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The power trip was the most life changing experience for me. Through meeting the most powerful leaders in our country to the amazing project empower workshop, it taught me to find my strengths and has given me the reassurance that if I work hard enough at something, I will be able to reach my goals.I now know how to take a stand for things I believe in even if I am the only voice. I was really surprised at how everyone came from different parts of the country but all had similar experiences with sexism in their own communities. The best piece of advice I was given was to stand up for others when you know they don’t feel they can.From here I wish to continue to tackle sexism and gender inequalities within my community and reassure everyone that their voice matters. I wish to obtain a career where I can work with improving the mental health of people every day.Without Country to Canberra I might never have realised that there are so many opportunities out there for rural women to shine. Thank you to the Country to Canberra team and the amazing girls I got to share this experience with, you have all changed my life.

I am passionate about equality and applied for the Country to Canberra Leadership Competition because I thought it would be a fantastic opportunity to develop my knowledge of different issues and practical leadership skills, such as public speaking and networking. Receiving the phone call from the team at C2C to tell me I had won a place on the Power Trip…that was an absolutely awesome feeling. I feel very lucky to have had a chance to be a part of this wonderful program, to have met such amazing people and to have had my eyes opened to new ideas and perspectives.Day 1… we arrived in Canberra from all corners of Australia and set out on our adventure around the nation’s capital. Day 2 was focused on ‘Developing You.’ We began with a sightseeing tour of Canberra before sitting down to the Project Empower workshop. This session was so powerful for me; never before had someone asked me to write down my values. I found this experience empowering because it felt like I had so much control over my actions and decisions- I knew if I always acted with those specific values in mind I would feel more confident in what I do.Day 3 was all about leadership — focusing on public speaking, entrepreneurship and different leadership styles. We also had a great panel that evening with four incredible speakers — Louise Burrow, Nip Wijewickrema, Alpha Cheng and Jasmine Whitten — who each offered a unique and inspiring personal perspective. During this event, we also practiced networking; this was daunting at first, but grew easier as the evening went on.  Day 4 opened with the Powerful Women’s Breakfast- which was, in all honesty, awe-inspiring. To be surrounded by and able to speak with so many amazing women from different professions and backgrounds was a unique experience. We also watched Question Time at Parliament House and had lunch in the lovely Parliament gardens with a mix of MPs and Senators from all sides of politics. We also got to meet Prime Minister Scott Morrison which was an excellent experience. To top the day off, we had our final networking event — a panel dinner at the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. For me, this practical skill development in networking was a uniquely valuable experience — by the final event I felt so much more confident in my ability to meet new people and discuss new topics. On Day 5, I think each of us travelled home more confident, more educated and more grateful than ever for the fantastic opportunity we had had. Since the trip, I have felt more confident in myself, especially when it comes to sharing my opinion in a constructive way, public-speaking and networking. I would encourage people to apply for this trip — it is incredible! I would like to thank the entire team at C2C for their tireless work to make the trip so amazing and to empower a new generation of leaders.“We do not inherit the world from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”- Chief SeattleThis quote particularly resonates with me as I believe these words should inform and inspire a new generation of leadership — leadership focused on integrity and providing for present and future generations, not leadership that drags its heels in the mistakes of the past. Leadership that promotes, embodies and inspires respect.That is what I hope for the future — and with programs inspiring young people to consider taking on leadership roles, such as C2C, I think this hope looks promising.

For many students, 2019 is the year they will first commence their studies at university. It does not seem that long ago that I was a first year, filled with excitement at the prospect of studying my passion and taking a step closer to what I wanted to do in the future. But of course there were also the nerves that accompany taking such a huge step forwards as you face a new learning curve and being more independent as a young adult.It can be scary. There are so many new things at university that can seem daunting: making new friends, timetables, required readings and even finding classes. But I can assure all first year students this year that it is not as scary as you might think. Here are some things to remember.I remember being worried about not being able to make any friends, but I made friendships in my first week at university that have turned into close bonds. I first met my friends through the orientation session for students studying the same degree as me, and although I felt worried about not getting along or being able to talk with anyone, I found that the orientation was worth it. You see, the university does not just throw you all together – they make it easy for you by doing team activities and getting to know you sessions that connect you with everyone. Therefore, I highly encourage every student to participate in some type of orientation session as you can forge strong bonds and face the first week at university with confidence that you are not alone.

When I reflect back on my recent time in Canberra, it seems that no matter what other opportunities I get in life, none of them could compare to the Power Trip. I still find myself stunned by the amazing time I had. I believe this trip taught me skills and life lessons that will significantly influence my future life choices and make me a better person for the experience. Before I embarked on the Power Trip I was nervous. I was nervous that I was going on a trip with 13 girls that I had never met and I was nervous that I was going to be meeting such important role models to not only me, but the nation. Now, looking back, I am delighted to say that my nerves were for nothing, as I have formed friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. The four days we had in Canberra were busy. Each day was crammed with exciting guest speakers, tours, fun activities, leadership guidance and career encouragement, with highlights including a tour of Parliament House meeting lots of influential women. Initially when we arrived in Canberra, we spent time getting to know each other and learning about what to expect throughout the duration of our Power Trip. The next day we had a leadership day where many of skills we learnt I have already put into practice, and I knew that I would be using them constantly throughout the rest of my day. The leadership day also meant that we were able to learn more about each other and get to understand each others’ values.We were fortunate to visit the War Memorial which was a humbling experience. It really put into perspective the incredible sacrifices people have made and are still making today, as well as the incredible courage, leadership and resilience displayed by so many during times of conflict. We shared dinner that night with girl groups from Canberra where we got to meet more people who shared the same passions and interests as us. The third day of our trip was possibly one of the best days of my life! Firstly, we started with high tea at the Hyatt Hotel with many different influential women, from politicians to CEOs of companies. It was incredible being able to mix and mingle with these wonderful, motivated, talented ladies who helped us realise the different ways that women can hold power. Then we went to parliament house and ran around like crazy people! I had to pinch myself because it’s not every day you get to have lunch with our local members of Parliament, meet Julie Bishop, watch Question Time or even meet Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Disappointingly our fourth and final day came, and I don’t think there was any girl who wanted to go home. After three amazing, inspirational days we were going home and our heads and hearts were full of inspirational information and skills that we couldn’t wait to put into practice when we returned to our old lives. I don’t think we realised how hard it would be to say goodbye after just four days of knowing each other, but we are looking forward to being able to continue to build on the amazing friendships we forged. I would encourage every girl my age to consider the Country to Canberra experience, and to be a part of driving change in our country. My advice would be to not sit back and watch other people get those chances in life, but to put yourself forward and create your own chances. I did and look what happened to me! And finally, to the team, to Hannah the CEO and all the Country to Canberra volunteers, the sponsors and the everyone behind the scenes – you guys rock! Without your enthusiasm and hard work, young girls would never get to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. Your vision, efforts and passion are what made this a “Power Trip” of a lifetime.

Taking 5 with Abby Butler (Sisterhood Of Soul) Interview by the wonderful Han Worsley from our blog team. Today we’re taking 5 with Abby Butler, certified over achiever and all round amazing young woman. She started a podcast called Sisterhood Of Soul, by and for young wom*n, and now, there’s a website too, and social …

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Girl Power: female artists and musicians taking the Australian creative scene by storm Written by the wonderful Louise from our blog team. It’s no secret that the culture we absorb impacts us phenomenally. So much of our culture is dominated by male voices, but there have always been non-male voices challenging that norm. This is …

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