Geelong charity boss takes over G21 lobbying body

A charity executive has taken over as chairman of a group lobbying for major projects across the Geelong region.
G21 named Bill Mithen to replace Darryn Lyons, whose chairmanship concluded when the Andrews Government sacked him as Geelong’s mayor with the rest of council earlier this month.
Mr Mithen is chief executive officer of Give Where You Live, which gathers financial support for local welfare agencies. He was previously with Save the Children Australia.
G21 is an alliance of local government, business and community groups advocating for various projects with economic and social benefits for Geelong, the Surf Coast, Queenscliff, Golden Plains and Colac Otway.
Mr Mithen was named chairman after 17 months on G21’s board.
“I’m honoured by the appointment,” he said.
“Since joining the G21 board I’ve come to fully appreciate the breadth and magnitude of G21’s work.
“I’ve been especially pleased to help build the relationship between the Give Where You Live Foundation and G21 to implement the GROW (Geelong Region Opportunities for Work) project, targeting entrenched place-based regional disadvantage.
“G21 has earned the respect of both sides of politics because it has demonstrated over time that it has the region’s best interests at heart.
“Much has been achieved by G21 for the region over more than 12 years. I will work to ensure that record of achievement continues.
“The region has big challenges ahead of it, with equally big opportunities.”