Finalist 2023: Grace Rossow

Name: Grace Rossow

Grade: Year 11

Age: 17 Years 

School: Good Shepherd Lutheran College

Hometown and State: Palmerston, Northern Territory

Strong communities, stronger futures: How do diverse young leaders strengthen rural communities? 

Young people from varied backgrounds can contribute significantly to the growth of rural communities in a number of ways. Their new viewpoints, vigour, and creative thinking can affect positive change and address the particular difficulties rural communities experience. Here are a few ways that diverse young leaders can support the development of rural communities.

Diverse young leaders can interact with the community to learn more about its needs, issues, and goals. Locals can make sure that development activities are in line with the values and objectives of the community by actively incorporating them into decision-making processes.

Rural communities frequently benefit from the innovations of young leaders. They can provide ground-breaking ideas for infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and agriculture that enhance rural populations’ quality of life. With this, at the municipal, regional, and federal levels, young leaders can effectively represent rural issues. They can advocate for legislation that benefits rural communities, bring attention to the problems that rural areas face, and strive to gain money for community projects.

Young leaders might be inspired to create small businesses and startups by promoting entrepreneurship. These companies can increase the local economy, create jobs, and supply goods and services that might not otherwise be available. By creating these small businesses and services, they become customary to the community, and when the business grows, it can shine a light on the small town.

Diverse young leaders can support educational activities and initiatives to increase the skills of local residents. To assist community members in developing new skills and enhancing their employability, this can include setting up workshops, career training, and mentoring programmes.

The long-term well-being of rural communities depends on addressing environmental issues. Young leaders can support conservation efforts, eco-friendly projects that safeguard natural resources, and sustainable agricultural methods. As the population is growing older as a collective, it is so important for the younger generation to step up and start taking initiative to ensure the town and planet are still spaces that can be enjoyed and lived in after 50 years.

Diverse young leaders can promote cooperation among a range of stakeholders, including local communities, corporations, NGOs, and government organisations. For more thorough rural development, forming partnerships can aid in leveraging resources and knowledge.

A cycle of leadership and growth can be established in the community by supporting and mentoring other young people. Future constructive development can be driven by young people’s empowerment.
In conclusion, diverse young leaders can have a significant impact on rural areas by bringing new ideas, stimulating innovation, standing up for rural concerns, and actively interacting with the locals. Their enthusiasm and dedication can contribute to resolving long-standing issues and generating chances for rural communities to experience sustainable growth and development.