MEDIA RELEASE
Dianne Smith named as Independent Chair of the new Destination Central Victoria Board
Destination Central Victoria (DVC) is excited to announce the appointment of Dianne Smith as its new Independent Chair of the Board. An experienced non-executive director and former CEO, Dianne brings years of experience working in the visitor economy, water, public land, and local industry capability sectors.
With leadership roles at the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, Melbourne Chamber of Commerce, Ballarat Tourism and Industry Capability Network Victoria, and as former Deputy Chair of Puffing Billy Railway, Dianne brings deep industry experience and a strong commitment to tourism, events and regional growth.
In addition to taking on this role with DCV, Dianne is currently a Board Director at Central Highlands Water, a member of Zoos Victoria’s advisory Revenue and Growth Committee, and a Club Victoria Ambassador with the Victorian Convention Centre Trust.
Through strong family connections in the region, Dianne spends lots of time in Victoria’s Heartland and enjoys contributing to local businesses and community events.
Formerly Daylesford Macedon Tourism, DCV was formed in July 2026. The new entity encompasses the shire areas of Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields. Since its inception, an interim Board has been in place.
Interim chair of the DCV Board, Liz Corbett, said they were thrilled to appoint someone of Dianne’s calibre to lead DCV through this exciting period of change and into the future.
“Dianne joins DCV at such as exciting time, as the organisation takes on an expanded footprint, with a visitor economy valued at close to one billion dollars.”
“We’re proud to build on the legacy established by Daylesford Macedon Tourism, and with Dianne now stepping into the role, we’re confident that momentum will only grow. Under her leadership, DCV will strengthen its impact and continue delivering results for businesses, communities and visitors across Victoria’s Heartland,” said Liz.
Dianne honoured the work of the Interim Board and wider team at the recent launch of DCV’s new consumer facing brand, Victoria’s Heartland,
“One of the keys to successful tourism is collaboration, and industry operators in this region show a genuine desire to unite under the new brand. Added to this strategy, the support of governments makes it a wonderful time to join a region that is positive about working together.”
“I am excited by this opportunity to chair the DCV Board, and to contribute to the region’s future prosperity,” she said.
Dianne will commence in the role of Chair of the DCV Board on Monday 4 May 2026.
