Thirteen major events that were sponsored by Geelong Major Events (GME) in 2021-22 provided the Greater Geelong economy with a $24.8 million boost.
The return of major events when COVID-19 restrictions were removed saw the 13 events support the equivalent of an estimated 198 local full-time jobs between 5 November 2021 and 30 June 2022.
The 2021 Archie 100 exhibition at Geelong Gallery is expected to have stimulated more than $4.73 million in economic benefit and the 2022 Festival of Sails (excluding the fireworks display) $4.1 million.
The Geelong Revival Festival in March 2022 injected more than $3.594 million into the economy and $2.353 million was delivered through the 2022 Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta.
Nine other events, including this year's Victorian Open Golf Tournament and the Surround Sounds Geelong and the Bellarine Music Festival, delivered a combined total of more than $10 million.
The events were a resounding success with an estimated 183,000 participants and spectators attending. Almost 60 percent of those attendees resided outside of Greater Geelong.
The local community experienced a range of social benefits through participation and spectating, and nearly 80 percent of the events offered some free public access.
During 2021-22, 2021 White Night Geelong was postponed, and six other events were cancelled due to the impacts of the pandemic, such as the 2022 Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race and 2021 National Celtic Festival.
Council supported major events during this period with $1.05 million in GME funding. The $24.8 million injection in economic activity represents a 24:1 return on investment.
Mayor Peter Murrihy, Geelong Major Events Committee member;
The 13 events held last financial year brought a lot of joy to the community after another tough year.The events industry did well to pivot and innovate in the face of significant COVID-19 challenges through different models and platforms, that allowed them to run their events safely.
These major events have supported nearly 200 full-time jobs, aided local businesses, attracted visitors to our region and strengthened our economy as it recovers from the pandemic.
Councillor Ron Nelson, chair of the Geelong Major Events Committee;
GME's support of event organisers through changing restrictions and its work to attract major national and international events continues to strengthen Greater Geelong's reputation as a reliable and innovative events destination.GME is proud to have invested more than $1 million in sponsorship, with the success of these 13 major events leading to significant economic and reputational benefits for the region.
