Giulia Baggio started her working life as a journalist and after a career change is now the chief executive of G21 Geelong Region Alliance. She speaks to Luke Voogt about her life so far.
Tell us a bit about you…
When my grandfather arrived from Italy nearly 100 years ago, he established a farm in Little River and that’s where my father grew up.
My earliest memories are of picnics and bushwalks in the You Yangs and hot, summer days in the waves at Torquay and Anglesea. All of these places hold a special place in my heart.
How did you come to be chief executive of G21 and what is the role like?
I started my working life as a journalist at ABC news and current affairs. I loved the excitement of big breaking stories and the privilege of being invited into people’s homes and lives. But after 15 years of reporting, I decided I needed to do more than be an observer of events. I discovered the world of public policy and advocacy – and learned the craft of campaigning and working with the community to make good things happen. By comparison, it’s invisible work but much more fulfilling.
The G21 role is perfect for me – with the help of an excellent team and an influential board, it allows me to use my communications, campaign and policy skills to benefit a region I love.
G21 is an organisation that works directly with the community, business and government to improve the lives of everyone in the Geelong region. Whether it’s faster trains, better health services or affordable housing, G21 takes up those issues and lobbies hard for action.
The G21 area includes the Colac Otway Shire, Golden Plains Shire, Surf Coast Shire, Borough of Queenscliffe and City of Greater Geelong. It’s a joy to be involved with so many different communities. The G21 draws ideas from its pillar groups’ which focus on topics such as transport, education and economic development.
Anyone can join and it’s a unique way to get people from different walks together to identify urgent needs and share good ideas.
After growing up in and around Geelong, how do you see the region now?
Our region is one of the fastest growing in Australia and the next 10 years will be vitally important.
We need good quality housing and jobs, clean, sustainable energy and water use, connected roads and public transport and we need to protect the exquisite beauty of the region.
We have to get the balance right. I’ve met so many warm, smart and committed people since taking up the role, I feel very confident this community is going to grow well and thrive.
What are your favourite things to do locally?
If I could fit my favourite things into 24 hours it would look like this: an early morning run in the You Yangs, breakfast at James Street Bakery in Geelong, a visit to the Rone exhibition at the Geelong Gallery, lunch at Clyde Park Vineyard near Bannockburn, an ice cream and a stroll through Colac’s Botanic Gardens, an afternoon on the boogie boards at Point Roadknight with my kids and best friend Bridgid, dinner and cocktails at Airey’s at A La Grecque with my husband and a midnight swim before hitting the sheets at Athelstane House in Queenscliff.
Exhausting but perfect.
How are you coping with COVID-19 and how has it affected your role and G21’s activities?
Like everyone else, I’m glad to be in Australia and relieved it’s under control here.
Upskilling through Zoom and Teams has been a positive for our organisation.
What’s something interesting about you that people might not know?
I’m half Italian but don’t love Italian food. I’d rather eat Middle Eastern or Japanese cuisine. Don’t tell my dad.
