Reception at Government House in Support of the Minerva Network

Minister Stirling Hinchliffe; Chair of the Minerva Network, Ms Christine McLoughlin; Queensland chapter lead, Dr Sarah Kelly; Chief Operating Officer, Ms Robyn Danzey; all athletes and supporters of the Minerva Network in Queensland.

I begin by acknowledging the traditional custodians of the lands around Brisbane, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend respectful greetings to Elders, past, present and emerging.

It is a rare to see so many elite athletes and their supporters assembled in the Government House Drawing Room. Graeme and I are delighted to welcome all of you here, especially so close to International Women’s Day 2022.

I had the great pleasure yesterday of listening to one of our attendees, ultra-marathon runner, Jacqui Bell, deliver a truly inspiring speech to students of Somerville House yesterday – I just hope my speech doesn’t fall short of expectations, Ms Bell! 

I was very pleased to see Minerva chosen as the name for this unique enterprise because, as Roman goddesses go, Minerva really was a stand-out.

She was not only the most important female goddess, but she managed a vast range of responsibilities: justice, trade, law, strategic warfare, medicine and, to round things out, the arts and crafts.

Had she been in politics today, she would have been known as the Minister for Everything!

She was greatly respected for her wisdom, and was always depicted as tall, athletic, and often in full armour, carrying a spear.

I’m not sure whether the 220 athletes currently supported by the Minerva Network include a javelin thrower, but she would obviously have been a fierce competitor in any of the sports represented here this evening.

One of the greatest challenges faced by young sportswomen like you is how to build a meaningful, productive future when you finally decide to leave your sport.

Growing up, your lives have been centred on developing your talent and pursuing your sporting goals. What you may not realise is that the hard work, discipline, dedication, and determination that helped you reach the top of your chosen sport, will be just as relevant long after you have left your sporting career behind.

That career has taught you to accept critical feedback, take manageable risks, step up as a leader, show initiative, constantly strive to improve, experience failure, and how to be a good role model and to be gracious in defeat – all of these things are vital skills for survival and success in the world of business and work.

And that’s where the marvellous concept of the Minerva Network enters the picture, giving you not only access to scholarships and relevant workshops, but experienced and committed business mentors who can encourage you to apply those lessons learned in sport to create the career that will carry you through life.

The fundamental concept of women in business connecting with and mentoring women in sport is immensely powerful, enabling professional and elite sportswomen to be the best they can be.

Minerva has now been a proven success in Queensland since September 2019, and I look forward to hearing of the Network’s further triumphs as the mentors and mentees continue their shared journeys.