Mr Harriott said Ms Christou was appointed to the position after seven years leading the Economic Development team at Council. Her role oversees the Building and Planning Department, comprising strategic and statutory planning; the Economic Development Department, comprising tourism, events, business and industry attraction and development, business incubation, grants, international relations and visitor experience; and the Environment Department encompassing environmental health and sustainability and environment.
Having grown up in Shepparton and raised a family here, Ms Christou is very passionate about the community in which she lives. She has extensive experience in local government, having worked in the sector for over 15 years, following 12 years in the private sector. “I have a thorough understanding of the challenges that business and industry face and have developed strong connections with the sector, working with them to facilitate new investment, growth and implement sustainability measures and maintain global competitiveness,” said Ms Christou.
Ms Christou also has strong links to the Greater Shepparton community, representing Council on a number of boards and committees including Goulburn River Valley Tourism, La Trobe University Regional Advisory Board, Shepparton Show Me and the Food Bowl Inland Rail Alliance. She has been a strong advocate on a number of key regional issues including passenger, high speed and inland rail, CBD revitalisation, water security and works actively with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project on engaging youth in education.
Ms Christou has a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management and is currently undertaking the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course.
“Having grown up in Shepparton, I am passionate about this region, working hard to ensure that the level of infrastructure and services for our community support sustainable growth of the municipality and allow capitalisation of our many unique attributes.”
With Australia’s Free Trade Agreement with China and also the recent announcement of the signing of a protocol between China and Australia which allows for the exporting of stone fruit to China, Ms Christou feels that these opportunities will allow for Greater Shepparton to grow on its already strong export potential.
Geraldine is married to Mathew with two sons Jason and Nicholas and enjoys spending time with family, keeping fit, cooking and travelling.
