Meet your Australians – Heather Reid AM – 2026 ACT Senior Australian of the Year

Heather Reid has made it possible for thousands of women to play football, both in the Australian Capital Territory and around Australia. Heather was instrumental in establishing the Australian National University Women’s Soccer Club in 1978 and the Australian Capital Territory Women’s Soccer Association a year later. As the first female CEO of Capital Football in 2004, she brought together four associations into a single peak body and secured Canberra United’s inclusion in the national W-League, helping to promote the game to a wider audience. Heather has continued to support and mentor players, coaches and administrators, both locally and internationally. She set up the Heather Reid AM Bursary to help pay the registration fees of players in need of assistance, ensuring that financial hardship is not a barrier to participation. Heather’s vision and dedication to inclusion and equality have opened pathways for thousands of women to take part in sport. Learn more about positive ageing at health.gov.au/positive-ageing