In June, we were pleased to present our second Cross-Council Professional Development event, involving Mayors, Councillors, CEOs and Council staff from across 6 municipalities. Hosted by Banyule City Council, the session focused on effective communication, social media and conduct in public-facing roles. MC and facilitator Chris Eddy, together with panel members Georgie Ward, David Imber, Jim Carden and Morgan Saletta, guided the discussion and shared practical insights drawn

We recently upgraded our NCA website to better present our advocacy, projects and regional impact while making it easier for visitors to find the information they need. With a cleaner design and improved navigation, our updated site also has a stronger focus on current priorities, giving governments and stakeholders a better understanding of our region’s needs and opportunities, and highlighting the NCA’s leading role in advocating for positive change. Visit www.northerncounc

Edition 9: November 2025 In October we were proud to host a professional development session for Councillors from NCA member Councils, part of annual requirements under the Local Government Act 2020. Mayors, Councillors, CEOs and staff from six Councils came together to deepen their understanding of integrity and accountability in local government. The themes and conversations that emerged from the session were insightful and thought-provoking. Our panel of speakers featured

Edition 9: November 2025 Two Northern Study Hubs, sponsored by La Trobe University and funded by the Australian Government, have been established in Broadmeadows and Epping to provide space for tertiary students to learn, connect and access support. ​ Each hub offers free access to quiet study spaces, academic support and high-speed wi-fi – all in a welcoming, inclusive environment. They are perfect for students who are studying online, those who need support to stay on trac

In September, an NCA delegation met with the Hon Nick Staikos MP, Minister for Local Government and Minister for Consumer Affairs. ​ A range of issues were discussed, including the need for local government to have a voice in Victorian Government planning reforms and other issues relevant to local government. Importantly, we demonstrated the value of Councils working together successfully to benefit a region. We also presented an overview of our achievements so far to underpi

Edition 9: November 2025 A high-level delegation from Melbourne’s north also visited Canberra in August, achieving a series of productive meetings with key federal leaders. ​ Organised by the NCA and local economic development organisation NORTH Link, our visit highlighted the region’s pressing infrastructure needs and its potential as a hub of jobs, education and innovation. ​ The delegation brought together a broad representation of senior decision-makers, including Mayors

Edition 9: November 2025 In a focused effort to advance regional priorities, the NCA and NORTH Link brought together Mayors, council CEOs and regional leaders for a delegation to Victorian Parliament in mid-October. Our delegation comprised a strong cross-section of leaders, including Mayors and CEOs from member Councils and senior representatives from Melbourne Polytechnic, Northern Health and Kangan Institute. Through discussions with Ministers and the Opposition, we highl

Edition 9: November 2025 Over recent months, the NCA has taken significant steps to advance the interests of Melbourne’s north through high-level delegations to state and federal parliaments. ​ These delegations brought together Mayors, council CEOs and regional leaders to present a united voice on the urgent need for coordinated investment in transport, employment and health. ​ Our discussions with Ministers and Opposition representatives at both levels of government were c

Photo (L–R): Cr Naomi Joiner (Mayor, Nillumbik Shire Council), Cr Emily Dimitriadis (Mayor, Darebin City Council), Cr John Dougall (Mayor, Mitchell Shire Council), Cr Nat Abboud (Mayor, Merri-bek City Council), Cr Alison Champion (Mayor, Banyule City Council), Cr Carly Moore (Mayor, Hume City Council) and Cr Lawrie Cox (Mayor, City of Whittlesea) The new Mayors of the Northern Councils Alliance (NCA) continue to advocate in support of Melbourne’s growing north. City of Whitt

The NCA welcomes the Federal Government’s investment of $7.05 million to develop a comprehensive business case for the much-needed uplift of services in the Northern Growth Corridor, including on the Upfield and Craigieburn rail lines. Cr Helen Davidson, Mayor of Merri-bek and Chair of the NCA, welcomed the announcement, emphasising the critical role of rail investment in shaping the region’s future. “This funding is a major step toward delivering vital transport infrastructu

New Mayors commit to regional collaboration through the NCA The newly appointed Mayors of the Northern Councils Alliance (NCA) have officially convened for the first time, reaffirming their commitment to regional collaboration for the benefit of communities across Melbourne’s north. Meeting on 19 February, the Mayors discussed key priorities and their shared vision for the future of the region Photo L<R: Cr. John Dougall, Mayor Mitchell Shire Council; Cr. John Dumaresq, Mayor

The new Melbourne’s North Investment Attraction Strategy and Prospectus position the region as a prime destination for investors.

The final NCA meeting for 2023 was the first for our new NCA Mayors. Banyule Council was elected as the Host Council for 2024, with...

Over 100 people attended the launch of the NCA's Community Electric Vehicle Transition Plan and transport priorities. Documents that...

The Northern Councils Alliance is pleased to release its Community Electric Vehicle Transition Plan.

At our December 2022 meeting the newly elected NCA Mayors and CEOs from our seven member Councils met to reaffirm their comment to...

On Tuesday 18 October 2022, the seven Councils in Melbourne's north launched the NCA's Strategic Priorities 2022-2026 and and Advocacy...

We were proud to be a part of the launch of the Building Communities, Connecting People: Northern Horizons 2020 report and advocacy...

We were proud to announce the launch of the North and West Melbourne City Deal Plan 2020-2040 in August 2020. The North and West...

In May 2019, the Australian Government announced its commitment to a City Deal for Melbourne’s north and west. City Deals require the...