Geelong’s major events are showing a big return on investment, according to a new council report.
The council tabled its annual Geelong Major Events annual report for 2024-25 at its meeting this week, which showed that every ratepayer dollar spent resulted in $60 returning to the local economy.
The City of Greater Geelong spent $1,536,518 in support of 12 events, including the Avalon Airshow, the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the Festival of Sails, Geelong Revival and the National Celtic Festival.
According to the report, the total economic impact on the region was $93,503,742.29, a return on investment of nearly 61 to one, despite 11 of the events being free to attend. The events also created the equivalent of 747 full-time jobs.
Of the 499,000 people who attended the events, more than 327,000 travelled to Geelong from outside the region, while 173,600 were local.
Councillor Trent Sullivan said while the economic figures were important, Geelong’s major events were more than just “standalone economic drivers”.
“(These events) add to the vibrancy of the region that we live in; we are a major events destination,” he said.
“We have a wide range of events… and events that take place around the calendar. Whether it’s the depths of winter or in the heat of summer, there’s always something to do in our region.
“It attracts people to the region, to stay here for the weekend, visit friends and family, to move down. It’s great exposure for our region on the national and international stage.”
