Christine McLoughlin AM: Minerva Network Chairman, Brian Tyson: Managing Partner, SEC Newgate, Aimee Whelan: Sydney Swans AFLW , Tom Harley: Sydney Swans CEO, Sue Vercoe: Partner and Managing Director, SEC Newgate Research.

Sydney Swans AFLW player Aimee Whelan is benefitting from a new partnership between strategic communications firm SEC Newgate and not-for-profit organisation the Minerva Network.

Minerva Network offers elite sportswomen the opportunity to regularly network with other athletes from other sports and access mentoring from some of the most senior professional women in Australia.

They also provide professional development opportunities for athletes in an independent environment, away from the clutter of their day-to-day team, sport, family, friends and fans. 

SEC Newgate Partner and Managing Director of Research Sue Vercoe is one of Australia’s leading market and social researchers and will mentor Whelan as part of the partnership.

“I’m really looking forward to mentoring Aimee and supporting her career on the field at the Swans and off the field as a physio, as well as seeing more athletes join Minerva to enable them to achieve great things during their sporting careers and beyond,” she said.

Whelan, a member of the inaugural Swans team has moved to Sydney from Victoria this year and balances her football commitments with her work as a physiotherapist.  

She said she was really appreciative to be involved in the program and was looking forward to gaining plenty of l knowledge from her mentor, Sue, who she has already connected with.

“Sue has a wealth of experience, and I can learn a lot from her," Whelan said.

"Being an AFLW player, it's easy to focus on just footy, so Sue keeps my mind also focussed on how to get the most out of my physio career in terms of planning for the future and how to get to my ultimate goal and my 5-year plan.   

"It's been a great experience connecting with Sue already and I am looking forward to developing our relationship and having a really clear and exciting pathway in my physio and football careers."

Sydney Swans AFLW player Aimee Whelan with her mentor, Sue Vercoe: Partner and Managing Director, SEC Newgate Research.

The Minerva Network currently supports more than 280 athletes from more than 55 sports. The Network also includes more than 200 mentors from a diverse range of experiences across Australia’s corporate, government and not-for-profit sectors, from industries including media, financial services, agriculture, legal, tourism, technology, science, resources, education, retail, FMCG and health.

Minerva Network leaders include some of the country’s top business and sports leaders – such as Christine McLoughlin AM, Sam Mostyn AO, Romilly Madew AO, Ann Sherry AO, Peggy O’Neal AO, Kate Palmer AM, Christina Matthews, Sarah Kelly OAM and Lucille Baillie.

Minerva Network athletes include Australian Women’s Cricket captain Meg Lanning; Paralympic Champion Madison de Rozario OAM; Rugby Sevens Gold Medallist and NRLW player Emma Tonegato OAM, swimmer Cate Campbell OAM OLY; and Ellie Carpenter from the Matildas.

To find out more about the Minerva Network: www.minervanetwork.com.au

To find out more about SEC Newgate: www.secnewgate.com.au