Football Queensland (FQ) continues to make significant strides towards its 50/50 gender parity target across all aspects of the game, further highlighted by the recent election of five female FQ Members preceding the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 25 May.
Sarah Jones (Far North & Gulf), Roslyn Minnikin (Metro South Chair), Azra Rantucci (Northern), Jodie Dickens (South Coast) and Rebecca Whisker (Sunshine Coast) were elected by their respective region committees, showcasing the growing statewide strength of female representation in the game.
“Of the 10 new Football Queensland members, we saw the election of five female FQ Members representing the voices of our football community across the state, which is tangible evidence of our game’s commitment to women and girls in all aspects of football,” FQ President Paula Robinson said.
“FQ Members make crucial contributions to the growth and development of the game here in Queensland, and diversity among these voices at the table will be reflected in the inclusive design and direction of our game for current and future generations.
“A key target outlined in FQ’s 2023-2026 One Football Strategic Plan centres around female representation with all Queensland club boards, committees and FQ members meeting the 40/40/20 gender representation target by 2027, and the election of these new FQ Members is a significant step towards achieving this across multiple regions in Queensland.
“Following a huge 2023 that saw the game reach new audiences and engagement levels like never before and after FQ recorded an incredible 44% increase in outdoor female players in the first quarter of 2024, we are excited to further consolidate the growth of female representation on the pitch with similar progress off the pitch in vital governance roles.
“Alongside the election of the new FQ Members, Football Queensland also announced the re-election of Board Director Amy Chapman following the recent AGM as the FQ Board of Directors maintains a 50/50 gender balance, further underscoring our game’s commitment to gender parity at every level.
“Having such a diverse group of esteemed members within football’s governance ranks helping to design an inclusive future for the game in Queensland will ensure that more participants, particularly women and girls, can get involved in the game earlier and remain engaged for life.”
Download Football Queensland’s 2024-2026 Women & Girls Strategy here.
