Mayor Crawford appointed to new Mayoral Advisory Panel

The Victorian Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos has unveiled the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2025, an initiative aimed at strengthening governance and addressing pressing issues within Victorian councils. Among the nine mayors selected from across the state, the City of Port Phillip’s Mayor Crawford has been included in this esteemed panel, a testament to her leadership and dedication to community development.

Chaired by Minister Staikos, the panel serves as a vital platform for high-level discussions on legislative, regulatory, strategic, and policy matters. This year's agenda promises to tackle governance and other critical concerns, ensuring that local governments are equipped to serve their communities effectively.

The diversity of the panel, with representatives from urban, regional, and rural areas, guarantees a broad spectrum of perspectives. This is expected to enrich the dialogue and lead to more comprehensive solutions for challenges faced by councils statewide. 2025 panel members include:

• Cr Louise Crawford, Port Phillip City Council
• Cr Simone Zmood, Glen Eira City Council
• Cr Paul Klisaris, Monash City Council
• Cr Jack Kowarzik, Cardinia Shire Council
• Cr Steve Abboushi, Melton City Council
• Cr Jarrod Bell, Hume City Council
• Cr Ben Blain, Warrnambool City Council
• Cr Rosie Annear, Mt Alexander Shire Council
• Cr Karen Hyslop, Northern Grampians Shire Council.

Mayor Crawford’s appointment represents a significant opportunity for the Port Phillip community. Her voice on the panel will amplify local concerns, advocate for resources, and contribute to shaping policies that directly impact our lives. As the panel convened for its first meeting this month, Council looks forward to seeing the positive ripple effects of this collaboration.

This milestone underscores the importance of active participation in governance and reaffirms the commitment to building a thriving, inclusive community.