Calling on communities to drive girl power in rural Australia

An Australian-first initiative is being launched today to empower our next generation of leaders, and rural communities are the big winners.

Country to Canberra is unveiling Project Empower - a national ‘workshop roadtrip’ that will upskill and provide free leadership training to young regional and remote women.

CEO Hannah Wandel says the award-winning not-for-profit organisation will drive over 14,000 kilometres to every state and territory to run the uplifting workshops in rural high schools.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From May to August, our volunteer team will be jumping in a ute and hitting the red dirt to drive change,” Ms Wandel said.

The organisation is now calling on country communities to find out where they should run the workshops.

“We want to hear from people in rural Australia so we can decide where to visit, so thousands of students can benefit.

“It’s really simple. Anyone can jump on our website to fill out the short Expression of Interest form and apply for us to visit your school or sports club! It’s all free, and can make a huge difference for local girls. We’re also looking for people who want to volunteer and give back,” Ms Wandel said.

Country to Canberra has a history of success, having run its prestigious Power Trip program since 2014 to connect rural girls with the likes of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop and top CEOs. It won Holden’s first-ever ‘What Drives You’ grant to establish Project Empower.

Hannah Worsley from Nullamanna in NSW says Country to Canberra changed her life.

“I cannot praise this organisation enough. I’d encourage everyone to apply to have Project Empower visit you. I’m a better leader because of Country to Canberra,” Ms Worsley said.

CEO Hannah Wandel has been passionate strengthening country communities from a young age. After growing up in rural South Australia and losing her home in a fire as a teen, Ms Wandel has appreciated the support that country communities provide.

“Country towns are the lifeblood of Australia, and the best part is how rural people band together,

“Issues like the gender pay gap, political underrepresentation and social media are impacting teen girls, while distance, time and funding barriers can make accessing education and career opportunities tough.

“We want to ensure no matter where you’re from or what gender you are, you have the tools to succeed, and we’re bringing these opportunities directly to the school gate.” Ms Wandel said.

As CEO and a Project Empower facilitator, Ms Wandel has been named one of Australia’s ‘100 Women of Influence’ by Westpac and won the 2017 Emerging Leader Australian Leadership Excellence Award.

Expressions of Interest close on 6 March 2018. See countrytocanberra.com.au/projectempower for more.

MEDIA: Contacts/Interviews available with:
CEO Hannah Wandel, 0418 135 989 or email hannah@countrytocanberra.com.au
Alumni and volunteer, Hannah Worsley, 0427 458 522 or hannah.worsley97@gmail.com
IMAGES: Attached to incoming email.

AUDIO: Attached to incoming email.
Grab 1: "CEO Hannah Wandel says says the program will change lives…”
Grab 2: "CEO Hannah Wandel says it’s for an important cause..."
Grab 3: "CEO Hannah Wandel says the program could come to your school…”
ABOUT COUNTRY TO CANBERRA:

Country to Canberra is a nationwide not-for-profit empowering young rural women to reach their leadership potential. The award-winning organisation builds leadership skills, encourages self-belief, and connects young rural women with role models and mentors to overcome gender and geographical barriers to success.
See countrytocanberra.com.au/projectempower for more.