Shelley Ware is a proud Yankunyjatjara and Wirangu woman from Adelaide, South Australia. She currently calls Melbourne home and will be hiking for healthy hearts as our Coastrek Ambassador on the Mornington Peninsula in May.
For the past two decades, Shelley has worked in the media as a radio and television presenter on both local and national AFL football news shows. During that time, particularly as a member of NITV’s Marngrook Footy Show team, Shelley has become one of the most respected and recognised female presenters of AFL football in the country. She is now an education consultant, a regular on the Broad Radio show and she writes a fortnightly AFL column for the Koori Mail.
Throughout her career, Shelley has been recognised for her contributions to Indigenous issues, women's health, and women's sport. Shelley continues to be an influential voice and her advocacy has helped to raise awareness and bring about positive change for First Nation Australians, women, and athletes.
“I am pleased to support Coastrek’s mission to get more women out moving in nature and to help build awareness on heart health in our Indigenous communities.
The rate of Rheumatic Heart Disease in First Nations Peoples is amongst the highest in the world. Rates increase with remoteness and are most prevalent in females and young people between 5-14 years. Acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease are largely preventable with adequate preventative measures, eardiagnosis and appropriate treatment, and Coastrek fundraising will support measures to end rheumatic heart disease in Australia.”
As a sports journalist and presenter, Shelley has also been a strong advocate for women's sport. She has been a regular commentator on the Australian Football League (AFLM) and is a proud supporter of the women's league, AFLW. Shelley has used her platform to highlight First Nations players and call for greater investment and support for women's sport, arguing that it can be a powerful tool for promoting gender equality and empowering young women.
