‘The Newsboy’ sculpture recognises the many roles Frank Costa played in the community.
In a heartfelt tribute to the late Frank Costa AO, the City of Greater Geelong, the Costa family, Rory Costelloe, and the Geelong Cats have unveiled ‘The Newsboy’ memorial sculpture at the corner of Ryrie and Moorabool Streets.
The statue, funded by these stakeholders, pays homage to Frank Costa’s diverse roles as a philanthropist, Geelong Football Club president, businessman, and staunch regional advocate.
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Australian artist Louis Laumen, renowned for iconic statues like Dennis Lillee at the MCG, spent six months meticulously crafting the bronze sculpture using the Lost Wax Casting process. Depicting a 13-year-old Frank as a newsboy outside the T&G Building, the statue encapsulates Costa’s lifelong commitment to Geelong.
The sculpture cleverly intertwines various elements of Frank Costa’s life:
- The newspaper symbolises his strong ties to the Greater Geelong community.
- The Herald front page showcasing Geelong’s 1951 Grand Final victory represents his enduring dedication to the Cats.
- The burden of papers in his arm pays tribute to his unwavering work ethic.
- The money pouch reflects his business acumen and value for a shilling.
- Standing on a fruit-box pedestal, it nods to the Costa family’s greengrocer trade, which began in 1888 and evolved into the successful Costa Group.
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The statue features a legible newspaper detailing Geelong’s 1951 premiership victory, with more than 85,000 spectators witnessing the historic moment. Louis Laumen’s selection for the project through an invited Expression of Interest speaks to his expertise in figurative bronze sculpture.
Initiated by Rory Costelloe, a Geelong Authority member, the permanent memorial cost $100,000 to fabricate and install. Mayor Trent Sullivan expressed the council’s delight at the tribute, highlighting Frank Costa’s lasting impact on the community.
“Frank’s passing two years ago remains a massive loss to our community because of his incredible advocacy and contributions to make our region the best it can be,” Sullivan said.
“He is known as a legend in these parts and it’s only fitting that we celebrate his values and achievements through a bronze statue. We are very grateful to sculptor Louis Laumen for his commitment to this important project and his skilled eye for detail.
“The statue not only illustrates the many facets of Frank’s life, but symbolises a youthful sense of adventure, entrepreneurism, and the promise of a bright future that the community can relate to.”
Frank’s daughter, Gillian Costa, shared her involvement in the project, emphasizing its significance in preserving both family and Geelong history. The T&G corner, where the sculpture stands, marks the starting point of Frank’s entrepreneurial journey.
“The T&G corner is where Dad began his entrepreneurial journey,” she says, “so this statue is not only a lovely way to remember him and the big part he played in Geelong as an employer, visionary and champion of growth, it also illustrates a moment of Geelong’s past in such a lovely way that residents and visitors alike can relate to and enjoy.”
Sculptor Louis Laumen reflected on the intricate process of creating the statue, underscoring the importance of conversations with the Costa family, research, and an immersive artistic journey. Joel Selwood, a representative of the Geelong Football Club, hailed the sculpture as a poignant reminder of Frank’s influential leadership and contributions to the community and the football club.
“An iconic figure in the region and at the Football Club, Frank was always a community leader. This statue reminds us of the belief and contribution he made to Geelong,” Selwood shared.
“When the history of the club is written, it will be impossible to do so without having Frank at the forefront – this statue being a part of that history on the streets of Geelong.”
The ‘Newsboy’ sculpture not only encapsulates the multifaceted life of Frank Costa but also serves as a timeless symbol of Geelong’s past, present, and the promise of a vibrant future.
You can read more about it here.