Ava Haine - Winner 2024

Why did you enter Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition? 

I entered the Leadership Competition as a step towards my goal of empowering young women and to fulfil my aspiration of becoming a rural youth advocate. I’m excited to connect with like-minded individuals who share my drive and purpose. I can’t wait to be inspired by their passion and experiences as we work together to create positive change.

What do you hope to get out of the Power Trip? 

On the Power Trip, I aim to further develop my leadership skills, connect with fellow youth advocates and industry leaders, and learn from inspiring women about how to implement active change. Ultimately, I want to leverage this experience to make a greater impact as a voice for my community and empower young women in meaningful ways.

Who is your role model and why? 

My role model is my mum, a go-getting woman who embodies strength and resilience. She empowers me to embrace new opportunities and be a strong, independent rural woman. Above all, she has shown me the importance of being a good human, and her persistence and kindness motivate me to pursue my passions with purpose. 

What’s your favourite thing about living in rural Australia? 

The camaraderie I have grown up seeing in my community . It’s amazing to see how everyone comes together and supports each other, especially during the really tough times. The connections we share and the way we come together truly make our community special, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

What’s your main goal or ambition (right now, or in the future)? 

My goal is to be a change-maker, using my passion to lead initiatives that inspire and empower women worldwide. My main ambition is to start studying engineering at university next year and look for opportunities in public affairs . I want a technical background that enables me to implement physical change. I’m also passionate about advocating for rural women, rural equality, and innovation. 

Tell us a couple of things you do to relax or have fun? 

I love the process of resetting, being mindful and taking a step back to keep me grounded and inspired. Whether it’s picking flowers from my mum’s garden, spending time in the paddock on a horse with my family, or learning languages; simply doing things that are quiet and productive help me to relax and refocus.