Q&a with Natalie Sommerville - Champion

Natalie is smiling she has chin length brown hair

What’s your preferred job title? 

Farmer, mother, mentor, advocate for inclusion.

How do you spend your days, and where do you live?

I spend my days on beautiful Ngadjuri Country (mid north) South Australia. I farm with my husband Dane and two children. We are grain and livestock producers with a focus on sustainable agriculture. I also mentor and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and their families at local schools and assist educators to improve the way they teach First Nations histories, perspectives, and cultures. Like most rural people I give back by volunteering at local sport clubs as well as on a number of community and industry boards and committees. To enable change you need a voice to influence decision makers. A great way to do this is to have a seat at the table and proactively engage in the direction of our future.

Why did you want to become a Country to Canberra Champion?

I believe in the ethos of Country to Canberra. Supporting and empowering young rural women to be the best they can be is something I’m very passionate about. It’s a great opportunity to share my networks and create more support for C2C and ultimately young rural women.

What’s one of your favourite personal achievements? 

Raising two children is one of my favourite personal achievements. Its amazing to watch them grow in different ways.
Surviving the cold South Australian winters would have to be my next big achievement! I still do not cope with the cold.

What makes you passionate about supporting young regional women? 

Young RRR women are challenged in ways like never before. Whilst this country has certainly have improved in leaps in bounds with gender equality, we have a long way to go and in other areas too. I am passionate about supporting young RRR women as I know what its like to be on the receiving end of being supported myself and how much this benefited my life and those around me. Having a leadership opportunity provided to stretch your thinking, being supported by a mentor who builds your confidence and helps you see your full potential is immeasurable. To be a part of a collective that has your back and lifts you as your grow is next level and accelerates your leadership journey.