Victorian Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes, has announced the appointment of Margaret O’Rourke OAM as Chair for the Regional Development Advisory Committee (RDAC) alongside the appointment of members represented by the Chairs of Victoria’s nine Regional Partnerships.
Minister Symes said Ms O’Rourke (pictured) brings strong leadership and business experience from current and former roles in regional Victoria.
Currently Head of La Trobe University’s Bendigo Campus and former Chair of Bendigo Kangan Institute, she also sits on the V/Line Advisory Board, with previous roles as Mayor and Councillor at the City of Greater Bendigo, Chair of Regional Cities Victoria and former senior positions with Telstra and Bendigo Telco.
“It’s an honour to Chair RDAC and to continue to lead the Committee’s work in connecting local priorities across the regions – ensuring the voice of regional and rural communities are heard directly at the heart of Government,” said Chair O’Rourke.
RDAC was established in 2002 alongside the state’s lead agency for regional economic development – Regional Development Victoria (RDV) – to provide independent advice to Government on cross-regional matters.
“RDAC brings together deep local insights and a statewide perspective to help shape policies that genuinely work and gives regional communities a stronger voice in the decisions that impact their future,” said Minister Symes.
The committee consists of an independent Chair and the Chairs of the nine Regional Partnerships as committee members. Together, they provide a coordinated, state-wide voice to Government on the issues and opportunities impacting Victoria’s regions.
“RDAC ensures Victoria’s regional policies and opportunities are shaped by people who understand the local challenges and strengths and that means our initiatives can be targeted, effective and locally responsive,” said RDV CEO, Xavier Csar.
RDV’s nine Regional Partnerships bring together local leaders with strong connections to local community, industry and business groups who work together to set priorities, make the case for investment, and ensure regional voices shape Government decision-making.
