As part of Female Football Week, Football Australia is hosting webinars to showcase and highlight the women who make up the Australian football ecosystem.
Officiating: Breaking Down Barriers for Women in Sports Officiating
Targeted at those in the community who aspire to progress their refereeing journey. Panel discussion with current female referees about how their journey in elite refereeing and how they can continue to develop environments to support the growth of women and girls in sports officiating.
- Date: Thursday, 8 May 2025
- Time: 8-9pm (AEST)
- MC: Samantha Lewis (Women Onside)
Panellists:
- Belinda Sharpe - Match Official and Project Coordinator - Strategy & Umpire (National Rugby League)
- Eloise Sheridan - International Umpire (Cricket Australia) and Learning and Development Lead - Refereeing (Football Australia)
- Karen Hennessy - National Female Engagement Lead (Football Australia)
- Casey Reibelt - FIFA Referee (Football Australia)
Get to know our panellists
Belinda Sharpe - Match Official and Project Coordinator - Strategy & Umpire (National Rugby League)
Being the first female to officiate in National Rugby League (NRL), a Test Match and at a World Cup, Belinda Sharpe is used to breaking new ground. She has since officiated in more than 200 first-grade games in the NRL, including 17 as a centre referee. She has also controlled 3 NRLW Grand Finals and 7 Women’s State of Origin matches.
Eloise Sheridan - International Umpire (Cricket Australia) and Learning and Development Lead - Refereeing (Football Australia)
Eloise Sheridan is a trailblazing Australian cricket umpire renowned for her groundbreaking achievements in the sport. Her umpiring journey began after a successful playing career in South Australia's Premier Cricket. In addition to her incredible experience in cricket, Eloise is the Learning and Development Lead – Refereeing for Football Australia, combining her two passions of education and sport.
Karen Hennessy - National Female Engagement Lead (Football Australia)
Karen Hennessy is a passionate advocate for women and girls in sport, renowned for her leadership in community engagement and sports development. She is the founder of Women in Sport WA, an initiative she established to amplify the visibility and representation of women in sports across Western Australia. Karen has recently taken up the role of National Female Engagement Lead for Refereeing with Football Australia.
Casey Reibelt - FIFA Referee (Football Australia)
Casey Reibelt is a FIFA-listed referee with extensive experience on the national and international stage, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup. This year, she was part of the historic all-female referee team that officiated in the A-League Men’s competition, marking a significant milestone for women in football. Casey is passionate about inspiring the next generation and driving greater representation for women in all areas of the game.
MC: Samantha Lewis (Women Onside)
Sam Lewis is a passionate advocate for gender equity and inclusion in sport. As a former ABC journalist Sam has covered all levels of the game, from grassroots to Olympic Games and World Cups. As the Impact Manager for Women Onside Sam leads initiatives focused on policy reform, community engagement, and creating safer, more inclusive spaces for women and LGBTQIA+ people in football.