Western Melbourne Group unveils plans for landmark sports and residential development

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Western Melbourne Group project partners

The Western Melbourne Group (WMG) has revealed its major partners for the $2 billion project that will become Australia’s first sport and recreation focused suburb.

WMG and Western United FC Executive Chairman, Jason Sourasis, made the announcement via the club’s website last Friday, revealing Victorian property developer YourLand Developments and global building technology firm Johnson Controls as its major project partners.

Johnson Controls are a world leader in building sustainability and technology, and will provide valuable input to the sporting infrastructure of the development, which includes Australia’s first privately-owned, football-specific stadium.

They will also assist in the expansion of United’s current football facilities, including 3 FIFA Pro outdoor playing surfaces and a 5,000 capacity second stadium.

“We’re absolutely delighted to work alongside some of the leading Australian and international property partners for this ground-breaking project, which will deliver both economic and social benefits to Melbourne’s West and, more broadly, the state of Victoria,” Sourasis said via press release.

Ali Badreddine, Vice-president and head of Project Delivery and Sustainable Infrastructure for Johnson Controls – Asia Pacific, is confident the company will deliver the long-held aspirations of Western United.

“At Johnson Controls, we have a legacy of nearly 140 years of innovation, technology, and energy efficiency. We are proud to be a technology leader with deep experience in the sports and entertainment sector, providing enhanced safety, improved sustainability, and more connected experiences for fans and athletes,” he added in a statement.

“We look forward to working with Western Melbourne Group and other valued partners to deliver sustainable development through our integrated solutions.”

The second major partner announced, YourLand Developments, has delivered several residential projects and redevelopments across the state of Victoria.

It is expected to take the lead on the project’s residential plans in conjunction with the Wyndham City Council, aiming to provide over 900 residential dwellings and recreation focused wetlands.

Sourasis believes its affiliation with the property developer is a no-brainer.

“YourLand Developments’ experience in creating sustainable communities, where people aspire to live and work, aligns perfectly to the values of our region and was therefore a natural partner,” he added via press release.

“YourLand has a proud legacy in Melbourne’s west, delivering over 2,500 lots as well as town centres, parks, open spaces and wetlands, in addition to commercial assets.”

YourLand Developments Chief Operating Officer Dean Gold considers the company as the best fit for the community-building aspect of the project.

“YourLand Developments has a proud history of successful development in the western suburbs of Melbourne, delivering places and communities with real substance and integrity that are designed to leave a positive and enduring legacy. YourLand’s team of highly skilled professionals have the experience and passion to take this project from vision to reality,” he added in a statement.

Returning to its focus on sport and recreation, WMG plans to include a high-performance district within the mixed-use suburb that Western United’s official gym partner, VERVE Fitness, will help to develop.

The club is currently in a four-year collaboration with the Australian-owned company, who provide the club with state-of-the-art gym facilities that aid the development of its A-Leagues and football academy players.

VERVE CEO Niall Wogan explained it will make a valuable contribution to WMG’s desire for a high-performance district.

“Our sponsorship of Western United Football Club marks a commitment to not only fostering athletic excellence but also championing the development of the precinct area, where our facilities will serve as a vibrant hub for the entire Wyndham community,” he said via media release.

“Together, we aim to build a legacy of health, unity, and shared victories that resonate far beyond the pitch.”

The entire project is forecast for completion by 2034 and will play a huge role in football’s expansion both locally and nationally. Executive Chairman Sourasis summated the importance of the plan.

“This is truly the most exciting project in Melbourne’s sporting landscape and will create only the second A-League broadcast compliant, rectangular stadium in the State. As one of the newest football teams in the Australian domestic league, creating a welcoming and safe space for our fans is our top priority and this project will set our club up for the long-term,” he added in a statement.

The investment in football infrastructure and community development by Western United should inspire its competitors to make similar headway, and capture the sport’s current boom following the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

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Community consultation opens for Ashburton’s Warner Reserve pavilion upgrade

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Image Credit: City of Boroondara

Community consultation has opened on the proposed redevelopment of the Warner Reserve pavilion in Ashburton. Early planning is underway to modernise the facility and improve amenities for local sporting clubs and community users.

The city of Boroondara has received $80,000 in Victorian Government funding to prepare concept designs. They will undertake community consultation as part of planning for the proposed upgrade.

While construction is currently scheduled for the 2032-33 financial year, the project could be brought forward if additional funding is secured.

The proposed redevelopment would see existing pavilion replaced with a modern facility better positioned to service the reserve. Plans include two new changerooms with toilets and showers, a multipurpose community space with a kitchen and canteen, a first aid room, umpire facilities, an externally accessible public toilet and a covered spectator viewing area.

The proposed new look pavilion at Warner Reserve. Image Credit: City of Boroondara

The concept also allows for the future addition of two extra changerooms, should participation levels continue to grow.

As part of the proposal, the existing playground would be relocated to improve visibility and open space within the reserve. Six trees identified for removal would also be replaced with new plantings elsewhere in Warner Reserve.

Residents, sporting clubs and reserve users are encouraged to provide feedback on the proposal before consultation closes on 15 September. Feedback will help refine the concept design before the project progresses to future planning and funding stages.

If delivered, the redevelopment is expected to improve facilities for local sporting clubs and community groups while providing more inclusive amenities to support growing participation across community sport.

SBS confirms exclusive Australian rights to 2030 FIFA World Cup

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Editorial credit: kovop

SBS has officially secured the exclusive Australian broadcast rights to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, meaning Australians will again be able to watch all 104 matches of the tournament live and free. The network will carry the tournament across television, video and radio and, as with 2026, all games will be streamed via SBS On Demand. 

The agreement was confirmed on 1 September, and will see the long-running partnership between the broadcaster and FIFA extend to 44 years. SBS first broadcast the World Cup 1986, when Argentina won the tournament in Mexico.

SBS Managing Director Jane Palfreyman said the World Cup remained central to the broadcaster’s role in Australian football, bringing Australians together across cultures, languages and communities.

The new deal follows a strong 2026 edition. More than 18 million Australians watched the coverage, while SBS also recorded more than 209 million hours of consumption across its World Cup content. Approximately 55 per cent of this consumption came via digital platforms. SBS offered full matches alongside shorter ‘mini match’ recaps through SBS On Demand.

First reporting that SBS and FIFA had extended their partnership emerged in July, although had remained unconfirmed until this point.

The latest announcement confirms that reporting. The earlier report also highlighted the importance of the deal for Australian football fans. SBS would retain a free-to-air pathway to every World Cup match. The deal also gives certainty around one of the biggest sporting properties in the world. This is particularly relevant as FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino come under increased pressure.

The 2022 edition saw FIFA increase its valuation over broadcast rights, with key markets such as China having a price tag of $349 million ($250 million USD) from the governing body. For Australian football, the significance goes beyond the tournament itself.

The World Cup remains one of the sport’s biggest drivers of mainstream attention. Keeping every match live and free gives Australian fans continued access to the competition without a subscription barrier.

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