Regional Capitals Australia is pleased to announce a new Executive Board, elected at the 2019 Annual General Meeting held on Tuesday 26 November.
Mayor Shane Van Styn, was elected Chair of Regional Capitals Australia, bringing with him extensive experience as an immediate past Chair of Regional Capitals Australia. He takes on this position after recently being re-elected as Mayor City of Greater Geraldton for an additional four year term.
Mayor Van Styn thanked the membership for the endorsement, confirming it was an honour to again take on the leadership role.
“I am looking forward to continuing the important work of our alliance and make sure regional capitals cities are front and centre in the Australian Government’s decision making and funding,” Mayor Van Styn said.
Cr Tony Herbert, Mayor of Warrnambool City Council and former Victorian Regional Representative on the Board will fill the position of Deputy Chair, whilst continuing to act as the Victorian Regional Representative.
In addition to the election of Mayor Van Styn and Cr Tony Herbert, the following positions were secured:
- Treasurer: Cr George Seymour, Mayor of Fraser Coast Regional Council
- Secretary: Cr Col Murray, Mayor of Tamworth Regional Council
- NSW Regional Representative: Cr Greg Conkey, Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga
- QLD Regional Representative: Cr Margaret Strelow, Mayor of Rockhampton Regional
- NT Regional Representative: Cr Damien Ryan, Mayor of Alice Springs Town Council
- WA Regional Representative: Cr Grant Henley, Mayor of the City of Busselton
The alliance will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the members with the refreshed leadership team, however will say farewell to former Chair, Cr Samantha McIntosh.
Cr McIntosh was instrumental in advocating for new and ongoing federal investment in programs that aim to build the connectivity, liveability and productivity of regional capital cities. These include the:
- Regional Airports Program;
- Regional Faster Rail;
- Stronger Regional Digital Connectivity Package;
- Regional Study Hubs (Regional University Centres); and
- New National Population Plan.
Cr McIntosh confirmed she was proud of all the alliance had achieved during her time as Chair.
“I would like to thank the Board and all of our members for their support and tireless efforts working with me to ensure that regional Australia was front of mind for federal leaders.” She said.
Newly elected Chair, Mayor Van Styn paid special mention to outgoing Chair Cr McIntosh saying that the energy and dedication she bought to the Board has reaped many rewards for regional Australia.
“Cr McIntosh has done a great job as head of Regional Capitals Australia over the past year, our members and regions are better off because of her leadership,” he said.
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Contact
Rachael Sweeney, Regional Capitals Australia Executive Officer
M: 0422 067 858
Shannyn Peterson, Regional Capitals Australia Secretariat
P: 03 8658 5715
M: 0434 274 457
E: Secretariat@regionalcapitalsaustralia.org
About Regional Capitals Australia
Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) is a national alliance of local government councils across the nation representing Australia’s regional cities. RCA’s mission is to provide a recognised platform to champion the strategic importance and sustainable development of regional capitals around the nation. To learn more about our work visit http://regionalcapitalsaustralia.org.
Available for Interview
Mayor Shane Van Styn, Chair of Regional Capitals Australia