Expressions of Interest - Regional Partnerships

Victoria's Regional Partnerships play an important role in supporting regional economies and communities to grow and prosper. They are made up of local people creating local opportunities.

Now is your chance to become a member of one of Victoria's 9 Regional Partnerships. Applications are invited from business and community leaders for membership on the Regional Partnerships.

Regional Partnerships were established in 2016, recognising that regional communities best understand local opportunities and issues.

Regional Partnerships provide the Victorian Government with insights and advice on how to support regional communities by driving economic prosperity and removing barriers to growth.

As a Partnership member, you will work collaboratively with business, community and government partners in your region to create positive economic and community outcomes.

The 9 Regional Partnerships are:

• Barwon
• Central Highlands
• Gippsland
• Goulburn
• Great South Coast
• Loddon Campaspe
• Mallee
• Ovens Murray
• Wimmera Southern Mallee

Members are required to work for the betterment of the region rather than to serve personal interests or the interests of any business or advocacy group to which they belong.

Regional Partnership members are expected to identify and analyse issues and priorities through a place-based lens. While members may have significant experience and knowledge in a particular field, it is expected that members will adopt a broad perspective on the economic issues impacting their region and identify regional priorities with stakeholders from a variety of different sectors. This includes consideration of views from community members who may not have a voice in public debate.

Regional Partnerships members must:

• commit to upholding Victorian public sector values, being Responsiveness, Integrity, Impartiality, Accountability, Respect, Leadership, and Human Rights,
• reflect high standards of community behaviour,
• adhere to the Regional Partnerships Terms of Reference – a copy is provided upon induction,
• attend at least 75% of the Regional Partnership meetings held in each calendar year (committees meet approximately six times a year),
• be available to travel within the region (and infrequently within the state), where required; and,
• adhere to Victorian Government policies related to probity, conflicts of interest, social media policy and code of conduct. Failure to adhere to these policies may result in termination of the appointment.

We are seeking a combination of emerging and experienced regional leaders for all 9 Regional Partnerships. Applicants must be able to demonstrate, or demonstrate an interest in developing, the following:

• Strategic planning – experience in problem solving, facilitation and decision-making that supports regional economic development.
• Knowledge of the region – understanding of economic growth opportunities for the region, with good knowledge and experience of regional development.
• Commitment to the region – committed to improving the region, be well connected with strong personal and business networks.
• Stakeholder engagement – experience in working collaboratively with a broad range of stakeholders, with strong relationships built through meaningful engagement.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills – have the ability to consider a range of views, articulate regional priorities and respectfully discuss issues and opportunities.
• Commitment to diversity – bring insights and perspectives that reflect the diversity of the community and adds to the overall diversity of the Regional Partnership.

Candidates can nominate their interest in the position of Chair and/or Deputy Chair as a part of the application process. While the Chair and Deputy Chair will be chosen based on the same selection criteria identified for members above, the following capabilities and experience will also be highly regarded:

• enabling business, commercial or industry development
• leading economic development initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders,
• collaborating and partnering across industry, business, and community stakeholders to achieve outcomes,
• building and maintaining strong, active networks across the region,
• ensuring good governance, including chairing meetings and managing conflicts of interest,
• ensuring all voices and perspectives are heard and acknowledged, understanding of government structures and processes is beneficial.

Please submit your application via the Apply button on the Join a Public Board platform. Applicants will need to include a current Curriculum Vitae or resume and complete a questionnaire.

Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, 12 May 2024.

All documents should be attached as a Microsoft Word or PDF document. If you don’t have access to these, please talk to the relevant Regional Partnership contacts.

If you have additional questions, or if you need assistance with completing the application package, you can email rdv@rdv.vic.gov.au. This inbox is monitored, and a staff member will respond to you as soon as possible.