Former Geelong Cats president Frank Costa dies aged 83

Former president of the Geelong Football Club, businessman and philanthropist Frank Costa has died at the age of 83.

A giant figure in Victoria’s second-biggest city, Mr Costa and his brother Adrian took over the family fruit and vegetable business in 1958, growing Costa Group into a billion-dollar company. 

But the father of eight is perhaps best known for his tenure as president of the Geelong Cats from 1998 to 2010.

During his time as head of the club, the Cats went from a financially struggling team to a powerhouse that broke a 44-year drought to win AFL premierships in 2007, 2009 and 2011.

He was awarded the Australian Sports Medal in 2001 for his significant role in the AFL, which included the restoration of the club.

He was awarded life membership in 2011 following more than 30 years’ involvement with the Cats.

Mr Costa was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2015 for his distinguished services in sports, business, religious, medical, educational and social welfare organisations.

Frank Costa, pictured with former mayor Darryn Lyons, was a figure of Geelong life for decades.(

ABC News: Margaret Paul

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In 2003 he received the Governor-General’s Centenary Medal for his contribution to Australian society.

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett said “a wonderful human being has departed”.

“Great values. To his large family, my condolences,” Mr Kennett said.

“The City of Geelong and its community will forever be in his debt.”

Mr Costa’s philanthropic work often centred around his hometown of Geelong, and he was involved in a number of charities.

He and his wife established the Frank and Shirley Costa fund for the Geelong Community Foundation, saying “it is only when you give that you receive”.

The Barwon Health Foundation said Mr Costa’s “generosity and leadership will always be admired”.

“Frank’s legacy will live on in the spirit of Geelong, always,” it said.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Costa.