The Cowra Magpies community is celebrating one of its own, with Danielle Spence being named the National Women in League Award winner for 2025, an award from the NRL Community Awards.
Chosen from over 200 nominees nationwide, Danielle has been recognised for her tireless volunteer work with the Magpies and her leadership in establishing the She Matters Movement, which has fought for improved facilities for women in rugby league at Sid Kallas Oval.
Her impact has been described as transformative.
Not only did Danielle rally for change, but she also sourced funding, led a small but determined team, and oversaw the project’s development to its current stage.
Known for her positive “can-do” attitude, she has become an inspiration within the club and the wider Cowra community.
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Danielle’s award win came as both a joy and a surprise for those who nominated her.
Penny Smith, secretary of the Junior League committee, was the one who put her name forward.
“I was just scrolling on Facebook looking for something else, and I saw the Woman of the Year nomination come up,” Ms Smith said.
“Danielle came straight to my mind.”
“I’d worked with her on the West Cowra recreation ground project, pushing for a female change facility, and it was a no-brainer for me.”
“I happened to have a bit of time, so I just filled out the application instantly,” she said.
Ms Smith said she always believed Danielle was deserving of the award, but the moment she heard the news was unforgettable.
“I was shopping in Silly Sollies with my son when I got the phone call to tell me she had won,” Ms Smith said.
“I started to cry, I was just really excited for her, because she’s such a quiet achiever.”
“She doesn’t want to be in the limelight, she just goes about her volunteer job.”
“I was anxious about how she would receive the news, but honestly, I was just so happy for her,” she said.
For Danielle, rugby league has always been close to home.
Her father once played for the Cowra Magpies, and that deep connection to the club and the game has fuelled her determination to improve opportunities for women.
Ms Smith believes Danielle’s passion is what sets her apart.
“Volunteering is often an unloved role,” Ms Smith said.
“You put your hand up because you’re passionate about something, because you believe you’ve got something to offer.”
“For Danielle, rugby league has been such a big part of her life.”
“To see her recognised in this way is such a bonus for her, and for the community that benefits from her work,” she said.
One of Danielle’s most remarkable efforts came in the form of sheer dedication.
In order to fund upgrades at Sid Kallas Oval, she personally made 95 Christmas puddings, a task that took hours of work.
“That was a mammoth effort in itself,” Ms Smith said.
“Those puddings take hours to cook, and she was determined to see the upgrade through.”
“That just sums her up, determined to make a change, and she achieved it,” she said.
The She Matters Movement, led by Danielle, has been a turning point for women in Cowra sport.
The campaign highlighted the urgent need for appropriate female change facilities, a cause that resonated widely and ultimately gained the financial backing required to become reality.
For Ms Smith, one of the most important parts of Danielle’s award is the opportunity to tell her how much she is valued.
“If Danielle could hear one thing from me, it would be to just believe in yourself,” Ms Smith said.
“Your [Danielle] contribution is valued far and wide.”
“The work you’re doing is so appreciated.” she said.
Within the Magpies club, Danielle’s win has been celebrated as a collective victory.
She has been praised as someone who has lifted the whole community with her leadership and optimism.
Danielle’s achievement has placed Cowra in the national spotlight, proving what can be accomplished when passion, persistence, and community spirit come together.
