Hear from our women
Zara’s story reflects why we exist.
When women are given the right environment, they rise.
Zaras Story -A Female Co Athlete
Who we are
The Female Co is here to change the game for women up North. We use sport as our vehicle for that change. Our programs are designed and facilitated by women. They are built on lived experience and shaped by the voices of the young women in the room. Young women know what they need to thrive when the right space is created. We exist to create that space.
We hold high expectations.
We create safe environments.
We back our women properly.
Our Mission
Our mission is to sustainably reduce and eventually remove the social and economic barriers that limit women and girls in regional and remote areas of Northern Australia.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a community of truly empowered women and girls across regional and remote Northern Australia.
Women who have access to opportunity. Women who have confidence. Women who have what they need to fulfil their dreams without having to leave their family and support systems before they are ready and also have a community to return home to when they come back to the North.
Our purpose
Our purpose is to bridge the gap in opportunities for women and girls in Northern Australia that are readily available to our sisters in metropolitan cities down south.
We believe geography should not determine potential.
Our Founder
Our Founder, Libby Cook-Black is a proud Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait Islander) woman, former elite athlete, and the visionary behind The Female Co.
With a career spanning professional rugby league, government leadership, and community development, Libby founded The Female Co to break down the barriers she once faced—ensuring young women in regional and remote communities have access to sport, education, and leadership opportunities. Her lived experience, cultural strength, and unwavering belief in the power of women and girls drive everything we do.
She has a wonderful team of trainers, coaches, fitness experts and industry mentors who ensure our level of support and training is of the highest level whilst delivering our programs
Representative “Numbers”
Australian Jillaroos (Australia): Cap #137.
Queensland Maroons (Women): Cap #116. Queensland Rugby League.
Named in the side for the 2016 Interstate Challenge (pre-State of Origin).
Indigenous Women’s All Stars: No official cap list is published for the women’s All Stars.
Libby played and scored for the Indigenous Women’s All Stars in 2016, and was named in the 2017 train-on squad (injury at camp curtailed selection).
Key achievements (Sport & Leadership)
Founder & Managing Director, The Female Co (est. 2023).
Empowering women and girls, especially in remote/regional communities, through sport and education.
Australian Olympic Indigenous Coaching Scholarship (AOICS) recipient (2023/24).
Director, Northern Pride Rugby League (appointed 2022).
Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
Indigenous Marathon Program participant—completed IMF test events and distance milestones; profiled by ABC after her first marathon effort.
Awards & Honours
AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award – Queensland Finalist (2025).
Cairns Regional Council International Women’s Day (2024)
Women’s Recognition Award and Highly Commended (advocacy in women’s sport).
AIEF (Australian Indigenous Education Foundation) Alumna
AIEF scholarship to Pymble Ladies’ College (2011); later Justice/Law studies at QUT.
OPERATIONAL TEAM
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Sonya Barber
Program Manager
Steph Shirley
Athlete Development Lead, Strength & Conditioning Coach
Otis Gowa
Speed Specialist Coach
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