Beyond borders? Collaborative governance for regenerative regionalism

Beyond borders? Collaborative governance for regenerative regionalism

Date: Monday, 22nd September 2025

Time: 6:00pm - 7:00pm

What happens when one community is split by a state line - but still shares their water supply, hospitals, jobs, services and roads in everyday life? In places like Albury-Wodonga, planning for the future means navigating borders, systems, and politics that weren’t built to work together. From disaster response to housing pressures and workforce shortages, border towns face challenges that don’t stop at state lines and neither should the solutions. This event brings together the NSW and Victorian Cross-Border Commissioners to discuss how collaborative governance, adaptive planning, and place-based approaches can support more resilient, inclusive and regenerative futures for Australia’s border communities.

Speakers

Kalina Koloff NSW Cross-Border Commissioner

Brett Davis Victorian Cross-Border Commissioner

Speaker Bios

KALINA KOLOFF NSW CROSS BORDER COMISSIONER

Kalina Koloff was appointed the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner in 2023. With over 15 years of senior executive experience across the public service and local government sectors, Kalina has earned a reputation for her expertise in leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. She also co-owns a hospitality group in the ACT.

Kalina is an experienced practitioner in community, corporate, and government relations. She holds a Masters in Sustainable Development, undergraduate degrees in Science and Politics, and advanced qualifications in engagement from the International Association of Public Participation, along with a Diploma of Project Management.

Kalina is a dedicated and inclusive leader, committed to working collaboratively and bringing diverse voices together to solve complex, "wicked" problems. She believes in innovative approaches to addressing strategic outcomes, and her focus remains on delivering positive, community-focused solutions.

BRETT DAVIS VICTORIAN CROSS BORDER COMMISSIONER

Brett Davis was appointed Victoria’s Cross-Border Commissioner in 2024. With over 30 years of experience in town planning, urban and regional development, and project management, Brett brings a strong background in government relations and community engagement to his role.

Brett served as CEO of Moyne Shire and Executive Director of Regional Victoria at the Victorian Planning Authority. He has held senior roles in both the public and private sectors, including positions at SED Advisory, Davis Planning Solutions, and UGL Limited. Brett is a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia and has a deep passion for rural and regional development.

Brett’s experience in government, planning, and community engagement uniquely positions him to continue the critical work of advocating for border communities. He is committed to resolving local issues, developing common approaches with neighboring states, and supporting the communities that live and work along Victoria’s state borders.