Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor, Cr Damien Gallagher, has been appointed to the Victorian Government's Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel (LGMAP) for 2026, providing the Murrindindi community with a direct voice in key state-level discussions about the future of local government.
This marks the second time Cr Gallagher has been appointed to the panel, having previously served in 2024.
Chaired by the Minister for Local Government, the Hon. Nick Staikos MP, the panel brings together mayors from across Victoria to provide high-level advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy matters affecting the local government sector.
The panel is established under the Local Government Act 2020 and meets several times each year to share insights and experiences from across the sector.
Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said he was honoured to once again represent regional communities such as Murrindindi at the state level.
"This appointment provides an important opportunity to ensure the perspectives of rural and regional communities are heard when decisions are being considered that affect local government," Cr Gallagher said.
"I'm proud to represent Murrindindi and to share our experiences, particularly the challenges and opportunities facing smaller rural councils."
The 2026 Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel includes representation from councils across Victoria, including Melbourne City Council, Frankston City Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Whittlesea City Council, Darebin City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Casey City Council, Stonnington City Council and Baw Baw Shire Council.
Cr Gallagher said the appointment also comes at a significant time for the region as communities continue recovering from the January 2026 bushfires.
"Our communities are continuing to recover from the impacts of the recent bushfires, and that experience brings an important perspective to statewide conversations about disaster recovery, resilience and the role local government plays in supporting communities through these events," he said.
Cr Gallagher said his previous experience on the panel in 2024 provided valuable insight into how the State Government works with councils on reform and sector improvement.
"In 2024 the panel discussed key issues including governance reforms, councillor training, and planning and housing policy. Being part of those discussions reinforced how important it is that rural voices are included when policy is being developed."
"I look forward to contributing again in 2026 and ensuring the needs of communities like ours are part of those conversations."
The Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel includes mayors representing metropolitan, regional city, interface and rural councils across Victoria to ensure broad representation of the sector.
Meetings of the panel are typically held between March and October each year.
Murrindindi Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi congratulated Cr Gallagher on the appointment.
"This is an important opportunity for Murrindindi to contribute to statewide discussions on local government policy and reform," Ms Bonazzi said.
"Having our Mayor at the table ensures the experiences of rural communities and small shire councils are part of shaping the future of the sector."
