Essendon co-major partner Fujitsu General Australia has shown its support for growing female representation within the game by announcing a Naming Rights partnership for the Grand Final Comedy Debate and the Football Woman of the Year Award.
Fujitsu General has been a key supporter of the Bombers push for an AFLW licence in 2019.
The backing of the Grand Final Comedy Debate and Football Woman of the Year Award marks another important indication of that support.
Fujitsu General said it shares Essendon’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity.
"Fujitsu General Australia is proud to be partnering with the Grand Final Comedy Debate, supporting women in football, and women in business overall,” National Manager People and Culture at Fujitsu General Australia, Sarah Gatehouse said.
“We at Fujitsu place high value on inclusivity and diversity, and strongly support women in business through internal promotion, development, feedback and workplace flexibility.
“We’d like to congratulate all the nominees for the prestigious Fujitsu General Football Woman of the Year award."
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VicHealth has also thrown its support behind the Fujitsu General Grand Final Comedy Debate.
The foundation has been a pioneer in health promotion for more than 30 years working to ensure all Victorians have the opportunity to live healthier, happier lives.
VicHealth CEO Jerril Rechter congratulated Essendon Football Club for its support of women in sport.
“Following the incredible success of the inaugural AFLW season it is fantastic to see more opportunities opening up for women and girls to take part in sport and physical activity for health and wellbeing at a grassroots and elite level,” Ms Rechter said.
“We know we still have a long way to go to boost female participation in sport and VicHealth is proud to support Essendon Football Club as they continue to raise the profile of women in sport with this significant event in the sporting calendar.”
The Fujitsu General Grand Final Comedy Debate also raises awareness for a women’s charity, and this year’s charity partner is Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA).
With the event hosting more than 1,000 guests each year, it is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the work that this charity does for Australian’s each day.
“BCNA is thrilled to be the charity partner for the 2017 Fujitsu General Grand Final Comedy Debate,” BCNA’s Rozalee Erceg - Director, Development, Fundraising and Events said.
“This event founded by the Essendon Women’s Network and delivered in conjunction with EFC, is the premium event for women during Grand Final week and provides BCNA the opportunity to highlight our work in supporting the 48 Australians every day that are diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Essendon’s General Manager of Commercial Operations Brenton Humphreys welcomed the support from these new partners for one of the marquee events on the Club’s calendar.
“The Club and the Essendon Women’s Network are very excited to have Fujitsu General Australia, VicHealth and BCNA all on board this unique, vibrant and important event for celebrating the contribution of women at all levels from across the football industry,” he said.
“The significance of the support from these partners demonstrates their firm commitment to developing the opportunities for women in football.”
The Fujitsu General Grand Final Comedy Debate will be held at Crown Palladium on Thursday 28th of September from 11.30am.
This year’s entertainment includes Comedians Anthony ‘Lehmo Lehmann, Lawrence Mooney, Charlie Pickering, Dilruk Jayasinha, Claire Hooper, Jo Stanley and Geraldine Hickey and a special musical production.
