Keynote: Motivated to officiate and inspire

Biography

Delfina Shakespear balances her full-time role as a distinguished Program and Strategic Policy Manager in the Australian Public Service (APS) with her responsibilities as a High-Performance Match Official in the Australian A-league. With over 11 years of experience in the Australian Public Service (APS) and more than 15 years of officiating experience, including 11 years in the Ninja A-League ,, Delfina is a trailblazer in the field Delfina was the first woman from the ACT to achieve the milestone of 100 matches at the elite officiating level in Australia and the first woman to hold both ACT Men's and Women's NPL Referee of the Year titles in the same season (2019). Her extensive on-field experience has provided her with invaluable insights and a humanised perspective, which she brings to her leadership roles, including being the first female Vice President of the Professional Football Referees Association and a Board Director for Fearless Women ACT.

Delfina passionately advocates for the empowerment, equity, and opportunity for women and girls, both on and off the field. She volunteers her time as a mentor, educator, and administrator, providing strategic advice to Capital Football on refereeing and promoting opportunities for women to contribute and lead in sport governance. Striving for inclusivity and fair play, her leadership has positively impacted thousands within the sporting community.

Driven by a compelling mission to create a safer and more supportive environment for future generations, Delfina remains unwavering in her pursuit of gender equality and in ensuring young women and girls do not endure the challenges she faced. Thanks to her efforts on the recognition and respect for referees in the sport regardless of gender, all-women referee teams now regularly officiate senior matches in Canberra. Her strategic insight, coupled with her unwavering determination, has earned her numerous accolades, including the 2024 ACT Woman of the Year - Special Commendation Award for services to gender equity in sport, and being a 2025 ACT Australian of the Year - Local Hero Finalist for her gender equity advocacy in sport.

Delfina is a true trailblazer, an advocate, and a change-maker in the realm of sports and inclusive, safe environments within the sporting context.