Canberra initiative a capital idea

Young women in regional WA are being encouraged to apply for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the nation’s capital through the Country to Canberra initiative.

The popular leadership competition awards young women with an all-expenses paid trip to Canberra to meet with politicians and CEOs, advocate on key issues, undertake leadership training, tour parliament and more.

Country to Canberra deputy chief executive Han Worsley said the trip empowered young rural women to step outside their comfort zones.

“Past winners have met with top leaders and gained leadership skills that have helped them go on to make a difference in their local communities,” Ms Worsley said.

The 2020 leadership competition question is “How can women and girls empower each other and their communities in times of uncertainty and change?”

Ms Worsley said this year’s question was a reflection of the world we were living in.

“Through bushfires, drought and now COVID-19, this year has been a challenging one for many rural communities,” she said.

“We would like the entrants to reflect on the impact this has had on themselves and their communities.

“We want to hear young people’s views on how we can push through these challenges.”

Students in Years 10 to 12 interested in taking part in this year’s Country to Canberra can apply via the website countrytocanberra.com.au. Entries close on September 4.