Rural communities, such as my own, desperately need female and non-binary leaders to provide a progressive perspective for society, which can only be acquired from personal experiences. 

This unique point of view not only comes from experiencing the trials and tribulations of growing up, but unfortunately from enduring the prejudice that’s assumed since birth (misogyny, racism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, etc), which is embedded in every community. Despite the devastation of these experiences, they strengthen young women and grant them the learning opportunity to fight to reach their fullest potential in a society which doesn’t allow for immediate acceptance. As someone who has struggled with discrimination first-hand, being diverse in my ethnicity and sexuality, I have thankfully taken the lows of living as motivation to rise above it, like many of my idols. The empowerment that stems from individuals in oppressed social groups achieving all that they desire is an unparalleled motivator.

Those who inspire me the most come from my community in Lutruwita (Tasmania). The women who have worked hard to break free from the chains that bound us to conventionality and treatment that has been accepted for centuries before us. If you can’t be what you can’t see, how else may we achieve the change we need?

I firmly believe that society is enriched by having as many people as possible having their voice heard. I did what was in my power to be heard as early as possible, conducting this through my involvement within local councils, activism/politics, and the arts scene. I was heavily influenced by employers, performers, teachers, and the politicians that I admired. These spectacular leaders gave me reason to not only try, but to also believe that change is always possible. A common theme amongst these leaders is the prioritisation of compassion, honesty, and strength. In watching this, my perception of the world shifted to be similar to theirs.

In 2024, a Gija woman, Naarah Barnes was named ‘Young Tasmanian of the Year’. I had the pleasure of being at a national theatre event alongside her during the early stages of her career and have since followed her journey to succeeding in acting, music, and social media stardom. She often discusses setbacks that she has faced throughout her career regarding her culture, education, and body image, but her strength to persevere proved to anyone who ever doubted her that she is not only capable, but an incredible initiator and force of change in the industry. In her acceptance speech at the NAIDOC Week Awards, she stated, “I’m a proud underdog, and strive to tell people that your persistence and the community you keep can help you break down big walls and smash even bigger dreams.”

What I have realised is that these admirable women were first inspired by another generation of women, who were inspired by those before them as well. Each generation is left with a responsibility to acknowledge these topics, boosting representation in young people who believe in the power of their influence.

It is now my greatest dream to be a role model for others and inspire the next generation of resilient leaders. These leaders and I, despite our individual values, have something in common and that is our irrevocable desire to dream big.

Throughout history, women and non-binary people were silenced, but we are here to change the world. We need to be unapologetically loud to make up for lost time and break the cycle of apathy and disadvantage in our future – instilled by those who are fortunate enough to be comfortable. We will be heard, and we will be seen.