The Greater Geelong economy received a $51.05 million
boost in 2023-24 thanks to 12 major events that were sponsored by Geelong Major
Events (GME).
These events attracted 338,000 participants
and spectators, supporting an estimated 452 full-time jobs. Ten events offered
some free public access.
Drawing
140,000 participants and attendees this January, the 2024 Cadel Evans Great
Ocean Road Race injected a massive $17.8 million into our region.
We
have increased our sponsorship contribution for this beloved event to $250,000,
which runs from Wednesday 29 January to Sunday 2 February 2025.
Off
the back of a $215,458 GME contribution, January’s 2024 Festival of Sails generated
$8,823,253 for the Geelong region.
Vintage
motoring fans turned out in droves for the 2023 Geelong Revival Festival along
the Waterfront, delivering an economic benefit of $8,300,728 following a
$205,000 sponsorship from GME.
Nine
other major events played a pivotal role in driving more than $16.1 million in
economic growth, enhancing the region’s brand and improving liveability.
Mayor Stretch Kontelj
Council
contributed $925,042 to Geelong Major Events in 2023-24, representing a return on investment for our community
of 49:1.
Major events provide significant economic
benefits to Greater Geelong and strengthen our reputation as a world-class
events host.
Our
Geelong Major Events Committee does an outstanding job attracting and
supporting major events, and coupled with our new Geelong Major Events
Strategy, we’re excited to see even greater benefits for our region.
This strategy not only aims to boost
economic gains but also enrich our community.
Cr Anthony Aitken
Major events in Geelong also provide social, environmental, and economic benefits to the
community.
During
23-24, 10 of the 12 events offered some level of free public access with
highlights being the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, Festival of Sails and
Geelong Revival.
With
summer upon us, visitors and locals have a jam-packed major events calendar
ahead to plan for, culminating with the Avalon Australian International Airshow
in March 2025.
In July, Council adopted the Geelong Major Events Strategy 2024-29, providing a roadmap for major event
sponsorship over the next five years.