New team to drive economic development

A NEW Ovens Murray Regional Partnerships committee, which focuses on regional development has been formed, with consumer researcher and analyst Ian Cesa to head up the team. Other well-known local executives have been named including North East Water's Jo Murdoch, Alpine Resorts Victoria Amber Gardner, Tourism North East's Bess Nolan-Cook, Defence Science Institute's Charlotte Morris, Charles Sturt University's Diarmuid Kelly, Upper Murray Family Care's Felicity Williams, and Mansfield Autism Statewide Services' Judy Dixon. Some of the project funding the Ovens Murray Regional Partnership has secured in the past include: * $8.5m for the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail Enhancements Project (Victorian Budget 22/23). This includes the development and installation of public art, landscaping, improved amenity, and new commercial opportunities along the trail; * $220k for further business case development for the Wangaratta Digital Hub to provide critical education and support for people navigating the digital world and workplace; * the partnership’s Digital Futures group delivered projects in healthcare technology trials, boosting digital workforce capacity and the development of free public Wi-Fi networks; and * it successfully advocated for funding to develop the Wodonga and Wangaratta Youth Foyers to provide critical housing and support services for students at risk of homelessness. Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney said regional partnerships are a key voice to government, recognising local communities are in the best position to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their region. “We look forward to working with new and continuing appointees to drive the economic development of regional Victoria," she said. More than 40 new members to Victoria’s regional partnerships, which advocate for regional communities across the state. The partnerships recognise that local communities are in the best position to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by their region and give a voice to regional communities and businesses to advise government and guide the delivery of local services, support, and programs. In total, 67 people have been appointed to roles across the nine regional partnerships, including 42 new members and 25 who are returning for another term.

New team to drive economic development

Research hope

Thrown in the deep end, McNamara delivers on debut

Mental health concerns raised as accused Helen Haines attacker faces court

Wangaratta Chronicle, Friday, 23 October, 2026

Most popular stories

Research hope

Thrown in the deep end, McNamara delivers on debut

Mental health concerns raised as accused Helen Haines attacker faces court

Wangaratta Chronicle, Friday, 23 October, 2026