Tate Papworth
Australia’s women’s soccer team, the Matilda’s, won’t be calling Brimbank home.
Brimbank’s Sydenham Park location was one of five shortlisted to become the new home of one of the country’s most loved sporting sides, but despite much optimism behind the bid, it fell short.
La Trobe University’s Bundoora Sports Park was last week announced as the preferred site as part of $1.5 million in Victorian government funding to start planning works for the Home for the Matildas, as well as space for a State Rugby Union Centre.
Brimbank mayor Georgina Papafotiou congratulated the Matildas and La Trobe University on the announcement.
“A big thank you to everyone involved in Brimbank’s bid to help make Sydenham Park the Home of the Matildas in the lead-up to the Women’s World Cup in 2023,” Cr Papafotiou said.
“We can proudly say that our advocacy work has put Sydenham Park on the map for future investment opportunities, including around sport, active recreation, eco-tourism and more.”
She said the site had a bright future.
“We would not have been one of the final sites considered without the enthusiasm of our community in Brimbank and the hard work of council staff, and this is to be commended,” Cr Papafotiou said.
“Council’s ongoing work has helped to outline the opportunities – strategic, economic, employment, indigenous, environmental, conservation and biodiversity enhancement – for Sydenham Park, and create a pathway forward to activating the potential of this precinct.”
Tate Papworth
