Central Goldfields Shire Maryborough Ward Councillor Grace La Vella has been appointed Vice-President of the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) Board for a three-year period.
The Board is the governing body of the VLGA and sets long term strategy and policy for the organisation.
Cr La Vella was appointed this week having been a Board Member of the VLGA since July 2021. She replaces outgoing VLGA Vice-President Cr Dr Josh Fergeus from the City of Monash, who completed his term on 30 June.
Central Goldfields Shire Interim CEO Emma Little congratulated Cr La Vella on her appointment.
"The VLGA is a peak body for local government, and Cr La Vella is the first VLGA Vice-President from a rural council. This is a terrific achievement for a Councillor in Central Goldfields Shire, and a leap forward in the representation of country Victoria as a whole.
"The role of the VLGA is to inform and influence policymakers and stakeholders to determine the priorities for the local government sector. Having Cr La Vella in such a role where she can advocate for rural councils is a great outcome."
Cr La Vella said she was delighted to become VLGA Vice-President and looks forward to bringing a stronger rural voice to the Board.
"The needs of councils in the country regions can be very different to those in the city, so I know I have an important job ahead of me."
"I look forward to working with a team of passionate, pro-active Board members and offer a sincere thank you to Councillors of Victoria for their faith and trust in what I bring to the Board's table."
