Amy speaking at the Impact Beyond event for Athletes For Hope Australia in June 2024.
"I’ve always been a believer that you should use your platform, whatever that may be, to make a positive impact. It gives you perspective when sport is not going so well that there’s much more going on in the world than a loss, or a bad game.”
Amy Parmenter is a shining example of an athlete who excels both in her sport and in her commitment to community contribution. Speaking at our Impact Beyond event earlier this year, Amy shared her powerful story and personal motivation as co-founder of The Tie Dye Project, an organisation that raises funds for cancer research, as well as her thoughts of athlete community leadership. The very definition of a 'purpose-led athlete', Amy is constantly looking to evolve as a people-centred leader and to serve those around her with impact.
Born in Sydney, Australia, Amy Parmenter's passion for netball developed at a young age. Her professional career took flight when she joined the Giants Netball team in the Suncorp Super Netball league in 2019 and won the 2019 Super Netball Rising Star award, as well as a spot in the Australian Diamonds squad.
Known for her exceptional defensive skills and agility, she quickly became a key player for the Giants, primarily in the wing defence position. Amy's career reached new heights in 2024 when she assumed the captaincy of the Melbourne Mavericks. Under her leadership, the Mavericks have thrived in their inaugural season, securing a spot in the finals and showcasing her strategic mindset and ability to inspire her teammates. She is also a member of the 2024-2025 Origin Australian Diamonds squad.
Amy representing the Australian Diamonds against South Africa. Source: Melbourne Mavericks website.
When it comes to giving back with impact, Amy walks the walk. She is the co-founder of The Tie Dye Project (TDP), an organisation born from sisterly love and childhood memories, blossoming into a colorful mission of hope and healing. In 2017, Amy Parmenter and her sister revived their late mother's tie-dye passion, transforming it into a fundraising initiative for cancer research.
Amy at a Tie Dye Project event with co-founder Molly Croft. Source: The Tye Die Project
Their journey took an inspiring turn in 2018 when Amy and her then Giants teammate Kiera Austin met Molly Croft, a 12-year-old battling high-grade osteosarcoma, at the Sydney Children's Hospital Radiothon. Molly's resilience, infectious smile and shared love for netball forged a friendship that would change their lives. As Amy navigated her netball career, Molly's unwavering spirit became a source of inspiration and purpose. With over half a million dollars raised since 2017 and over 9,200 items tie dyed, the TDP has supported a range of sarcoma related projects in partnership with The Kids Cancer Project and the Cooper Rice Brading Foundation.
Amy’s athlete community leadership has extended beyond her work with TDP. She has also supported the Netball Development Trust, a UK-based charity that uses netball as the vehicle to bring mental, physical and reproductive health programs to developing countries.
In 2023, Amy joined a though a three week program a celebrity coach, contributing her expertise to a significant initiative that saw more than 100 children playing netball.
Amy working with Netball Development Trust in Zimbabwe.
Source: Amy’s Instagram account.
Amy is passionate about the impact that athletes can create, regardless of the stage of their sporting pathway or the reach of their public profile. It's not only part of her personal values, but also as a key component of her leadership style with the Melbourne Mavericks.
“Athletes benefit from community service because it puts your day to day life, your training, everything - into perspective. It gives you something to focus on post career, and during your career. I think it is a good way to be a role model not just because of what you do on the field, but also because of the stuff you’re doing around it," says Amy.
When AFHA delivered a Discover Workshop to the Melbourne Mavericks before the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball season kicked off, it was clear that community contribution is a central tenant of the club's ethos. From advocacy to raise awareness for World Eating Disorders Action Day, to a collaboration with Respect Victoria to bring attention to violence against women, the 'Mavs' recognise that their platform is a privilege, and use it to create purposeful impact. And with Amy at the helm, there is little doubt that this inspirational leadership will continue.
The Melbourne Mavericks at an Athletes For Hope Australia
workshop in 2024. Source: AFHA Instagram.
This years’ Tie Dye Festival will kick off on 24 November 2024 at Heffron Park, Maroubra in NSW. Donate and stay up to date with the Tie Dye Project here.
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