This year’s G21 Regional Forum will be spearheaded by keynote speaker, acclaimed health expert and commentator Dr Norman Swan AM.
The G21 region has three postcodes listed in the state’s top 10 most disadvantaged areas (SEIFA Index 2023), and more than 35 percent of people in our 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, Australia’s most respected health journalist, broadcaster and commentator, will address these issues in his keynote address, as well as providing a comparative overview of health issues faced more broadly across Australia.
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.
The theme of the 2024 forum is Growing Well Together – putting a spotlight on the region’s health and wellbeing, particularly with the cost of living biting hard in our communities.
ABC TV presenter Tamara Oudyn will host proceedings as MC and introduce speakers including Clinical Director of Mental Health, Drugs and Alcohol Services with Barwon Health Dr Steve Moylan, The Y chief executive Shona Eland, Geelong Food Relief chief executive Andrew Schauble.
“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 Geelong Regional Alliance chief executive 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 forum is at RACV Torquay on Thursday October 3.
