General News
13 March, 2026
DCV appoints new chair for board
Local tourism group Des-tination Central Victoria (DCV) has appointed Dianne Smith as its new chair of the board.
Her experience in leadership roles and across organisations means she has a background working in tourism, public land, and with local businesses.
The announcement comes in a period of change for the tourism organisation, formerly Daylesford Macedon Tourism, after expanding their reach to include Hepburn, Macedon Ranges, Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields Shires last year.
Interim chair of the board Liz Corbett said they were thrilled to appoint someone of Ms Smith’s experience.
“Dianne joins DCV at such an exciting time, as the organisation takes on an expanded footprint, with a visitor economy valued at close to one billion dollars,” they said.
It’s a figure DCV interim CEO Paul Matthews expects to grow under Ms Smith’s leadership.
“I think with Dianne’s appointment I have no doubt we’ll be seeing over one billion in visitor economy within 12 months,” he said.
“She’ll be a great advocate for the region and I think that’s what will be seen by the community. It’s a coup to land someone of Dianne’s calibre.”
In addition to her role with DCV, Ms Smith 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.
She has also previously held 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.
It’s a long list of experiences that bolsters Mr Matthews confidence.
“She gets businesses. She understands their pressures, their challenges, but also their opportunity,” he said.
Ms Smith commended the work of the interim board and wider team who recently launched a brand for the organisation dubbed ‘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,” she said.
“I am excited by this opportunity to chair the DCV Board, and to contribute to the region’s future prosperity.”
Ms Smith will start in her new role on May 4 this year.