New GBAC Mayors highlight shared commitment

GBAC Committee members. Top row (left to right): Bradley Thomas, Jim Nolan, Shane Walden, Derek Madden, Evan King. Bottom row (left to right): Cr Don Henderson, Cr Tanya Kehoe, Cr Sarah Hayden, Cr Paul Tatchell. Absent: Cr Tracey Hargreaves (Chair), Cr Grace La Vella, Sally Jones

Recently elected GBAC Mayors have highlighted their shared commitment to improve their communities’ quality of life during their first year of a new Council term.

The shared focus was stated at GBAC’s first Committee Meeting of Mayors and CEOs since the Victorian local government elections in late 2024.

On the table was GBAC’s purpose as a united voice for residents, advocating to ensure they have access to the infrastructure and services they need and an equitable share of Victorian and Australian government funding.

GBAC’s shared priorities of transport, growth and digital connectivity were also discussed, along with the financial sustainability of member councils.

Attending Mayors spoke passionately about the importance of aligning their priorities and vision for the entire region’s benefit.

A new Mayor has been elected to each GBAC member Council. They are: Cr Tracey Hargreaves, City of Ballarat (GBAC Chair); Cr Grace La Vella, Central Goldfields Shire; Cr Sarah Hayden, Golden Plains Shire; Cr Don Henderson, Hepburn Shire; Cr Paul Tatchell, Moorabool Shire; and Cr Tanya Kehoe, Pyrenees Shire.

The GBAC Committee will meet again in the first quarter of 2025, ahead of the impending federal election.