Please note: this is an archived news article release
This article was published on Wednesday, 16 December, 2020. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.
Posted on Wednesday 16th of December, 2020,
A new Chair and Deputy Chair have been appointed to Regional Cities Victoria, a leadership group comprising the Mayors and CEOs of the 10 largest cities outside Melbourne – Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.
Collectively, these cities are home to more than 600,000 Victorians.
The new Chair of RCV will be Cr Kim O’Keeffe, Mayor of Greater Shepparton City Council, with Cr Jennifer Alden, Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo, appointed Deputy Chair.
Following Local Government elections across the state, Regional Cities Victoria has welcomed seven new Mayors to the group, which represents regional Victoria’s interests to the State and Federal Government.
Cr Kim O’Keeffe has run her own business in the services and training industry for the past 28 years in Shepparton, expanding the business nationally and taking on the role as National Education and Marketing Manager for the Salons Group. Cr O’Keeffe previously served as Deputy Chair of RCV in 2019, and this will be her third term as Mayor of Shepparton.
Cr Jennifer Alden is serving her second term as Councillor for the City of Greater Bendigo, with 30 years’ experience in public health and a long-standing interest in global food security and sustainable food systems in a changing climate.
“I’m excited to be part of Regional Cities Victoria again, and look forward to bringing my experience to bear as RCV continues to advocate for investment to support sustainable growth in regional Victoria,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
“Regional Victoria demonstrated resilience and grit throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns, and was able to re-open for business earlier as a result. As we move to a COVID-Normal in 2021, regional cities and communities are already welcoming back visitors from around the state, and we know that regional living has never been more attractive.
“If moving to the country is the next big trend, we need to ensure that we have the infrastructure, services and amenities to accommodate new families and residents, so that we can maintain the unique liveability that regional cities have to offer,” Cr O’Keeffe said.
RCV advocates for the sustainable growth of Victoria’s regions, and for policies and programs that help attract business investment and a diverse workforce to regional Victoria.
More News from Greater Shepparton
Tuesday 14th of October,
Council awards contract for construction of new Cosgrove Landfill Cell
Greater Shepparton City Council has awarded the construction contract for the next landfill cell at Cosgrove Three, securing future waste disposal capacity and supporting sustainable waste management across the region. Read more
Monday 13th of October,
Greater Shepparton secures back-to-back Australian Junior Motocross Championships
Greater Shepparton City Council, in partnership with the Goulburn Valley Junior Motorcycle Club, is proud to announce it has been selected to host the Australian Junior Motocross Championships in both 2026 and 2027. Read more
Thursday 9th of October,
Council urges community to have their say on VicGrid’s Renewable Energy Zone proposal
The Victorian Government, through VicGrid, has released its Victorian Transmission Plan, identifying several Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) across the state, in areas it considers most suitable for future solar and wind farm development. Read more
Friday 3rd of October,
Make your next career move at Council’s Early Years Recruitment Day
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to announce its third Empowering Early Years Recruitment Day, designed to connect passionate people with rewarding careers in early childhood education. Read more
Thursday 2nd of October,
Greater Shepparton to host 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference
Greater Shepparton is proud to be announced as the host city for the 2026 Murray-Darling Association National Conference. Read more
Wednesday 1st of October,
Nominations now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards
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More Events in Greater Shepparton
Thursday 16th of October,
Shepparton Arts Festival - Annual General Meeting
As we prepare to celebrate our 30th year in 2026, we’d love for you to join us in reflecting on the past, celebrating the present, and visioning the future of the Shepparton Arts Festival. Read more
Saturday 18th of October,
Tatura Pedals and Steps - Charity Run, Ride and Walk
Introducing Tatura Pedal & Steps - the refreshed name for our much-loved annual community event, previously known as Tat200. Since its inception in 2008, this event has proudly raised over $1 million… Read more
Thursday 16th of October, – to Thursday 30th of October,
Giant Charity Garage Sale
Reduce, repair, reuse. refurbish, repurpose, recycle at the Soroptimist giant garage sale. Something for everyone at very reasonable prices. All proceeds are distributed to local charities. Read more
Friday 17th of October,
Puff Walk
Did you know walking together helps build stronger friendships and healthier habits? Read more
Saturday 18th of October,
Bonegilla - The Migrants Journey
"Bonegilla-The migrant's journey" has been playing to sold out venues around Australia. View on Riverlinks
Wednesday 15th of October,
Puff Walk
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