Future Geelong: Those who lead today, shape tomorrow

Geelong is changing before our eyes.

More people are choosing to live here, new industries are emerging and investment is reshaping our economy.

This momentum brings enormous opportunity. It also raises a defining question: what kind of Geelong are we building?

Geelong is now one of Australia’s fastest-growing cities and one of its most dynamic regional economies.

But growth is not an end in itself.

The challenge for the next decade is to grow well, not just fast.

We need to ensure Geelong is Victoria’s Capital of Good Growth: a region where prosperity, liveability and shared opportunity grow together.

At its core, Good Growth means productive investment and secure jobs, supported by infrastructure, housing and services that keep pace.

It means protecting Geelong’s character, environment and connectedness, while working to keep the opportunities growth creates open to everyone.

Protecting that balance is our responsibility.

With Victoria heading to the polls in November, Geelong will attract political attention.

That attention is welcome. But Future Geelong cannot be shaped by one election, one government or one economic cycle.

Real impact requires sustained leadership, advocacy and collaboration.

That is where Committee for Geelong has a distinctive role.

For 25 years, our focus has been on designing Geelong’s best future. We have brought leaders together and sustained advocacy for transformative projects, including the Geelong Ring Road, the City Deal and Nyaal Banyul.

As we embark on our next 25 years, our new direction does not change that purpose. It sharpens how we will fulfil it.

As the independent voice for Future Geelong, we champion the decisions, investment and partnerships that shape the region’s long-term future.

We take the long view.

We bring business, government and community to the same table and use trusted evidence to turn shared ambition into influence and coordinated action.

This type of Good Growth requires leadership.

Future Geelong is shaped by those who lead today. That is why the Future Geelong Leadership Awards matter.

They celebrate leadership at every level, from grassroots volunteers to those shaping businesses, institutions and the region itself.

The Frank Costa Award holds a special place. It recognises a visionary leader whose achievements advance regional progress across many fronts.

This kind of leadership matters because Future Geelong is a team sport.

While the Committee strengthens collaboration, it will take leaders from every community and every part of our region to step forward and play their part.

Congratulations to all the nominees.

Rebecca Bartel

Chair, Committee for Geelong