Geelong’s Lino Bisinella is the latest recipient of the Frank Costa Leadership Award for his extraordinary leadership, vision and lifelong commitment to the community.
The 81-year-old founded Bisinella Developments and has helped shape the region’s landscape for more than 60 years after moving to Victoria from Italy in 1959.
Mr Bisinella has been a passionate community advocate, including opposing the Waste to Energy Incinerator in Lara, restoring heritage sites and fundraising for Samaritan House and Anam Cara House.
“Profits come and go, big deals fade, and flash cars aren’t what business leaders are remembered for,” he said.
“This country has been good to us, and our success has given us the opportunity, and the duty, to make life better for others, so that, to me, is success.
“Business success comes with a degree of social obligation, so treat your team, partners, and customers like family, with trust and respect, and success will follow.”
Mr Bisinella was this year’s Frank Costa Leadership Award, which celebrates people who demonstrate integrity, purpose and a deep commitment to their communities.
Committee for Geelong presents the award through its Future Geelong Leadership Award program, and chief executive Michael Johnston said Geelong was a “better place” because of Mr Bisinella.
“Lino is the embodiment of community leadership as someone who has led by example, created opportunity, and given back to his community consistently for decades,” he said.
