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.

Macarthur FC confirmed two-year deal with Purple Cow Industries

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Image credit: IOIO IMAGES / Shutterstock.com

Macarthur FC has confirmed a new two-year collaboration with Purple Cow Industries, a leading waste management company.

As part of this agreement, Purple Cow will serve as the official back-of-shorts sponsor for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 Isuzu UTE A-League seasons.

The partnership will see Purple Cow’s logo prominently displayed on the back of the Bulls’ shorts throughout both seasons. In addition to branding, the collaboration will include matchday activations and efforts to expand the club’s business network.

Purple Cow Industries are an Australian waste management and rubbish removal company that has the ability and experience to handle every commercial site’s different waste management demands.

The company, located locally in Beverly Hills, NSW prides itself on Environmental Management, Sustainability and Service Quality, doing waste management effectively and environmentally friendly.

This partnership is a significant milestone for both Macarthur FC and Purple Cow, bringing together two forward-thinking organisations with a shared vision for growth and success.

Macarthur FC Group CEO, Sam Krslovic, shared his excitement about the collaboration.

“We are thrilled to welcome Purple Cow as a partner to the Macarthur FC family,” said Krslovic in a club statement.

“This partnership is a testament to our club’s ongoing commitment to excellence and innovation both on and off the pitch. Purple Cow’s support will be instrumental as we aim for success in the upcoming season and beyond.”

Purple Cow CEO Alex Soukie, also spoke highly of the new alliance.

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Macarthur Football Club, as Purple Cow Industries shares their passion for football and looks forward to supporting the South Western Sydney region,” he said in a statement.

This partnership signifies another exciting step for Macarthur FC as the club continues to forge strong ties with prominent brands and the local community.

Macarthur FC have been one of the busiest clubs in the sponsorship area so far in preseason, and the new club in the east are building their partnership portfolio which is vital for financial sustainability.

Purple Cow become the sixth major partner of the club, joining SipEnergy as new major partners for 2024/25 and beyond, with all of the other major partners based in NSW. The club has a clear goal in place to grow naturally with local businesses and build a solid foundation.

Melbourne City give back to local primary school

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Image credit: Melbourne City website

Melbourne City’s charity, City in the Community (CITC), has donated new football goals to Barton Primary School in Cranbourne West as part of the club’s Healthy Goals initiative.

The program encourages more young people to play football to promote physical health and gain important social, emotional and cognitive skills that will help their overall development and well-being.

There are three core initiatives that the CITC are focusing on this year:

  • Supporting local schools with facility improvements to ensure more young people can access our free football programming from CITC.
  • Supporting community groups and clubs with equipment upgrades and free football programming from CITC.
  • Working with local artists to commemorate art and football projects, celebrating community pride, and cultural heritage while creating a visually appealing environment for the local community.

This most recent contribution towards Barton Primary School aligns with the first core initiative to support local schools, with Melbourne City players Laura Hughes and Alessandro Lopane attending to talk to the kids.

For the past three years, CITC has been involved with the Cranbourne West Primary School taking part in initiatives such as walking football, inviting students to become player mascots as well as player visits.

CITC’s Community Program Lead, Stephen Frantzeskakis talked about their recent contribution and how the club are continuing to create a positive impact on the community.

“I think it’s fantastic that we’re able to continue supporting Barton Primary School and its students through the Healthy Goals initiative, especially given their strong interest and ongoing passion for football,” he said in a media release on the club’s website,” he said via club release statement.

“We’ve been working with Barton Primary School for a number of years now and have also recently run our respectful relationships program with Grade 5 and 6 students.

“To have strong role models like Ale and Laura come down to speak to students about topics like respect and resilience is terrific, and it’s great to be able to extend our partnership through the donation of new goals as well.”

Barton Primary School Principal, Benjamin Vevers talked about the school’s partnership with Melbourne City and how it’s helping its students.

“Given many of our students were born or have parents and families from other countries, the school is truly passionate about the world game and having new goals means our kids get to fully experience a quality soccer match every recess and lunch,” he said via press release.

“It was a memorable experience that may inspire some of our students to reach for the stars with football, maybe even the Brisbane Olympics!

“Our students are learning to be more respectful of each other during competitive sport, girls are becoming more active during breaks playing soccer, and students are super excited each week for the program.”

It’s important to have these types of initiatives to allow clubs and their players to connect with their local community. We’ve seen these gestures throughout the years from the A-League clubs by continuing to show their commitment to support their local community whether that’s giving back through donations or providing programs to steer young people in the right direction.

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