As I reflect on my recent attendance at the Australia-ASEAN Business Forum in Adelaide, it’s clear that Geelong sits at a crossroads. Full of potential, but still facing tangible barriers to truly being recognised as a global city. The conversations and connections formed at this international event sharpened my understanding of what we’re missing, and the pressing need for action to elevate Geelong on the world stage.
Why Isn’t Geelong a Global City Yet?
Despite our strengths in advanced manufacturing, creative industries, health, and education, Geelong still lacks the infrastructure and visibility that marks a city as globally engaged and relevant. Our proximity to Melbourne means we’re often overshadowed and our achievements less recognised by international decision-makers and investors. While we’ve seen success with the clever and creative city narrative, and have initiated (some) smart city strategies, Geelong’s business sector still operates in a fragmented manner, without deep ties to global markets or networks.
What’s most evident is that Geelong’s small and medium enterprises and start-ups often operate in isolation, lacking the policy certainty, collaborative spaces, and ecosystem support found in the world’s leading business cities. Our current support structures are not enough to promote innovation and job creation and the pace of advancement needed to compete internationally.
What Geelong Needs to Unlock Global Growth
From my experience at the forum, Geelong’s missing link is clear:
- A world-class, physical Business Hub: A space for entrepreneurs, scale-ups, and SMEs to access international expertise, collaborate, and connect. Such a hub would catalyse business development, support commercialisation, and foster cross-border partnerships directly from Geelong.
- Stronger international engagement: Geelong must increase regular contact with global leaders, investors, and innovators, building coordinated strategic partnerships and attracting world-class conferences and events.
- Government and policy support: Targeted initiatives that empower the entrepreneurial sector and create an enabling environment for SMEs.
- Consistent advocacy and marketing: We need to actively promote Geelong’s leadership, talent, and investment potential so international audiences see Geelong as a destination for business. We need a concise and effective Investment Brand.
Why Now?
The next chapter for Geelong demands global ambition. If we do not address these gaps, our region risks falling behind and missing out on the investments, job creation, and business opportunities that a truly global city commands.
The urgency of establishing a business hub is now more apparent than ever, and I am committed to driving this conversation with our community and key stakeholders.
By acting together, we can position Geelong as a recognised centre for international business, where the world’s innovators choose to collaborate, and local talent thrives on a global scale.
Jeremy Crawford
CEO, Geelong Chamber of Commerce
