Kardinia Park Stadium Trust unveiled

The Victorian Government has announced the appointment of seven members to the board of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust – entrusted with the management of operations at the Geelong venue.

Delivering on an election commitment by Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews, the Trust will be responsible for oversight of the Kardinia Park Stadium (also currently known as Simonds Stadium due to naming rights) and surrounding parklands, and charged with the task of attracting more events to the city.

The establishment of the Trust follows a 12 month period in which legislation for its creation was finalised.

Led by former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks, the other Trust members are Rebecca Casson, Gillian Costa, Simon Guthrie, Jane den Hollander, Michael Malouf and Elizabeth Mears.

A statement from the Victorian Government announcing the appointment of the Trust explained “Kardinia Park is at the dawn of an exciting new era. The Labor Government is getting on with the job of an $89 million upgrade of Simonds Stadium, creating jobs and securing the big sports and entertainment events Geelong does so well.”

The statement continued “Bracks brings with him extensive experience in public life and a passion for the Geelong Cats. He becomes the inaugural Chair of the Trust after leading a committee which undertook consultation with key stakeholders to ensure the venue remains the heart and soul of sport in Geelong.”

Victorian Minister for Sport John Eren went on to state “Kardinia Park has been the home of sport and heart and soul of Geelong for many decades. Our upgrade and establishment of the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust will give this great venue an exciting and secure future.”

Bracks added “I am delighted to join the Trust as the inaugural Chair and I look forward to working with my fellow Trustees, some of Geelong’s exceptional leaders, to contribute to the economic, social and liveability benefits for Geelong and the state.”

The current redevelopment of Simonds Stadium, which will see its capacity lifted to 36,000, will see a new grandstand will replace the old Brownlow and Jennings Stands.

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