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 The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate.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
Thursday 18th of September,
Mosaic Festival lights up Victoria Park Lake with music, food and culture
Greater Shepparton City Council, in collaboration with the Greater Shepparton Amplify Youth Committee and the Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District, is excited to announce the success of Mosaic Festival, which attracted approximately 600 people to… Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
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Greater Shepparton City Council’s Resilience in Recovery team is proud to present ‘Disruption’ a bold, immersive art exhibition coming to Shepparton from Saturday 18 to Friday 31 October 2025. Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Greater Shepparton City Council strengthens regional advocacy during strategic visit to Parliament
Greater Shepparton City Council led a successful two-day advocacy delegation to Parliament House in Melbourne last month, where delegates met with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, and senior advisors to champion key priorities for the region ahead of the… Read more
Wednesday 17th of September,
Be the heart of your community – Join a Community Asset Committee
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Friday 12th of September,
Planning the future of play: KidsTown consultation begins
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Thursday 11th of September,
Young performers shine at Talent Show
Greater Shepparton City Council celebrated the creativity and skills of local young people at the recent Youth Talent Show, which brought colour, music and energy to the Winter City Market on Saturday 30 August at the Maude Street Precinct in Shepparton.… Read more
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More Events in Greater Shepparton
Thursday 18th of September,
CrAfter Dark at Shepparton Library - Fabric Coffee Cup Sleeve
Get your creative juices flowing and join us for craft, coffee and cake! Read more
Thursday 18th of September,
Vinyl, music, and our desire to collect with Jon Dale at SAM
Using Brett Whiteley’s record collection as an example, this talk considers the desires that underpin the chaos and order of the collection – and of the collector. Read more
Monday 22nd of September, – to Friday 3rd of October,
School Holiday Activity - Giant Games at Shepparton Library
Giant Jamenga, Chess & Connect 4! Read more
Monday 22nd of September,
Connecting with the Past at Shepparton Library - Using Ancestry.com
Learn how to start researching your family tree! Read more
Sunday 21st of September,
Orienteering
Calling all adventurers! Read more
Thursday 18th of September,
Grahamvale Primary School Concert - Years 3-6 - Better Together, Waste Less Forever
View on Riverlinks
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