Individuals, clubs and organisations from across the state were recognised for delivering programs and initiatives that encourage girls to actively participate and thrive in sport.

Award recipients represented a diverse range of sports, including cricket, Australian Rules football, basketball, Surf Life Saving and netball, highlighting the breadth of work being done to support female participation across South Australia.

Winners were announced at a special event held at Karen Rolton Oval, hosted by Netball SA in partnership with the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing.

Now in their second year, the awards continue the legacy of the State Government’s The Power of Her (TPOH) initiative, which was launched to build on the momentum and inspiration generated by the Matildas’ historic FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign.

Additionally, the State Government has committed $18 million in funding through TPOH Infrastructure and Participation Program, supporting the delivery of safe, accessible facilities, programs and equipment that empower girls and women to get involved in sport.

The Power of Her 2026 Recognition Award winners are:

The Power of Her Champion of Change – Nathan Wohling (Eyre Peninsula Strikers Girls Cricket League)

Nathan has transformed opportunities for girls across the Eyre Peninsula, creating football and cricket pathways, where few existed. He removes barriers such as cost, and distance, he mentors emerging female coaches and advocates for equal access to resources and visibility. His programs have boosted participation, supported pathways to SANFL, AFLW, and representative teams, and helped normalise girls’ involvement in traditionally male-dominated sports. Through years of dedicated volunteer work, Nathan has built sustainable programs and empowered future female leaders, leaving a lasting impact on regional communities.

The Power of Her Emerging Leader – Hayley Hosking (Seacliff Surf Life Saving Club)

Hayley has made an outstanding contribution to Surf Life Saving, creating opportunities and pathways for young girls in a traditionally male-dominated space.
As vice-captain at Seacliff Surf Life Saving club and a member of the futures board, she has championed initiatives like ‘Women in Powercraft’ and ‘Pink Patrol’, whilst also volunteering over 400 patrol hours. Hayley was recognised as both South Australian and Australian young lifesaver of the year. Hayley continues to shape the next generation of female lifesavers.

The Power of Her Outstanding Organisation – YMCA South Australia

YMCA South Australia has set the standard for removing barriers and creating real opportunities for women and girls through sport and physical activity. As the state’s largest provider of community sport and recreation services, they reach millions of South Australians each year, with women and girls at the centre of everything they do. From female led programs and women’s only spaces, to child minding, inclusive facilities and programs that support women at every life stage, they have made participation accessible, welcoming and empowering. Just as importantly, YMCA South Australia leads by example. With a female majority workforce, women in leadership across every level, and a near zero gender pay gap, the organisation is reshaping what equity looks like in sport, not just for the participants, but for the workforce that supports them. YMCA South Australia isn’t just delivering programs, it’s driving lasting change for women and girls across South Australia.

The Power of Her Media Champion – William Crouch (Nine News)

As a sports reporter, William has used his platform to champion women’s sport, most notably through his groundbreaking coverage of the Adelaide Lightning at a critical moment in the club’s history. By exclusively breaking the story of the Lightning’s fight for survival, William not only elevated women’s basketball into the mainstream media spotlight but helped spark a groundswell of public support that ultimately led to the team being saved. His reporting forced meaningful conversation, increased visibility across multiple media platforms, and ensured women’s basketball received the coverage and respect it deserves.

The Power of Her Champion Local Club (Metropolitan) - Brighton Cricket Club

Brighton Cricket Club has set a new benchmark for how local clubs can grow women’s and girls’ participation in sport. In 2025, the club delivered inclusive, women-led pathways into cricket, from beginner programs and confidence sessions to South Australia’s first women-only smash competition, creating safe, welcoming opportunities for those new to the game. Led by its first-ever female president, Brighton has embedded gender equality across leadership, coaching and future planning, with junior girls teams thriving and a standalone women’s team on the horizon. Brighton Cricket Club isn’t just growing the game; it is reshaping what inclusion looks like at the community level.

The Power of Her Champion Local Club (Regional) - South Augusta Football Club

South Augusta Football Club shows just how powerful local sport can be. In 2025, the club created more opportunities than ever for girls and women to get involved in football, nearly doubling female participation and placing a strong focus on supporting Indigenous and disadvantaged players. Through school partnerships, community outreach and the support of a The Power of Her grant, South Augusta grew from two to four girls’ team and built a safe, welcoming environment where young women could give football a go and keep coming back. With strong female leadership, committed coaches and a deep connection to culture and community, South Augusta football club isn’t just growing the game, its building confidence, belonging and opportunity for girls and women across the region.

The Power of Her Partner Champion - Adelaide University: Netball SA and Adelaide Thunderbirds partnership

In their very first year as principal partner of Netball South Australia and the Adelaide Thunderbirds, Adelaide University made a powerful statement about what partnership in women’s sport can look like. Rather than focusing on traditional sponsorship, they centred their partnership on people, connection and community, reaching more than one million South Australians and using the Thunderbirds athletes as positive role models to link education and elite women’s sport. From championing First Nations initiatives and regional netball, to supporting pathways from grassroots to elite competition, Adelaide University has helped create more inclusive, more equitable opportunities for women and girls right across the state. This partnership isn’t just about visibility, it’s about opening doors, breaking down barriers, and investing in the future of women.