SECCCA welcomes inaugural independent chair
SECCCA has entered an important new chapter in its evolution, appointing respected non‑executive director Dr Gillian Sparkes AM as its first independent chair. The appointment marks a significant milestone in strengthening the organisation’s governance and preparing for the increasing demands of climate adaptation across South East Melbourne.
Building on two decades of regional leadership
For more than 20 years, SECCCA has been guided by the foresight and commitment of its member councils, establishing a strong foundation for regional climate resilience. This long‑standing collaboration has delivered substantial social, economic and wellbeing benefits for communities across the region—outcomes highlighted in SECCCA’s first Impact Report released in 2025.
As SECCCA looks ahead to the next 20 years, the organisation is enhancing its governance to ensure long‑term sustainability and to meet the growing complexity of climate challenges. These changes reflect both the maturity of the partnership and the increasing urgency of coordinated local action.
Strengthening governance for the future
With climate impacts escalating globally and locally, robust governance has never been more important. Councils across South East Melbourne recognise the rising risks posed by our changing climate, and CEOs are elevating climate resilience as a core priority for local government.
In response, SECCCA is implementing recommended governance reforms, including the appointment of council CEOs to the Executive Committee. The introduction of an independent chair is the next step in strengthening accountability, transparency and strategic oversight—ensuring SECCCA remains a trusted and effective regional leader.
Introducing Dr Gillian Sparkes AM
As part of these reforms, SECCCA is proud to appoint Dr Gillian Sparkes AM as its inaugural independent chair. Dr Sparkes brings extensive governance experience and deep expertise in the climate and environment sectors, positioning SECCCA to navigate the next phase of regional climate leadership.
Born in Frankston, and a longtime resident of South East Melbourne, Dr Sparkes has strong connections with councils and communities across the region. She served as Victoria’s Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability for a decade, until June 2024. She is the Chair of the Western Port Integrated Water Management Forum and has a board portfolio including as Chair of FrontierSI (formerly the Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information). Her leadership will be invaluable as SECCCA enters its next phase.
Her leadership will help guide SECCCA as it strengthens its strategic direction and expands its impact.
A critical role in a changing climate
Climate impacts do not respect municipal boundaries, making SECCCA’s role in convening, catalysing and championing its member councils essential. After 21 years of collective impact, the organisation is stepping up again—delivering cutting‑edge climate adaptation projects and responding to the growing urgency of climate action.
Alongside its regional work, SECCCA is increasingly sharing its world‑class collaboration model with other regions across Australia and internationally. This work demonstrates the power of local government partnerships to drive meaningful climate outcomes and showcases what can be achieved when councils work together at scale.