Major events committee reappoints two and adds one

THE City of Greater Geelong has re-appointed Leigh McClusky and Russell Morris as external representatives on the Geelong Major Events (GME) committee, and appointed Robyn Birrell to replace outgoing committee member Brian Cook.

The appointments were unanimously endorsed at this month’s Community Focus council meeting.

The trio will now serve on the committee for the next four years (2018-2022).

Ms McClusky (who presently chairs the committee) and Mr Morris were retained on the basis of their high levels of experience, and their already strong contribution to GME.

Ms Birrell brings an extensive arts and culture background, which the council agreed would complement the skill set of the committee.

The council formally thanked Mr Cook for his contribution to GME since August 2016. The Geelong Football Club chief executive announced his resignation from the committee earlier this year.

The council also noted GME’s 2016-17 annual report, which showed:

• GME supported 22 major events during the 2016-17 financial year, including five new events
• These events attracted more than 600,000 participants and generated an estimated $76.1 million for the local economy
• As the council contributed funding of just over $1.5 million, this represented a return on investment of more than 50:1.

Highlights included the Australian International Airshow at Avalon, which generated $22 million in economic activity, the Festival of Sails ($14.06 million) and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race ($11.35 million).

“The figures outlined in the 2016-17 annual report show what a world class destination Geelong has become for major events, and how significant they are for our local economy,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“This is predominately ‘new money’ coming into our region boosting employment and our finances.

“Whether it’s international sports stars competing at the highest level, prestigious arts and cultural events or culinary extravaganzas, the Geelong community embraces these events, and they attract visitors from across Australia and around the world.”