The Minerva Network today announced its ambition to reach 1,000 athletes by 2025 is a step closer, after naming strategic communications firm SEC Newgate as a new sponsor.
Minerva Network Chairman and co-founder Christine McLoughlin AM said SEC Newgate’s contribution will help support and empower elite women athletes to reach their potential as leaders.
“The Minerva Network is the only organisation of its kind – offering elite sportswomen access to mentoring from some of the most senior professional women in Australia and opportunities to regularly network with other athletes from all sports,” said Christine.
“We also provide professional development opportunities for athletes in an independent environment, away from the clutter of their day-to-day team, sport, family, friends and fans. This work is made possible through partnerships like the one with SEC Newgate,” she said.
SEC Newgate Australia Managing Partner Brian Tyson said the organisation is delighted to join forces with the Minerva Network.
“We believe Minerva Network is a great initiative and we are delighted our partnership will support the advancement of women in sport and business. Sport has the power to inspire, something that is particularly relevant following the challenges of the past couple of years.” he said.
SEC Newgate Partner and Managing Director of Research Sue Vercoe is one of Australia’s leading market and social researchers and will mentor Sydney Swans AFLW recruit Aimee Whelan as part of the partnership.
“I’m really looking forward to mentoring Aimee and supporting her career on the field at the Swans and off the field as a physio, as well as seeing more athletes join Minerva to enable them to achieve great things during their sporting careers and beyond,” she said.
Whelan, a member of the inaugural Sydney Swans women’s team has moved to Sydney from Victoria this year and balances her football commitments with her work as a physiotherapist.
She said she was really appreciative to be involved in the program and was looking forward to gaining plenty of knowledge from her mentor, Sue, who she has already met up with.
“Sue has a wealth of experience, and I can learn a lot from her in terms of planning for the future," Aimee said.
"Being an AFLW player, it's easy to focus on just footy, so Sue helps to keep my mind also focussed on how to get the most out of my physio career and other opportunities off the field.
"It's been a great experience connecting with Sue already and I am looking forward to developing our relationship and having a really clear and exciting pathway in my physio and football careers."
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The Minerva Network currently supports more than 280 athletes from more than 55 sports across Australia. The Network also includes more than 200 mentors from a diverse range of experiences across Australia’s corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, from industries including media, financial services, agriculture, legal, tourism, technology, science, resources, education, retail, FMCG and health.
Minerva Network leaders include some of the country’s top business and sports leaders – such as Christine McLoughlin AM, Sam Mostyn AO, Romilly Madew AO, Ann Sherry AO, Peggy O’Neal AO, Kate Palmer AM, Christina Matthews, Sarah Kelly OAM and Lucille Baillie.
Minerva Network athletes include Australian Women’s Cricket captain Meg Lanning; Paralympic Champion Madison de Rozario OAM; Rugby Sevens Gold Medallist and NRLW player Emma Tonegato OAM, swimmer Cate Campbell OAM OLY; and Ellie Carpenter from the Matildas. SEC Newgate joins existing Minerva Network partners Accenture, Aurecon and nib Group.
About SEC Newgate:
SEC Newgate is Australia’s largest full-scale strategic communications firm for complex issues, incorporating financial and corporate communications, government relations, digital communications, stakeholder and community engagement, and social and market research. SEC Newgate has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra and Perth and is part of the SEC Newgate group with 43 offices in major centres around the world. www.secnewgate.com.au
