Minerva Network was honoured to be hosted at the Parliamentary Friends of Women in Sport celebration at Parliament House in Canberra, celebrating and acknowledging the remarkable achievements of Australia’s women Olympians and Paralympians at the Paris 2024 Games.
Hosted by Co-Convenors Joanne Ryan MP, Senator Bridget McKenzie, and Zali Stegall MP, the event brought together senators, ministers and MPs from across the Parliament as well as sports leaders, government representatives, Minerva athletes and mentors and distinguished guests, reflecting the growth and opportunity we continue to see in women’s sports.
Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, delivered an inspiring speech commending the athletes for their dedication.
Aptly summarised by our Minerva ACT Co-Chapter Lead Gabrielle Curtin, “Her Excellency spoke eloquently of what it means to be a true sports champion and leader. And it wasn’t about medals. It was about being prepared to step up to compete and be gracious, grateful, proud, composed and wise regardless of the result. Our Australian Governor-General represents the best of us – she is the epitome of inclusion, care, leadership, mentorship, egalitarianism, humour and courage.”
Minerva Chair & Co-Founder Christine McLoughlin AM said, “Athletes are the lifeblood of sport, the very infrastructure that makes it possible. These athletes are more than competitors – they are role models, leaders, and inspirations to generations that follow.”
Notably, the event fell the day after the Australian Government’s announcement of a milestone National Gender Equity in Sports Governance Policy.
Minerva welcomed the announcement in a realm that the Network is already innovating in. The Minerva Sports Governance Program aims to change the game by driving diversity in the broadest possible way in the business of sports governance.
“At Minerva, we identified this as a significant gap in our endeavours to support women’s sport, Ms McLoughlin said.
“Our established Sports Governance Program is ideally positioned to support the implementation of this policy by providing a pipeline of qualified, experienced women ready to take on these crucial roles. In addition, our Minerva Sports Governance Program has a range of resources, practical tools and development programs that will be available to sporting organisations so they can meet their diversity targets whilst ensuring a skills based board.
“Through Minerva’s longstanding work in bringing together the worlds of sports and business, we can drive meaningful change. We look forward to continuing our work with sporting organisations to build stronger, more representative boards that will shape the future of Australian sport."
Having just announced the National Gender Equity in Sports Governance Policy, Minister for Sport, Anika Wells MP, emphasised the importance of continuing to support women in sport through policy, investment, and opportunity.
As a key voice in women’s sports, Minerva is pleased to support initiatives that elevate and celebrate women’s contributions to sport, both on and off the field.
Minerva Athlete (Tennis) Monique Adamczak said, “The National Gender Equity in Sport Governance Policy is an incredible step forward from which future generations of females involved in sport, in all capacities, from the field to the boardroom, will benefit, for decades to come. This policy provides key stakeholders a chance to balance the scales and advocate for women’s and girls' needs, their rights, and their future.
“Having been a female athlete myself, and now involved in coaching female athletes, I am profoundly grateful to the Australian Government for their continued support in this space – knowing that there is still 'work to be done' – and their initiative, courage, and belief that if you continue to give females a 'fair go', they will shine brighter than you could ever imagine.”
Events that honour our athletes while also bringing attention to the broader movement toward gender parity, pave the way to foster a culture of support and recognition for women in sport. Minerva was thrilled to have the opportunity to play a central role in congratulating and celebrating Australia’s women athletes and their achievements with the Parliamentary Friends of Women in Sport, acknowledging the Co-Convenors and organisers for their generous support.
Minerva will continue to pursue opportunities to raise the profile of women in sport and build a stronger, more inclusive sporting community for future generations.
Minerva extends our heartfelt thanks to Colliers for their generous event partnership.
