Cr Sali was elected to the position yesterday at the RCV General Meeting. This is the second time he has held the position of Chair of RCV, having previously served as Chair in 2024 and Deputy Chair in 2023. 

Cr Sali said he was extremely pleased to be re-elected, saying he was looking forward to continuing to work with RCV to achieve positive outcomes for regional and rural communities.

“As the Chair of Regional Cities Victoria in 2024, I made a commitment to our regions to advocate for positive investment, sustainability and achieving real change. Throughout the year I visited the regions, connected with the Mayor’s and CEO’s, and gained a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities which lie ahead,”

“I am looking forward to continuing this work in 2025 and ensuring the ongoing growth, prosperity and investment for regional cities – including Greater Shepparton.”

RCV is a leadership group comprising of the Mayors and CEOs of the 10 largest regional cities, including Shepparton, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga, with these cities collectively home to more than 800,000 Victorians. RCV members work co-operatively on issues and projects of mutual interest that affect regional cities, as well as the whole state, with a vision to build a sustainable Victoria through regional growth.

Cr Sali will work alongside Cr Andrea Metcalf, Mayor of Greater Bendigo, who was re-elected to the position of Deputy Chair.

“We have a solid Strategic Plan for the coming year, one which needs clear direction and leadership to achieve infrastructure investment, housing, roads, transport, and positive economic development for regional communities,” Cr Sali said.

“These key factors all have an important role to play in ensuring regional cities remain financially sustainable. I look forward to continuing this work to advocate for positive investment and achieving real change.”