Backing Hunter Women in Sport

The Wests Group Expands Minerva Network Partnership to Champion Hunter Women Athletes

The Wests Group, is proud to expand its partnership with the Minerva Network, a not-for-profit that has supported more than 1,000 female athletes by connecting them with business leaders to provide mentoring, career guidance, and professional development opportunities.

This new chapter builds on years of collaboration through the Newcastle Knights Minerva Scholarship, which has already supported athletes such as para-athlete Aimee Fisher, who combined her sporting career with completing a Bachelor of Medical Sonography; surf lifesaving champion Jemma Smith, who pursued a Bachelor of Education (Primary) while competing at the highest level; and NRLW player Jules Kirkpatrick, who balanced her playing commitments with a Bachelor of Education.

Their experiences highlight how Minerva helps athletes achieve not only on the field, but also in preparing for meaningful careers and futures beyond sport.

The Wests Group has committed $10,000 to strengthen Minerva’s initiatives in the Hunter, ensuring more athletes in our region have access to mentoring and professional development opportunities – from grassroots through to elite. Since its founding in 2017, Minerva has built a network of more than 350 senior mentors from industries such as finance, law, technology, media, and government, providing tailored workshops, networking, and career-transition support.

Victoria Momsen, Executive Director of Minerva Network, said:

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Wests Group and be more active across the Hunter region. The Hunter has seen incredible growth in women's sport activity recently, and we want to mirror that energy by strengthening our presence and support for the region's impressive depth of athletic talent. From our Newcastle Knights NRLW players to university athletes and emerging stars across multiple sports, this partnership will ensure more women athletes in the region have access to the mentoring and career development support they need to excel both during and after their sporting careers.”

Wests Board Member and former elite netballer Samantha Poolman is also closely connected to Minerva, having benefited from the program as an athlete and now serving as a mentor. Her involvement reflects the dual impact of the program – supporting women athletes while inspiring them to give back to the next generation.

Philip Gardner, Wests Group CEO, said:

“Our partnership with Minerva Network through the Newcastle Knights scholarship program has demonstrated the real impact that targeted support can have on young women athletes. We are proud to expand this relationship to support the broader Hunter sporting community. The region has always been a nursery for outstanding athletes, and we want to ensure our female athletes have every opportunity to succeed both on the field and in their future careers.”

The Wests Group reaffirm their commitment to empowering women in sport, celebrating their achievements, and ensuring they have every opportunity to succeed both on and off the field.