The Committee for Geelong announced this morning at their International Women’s Day Breakfast that Wadawurrung Woman Corrina Eccles, is the recipient of the 2022 Frank Costa Leadership Award. Committee for Geelong Chair Clive Pugh presented the award to Corrina Eccles, in front of over 400 attendees.
“Corrina has been a leader in so many ways but to me she has been a teacher of culture, values and leadership,” said Clive Pugh. “Corrina has played a huge role in improving recognition, respect, and representation of First Nations people within the region. Corrina continues to demonstrate bravery through taking action, and by sharing her personal story. The Committee for Geelong look forward to our continued relationship with Corrina and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation as we work together for Djilang’s future.”
The Committee for Geelong Chair, Clive Pugh, said the Annual Leadership Award provides an opportunity to independently recognise and celebrate leadership in the Geelong community and is a decision of the Committee for Geelong Board.
Quote by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles;
“Being nominated and receiving the Frank Costa award for the recognition of the work, commitment, and endless passion I have to make a better future for First Nation’s people is incredibly humbling. I am committed to helping the children of our community to know their Culture and identity, so that they can grow strong and be proud of who they are.
“I think about the thousands of years of our Ancestors our young people will represent and hold Cultural obligations just like I do and all First Nations people do, and this has been pivotal in my leadership and voice in the community.”
“Ten years ago, Frank Costa interviewed me as one of many people he chose to write about in his book, ‘Geelong in our own words’, and here I am ten years on receiving this award from an inspirational leader who has left an enormous legacy for Djilang.”
The Frank Costa Annual Leadership Award is in recognition of Frank Costa’s legacy and leadership in the Geelong community and remembers him as one of the Committee for Geelong’s founders 20 years ago. Frank Costa AO was also the inaugural recipient of the Committee for Geelong Annual Leadership Award in 2010. Mr Costa passed away in 2021.
Recent recipients of the Committee for Geelong’s Annual Leadership Award includes Barwon Health CEO Frances Diver in 2021 and former G21 CEO, Elaine Carbines AM in 2020.
Photo: Pam Hutchinson
Media Contact:
Ellen Fox, Committee for Geelong ellen.fox@committeeforgeelong.com.au