and as more people embrace our opportunities ‒ we must ensure that the jobs, housing and lifestyle offerings are matched with reliable services and community infrastructure,” she said.
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