The State Government is continuing to back a strong regional voice to government with the appointment of more than 40 new members to Victoria’s Regional Partnerships, which advocate for regional communities across the state.
Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney joined Regional Development Victoria (RDV) chief executive officer Xavier Csar at Parliament House to announce the appointees across the nine Regional Partnerships, who have been chosen for their strong connections to local community, industry and business groups, and experience in leadership roles.
“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,” Minister Tierney said.
“We look forward to working with new and continuing appointees to drive the economic development of regional Victoria.”
“Regional Victorian communities are vibrant, growing and diverse, and it’s pleasing to see we have Regional Partnership appointees who will provide these people with an important and effective voice to government,” Ms Csar said.
“Our work with the Regional Partnerships is part of the Victorian Government’s ongoing commitment to making rural and regional Victoria even better places to live, work, stay and play.”
The appointments also reflect a renewed focus on economic development in regional Victoria. Their connections position Regional Partnerships to be a direct place-based voice to government, supporting the Labor Government to drive economic growth to benefit the unique and diverse strengths of regional communities.
GIPPSLAND REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP (Gippsland RP)
Chair – Stephen Angus – Consultant and Interim CEO, Gippsland Jersey
Stephen Angus is a re-applicant for a second term on Gippsland RP. Stephen grew up in Far East Gippsland and is from a farming background. He moved back to Gippsland several years ago after working at executive levels in various organisations and is ambitious to see the Gippsland region prosper. He holds director and committee roles in a range of organisations that include aviation, economic development, climate change and water management.
Deputy Chair – Stephanie Thoo – General Manager Innovation & Sustainability, Pro-Pac Packaging Group
Stephanie is a re-applicant for a second term on Gippsland RP. Stephanie is an executive
at Pro-Pac Packaging where she leads their innovation and sustainability agenda. Stephanie is an entrepreneurship and innovation specialist with a passion for purpose. After receiving an MBA from the Melbourne Business School, she has built a strong and varied career working as a Design Thinker in a social enterprise, a Project Lead in a not-for-profit skunk works, and as the head of a university pre-accelerator program.
Members
Corrinne Armour – Self-employed Leadership Specialist
Corrinne has a broad and unique professional background. A science degree gives method and structure to her thinking. Corrinne has worked in highly commercial environments including marketing, branch banking, project management, as well as philanthropy. For the past 20 years, Corrinne has run her own company of leadership development: involving keynote, speaking, training, facilitation and coaching.
Daniel Miller – CEO Gunaikurnai Land and Water Aboriginal Corporation
Daniel is a re-applicant for a second term on Gippsland RP. Daniel brings an understanding of social and cultural issues affecting Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities, including interaction and working with non-indigenous communities. Daniel is a forward thinker and has a strong focus on balancing community needs with strategic planning and sustainable business growth. He holds a Bachelor of Organisational Leadership.
Ionela (Mary) Manescu – CEO Omeo District Health
Mary is an experienced executive, board director and healthcare professional with more than 20 years of health sector experience. Mary lives in East Gippsland and is the CEO of Omeo District Health and is also involved in a farming business in West Gippsland. Mary is passionate about achieving sustainable outcomes by investing in people, good governance and partnerships.
Janette Fitzgerald – CEO Sports
Environment Alliance
Janette gained extensive management experience across operations, sustainability and regional teams with companies including Salvos Stores, Woolworths and Coles. She has a focus on supporting the Gippsland community to be strong, vibrant and successful. Janette is on the board of Destination Gippsland and has been chair for the past eighteen months.
Lisa Maatsoo – Industry Engagement & Innovation Manager, Federation University
Lisa worked in Melbourne and interstate before moving back to Gippsland in 2016. Lisa has previously worked with Regional Development Victoria as an Economic Development Coordinator.
This has provided Lisa with a background in regional economic development and has allows her be very familiar with key strategic documents that underpin the future of Gippsland.
Mark Johnson – Semi-retired consultant
Mark was the CEO of Gippsland Southern Health Service between 2014-2022. During his long and distinguished career in health, Mark has driven change and profitability whilst developing a loyal and productive work force.
Nicola Pero – Executive Manager, Engagement & Social License, Iberdrola Australia
Nicola calls Gippsland home, after moving to the region in 2016 and now residing in Baw Baw Shire. For the past eight years she has immersed herself in both community and industry across the region, always seeking opportunities to contribute to growing and developing Gippsland’s prosperity.
Yaniesha Pillay – CEO Lifeline Gippsland
Yaniesha is a dynamic professional with a proven track record in nurturing and maintaining robust business relationships across diverse sectors. She is deeply passionate about mental health, community well-being, sustainability, and people development in Gippsland, and has recently taken on the role of CEO at Lifeline Gippsland. Prior to this Yaniesha worked at Baw Baw Shire Council in both the Emergency Management and Economic Development & Tourism teams.
