Cr Jo Armstrong, current Mayor of Ararat Rural City Council, is one of eight newly-elected directors to the board of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV). She will represent the Wimmera Southern Mallee Central Highlands Region, one of the 10 regions which form the board's geographical scope, for a term of two years.
In addition to the eight new directors, the board comprises two re-elected directors and the re-elected President, Macedon Ranges Shire Cr Jennifer Anderson.
The MAV is the legislated peak body for Victoria's local councils, existing to represent and advocate local government interests at the state and federal levels. It promotes the role of local government, facilitating effective networks while supporting councillors throughout Victoria.
Cr Armstrong's new position will see her play a central role in delivering on the MAV's responsibilities, which include defining the details of policies, objectives and strategies determined by State Council (the MAV's governing body, made up of representatives from each member council); setting and evaluating the MAV's priorities and standards; appointing the CEO and monitoring his or her performance; and liaising with MAV representatives from the Wimmera Southern Mallee Central Highlands Region.
Membership of the MAV is voluntary; all 79 Victorian councils are currently members.
"Throughout my civic service I have been proactive in working through some very difficult challenges, all the while keeping community wellbeing and benefit front of mind," says Ararat Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Jo Armstrong. "It's an honour to join the Municipal Association of Victoria's Board of Directors in working purposefully to champion the interests of local government - the tier of government that is most accountable and transparent to our communities."
Originally elected to Ararat Rural City Council in 2016, Cr Jo Armstrong has proven herself a passionate advocate for improving the lives and futures of all communities within Ararat Rural City, balanced with a firm eye on the municipality's economic sustainability. The October 2024 elections saw her return to the position of Mayor for her fifth one-year term.
