A Standing Ovation for a Legacy That Will Save Lives
Legacy Article by Zoe Waters, Executive Director, Barwon Health Foundation
In healthcare, there are moments measured in seconds.
Moments when a mother and her unborn baby suddenly need emergency intervention.
Moments when a child arrives critically unwell by helicopter.
Moments when clinicians have only one chance to make a decision.
In those moments, seconds matter.
The Anthony Costa Foundation carries the name of Anthony Costa, established following his sudden passing in 2017. While the Foundation honours Anthony's legacy, it represents a broader family commitment to giving back, one shaped by brothers Rob and Anthony Costa, their wives Rita and Elaine, and their families, whose longstanding support of community has touched countless lives across the Geelong region and beyond.
On Friday 3 July 2026, more guests gathered for the Barwon Health Foundation Gala Ball, presented by the City of Greater Geelong, a night where our community witnessed one of the most significant philanthropic announcements in Barwon Health's proud 170-year history.
As Chair of the Barwon Women's and Children's Appeal, Catherine Middlemiss announced an extraordinary gift that will enhance the delivery of complex surgery across our region.
The room fell silent.
The lights dimmed.
Then, projected across every wall of Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre, appeared three powerful words:
Anthony Costa Foundation
In an instant, guests rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation, honouring a family whose generosity will leave an extraordinary legacy for generations to come.
Among those witnessing this remarkable tribute was Elaine Costa, wife of the late Anthony Costa. To see Anthony's name illuminated across the venue, surrounded by a community standing in gratitude, was a fitting tribute to the two families and the man whose legacy lives on through the Foundation that proudly bears his name.
The announcement recognised the Anthony Costa Foundation's extraordinary commitment of $3 million to help establish the first Hybrid Operating Theatre at Barwon Health.
The fit-out of a Hybrid Operating Theatre will allow surgeons, interventional specialists and multidisciplinary teams to diagnose, intervene and operate in the same room, at the same time, combining the precision of advanced medical imaging within a fully integrated surgical theatre.
The announcement was one of the defining moments of an historic evening, demonstrating the extraordinary power of philanthropy to transform healthcare.
A gift that will support clinicians at University Hospital Geelong. 
On behalf of those whose lives will be touched by this remarkable gift, we extend our deepest gratitude to the Anthony Costa Foundation, to Robert and Rita Costa, Elaine Costa and the enduring legacy of the late Anthony Costa, as well as their families
Thank you for your extraordinary leadership, your unwavering generosity and your belief that our community deserves the very best healthcare, close to home.
That is a legacy that will save lives for generations to come.
