John Pesutto to speak at G21 Regional Forum

VICTORIAN Opposition Leader John Pesutto will speak at tomorrow’s (Thursday, October 3) G21 Regional Forum in Torquay.

Mr Pesutto will outline his vision for the future of the Geelong region, and is part of a lineup at the event, organised by G21 Geelong Region Alliance, that includes Minister for Regional Development, Skills and TAFE Gayle Tierney.

More than 250 business, community, government and policy leaders will attend the forum at RACV Torquay Resort, the region’s most significant annual networking event, which will again discuss the region’s strategic vision and examine our place in the nation.

Acclaimed health expert and commentator Dr Norman Swan will be the keynote speaker, with the theme of the 2024 forum “Growing Well Together” putting a spotlight on the region’s health and wellbeing, particularly with the cost of living biting hard in local communities.

ABC TV presenter Tamara Oudyn will host proceedings as MC and introduce speakers including Dr Steve Moylan, clinical director of mental health, drugs and alcohol services with Barwon Health; Shona Eland, chief executive officer at YMCA Geelong and Geelong Food Relief CEO Andrew Schauble.

The G21 region – the five municipalities of Geelong, Surf Coast, Queenscliffe, Golden Plains and Colac – 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 it live with at least one chronic disease, a higher rate than Melbourne.

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

The 2024 G21 Regional Forum will be held at RACV Torquay Resort tomorrow from 9am to 3.30pm. Tickets are still available but are limited.

For more information or to book, head to g21.com.au