Four young Queensland ladies from as far as Belyando to Toowoomba have won Country to Canberra's annual leadership competition, for their entries discussing how females can empower each other and their communities in times of change.
Charlize Appleton of Belyando and Charters Towers, Samantha Dendle of Biloela, Lil O'Connor of Toowoomba and Sithmi Konara of Rockhampton will represent Queensland at this year's virtual program.
With 15 winners in total, Queensland makes up more than a quarter of the winners.
"The entries this year were of exceptional quality, and many shared stories of the unique hardships and triumphs of rural life during the COVID-19 pandemic," Country to Canberra CEO Han Worsley said.
Traditionally an all-expenses-paid trip to Canberra, this year's Power Trip has been cancelled due to COVID-19.
Instead, the winners will take part in C2C On Screen including leadership workshops, meetings with state and federal politicians, and mentorship opportunities.
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"C2COS saw an incredibly successful inaugural year in 2020, and we are proud to announce the return of this innovative program. In the face of the challenges of the past two years, this program provides opportunity and excitement to our rural and remote winners, and we are thrilled to build on the success of 2020 to deliver a memorable experience," Ms Worsley.
Rockhampton's Sithmi Konara was excited for the opportunity.
"I'm thrilled to be part of such an influential program empowering young regional, rural and remote women. Representing Queensland is a privilege," she said.
Samantha Dendle of Biloela said she couldn't wait to meet the other winners and network with people in the virtual workshops.
The other 13 winners selected from the 2021 Leadership Competition are: Clara Linn of Mirboo North VIC, Hannah-Leesha Moodley of Mildura VIC, Millie Patterson of Geraldton WA, Aimee Telford of Bunbury WA, Tegan Senar of Auburn SA, Emily Sparrow of Kapunda SA, Maree Adams of Nhulunbuy NT, Heidi Berry of Paredareme Country TAS, Eloise Piper of Ulverstone TAS, Elora Guirguis of Wagga Wagga NSW, Jorja O'Brien of Young NSW.
C2C On Screen will occur from November 22-24, 2021.
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