For one week, a group of young women from remote and regional communities across Australia came together with a shared purpose: to challenge themselves, build new skills and discover what's possible when opportunity is matched with belief.
The 2026 DREAMD Academy delivered far more than elite football coaching and the inaugural Dreamd Cup. Through leadership workshops, mentorship, education and cultural connection, participants were encouraged to grow both on and off the field, developing confidence, resilience and support from some of the best AFLW players in the league.
Supported by Rob Clarke & Ian McAdam from the Redtails Pinktails coaching academy, Science-of-Fitness, several AFLW Stars and the incredible Lulu Pullar, the academy provides an environment where young women can see new pathways for their future while strengthening the connections they have with their communities and each other.
For Durack Civil, supporting initiatives like the DREAMD Academy reflects a broader commitment to investing in regional and remote Australia. While our work often centres on delivering infrastructure that connects communities, we're equally proud to support programs that invest in people.
Throughout the week, our team captured the stories behind the academy, from moments of determination during training sessions to conversations that revealed the personal journeys of the participants. The 2026 DREAMD Academy serves as a reminder that meaningful change is built through opportunity, connection and the willingness to invest in the next generation of leaders.