See the official CommBank Media Release here

See the official Bankwest Media Release here

CommBank has expanded its support for Western Sydney to help the region recover and re-build after being one of the hardest hit in the country with COVID-19 lock-downs.

As part of its expanded commitment, the bank has today announced two significant investments, a multi-year partnership for a Western Sydney landmark and funding to help local small businesses with the opportunity to connect with more customers.

The multi-year partnership with Venues NSW is for the naming-rights of Western Sydney Stadium. Bankwest Stadium will officially become known as CommBank Stadium from Friday 1 October. Located in the heart of Parramatta, the 30,000-seat stadium has firmly established itself as an iconic and critical piece of community infrastructure for sport and entertainment, as well as for diverse business, cultural and community events.

CommBank has also announced a $120,000 investment to help small businesses in the 12 Western Sydney Local Government Areas (LGA) that have been subject to the harder lockdown restrictions. CommBank will be working with Chamber Alliance of Western Sydney to help small business in these LGAs to market their activities as the region comes out of lock down in the lead up to Christmas. Activities will include local advertising and social media, to tailored initiatives for small businesses in these areas.

Commonwealth Bank CEO, Matt Comyn, said: “Western Sydney is one of fastest growing regions in the country, and a key engine room for the national economy. We know the area has been hit hard by the recent COVID-19 restrictions and we’re committed to investing in Western Sydney to help businesses get back on their feet and re-build after an incredibly challenging 2021.”

“We are committed to their long-term success and we want to re-connect small businesses with their communities, because these businesses are the lifeline of our economy.

“We’re also excited to continue backing the stadium within the CBA Group – it has been a valuable facility in providing economic opportunities to the area and will continue to be an important part of the community, particularly through recovery as the local areas and New South Wales starts to reopen,” Mr Comyn said.

Minister for Western Sydney, The Hon. Stuart Ayres, said: “Western Sydney businesses and communities are resilient and we will re-build to be stronger, but it will take the support of many and it’s encouraging to see CBA committed to supporting small businesses and Greater Western Sydney.”

Minister for Sport, Natalie Ward, said: “The stadium offers a world-class experience and has fast become a fan favourite. It will be fantastic to see supporters back at the newly-named CommBank Stadium, once the health advice says it’s safe to do so.”

The announcement follows yesterday’s NSW Government announcement of the new WestInvest Fund for Western Sydney.

CBA’s investment in Western Sydney complements the bank’s existing partnerships with Football Australia as the official naming rights partner and bank of the national women’s team, the Matildas, Junior Matildas and Young Matildas.

The Western Sydney Stadium partnership and Chamber Alliance program are in addition to other local support measures offered by the bank, which include: coronavirus support measures, opening 14 dedicated vaccination centres for staff and members of their household across various LGAs of concern and providing small businesses with access to counselling services to help alleviate any mental stress.

For small businesses, CBA is also running a webinar series throughout October, specifically for Western Sydney businesses to help them navigate the flow on impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions. Topics will cover ecommerce strategy, safely receiving payments online, driving sales online and mental health webinars facilitated by Smiling Mind.

Working with the Stadium, CBA is also scheduling a business fair early in the New Year to support Western Sydney businesses.

With NSW Public Health Orders in place throughout Greater Sydney, there is currently no sport or entertainment events, meetings or special events being held at Bankwest Stadium.

The health and safety of our stakeholders, guests and those who work at the Stadium is our No.1 priority.

Stadium Australia will be working closely with NSW Health and the Government, sporting codes and promoters to ensure everyone is COVID Safe upon their return to the Stadium.

Please stay safe and follow the public health advice, and we’ll see you back at the Stadium soon!

The Australian Rugby League Commission has approved the relocation of all NSW and ACT based teams to South-East Queensland for one month to minimise risk of the Telstra Premiership being impacted by the growing COVID-19 outbreak in Greater Sydney.

As a result of this decision, there will be no NRL events held at Bankwest Stadium until further notice.

With NSW Health Orders in place throughout Greater Sydney, there will be no other sport or entertainment events, meetings or special events permitted at Bankwest Stadium until further notice.

All purchased tickets will receive a full refund. Ticketek will contact all ticket purchasers via email with further information.

The health and safety of our stakeholders, guests and all who work at the Stadium is our No.1 priority.

Stay safe and we’ll see you back at the Stadium soon!

See the full NSW Government Release here

The message is simple: show respect and shoosh for the kids this winter.

The NSW Government has today launched its Shoosh For Kids Winter Awareness Month at Bankwest Stadium, aimed at addressing poor spectator behaviour at junior sport.

Following a hiatus in 2020 due to COVID-19, the campaign is making a strong comeback, with a record 21 sector partners and more than 600 sporting clubs and associations already signed up to take part in the initiaitive.

Minister for Sport Geoff Lee said with larger groups back at community sport it’s essential to keep sideline comments and behaviour positive.

“With a full season to look forward to this winter, the Shoosh for Kids message is more important than ever,” Mr Lee said.

“It’s great to see larger crowds and families back at community sport, and we all have a responsibility to ensure it is a fun, safe environment for children. One of the best ways we can do this is to keep comments positive so that kids want to keep playing and enjoying the benefits that sport offers.”

Founding partner of Shoosh for Kids and NSW Rugby League (NSWRL) CEO David Trodden said the campaign is vital in ensuring kids keep returning to junior sport.

“The NSWRL is proud to have helped launch this campaign six years ago and we’re thrilled the campaign has now broadened across the sport sector,” Mr Trodden said.

“We are very passionate about creating an enjoyable and positive environment to ensure kids want to come back each week, and most of all, have fun playing!”

In addition to new state sporting organisation partners, the network of 65 PCYC clubs across NSW have joined Shoosh for Kids for the first time, expanding the reach of the campaign to more than 70,000 youth that attend clubs and programs.

PCYC NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said the organisation was proud to join forces with the Office of Sport to help address negative spectator behaviour.

“The campaign aligns with one of our fundamental values – Respect – so we’re excited to be on board with this fantastic initiative led by the NSW Government,” Mr Teakle said.

“We know that young people thrive with positive adult role models and the Shoosh for Kids initiative reinforces positive, supportive behaviours in sport.”

Shoosh for Kids Winter Awareness Month will run from 1 to 31 May 2021, with free resources available to clubs and associations that sign up throughout the campaign.

For more information or to sign up, visit: sport.nsw.gov.au/shooshforkids

Bankwest Stadium celebrates two years since official opening

Two years of cheers, jeers and unforgettable moments . . . today marks two years since Bankwest Stadium opened its gates for the first time and changed the venue experience in Australia.

Since opening on 14 April, 2019, Bankwest Stadium has welcomed more than 900,000 fans through the turnstiles at more than 100 sport and entertainment events, won a host of awards and been embraced by the Greater Sydney community.

Bankwest Stadium is owned by Venues NSW on behalf of the NSW Government and operated by VenuesLive, a leading Australian-based provider of management and hospitality services to venues and events.

Designed and constructed by Lendlease in conjunction with architect Populous and engineering company Aurecon and delivered by Infrastructure NSW, the Stadium has quickly become part of the fabric of Western Sydney.

From the Parramatta Eels’ Easter Monday blitz and the Western Sydney Wanderers’ Sydney Derby win to Cold Chisel’s unforgettable first concert at the Stadium and Elton John’s emotional Tour closer . . . Bankwest Stadium has played host to some iconic sport and entertainment moments in the past two years.

But it hasn’t been challenge-free, with the COVID-19 pandemic having a major impact on the sports and entertainment industry.

Out of the gloom rose opportunity with Bankwest Stadium becoming one of the first venues in the world to be deemed COVID Safe and able to return to hosting events, and was soon called upon to help the NRL and A-League complete their seasons under strict COVID Safe protocols.

The Stadium diversified during the pandemic, hosting unique, COVID Safe community events like the Disney+ Drive-In and Pixar Putt.

With fans returning and venues now at 100% capacity, Bankwest Stadium is back doing what it does best: hosting events and delivering an unparalleled event experience for fans.

But the Stadium isn’t just for sport and entertainment in Sydney’s west . . . it has also become a place of gathering for the wider community.

More than 30,000 additional people have attended the Stadium for functions, business meetings, community and cultural events since its opening. A kids’ playground and a basketball court were built on the eastern boardwalk and have proved extremely popular with the local community.

The Stadium has hosted international football, international rugby union, international rugby league, global music acts and a host of domestic sport as well as thousands of business meetings, private functions and community and cultural events.

Since opening in 2019 the Stadium has also won 13 awards, including being the first Stadium in the world to announce the LEED v4 Gold standard for sustainable design.

Bankwest Stadium Crowd Records

• Concert: 30,000 – Elton John Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour 07/03/20;
• Rugby League: 29,372 – NRL Elimination Final – Parramatta Eels v Brisbane Broncos 15/09/19;
• Men’s Football: 28,519 – Sydney Derby – Western Sydney Wanderers v Sydney FC 26/10/19;
• Women’s Football: 20,029 – Matildas v Chile 09/11/19;
• Rugby Union: 16,091 – Wallabies v Samoa 07/09/19;

Bankwest Stadium’s List of Awards

• Australian Steel Institute’s NSW Steel Excellence Award for large projects;
• Master Builder Association of NSW Award for Sporting Facilities;
• Master Builder Association of NSW Award for Excellence in Environment;
• Good Design Award Gold Accolade in the Architectural Design Commercial and Residential category;
• Best Commercial Architecture: 2020 NSW Architecture Awards;
• Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture: 2020 NSW Architecture Awards;
• NSW People’s Choice Award for Life in 2020: NSW Architecture Awards;
• LEED v4 Gold Certification from the US Green Building Council: First Stadium in the world to announce LEED v4 Gold standard for sustainable design.
• Silver Medal: Stadium Database Stadium of the Year Awards 2019:
• 2019 Project of the Year – Joint Winner: BOOMTOWN! Property & Infrastructure Awards;
• Outstanding Sports & Major Events Project for 2019– BOOMTOWN! Property & Infrastructure Awards;
• Australia’s Best Rectangular Stadium– Austadiums Stadium Of The Year Awards 2019;
• National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) Excellence Award– Stowe Australia for Bankwest Stadium.

Minerva Network Chairman Christine McLoughlin today thanked the NSW Government for its funding support for the network, which is developing Australia’s elite female athletes as role models and leaders in our community.

Ms McLoughlin said the NSW Government’s vision and support would enable the Minerva Network to work closely with the Office of Sport on partnership opportunities with the Her Sport Her Way Women In Sport strategy.

“Together we can shape the future of women’s sport in NSW and indeed throughout Australia,” Ms McLoughlin said.

“The Minerva Network is committed to helping our elite athletes become inspirational role models for the next generation of young Australians, and to identify projects in their respective communities where they can step in as leaders, encourage activity and bring about social cohesion.”

The Minerva Network is currently working with more than 150 of Australia’s leading female athletes across 35 sports to adapt and adjust in the age of COVID-19, which has severely disrupted their sporting careers.

“One of the consequences of  the COVID pandemic is the reinforcement to our athletes of the need to think about their careers and their lives off the field, so we are spending a lot of time exploring career and life planning,” Ms McLoughlin said.

“We are helping our athletes to be resilient in these challenging times and they, in turn, will pass on their knowledge and experience to the Next Generation of young athletes, and show them the value of sport in their lives.”

Established in early 2018, the Minerva Network connects Australia’s elite stars of women’s sport with the nation’s most inspiring female business leaders.

The Minerva Network’s foundation class of athletes has included some of the biggest names in Australian sport – cricketers Rachael Haynes and Alyssa Healy, Olympic Rugby 7s gold medallists Alicia Quirk, Emma Tonegato and Charlotte Caslick, Matildas defender Ellie Carpenter and Western Sydney Wanderers’ indigenous star Jada Whyman, Jillaroos and NSW rugby league player Kezie Apps, Paralympic champion Madison de Rozario; and Australian netball stars Maddy Proud and Paige Hadley.

The Office of Sport’s Her Sport Her Way strategy aims to build a stronger sport sector where women and girls are valued, recognised and have equal choices and opportunities to lead and participate.

Acting Minister for Sport Geoff Lee announced the funding and partnership at Bankwest Stadium today alongside Ms McLoughlin, Minerva Network Co-Founder Sam Mostyn and Minerva Network stars Madison de Rozario, Georgie Rowe, Jada Whyman and Elana Withnall.

Minister Lee said the partnership between the NSW Government and the Minerva Network will see increased opportunities for athlete development and mentoring in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“The NSW Government is proud to back the work of the Minerva Network as their stars receive expert guidance on how to lead and inspire on and off the field,” Mr Lee said.

“Inspirational role models will have a direct impact on participation as well because young girls and women see the benefits sport and an active lifestyle can bring.”

“This is a match made to fly,” Ms Mcloughlin said of the potential for Minerva Network Stars to work more closely with the next generation of young Australians.

“We see examples every day where our emerging female sporting champions are engaging with and inspiring young Australians, whether that be our world champion women’s cricket team, the amazing Matildas, our stars of women’s rugby, WRL and AFLW, or our athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2021 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

NSW will be at the forefront of two major upcoming women’s sporting events, with Sydney to host the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Final.

Minerva Network was established by a group of leading Australian businesswomen passionate about empowering professional women athletes on and off the field. Minerva Founders and Leaders include Christine McLoughlin, Chairman of Suncorp Group; Sam Mostyn, former AFL Commissioner and Chair of Citi Australia; Romilly Madew, CEO of Infrastructure Australia; Kate Aitken, Vice-President Human Resources at Optus; Sue Cato, Partner at Cato & Clive; Ann Sherry, Chairman at Enero Group; Raelene Castle, former CEO of Rugby Australia; Christina Matthews, CEO of the WACA; Peggy O’Neal, President of Richmond FC; and Kate Palmer, former CEO of Sport Australia.

The fans will be back cheering at Bankwest Stadium this weekend with more than 600 patrons to be permitted into the venue from Friday, subject to NSW Health guidelines.

Acting Minister for Sport, the Hon. Geoff Lee, confirmed today that the NSW Government would permit up to 50 people in each corporate space at NRL events from this weekend.

“Any sporting venues with separate seating areas will be able to have spectators seated and served food and drink in those spaces,” said the Minister.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for the NRL to take advantage of, and part of getting people back to normal life, but still keeping the community as safe as possible.”

Bankwest Stadium will host three NRL games this weekend, beginning with the Parramatta Eels v Penrith Panthers on Friday night.

For the full list of upcoming events at Bankwest Stadium head here.

Planning is well advanced to introduce a range of measures at Bankwest Stadium that will enable events to be staged while respecting NSW Health guidelines around social distancing.

Further information on Conditions of Entry and access requirements are available here.

The New South Wales public can be confident Bankwest Stadium has strong protective measures in place, including:

• A COVID-19 Safety Plan which focuses on keeping you safe;
• We’ve added hand sanitizing stations upon entry and in various accessible locations around the venue;
• A high-touch cleaning regime has been implemented;
• Our Stadium is cashless for the time being, with tap and go the only way to go;
• All persons entering the Stadium will be temperature checked on arrival.

We do ask the general public for your support – so please practice proper hygiene and social distancing when visiting our Stadium and please stay home if you are feeling unwell.

If you are attending an event at Bankwest Stadium, we encourage you to download and use the Government’s COVID-Safe App. More info here.

Meetings & Special Events

Bankwest Stadium will have its event and function spaces ready to accept bookings in coming days. Events will be held subject to existing NSW Public Health Orders and guidelines at the time.

For Meetings & Special Events enquiries, click here.

The latest information and advice about COVID-19 is available at the NSW Health website.

With the major sporting codes suspending their respective seasons in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, there will be no sport or entertainment events at Bankwest Stadium until further notice.

Bankwest Stadium is also closed for meetings, special events and public tours until further notice, in line with NSW COVID-19 Public Health Orders.

The Stadium team is working with ticketing partner Ticketek to communicate directly with patrons holding tickets for upcoming events.

In accordance with standard ticketing policy, if an event has been cancelled, patrons are entitled to a refund. If an event has not been cancelled, the standard ticketing policy on refunds will apply.

Bankwest Stadium is providing regular updates to Corporate Guests, Club Members and supporters in relation to our venue and future events.

Communication updates are being provided via the Bankwest Stadium website, Electronic Direct Messaging and our Social Media platforms.

The Stadium team continues to closely monitor NSW Health and Government guidelines in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The latest information and advice about COVID-19 is available at the NSW Health website:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

The health and safety of all who visit and work at Bankwest Stadium is our No.1 priority.

We are closely monitoring NSW Health and Government guidelines and implementing recommendations as they are communicated.

We are also working closely with the sporting codes and clubs.

We advise patrons to keep abreast of the latest information and advice provided by NSW Health at the following website:

https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/diseases/Pages/coronavirus.aspx

Is It Safe To Attend Bankwest Stadium?

The advice we have from NSW Health is that it is generally safe to go to events. If you are feeling unwell, have had known contact with anyone who has been diagnosed with Coronavirus, and/or travelled overseas, you should not attend events and stay at home.

The health and safety of all who visit and work at the Stadium is our No.1 priority. We frequently sanitise contact surfaces (eg: food outlets) and our staff wash their hands frequently throughout their shifts.

Will you have Hand Sanitisers at the Stadium?

The advice we have from NSW Health is that Soap & Water to wash our hands, followed by the use of a clean, dry Paper Towel is the preferred hygiene method.

Bankwest Stadium has hand-washing available in all toilet facilities around the venue.

Where patrons cannot easily access hand-washing facilities, Customer Service Staff will be available and able to provide Hand Sanitiser.

Patrons are advised to bring their own personal Hand Sanitiser. Customer Service Staff at the Stadium are equipped with Hand Sanitiser.

What steps have you taken at the Stadium to reduce risk of transmission?

• Bankwest Stadium is working closely with NSW Health, the Sporting Codes and the Clubs to ensure every precaution is taken to reduce the risk of transmission at events.
• Additional Cleaning Staff are on duty at the Stadium.
• There has been and will be additional cleaning of high touch points around the Stadium, such as doors, elevator buttons and hand rails before, during and after events.
• There are heightened health screening and hygiene protocols in place for staff and contractors.

What do I do if I am uncomfortable in my seat because someone is coughing or sneezing?

Seek the assistance of Customer Service staff at the ground. They are there to help you at all times.

What do I do if I start to feel unwell at the Stadium?

Please see Stadium staff for medical assistance.

Bankwest Stadium announces Facilities First as cleaning services provider

Leading cleaning services company Facilities First has been entrusted with providing Western Sydney’s new Bankwest Stadium with cleaning and service delivery from 2019 onwards.

Facilities First will provide dedicated 24/7 service delivery and venue support while developing business relationships and community engagement within Western Sydney.

Pioneered in Australia over 20 years ago, Facilities First has provided cleaning services to some of the city’s most iconic hospitality venues.

The 30,000-seat Bankwest Stadium opened its doors to the public with a Community Open Day on Sunday 14 April and has already hosted blockbuster sporting events and a series of business, community and cultural events.

Facilities First CEO Ben Bayot said of the partnership today: “We are delighted to provide facilities to Bankwest Stadium as it connects us not only to a world-class venue, but enables us to make a difference to the Western Sydney community.”

Tim Brady, Senior Manager of Venues Operations at Bankwest Stadium said: “Following a rigorous procurement process, Facilities First Australia has been selected from a group of highly qualified and experienced cleaning service providers to manage the cleaning services of Bankwest Stadium.”

Speaking of the services provided by Facilities First during the recent opening of Bankwest Stadium, Mr Brady said: “The new cleaning team from Facilities First formed an integral part of the wider Stadium operating team and managed the early intense period of operation with calmness and capability.”

More than 30 sport and entertainment events are already confirmed for the Stadium, with more soon to be announced.

The Stadium will also host hundreds of additional meetings, functions and community events, with over 600,000 people expected through the gates in its first nine months of operation.

About Bankwest Stadium

Bankwest Stadium is a 30,000-seat purpose-built rectangular stadium in Parramatta, Sydney’s second CBD. Featuring the steepest grandstands in the country and superior sightlines from all seats, it takes fans closer to the action than ever before. It offers an unparalleled live sport and entertainment experience. The Stadium hosts a range of sport and entertainment events. It is also a thriving hub of community activity, hosting an array of meetings and special events. Bankwest Stadium is owned by Venues NSW, on behalf of the NSW Government, and operated by VenuesLive, a leading provider of management and hospitality services to venues and events.

About Facilities First

 Facilities First is trusted to deliver cleaning, maintenance, and facility management services to over 3,000 sites. Pioneered in Australia over 20 years ago, Facilities First is dedicated to providing the highest quality of services to clients and ensuring job satisfaction to employees. Due to their loyal client base and internal structure centred around strength, diversity, purpose, relationships and making a difference, Facilities First is now one of the fastest growing facility management service providers within the market.

As a business, their roots began in the heart of Sydney providing cleaning services to some of the city’s oldest and most iconic hospitality venues. Two decades later, and a shift from TJS Services to Facilities First, they now employ over 1,300 direct staff, providing integrated services to these sectors:  Government, Health and Aged care, Hospitality, Venues and Events, Commercial and Retail, Energy and Resources, Education and Training.