The GIANTS involvement with their local community is the best in Australian sport according to the Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Bilal El-Hayek.
Speaking at the recent Stephen Coniglio and Amanda Farrugia Cups, El-Hayek was glowing in his praise for the work done by the GIANTS across the Western Sydney community.
“Aussie rules has grown significantly in Western Sydney thanks to the GIANTS. That is a huge credit to the GIANTS’ community team who have done a fantastic job in engaging with local students,” he said.
“Now in many schools and local sporting clubs, we see the Aussie Rules footy growing so much. I am proud to see so many kids of multicultural backgrounds and multi faith, embracing the game.
“Whether it’s Canterbury-Bankstown or South Western Sydney, everyone is involved and that is thanks to the GIANTS community program.
“In my opinion the GIANTS are the best club in the land in terms of community engagement, they do this several times a year. Boys and girls, young and old, going into schools, it is fantastic to see.”
El-Hayek, who is a passionate advocate for physical and mental health within the Western Sydney community, was pleased to see the GIANTS tap into local cultural habits, while intertwining it with Australia’s native game.
The GIANTS have several multicultural functions on match days, excursions to the Club’s Sydney Olympic Park training centre and through their community visits, which includes kids sharing meals and footballs with GIANTS’ players.
“Sport and food bring people together and the GIANTS do this day in and day out. If we can communicate with youngsters and find a way to connect, that is a good thing,” he said.
“The GIANTS have done this and we see so many kids involved in their match day and school programs. It inspires the kids, and whether kids kick a footy professionally or socially, it’s great to see. We need to see young people in general out and about, enjoying themselves.”
El-Hayek was also full of praise for events that are held by the GIANTS for the wider community. He was in attendance at the GIANTS home game in May against Richmond, when the Club held a citizenship ceremony with the Minister for Immigration, Tony Burke MP.
“It was a truly special moment, welcoming new Australians while celebrating the rich cultural diversity that defines and strengthens our community,” he said.
“Events like this are a reminder that no matter your background, your faith, or where you’ve come from — we all belong. On the field, in the stands, and across our neighbourhoods.
“A huge thank you to the GIANTS for hosting such a meaningful ceremony and for their ongoing commitment to inclusion, community, and celebrating multicultural Australia.”
The GIANTS are preparing to do their local community proud in 2026, with pre season training kicking off last week. With the Giants expected to be among the contenders again, it promises to be another season where the Club connects even more closely with the people of Western Sydney.
