What is a rural community?

A rural community is a small town with a low population compared to urban areas. There is lots of nature and open spaces and fewer buildings and traffic than suburban and urban areas. Rural communities are essential to so many people. But this is not all that a rural community is. Rural communities are homes and families to so many. “It takes a village” is such a common, well known saying, but in a rural community, it is not just a saying, it is the truth. No where can you feel more like you belong, than in a rural community.

What is a diverse young leader?

Young leaders are passionate young people who care about their rural communities. We seek ways to overcome the challenges presented by living in a rural area compared to a metropolitan town. We do this to make our communities stronger for us and for future generations. We see the benefit of bringing communities together, working as a team to ensure we are not disadvantaged simply by where we live. Diverse young leaders are essential to the continuation of rural communities. We are the backbone of the future and without us, rural communities will eventually fade away.

I have a village. My village has allowed me to become who I am today. I have lived in my town my whole life and it is through the support of my family, my school and my broader community that I am who I am. They have built me, shaped me into becoming a young leader, and now it is my turn. To use my leadership skills to provide, to improve and give back to my community, to my home. I am proud to be involved in leadership opportunities in my community, I am proud to give back to those who have supported me and am proud to be able to lead the way for those coming behind me.

The lure of metropolitan areas is strong for young people. There are so many more opportunities for higher education, fun and meeting people. So many young people leave their small towns to get these better opportunities. Some may return, some may not. Those that stay or return must lead the way. We must keep our communities thriving. Without farmers and so many other businesses in rural towns, Australia would not survive. Diverse young leaders have the difficult job of enticing youth to stay or to come back to these rural towns. We do this by creating opportunities, organising events to encourage people to engage, to bring new people to towns and show them what a fantastic place we live in. To show everyone the villages we have and the support we can give.

Diverse young leaders are essential to rural communities, to keep them connected and to build stronger communities. They do this by being a voice for all and bringing the people of the communities together to create stronger bonds. Young leaders are open minded and willing to listen to others, we value diverse perspectives and opinions. We aim to inspire and motivate others. Most importantly young diverse leaders are resilient and are able to work through and overcome challenges with determination. We are always seeking ways to help us grow and to help the communities grow.

I am a young leader. I build connections and I work hard to make my village what it is, to ensure it will always be there for my brothers and sisters, for my kids and most importantly, for our future.