By Bernice Hay, Area Manager (ACT)

At Belgravia Leisure, we believe that championing safe, inclusive and empowering environments for women is essential. Our recent work in the ACT reflects this commitment in action.

This month, I had the privilege of co-hosting the 2026 BOSS W Canberra International Women’s Day event, alongside the Australian Swim Schools Association (ASSA). Held on 6^th March at Mercure Canberra Belconnen, the event brought together more than fifty passionate women from across the ACT’s sport and aquatics community to celebrate leadership, share knowledge and amplify the voices shaping our industry.

Playing an influential role in this event was important to me because as an Area Manager, a critical part of my role is creating pathways to support women – at every stage of their careers – to feel seen, valued and capable of leading. Whether that’s in operational roles, teaching, coaching or executive leadership; representation matters.

Whilst at the event, I was reminded that progress in our industry is the result of shared effort and commitment built through collaboration. I firmly believe that when women are given opportunities to lead, our entire sector becomes stronger.

Highlights from BOSS W Canberra, in honour of International Women’s Day

Throughout the day, we heard powerful reflections from women driving change in sport and aquatics. These conversations highlighted both the challenges and achievements experienced by women working across coaching, teaching and leadership roles.

Abi, Swim teacher at Stromlo Leisure Centre shared her lived experience as a dedicated instructor and athlete, navigating sport as a young woman whilst balancing performance, self-belief and growth. Her story resonated strongly, reminding us how influential young female voices are in shaping the future of our industry.

Keynote speaker Tracey Menzies Stegbauer shared powerful insights from her career with Swimming Australia and the AIS, advocating for women in sport and coaching. Emerging leader Gina Nixon also spoke, sharing her career journey and honest reflections on career pathways in sport and the importance of strong networks.

I’m grateful to Luke Daly for championing BOSS W and creating spaces where women feel  celebrated – values that deeply align with Belgravia Leisure’s community focus.

Here are my three practical tips for empowering women in sport and aquatics, informed by these learnings:

1. Lift up female voices   
   Ensure women, especially young and emerging leaders, are visible in decision making, panels and leadership opportunities. Representation builds confidence and shows others what’s possible. It was a pleasure to proudly co-host the event with Richelle Webb and Sinead McCarthy Powell from Stromlo Leisure Centre, whose leadership and commitment to empowering young women continues to positively influence our local sector.

2. Invest in mentorship and support networks  
   Encourage formal and informal mentoring. Having someone to learn from, ask questions of and lean on can be the difference between staying silent and stepping forward.

Starting out as a young female leader myself, I recognise the value of mentoring opportunities. I’m proud to mentor several female aspiring leaders within the Belgravia Leisure network, pushing them to step outside of their comfort zone – as this is where leaders often need to be. Whether that be in presenting to large groups, handling difficult situations at work or supporting their ongoing training via leadership courses, mentoring opportunities can be priceless for a female looking to take the next step in her career. I also feel lucky to have Katherine Foreman as a mentor at Belgravia Leisure, whose inspiring leadership has paved the way for progress in our sector.

3. Create safe, flexible and inclusive workplaces  
   Empowerment thrives in environments where women feel safe to speak up, balance life commitments and grow without fear of judgement. Inclusive cultures don’t happen by accident, they’re intentionally built by leaders who are charged with the task of creating and promoting a culture of social inclusion.

Looking ahead 

While International Women’s Day was officially recognised on 8^th March, meaningful change extends far beyond a single day. The momentum from this year’s gathering reinforces just how vital these conversations are. By continuing to elevate women’s voices, share lived experiences and champion leadership at all levels, we strengthen the entire aquatics and sport sector.

I’m already looking forward to the next BOSS Canberra event and to continuing the important work of fostering environments where every woman in aquatics feels empowered to lead and succeed.

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