The Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies hosted their annual Women in Business, Leadership & Sport Luncheon, presented by Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers at Hotel Realm, Barton on Friday afternoon.
Former retired Canberra United and Matilda star Grace Gill-McGrath returned to host the annual event, celebrating the success of women in sport. The event also serves as an opportunity to raise awareness and funding for the ACT Brumbies Women's Academy.
Brumbies Chief Executive Phil Thomson opened the afternoon, sharing the success and progress of the ACT Brumbies Women's Program throughout the 2024 season.
"Already inspiring their new-generation counterparts, the ACT was able to send its first ever all female Under 12’s side to an interstate competition this year. The Barbarians side was undoubtedly spurred on by the sight of a future pathway accessible to them, after meeting the Brumbies Women’s Academy players before their competition in NSW."
"As we celebrate the successes of women in business today, let us also champion the incredible achievements of women in rugby. The Brumbies Women are not just athletes; they are role models, trailblazers, and ambassadors for the power of women in sport," said Thomson.
Thomson reiterated the need for continued support of Women's rugby within the ACT & Southern NSW region.
"As leaders in business, it is our responsibility to support and promote the growth of women’s rugby. This is not just about corporate social responsibility; it’s about recognising the value that diversity brings to our communities and our organisations,"
Event partner Gow-Gates Insurance Brokers were on hand to manage a range of live and silent auctions through the luncheon. Attendees given the opportunity to own a piece of sporting history, with proceeds going towards the ACT Brumbies Women's Academy Program.
The event continued with a Q&A panel featuring Super Rugby Womens Brumbies players Gabby Petersen, Bonnie Brewer alongside Head of Women's Rugby & Pathways James Erwin.
The audience were treated to a behind-the-scenes insight into the Women's Academy, with Petersen and Brewer highlighting the progress and giant leap the program has made throughout the last five years. Erwin echoed a similar sentiment, whilst also sharing the the club's pursuit for more success to increase the number of Brumbies playing on the international stage in years to come.
Host Gill-McGrath concluded the luncheon with former olympians and prominent sports leaders Chloe Hosking, former Wallaroo and Rugby Australia Co-President Kristy Giteau and Rowing Australia Chief Executive Sarah Cook. The audience were greeted with an abundance of takeaways with the panel sharing key moments along their sporting careers.
