The legendary Frank Costa will be recognised for his contributions towards sport, business and the community with a permanent bronze statue in central Geelong.
The City of Greater Geelong partnered with Mr Costa’s family and the Geelong Football Club to remember the businessman with a 220-centimetre-tall statue.
Mr Costa’s family said they were honoured by Geelong Authority Member Rory Costell and his idea to memorialise Mr Costa as a ‘paper boy’, a nod to his time selling papers as a child.
“We were humbled by Rory’s suggestion to capture the moment when a young Frank, full of enthusiasm, started his love of Geelong and the opportunities he found within it,” the family said.
“We’ve been delighted to support this testimonial to Frank, depicting where his story began.
“We believe it would mean a lot to him, it certainly does to us and hopefully to many others who got swept up in his endless world of possibilities.”
Australian artist and sculptor Louis Laumen said he was glad to build a statue that strayed away from the “businessman” norm and showed the life of Mr Costa.
“I’ve incorporated a lot of things into the sculpture that can talk about various aspects of his life,” he said.
“There’s his beginnings as a businessman, but obviously his love for this town, football, and even talking about what he eventually became.
“His training at school, as a schoolboy selling newspapers was, I think, a way of really opening up the idea that I sort of it fertilised in my imagination.”
Geelong Football Club former player and captain Joel Selwood said he remembered Mr Costa as a man who “loved everyone” and was loved by everyone.
“When I think of Frank Costa, I not only reflect on all that he achieved as our President and as a humble custodian of the Geelong Football Club, but all that he achieved beyond the stadium walls,” he said.
“He was a remarkable person and will always hold a special place in my heart, as he would by everybody he came into contact with.”
Mayor Trent Sullivan said Frank Costa held a special place in the hearts of the Geelong Football Club and all sections of the community.
“Frank was a larger-than-life figure with a generosity of spirit, who lived his life in service and cared greatly about the welfare of Greater Geelong residents,” he said.
“This public artwork will not only illustrate the many facets of Frank’s life but create a space to reflect on and learn about his contributions and spark inspiration to help others.”
The statue will be installed on the northeast corner of Ryrie and Moorabool Street, in front of the T&G building, and is expected to be unveiled in mid-2023, soon after the second anniversary of Mr Costa’s death.
