Future Geelong awards: Winners, all the action from the ceremony

Geelong Advertiser readers have chosen their people’s choice winner for the inaugural Future Geelong Leadership Awards. FULL GALLERY, WINNERS

Michelle Gerdtz has been voted the people’s choice award winner by Geelong Advertiser readers in the inaugural Future Geelong Leadership Awards.

She also won the Livability Leader award for her work as Read the Play general manager, a role which provides opportunities for youth to learn mental health literacy and understand where to get help.

SeaRoad Ferries chief executive Matt McDonald won Connectivity Leader for his work in community engagement and sustainability, co-founder of Hands of Change Linda Wong was awarded Workplace Leader as the guiding force behind Runway and proud Wadawurrung woman Corrina Eccles won Cultural and Recreation Leader.

LGBTIA+ youth advocate Imogen O’Shannessy, who also helped draft a bill on disability education was awarded the Under-25 Leader, and Barwon Water won Corporate Citizen Leader for its work on water sustainability.

The awards were launched in conjunction with the Committee for Geelong, as an extension of the Geelong Advertiser’s Future Geelong series.

Future Geelong: Red carpet, awards presentation at inaugural awards ceremony

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An esteemed panel of judges selected the winners and finalists across all categories graced the red carpet at 1915 on Tuesday night as they were celebrated for their contributions.

Dan Simmonds, who was in Scotland during the award ceremony, won the 2024 Frank Costa Leadership Award for his services to the community.

Since 2010 the committee had presented the award annually which was renamed the Frank Costa Annual Leadership Award in 2021, in recognition of his legacy and leadership, and was this year presented at the Future Geelong awards.

Mr Simmonds is the Barwon Health Foundation and Kardinia Health chair, Rosemary Norman Foundation trustee and Professionals with Alzheimers board member.

He sits on company boards in industries including radio broadcasting, transport and logistics and timber and hardware supply.

Mr Simmonds was chair of the Committee for Geelong from 2013 to 2019, judging panel chair of the Geelong Business Excellence Awards for 10 years and has been involved in the Geelong Community Foundation, Geelong Law Association, St Laurence Community Services and Old Geelong Collegians Association.

Dan Simmonds. Picture: Supplied

Mr Simmonds said he was thrilled to be a recipient of the award.

“Frank was a visionary leader and passionate advocate for Geelong and his integrity and commitment was an inspiration to all,” he said.

Committee for Geelong chief executive Michael Johnston said for positive change to happen in a community, people needed to step up and care.

“As individuals, we can all play a role in giving back to our community,” he said.

“It is finding others who share your ideals, and collectively advocating for better.

“Geelong has a history of great community leaders in this city and the Committee for Geelong was established to bring community leaders together.”

Mr Johnston said the Future Geelong awards were designed to acknowledge individuals and companies who help create a better Geelong through their community leadership.

Geelong Advertiser general manager Ramon Rodriguez said as Geelong was thriving it was the perfect moment to recognise quiet achievers who make a real difference.

“We have partnered with the Committee for Geelong to bring Future Geelong leadership awards to life,” he said.

“The decision was a natural fit, we both want to see Geelong thrive and ensure all the amazing things happening in our city don’t go unrecognised.”

Originally published as Future Geelong awards: Winners, all the action from the ceremony