As the end of the historic SA Women's Week nears and on the eve of International Women's Day in South Australia, a giant mural has been unveiled at Coopers Stadium to honour women in sport.
The mural, by South Australian artist Tayla Carlaw, recognises the legacy of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup as a celebration of women's football, women's involvement in sport and how we have advanced gender equality through it.
Commissioned by the State Government through the Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and Adelaide Venue Management, the mural overlooks the stadium's main entrance and measures 9m high by 5m wide.
"The brief was to create a vibrant, powerful artwork that celebrates the legacy and future of women in football, while also paying tribute to the FIFA Women’s World Cup matches held here in Adelaide," Tanya said.
"At its heart, the mural features an adult female player ‘inspiring greatness’ in a young athlete, set against an abstract background.
"Their connection speaks to mentorship, perseverance and the continuing growth of women’s sport.
"The ball uniquely blends the classic football pattern with a world map to symbolise the global sporting community, honouring the world-class teams that have played at the Stadium."
Following the opportunities provided by the FIFA Women’s World Cup to advance change for women in Australia and beyond, the State Government announced $18 million in legacy funding over three years for dedicated facilities, improvements and programs that will grow female sporting participation.
Adelaide United CEO Nathan Kosmina said the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 being played at Coopers Stadium was a "landmark event for our sport".
"The ‘Inspiring Greatness’ mural will be a reminder of the World Cup’s legacy in South Australia both today, and for future generations and is a fitting tribute to the growth of women’s football," he said.
Adelaide Venue Management CEO Martin Radcliffe agreed: "As passionate supporters of women’s football, it’s been a real thrill to work with a local South Australian artist to create this spectacular artwork."
"Not only does it stand as a legacy piece for the five 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches we hosted at Coopers Stadium, but serves as a lasting reminder of our ongoing commitment to supporting and celebrating women in football."
The first ever SA Women’s Week was launched this year as a celebration of women in South Australia and as a call to action for the community to consider the role they can play in driving change that advances equality for women and girls.
The event, being held from March 1-8, has been a resounding success, with more than 60 events held or scheduled across the week.
SA Women’s Week culminates in the Adelaide United International Women’s Day double header at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night (March 8), where the Adelaide United Women’s match will serve as the headline event for the night.
Fans are encouraged to cheer on the Adelaide United Women’s team who are playing for second spot on the table.
Meanwhile, nominations for the new South Australian Women of Impact Awards open tomorrow.
The awards recognise and celebrate women making an impact and creating positive change for women in South Australia across four categories:
- Impact in Industry Award – women making a positive impact in their industry
- Impact in the Community Award – women making a positive impact in their community
- Aboriginal Impact Award – First Nations Women advocating for their community and/or making a difference in their field
- Ending Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Impact Award – women dedicated to preventing and ending DFSV in South Australia.
Nominations can be made through the South Australian Women of Impact Awards website until 30 May 2025.The winners for each category are expected to be announced in September.
You can nominate someone for a Women of Impact awards here.
