Ms McKenzie, who is also the premier’s wife, was educated here and has served on numerous community boards since the 1980s.

Ms McKenzie accepted a vacancy on the board following the retirement of Reg McDonald in March after 27 years of service.

Gallery chairman John Higgs said he was delighted Ms McKenzie had joined the gallery’s board.

"She has been a wonderful supporter of this gallery over the years," Mr Higgs said.

"The board knows she has very strong and very important views about the roll of the gallery’s interaction with community." Ms McKenzie said her connection to central Victoria began with her upbringing in Boort.

"Art plays such an important part in regional and rural communities, and Bendigo Gallery has been especially good at connecting with its region and prompting culture and participation.

"I am interested in promoting regional and community interests, and the political lobbying is done very effectively by our local members of parliament and they are both great supporters of the gallery."