General News
14 May, 2025
New mayoral advisory panel appointed
Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor, Cr Karen Hyslop, has been elected to the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel for 2025, with nine mayors from across Victoria making up the panel.
Chaired by the Minister for Local Government, Nick Staikos, the panel provides high-level advice on legislative, regulatory, strategic, and policy issues that affect Victorian councils. This year's panel is expected to focus on governance and other key issues of concern to local government.
diversity of perspectives is brought to the forum.
The Minister met with the panel in April to kick off the first of three official meetings to be held this year.
The members of the 2025 panel are:
•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.
For more information, please visit
“This panel brings together diverse local leadership from every corner of Victoria. Together, we’ll be focusing on keeping our local government responsive, resilient, and deeply connected to the people it serves.”
“This panel plays a key role in advising the Victorian Government, and I’m pleased to work alongside these mayors to strengthen outcomes for communities statewide.”