The NSW Swifts and the Giants will go head-to-head in this year’s ANZAC Day Derby and it will carry significance beyond the scoreboard, as the match shines a spotlight on Women Veterans Australia and the ongoing push for gender equality.
In a powerful show of support, the Swifts and Women Veterans Australia will recognise and celebrate the contributions of female service personnel, a group that has been historically underrepresented in national conversations surrounding military service.
Women Veterans Australia (WVA) is a not-for-profit organisation that has been advocating for women who have served in the Australian Defence Forces. WVA is committed to providing unwavering support to help all women veterans achieve their full potential and gain visibility and recognition within the community and political landscape.
The Derby will include an all-female pre-game ANZAC Ceremony, while attendees will have the opportunity to engage with and learn more about the vital work carried out by WVA.
Swifts Head Coach Briony Akle emphasised the commonality between the two groups and the importance of supporting such the cause:
“ANZAC Day is about honouring service and sacrifice, but it’s also about recognising all those who have contributed, and that includes women whose stories haven’t always been told”, she said.
“As a Club, we are proud to support Women Veterans Australia and to play our part in striving for greater equality and recognition.
“Elite netball is fast, physical and highly demanding but it’s not war – we all get to go home which isn’t always the case for our veterans.
“However, we do share a common bond with female veterans when it comes to the fight for equality and greater recognition in narratives that remain male-dominated.”
Chair of the Board at WVA Llani Kennealy highlighted the importance of visibility.
“For many years, women who served our country did so without the same recognition as their male counterparts”, Kennealy said.
“Visibility drives connection, and connection drives access to support, without it, women veterans are more likely to fall through the gaps.
“Support like this helps bring those stories to the forefront. It is about respect, acknowledgement, and ultimately striving for equality, ensuring that every veteran’s contribution is valued equally.
“To see elite athletes and organisations using their voice to support female veterans is incredibly powerful. It sends a message that equality matters not just in words, but in action”.
The Swifts and Giants go head-to-head on ANZAC Day next Saturday 25 April (5pm) at Ken Rosewall Arena.
To learn more about Women Veterans Australia visit womenveteransaustralia.org.au
