A NEW round of the Future Women Rural Scholarship Program to help women living in regional, rural and remote NSW achieve their goals has been launched by the NSW Government.

The Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, said the 24 scholarships, valued at more than $6,000 each, are available to women from regional, rural and remote parts of the State to develop their leadership skills.

“There are so many amazing women leading communities, leading businesses and leading critical conversations in the bush – and we want to encourage those wanting to step up and do the same,” said Mr Toole.

“This program is a great chance for 24 women from all corners of the State to supercharge their leadership potential.”

Bronnie Taylor, the Minister for Women, said the program has been an overwhelming success and encouraged women from all corners of regional and rural NSW to take up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“This program equips our region’s future female leaders with the tools and knowledge they need to accelerate their road to success,” said Mrs Taylor.

“Whether you’re a small business owner, farmer or one of our wonderful healthcare workers, this program is for you.”

The NSW Government has partnership with Future Women, an organisation delivering virtual events, leadership training and a curated digital network to its members.

Recipients receive a place in the Future Women Platinum+ Program worth $6,000, where they will take part in networking, mentoring and digital learning opportunities.

They will also be invited to attend the Future Women Leadership Summit on March 6 and 7 this year to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Cath Fowler, one of last year’s two Coffs Coast recipients said, “A key part of the Future Women’s scholarship was the trip to Sydney for their Leadership Summit back in March 2022.

“It was great to be able to come together and not just enjoy great talks about issues facing women in leadership, but also have the next twelve months to have access to online masterclasses throughout the year,” said Ms Fowler.

“The sessions on building relationships in communities and a chat with Grace Tame, about using your voice, I found particularly inspiring.”

Ms Fowler said forming a strong connection with the other scholarship recipients throughout rural and regional NSW was the greatest thing she took from experience and some recipients organised catch ups online once a month, with ongoing plans to stay in touch and support each other in the future.

“Having come from a corporate career environment in Sydney where these types of opportunities were readily available for leadership development, it’s been great to have these kinds of opportunities extended to us here in regional NSW through this scholarship,” she said.

Applications are open until February 16 for all women living in regional, rural and remote NSW aged 18-39 years old.

To apply or to nominate someone you know, visit futurewomen.com.au.

By Andrew VIVIAN