Leadership Competition
Young, rural, and driven? Country to Canberra’s annual Leadership Competition is accepting entries now!
Leadership Competition
Country to Canberra’s annual Leadership Competition is now accepting entries for 2026!
The Country to Canberra Leadership Competition is a national competition empowering young rural, regional and remote women and non-binary people in Years 10–12 to share their ideas, experiences and vision for the future of Australia.
Each year, participants are invited to respond creatively to a national theme relevant to the experiences of young people living in regional, rural and remote communities. Entries can take the form of a written response, artwork, video, speech, pitch or other creative format.
Winners from across Australia will receive an all-expenses-paid four-day ‘Power Trip’ to Canberra, where they will connect with politicians, CEOs, changemakers and other young leaders from across the country.
The Prize
Our 2026 Leadership Competition winners will get the following fantastic prize:
All expenses paid four-day Power Trip to Canberra, including:
— Leadership and Empowerment Training
- Award-winning Country to Canberra Project Empower workshop to develop an understanding of diversity, build your self-esteem, and learn to apply your values.
- Targeted public speaking and presentation workshops from industry professionals.
- Personalised leadership coaching and support.
— Networking Opportunities
- Q&As with CEOs, industry leaders, and inspiring activists.
- Powerful discussions and private meetings with state and federal politicians.
- The chance to connect with other incredible like-minded women and non-binary people from all across rural and remote Australia!
— Careers & Future Pathways
- An inspiring careers fair, driven by Agrifutures Australia.
- Future focused goal setting support from the University of Canberra.
Additional Opportunities:
- Access to our exclusive Alumni Network, and additional networking opportunities
- A winners’ pack, full of merchandise, resources, information, and goodies!
- Winning entries will be published on the Country to Canberra website, as well as by our sponsors and key partners to provide national exposure.
SPONSORED BY
