Meet the Geelong leaders celebrated for shaping our community's future
Geelong Advertiser readers have chosen their people’s choice winner for the 2025 Future Geelong Leadership Awards. See the full list of winners.
A visionary developer of Geelong’s northern suburbs has been declared the winner of the prestigious Frank Costa award at the Future Geelong Awards.
Lino Bisinella, whose Bisinella Developements has transformed the northern suburbs of Geelong, was selected for the award among a strong crop of nominees.
Mr Bisinella, 82, said business was “about more than calling the shots or making a dollar”.
“It’s the sense of purpose, the creation of lasting value, and the building of communities that continue to drive me,” Mr Bisinella said.
“Business success comes with a degree of social obligation.
“I have always believed that if you treat your team, your business partners, your suppliers, your customers in the same wayyou treat your family, and with the same trust and respect you would like to receive yourself, success will follow.”
Isini Puhula Gamayalage, 20, was voted the people’s choice winner by Geelong Advertiser readers.
In a tremendous show of public support, Ms Puhula Gamayalage captured the community’s heart, securing more than 30 per cent of the nearly 900 votes cast.
At just 20, she is known to be a compassionate leader, volunteering in the high-pressure Emergency Department at Barwon Health.
This Deakin University nursing student also mentors her peers, serves as President of Girl Guides and is a national athlete.
Her dedication extends globally with volunteer work in Sri Lanka, embodying discipline and service.
The awards were launched 2024 in conjunction with the Committee for Geelong as an extension of the Geelong Advertiser’s Future Geelong series.
An esteemed panel of judges selected the winners, and finalists across all categories graced the red carpet at North Geelong’s 1915 restaurant on Tuesday night as they were celebrated for their contributions.
See all the photos from the awards night HERE.
GeelongPort chief executive Brett Winter won the Connectivity Award for helping drive industrial and tourism growth, most notably by securing the Spirit of Tasmania terminal for Geelong.
Judges said Mr Winter was a highly respected leader who was known as a great advocate for the region and was pivotal to the success of GeelongPort.
Anti-bullying advocate Alexander Scott, who launched the Shoot For Kindness, Blockout Bullying initiative in conjunction with Geelong United Basketball, was named the Under-25 Leader.
after experiencing severe bullying, Alexander channelled a negative experience into a powerful community movement.
At just 12 years old, he began a grassroots campaign, recycling more than 30,000 cans to fund a short film.
Founder and chief executive of the Power in You Project Kane Nutallwas named the Workplace Leaderfor his social entrepreneurship and desire to create impactful change for Geelong’s most vulnerable.
Tireless Barwon Health volunteer Chris Kelsallwas named the Liveability Leader.
Aged 80, Mr Kelsall is a Patient Transport Driver for the Andrew Love Cancer Centre and support palliative care patients.
Judges were impressed not just by the incredible longevity of Chris’s volunteering but also by his extensive range of services.
The Hamilton Group, led by Cameron Hamilton, was awarded theCorporate Citizenship Leadership winner.
Judged noted the impressive breath of impact of the group, noting its future-focused vision for Geelong.
As a third-generation family business, they lead transformative urban renewal, revitalising historic commercial and industrial sites like Federal Mills into vibrant precincts.
Judges highlighted that this impact is entirely business-driven, not reliant on government backing.
Their commitment to sustainability and heritage preservation provides inspiring hubs for 250 organisations, supporting nearly 2500 jobs and strengthening the city’s economic and social fabric.
Jennifer Cromarty was named the cultural and recreation leader for decades long advocacy and pivotal roles at the Wool Museum to founding Creative Geelong more than 10 years ago.
Judges praised her ability to transform decrepit spaces into vibrant arts scenes.
She also helped foster the region’s creative strategy while leading the Committee for Geelong. Now, with her own gallery, Untether, Jennifer continues to be a fierce advocate, making Geelong’s arts scene stronger and more visible than ever.
Committee for Geelong chief executive officer Michael Johnston said the awards had seen a wide array of nominees and winners.
“We have seen genuine grassroots community leaders rubbing shoulders with some of the city’s, largest employers and business leaders. From our youngest winner at 12 years of age, through to our Frank Costa award recipient at 82 years young, this year’s Future Geelong Awards have shown the breadth of community leadership in our city,” Mr Johnston said.
“Geelong‘s lifestyle is the envy of others, with a strong community feel underpinning this. Our sense of community stems from a strong group of leaders.
“People who give up their free time for the benefit of others and their community”
Mr Johnston said the winners, through their visionary leadership, were making the city more vibrant, stronger and a better place to live.
“People who are making this a stronger Future Geelong,” he said.
Originally published as Meet the Geelong leaders celebrated for shaping our community's future
