There She Is: A Womensport & Recreation Tasmania Podcast

What actually changes when women have a seat at the decision-making table in sport? We know there is plenty of documented evidence showing the benefits of women in leadership and on sporting boards. But what about the things we unintentionally miss simply because men and women can experience life & sport differently? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa chats with Geoff Macqueen from Paddle Tasmania about a simple experience at his local canoe club in Launceston that completely changed the trajectory of female participation at the club. The barrier was something the men around the table simply hadn't recognised: the boats they were using didn't suit everyone. After listening to the women at the club, and new female leadership on the board, they invested in different boats that better accommodated participants with wider hips. It was a relatively simple change, but the impact was significant. Women who had previously been sitting on the sidelines — including mums watching their children play — started getting involved. Today, the club has two women's canoe polo teams, alongside more women participating in mixed teams. For Geoff, the experience highlighted why female representation in sporting leadership matters. Different perspectives can uncover participation barriers that others simply don't see — not because they don't care, but because they haven't experienced them. Geoff shares how that lesson has influenced the way he now approaches his role with Paddle Tasmania, particularly when working alongside women leading female-only paddling programs across the state. We also talk about why having one woman on a board isn't necessarily enough, the value of creating a critical mass of women in leadership, and what can happen when sporting clubs create space for different perspectives — and genuinely listen to them. In this episode: Why female representation in sporting leadership and on boards matters The participation barriers sporting clubs may not realise exist How equipment and body differences can affect women's participation in sport How one practical change helped grow female canoe polo participation Creating opportunities for mums who are already on the sidelines Why increasing female participation doesn't always mean recruiting new people Listening to women when designing female participation programs Why one woman at the decision-making table may not be enough Building a critical mass of women in sporting leadership How male allies can support women to lead change If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: www.wsrt.org.au/membership

What does it take to climb three of Yosemite’s legendary big walls in less than 24 hours — and become part of the first all-female team to do it? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with American rock climber and speed climber Kate Kelleghan, one of the women behind the adventure documentary The Queen Swing. Kate and French climber Laura Pineau set themselves an extraordinary goal: complete Yosemite’s legendary Triple Crown — linking Mount Watkins, El Capitan and Half Dome — in a single 24-hour push. But this conversation is about so much more than climbing. Kate shares how she went from being a self-described non-athletic kid who hated the outdoors to becoming obsessed with climbing and pushing the limits of what she thought she was capable of. She talks about progressively breaking enormous goals into achievable pieces, learning from failure, balancing risk with safety, and the meticulous physical, technical and nutritional preparation behind their Triple Crown attempt. We also hear the story behind Kate and Laura’s remarkable partnership — from meeting only months before their attempt to developing the communication, vulnerability and trust required to literally put their lives in each other’s hands. Kate talks openly about the power of climbing with women, the importance of female role models, and why strength and femininity don't need to exist at opposite ends of the spectrum. You can wear leggings, bright colours, sparkles and cat ears — and still send El Cap. And perhaps most powerfully, Kate shares how climbing helped her discover her own strength and confidence — and why she now wants other women and girls to have the opportunity to discover theirs. It’s a conversation about climbing, courage, friendship, representation, risk, confidence and doing hard things — whether your version of a Triple Crown happens to involve 2,200 metres of Yosemite granite or something completely different. Learn more here: https://www.thequeenswing.com/ https://www.instagram.com/katekelleghan If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: www.wsrt.org.au/membership

What happens when you stop waiting until you feel ready — and start creating your own opportunities? In this episode of There She Is, host Philippa Bowman sits down with Abbie Genders, an emerging Tasmanian Swimming Coach, Football Umpire and advocate for women and girls in sport who is building an impressive pathway across two very different sporting worlds. From the pool deck to the footy field, Abbie is putting her hand up, backing herself and stepping into opportunities — often before she feels completely ready. Abbie coaches with Friends’ Swimming and is a recipient of the Women in Sport Coaching Scholarship, delivered in partnership by Womensport & Recreation Tasmania and the Tasmanian Institute of Sport (TIS). She is also part of Swimming Australia’s W32 Project, supporting the development and progression of women coaches, and had just received news on the day of recording that she had been selected for the 2026 AIS–VIS ASPIRE Coach Program, delivered by the Australian Institute of Sport and Victorian Institute of Sport. And her ambitions don’t stop at the pool.Abbie is also a football goal umpire, has made her VFLW umpiring debut in Hobart, and is part of the AFL Women in Umpiring Accelerator Program, receiving specialist coaching and mentoring as she develops towards her goal of one day umpiring at AFLW level. In this conversation, Abbie shares the mindset behind her rapid progression — including taking on the “1,000 Rejections Challenge”, which encouraged her to apply for opportunities she didn't necessarily think she would get. Her message? Back yourself. You’re probably never going to feel completely ready.We talk about creating opportunities rather than waiting for them, learning from rejection, finding great mentors and having the confidence to believe you belong in the room. We also dive into what sporting organisations can do to better attract and retain women and girls in coaching, umpiring and officiating. Abbie shares some of the practical issues women still encounter — from umpire abuse and inadequate change-room facilities to access to sanitary products and appropriate sports bras — and why asking women what they need only matters if organisations are prepared to listen and take action. You can’t be what you can’t see. So share this episode with every aspiring girl in the sporting sector. Learn more about the W32 program here https://www.swimming.org.au/get-involved/coaching/national-coaching-framework/women-in-coaching Learn more about the TIS Women in Coaching Scholarships here https://www.tis.tas.gov.au/coaching-centre/wcs Learn more about the Umpire Accelerator Program here https://play.afl/tasmania/news/three-tassie-umpires-picked-for-national-program Learn more about the VIS Aspire Coach program here https://vis.org.au/athlete_performance/aspire-coach-program/ https://vis.org.au/athlete_performance/aspire-coach-program/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: www.wsrt.org.au/membership

At a time when sporting organisations across Australia are working hard to attract and retain more women and girls, could one part of the solution be surprisingly simple — better education, more supportive environments and free access to period products? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa Bowman is joined by Professor Clare Hanlon from Victoria University, Rochelle Courtenay from Share the Dignity, and Tasmanian wheelchair basketball athlete Katherine Reed to talk about menstruation, period products, disability and participation in sport. The conversation explores the ground breaking Powering Participation research into the menstruation support needed by people with disability in sport — and some of the findings are difficult for sporting organisations to ignore. But this conversation goes well beyond simply putting pads and tampons in bathrooms. Katherine shares the realities of managing menstruation as a wheelchair athlete, including inaccessible and unsuitable bathroom facilities and challenges many coaches, administrators and facility managers may never have considered. Together, Clare, Rochelle and Katherine explore period poverty and menstrual equity, accessible sporting facilities, education for coaches, the importance of normalising conversations about menstruation, and the practical changes sporting organisations can make now. And there's a powerful message for every club trying to attract and retain more women and girls:If we're investing in getting girls into sport, are we also creating environments that make it possible for them to stay? In this episode: - Why periods are causing girls and women to miss sport - Period products and athlete participation and retention - Menstrual equity and period poverty in Australian sport - The additional barriers experienced by athletes with disability - Accessible and appropriate sporting facilities - What male and female coaches need to understand about menstruation - Why period products should be available in sporting bathrooms and training kits - Practical steps clubs and sporting organisations can take now - Share the Dignity's Bloody Good Sport campaign - Why listening to lived experience matters Featuring: Professor Clare Hanlon, Victoria University; Rochelle Courtenay, Share the Dignity; and Catherine Reed from ParaQuad Tasmania, Wheelchair Basketball Athlete. Resources & Research Victoria University – Powering Participation: Insights on Menstruation Support Needed for People with Disability in Sport https://content.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/2026-05/disability-insight-guide-women-in-sport.pdf Victoria University – Bloody Good Idea: Free Period Products at Sports and Leisure Facilities – Insights to Help Governments and Sports Drive Change https://content.vu.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/2025-04/period-products-report.pdf Share the Dignity – Bloody Good Sport Pledge & Resources https://sharethedignity.org.au/advocacy-media/bloody-good-sport Australian Institute of Sport – Female Performance & Health Initiative: Education https://www.ausport.gov.au/ais/fphi/education Swimming Australia – Ignite Athlete Program https://www.swimming.org.au/performance/athlete-resources/ignite-athlete-program Swimming Australia – Managing Your Menstrual Cycle https://www.swimming.org.au/performance/athlete-resources/ignite-athlete-program/managing-your-menstrual-cycle England Golf – Menstrual Cycle https://www.englandgolf.org/menstrual-cycle Organisations & Guests Share the Dignity https://sharethedignity.org.au/ Victoria University https://www.vu.edu.au/ ParaQuad Tasmania https://www.paraquadtas.org.au/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership/ New episodes every week.. be sure to subscribe and follow

How do we create sporting environments where girls don’t just join — but actually want to stay? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa Bowman from Womensport & Recreation Tasmania sits down with Shakira Bone from Southern Wolves Basketball Association, winners of the Women and Girls Participation Award at the 2026 Clubs Tasmania Awards. Shakira shares the practical strategies Southern Wolves are using to increase participation and retention for girls, including girls-only opportunities, building confidence before competition, prioritising social connection and creating visible pathways from junior player to senior athlete and coach. We also explore Southern Wolves’ success in developing female coaches and leaders, including actively inviting young women to step into coaching, pairing new coaches through a buddy system and surrounding them with support rather than waiting for them to put their hands up. Then we turn the spotlight on Shakira herself. From coaching her first team while still in Year 7 to working through the Basketball Tasmania pathway, Shakira is now a development coach with the Tasmania Jewels — a role she pursued even though it wasn’t originally advertised. Shakira talks candidly about self-doubt, putting yourself forward before you feel completely ready, learning from other women in coaching and her ambitions to continue progressing through Tasmania’s high-performance basketball pathway. In this episode: - Why confidence is so important for keeping girls in sport - Creating girls-only spaces where young players feel comfortable - The role of friendship and social connection in participation - Turning senior female athletes into the next generation of coaches - Why personally inviting women into leadership can make a difference - Shakira’s pathway from junior coach to the Tasmania Jewels - Overcoming fear of failure and backing your own strengths - What grassroots sport can learn from high-performance environments If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: wsrt.org.au/membership New episodes every week.. be sure to subscribe and follow

Could you be eligible for para sport without even realising it? In this episode of There She Is, Katherine Reed from ParaQuad Tasmania challenges some of the biggest misconceptions around wheelchair basketball and who can play. Katherine shares her own remarkable journey from aspiring jockey to spinal cord injury at 19, discovering wheelchair basketball in rehabilitation and ultimately representing Australia. She explains why you don't need to use a wheelchair in everyday life to play, the surprising range of physical impairments that may qualify someone for para sport, and the pathways available for athletes wanting to take their sport further. We also explore the power of para sport beyond competition — from confidence and identity to friendships, community and learning from others with disabiliy — and Katherine's work creating more opportunities for Tasmanian women and girls through Her Path to Play. Whether you have a disability, a long-term injury, work within sport or simply want to understand para sport better, this conversation might completely change your perception of who gets to participate. In this episode: - Who can actually qualify for wheelchair basketball. - Katherine's journey from aspiring jockey to representing Australia. - Why para sport can offer a new pathway for athletes after injury.- The community, confidence and connection sport can provide. - How Her Path to Play is getting more Tasmanian women and girls involved. Keen to learn more? Head to ParaQuad Tas https://www.paraquadtas.org.au/ Register for the Her Path to Play program 12 Sept Hobart 10 Oct Devonport https://events.humanitix.com/host/katherine-reed Basketball Tas https://www.basketballtasmania.com.au/where-can-i-play/wheelchair-basketball/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership

People often assume there's an age when competition ends, ambition fades and it's time to slow down. Kim Holcombe is living proof that's simply not true. At 77 years old, Kim became the 2026 World Masters Table Tennis Champion in the Women's Over 75 Doubles, but her journey to the top wasn't straightforward. She didn't discover table tennis until she was 39, battled self-doubt for decades, and spent years believing she wasn't good enough—even when others could see her potential. In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Kim to explore the mindset behind becoming a world champion later in life, the role confidence plays in performance, and why staying active has given her purpose, friendships and a reason to keep striving. From training in Vietnam and funding her own international competition through her handmade crafts, to challenging perceptions of ageing, Kim's story is one of resilience, determination and lifelong learning. In this episode we discuss: - Why Kim didn't take up table tennis until she was 39. - How self-belief became the biggest factor in her success. - The mindset lessons that helped her become a World Champion. - Why lifelong participation in sport matters for physical and mental wellbeing. - The realities of funding Masters sport and competing internationally. - How sport continues to create purpose, friendships and adventure later in life. - Why Kim believes women should never stop challenging themselves—regardless of age. Whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend walker, or someone wondering if it's too late to try something new, Kim's story is a powerful reminder that there is no expiry date on growth, achievement or the joy of sport. If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership

Getting active isn't just about exercise—it can be the first step towards building confidence, making new friends and discovering a healthier, more connected life. In this episode, Philippa sits down with Corina McCarthy, Health Promotion Worker and one of Tasmania's most experienced Get Active Program (GAP) facilitators. Having delivered almost 30 programs across the state, Corina shares why GAP is changing lives by making physical activity welcoming, accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Together, they explore:- What the Get Active Program (GAP) is and who it's designed for. - How the program combines health education with fun, local physical activities. - Why social connection is just as important as exercise for long-term wellbeing. - How trying new activities helps build confidence and lifelong healthy habits. - The role local community organisations play in supporting participants beyond the program. - What makes a great GAP facilitator and how you can become one. - Why creating welcoming environments helps more people enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Whether you're looking to become more active, support your community or become a GAP facilitator, this episode will inspire you to take the first step. Learn more about the Get Active Program or become a GAP facilitator: https://www.wsrt.org.au/getactive If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://www.wsrt.org.au/membership

Too many capable women aren't stepping into leadership roles they could absolutely flourish in. If you've ever doubted whether you're ready to lead, this conversation is for you. In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Leadership Coach Monica Beazley to explore why so many capable women doubt themselves, what psychological safety has to do with speaking up, and how sporting organisations can create environments where women feel they truly belong. Together they unpack why confidence isn't always the issue, how women can recognise the incredible leadership skills they already possess, and practical strategies to step into coaching, committees, board positions and leadership roles with greater confidence. In this episode we discuss: • Why confidence is often confused with psychological safety. • Practical strategies to speak up in meetings and leadership environments. • The leadership skills women develop through sport, work and motherhood. • Why women are often over-mentored but under-sponsored. • How sporting organisations can intentionally create pathways for more women to lead. • Simple mindset tools to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome. • Why visibility and representation matter for the next generation of women and girls. This is an episode to listen to on repeat, pause often and come along with your pen and paper. Follow Monica and learn more here: https://www.monarchmanagement.com.au/coaching https:// www.instagram.com/monarchleadership/ https://www.facebo ok.com/monarchleadership/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership

Every athlete wonders how they'll balance life, ambition and the unexpected—but what happens when motherhood enters the picture? In this episode of There She Is, Philippa sits down with Commonwealth Games silver medallist, educator and athlete Kaity Fassina to explore the realities of returning to elite sport after becoming a mother. Kaity shares the emotional journey of discovering she was pregnant while pursuing Olympic dreams, the challenges of navigating sporting systems that weren't designed with mothers in mind, and why becoming a mum ultimately became one of the greatest strengths of her athletic career. Together, they explore: - Why becoming a mother doesn't have to mean the end of a sporting career. - The emotional realities of pregnancy, identity and elite performance. - How motherhood transformed Kaity's mindset and became her greatest competitive advantage. - The importance of support, flexibility and psychologically safe environments for athlete mothers. - Practical ways sporting organisations can better support women through pregnancy, parenthood and beyond. - Why we need to stop seeing mothers as a barrier and start recognising them as an incredible asset to sport. This is an inspiring conversation for athletes, coaches, sporting organisations and anyone passionate about creating environments where women don't have to choose between family and pursuing their sporting ambitions. Follow more of Kaity's journey on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kt_weightlifting_coach/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership

Every athlete wants to perform at their best—but what happens when your body simply doesn't have enough energy to keep up? In this episode, Philippa sits down with internationally renowned sports physician and researcher Professor Margo Mountjoy, one of the world's leading experts on Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (REDs). Together, they unpack what REDs actually is, why it's far more common than many people realise, and the early warning signs that athletes, parents and coaches should never ignore. In this episode, we explore: - What REDs is and why it affects far more athletes than many people realise. - The early warning signs every athlete, parent and coach should know. - Why losing your period is not a sign of athletic success. - How low energy availability impacts performance, recovery, bone health and long-term wellbeing. - Why adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable to REDs. - The role coaches, parents and sporting organisations play in creating healthier sporting environments. - How we can shift the conversation away from body size and towards performance, health and longevity. This episode will give you a greater understanding of how to better support the women and girls in your sporting community. Learn more about Margo here https://margomountjoy.com/ Follow Margo on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drmargomountjoy/ If you believe in creating stronger pathways, healthier sporting environments and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, we'd love your support. Become a WSRT member: https://wsrt.org.au/membership

What if one of the most powerful ways to keep girls in sport, is about strengthening the relationship they have with the adults who support them? In this episode, Professor Philip Morgan, founder of the Daughters & Dads program, shares more than a decade of research exploring how fathers and father figures can help girls build confidence, competence, resilience and a lifelong connection to sport and physical activity. Through an innovative program that combines sport, parenting strategies and quality one-on-one time, Phil and his team have seen remarkable outcomes—not only in girls' participation and skill development, but also in wellbeing, self-belief and family relationships that continue years after the program ends. In this conversation, we explore: - Why confidence and competence are critical to girls' participation in sport- The unique influence fathers and father figures can have in girls' lives - How co-participation in physical activity strengthens relationships and wellbeing - The subtle gender stereotypes girls still encounter every day - Building resilience and helping girls navigate barriers and setbacks - What keeps girls engaged in sport through adolescence - Practical parenting strategies that support connection, communication and confidence - Why belonging may be even more important than participation This is a powerful conversation for parents, coaches, teachers and sporting organisations alike. It highlights how small, intentional actions can have a lasting impact on girls' confidence, opportunities and lifelong relationship with sport. Learn more about Daughters & Dads (become a partner or a facilitator) https://www.daughtersanddads.com.au Are you looking for an innovative approach to ensure girls stay in sport?Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered is an evidence-based program that brings together fathers/father-figures and their primary-aged daughters to: - Improve wellbeing - Strengthen the father-child bond and improve family functioning - Advance gender equity - Promote physical activity in families Daughters and Dads sport-specific programs include cricket, football, basketball and cycling. We have experience partnering with dozens of national and international partners to empower thousands of girls to thrive through sport and positive father involvement. If you are interested in learning more or partnering with the University of Newcastle, please contact DaughtersAndDads@newcastle.edu.au If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member. Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

Body image is one of the leading reasons girls disengage from sport, yet many of the barriers are things we can change.In this episode, Dr Zali Yager from The Embrace Collective joins us to explore the powerful connection between body image, confidence, belonging, and participation in sport. Drawing on years of research and practical experience, Zali shares simple but impactful strategies that parents, coaches, clubs and sporting organisations can implement to create more inclusive environments where girls feel comfortable, confident and supported. In this conversation, we explore: -Why body image can have such a significant impact on girls' participation in sport - The role uniforms play in confidence, comfort and belonging - How parents can support positive body image at home - Practical ways coaches can build confidence without focusing on appearance - Helping girls navigate social media and comparison culture - Why representation and diversity matter in club marketing and communications- Understanding body talk, body shaming and the lasting impact of seemingly small comments - The simple changes sporting clubs can make to create safer and more welcoming environments From uniform flexibility and inclusive club culture to social media habits and positive coaching practices, this conversation is packed with practical ideas that can help more girls feel like they belong in sport. You'll walk away with simple actions that can make a meaningful difference in helping girls stay active, confident and connected. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Embrace Hub https://theembracehub.com/ Activate Playbook for Sporting Clubs https://theembracecollective.learnworlds.com/activate Sport Integrity Australia – Sport Is For EveryBODY Resources https://www.sportintegrity.gov.au/SportIsForEveryBODY If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

Adventure doesn’t have to look one way — and neither does recreation. In this episode, Nicola Hughes from The Swag Family shares the story behind an extraordinary decision to step outside the expected path and cycle around the world with her husband and three children — travelling for 696 days and covering almost 14,000 kilometres together as a family. Along the way they discovered that adventure isn’t always about going further or faster, but about slowing down, embracing uncertainty, and creating space for connection, growth, and possibility. This conversation explores motherhood, raising capable kids, doing things differently, and what can happen when you stop waiting for perfect conditions and simply have a go. Nicola reflects on challenge, flexibility, community, and the powerful lesson that some of life’s most meaningful experiences begin with one small decision to step outside your comfort zone. A beautiful reminder that there are many ways to participate, move, explore, and create your own version of adventure. Learn more: https://swagfamily.au/ https://open.spotify.com/show/7253JUESv3MupkqBDwKxGy? si=201b612690794f9c https://www.instagram.com/swagfamilyhughes/ If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport & recreation, you can support our work by becoming a WSRT member for only $20. Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

After years competing as an able-bodied rower, Ella Marshall’s sporting journey took an unexpected turn when she explored para classification and stepped into a whole new chapter of high-performance sport. Within months, she transitioned from classroom teacher to full-time athlete training with Rowing Australia and preparing for international competition. In this episode, Ella shares her experience navigating classification, identity shifts, and the importance of support systems in sport. A powerful conversation about asking questions, embracing opportunity, and why visibility and pathways matter for women and girls in sport. If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member. Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What if building a career in sport starts with simply saying yes?In this episode, Chelsea Wing shares her journey from player to coach — and how a series of small opportunities led to a career in high-performance football.Now working within the Football Tasmania Academy and with experience across state programs and national pathways, Chelsea’s story highlights what’s possible when young women step into coaching and back themselves along the way.In this conversation, we explore:- How Chelsea transitioned from playing into coaching at a young age- The power of saying yes to opportunities — even without a clear end goal- Navigating confidence, imposter syndrome, and stepping into leadership spaces- The role of visibility and why more female coaches matter- How scholarships and support programs can accelerate developmentThis episode is a powerful reminder that pathways in sport don’t always start with a plan — sometimes they start with curiosity, courage, and taking the next opportunity in front of you.Chelsea was one of the very deserving recipient of one of our Coaching Scholarships. To find out more or to donate to a new Emerging Coach Scholarships click here: https://www.wsrt.org.au/emerging-coach-scholarships-new

What does it take to shape the culture of a sporting organisation from the ground up — and use sport as a vehicle for real change? In this episode, Lauren Jauncey shares her journey from a career in corporate leadership and strategy to working in sport as General Manager of Strategy, People and Culture with the Tasmania Devils. With a background spanning global organisations and leadership roles, Lauren brings a fresh perspective to sport — showing how culture, inclusion, and strategy are just as critical as performance. In this conversation, we explore: What “culture” in sport actually means — and why it matters How corporate skills translate into leadership roles in sport The power of speaking up and influencing change (including closing the gender pay gap in sport) Practical ways clubs and volunteers can shape positive, inclusive environments Balancing career, leadership, and family — and the reality of different life stages This episode is a powerful reminder that sport has the ability to bring people together — and that strong leadership can shape not just teams, but entire communities. If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member. Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What happens when sport is intentionally designed to work for women? In this episode, Catherine Graue from Trail Ventures shares how trail running events in Tasmania are leading the way in creating more inclusive, accessible, and supportive sporting experiences. From achieving near 50/50 participation, to implementing practical, real-world changes that remove barriers for women, Catherine offers a powerful example of what’s possible when organisations truly listen and adapt. In this conversation, we explore: How trail running is attracting more women — including those new to sport Simple but powerful changes that make participation more accessible Supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and life transitions Creating family-friendly environments (including childcare and flexible participation) Why visibility, representation, and feedback are key to driving change From breastfeeding spaces to flexible deferral policies, this episode is packed with ideas that other sports and clubs can learn from and implement in their own way. This is a must-listen for anyone looking to create more inclusive sporting environments — and a reminder that small, thoughtful changes can have a huge impact. Learn more here https://kunanyimountain.run/supporting-women If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member. Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

What if the biggest barrier to women staying in sport is something we’re not talking about?In this episode, Peta Titter, founder of WHEN (Women’s Health and Education Network), shares powerful insights into perimenopause — and how it impacts women’s participation, performance, and wellbeing in sport.From physical changes like joint pain and fatigue, to cognitive shifts, confidence, and motivation, this conversation highlights why understanding this phase of life is critical — not just for women, but for coaches, clubs, and leaders.In this episode, we explore:- What perimenopause actually is — and why many women don’t recognise it- How hormonal changes impact performance, recovery, sleep, and mental health- Why women are more likely to drop out of sport during this phase- Practical strategies to support training, strength, and overall wellbeing- How coaches and organisations can better support and retain women in sportThis is an essential conversation for anyone involved in sport. Because when we understand women’s health, we create environments where women can stay, thrive, and continue to contribute — at every stage of life.Learn more & find more resources here: https://when.org.au/ If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership

Why are girls dropping out of sport — and what can we do to change it? In this episode, Karen Wills shares her journey from player to coach, and now into leadership and research focused on improving participation and retention for women and girls in sport.As Head of Women’s Development at Taroona Football Club, Karen brings decades of experience — alongside a deep understanding of the real challenges facing girls in sport today.In this conversation, we explore:- Why girls drop out of sport during their teenage years- The growing need for social, flexible sporting options- How culture, inclusion, and environment impact participation- The realities of coaching as a woman in male-dominated spaces- Emerging research into female health and its impact on participation- Karen also shares practical insights for clubs, coaches, and leaders — from rethinking program structures to creating environments where girls feel supported, heard, and motivated to stayThis episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about keeping girls in sport — and building systems that truly support them.If you believe in creating more visibility, stronger pathways, and better opportunities for women and girls in sport, you can support this work by becoming a WSRT member.Join us at wsrt.org.au/membership