Minerva Network marks major milestone of supporting more than 1,000 elite women athletes

The Minerva Network has marked a major milestone having officially supported more than 1,000 elite women athletes across over 80 sports. To celebrate the milestone, Admiralty House held an inspiring evening on 25th June which brought together athletes, leaders, and advocates for a rich conversation on sport, leadership, and legacy - hosted by Her Excellency, the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia.

The milestone of now supporting more than 1,000 elite women athletes is not just about numbers, but a celebration of a powerful connection and shared ambition supporting Australia’s top athletes. Minerva Chairman Christine McLoughlin 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,” McLoughlin said, acknowledging the bold ambition and collective belief that made the milestone possible.

Governor-General Mostyn opened the evening reception with a heartfelt acknowledgment of mentorship as a vital catalyst for empowerment noting “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 - 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.

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.

Healy shared “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.”

That nudge marked a pivotal shift. Instead of just supporting others, Healy embraced her own potential and now passes that message forward adding “I get great satisfaction from empowering others to go out there and be amazing themselves.”

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:

Drawing on her dual perspective as both Governor-General and long time advocate for women in sport, Governor-General Mostyn 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.

McLoughlin closed the evening with gratitude to Minerva’s partners and champions across industries adding “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.”

Arthur Stanley, former General Manager Media and Communications at Accor Stadium and CommBank Stadium and now Director Elevate Communications & Publishing attended the evening reception.

Stanley shared “swept up in the energy of the group in 2017, I developed a media and communications strategy for the Minerva Network and suggested one of the founding athletes should be an outstanding young football player called Ellie Carpenter, who hailed from the country NSW town of Cowra and who I had engaged as a sporting ambassador at Stadium Australia.

“Today, of course, Ellie is one of the giants of the women’s game, the Matildas vice-captain and a three-time UEFA Women’s Champions League winner with Olympique Lyonnais. She remains an active Minerva star to this day.

“It was a pleasure to be invited to Admiralty House and to hear how Minerva has shaped a prosperous future for so many of Australia’s most outstanding sportswomen across 80-plus sports – from Oympians and Paralympians to national representatives and emerging talent.”