Calling all women in business, leadership and sport

Posted on 30 November, 2021

Canberra is home to some ground-breaking female figures—from businesswomen, to political leaders and our strong female sporting culture, our city is a hive for women creating active change in the community.

To celebrate this culture, Brumbies Rugby in partnership with Ray White, are hosting a networking luncheon to support the growth of Canberra’s female rugby scene, while celebrating women in sport and leadership roles.

Held at and supported by the beautiful Hotel Realm on Thursday 16 December, the luncheon offers a unique networking opportunity while raising valuable funds for ACT and Southern NSW rugby programs such as Brumbies W, Brumbies Women’s Academy and Girls Try Rugby Day.

This year’s theme, ‘Champions of Change’, encapsulates the driving force behind the women in attendance. With special guests including Australian swimmer and Olympic gold medallist Petria Thomas OAM, Paralympian Nikki Ayers and Canberra’s own queen of comedy, Chris Ryan, the event is set to inspire, motivate and leave you laughing in your seat.

Lisa Smith, an event organiser and services manager from Brumbies Rugby, explains how since launching the event in 2018 aligning with the establishment of the first Brumbies W team, the luncheon has now doubled in size and support.

“At the Brumbies, we want to see all the same benefits for male and female athletes. Whether that be healthcare subsidies, career opportunities or lifelong friendships,” Lisa says. Initially, the event attracted a majority of male guests, however, for the first time, this year is expected to be an even ratio of men to women.

The event is open to all members of the community, with delightful food, beverages and engaging networking opportunities. By bringing together people across industries, the luncheon aims to achieve a range of voices, experiences and conversations between diverse, yet like-minded people.

Head Coach Dan Hawke said “Leading a women’s rugby team, chasing success at the top level, it’s important to me and to the coaching staff that we are constantly looking to empower our players as people, not just rugby players, and this event is a perfect example of that”.

Captain/Wallaroo Michaela Leonard said “This event means a lot to us as a playing group, and I think it’s a fantastic initiative from the Brumbies to get so many extraordinary women in one room.

“We’ve been working really hard in preseason and this event will be a nice way for us as a team to reflect and I think a chance for us to get inspired by the incredible ladies who will be there.”

For the first time, 2021’s luncheon will see Ray White as the event sponsor. The team at Ray White have also made possible the inaugural caps for the TABCorp Brumbies Women’s team, which are traditionally presented to Super Rugby players after their debut game. At the luncheon, the caps will be presented to the first-ever Brumbies W game day 23 of 2018.

The event will feature a keynote speech from Paralympian Nikki Ayers, followed by a panel discussion with Nikki, Olympic gold medallist Petria Thomas OAM, comedian Chris Ryan and two Brumbies W team members, Captain and Wallaroos player Michaela Leonard and upcoming star Pearle Rakete. Chris Ryan will conclude the occasion with a comedy set, which is certain to amuse.

Lisa stressed the importance of supporting women’s sport and not just in Canberra. “Watch the matches on Stan, buy tickets to the games, be involved in clubs and communities to raise women’s profiles”.

It is fundamental–now more than ever–to support our female athletes, as “you can’t be what you can’t see”.

Image via facebook.com/Plus500Brumbies