About Us
What we do
Country to Canberra is empowering young rural women to reach their leadership potential.* Founded in 2014, our award-winning not-for-profit runs nationwide programs that provide education, leadership and mentorship opportunities to regional, rural and remote girls and non-binary teens. We are a leading voice for young women, and are committed to strengthening rural communities into the future.
*Note: our initiatives support young women and non-binary people. We always intend to be gender inclusive, even if not expressly stated.
— Our Mission
To empower young rural women to reach their leadership potential.
— Our Motivation
Distance, time and funding barriers can isolate rural and remote students from education & career opportunities. Pairing this with Australia’s gender pay gap, gender-based violence, unconscious bias, and the underrepresentation of women in politics, primary industries and business leadership, it’s clear that young rural women face significant challenges as they strive toward their goals.
— Our Beginnings
Country to Canberra was founded in 2014 by our current Chair of our Board of Directors, Hannah Wandel OAM. Hannah grew up on a farm in South Australia, and although she loved her local community, she recognised that there were additional challenges faced by rural and remote students. Further, as a gender equality advocate, she was determined to increase leadership opportunities for young women and girls.
Hannah led Country to Canberra as CEO for 7 years, before passing the baton onto other young people – like our current CEO Han Worsley – to continue empowering others. We strongly believe in building a leadership pipeline for young people, including through our own team.
Our Strategic Priorities
— Empower Young Leaders
To empower young rural women and non-binary people (between 13-18) living in regional, rural and remote Australia to pursue leadership opportunities at school and within their community, by providing skill-building, networking and education opportunities.
— Gender Equality
To actively work to achieve gender equality, by increasing youth discourse and awareness about gender equality issues in rural Australia, and by targeting our programs to improve gender equality outcomes.
— Mentorship
To offer and facilitate mentorship and opportunities to young rural women to build their skills, networks and capacities.
— Increasing Participation in Decision-Making
To encourage more young rural women to participate in leadership and decision-making in their chosen field, whether it be politics, primary industries, business, education or any other avenue.
Our Values
Equality
promote gender
equality.
Respect
another, and the
strength of rural
Australia.
Solidarity
We support and lift up our peers.
Inclusion
We are inclusive and respectful of all people, cultures, religions and backgrounds.
Excellence
We aspire and encourage people to be the best version of themselves.