News of the landmark partnership to build the future of Australian softball and empower the next generation of Indigenous talent and female leaders was first announced at the “Advancement of Women” A.G. Coombs Leadership Academy Event in Melbourne on 25 June. (Pictured right to left) Sarah Bealse, Aussie Spirit softball star; Russell Telford, A.G. Coombs Managing Director; Stacey Porter, Softball Olympic champion and proud Kamilaroi woman; Tiffany Cherry, award winning sports journalist; Hannah Scott, Aussie Spirit softball star; Sarah Loh, Softball Australia CEO; and Aaron Clark, A.G. Coombs Social Procurement, Inclusion & Engagement Executive Leader.

Melbourne, 30 June 2025 — Softball Australia is proud to announce a significant three-year partnership with leading building services specialist A.G. Coombs Group, aligning two organisations with a shared commitment to excellence, inclusion and community development.

This landmark partnership will see A.G. Coombs play a pivotal role in supporting two cornerstone initiatives currently underway: the Stacey Porter National Indigenous Talent Identification Academy and the Tanya Harding Women’s Leadership Academy. Both programs are central to Softball Australia’s long-term strategy to build inclusive, elite sporting pathways and develop future leaders within the sport.

“We are excited to welcome A.G. Coombs to the Softball Australia family,” said Sarah Loh, CEO of Softball Australia. “This partnership is built on shared values — inclusion, leadership, community and innovation. Together, we are investing in the future of Australian softball and empowering the next generation of Indigenous talent and female leaders.”

A Shared Vision for Excellence and Equity

A.G. Coombs is widely respected for its industry leadership and strong commitment to people and culture. Their Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan is focused on creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace by increasing Indigenous participation, advancing women in trades and leadership, and supporting people of all abilities through accessible and inclusive practices. The plan also champions social procurement and partnerships with diverse enterprises to drive broader community impact.

This commitment aligns seamlessly with Softball Australia’s mission to create meaningful pathways for underrepresented groups and nurture leadership across all levels of the game. Together, A.G. Coombs and Softball Australia are investing in a more inclusive and empowered future through sport.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief in strength and high performance through diversity and inclusion,” said Russell Telford, Managing Director of A.G. Coombs Group. “We are proud to support Softball Australia and the meaningful academies they champion.”

“Together, A.G. Coombs and Softball Australia help advance Indigenous and Non-Indigenous athletes achieve sporting success on the world stage,” added Aaron Clark, A.G. Coombs Group Social Procurement, Inclusion & Engagement Executive Leader.

Softball legend, Olympic champion and proud Kamilaroi woman, Stacey Porter celebrates the landmark Softball Australia and A.G. Coombs partnership with A.G. Coombs Group Managing Director, Russell Telford.

Empowering Pathways: The Stacey Porter National Indigenous Talent Identification Academy

Named after softball legend and proud Kamilaroi woman Stacey Porter, the Academy is designed to:

• Identify and nurture talented Indigenous girls and boys across Australia.
• Provide participation pathways from grassroots through to talent programs.

Stacey Porter is one of Australia’s most celebrated athletes. She made history as the first Indigenous Australian to represent Australia in softball at three Olympic Games, earning a Silver Medal at Athens 2004, a Bronze Medal at Beijing 2008, and finishing 5th at Tokyo 2020. She also captained the Aussie Spirit to an undefeated Olympic Qualifying campaign for Tokyo — a milestone in Australian softball.

Softball Australia Aussie Spirit stars (pictured left to right) Hannah Scott and Sarah Bealse at the “Advancement of Women” A.G. Coombs Leadership Academy event.

Inspiring Leaders: The Tanya Harding Women’s Leadership Academy

Named in honour of four-time Olympian and medallist Tanya Harding, the Academy will deliver a robust leadership framework designed to:

• Build athletes' mental resilience, mindset and performance capacity.
• Provide career development, leadership pathways and retirement transition support.
• Foster a mentorship culture, highlighting the preparation and mindset of Olympic-level athletes.

Tanya Harding is one of Australia’s greatest ever pitchers. A four-time Olympian, Tanya has been inducted into the Australian Sports Hall of Fame and remains an iconic figure in international softball.

Australian Women’s National Softball squad, Aussie Spirit, pictured at High-Performance Camp in Japan on 1 July 2025.

Back row (pictured left to right) Kylie Steemers, Jayme Reddacliff, Kandra Lamb, Maddison Schofield, Shannon Keevers, Brianna Young, Grace Wrixon, Pippa Adkins, Amelia Fidge. Middle row (Left to Right) Neve Adams, Olivia Elliot, Sarah Bealse, Bella Lorenzo, Georgia Hood, Madison Scott, Jayda Lorigan. Front row (left to right) Hayley Bonython, Hannah Scott, Jenna Trim, Shayla Whatman, Tamieka Whitefield, Olivia Kuzminski

National Pride: Supporting Our National Teams

The partnership will also see the A.G. Coombs’ logo featured on the national playing shirts of both the Aussie Spirit and Aussie Steelers during their upcoming international tournaments.

• The Aussie Steelers, reigning world champions, are heading to the 2025 WBSC Softball World Cup on 8 July, aiming to defend their title before travelling to China for the 2025 World Games.
• The Aussie Spirit are currently in Japan for a high-performance camp, ahead of their campaign at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China this August.

As Softball Australia and A.G. Coombs embark on this exciting three-year partnership, the shared vision is clear: to build a more inclusive, empowered and high-performing future for softball across the nation.

Softball Australia extends its sincere gratitude to A.G. Coombs for their unwavering support of these visionary programs and their commitment to the national teams proudly representing Australia on the world stage.

For further information, media interviews or imagery, please contact:
Taylah Perry 
Marketing and Executive Manager - Softball Australia
E: taylah.perry@softball.org.au