Seventy members of G21 gathered at Sailors' Rest on Wednesday, November 18 for G21's Annual General Meeting.

Official business included the appointment of G21 Directors Anne-Marie Ryan, Janet Dore and Ed Coppe.

CEO Andrew Scott presented a review of the past year's achievements supported by the launch of the G21 Report to the Region 2009, followed by a look at the year ahead. Click here to view the G21 Report to the Region 2009.

Recognition awards for outstanding contributions in 2009 went to:

PETER REEVE, former General Manager City Services at CoGG and former leader of the G21 Transport Pillar. Peter was instrumental in the development of the pillar, which has exceptionally diverse and influential membership. He presided over the developed the G21 Integrated Public Transport Plan which was delivered this year through the Victorian Transport Plan and actively supported the progress of Princes Hwy West upgrades and the Tarneit Regional Fast Rail link commitments.

CR BRUCE HARWOOD, Former Mayor of City of Greater Geelong and G21 Director (2006-2008). As a G21 Director, Bruce was a champion for community safety and sporting issues and was actively involved in governance debates that resulted in changes to the G21 Constitution.

CR CHRIS SMITH, former Mayor, Colac Otway and Alternate G21 Director (Nov 2007 – Nov 2008). As a G21 Alternate Director, Chris was very active in progressing Princes Highway West upgrades project.

JACK GREEN, former Acting CEO, Colac Otway and G21 Director (Nov 2008 – May 2009). Jack was very supportive of G21 throughout Council changes at Colac Otway Shire and was particularly active on public transport and economic development issues.

SUE DE GILIO, former CEO of Barwon Health. Sue was a key member of the original leadership team that established G21 in 2002. She was actively involved in G21 activities as a Pillar Leader and Executive Committee member over the subsequent seven years and was instrumental in merging the Primary Care Forum with the G21 H&WB pillar.

KAY RUNDLE, former CEO, City of Greater Geelong. Kay was instrumental in the establishment of G21, supporting the innovative concept from its earliest stages in 2003. Under her leadership, the City of Greater Geelong has participated in G21 at every level, with senior officers taking leadership roles in Pillars and project groups, for the benefit of the entire region. Kay was member of the original G21 Leadership Group and has been an alternate Director on the G21 Board since 2008. She is now CEO at the City of Port Phillip.

In response to the award Kay said, “I am not able to be there as I am interviewing for 7 Managers this week. Please pass on my best to everyone. G21 was the best regional body I have ever been involved in. I was extremely proud to have been part of the early development of G21.”

DR MARK KENNEDY, GP, Corio Medical Clinic and G21 Director from 2007 - 2009. Mark was an active and passionate member of the G21 Health and Wellbeing Pillar. He contributed to public forums, workshops and other health and wellbeing initiatves, particularly in relation to disadvantage in the community.

PAT SEMMENS, former Mayor of Borough opf Queenscliffe and G21 Director from 2006 – 2008. Pat was actively involved in affordable housing issues and served as chairperson of the G21 Affordable Housing Task Force.

CR DEAN WEBSTER, former Mayor of Surf Coast Shire and G21 Director from 2006 – 2008. Dean was actively involved in governance and transport issues, particularly the Princes Hwy West campaign.

Following the official business, members and guests enjoyed food and drinks with entertainment from a jazz trio led by Geoff Woods, and took the opportunity to talk with G21 directors, pillar leaders and staff about how G21 will deliver important outcomes for the people of the Geelong Region in 2010.