Mayor Sue Baker chosen for Local Government Mayor Advisory Panel

Published on 02 April 2026

Frankston City Council Mayor Sue Baker has been appointed to the 2026 Local Government Mayor Advisory Panel.

Mayor Baker joins 10 fellow Mayors from across Victoria chosen to work with Victorian Minister for Local Government, the Hon Nick Staikos MP, to plan for the future sustainability of local government.

The panel advises Minister Staikos on a range of legislative, regulatory, strategic and policy decisions which impact the local government sector, and present ideas and opportunities to improve it.

This will ensure councils can continue to provide services that local communities rely on.

Mayor Baker’s knowledge of the sector, along with her track record for delivering positive outcomes for Frankston City, gave her strong credentials to fill the position, bringing with her an extensive professional and volunteering background across a range of fields and industries.

“It is an honour to be selected to join the 2026 Local Government Mayor Advisory Panel, joining some of the brightest minds in Victorian Local Government,” Mayor Baker said.

“I am looking forward to working alongside my fellow Mayors, learning from them, and establishing methods and procedures to benefit local government and communities, including Frankston City.

“Frankston City offers a unique perspective as a peri-urban community blending the bush, the beach and a growing and evolving metropolitan area anticipating major population growth in the coming years.

“In this role I will ensure that Frankston City Council’s priorities and challenges are at the forefront of discussions with the Minster for Local Government and represent our corner of Melbourne.”

Mayor Baker submitted an expression of interest in January to join the panel and was recently appointed alongside her fellow members last week for their first meeting of 2026.  

The Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel includes mayors representing metropolitan, regional city, interface and rural councils across Victoria to ensure broad representation of the sector.

The 2026 Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel includes representation from Melbourne City Council, Frankston City Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Whittlesea City Council, Darebin City Council, Mitchell Shire Council, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Casey City Council, Stonnington City Council and Baw Baw Shire Council.

Minister Staikos welcomed Mayor Baker to the Panel.

“I am very pleased that the Mayor of Frankston City Council, Cr Sue Baker, accepted my invitation to be a member of the Local Government Mayoral Advisory Panel 2026,” he said.

“Throughout this year, the panel will assist me as the Minister for Local Government to plan for the future so that our local councils can continue effectively serving their local communities.”