As Matildas-mania takes over Australia, there has been a notable shift in the way fans perceive women’s role in sport, and the same coming-of-age is happening in other sectors, according to Komatsu Australia’s CEO Sean Taylor, who has just extended the brand’s partnership with the Western Sydney Wanderers’ women’s soccer team.
Komatsu Australia provides essential equipment, technologies and services to the construction, mining, energy, government, waste and quarry industries and has a workforce of nearly 3,000 across the country. Sean Taylor has taken a highly proactive approach to diversity in the business, including ambitious goals around women’s participation not only at the entry level but all the way into senior ranks. He says there is a palpable sense of being at a turning point on the path to equal female participation in the industry.
About the Komatsu Australia/Western Sydney Wanderers partnership
Komatsu Australia first entered into a partnership with the Wanderers in 2021. The latest deal extends their partnership to 2026, and will see the continuation of their support of the Wanderers Liberty A-League Women’s team.
Komatsu will retain its position on the right sleeve of the Wanderers Liberty A-Leagues home, away and third jerseys, as well as supporting a number of female-focused events run by the Wanderers in the Western Sydney community space.
Sean says the company is excited to extend the partnership with a club they have great synergies with.
“Our partnership with the Wanderers represents more than just a name on the sleeve. A big focus for us at Komatsu has always been furthering diversity and inclusion, both in the workplace and the industry, and this sponsorship is a way for us to align ourselves with a strong sporting brand that also supports a diverse and inclusive workplace, and allows us to shine a light on the diverse career opportunities available in mining and construction,” Sean says.
“Women’s sport, and football in particular, at the moment is receiving the recognition it deserves, thanks to the FIFA Women’s World Cup on our shores and the Matildas continuing to be a dominant force. We’re looking forward to supporting the sport through the partnership with the Wanderers Women’s team.
“I’m excited to see what the next three years will bring for us and the Wanderers and wish them all the luck in the start of the new season.”
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson also praised the partnership extension.
“We are delighted to be continuing our fruitful relationship with Komatsu after a successful first two years,” Scott says.
“Like the Wanderers, Komatsu are based in Western Sydney and we look forward to working closely with them over the next two seasons to continue to support our women’s programs.”