Mentoring and Mateship
VIDEO: The Governor-General of Australia, and 2024 Paris Paralympics flagbearer Madison de Rozario share with HER WAY about their mutual respect and friendship.
When Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC officially became just the second female Governor-General of Australia in July this year, the first official function she hosted at Admiralty House on Sydney Harbour was the announcement of the Australian Paralympic Team Opening Ceremony flag bearers for this month’s Paris games.
At the event, ‘G-G Sam’ - as she invited HER WAY to address her - was also officially welcomed into the role of patron for Paralympics Australia. This appointment is by no means a token gesture.
The Governor-General is a true and authentic sports lover. She was the first woman to be named a Commissioner for the AFL, has served on the Board of Directors for the Sydney Swans, and even has the Best and Fairest Award for the Women’s Premier Division in the Sydney Australian Rules League named in her honour. In fact, the first two times I met the Governor-General, and began our tradition of having a selfie together, were at AFLW activities.
Her commitment and investment in the Para sports community is also significant. At the ceremony on that sunny winter afternoon, the Governor-General told those assembled about the impact Para athletes have had on her;
“So often, my friends in the Paralympic movement - many of whom are here today, have taught me the meaning of discipline. The discipline to pursue that which is essential to your essential nature of identity and wellbeing.”
A leader in business as well as issues of social, racial and gender equality over many years, ‘G-G Sam’ co-founded the Minerva Network, which aims to create and support opportunities for female athletes both in sport and their careers. The organisation is a who’s who of Australian sports stars, from Olympic and Paralympic gold medallists, to premiership and tournament winners, through to established and rising stars of lower profile sports. Through the Minerva Network, around five years ago the Governor-General became a mentor to one of the nation’s most inspiring athletes - Paralympic champion athlete Madison de Rozario.
So last month when the Governor-General hosted the announcement of Madi as one of two flagbearers for the Paris Paralympics Opening Ceremony, the moment took on more significance for them both due to the bond they share. At the announcement, HER WAY was given the chance to interview each woman about the other, and also asked ‘G-G Sam’ about the role of being Patron for Paralympics Australia. Watch what they had to say in the video below.