Corangamite Shire's leadership has an influential role at state level after two Councillors were elected to high-level Local Government organisations.
In January Mayor Kate Makin was elected Deputy chair of Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) for two years.
Cr Makin said it was a privilege to be elected by her fellow board members—councillors and CEOs from each of six regions, representing a total of 34 councils.
Cr Makin and Colac-Otway Shire CEO Anne Howard represent the Rural South West Region, which comprises their Shires plus Moyne, Southern Grampians and Glenelg.
"RCV's aim is to support and promote strong, liveable, prosperous rural communities," Cr Makin said.
"One in nine Victorians—over 800,000 people—live in rural communities which are key to a thriving state economy.
"Most rural council share similar challenges and priorities and RCV is recognised as the collective voice to Government.
"RCV is single negotiator bringing a country perspective influencing government policy and projects to deliver positive outcomes for our communities."
Cr Ruth Gstrein was re-elected Deputy President Non-Metro of the of the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) for the next two years.
Cr Gstrein has been on the MAV board since 2013 and was Deputy President Rural from 2019-23.
"The MAV is the peak body for the 79 Victorian councils," Cr Gstrein said.
"The work we do around emergency management is really important, as is our advocacy to State and Federal governments.
"Mav provides policy development, advocacy, governance support, and more, across areas such as financial sustainability, public health and safety, interpretation of legislation.
"It also offers insurance and procurement services, and organizes training, briefings and conferences to build Councillors' and Council Officers' professional development."
