As 2025 draws to a close, we reflect on an extraordinary series of Women in Sport Celebrations that brought together athletes, mentors, and sport and business leaders across Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. From the "Captains Call" panel in Perth featuring three incredible sporting leaders, to Sarah Walsh's candid reflections on transitioning from Matilda to AFC executive in Sydney, to Susie O'Neill's wisdom that "the most successful people are the people who give up last" in Brisbane – these evenings sparked conversations that continued well into the night. We heard honest insights about navigating identity beyond elite sport, the importance of backing yourself early and building networks before you need them, challenging outdated systems to create sustainable pathways, and the deeply transferable skills athletes develop over years of leadership. These celebrations reminded us why the work we do at Minerva matters: empowering Australia's sportswomen to soar higher, walk taller and take their skills to greater heights – during sport and beyond.
We were proud to curate an extraordinary program of speakers – women who are leading the way in sport and business – for the events across the country.
Thank you to all our guest speakers for sharing your knowledge, experience and insights with our Minerva community:
Adelaide:
Brisbane:
Melbourne:
Perth:
Sydney:
We’re incredibly grateful to our very generous event hosts whose support enables our athletes and mentors to attend free of charge and expand their networks and leadership opportunities: Aurecon (Melbourne, Perth, Sydney), KPMG (Brisbane), and South Australian Sports Institute (Adelaide).
Take a look and share the photos and highlight reels from all the events and we can’t wait to do it all again with you in 2026.
