Denis Napthine served as the Premier of Victoria in 2013 and 2014.
Dr Napthine had a long and successful 27-year career as Member of the Victorian Parliament proudly representing South West Victoria. He served as Premier, as a Minister in three Governments and as Opposition Leader.
Among his key Ministerial appointments, he served four years as the first Minister for Regional Cities, which included Ballarat and Bendigo.
Living in Port Fairy, Dr Napthine continues to be an extremely active and passionate advocate for regional and rural Victoria.
Denis Napthine grew up on his family’s farm at Winchelsea. He graduated from the University of Melbourne with a degree in Veterinary Science and subsequently worked as a country Vet before entering politics.
He also obtained a Masters Degree in Veterinary Studies (Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine) from Melbourne University and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Deakin University.
Throughout his political career, Dr Napthine was a strong and effective advocate for decentralisation and the promotion of opportunities and quality of life in regional and rural areas.
Since retiring from politics, Dr Napthine has continued to serve the community as Chair of the National Regional Rural and Remote Education Strategy, Chair of the Thoroughbred Aftercare Welfare Working Group, Patron Solve Disability Services, Ambassador Share Your Care (Foster Care), Ambassador Standing Tall (youth mentoring) and as a Director GMHBA community member owned not-for-profit health insurance and care company.
In June 2020, Dr Napthine was made an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for his services to the community, Parliament and Veterinary Science.
Denis Napthine is particularly enthusiastic about the Central Victorian Goldfields World Heritage bid as it provides a unique opportunity to deliver appropriate and warranted recognition of the magnificent cultural heritage of these Goldfields as well as delivering significant economic and tourism opportunities to this region.
This powerful bid is built on an absolutely unique heritage of Eureka and democracy, the birth of multicultural Australia, the spirit of free enterprise and adventure, Aussie mateship and enormous wealth creation together with a wonderful built heritage in a very special natural environment.
Dr Napthine is confident that with the great support of 13 local Councils, the local communities, State and Federal Governments, this very worthy bid will very appropriately deliver World Heritage recognition to the Central Victorian Goldfields.