UPDATED: SARAH Powell will establish a program to encourage future rural leaders as the recipient of the 2015 SA RIRDC Rural Women's Award.
Ms Powell was announced the winner of this year's competition by Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock at an awards ceremony at Adelaide Oval last night.
Based at Wharminda on the Eyre Peninsula, Ms Powell will use the $10,000 winners bursary to establish 'Champions Academy', which will foster personal development and create opportunities to teach aspiring leaders how to carry responsibility, lead by example, act with integrity, think selflessly and demonstrate commitment.
The program will be delivered through a culture of mentoring that engages, empowers and builds confidence and motivation to take on change-agent roles.
"This award means having the capacity to assist rural leaders in rural and regional Australia to recognise their potential and
to encourage them to reach that full potential by putting them through a mentoring program which will give them the resources and the life skills they need," Ms Powell said.
"As well as the confidence to be able to implement the programs, events and activities that help us to strengthen our region and give it more resilience."
Ms Powell lives on a cereal cropping and Merino property and is committed to developing people and communities.
"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,” Minister for the Status of Women Gail Gago said.
"The Academy will foster personal development through sport and mentoring, teach aspiring leaders how to lead by example, act with integrity and demonstrate commitment.
"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."
The other finalists of the award were Simone Kain, Penola, Louise Stock, Lucindale, and Alexandra Thomas, Port Lincoln.