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.
Coordinator
Natalie Wells
Panel
Kalina Koloff NSW Cross-Border Commissioner
Brett Davis Victorian Cross-Border Commissioner
Kalina Koloff is the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner, working to improve coordination and services across state borders. She advocates for border communities on issues like transport, health, education, and workforce access. With a background in public policy and regional development, Kalina is committed to ensuring fair outcomes for people living and working in cross-border regions.
Brett Davis is the Victorian Cross-Border Commissioner, advocating for communities along Victoria’s borders to ensure they have fair access to services, infrastructure, and opportunities. He works closely with government, business, and regional stakeholders to address the unique challenges of living and working across state lines. Brett brings extensive experience in regional development and stakeholder engagement, with a strong focus on practical, community-driven outcomes.