Whether it be recent arrivals or so-called ten pound poms who arrived in the 1960’s, much of Australia’s huge English diaspora will feel conflicted tonight when the two countries meet in the semi-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
However, the Manchester born mayor of Wyndham, Susan McIntyre, won’t be one of them.
“Oh no I have to support the Matildas,” declared Cr McIntyre in an accent more associated with their opponents.
Now an Australian citizen who presides over citizenship ceremonies for other immigrants, Cr McIntyre only moved from England in 2011 and clearly retains a soft spot for the land of her birth.
“I do love that the English team have gotten so far and would’ve loved to have seen it (match against Australia) as the final, but no, gotta support the Matildas.”
Cr McIntyre will have to back up these words too, with Wyndham Park hosting one of the few live sites screening the match outside of the Melbourne CBD.
“I’ll be there and I’ll be cheering on the Matildas and wearing my scarfe along with a number of my council colleagues,” she said.
Wyndham was one of a select group of local government areas chosen host a team, with Morocco based at Werribee’s Galvin Park.
Cr McIntyre said whatever tonight’s result, the tournament has been great for the municipality.
“For Wyndham we know that young girls in sport and women in sport is a massive growth area and so we love to support our youth teams and our women’s teams and this world cup is doing an amazing job in that regard.
It’s such a positive impact for our community.”
As for what the mayor will do if the Matildas aren’t successful tonight?
“If England do get through I will be supporting them in the final.”
