Mr Allan McKinnon, Strategy and Special Projects Manager,
AFL (NSW/ACT) Commission Ltd,recently
addressed Parramatta Chamber of
Commerce's business lunch, hosted by Courtyard by Marriott,as part of the 2009 Suncorp Western Sydney
Awards for Business Excellence and made a point which came as a realisation to
those of us who live, work and do business here.
Mr McKinnon quoted well known demographer Bernard Salt,
"Western Sydney is the nation's hidden asset......Sydney's
muscle.......with almost no national profile. There is no national icon that is
western Sydney.
It is absolutely imperative that Western Sydney
competes for mind-space in the national consciousness"
Mr McKinnon delivered a key-note speech titled, "Sporting
Excellence - Business Excellence" and drew on the AFL as his inspiration. In
delivering this address, Mr McKinnon pointed out how the soon to be formed western
Sydney AFL club will leverage off that code's national brand to deliver real
economic and business opportunities to our region as well as a strong national
profile.
Without detracting from our passion for NRL, and our beloved
Eels, the Parramatta Chamber of
Commerce stands ready to welcome AFL into our heartland. Not just for the long
term economic stimulus this will create, but because we share Mr McKinnon's
view that "all codes have a place (in western Sydney) and a responsibility to get kids
playing sport - all sports. Any sports".
Mr McKinnon drew comparison to what is currently happening
on the Gold Coast as it prepares to join the AFL. 440 direct and indirect jobs
when the club is up and running. A contribution of more than $34 million in
annual economic activity will be generated for the region by its AFL club, 92%
of which will go to benefit local businesses providing accommodation, food and
beverage, night-life, retail, transport, tourism activities and various other
support services.
Another string to Parramatta's and western Sydney's bow,
can't wait to see that!
Trevor Oldfield
Sean Baskett General Manager Courtyard by Marriott
Trevor Oldfield
