Kate is one of our 2018 Leadership Competition winners. You can check out her winning entry here and her bio below.
Describe yourself in 80 words or less.
My name is Kate Perrett, and I have lived in rural Queensland my whole life on a cattle property. I tend to think I am quite outgoing and funny. I love being around animals and helping my dad with the cattle work. I have always been quite independent, as was evident when I completed a three month student exchange to Canada when I was 14. I would also love to study Psychology at university after grade 12.
How old are you, what grade are you in and what community/town do you live in?
I am 16 years old and live on a farm in a small town called Nanango, QLD. I am currently in my last term of grade 11 at Nanango State High School and going onto grade 12 next year.
Why did you enter Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition?
I entered Country to Canberra’s Leadership Competition, because I feel strongly about fighting for equality. It is something I am interested in and something I feel really passionate about. I had done a lot of research on Country to Canberra prior to applying and I was inspired by the things they had achieved and I wanted to be part of it. It is an organisation I would be honoured to be involved in.
What do you hope to get out of the Power Trip to Canberra?
I hope to gain many new leadership skills and begin networking. I would love to hear from other inspiring women and their success stories and help inspire others around me. I hope to form many new connections and learn new ways to support one another. I am looking forward to being pushed out of my comfort zone. Finally, I hope to come back with more confidence and knowledge regarding how I can make a difference.
Who is your role model and why?
I am fortunate enough to have been raised by many powerful women, however if I had to narrow it down my role model would be my biological grandmother, Helen Golding, who worked in the Mulawa prison and set up a halfway house for women who were leaving the prison. She also fought for the closure of the Katingal correctional centre. She was a women who put others needs before her own and wished to ensure everyone was treated equally.
What’s your favourite thing about living in rural Australia?
My favourite thing about living in rural Australia is how close and connected the community is. I live in a small town where everyone knows everyone and when anything bad happens the community comes together as a whole, to support one another. I love how peaceful it is and the abundance of space. I enjoy being able to walk outside and talk as loud as I want without disturbing the neighbours. I’ve been told I have a very loud voice.
What are you passionate about?
I have always been able to put myself in others shoes, therefore I am really passionate about everyone being treated equally. I have grown up in a rural community that can often be overruled by old fashioned views on how people should behave. I have always found these disrespectful and inappropriate. I have been given the education and experience to know how to treat others with respect. It is my passion to ensure equality in gender, race and socioeconomic background.
What’s your favourite quote?
“BBCS – you are beautiful, brave, clever and strong” – Mum
What’s your main goal/ambition right now?
My main goal right now is to achieve a high enough mark at the end of year 12 to get into my desired university course of justice and psychology. Doing this will be my first step in achieving my goal of becoming a criminal psychologist. Through gaining a career in this field I wish to help better manage mental illnesses to ensure more safety in our communities.
Tell us a couple of things you do to relax/have fun?
In my spare time I enjoy working with my Dad on the farm. I love riding the horses and spending time with my family. I enjoy throwing a ball around and playing games with others and also relaxing and just having a chat. I like to spend my free time around other people.
How do people stay in touch with you?
Email: kate.perrett02@gmail.com
Instagram: kate_perrett
Snapchat: kate_perrett
Kate’s Power Trip is kindly being sponsored by AgriFutures Australia!
