The Beyond Greatness Champions are a group of inspirational trailblazers who represent the best of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand across sport, entertainment, media, arts, politics and business in support of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™.
The #BeyondGreatness Speaker Series took us on a whirlwind tour across all Australian host cities of the FIFA Women's World Cup during the tournament’s group stage, bringing together inspiring women who shared their awe-inspiring stories with us all, and what an extraordinary journey it was.
Adelaide/Tarntanya: The series kicked off with a bang as The Honourable MP Anika Wells, Minister for Sport, opened the event, setting the stage for an inspiring line-up of speakers. Special guests Natasha Stott Despoja and Poh Ling Yeow enriched the discussion with their powerful messages on gender equality and creativity in the culinary world.
Perth/Boorloo: Our journey then took us to the vibrant city of Perth, where we were honoured to host the legendary Cathy Freeman, whose presence left a profound impact on us all. Dr. Fiona Wood's remarkable journey of breaking barriers in the medical field inspired us to dream bigger and bolder.
Melbourne/Naarm: In the cultural hub of Melbourne, we were captivated by the incredible journey of Kate Reid, who transitioned from F1 aerodynamics to crafting world-class croissants as the founder of Lune. Alongside her, the delightful Myf Warhurst kept the room engaged and enthralled with her charismatic storytelling.
Sydney/Gadigal: The series continued to the Harbour City, where we had the privilege of hearing from two impressive leaders – Christine Holgate, CEO of Team Global Express, and Sarah Harden, the visionary CEO of Hello Sunshine. Their stories of success, courage and leadership inspired us all to aim for greatness in our own endeavours.
Brisbane/Meaanjin: Our final destination was Brisbane, and what a grand finale it was. We had the honour of hosting Paralympic champion Madison de Rozario, whose determination and tenacity showed us that obstacles can be stepping stones to success. Dame Quentin Bryce, an iconic figure in Australian public life, graced us with her wisdom, warmth and charm. And last but not least, the hilarious and down-to-earth Celeste Barber left the room in stitches with her unique journey to stardom.
Throughout our journey across all cities during the Speaker Series we were graced by a panel of footballing experts that left us feeling like we were part the inner sanctum. This dynamic rotation of footballing powerhouses included insightful pundit and former Lioness Izzy Christiansen, Matildas’ stars Elise Kellond-Knight, Chloe Logarzo and Emily Gielnik, and Sarah Walsh, former Matilda and Football Australia’s Head of Women’s Football, World Cup Legacy and Inclusion. Their presence and expertise enriched each event, providing unrivalled insights into the world of professional football while embodying the very essence of Beyond Greatness. Their passion for the game and dedication to empowering women in sports resonated deeply with everyone in attendance. Special acknowledgement goes to the phenomenal Tara Rushton and Steph Brantz, whose expert panel-hosting and MC duties across all the cities elevated the series to new heights. Their remarkable talent for engaging with every speaker and seamlessly piecing together each event made the entire journey an unforgettable experience and created an atmosphere of inclusivity and empowerment. As we reflect on this transformative series, we are humbled by the remarkable stories, invaluable lessons, and empowering experiences shared by our speakers. From athletes to leaders, artists to activists, each woman showcased the limitless potential within every one of us. Their journeys have inspired us to strive for greatness in our own lives and reminded us of the power we possess to create a brighter, more inclusive future. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all our speakers, attendees, and partners who made this journey possible, with the funding and support of the Australian Government. Together, we have ignited a spark of inspiration that will continue to empower women and celebrate their unique voices for years after the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Here's to a future where the voices of women are heard, their stories embraced, and their greatness celebrated at every turn.