On January 23, 2025, Manuka Oval became a hub of empowerment as Cricket ACT and Minerva ACT co-hosted the EmpowHER event. Celebrating women breaking barriers and shaping the future, the event featured guest speakers Minerva Athlete and Paralympian Nikki Ayers OAM, Minerva Mentor and CEO Sarah Cook OLY, and UC Capitals basketball star Jade Melbourne. Minerva athlete Holly Ferling expertly MC’d the panel discussion, guiding the conversation with candour and insight. The discussion explored resilience, ambition, and the transformative power of women in sport.
Nikki Ayers OAM shared her journey from rugby player to Paralympian, reflecting on her Paris Paralympics experience, including winning gold and overcoming challenges like a technical failure in the final. She highlighted the balance of her dual career in nursing and midwifery and emphasized the growth potential for female athletes. Nikki advocated for accessible changerooms and better support for young para-athletes to drive progress in sport.
Jade Melbourne discussed her ambitions to play for the Opals and lessons from the Paris Olympics. She highlighted the growing opportunities in women’s sports, citing changes in WNBA and college NIL rules. Jade emphasised the business case for investing in women’s sports and called for greater accessibility to broadcasts, stating, “When people see the product, they love the product.”
As the first female CEO of Rowing Australia, Sarah Cook OLY reflected on her transition from athlete to executive. She discussed leading through uncertainty, cultural changes post-Paris Olympics and Paralympics, and celebrating the success of rowing para-athletes. Sarah emphasized the societal impact of women’s achievements in sports and their broader influence.
Gabrielle Curtin, Minerva ACT Co-Chapter Lead expressed gratitude to Cricket ACT, Cricket Australia, and key contributors, saying: "We are incredibly proud to support and honour the dedication of our Minerva Athletes through the Women’s Ashes Series. Congratulations to our Australian Captain and Minerva athlete Alyssa Healy on leading our team to retain the Women’s Ashes. The Minerva Network is committed to empowering women athletes to maximize their opportunities on and off the field, fostering the next generation of leaders in sport, business, and society."
Olivia Thornton, CEO, Cricket ACT shared her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: "We deeply value the work that Minerva undertakes in supporting elite female athletes across the nation. Cricket ACT is proud to partner with Minerva and contribute to the growth and success of elite sportswomen in our community. We look forward to strengthening this partnership and continuing to support the incredible achievements of women in sport."
The EmpowHER event concluded with a powerful message: support, invest, and believe in the potential of women in sport. Cricket ACT and Minerva ACT’s collaboration created a space to honour achievements and inspire future generations to aim higher and dream bigger.
