"We won a few, we lost a few, but we had some fun" Leader of Seanad Éireann Senator Mark Daly speaking about parliamentary sport, March 2021.

Recognition

The Recognition Sports Festival will resume as soon as the Senate Oval and Basketball/Netball Courts reopen which we hope is in time for the Q2 sitting weeks.

The Club has been active outside Parliament with the golfers competing for the Capital Hill Open won by Terry Young. Elsewhere, the Press v Pollies Cricket match was hosted at the magnificent Tuggeranong Valley Cricket Club. Rain affected and with lightning threatening the Gallery won with 3 wickets to spare, guided home by Jonathan Lea and James Glenday. Rick Wilson and Chris Meers were standouts for the Pollies but the depth of the Galleries batting won the day.The rugby section commenced its qualifying matches for the Parliamentary Rugby World Cup in France.

On debut - Garth Hamilton, the new member for Groom made his first start for the Golden Wombats and led from the front in a comprehensive victory for the Wombats.

The cricket and rugby teams enjoyed covid free sport shoulder to shoulder, forging stronger relationships and friendships and promoting healthy lifestyles. Playing sport is good for you.

Respect

The Club's annual Women in Sport Dinner fittingly took place in the Dame Dorothy Tangney Alcove last week.With a theme of leadership and legacy club members heard from four outstanding women leading their respective sports. Jayne Hrdlicka from Virgin Australia and Chair of Tennis Australia, Jane Fernandez, Chief Operating Officer Australia, FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia New Zealand 2023, Sarah Walsh Head of Women's Football, Women's World Cup Legacy & Inclusion; Matilda 2004-2012, Lynne Anderson CEO Paralympics Australia & Former Chair Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.

We were privileged to listen to the insights and anecdotes of these leaders, the challenges they face and continue to face, the skills and resilience needed and above all the legacies they want for their sport and women's sport in general. We should have filled the Great Hall because more people should be listening to this narrative. 

Nola Marino talking rugby with Wallaroo's Michele Milward and Michaela Leonard and Brumbies Super W Captain Jane Garraway

 

Former Matilda and Football Australia Director Amy Duggan discusses legacy in women's sport with the expert panel

Leaders in Sport - Sarah Walsh, Jane Fernandez, Amy Duggan, Jayne Hrdlicka, Lynne Anderson

Club Chairman Michael McCormack with Paralympians Vanessa Low and Scott Reardon