By Yvette Peverell
When it comes to inspiring women to step up, get active, and lead with confidence, Coastrek and Sport SA are a dream team.
As Coastrek prepares to return to the Fleurieu Peninsula in September, Founder Di Westaway OAM is excited to welcome Sport SA as an event partner and help create awareness around the opportunities offered to women at the Sport SA Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport:
“Both Coastrek and the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport are focused on creating opportunities for women to thrive - whether that's through sport, outdoor adventures, or simply connecting with like-minded women. So, it makes perfect sense that we’ve joined forces to make an even bigger impact for women and girls in South Australia. This is something I’m incredibly passionate about having dedicated my life’s work to helping promote and improve women’s health.”
Different Paths, Same Mission
The Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport, launched by Sport SA and backed by the South Australian Government, supports the development of females across all levels of sport - from athletes and coaches to administrators and board members. The Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women's Sport delivers targeted education, leadership, development, and inclusive training designed to equip women with the skills and confidence to play, lead and influence future generations. Named after trailblazer Marjorie Jackson-Nelson, who famously broke barriers as both an Olympic gold medallist and South Australia’s first female Governor, the Centre embodies her legacy of breaking barriers and championing excellence.
Meanwhile, Coastrek has been getting women out hiking on some of Australia’s most stunning coastal trails since 2009, raising over $55 million for charity along the way. With team hiking challenges across the country, Coastrek is all about fun, fitness, friendship, fresh air - and uniting to fundraise for a worthy cause that benefits the entire community.
Around 1000 trekkers are set to gather on the Fleurieu Peninsula on Friday 5 September, hiking for mental health and raising funds in support of Beyond Blue.
Famous Faces: Juliet Haslam & Ali Clarke
Olympic gold medallist and Sport SA Senior Leader for Strategy, Juliet Haslam, is a strong supporter of this partnership, having taken part in several Coastrek events as an Ambassador and will again lace up her hiking boots for the 2025 event. She knows what it takes to lead in sport - and she’s excited about what happens when women come together to support each other.
“At Sport SA we’re passionate about building pathways for women to lead, excel, and shape the future of sport,” Juliet says. “Partnering with Coastrek allows us to extend that mission - empowering women to connect, challenge themselves, and champion wellbeing in every part of their lives.”
Also walking the talk (literally) is media personality and longtime advocate for women’s health, Ali Clarke. As an Ambassador for both the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport and Coastrek, she’s a firm believer in the power of showing up for yourself and for others.
“Whether you're hiking 20km or 35km along our beautiful South Australian coastline or taking your first steps into sport or leadership, it's all about showing up for yourself and for each other,” Ali says. “That's what Coastrek and the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport are all about - lifting women up through connection, courage and community.”
So what does this mean for Coastrekkers?
When trekkers cross the finish line in Port Elliot and enter the vibrant Finisher’s Village, they can pay a visit to the Marjorie Jackson-Nelson Centre for Women’s Sport Activation Stand and find out more about the opportunities available for women to grow as leaders in sport.
More Information:
Visit www.mjncentreforwomenssport.com.au to find out more.
Register interest or sign up for Coastrek at coastrek.com.au - grab a few friends, lace up your hiking boots, and do something great for yourself and your community.
