This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “Give to Gain.”
We see this every day in our archery community through contributions from women at all levels of the sport, and archery richly gains because of what they give.
Whether behind the bow, behind the desk or behind the athletes, our passionate and hard-working female archers, coaches, staff, committee members and volunteers push the sport forward, contributing to stronger systems, more inclusive environments and a rich community culture.
Women of all generations and backgrounds are finding their place in archery. While we are grateful for their contributions every day, International Women’s Day gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the many ways women contribute to the sport as athletes, parents, volunteers, leaders and role models, and to thank them for the time, energy and care they invest as an integral part of our community.
We reached out to our community and were glad to receive images and stories from inspiring women across archery who are supporting its ongoing growth. They represent just a handful of the many women across Australia whose involvement, encouragement and presence at clubs helps make our sport so unique and welcoming.
Women in leadership
Archery Australia are fortunate to have some great leaders in high performance, governance, administration and participation. Gina Rees has had a significant impact on the HP program to ensure our athletes can shine on a world stage. Megan Nally has provided over a decade of service with archery, and it’s exciting to see the next generation advocating for the sport in Alyssa Mollema.
Our participation leads, Jade Wilcockson in WA and Sarah Haywood in Tasmania, are engaging with females in the sport through forums and courses to better understand their needs. They are creating targeted, inclusive participation opportunities and working to strengthen the representation of women and girls in archery through female-led sessions and mentoring.
Coaching and mentoring
Women in coaching, mentoring and support roles are creating positive experiences for athletes of all ages. Sarah Fuller works with the National squad’s para and new para-athletes, developing and improving adaptations to support their needs. Alice Ingley, assistant Olympic coach, is also establishing a futures program. Both are inspiring coaches across Australia.
Community and connection
Connection and community are at the heart of archery, and women help foster environments where friendships can grow and people feel welcomed in a club they feel proud of.
One example is the Les Gazelles female-only tournament that Archery SA holds every year, hosted by The Farm Indoor Archery Club. It’s a fun and friendly event with music, dress-ups and fundraising, with proceeds going toward a youth scholarship fund that helps young female archers with the costs of equipment, tournament fees and uniforms.
Proud parents are watching their daughters thrive as they develop skills and build lifelong friendships based on sportsmanship, encouragement and a shared joy for archery.
Volunteers
Volunteers keep archery running, and many of the sport’s most dedicated volunteers are women.
Often, those who were once supported by volunteers choose to give back, carrying forward the same kindness and encouragement they once received. Louise and Celeste Kennedy are a great example of this. What they gained from the archery community has inspired them to give back through beginner courses, special events and junior coaching, a natural extension of the encouragement they received as a parent and a national athlete in the sport.
Across clubs and states, dedicated women contribute by serving on committees and taking on voluntary roles. Fiona Hyde does great work tracking results and keeping the archery diary committee moving. Lynne Greenham generously gives her time, resources, support and knowledge to WA Archery. Jenny Semmler’s friendly ‘can do’ attitude in the Barossa Archery Club hasn’t just solved problems but has created a lasting legacy that keeps members actively involved.
Cathey Brimage, Erin Bryant and Marriane Rieckmann in SA always step forward to volunteer, raise funds and serve on committees. Kerry Cheras in SQAS contributes to events, committees, rankings, team selections, coaching, judging, and so much more.
Supporting women in sport
Recognition is also due to those who actively support female participation and leadership, who see the potential in others, value their contribution, and understand that diversity strengthens governance, culture and performance. Their support helps break down barriers and creates an environment where women and girls can see themselves reflected at all levels.
Thank you to all the women and all those who support them in what you give, archery gains throughstrength, connection and community.
