In short:
Western Melbourne Group, owner of Western United FC, was placed into liquidation but the club has secured a court stay pending appeal. Wyndham City confirms ratepayers are protected and stadium land remains council-owned as future plans are reviewed.
Court stay gives Western United more time to appeal decision.
Western Melbourne Group, the parent company of Western United Football Club, was declared bankrupt in a Federal Court hearing on 29 August, but a later application by the club has successfully stayed the winding up order.
Wyndham City’s Director of Corporate Services, Mark Rossiter, confirmed the liquidation decision earlier in the day but reassured the community that council and ratepayers remain protected by robust financial contracts.
“While we are deeply disappointed by this outcome, particularly for the staff and supporters of Western United, we want to assure the community that Council and ratepayers are completely protected by the robust commercial and financial contracts that were in place for our partnership with the Western Melbourne Group,” Rossiter said.
Rossiter also clarified that land set aside for the Wyndham Stadium Precinct, including Ironbark Fields, remains under Wyndham City Council ownership. “To be clear – land earmarked for the Wyndham Stadium Precinct, including Ironbark Fields, is owned by Wyndham City Council. No land has been gifted to Western Melbourne Group as part of this partnership,” he said.
Later in the day, Western United confirmed that the Federal Court’s winding up orders had been stayed pending a review. “Western United Football Club is pleased to advise that an application made this afternoon to stay the Court’s orders was successful. The winding up has been stayed pending an application to review the Court’s decision substantively and once that application is made next week, the stay will operate until the appeal is heard,” the club said in a statement.
The club stressed its commitment to its members and community. “We all know what our football club and broader project means to all our members and the community. The social impact Western United has had in the West of Melbourne has been profound. It is something we are immensely proud of and want to continue.”
Western United highlighted the importance of football pathways for young people in Melbourne’s west. “The West of Melbourne is one of the fastest growing communities in Australia and we remain committed to facilitating the community’s pathway for young boys and girls to use sport to dream big and fulfil their dreams,” the statement read.
The club confirmed it will continue engaging with the ATO and other stakeholders. “Western United is doing everything we can to continue our dream. We will continue to engage with the ATO and our sports and community stakeholders to have our licence renewed or reinstated.”
Meanwhile, Wyndham City has sought the advisory services of former State Minister Justin Madden to provide expert insight into the stadium project. Madden’s experience in planning, sport, and the Commonwealth Games, along with his architectural background, is expected to help shape the council’s next steps.
Rossiter said Madden’s role is crucial. “Justin’s background makes him a perfect fit for this review. He brings extensive relevant expertise to the table and will provide Council with clear recommendations and advice.”
Despite the uncertainty, Rossiter reaffirmed Wyndham City’s commitment to the stadium precinct. “We continue to believe this is a unique initiative that has the potential to unlock an extraordinary level of public value, and we remain committed to realizing this vision,” he said.
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