Four Minerva Mentors were among the 920 Australians recognised in the general division of the Order of Australia in the King’s Birthday 2023 Honours List.
Moya Dodd was awarded an AO (Officer of the Order of Australia) and Jane Spring, Kate Roffey, and Marina Go each received an AM (Member of the Order of Australia).
With 465 female honourees, more women than men were recognised in the general division for the first time.
Former Matilda’s vice-captain Moya Dodd was acknowledged for her distinguished service to football as a player and administrator at the national and international level, as a role model to women, and to the law.
Moya played in the first-ever FIFA world tournament for women in 1988 – the precursor to the first Women's World Cup. In retirement, she became one of the first three women appointed to football’s international governing body, FIFA – the first in the organisation's 108-year history. Moya has long been an advocate for positive change for women.
Moya mentors Aussie Stingers water polo player Amy Ridge.
Jane Spring’s award is a tribute to her significant service to disability advocacy in sport, and to public sector administration.
A former champion rower and wheelchair basketballer, Jane chairs the Disability Council of NSW and the University of Sydney Sports Foundation amongst her many posts. Last year she became the first female chair of Sydney University Sport & Fitness, having served on the board since 2020.
Jane graciously shares her time and considerable expertise as Minerva’s New South Wales Co-Chapter Lead.
Melbourne Football Club President and Victoria University Vice Chancellor Kate Roffey was awarded for her significant service to sport administration, and to the community.
Kate’s extensive contribution to sport includes her current roles as CEO of Victoria’s State Sport Centres Trust, State Netball Hockey Centre committee member and AFL Women’s Competition Committee member. A former CEO of VicSport, Kate has also served as director of Melbourne University of Sport and managed the Melbourne Park Redevelopment for Tennis Australia.
Kate mentors Paralympian rower Alexandra Viney.
For significant service to business governance, sport administration, and the media industry, Marina Go is a deserving AM recipient.
Marina is a current director and former Chair of Netball Australia and was the inaugural chair of the Super Netball Commission as well as former Chair of the Wests Tigers NRL Club. Her current non-executive directorships include the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Transurban, 7-Eleven Australia and she chairs Adore Beauty.
Marina has mentored Hobart Hurricanes’ cricketer Corinne Hall and water polo player Isobel Bishop.
We’re delighted to add our congratulations and thanks to these amazing women.
