From the Chair

Image: Cr Kellie O'Callaghan - Chair, One Gippsland

This year has been a busy for One Gippsland with two elections that have seen a new Federal and returned State Government installed.

One Gippsland has used this opportunity to advocate for key priorities that if delivered will see our region and all those who live within it thrive.

Our priorities cut across all the important areas that we need to address to meet the challenges ahead including:

  • Increasing investment into our freight networks to improve efficiency as the cost of doing business rises rapidly;

  • Updating our educational institutions to allow skills for the future to be developed in our region, particularly in areas of demand such as new energy and construction;

  • Building world class tourism offerings and extending an invitation to visit them through marketing and events;

  • Investing in research, development and export technologies so that our food and fibre sector can take our produce to the world;

  • Constructing state of the art health facilities to ensure Gippsland is one of the most liveable regions in Australia; and

  • Ensuring our region is highly connected with investment in digital and rail infrastructure to increase our productivity.

As partners in this task, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the new and returning Members of the Victorian Parliament:

  • Ms Jordan Crugnale MP – Member for Bass;

  • The Hon Tim Bull MP - Member for Gippsland East and Shadow Minister for Disability, Seniors and Carers, Racing and Veterans’ Affairs;

  • Mr Martin Cameron MP – Member for Morwell; and

  • Mr Danny O’Brien MP – Member for Gippsland South.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the new and returning Members of the Upper House for the Eastern Victoria Region:

  • Mr Jeff Bourman MLC – Member for Eastern Victoria;

  • The Hon Harriet Shing MLC – Member for Eastern Victoria;

  • Ms Renee Heath - Member for Eastern Victoria;

  • Mr Tom McIntosh MLC – Member for Eastern Victoria; and

  • Ms Melina Bath MLC – Member for Eastern Victoria.

I would also like to extend a warm invitation to all incoming Cabinet to visit Gippsland – particularly:

  • The Hon. Daniel Andrews MP – Premier of Victoria;

  • The Hon. Jacinta Allan MP – Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Suburban Rail Loop and Commonwealth Games Delivery;

  • The Hon. Melissa Horne MP – Minister for Casino, Gaming, Liquor Regulation, Local Government, Ports, Freight, Roads and Road Safety;

  • The Hon. Gayle Tierney MLC – Minister for Training, Skills, Higher Education and Agriculture;

  • The Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP – Minister for Mental Health, Treaty and First Peoples and Ambulance Services;

  • The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP – Minister for Education and Women;

  • The Hon. Harriet Shing MLC – Minister for Water, Regional Development and Equality; and

  • The Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP – Minister for Planning and Outdoor Recreation.

We look forward to working closely with our newly elected local members to champion the interests of our region.

In closing, I would like to pay tribute to the hardworking and dedicated Board of 2022 who have worked tirelessly for the Gippsland region. Thank you to Cr Michael Leaney and Cr Mohya Davies for your valued commitment and contribution to developing the Gippsland region. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

I would like to give a warm welcome to incoming Board members Cr Annemarie McCabe - Mayor, Baw Baw Shire Council and Cr Nathan Hersey - Mayor, South Gippsland Shire Council. We look forward to working with you to continue the task of supporting liveable, affordable and productive communities.

Please accept my heartfelt good wishes for the festive season. I look forward to a busy and productive 2023.

Yours sincerely,

Cr Kellie O’Callaghan

Chair, One Gippsland

Collective Position