Cr Alden has been named deputy chair of Regional Cities Victoria.

The group consists of mayors and chief executive officers from Bendigo, Ballarat, Geelong, Horsham, La Trobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Greater Shepparton City Council mayor Kim O'Keeffe has been named as chair, a role previous Bendigo mayor and current Eppalock Ward councillor Margaret O'Rourke performed for three years.

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Seven mayors are newly involved in Regional Cities Victoria as a result of October's council elections.

Collectively, the group represents the interests of more than 600,000 Victorians.

Cr O'Keeffe reflected on the opportunities for regional Victoria, following the announcement of her leadership.

"Regional Victoria demonstrated resilience and grit throughout the COVID-19 lockdowns, and was able to re-open for business earlier as a result," she said.

"As we move to a COVID normal in 2021, regional cities and communities are already welcoming back visitors from around the state, and we know that regional living has never been more attractive.

"If moving to the country is the next big trend, we need to ensure that we have the infrastructure, services and amenities to accommodate new families and residents, so that we can maintain the unique liveability that regional cities have to offer."

Bendigo mayor Cr Alden said her role as deputy chair provided continuity, following Cr O'Rourke's three years as the group's chair.

She said Bendigo's continued presence in the Regional Cities Victoria executive also allowed for further contribution based on extensive and long-term involvements in local government.

Cr Alden, who is serving her first term as mayor and second term as a councillor, said COVID recovery would be one focus of Regional Cities Victoria's advocacy.

"Various funding opportunities for regional Victoria have already been provided by both state and federal governments as part of COVID recovery, and it would be expected there will be more to come in future," she said.

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