G21 alleged theft identified by chief executive Giulia Baggio being investigated by police
Police have secretly been investigating the alleged theft of a six-figure sum from a high-profile Geelong organisation for more than two years.
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A former staff member allegedly stole a large sum of money from regional advocacy body G21 over several years.
In a note to members on Thursday following reports of the alleged theft, G21 chair Melissa Stephens confirmed police were investigating the matter.
“In 2021, G21 CEO Giulia Baggio identified some historic financial irregularities during an internal audit of the payment systems,” Ms Stephens said.
“At the conclusion of the audit, the CEO referred the irregularities to authorities for immediate investigation and implemented extra financial and audit controls, including stronger external audit processes.
“We hope to see this legal matter resolved in the near future and will update you with any outcomes.”
It’s understood the former staff member linked to the alleged theft had already left the organisation by the time the irregularities were identified.
It’s believed the funds — reportedly at least $100,000 — were taken over several years.
G21, also known as the Geelong Regional Alliance, is mostly funded by five member councils.
Ratepayers Geelong president Peter Mitchell said the theft, if proven, was a bitter blow to ratepayers.
“It’s hugely disappointing,” he said.
“It means (the money) is not being used for what it’s intended for.”
Victoria Police spokeswoman Sergeant Melissa Seach said the matter was reported to police in 2022.
“As part of the investigation detectives interviewed a woman from a suburb of Geelong in 2022,” she said.
“She was released without charge.
“As the investigation is ongoing it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further at this time.”
G21 has an almost two decade history in the region, having been founded in 2005 as an advocacy group.
It works in conjunction with five local councils – Geelong, Surf Coast, Golden Plains, Colac-Otway, and Borough of Queenscliffe – to lobby for projects and government funding.
It’s believed councillors from the region were confidentially briefed when the police investigation began.
Amid a budget squeeze, Geelong council last year cut its $500,000 annual funding, which caused some fear about the future of the organisation.
But 12 months later in March this year, City Hall endorsed a three-year deal that will see Geelong council commit $250,000 in 2024-25.
At the time, Mayor Trent Sullivan said the new deal was an “improved and refined approach” that aligned with the city’s new regional advocacy framework.
“We are stronger when we work together,’’ he said.
G21 is one of a number of advocacy groups in the region, including the Committee for Geelong, Geelong Chamber of Commerce, and the Geelong Manufacturing Council.
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