Sarah Powell, from Wharminda on Eyre Peninsula, was named the winner of the 2015 Rural Women’s Award for SA for voluntarily developing a program to help keep regions prosperous and vital.
Ms Powell, who is the 18th recipient of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation‘s Rural Women’s Award, will focus on personal development and educating aspiring leaders through sport.
Minister for Regional Development Geoff Brock presented her with a $10,000 grant to develop her project “Champions Academy”.
Ms Powell will use the grant to establish the Academy at the Ports Football and Netball Club on Eyre Peninsula and develop a community leadership succession plan.
“Ms Powell’s ambition is to inspire future leaders to recognise their potential, encourage them to strive for it and mentor them through the Champion’s Academy. The Academy will foster personal development through sport and mentoring, teach aspiring leaders how to lead by example, act with integrity and demonstrate commitment,” said Minister for the Status of Women Gail Gago in a news release.
“The culture of mentoring through the program will engage players, empower young ambassadors and give them confidence and motivation to step up in their club and community. Investing in our strong leaders is core to keeping our regions sustainable. It will give participants, particularly young women, essential life skills and confidence.”
Yesterday, Ms Gago also opened the International Rural Women’s Conference that has the theme Empowering Rural Women.
“The activities run by the Academy will further develop social and professional skills that extend beyond the participants’ interest or ability in sport, through to community participation and life skills,” said Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Leon Bignell.
The other finalists were Simone Kain from Penola, Louise Stock from Lucindale and Alex Thomas from Port Lincoln.
