Cr Rob Priestly

Bachelor of Business
(International Trade)

Born at GV Health and raised on dairy farms at Undera and Katandra, I moved to Melbourne to complete a Business Degree, majoring in International Trade.

I worked across Australia and in South East Asia in the grains industry before returning to the Goulburn Valley to start a family. I am married to Sonia and we have three sons.

For the past 25 years I have owned and worked in business and have learned what it takes to get things done and build success. I have developed strong business and community relationships across the region and the state.

Our region is positioned to capitalise on some big trends. Scarce water resources, climate change, rising food demand, and the onshoring of manufacturing are all trends that can be tailwinds for this community if we get the leadership right.

Fulfilling our potential is not assured however, and it will require community and government leaders to work together and respond to the rapidly changing business and natural environment. To get anywhere, you need to be able to get along.

Our region has shown me the value of a cohesive diverse community, but we still have a way to go for some of our residents. Access to jobs, education, healthcare and social participation are not yet available to all in our community. My goal is for our region to lead in removing barriers for these residents by helping breakdown discrimination and making opportunities accessible for all. We are all better off when each member of community gets to participate to their fullest.

There is a great feeling of excitement amongst councillors and in the community around the new council. I want to see council supporting economic activity in the region, reviewing its costs, rates and budgets.

During the Council election campaign I was fortunate to meet with many of the leadership groups in our small towns. I met many terrific people through this and look forward to progressing their aspirations for their communities.

I am eager to start the ball rolling on the long process of securing a waste-to-energy project in our region.

Contact details

Phone: 0434 856 031
Email: robert.priestly@shepparton.vic.gov.au