News

GVGS student a winner of Country to Canberra competition

By Georgia Tacey

Nov 21, 2023

Country to Canberra: Denise McCarthy couldn’t be more excited to take part in the trip. Photo by Megan Fisher

Goulburn Valley Grammar School student Denise McCarthy is gearing up to head to Canberra.

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Having just been announced as one of the Country to Canberra competition winners, the Year 11 student said she felt privileged to be one of the 15 students selected nationwide.

“It was a really nice surprise,” she said.

“I’m most looking forward to meeting women in politics who lead the country, and other like-minded individuals, and it will be cool to network with different people and learn more about the political system.”

The Country to Canberra competition is designed to give regional and rural female and non-binary students a chance to connect and engage with politicians and chief executives, receive leadership and public speaking training, tour parliament and more.

Each applicant submits an essay, with this year’s topic covering how diverse young leaders strengthen rural communities.

“I decided to apply because I’m interested in politics, commerce and law, and it sounded like a pretty cool way to learn more about these things and meet influential women in power,” Denise said.

On Saturday, November 25, Denise and the 14 other winners will travel to Canberra for five days to do the Power Trip.

“I’ve spoken to a few of the directors, and they’re really nice,” she said.

“They’re pushing for a jam-packed week of going to lots of different places and things, so it’s going to be pretty incredible.”