Dr Norman Swan to headline G21 Regional Forum

NOTED health expert and commentator Dr Norman Swan will be the keynote speaker on the just-announced program for this year’s G21 Regional Forum.

The annual G21 Forum is the region’s most significant networking event, attended by several hundred community, business, government and policy leaders to discuss the region’s strategic vision and examine our place in the nation.

To be held in October, the 2024 forum’s theme is “Growing Well Together” – putting a spotlight on the region’s health and wellbeing, particularly with the cost of living biting hard in the G21 region’s communities.

ABC TV presenter Tamara Oudyn will host proceedings as MC. She will introduce speakers including Dr Steve Moylan, Clinical Director of Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol Services with Barwon Health; The Y chief executive officer Shona Eland; and Geelong Food Relief CEO Andrew Schauble.

The forum will feature a variety of engaging panel discussions and presentations, delving deep into the public health challenges faced in our communities, and how they can be turn them around.

The five municipalities in the G21 region has three postcodes listed in the state’s top 10 most disadvantaged areas (SEIFA Index 2023), and more than 35 per cent of people in the region live with at least one chronic disease – a higher rate than Melbourne.

G21 also has higher rates of smoking, obesity and psychological distress than the rest of Victoria.

Dr Swan will address these issues in his keynote address, as well as providing a comparative overview of health issues faced more broadly across Australia.

“The G21 Regional Forum will be an opportunity to hear fascinating insights from Dr Swan about our region’s challenges, and how we compare with the rest of Australia,” G21 CEO Giulia Baggio said.

“There are so many reasons to be excited and positive about the future of the G21 region but improving access to health services, healthy food, sport and social events remains a challenge, especially right now with the cost of living bearing down hard on so many people.”

“We have an outstanding line up of experts who will talk us through initiatives that are already making a positive impact at every age and stage of people’s lives.”

The G21 Regional Forum will be held at RACV Torquay Resort on October 3.

Early bird tickets are now on sale at 2023 prices: $195 for G21 members and $295 for non-members.

For more information and bookings, head to eventbrite.com.au or g21.com.au

Seats are limited, and attendees are advised to book early.