Diverse young leaders strengthen rural communities in so many ways. I have seen this demonstrated many times since I live in Mareeba (a rural town) through friends, family and leaders within the community. Diversity strengthens teams, and allows for more strength, collaboration and ideas. Young leaders also bring different perspectives into groups, since they experience life differently and deal with other issues.

In rural communities, there can be influential factors, and not as much contact or support from the bigger world. Young, diverse leaders in rural communities can help advocate for issues such as racism, suicide and misogyny. Strong leaders can create positive change anywhere, yet in rural communities where we need it most, we find a lack. Corruption, misinformation and similar issues can be widespread without a strong leader in a community. As I mentioned, I live in Mareeba, which has seen growing rates of youth crime, suicide and health crises. Many people can make misinformed decisions, like just locking kids up to deal with crime, instead of looking at the root of the problem in these kids’ lives. Just another reason a young leader is beneficial.

My sister, who is a massive inspiration for me, also demonstrates this, being an outspoken and high achieving aboriginal girl, while also interacting with those in the community, going to the Cape, talking to knowledgeable people and being very down to earth. I have watched changes being made, such as paying attention to our roads, polluted waterways and crime.

To strengthen rural communities we need connections, and young people can do that, as seen with protests around the world, especially for issues like climate change. Young, diverse leaders understand struggles, their peers and have the future to look to, especially to make changes. For isn’t life a two-way street (very common saying) where to learn you must first be willing to listen, to make change you must first change yourself and to earn respect you must first show it?

There are changing times, what with global warming, inflation and even the referendum. Without recognition of changes in communities, especially by relevant leaders, we can’t support anyone. Overall, we need diverse young leaders in rural communities if we want to combat crippling impacts of distance and strengthen communities.

(Below is a short poem I wrote of this topic)

I see with fresh eyes, like a fawn reaching for dew.
I know not of the world, only what is around me
My mother does though.
Why don’t we have wings like the birds, or fangs?
Condemned only to graze on land
Land slowly deteriorating into fences and fire
Do they know?
Do they look above and wonder, or just laugh?
Do they know what I do?

If only.