It was only in July 2010 that the AFL Commission announced that Team GWS was granted a licence to become the 18th AFL team and would enter the official competition in 2012. In the same year Team GWS was officially launched as the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS with the colours orange and charcoal and the motto Think Big, Live Big, Play Big. So it’s all the more remarkable that after only eight years in the AFL the GIANTS made it to the Grand Final in Melbourne last weekend. Although the result was not what many of us would have hoped for, the players and club should be proud of their remarkable achievements. We certainly are and our congratulations to you GIANTS of the game.

In our other major footy code the NRL Premiership Grand Final is on Sunday at ANZ Stadium. The Canberra Raiders will be out to win their first grand final in 25 years when they face the Sydney Roosters. Don’t forget, this will be the last Grand Final in our much-loved ANZ Stadium (Stadium Australia) until its redevelopment is completed in 2023.

I’d like to express my heartfelt thanks to all the women (and men!) who attended the launch of the Sydney Olympic Park Women’s Network on 24 September at our newest venue, The Locker Room. It was a great night, with fabulous networking, fascinating discussions and great insights from our special guest Louise Sauvage OAM. If you’d like to see photos of the launch visit the Women’s Network Facebook page Women’s Network Launch

I’m delighted to welcome our newest Business Association Member, 12RND Fitness at Wentworth Point. Unlike the usual gym, 12RND Fitness is built on innovation with a team of sports scientists, ensuring that the most-up-to date and proven training methods are incorporated into training cycles – just as they would be for a professional athlete. If you would like a good work out with state-of-the art equipment and top trainers visit 12RND Wentworth Point

Finally, spring has definitely sprung and I encourage you to take the time to smell the roses. The Heritage rose gardens at the front and side of the Abattoir Heritage Precinct are in full bloom and quite magnificent. The Sydney Olympic Park gardeners are doing a fabulous job. And while our gardens are green, let’s not forget our country cousins aacross the eastern states who are crying out for decent rain.

Wishing everyone the very best for the season.

Allison Taylor

CEO