The Kardinia Park Stadium Trust announced today that current board member and Geelong local Mr Joe Calafiore will take the reins as the Trust’s new Chair from 1 October 2023.
Mr Calafiore brings a wealth of experience to the role, having been appointed a member of the Trust in 2018 and most recently, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Geelong based Transport Accident Commission (TAC) until June 2023.
Born and raised in Geelong, Mr Calafiore has previously worked as a Senior Advisor for the Minister for Police before becoming Head of Community Relations at the TAC, eventually taking over as CEO in 2015.
He has strong experience in communications and community relations and is a member of the Committee for Geelong’s Policy and Strategy Committee. He is also currently Chair of the Trust’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.
Mr Calafiore replaces Mr Stephen Gough AM who has been Chair of the Trust since 2020. Mr Gough was instrumental in the Trust’s formation having been appointed to the Victorian Government steering committee that helped develop the current model which led to the establishment of the Trust in 2016.
Mr Gough helped oversee the ongoing transformation of Kardinia Park as Australia’s best regional stadium, having hosted matches during the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the stadium’s first concert with the Foo Fighters selling out the venue in March 2022.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos MP thanked Mr Gough for his valuable service and welcomed Mr Calafiore to the role.
“Mr Calafiore brings invaluable experience to the role as Chair, carrying on from his position as a Trust member to help ensure Kardinia Park remains the premier regional sporting venue in Australia.”
“Mr Gough has made a tremendous contribution to the Kardinia Park Stadium Trust as Chair for the past three years. He has provided valuable first-hand experience while working with the Board to help lead the ongoing transformation of this special regional venue.”
