I am Lilly Balmer, a proud regional Tasmanian. I attend a school of 821 students where I am the 2024 School Captain. In addition to my role at school, I am a proud sister, daughter, employee and volunteer. Recently I have taken part in the Voices for Tasmanian Youth (VTY), a group of 19 children and young people aged 10-18 from diverse communities across Tasmania. Within the VTY program I had opportunities to work with Premier Jeremy Rockliff and the Minister for Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch on improving the Tasmanian Government’s child sexual abuse reforms.

The phrase ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’ encapsulates the truth about the power of representation. When individuals see those who look like them or share their experiences and are achieving great things, it can transform their understanding of what is possible. 

For me, women leaders in my community embody this concept and serve as powerful sources of inspiration, motivating me to pursue change and strive for my own aspirations. In my community, women leaders come in various forms each contributing uniquely to social progression and personal growth. These women represent resilience and success, setting a standard for what can be achieved and illustrating pathways to success that I might not have otherwise imagined.

Key roles where women can inspire young people are educator and mentoring roles, these roles play a crucial part in shaping future leaders. Female teacher’s, teacher’s assistants and mentors who invest in the development of young people leave a lasting impact throughout their lives. They not only impart knowledge but also serve as role models, showing students that success is achievable and encouraging them to pursue their goals with confidence. The guidance provided by these women help prepare a new generation of leaders, reinforcing the idea that mentorship is a powerful tool for fostering potential and inspiring change.

Seeing women successfully navigate the challenges of running a startup business. Entrepreneurial women in regional Tasmania and my community also serve as powerful role models. Their ability to start and sustain successful businesses despite numerous challenges demonstrates the strength and creativity required to thrive in the business world. Their stories of overcoming adversity, from securing funding to managing work-life balance, offer practical lessons in perseverance and innovation. By following their journeys, I am inspired to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and to understand that with determination and strategic thinking, I too can bring my ideas and dreams to life.

Additionally, the power and impact of female leaders who have broken social norms in traditionally male-dominated fields. For example, a woman working in our school canteen who has taken on the challenge of local mayor. Her leadership is a reminder that one person can influence guidelines and bring on meaningful change. Witnessing her hard work and determination on such a personal level, demonstrates that even the most basic efforts can have a significant impact. This perspective encourages me to consider how I, too, can engage in public service or advocacy to address issues I am passionate about.

To conclude, women leaders in my community are living examples of what can be achieved through dedication and resilience. Their diverse contributions whether in government, entrepreneurship, or education, serve as evidence of what is possible and provide an outline for aspiring individuals like me. By observing their successes and positive changes they bring to our community, I am motivated to pursue my own goals and to contribute to making a difference within regional Tasmania. Their strength and achievements highlight the profound impact of representation, demonstrating that seeing others succeed can empower us to reach our own potential and drive meaningful change.