The NSW/ACT Minerva Women in Sport Celebration 2024 was an incredible evening of celebration and inspiration! From the extraordinary achievements at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics to the nail-biting grand finals and world championships, 2024 has been an unforgettable year for women in sport. Minerva athletes have been leading the way, showcasing their brilliance both on and off the field, and this event was a perfect celebration of their outstanding achievements.
Celebrating a year of great leadership from our NSW Chapter Leads, Jane Spring AM and Carmen Bekker, as well as our ACT Chapter Leads, Gabrielle Curtin and Liesel Wett OAM, the evening saw around 100 guests gather to celebrate. Among them were 40 athletes from sports like tennis, football, basketball, swimming, rowing, cycling, softball, open water swimming, water polo and netball, as well as mentors, partners, supporters and Minerva Legends – Kerri Pottharst OAM OLY, Mel Jones OAM and Liz Ellis AO who have become part of Minerva’s ever-growing network of empowerment.
The energy in the room was contagious, as Minerva athlete and mentor speakers shared their incredible stories. Rae Anderson PLY captivated the crowd as she reflected on her unforgettable 2024, including her World Cup win with the ParaMatildas, and how mentorship has opened up new doors for her. Mentor-mentee pairs Romilly Madew AO and Georgie Rowe OLY, as well as Christine McLoughlin AM and Bronte Campbell OLY, shared how their relationships have been transformative. Allie Smith from the NSW Swifts kept the evening lively as the fantastic MC.
Guests left with full hearts and minds, inspired by the shared insights from the evening. Key highlights from the panelists included:
The importance of financial planning as athletes advance in their careers.
Embracing feedback and how mentorship fosters growth and openness.
Gaining the confidence to seize new opportunities through mentorship.
The value of being part of a community—whether through Minerva or organizations like Surf Life Saving.
Exciting Announcement: Continued Government Partnership
We were thrilled to welcome NSW Minister for Sport Steve Kamper who announced the NSW Government will continue its partnership with Minerva Network into 2025. This partnership will support the rollout of the new Play Her Way women’s sport strategy, designed to create more opportunities for women and girls to get involved and stay engaged in sport.
In his address, Minister Kamper stated:
"The Minerva Network plays a pivotal role in empowering female athletes at every stage of their journey. Thanks to Minerva’s work, the NSW Government has made critical decisions and policy changes that positively impact women in sport. We are proud to partner with Minerva to support women, both in and out of sport."
Christine McLoughlin AM, Chair and Co-Founder of Minerva Network, responded:
"We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the NSW Government. This partnership not only sustains our mission but amplifies our ability to provide invaluable mentorship and development opportunities to female athletes. Together, we are forging a future where gender equity in sport is no longer just a vision, but a reality.
Congratulations on the launch of the Play Her Way strategy. Building on the success of Her Sport Her Way, this next chapter continues to drive forward the NSW Government’s commitment to empowering women and girls through sport. The pillars of She Belongs, She Plays, and She Wins reflect a powerful vision for fostering inclusion, increasing participation, and achieving success both on and off the field.”
A huge thank you to our event hosts, Aurecon, whose generous support helped bring this celebration to life. Your commitment to empowering women in sport and creating such an inspiring atmosphere was truly invaluable.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited about the continued growth of Minerva Network and the opportunities that lie ahead for our athletes, mentors, and partners. Together, we will continue to create pathways for success, build lasting connections, and advance gender equity in sport. The future is bright, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll achieve together.
