Vale Chris Meddows-Taylor

Published on 29 June 2026

Central Goldfields Shire Council mourns the passing of former Mayor, Chris Meddows-Taylor, and sends condolences to his family.

First elected as a Councillor to the Central Goldfields Shire Council in 2005 and Mayor in 2007, Mr Meddows-Taylor completed his sixth term as Mayor in November 2022.

As former chair of the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive, he played an active leadership role in the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage Listing bid, supported by partnerships across neighbouring local governments and regional tourism boards.

His previous career was in the Victorian public sector with the Department of Premier and Cabinet and the Education Department. He also worked with corporations including BHP Billiton and AXA.

He was a highly experienced change leader with diverse skills and interests in strategy, leadership, culture, machinery of government, community engagement, regional development and advocacy.

Previous community leadership roles included president of Asteria and vice-president of Havilah, and various Talbot organisations, including Talbot Action Inc and establishing the Talbot Farmers Market.

Mr Meddows-Taylor held a Mayor Emeritus award from the Municipal Association of Victoria. His post-graduate studies were in public policy, and he was an Honorary Research Fellow at Federation University.

As Mayor and a councillor, he advocated for local initiatives including increased rail services, the Talbot Structure Plan and better telecommunications.

Mayor Ben Green said Mr Meddows-Taylor was a "true gentleman" and a champion for community development.

"We were fortunate to have someone of Chris's calibre in our community, and we're grateful for his service and contributions," Cr Green said.

"Our sincere condolences go to his partner and family."