Admiralty House set the stage for an inspiring evening of leadership, mentorship, and celebration as Minerva Network marked a major milestone - Officially supporting more than 1,000 elite women athletes across over 80 sports. The reception, hosted by Her Excellency, the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, brought together athletes, leaders, and advocates for a rich conversation on sport, leadership, and legacy.
Opening Reflections
Her Excellency, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, opened the evening with a heartfelt acknowledgment of mentorship as a vital catalyst for empowerment:
“Mentorship is the cornerstone of growth and confidence - it’s what enables young women to envision themselves as leaders, not just in sport, but in every aspect of life.”
Annabel Williams OAM - Paralympic gold medallist, lawyer, and advocate - guided the formalities with grace and energy, highlighting the transformative impact of sport as a driver of leadership both on and off the field.
Redefining Resilience: Madison de Rozario OAM on Safe Spaces and Stronger Leadership
Four-time Paralympian Madison de Rozario OAM spoke candidly about how her understanding of resilience has evolved throughout her career. Early on, she believed resilience meant enduring hardship, but her perspective shifted during the Paris Paralympics following the sudden loss of her father.
“I’m able to fail so well because it’s so safe for me to do so… and I think women in every industry, and women in sport, have this ability to be so resilient because we allow each other to fail so incredibly safely over and over again,” she shared.
This shift has given her deeper confidence in herself and her goals, along with a greater understanding of how to sustain success. Madison also credited the strength of the community around her - family, teammates, mentors - for helping her navigate not only triumphs but deeply personal challenges. Her reflections underscored the leadership lesson that safe environments enable athletes to rise stronger after setbacks. Her words resonated as a tribute to the unseen networks that support elite performance:
“You never really think about why you’re able to get through things until you realise it’s the people around you who made failure feel safe.”
From Reluctant Leader to Captaining Australia: Alyssa Healy on Empowerment and Legacy
Alyssa Healy, Australian cricket captain and one of the most recognised faces in sport, shared her evolution from a “happy-go-lucky kid” into a leader with purpose. Her journey from team player to team captain exemplifies how mentorship can unlock potential.
“It really wasn’t until I found purpose… someone in a leadership position gave me a kick up the bum and said, you’re actually good enough to be doing these amazing things yourself,” she said.
That nudge marked a pivotal shift. Instead of just supporting others, Healy embraced her own potential — and now passes that message forward. “I get great satisfaction from empowering others to go out there and be amazing themselves,” she added.
Whether mentoring new players or steering her team on the world stage, Healy’s leadership is defined by trust, energy, and a genuine desire to uplift others. She hopes her legacy will be measured not by headlines, but by how empowered her teammates feel to succeed:
“Sometimes I forget I’m a really personable, extroverted sort of person… I hope that if the team’s at a dinner party without me, they’re leading the conversation because they believe in their voice - that’s what leadership is to me.”
Beyond the Field: Sam Mostyn AC on the Broader Impact of Women’s Leadership
Drawing on her dual perspective as both Governor-General and long time advocate for women in sport, Her Excellency, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC reflected on how women’s leadership in sport continues to reshape Australian society - citing parental leave equality in Cricket Australia as a catalyst for cultural change.
“Lifting women in sport - whether as athletes, administrators, or owners - is one of the best things for everyone in this country. There are no losers in equality,” she affirmed.
She painted a vision of true progress: where women’s leadership is so embedded that it becomes unremarkable. Citing a morning encounter with three of Australia’s top economic leaders - all women - Mostyn remarked, “It was the most normal thing. And those women got there because they were the best for the job.”
A Milestone Moment: Christine McLoughlin AM Celebrates the 1,000th Athlete
Minerva Chairman Christine McLoughlin AM officially announced a defining achievement: the Network now supports more than 1,000 elite women athletes. This milestones is not just about numbers, but a celebration of a powerful connection and shared ambition supporting Australia’s top athletes. She highlighted Siokapesi Palu, Wallaroos captain, as the 1,000th athlete - an inspiring leader who only took up rugby five years ago and will be leading the Wallaroos in an important World Cup year.
“We set the goal, and a few people nearly fell off their chairs - but we did get there,” Christine said, acknowledging the bold ambition and collective belief that made the milestone possible.
She closed the evening with gratitude to Minerva’s partners and champions across industries:
“Tonight is a reminder of what happens when we come together to celebrate achievements, share knowledge, and inspire future generations. Leadership is not a solo endeavour - it thrives in collective effort.”
Looking Ahead
The Minerva Reception illuminated the strength of community and the enduring power of mentorship. As the evening drew to a close, one truth stood clear: when women lead - on the field, in boardrooms, and across industries - everyone rises.
Together We Soar.
