Country to Canberra organiser Hannah Wandel, right, and her essay winners with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. From left, Hannah Worsley , Libby O’Brien, Ms Bishop and Vesna Clark.
One of the five recipients of the YWCA’s Great Ydeas Small Grants in 2014, Hannah says that winning has provided the support she needed to begin the national initiative “Country to Canberra”, which gives rural girls the chance to visit Canberra.
The 25-year-old who works at the Department of Defence and lives in Kingston, says: “Winning the grant was great and it was nice to know that people supported and acknowledged my idea.
“Growing up in the South Australian country, I noticed that in country regions, funds, distance and cost can isolate girls from education and career opportunities. I wanted to create an even playing field for women and men as well as people in the country and city.”
She organised an essay competition on gender barriers that allowed its three winners to go on a “power trip” to meet some of Australia’s most influential female leaders.
The trio of year 11 girls, from Queensland and NSW, attended a breakfast with Canberra-based leaders and went on a behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament House.
Hannah says: “Since the trip, the girls have done some very exciting things, one of the girls went on to become school captain, another created her own magazine and the other went on to speak on local radio and at events”.
Hannah hopes to develop the project by creating a mentoring network and increasing web presence for rural teen bloggers to write about their experiences.
YWCA Canberra’s Great Ydeas Small Grants Program is for “women who want to change the world” says executive director Frances Crimmins.
To celebrate its 80th birthday, YWCA Canberra launched the grant program in 2010 with the plan to give out $8000 every year for 10 years to members who have a new and innovative “Great Ydea” that contributes to the community.
“The ambition, innovation and courage shown in many of the projects we have funded is a sign of the outstanding qualities already welldeveloped in young women across our community,” says Frances.
Become a YWCA Canberra member and apply for the grant before 5pm, March 27 at ywca-canberra.org.au/get-involved/become-a-member.
Visit countrytocanberra.com.au
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