Being an elite athlete isn’t all sunshine and roses – Zahara Temara worked hard to get where she is today. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Professional footy and creative design isn’t a career crossover most would expect, but for Canberra Raiders Women co-captain Zahara Temara, it just works.
‘Zee’ joined the Raiders in 2023 following five action-packed seasons with Sydney Roosters Women.
The halfback has seen plenty of highs in her sporting career so far. She represented Australia as a Jillaroo in the 2017 World Cup and 2018 Test Match against New Zealand, has competed in five New Zealand Māori All Stars games, and played for the Queensland Maroons in no less than seven Women’s State of Origin matches.
But Zee says her most recent achievement is probably one of her proudest.
“I’ve actually been able to bring a lot of my skills from playing footy into the corporate world,” she says.
“Everything started when I met Kylie Burnett, the co-CEO of Parbery, at the 2023 NRLW season launch. We were chatting about leadership and values in sport when she asked me what I’d do if I wasn’t playing footy.
“I told her art is really important to me, so something creative. That answer was the first step that led to a job.”
Zee now works for Parbery as a marketing and creative assistant. Most of her day is spent coordinating design projects and creating graphics for online content, which is balanced by training.
Finding the right workplace can be a real struggle for female athletes. Having a flexible schedule is a must, and unfortunately, not every business is willing to meet in the middle.
“In the past, relocating to compete has meant quitting my job. Having to look for work all over again is really stressful,” Zee says.
“Lots of businesses think it’s a risk, but actually, the support Parbery gives me is pretty simple. When I need to play footy, I play footy, and when I need to work, they trust me to do the work well.
“I have so much love and gratitude for my team. They see my value as a person, an employee, and a player.”
Zee plans to return Parbery’s effort tenfold, and says other Raiders players with similar arrangements share her appreciation.
Bringing Zee on was a no-brainer for Kylie, even if the Raiders star was new to the corporate world. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
Kylie Burnett co-founded Parbery in 2017 with her business partner Nick Chapman. They combined decades of experience in the public service and private sector to build a consultancy that values altruism without an agenda.
Having already worked with a few local women’s sporting teams, Parbery was well placed to support the NRLW Canberra Raiders and their co-captain.
“Zee had never done this kind of work before, but she did have great experience promoting women’s sport and a natural affinity for design,” she says.
“We value people, relationships and results equally. So when we found out Zee was looking for a job, getting her in for an interview was a no-brainer.
“Honestly, she’s a natural. Our marketing and creative team is better off with her in it.”
Kylie urges all employers to consider hiring female athletes, but not just to tick a box. It’s their strength, transferable skills, and community mindset that make these players special.
“Women in professional sports know what it means to work hard,” Kylie says.
“They’re passionate team players, they’re driven, resilient, adaptable, loyal, and they make great leaders. They’re also very active in our community, breaking down barriers to help other young women and girls follow their dreams.
“If you offer the flexibility they need to thrive, women like Zee can bring incredible value to your team.”
Canberra Raiders Women tackle the Brisbane Broncos Women at GIO Stadium on Sunday, 10 August, from 1:45 pm. Secure your tickets through Ticketek.
