Manufacturing led Geelong’s employment growth, adding 1,235 new jobs in the 12 months to June 2025, a 12.1 per cent increase on the previous year. This is the second year in a row that manufacturing has been the region’s strongest performer, with employment levels returning to those seen 15 years ago, before the closure of Alcoa and the Ford manufacturing plant.

The data also showed strong growth in other major sectors. Health care, social assistance, education and training added a combined 1,451 new jobs, while accommodation and food services grew by 525 jobs as tourism continues to rise across Geelong and the Bellarine. 

Greater Geelong Councillors toured the Godfrey Hirst factories this week for a behind‑the‑scenes look at one of the region’s oldest and most recognised industrial businesses. Employing about 350 people locally, Godfrey Hirst is Australia’s largest carpet manufacturer and floor distributor and has been part of Geelong’s manufacturing story for more than 160 years, dating back to its origins as one of Victoria’s first textile mills in South Geelong. 

Recently named Manufacturer of the Year – Regional Business at the 2025 Victorian Business Awards, the company has also received a Clean Economy Grant to support a joint research project with Deakin University exploring new uses for carpet‑manufacturing waste in large‑scale 3D printing.

Greater Geelong Mayor Stretch Kontelj OAM 

For those of us who remember Geelong in the early 1990s, these statistics are especially powerful.

Back then, we were dealing with major manufacturing closures and the collapse of the Pyramid Building Society. There was real doubt about Geelong’s future. We had to rethink who we were and what kind of city we wanted to become.

Today, seeing Geelong as Australia’s fastest‑growing job market, with manufacturing resurgent alongside health, education, tourism and more, shows just how far we’ve come. We’ve gone from a city fighting for its future to a city shaping its own success story. 

With our population on track to reach 500,000 by 2050, this momentum gives us every reason to be confident about the next 25 years.

Finance portfolio chair Councillor Andrew Katos 

Geelong’s exceptional jobs growth is driven by fundamentals that few regions can match – strategic transport links, access to national and global markets, and a rapidly growing population. 

The Geelong economy has now reached a Gross Regional Product of over $21 billion, growing at 3.9 per cent annually since 2020. They’re figures we can be proud of.

Investment in innovation, business support and job‑diversity initiatives will make sure Geelong remains one of the strongest and most competitive regional economies in the country.

General Manager of Godfrey Hirst Australia Jane Fletcher 

Geelong’s continued jobs growth is something we’re proud to contribute to as a major local employer.

Our investment in manufacturing, innovation and our people is firmly grounded in supporting the region’s economy and creating long-term opportunities for the community.