South Australia has once again shone a light on the people and organisations transforming the sporting landscape for girls and women. The Power of Her 2025 Recognition Awards, held last night, celebrated those who have committed themselves to ensuring inclusivity and equality in sport, a fitting follow-up to International Women’s Day.
The event, hosted by Netball SA in partnership with the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing, recognised individuals, clubs, and organisations that have taken meaningful steps to break down barriers and create opportunities. It is part of the broader Power of Her initiative by the Malinauskas Government, which has committed $18 million over three years to improve facilities, launch new programs, and increase female sporting participation.
Among those recognised was Jemma Tilley, who took home the Champion of Change award. As head coach of the Murraylands Gymnastics Academy, she led its revival after the devastating floods of 2024. Despite a six-month closure, she worked tirelessly to reopen in a temporary space, ensuring that young gymnasts could continue their training. Her efforts have extended beyond logistics—she has been a strong advocate for gender inclusivity, implementing policies that will shape the sport for years to come.
In the Emerging Leader category, the spotlight was shared by Chloe Mackenzie and Andriana Petrakis. Chloe’s work in junior girls’ cricket has been nothing short of transformative. By establishing the first South East junior girls’ cricket group, she has provided young female cricketers with an opportunity to train and play in a dedicated space rather than being part of mixed-gender competitions. Her dedication is evident in the distances she covers—sometimes travelling over 200 kilometres to run inclusive programs and training sessions.
Andriana, a force in South Australia’s tennis community, has juggled personal sporting achievements with coaching and mentorship. Her work with Tennis SA’s intellectual impairment pathway program has had a profound impact, particularly in supporting participants with autism. Her leadership was further recognised when she was named a finalist for the 2025 Young South Australian of the Year Awards.
The Power of Her Outstanding Organisation award was given to the YMCA/SA Aquatic & Leisure Centre. Throughout 2024, the centre championed initiatives that made women and girls feel supported, one of the most notable being the provision of free period products. By tackling the stigma surrounding menstruation, they have helped remove a major barrier to participation, ensuring that no girl or woman feels forced to step back from sport for reasons beyond their control.
On the local club front, Adelaide Jaguars Women’s Football Club and Naracoorte & Districts Little Athletics were named the metropolitan and regional winners, respectively. The Adelaide Jaguars have cultivated a welcoming, inclusive environment for over 300 players, prioritising wellbeing, mentorship, and financial support to ensure that no one is left behind. Meanwhile, Naracoorte & Districts Little Athletics has seen unprecedented female participation, thanks in part to its association with Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Jessica Stenson. By introducing female-specific skill development programs and leadership pathways for older girls, they are ensuring a steady pipeline of young female athletes who are confident and well-prepared.
The Power of Her Media Champion award went to Spacequake Sports, an organisation best known for its softball coverage but whose influence now spans netball, ice hockey, baseball, lawn bowls, basketball, and more. Their livestreams have given female athletes the visibility they deserve, with some South Australian softballers even using these broadcasts to secure placements in American college programs.
The Hospital Research Foundation Group was named Partner Champion for its steadfast support of women’s sport. Their collaboration with Netball SA and the Adelaide Thunderbirds has helped spread crucial health and wellbeing messages, encouraging young girls to make informed lifestyle choices while also raising significant funds for breast cancer research.
Katrine Hildyard emphasised the impact of these efforts, noting that celebrating women’s strength and talent contributes to shifting societal attitudes. She praised the winners for their commitment to change and for ensuring that girls and women in South Australia can participate in sport on equal footing. Emily Bourke echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the government’s dedication to backing women and girls in sport and creating lasting pathways for inclusion.
These awards are more than just recognition—they are a statement of intent. With initiatives like these, the message is clear: South Australia is committed to levelling the playing field, one step at a time. The winners of The Power of Her Awards are not only making waves in their respective sports but are also setting the foundations for a future where every girl and woman has the opportunity to thrive.
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🌟#SouthAustralia’s Power of Her Awards celebrated champions advancing women’s sport. 🏆Winners like Jemma Tilley & Chloe Mackenzie broke barriers, fostering inclusivity. 💬How can we support women in sport? 🤝#TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/scUDG77htV
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) March 13, 2025
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