The CEOs of Western Sydney’s biggest sporting clubs have come together at an event hosted by the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS.
 
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO John Tsatsimas, Parramatta Eels CEO Scott Seward and Sydney Thunder CEO Nick Cummins joined GIANTS CEO David Matthews and AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan at a lunch for the Western Sydney Business Chamber, held at the GIANTS’ Learning Life Centre in Sydney Olympic Park.
 
McLachlan addressed the lunch of almost 100 of Western Sydney’s most influential business people and reinforced the AFL and the GIANTS’ commitment to the region and the local community.
 
“When the AFL made the decision to start a club in Western Sydney, we said it was more than just about setting up a football team,” McLachlan said.
 
“We wanted to establish a footprint across the communities of Western Sydney and contribute to the economic and social fabric of this important region.
 
“Hopefully wherever you look across Western Sydney, the GIANTS are contributing to local communities.”
 
Also at the lunch were GIANTS Director Kevin Sheedy, Head Coach Leon Cameron and AFL NSW/ACT General Manager Craig Bolton. They were joined by Auburn GIANTS President and player Amna K-Hassan.
 
“It’s inspiring and indeed humbling for us to see the connections being made with local communities through clubs like the Auburn GIANTS, a team of predominately young Muslim women wearing the GIANTS colours,” McLachlan said.
 
With the Wanderers, Eels and Thunder represented at the lunch, as well as Cricket NSW CEO Andrew Jones, McLachlan reinforced that the AFL were not trying to compete with the other sports.
 
“Western Sydney has a rich and proud sporting heritage and has produced some of Australia’s greatest sporting champions such as Michael Clarke, Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill just to name a few,” McLachlan said.
 
“Some ask if we’re concerned about the success of the Western Sydney Wanderers. Quite the contrary – we are delighted by what they have achieved as it only further enhances Western Sydney’s status as one of the great sporting regions of Australia.

“Next week staff and players from the Sydney Thunder will begin moving into this very facility and play two Big Bash games at the GIANTS home ground, Spotless Stadium, in January.

“This is a unique partnership and a great example of collaboration between sporting clubs in Western Sydney that will have benefits for everyone including the fans.”

Also in attendance were Dyldam Group Development Manager Remon Fayad, News Corp State Director Brett Clegg, Parramatta City Council Lord Mayor Clr Scott Lloyd and CEO Greg Dyer and Director of the Western Sydney Business Chamber David Borger.
 
“What is good for Western Sydney is good for all of NSW and, indeed, Australia,” McLachlan said.
 
“With its growing population, cultural diversity and open space, Western Sydney is the place to be for an increasing number of families. 
 
“The AFL and the GIANTS are proud to be part of this great region and we want to play our part to make it even greater and enrich the lives of the people who live and work here.”