History Society Newsletter
Welcome to the first edition of the History Society newsletter for 2026, where we celebrate the people, stories, and treasured moments that continue to shape our Club’s proud heritage. Explore highlights from the Awards presented at the AGM and a look ahead to the history‑makers shaping the Club’s story in 2026.
CLub Memorabilia
Visit our Cats museum, the Gartland Heritage Centre in the Deakin Cats Community Centre (Doug Wade, Gate 8).
Open Mondays 3:30pm–5pm (excluding public holidays), or by prior arrangement (limited availability, please email: honouringthehoops@geelongcats.com.au to enquire)
If you have any Cats treasures and are considering donating them to the club, please contact our Honouring the Hoops team by emailing honouringthehoops@geelongcats.com.au
AGM Awards
The Geelong Football Club’s 2025 Annual General Meeting provided a special moment to reflect on the people whose dedication continues to shape the Club’s proud history. This year, two remarkable individuals were recognised for their long-standing service: Glynn Harvey, recipient of the Carter/Costa Service Award, and Les Tyack, newly inducted Life Member.
Carter/Costa Service Award: Glynn Harvey
Glynn Harvey became the second ever recipient of the 2025 Carter/Costa Service Award – an honour reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional voluntary service and embody the values long upheld by Colin Carter and Frank Costa.
For decades, Glynn has quietly supported both the Club and the wider Geelong community. His philanthropy began when he noticed local schoolchildren arriving without food, prompting him to provide free fruit – a simple gesture that grew into a lifelong commitment to service. His work has since spanned numerous community organisations, including the Geelong Football Club, Geelong Falcons, St Albans Football Club, Geelong Foodshare, Anam Cara, Cottage by the Sea, and many others.
A former GFC Board Director from 1997 to 2004, Glynn is widely respected for his integrity and steadfast leadership, particularly during challenging periods in the Club’s history. True to his nature, he has never sought attention for his efforts – making this recognition especially deserved.
Life Membership: Les Tyack
Also celebrated at the AGM was Les Tyack. Les began his tenure with the Cats in 1966 at just 19 years old, first as Assistant Secretary and later as interim Club Secretary. By 1970, he had become one of the youngest football Secretaries in VFL history.
Throughout his administrative career, Les made forward‑thinking contributions that strengthened both Club operations and financial stability. His ideas ranged from innovative Social Club fundraising initiatives to progressive football department changes – including advocating for one of the first full‑time recruiting officer roles in the VFL, a model that soon became standard across the league.
Les’s deep understanding of Club operations, paired with his willingness to take on responsibility, left a lasting imprint on the Cats during times of change and growth. His induction as a Life Member recognises not only his expertise but his enduring commitment to the blue and white.
Together, the achievements of Glynn Harvey and Les Tyack highlight the strength of Geelong’s community spirit – a tradition carried proudly by generations of supporters, volunteers, and leaders.
As the Club continues to evolve, their contributions remind us that its greatest successes are built on the dedication of individuals who give generously, lead thoughtfully, and serve with heart.
History makers
Debutants
• James Worpel Club Debut
• Mitch Edwards Debut
