The City of Greater Geelong has appointed eleven highly accomplished, high profile, ‘ambassadors’ to promote the City’s virtues and attract new residents and investment. Together with an extensive television advertising campaign, Council hopes the ambassadors will convince people from Melbourne and elsewhere that a shift down the Princes Highway has much to offer.
“Council is keen to promote more rapid population growth and entice people to move to Geelong from Melbourne and elsewhere,” said Mayor Ken Jarvis.
He points out that Geelong is closer in commuting time to the centre of Melbourne than many of the capital’s suburbs, but without the traffic congestion or pollution that characterise its ‘big sister.’
Housing prices in Geelong are also lower than in Melbourne and access to the scenic Great Ocean Road and the Otway Ranges provides an broad range of leisure activities. Wharf facilities and the nearby Avalon airfield enhance business opportunities.
“Geelong has been something of a well kept secret, but now we are setting out to tell the world that it is a smart move to live in Geelong, to educate your kids, do business, invest in Geelong, or just pay us a visit,” Ken Jarvis said.
The 11 ambassadors, all residents or former residents of the City, include academics, entertainers, sporting personalities and prominent business people. They include David Morgan, President of Ford Australia, a major local employer; Lindsay Fox; and Professor Geoff Wilson, Vice Chancellor of Geelong’s Deakin University. Ambassador, entertainer and businessman, Steve Vizard, said that Geelong is a great place.
“I actually think it would have made a far better capital of Victoria than Melbourne,” he said.
Apart from advertising Geelong’s many attractions the campaign also includes a package of incentives to welcome new residents to the City. Local business has been highly supportive of the campaign contributing half of the advertising costs.
For further information contact David Withington, telephone (03) 5227 0800.
