First elected to the Central Goldfields Shire Council in 2020, Cr La Vella previously served two terms as Councillor on the Manningham City Council.
Raised in Maryborough, Cr La Vella attended the 404 State School and Maryborough Technical College and during this time was very active in many local clubs and sporting associations. Upon completing school, she trained as a nurse at the Maryborough and District Hospital.
Cr La Vella advanced her nursing career in Melbourne as a theatre nurse before going on to complete a Diploma of Management.
Having owned and managed two successful small businesses with an association to the Victorian Racing Club, Cr La Vella recognises the importance of open dialogue and community consultation.
Additional study in the counselling field, coupled with her broad community volunteering experience, led to a role in the student services department at a prestigious private school.
Her significant community contributions were recognised when she became a recipient of the Menzies Australia Day Award from the former Federal Cabinet Minister, the Hon. Kevin Andrews.
Cr La Vella has two adult children and two grandchildren.
Cycling, travel, nature, the arts, gardening, reading, cooking and volunteering in the community are listed among some of her past-times, thus the future management and development of community infrastructure and environmental projects is imperative. The Tourism sector is one of her priorities, boosting our economy within the Shire therefore will continue to be a primary focus of her term.
Cr La Vella served as Mayor during the third year of the Council term. Currently sitting as Mayor and President of the Victorian Local Governance Association.