Frank Costa’s legacy immortalised in bronze

A BRONZE statue of the late Frank Costa is set to be unveiled in Geelong next month.

The 220cm statue will be installed on the corner of Ryrie and Moorabool streets where the young Frank once sold papers.

The tribute honours Mr Costa’s philanthropic contributions, his tenure as the long-standing president of the Geelong Football Club, his dedicated support for the region, and his business endeavours.

Sculptor Louis Laumen said the sculpture was almost complete.

“I look forward to the finishing stages of the bronze work, which will all come together in the next few weeks,” Mr Laumen said.

The statue will depict a young Costa working as a paper boy.

Mr Laumen used the lost wax casting method to craft the statue.

The process began with a wax model, which is encased in a mould.

After melting and draining the wax, molten bronze was poured into the mould. Once solidified, the refractory mould was removed, revealing the bronze casting.

The statue is now set for its final touches, including sanding and polishing.

Mr Costa received life membership from the Cats in 2011 and remains the only non-player named a legend of the club. During his leadership, Geelong rose from challenges to become an AFL force, clinching premierships in 2007, 2009, and 2011.

In 2015, Mr Costa received recognition as an Officer of the Order of Australia for his diverse contributions spanning sports, business, religion, health, education, and social welfare.

The initiative is a joint effort of the City of Greater Geelong, the Costa family, Rory Costelloe, and the Geelong Football Club.

Mr Laumen invested significant time refining the “paper boy” portrayal.

Due to the limited photos of a young Frank Costa and not having met him personally, Louis relied heavily on his research and discussions with the Costa family.

“If you live and breathe the work, the piece itself begins to possess a life of its own. There comes a point when it takes on a personality, leading to a rather intense relationship with the image you’ve created,” Mr Laumen said.

“There will come a moment when I’ll say that’s it. I’ve taken it as far as it can go; the work is complete.”

“When I hand it over, it feels like a parent nudging the fledgling out of the nest. It’s time for it to exist in the world without me.”

Mr Laumen’s portfolio showcases heroes in bronze, spanning from sports to civic life and religion.

His notable works feature Weary Dunlop, Mary Mackillop, and 11 pieces at the MCG, highlighting figures such as Dennis Lillee, Don Bradman, and Shirley Strickland.

His recent tribute to Nicky Winmar was widely celebrated. It captures the footballer’s famous stance against racism, encapsulating the moment Winmar lifted his jersey, pointed at his chest and declared “I’m black, and I’m proud to be black.”