New chair for KP Trust

John Eren

Kardinia Park Stadium Trust has a new chair with John Eren bringing valuable experience across tourism, sport and major events.

Mr Eren has been a member of the Trust since January 2025 and takes over from Bernadette Uzelac AM, who has been interim chair since February 2025.

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

During his time in parliament, he has been on numerous 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.

Mr Eren will be joined by Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles who will serve as a member on the Trust’s board, bringing years of experience being an advocate for First Peoples across the region.

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

“Kardinia Park is Australia’s biggest regional stadium and hosts several sports and major events each year,” acting Minister for Sport and Major Events Danny 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.”

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

The Trust has an overarching objective of contributing to the economy, community and liveability of the Geelong region and the state.