Giants BIG in Blacktown

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Alan Pendleton officially welcomed the newly named Greater Western Sydney Giants, the 18th National AFL club to their home in Blacktown City at Blacktown Olympic Park today.


Blacktown City Council Councillors were joined by Greater Western Sydney Giants Chairman, Tony Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer Dale Homes and Head Coach Kevin Sheedy, GWS Giants Executive Team and Players for the official welcome and inaugural Greater Western Sydney Giants Team photo.


'Blacktown City Council enjoys an excellent and productive partnership with the AFL - a partnership that formed eight years ago in 2002, when we first talked about the possibility of a serious AFL presence in Western Sydney and based in Blacktown.' said Councillor Alan Pendleton, Mayor of Blacktown City.


'Blacktown City now looks forward to a new chapter in our relationship with the AFL, with the Greater Western Sydney Giants continuing their journey to national sporting stage and warmly welcome them to our great city.' added Councillor Pendleton presenting Chairman Tony Shepherd with an 'I Love Blacktown' shirt.


Chairman of Greater Western Sydney Giants, Tony Shepherd is grateful for the support Blacktown City has shown the giants on their journey so far.


"The support of both the Blacktown Community and City Council have been pivotal in the development of the GWS Giants and all of us at the Giants are proud to call Blacktown Olympic Park 'home'



"Our positive relationship is evident through the facilities at Blacktown Olympic Park AFL/Cricket Centre and soon to be constructed Giants Training & Administration Facility."


Discussions are now underway to develop a community partnership agreement between Blacktown City Council and Greater Wester Sydney Giants that will see the GWS Giants work with Blacktown City Council to fully engage with the community through a variety of program and initiatives.


"Guided by our four key pillars of health, harmony, education and employment, the GWS Giants are committed to establishing a community based football club that is truly representative of the people of Greater Western Sydney," said Mr Shepherd.


"As we continue on our exciting journey, we are keen to cement our long term relationship with Blacktown City, through the development of a meaningful and mutually beneficial Community Partnership Agreement which will formally acknowledge Blacktown City as the home of the Greater Western Sydney Giants."


Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Alan Pendleton is confident that development of an agreement between the organisations will have a positive outcome for the community of Blacktown City.


"As a City we have always endeavoured to provide opportunities for the community to engage with sport at all levels and we encourage the valuable message of a healthy lifestyle. The development of a Community Partnership agreement between Blacktown City and The Greater Western Sydney Giants will play a role in spreading this message to the wider community of Blacktown City' said Councillor Pendleton.


The Greater Western Sydney Giants will play at their first 'home' game in Blacktown when they take on the Sydney Swans and Gold Coast Suns in the new look AFL NAB Cup Pre season competition at Blacktown Olympic Park on Saturday February 19, 2011.

Media Contact :
Ros Pullen - Media & Marketing Officer - Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney - 9839 6595
Karla Wyatt - Promotions Assistant - Blacktown International Sportspark Sydney - 9839 6593