Women’s Sporting Success will Lead to Change

During the Women’s Soccer World Cup being played in Australia and New Zealand, former Socceroo and co-Chair of ARM, Craig Foster chooses to highlight the achievements of the Matildas in contributing to change for the betterment of the country. Foster writes that “sport creates, contributes to and shapes culture and national identity….the Matildas represent the promise of a future Australia and we see in their deep self-assuredness and confidence, our own. This is amplified by the old rivalry with England, Australia’s former colonial rulers.” Foster predicts questions will now be asked of Charles, the newish Australian and British monarch, about his role in fostering change and leading renewal towards the Australian Republic because Australians have advanced in their understanding of their past, warts and all. Foster adds that our own Head of State should represent Australia with passion, standing alongside the team and not supporting the United Kingdom only. [“The Matildas’ courage is changing the Australia narrative. The question is: What next?” by Craig Foster, The Guardian online, 14 August 2023]