International soccer superstar Lydia Williams, exclusive media partner CODE Sports and and exclusive streaming partner KommunityTV have today been announced as the latest additions to Pullman Melbourne on the Park's highly anticipated WOMEN. SPORT. THE. FUTURE Business Lunch Event. CODE Sports and KommunityTV are two brands within the News Sport Network, which in turn is part of News Corp Australia.

Rounding out a star-studded guest panel is Lydia Williams who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the line-up after almost two decades playing soccer at the elite level, both domestically and internationally.

Since her debut with the Matildas in 2007, Lydia has proudly represented Australia over 100 times. She also currently plays for Melbourne Victory in the W-League.

This year's panel discussion, 'Harnessing the Matilda Effect: Turbocharging Future Sporting Equality,' will be streamed on-demand after the event for free by KommunityTV.

“We are delighted for two of our brands to partner with this year's WOMEN. SPORT. THE FUTURE event,” said Sachin Kumar, General Manager, Product & Partnerships, News Sport Network, News Corp Australia.

“The discussion around the growth and progress of Women's sport in Australia is as exciting and engaging as ever and we are looking forward to sharing it with our network and the wider Australian public. The News Sport Network has demonstrated our bona fide commitment to women and sport through the deep coverage of the women's sport from grassroots to elite domestically and overseas. We also have a great partnership with Women Sport Australia (WSA), where we support their various initiatives year-round.”    

Hosted by Pullman Melbourne on the Park in partnership with Women Sport Australia (WSA), WOMEN. SPORT. THE FUTURE will welcome the return of MC, AFLW coach Daisy Pearce and guest panel featuring soccer superstar Lydia Williams, Western Bulldogs president Kylie Watson-Wheeler, journalist & author Sam Lane, former netballer & media personality Bianca Chatfield, and WSA president Helena Dorczak.

“Women's sport has experienced incredible growth in recent years and as a result, has enjoyed great wins and faced challenges along the way. There are plenty of discussion points on the topic, all of which I'm looking forward to exploring,” said Daisy. 

“WOMEN. SPORT. THE FUTURE. provides a platform to start many important conversations around women's sport, and I'm looking forward to facilitating these once again at next month's event,” she added.

Following a successful 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup campaign, the Matildas captured the attention and hearts of the nation. Their success has put women's sport in the spotlight and further paved the way for more sponsorship, revenue and marketing opportunities in the industry.

The luncheon will focus on the Matildas, their legacy and how the Matilda effect can turbocharge future sporting equality.

The 2024 event follows a highly successful inaugural year, which gathered over 250 people at Pullman Melbourne on the Park and raised over $15,000 for Women Sport Australia.

“Pullman Melbourne on the Park is thrilled to be hosting the second WOMEN. SPORT. THE FUTURE luncheon next month. Not only is it a platform for thought-provoking discussions, but it's an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for our wonderful event partners Women Sport Australia and contribute to the work they are doing for women in sport,” said Pullman Melbourne on the Park General Manager Stephan Leroy.

“Pullman Melbourne on the Park is 'position perfect' to Melbourne's sporting precinct, located just minutes from the MCG and AAMI Park and close to the home grounds of some of Melbourne's most iconic sporting clubs, and this event strengthens our connection to Melbourne's strong sporting culture,” emphasised Stephan.

30% of funds raised through ticket sales will be dedicated to Women Sport Australia, a peak national advocacy body for women in sport. Since its inception in 2005, the not-for-profit organisation has worked with emerging sportswomen in Australia, individual sporting clubs and sporting bodies, decision-makers and government bodies to improve gender equality and equity in sports in Australia. 

“We are looking forward to once again partnering with Pullman Melbourne on the Park to champion women's voices in sport and continue to advocate for gender equality at every level in sport,” said WSA's President, Helena Dorczak.

WOMEN. SPORT. THE FUTURE event is proudly sponsored by Sunsol, ACCOR Live Limitless, Freedom, CODE Sports and KommunityTV.  

Event Details:

What:                     WOMEN. SPORT. THE FUTURE Lunch

When:                    Friday 1st March 2024

Time:                     12.30pm - 3.00pm
Details:                 Harnessing the Matilda Effect: Turbocharging Future Sporting Equality 

                                Three-course lunch with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages 

Cost:                      $159 per head and $1500 for a table of 10.

Tickets on Sale Now. Secure your spot by booking via https://www.trybooking.com/CLZDA