MITCHELL Shire Council Mayor Fiona Stevens was announced as one of 12 mayors from across Victoria as part of the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2023.
Comprising a team of urban, regional, and rural mayors, the group represents the diversity of Victorian communities, and is joined by Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne.
The panel is set up to provide the minister with advice on legislative and policy issues that impact councils across the state, with this year’s panel expected to focus on governance and accountability.
Cr Stevens said working with Ms Horne would be ‘an excellent opportunity to advocate for Mitchell Shire in conjunction with other councils’.
“Representation on this panel means we have a significant opportunity to raise matters of local concern and importance directly with the minister,” she said.
“The benefit of this panel is to bring direct experience and advice from those in local government to help formulate affective legislation and policy to make a real difference at the grassroots level. This opportunity is greatly appreciated.”
Ms Horne said she looked forward to chairing the panel for the year ahead.
“The panel plays an integral role as an advisor on local government matters and local community needs – with a mix of urban, regional and rural mayors offering feedback and advice from all Victorian communities,” she said.
