Frank Costa to be remembered with CBD statue

A BRONZE memorial statue of the late Frank Costa in Geelong’s CBD will serve as a lasting tribute to the local businessman and philanthropist.

Members of the Costa family gathered outside the T&G building where the work will be situated with Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan and former Geelong Cats captain Joel Selwood on Monday, where they announced that respected sculptor Louis Laumen is currently creating the work.

Mr Costa will be memorialised as a paper boy – a nod to his time selling newspapers as a child – and will be clutching a copy of a local paper proclaiming Geelong’s premiership victory in 1951.

The 220-centimetre-tall statue will be installed on the northeast corner of Ryrie and Moorabool Streets where he once sold papers and is expected to be unveiled in mid-2023, shortly after the second anniversary of his death.

Shirley, Robert and the extended Costa family said the depiction of the late Frank Costa had been developed in conjunction with the City of Greater Geelong and his beloved local football club after it was first proposed by Geelong Authority member Rory Costelloe.

“We were humbled by Rory’s suggestion to capture the moment when a young Frank, full of enthusiasm, started his love of Geelong and the opportunities he found within it,” the family said.

Family members said the statue would be a testimonial to where the late businessman’s story began.

“We believe it would mean a lot to him, it certainly does to us and hopefully to many others who got swept up in his endless world of possibilities,” they said.

Mr Selwood described the former club president as “a humble custodian of the Geelong Football Club”.

“He was an iconic figure in the region with a generous, authentic and fierce advocacy for the community,” he said.

“Frank believed in Geelong when few did, and I’m honoured to represent the club to acknowledge all that Frank contributed, in making this town what it is today.”

The cost to fabricate and install the memorial will be $100,000 and will be funded by contributions from Costa-Costelloe, the Geelong Football Club and the city.

Cr Sullivan said council was thrilled to be partnering in the work that honours the “remarkable businessman, mentor and advocate”.

“This public artwork will not only illustrate the many facets of Frank’s life but create a space to reflect on and learn about his contributions and spark inspiration to help others,” he said.