2023 has been quite the year. For women everywhere and especially Women Sport Australia.
It’s been a huge year for WSA, with many incredible projects running, and new partnerships made.
We welcomed new President Helena Dorczak after Gen Dohrmann reached the end of her six year tenure on the board.
Keep reading for what else we got up to this year…
WOMEN IN SPORT ROUNDTABLES
- WSA has continued to coordinate Women in Sport Roundtable sessions bringing together various government, private and volunteer women in sport advocates.
- The first session was held online on Harmony Day on 21 March focusing on the landscape for multicultural women and girls in Australian sport.
- The second session was held in-person at the National Sports Convention and focused on exploring the advocacy role the women’s sport community needs WSA to be playing.
- Partnership with NSC for future years.
WOMEN IN SPORT PHOTO ACTION AWARDS (#WISPAA)
- #WISPAA ran for a fifth year with a new collection of amazing images demonstrating the strength, athleticism and power of female athletes.
- James Gourley’s capture of the Belgium v Puerto Rico match at last year’s FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup took first place in the Professional category
- Olivier Rachon’s shot “Reaching New Heights” of Elyssia Kenshole clearing the bar at the Victorian Open Track and Field Championships has captured the crown in the amateur category.
- The ‘Emerging Photographer’ category was won by Emma Hoppo with her on-court capture of Abby Cubillo of the Adelaide Lightning.
- We also held another great #WISPAA function where we announced the 2023 winners.
- Big thanks to partners News Corp for their media support and ISPT for hosting the 2023 #WISPAA function.
MENTORING PROGRAM
- In late 2022 programs were held online in August and in Sydney in September.
- 2023 used to review the program and scope a refreshed version of the program.
- We also formally commenced a partnership with the Global Institute of Sport offering WSA members a discount on tuition and launched a masters scholarship opportunity.
WOMEN. SPORT. THE FUTURE LUNCH
- WSA partnered with the Pullman on the Park Hotel on the inaugural Women. Sport. The Future Lunch with 30% of event proceeds donated to WSA.
- It was a fantastic event where President Gen Dohrmann was featured on the panel
- We’ve committed to this event in 2024 and excited to bring it to you in partnership with Pullman on the Park on March 1, 2024.
THE SPORTS BRA PROJECT
- After launching our partnership in 2022, WSA has continued to work with The Sports Bra Project (TSBP) as the Australian shop front of the US organisation hosted on the WSA website.
- We are proud to be working with the TSBP who make sports bras available to Australian communities in need and we loved being involved in their CeleBRAtion luncheon held in November this year.
CHICK WITH A BALL
- Fran Hurndall approached WSA to be the beneficiary of support for an epic run while dribbling a soccer ball that she was planning from the Gold Coast to Sydney during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- Fran ran 1,000kms (an average of 32kms a day for 32 days) to raise money for Women Sport Australia.
- Fran raised $10,000 on her journey and this money will go into advocacy initiatives and tailored programs and events driving gender equality and that support women participating in, and leading in sport.
A FEW OTHER THINGS….
- President Gen Dohrmann represented WSA at the IWC in New Zealand and was able to build some great international connections.
- Our overall brand, marketing and communications have continued to grow substantially across digital platforms but continued representation and consistency across traditional platforms as well.
- WSA media go-to organisation for comments during FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- We welcomed two new board members, Holly Bailey and Laura Byrnes.
