G21's capacity to bring together all the key Geelong Region organisations to develop a Regional Plan and determine/advocate for regional priority projects relies on committed community leaders working together for the benefit of the Geelong Region. Outstanding contributions to the Geelong region were formally recognised at G21's Annual General Meeting on November 18. In attendance to accept an award were:

Peter Reeve, former General Manager City Services at the City of Greater Geelong and former leader of the Transport Pillar who was instrumental in the development of the pillar, which has exceptionally diverse and influential membership.
Under Peter's leadership, the G21 Transport Pillar developed the G21 Integrated Public Transport Plan which was delivered this year through the Victorian Transport Plan. He was also instrumental in voicing support for the Princes Hwy West & Tarneit Regional Fast Rail link commitments.

Cr Bruce Harwood, former Mayor of the City of Greater Geelong and former G21 Director (2006-2008). A champion for community safety and sporting issues, Bruce was particularly active in governance debates that resulted in important changes to the G21 Constitution.

Cr Chris Smith, former Mayor, Colac Otway Shire and G21 Alternate Director (2008). Chris was an integral force in securing funding for the Princes Highway West upgrades - a Geelong region priority project.

Jack Green, former Acting CEO, Colac Otway Shire and G21 Director (Nov 2008 – May 2009) who ensured continuity and support for G21 activities 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 (9 years) 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 Health & Wellbeing pillar.

Not present on the night, but also acknowledged were:

Kay Rundle, former CEO of the City of Greater Geelong who 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 a member of the original G21 Leadership Group and has been an alternate Director on the G21 Board since 2008. In accepting the award, Kay said: “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 Health & Wellbeing Pillar member & Board Liaison. He was a passionate participant in G21 public forums and workshops, particularly those addressing disadvantage in the Geelong region community.

Cr Pat Semmens, former Mayor of the Borough of Queenscliffe and G21 Director from 2006 – 2008, Pat was the Chair 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 transport issues, particularly the Princes Hwy West campaign.

Click here to view the Minutes of the 2009 Annual General Meeting.

Click here to view the G21 Financial Statements for 2008-09.