Committee for Geelong Chair Clive Pugh to Step Down at 25th AGM

Committee for Geelong (CfG) Chair Clive Pugh will officially step down from his role at the organisation’s 25th Annual General Meeting, to be held this Thursday 6 November 2025.

After joining the Board in 2016, Clive has served as Chair since November 2019, leading CfG through six years of transformation, challenge, and strategic renewal. His tenure has been marked by a consistent focus on regional advocacy, inclusive leadership, and long-term prosperity for Geelong.

Across his time as Chair, Clive championed:

1. Resilience and renewal during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of community strength and adaptive leadership.

2. Strategic advocacy, including CfG’s contributions to national conversations on Gateway Cities and Second City policy frameworks.

3. Leadership development, with a strong emphasis on CfG’s programs that empower emerging and established leaders across sectors.

4. Financial sustainability, guiding CfG toward improved governance and a return to operating surplus despite funding challenges.

5. Values-driven engagement, reinforcing CfG’s commitment to being forward-thinking, independent, brave, accountable, and innovative.

On completing his final year as Chair, Clive reflected:

“As I conclude my term as Chair of the Committee for Geelong, I reflect with pride on a year marked by resilience, renewal, and a deepened commitment to our region’s future.

The 2024–25 financial year has seen CfG consolidate its strategic direction while continuing to advocate for Geelong’s long-term prosperity. Our values — forward-thinking, independent, brave, accountable, and innovative — have remained central to our work, guiding our engagement with stakeholders and shaping our leadership programs.

Despite ongoing economic pressures and the continued absence of government funding for our leadership initiatives, CfG has made meaningful progress. We’ve strengthened member engagement, enhanced program delivery, and moved closer to returning to an operating surplus — an achievement that reflects sound governance and collective effort.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to the entire CfG team. Their dedication, professionalism, and passion for our region have been instrumental in delivering our mission.

To my fellow Board members, thank you for your support, insight, and stewardship. Your commitment to the Committee’s strategic direction and financial sustainability has been unwavering.

And to our members — Corporate Plus, general, and community — thank you for your continued belief in CfG’s purpose. Your support has enabled us to remain a strong, independent voice for Geelong.

It has been an honour to serve as Chair. I leave confident in CfG’s future and excited for what lies ahead as we continue to advocate for Geelong.”

Committee CEO Michael Johnston thanked Clive for his significant contribution:

“Clive is the embodiment of citizen leadership. His commitment to our city has been unwavering, and there would be few people who could match Clive’s commitment to positively shape Geelong’s future.”

“On behalf of the organisation I would like to thank Clive for his indelible contribution and leadership. And personally I want to thank Clive for his guidance and strategic discussion.”

Clive brought to the Committee extensive experience from his role as Managing Director of Winchester Australia Limited and a career spanning manufacturing, regional development, and strategic planning. His leadership style — grounded in empowering people and fostering inclusive decision-making — has shaped CfG’s culture and impact.

Clive will remain involved on CfG’s Strategy & Policy Committee, and continue to serve on the RDA Barwon South West Partnership.

The Committee for Geelong will announce Clive’s successor at the AGM.

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