At just 15 years old, Tayah Morato  is about to take her game international. After a standout first year with All Nations Rugby Union , Tayah has been selected to travel with the U16 team to Japan this September (17–30, 2025) —a massive step in her journey as a young athlete.  Her rugby journey so far has already taken her across Queensland:  Brisbane Tour  – October 2024, U16s  Japan Tour  – September 17–30, 2025, U16s  Brisbane Tour  – October 23–26, 2025, U16s  Balancing s

At just 15, Tayah Morato is emerging as one of Far North Queensland’s brightest dual-code talents, excelling in both rugby league and rugby union. From Wanders Junior Rugby to state and regional teams, her journey reflects dedication and passion. A proud participant in The Female Co’s First Nations and Elite Athletes Programs, Tayah continues to chase her dream of becoming an elite athlete — inspiring young women across the North.

At just 14, Mikaylee “Miki” Martin has become one of Cairns’ most dedicated young basketballers. With multiple state and national appearances, her journey reflects grit, discipline, and passion. A proud member of The Female Co’s Emerging Athlete Program, Miki continues to grow on and off the court — driven by big dreams of representing Queensland again and one day earning a U.S. college basketball scholarship.

At 16, Elizabeth “Liz” Simiona has proven that setbacks can spark comebacks. After tearing her meniscus in 2024, the rising netballer fought through rehab with determination and support from The Female Co team to earn her spot on the U16 Flames. From Pythons Gold to Peninsula and now Flames, Liz’s journey is a story of resilience, gratitude, and ambition — with dreams of representing the Firebirds, Diamonds, and Cook Islands.

At just 17, Ciarn MacBride is one of Far North Queensland’s brightest sporting talents, excelling in both netball and rugby league. From local roots to state, national, and international representation, she’s proving what dedication and opportunity can achieve. A graduate of The Female Co’s High-Performance Trial Program, Ciarn continues to inspire as she balances two elite sports with passion, resilience, and gratitude.

Chloe White selected as part of the Queensland State Pathways Program

CQUniversity is set to offer fresh support to women and girls in sport, thanks to a new partnership with FNQ-based initiative, The Female Co.

Libby is a Zenadth Kes woman from the Samsep clan on Erub Island, in the Eastern Torres Strait, with kinship ties to Badtjala country, K'gari and Hervey Bay. In June 2023, she founded the Female Co, a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls— particularly those in remote communities—through access to sport and education.

A Torres Strait entrepreneur has been recognised for her contribution to rural and remote parts of the state by being named a finalist in the 2025 Queensland Rural Women’s Award.

The Crisafulli Government has recognised the contribution of rural women to Queensland in business, agriculture and community by announcing the Queensland Rural Women’s Award finalists for 2025.

As the founder of The Female Co, Libby Cook-Black's vision has always been clear: to create a platform where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women are empowered with the best opportunities, resources, and support to reach their dreams—whether in sport, in the classroom, or in the workplace.

Australian Olympic Indigenous Coaching Scholarship (AOICS) recipient Libby Cook-Black has always been passionate about sport, however, as an Indigenous woman from Far North Queensland has always found sport quite difficult to access.

A FAR Northern First Nations woman is on a mission to empower women through sport and education with The Female Co.

CQUniversity staff, students and alumni are helping to break down barriers and pave the way for a more inclusive sporting industry this International Women’s Day (8 March 2024).

The Australian Olympic Committee has come around to adopt the well-worn adage of "you can't be what you can't see" by advancing opportunities and knowledge for First Nations sporting coaches to filter through to their mobs and the respective communities.

AIEF Alum Libby Cook-Black on how her scholarship has offered her much more than access to a quality education, in her keynote address at the launch of the AIEF 2016 Annual Report.

Indigenous all-rounder Libby Cook-Black joins Miranda to talk about her busy schedule and achievements playing Rugby 7’s for the Jillaroos and Cronulla Sharks while studying for a double degree in Law and Justice.