Sophie ready to be voice of advocacy
The role of local government is as important as those of the state and federal governments in advancing the interests and economy of Gippsland, according to the new chief executive officer of the Committee for Gippsland (C4G).
Sophie Morell took up the position based in Warragul at the start of last week, succeeding Mary Aldred who had the role for seven years.
Ms Morell, a Gippsland resident for 10 years, said C4G provided a central voice to advocate for the region.
And one of her first aims is to broaden its membership to incorporate a wider range of interests and open more dialogue among business, industry and communities.
Everyone’s views are important in being able to put the right issues forward, she said.
C4G, established just over seven years ago, is an independent, not-for-profit and self-funded organisation providing peak body representation for the region.
Ms Morell said she would be working closely with the C4G board over the next three to six months focussing on the strategic plan already in place.
Prior to her appointment she was business manager of the Office of the Latrobe Valley Mine Rehabilitation Commissioner.
Mr Morell has also rua her own business and worked on a range of major projects in Gippsland including with the Mount Baw Baw Alpine Resort, Federation Training, Latrobe City Council, the Australian Securities and Investment Commission and Latrobe Community Health Service.
C4G chairman Harry Rijs said Ms Morell, selected after an extensive executive search and review process, brought to the organisation a wellgrounded knowledge across government, corporate, not for profit and private enterprise sectors.
She has an extensive understanding of the diverse facets of Gippsland from her personal experience and senior management and contract positions, he said.