I come from Lutruwita (Tasmania); renowned for the world’s cleanest air, rather unique wildlife and rich history. A small island situated off the southeast of the mainland, that stretches only 68 thousand square kilometres. The often-forgotten Australian state. The place where whenever you tell people where you are from, they are often amazed as if you have come from another country, because they think you have! Lutruwita is my home.

August 2019 – Grace Tame became the first female sexual assault survivor in Tasmania to win a court order against the gag law, which prevented sexual assault survivors from speaking publicly about their experiences. She bravely spoke about being sexually abused by her high school teacher, giving hope to those who have been silenced by misogynistic, patriarchal Tasmanian laws. Grace’s story catalysed the #LetHerSpeak Campaign, and with many appeals to the court, Tasmania’s gag laws were overturned in 2020. Recognised for her tireless campaign, Grace was awarded as the 2021 Australian of the Year. Grace has since successfully worked to remove the word ‘relationship’ from child sexual abuse legislation earlier this year. Having achieved so highly at only 28 years old, she has embodied the importance of diverse young leaders and their voices, because without them, inequalities remain silenced.

Diverse young leaders are the change makers.

Rural women lead with an ever-growing passion. We know what it is like to be consistently overlooked. To have our truths twisted by urbanisation. To be met with the assumption that we are insignificant. That our intelligence falls short of our mainland counterparts. That our geographical isolation makes us less entitled to a voice in national affairs.

Diverse young leaders are the fighters.

January 2022 – Palawa woman, youth leader and singer-songwriter Kaytlyn Johnson was awarded as the Tasmanian Young Australian of the Year following her commitment as a key member of Project O – “an initiative that empowers young rural women to develop new skills, connect with their communities, and use their voices to campaign for change. Its latest ‘Colourathon’ art initiative raised more than $12,000 for women and children experiencing family violence.” (Australian of the Year, 2023). Kaytlyn’s music has also been featured on triple j Unearthed.

Diverse young leaders inspire minority communities, challenge society’s accepted norms and bring a new set of progressive ideas to the table. Kaytlyn’s story exemplifies exactly why diverse young leaders are vital to Indigenous representation and empowerment of minority communities. Creating a universal culture where people from any background feel empowered to step out of their comfort zone is the key to achieving an Australia that fosters the growth of everyone, despite their gender, sexuality, ethnicity or geographical background.

Diverse young leaders are the innovators.

How do diverse young leaders strengthen rural communities? This is a question that is not limited to one answer; diverse young leaders decide themselves how they will strengthen their community and will not be constrained by the criticism of closed-minded people who do not appreciate diversity. But these leaders share common traits; they recognise the flaws in their society and are motivated to fix whatever the issue may be; they understand the challenges that they may face in amplifying their voice but do not let these barriers dictate their success, and they are passionate about a stronger future for people of all diversities.

Stronger communities, stronger futures; diverse young leaders are certainly the change makers, fighters, and innovators that will pave the way for successive generations that are not bound by their gender, sexuality, ethnicity or geographical isolation.