The AFL is pleased to announce AFL National Partnerships Manager Rosie Butler has been awarded the 2021 Jill Lindsay Scholarship at the 13th Women's Industry Summit held virtually yesterday, Thursday October 21.
The annual Summit, which was attended by more than 500 female players and staff across the AFL industry featured Australian of the Year, Grace Tame, as the keynote and celebrated the women within the game while highlighting the pathways of talented women across the AFL and clubs.
The Jill Lindsay Scholarship was established in 2011 to support the further development and career aspirations of talented women who are regarded as rising stars within the AFL industry.
AFL Executive General Manager of People Sarah Fair presented the scholarship to Rosie and congratulated her on receiving the prestigious award.
"On behalf of the AFL, I congratulate Rosie on being the well-deserved recipient of the 2021 Jill Lindsay Scholarship," Ms. Fair said.
"Rosie has long been involved in Australian Football and has a strong passion for the game at all levels. Her commitment to excellence is underpinned by her strong work ethic and through her work she has become known as a value-based leader who puts her team first, is honest, respectful and delivers first class results.
"While the impacts and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic remain ongoing, Rosie has played a key role in ensuring the AFL's commercial partnerships remain strong.
"This year, we received a record number of truly outstanding applications from women right across the football industry. The AFL Executive and General Managers had the privilege of reading through all the applications but also had the tough job of selecting a winner which was endorsed by the AFL Commission earlier this week.
"There are many talented women across the AFL and the 18 Clubs, and we remain absolutely committed to strengthening pathways and development opportunities to advance their careers in the industry."
Rosie said she was honoured to receive the award in the name of Jill Lindsay and thanked those around her who have supported her professional career.
"I grew up in the small town of Tallangatta in regional Victoria and growing up I played footy with my brothers and sisters," Ms. Butler said.
"I have always held a deep passion for the game and love how football can impact a community – I feel really lucky that I get to play a small role in that through my work.
"It is an honour to receive this scholarship in the name of Jill Lindsay, a true trailblazer in our game. Jill was a pioneer in changing how women in leadership positions are seen and I truly admire all she achieved.
"I would like to thank my amazing team and the leaders at the AFL who have embraced my style and supported me on my journey in the game. I hope that I can, in turn, support those around me in a similar way."
Rosie will receive $20,000 to invest in further professional development and will receive 12 months mentoring from Executive Coach and Facilitator, Andi Pert.
Jill Lindsay
Jill Lindsay was a trailblazer in the AFL industry and in 2002, Jill was inducted as the AFL's first female Life-Member in recognition of her 41 years working with the VFL/AFL.
Jill paved the way for women in the AFL industry. After Jill had courageously fought cancer and then passed away in 2011, the AFL established the Jill Lindsay Scholarship to create pathways for young women to move into the industry and to advance careers.
The Jill Lindsay Scholarship has traditionally been awarded to the female graduate with the most potential to come thorough the AFL SportsReady program, however, this year the eligibility was expanded to include all women employees across the AFL industry – AFL and the 18 clubs.
Previous Jill Lindsay Scholarship winners are:
2019 - Trish Squires, Head of AFL Queensland
2018 - Jessica Tedge, AFL House Licensing Category Manager
2017 - Maddy Collier, AFL NSW/ACT Female Ambassador
2016 - Chelsea Randall, Swan Districts Football Cub
2015 - Emily Wastle-Hopkins, AFL Queensland
2014 - Emily Buysen, North Melbourne Football Club
2013 - Lauren Byrnes, AFL SportsReady
2012 - Hayley Robinson, AFL Umpires Association
2011 - Nicole Rowlings, Carlton Football Club
Please note: The Jill Lindsay Scholarship was not presented in 2020 and the AFL is pleased to be able to resume its annual presentation.
