CAN ANYONE FILL THE VOID?

PEOPLE turned out in their thousands to farewell one of our city’s greatest businessmen and ambassadors yesterday. And it was fitting that Frank Costa should be honoured in the stands he lobbied so hard to be redeveloped and at the club he worked so tirelessly to see succeed.

But the Cats home at Kardinia Park – one of Australia’s top regional sporting facilities – is only one of the Geelong projects to directly benefit from his passion, influence and generosity. In fact, it is fair to say that without Frank Costa some of our city’s major developments such as the stadium, ring road and waterfront might never have happened at all.

Costa’s love for this city has been well documented before and since his death last week, but it is unclear if locals realise just how great his loss will be felt.

Which begs the question, who is the next great advocate for our city? Outside of our elected political representatives, is there anybody with the passion, nous and influence to fight for us in the corridors of power and get the results that Costa did?

Our region is in the midst of transformation and massive growth and it is imperative that our community’s needs continue to be heard – and met – at the top levels in the business, political and philanthropic landscape.

Who will be the next person to stand up and fight for our region – free from self interest and bias – so that we can continue to be the great city Frank Costa worked so hard for.