New chair, member of Kardinia Park Stadium Trust appointed

John Eren, who served in Victoria's Parliament for two decades, is the new chair of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust. Photo: ELLEN SMITH/AAP IMAGE

FORMER Victorian parliamentarian John Eren has been appointed the new chair of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, bringing considerable experience across tourism, sport and major events.

Earlier today (Saturday, July 5), Acting Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Danny Pearson confirmed the appointment of Mr Eren – who has been a member of the Trust since January – and Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles as a member of the trust’s board.

Mr Eren takes over from Bernadette Uzelac, who has been interim chair since February.

Mr Eren represented Geelong and Lara as a member of the Victorian Parliament between 2002 and 2022.

During his time in Parliament, he was on several committees as a parliamentary secretary, and was the minister for sport, minister for tourism and major events, and minister for veterans’ affairs from 2014 to 2018.

“Kardinia Park is Australia’s biggest regional stadium and hosts several sports and major events each year,” Mr Pearson said.

“Mr Eren’s experience and leadership will be a valuable asset as Kardinia Park looks to build on this success in the future.”

Mr Eren will be joined by Ms Eccles on the trust’s board, bringing years of experience being an advocate for First Peoples.

Ms Eccles is an artist and highly regarded First Nations leader in the Geelong region.

“John and Corrina’s experienced leadership and expertise will make a significant contribution to the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust and the success of this precinct,” Geelong MP Christine Couzens said.

The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust administers, promotes and manages GMHBA Stadium and surrounding land, including the Barwon Regional Cricket Centre and the Geelong Sports Museum.