Country to Canberra launched Project Empower, a national ‘workshop roadtrip’ that will up-skill and provide free leadership training to young regional and remote women.

The organisation is now calling on Victorian communities to find out where they should run the workshops, and Bendigo and surrounding schools can submit an expression of interest to be involved.

Daylesford Secondary College graduate Isabella Thomas attended the Country to Canberra Power Trip in December last year.

She said the three-day trip was a full, high-energy experience.

“I shook hands with the Prime Minister as well as other ministers and senators. We had a power breakfast with women of influence,” Ms Thomas said. 

“I came away from it feeling very inspired and with advice from a range of people.”

Young women from regional Australia on the trip to Canberra met with politicians and chief executives.

Country to Canberra CEO Hannah Wandel said it was important all young women, no matter their location, had the skills to succeed. 

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

“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.”

High schools can submit an expression of interest for the Project Empower program to visit their school at countrytocanberra.com.au/projectempower.