Isabella Connelly - Winner 2024

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

It was not an opportunity I was aware of until my boss shared a link and encouraged me to apply. I never imagined that amongst all the participants, I too would become a recipient of this once in a lifetime opportunity; completely out of my comfort zone and unbelievably exciting.

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

I hope to push my capabilities and to understand how to best utilise a team to achieve an environment of productivity and wellbeing. How to figure out the best way to utilise team members strengths and to support one another in order to achieve a greater good.

Who is your role model and why? 

My Dad, Mum, little sister Sabine and boyfriend Cody are the role models in my life. They are the people whom I reflect on in moments of doubt or questioning, because their actions have gained the respect and trust of many, not just myself.

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

The ability to walk past a stranger on the street, smile at them and say hi, simply because you made eye contact.

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

To be a police officer. It has been my dream for many years now, a dream which has inspired me to push myself outside of my comfort zone and use it as inspiration so that whether I am accepted or not, I know that having that dream was worth it.

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

One of my biggest passions is trail running, introduced to me by my Mum. It has become a very special hobby of mine that has pushed me to my limits and taught me a lot about many aspects of my life.