AUGUST 28, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
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West in a United front
Dylan Pierias, a former local junior with Keilor Park, takes immense joy in scoring on a historic opening night for Western United. Inset: Two-year-old fan Santiago (top) and Western United fan Ethan cheer on during the friendly. (Pictures: Luke Hemer)
The long line of cars snaking down City Vista Circuit before kick-off was the first sign of a grand opening night for Western United. The A-League side took to the field for its first pre-season friendly before a massive and enthusiatic crowd of 3267. It was a successful night for Western United with its historic first game ending with a hard-earned 4-0 win over state league 1 club Caroline Springs George Cross at City Vista Recreation Reserve. United chief executive officer Maurice Bisetto was overwhelmed by the crowd in attendance on a chilly Thursday night. “It was incredible, it exceeded all expectations,” Bisetto said. “To have 3000-plus here tonight when it was three degrees at one point on a cold Thursday night … I still can’t believe it to be perfectly honest.” With a 35th minute free kick from star import Alessandro Diamanti that turned into a powerfully headed goal from Valentino Yuel, Western United was on the board and on its way. Further goals to Connor Pain, Dylan Pierias and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, completed a perfect start. Coach Mark Rudan was impressed with his team’s performance. “Very early stages, but at this point in time, I’m pretty content with what I saw out there,” Rudan said. Lance Jenkinson
Gender strategy ditched By Esther Lauaki Wyndham council has shelved a strategy that would have provided an action plan for gender equality. The gender equity strategy, the first of its kind for Wyndham, was aimed at breaking down gender-based discrimination and promoting “equal opportunity”. But in a split decision at this month’s meeting, six councillors voted down a motion to release the strategy for public comment. Wyndham corporate affairs manager Emily Keogh said no further work on the strategy
in its current form would occur. The latest version of the strategy, which council has so far spent $16,000 to develop, involved significant consultation with agencies, community members and staff. It proposed initiatives such as International Women’s Day events, working with sports clubs to boost females in leadership roles and actively encouraging women to run for council. Cr Tony Hooper vehemently opposed the strategy in its entirety based on “principle”. “I cannot support poor policy wrapped up in the cloak of action on domestic violence,” he said at the meeting.
“There are actions in this strategy stating council will spend resources in promoting female and gender diverse people to run for council,” he said. “We are kicking goals anyway … we employ more women than men – 51 per cent of managers and 62 per cent of the executive are women. Isn’t that awesome.” Trish Crossin, who was on the committee that developed the strategy, said the lack of support showed that some councillors were “out of touch” with the community. “I am extremely disappointed and frustrated at the response of the councillors during that
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meeting,” she said. “Clearly there are some who do not understand the reason, research or background to the benefits of such a strategy. “There is clear evidence that a gender equity strategy, coupled with proactive targets and outcomes, supports women and girls to be safer and stronger in their homes, workplaces and community.” Cr Kim McAliney said she was “shocked” that the strategy was not supported. “We should treat everyone fairly and with respect regardless of their gender,” she said at the meeting. “I’m surprised that this council … would not support it.”