Representatives from 30 rural councils made a huge impression at Parliament House, Melbourne, on Tuesday 5 March.
The Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan made a surprise visit and reflect on how important rural councils are to their communities.
The Premier emphasised a willingness for government to build strong relationship with RCV.
Earalier in the day RCV members took part in an instructive advocacy and government relations training session in at the Windsor Hotel.
The energy and enthusiasm in the room highlighted the passion those working in local government have, with councils exchanging ideas and sharing challenges.
Suzanna Sheed shared her expertise from her time in Parliament as an independent MP, and former Chief of Staff Chris Owner and former Ministerial Adviser Rhiannon Carter-Buntman gave their unique perspective from inside government.
Attendees gained valuable insights into government operations, priorities and strategies for how to effectively articulate the needs of rural communities.
Then later at the event at Parliament House, RCV members shared their priorities with politicians. It was a great opportunity to voice common issues across the RCV regions.
We are very grateful to Martha Haylett, Member for Ripon, for hosting us.
It was particularly pleasing to have the Premier Jacinta Allan attend.
Our members also heard from the Hon. Gayle Tierney, Minister for Regional Development and the Hon. Melissa Horne, Minister for Local Government. They shared their vision for their portfolios and the challenges facing rural Victorians. The common theme was that we can work to strengthen the relationships between RCV members and the government to deliver for communities.
It was encouraging to see councils from across the state come together, form connections with members of parliament, and lay the groundwork for future collaborations.
RCV extends a big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event a resounding success.
RCV is determined to carry this momentum forward as we continue our mission to promote livable, prosperous rural communities and strong rural councils.
We were pleased to have so many Ministers and Members of Parliament join us.
Office of Hon Jacinta Allan MP, Premier of Victoria Hon. Jacinta Allan
Harriet Shing Minister for Housing
Melissa H. Minister for Local Government
Mary-Anne Thomas MP Minister for Health
Gayle Tierney MP Minister for Regional Development
Lily D’Ambrosio MP Minister for Energy & Resources
Steve Dimopoulos Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Environment
Sonya Kilkenny Minister for Planning
Martha Haylett MP
The Hon. Maree Edwards MP
Michaela Settle MP
Jordan Crugnale MP
Gaelle Broad MP
Lauren Kathage MP
Jacinta Ermacora MLC
Wendy Lovell MLC
Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MLC
Tom McIntosh MLC
Photos from the events are available for download from RCV’s Google Drive: