Gannawarra Shire Council was gazetted on 20 January 1995, and was formed following the amalgamation of the Borough of Kerang and most parts of the Shire of Kerang and Shire of Cohuna.
Formed in 1966, the Borough of Kerang covered the Kerang township and surrounds.
Proclaimed on 31 December 1898, the Shire of Kerang covered Kerang and what is now the northern and western sections of Gannawarra Shire.
Proclaimed on 8 March 1922, the Shire of Cohuna formed following the severing North East and South East Ridings from the Shire of Kerang.