Cowra’s very own Danielle Spence stood proudly on rugby league’s biggest stage on NRL Grand Final night, where she was presented with the Women in League Community NRL Award.
In front of a record breaking audience of more than 4.46 million viewers, the moment came as the Brisbane Broncos claimed victory in both the NRL and NRLW premierships, but for Cowra, all eyes were on Ms Spence.
Ms Spence has become a true local hero whose tireless work has transformed opportunities for women and girls in rugby league.
Ms Spence has been the driving force behind the She Matters Movement, a grassroots initiative that has redefined what inclusion looks like in community sport.
Her leadership has not only opened doors for female players but has changed the culture of local rugby league in Cowra.
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Recognising the challenges female players faced, including a lack of suitable facilities, Ms Spence set out to make real change.
She spearheaded efforts to upgrade the Sid Kallas Oval, personally leading fundraising drives, navigating red tape and working closely with council, Crown Land and local stakeholders.
Her perseverance paid off earlier this year when new female change rooms were officially opened in April 2025, marking a major milestone for women’s sport in Cowra.
But Ms Spence’s path wasn’t easy.
She faced hurdles at every stage, from outdated infrastructure and resistance to change, to multiple failed grant applications.
Yet she remained determined, joining the Cowra Sport and Recreation Committee to ensure that women’s sport was given a seat at the decision making table.
By uniting clubs, players and officials around a shared vision of equality, Ms Spence has created lasting change, showing that meaningful progress begins at the grassroots level.
In receiving her national recognition, Ms Spence’s work has now been acknowledged on the biggest stage in rugby league.
