LUMEN Winter 2019 - Flipbook - Page 11
built Country to Canberra into an organisation that
has helped 4000 girls nationally.
"It's tough for kids to access career and education
opportunities in remote Australia."
“Gender inequality is still having a massive and
detrimental impact across the country in
leadership, when it comes to women’s safety and
in so many aspects and realms of life,” she said.
Despite facing initial challenges, Hannah was
adamant she would take Country to Canberra’s
message of self-confidence, respectful relationships,
goal setting and leadership far and wide.
“I was really determined to do it, even though I got
knocked back time after time from sponsors and
people who were going to get involved.
“Now, five years later, we have four incredible
programs, we’ve been able to meet people like Prime
Minister Scott Morrison, Julie Bishop and Tanya
Plibersek, and empower and reach thousands of
young women. This is something I’m really proud
of,” she said.
Working towards cultural change at a grass-roots level
is undoubtedly paying off for Hannah, who is seeing
some inspirational results.
“One moment that keeps me going occurred during
a workshop at a High School in Katherine NT. It was
a really tough workshop in that we were pushing the
girls outside their comfort zone. By the end of the
day, the girls said it was one of the best things they’d
ever done. A group of them actually broke down in
tears because no one had ever spoken to them about
self-belief and how much their futures mattered.
“It was transformational. One of the girls recently
called me to say she now wants to study something to
do with women’s empowerment at university. That’s
such a beautiful impact we were able to have,”
said Hannah
While she is happy juggling her many roles at
present, Hannah is leaving the door open for a
move into politics one day down the track.
As for Country to Canberra, ultimately she would
love to see the reigns handed over to a youth leader
who has come through the program.
To learn more about Country to Canberra,
please visit www.countrytocanberra.com.au
You can also make a
difference to rural students
alumni.adelaide.edu.au/asappeal
PREVIOUS PAGE AND LEFT
2019 James McWha Rising Star
Award winner Hannah Wandel
ALUMNI MAGAZINE - WINTER 2019
09
