More girls than ever to take a Power Trip to Parliament

Posted on 2 November, 2018

More young rural women than ever before have won a ‘Power Trip’ to Canberra to connect with influential female politicians and CEOs, after being announced winners of Country to Canberra’s prestigious Leadership Competition. 

A record-breaking 18 girls are being rewarded for their outstanding ideas about diversity and leadership.

“Hundreds of young women submitted phenomenal videos and stories, making it an incredibly tough selection process,” says CEO of Country to Canberra, Hannah Wandel. “From Nhulunbuy in the Northern Territory to Dubbo in New South Wales, we’re thrilled to have a diverse mix of girls this year. They’ll be great ambassadors for their local communities when they shine on the national stage in Canberra.”

Dubbed ‘the experience of a lifetime’, the Power Trip includes a Powerful Women’s Breakfast at the Hyatt Hotel, meetings with Federal Ministers, mentorship sessions, a tour of Parliament, leadership and public speaking training, tickets to Question Time and more.

“In past years, the teenage winners have met with former Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, Deputy Opposition Leader Tanya Plibersek and even the Prime Minister,” says Hannah.

Kate Perrett

“It’s all about empowering rural girls to reach their leadership potential, by combating both gender and geographical barriers to success. We want to help more young women take on leadership roles, and ensure girls in the bush can access career and education opportunities,” she said.

16-year-old Kate Perrett from Nanango in Queensland is looking forward to the trip.

“It’s so important for us as young rural women to have our voices heard,” she says.

Shekinah Taderera

18 winners were selected from the 2018 Leadership Competition – more than ever before. These are Emma Angstmann and Isabell Blundell of Nhulunbuy NT; Taylor Glover of Cummins SA; Madeline McShane of Port Lincoln SA; Abi Archbold of Victor Harbor SA; Sarah Recklies of Kununurra WA; Sophie Luscombe and Hannah Bowden of Busselton WA; Hannah Whytcross of Camperdown VIC; Vamisre Rajasegaran of Warrnambool VIC; Kate Perrett of Nanango QLD; Ameliija Swaffer-Selff of Moura QLD; Shekinah Taderera of Port Douglas QLD; Sadie Buckland of Cygnet TAS; Chloe Quillerat of Redpa TAS; Nayani Navaneethan of Griffith NSW; Grace Mudge of Dubbo NSW; and Blessy Fernandez of Goulburn NSW. AgriFutures Australia generously sponsored 10 of the 18 winners.

Country to Canberra has published the Top 40 entries on its website and is passionate about keeping all entrants involved in the organisation.

“Our aim is to empower all rural girls to reach their leadership potential, and that’s why we also run our Project Empower workshops in schools,” explains Hannah. “We need to continue to encourage young women’s leadership, fight for gender equality and a fairer and more progressive Australia for all.”

The ‘Power Trip’ will run from 24-28 November. Visit countrytocanberra.com.au for more information.

Feature image: Nayani Navantheen