November 7, 2016
Kingaroy resident Sheena Lindholm – one of five candidates who stood for South Burnett Mayor at this year’s local government elections – headed off to Canberra this week.
She has joined 15 other young women from around the country at a leadership program being organised by the National Rural Women’s Coalition.
The three-day program includes workshops, networking functions and meetings with journalists and politicians.
The women were selected on their ability to show leadership in primary industry production or involvement building resilient and vibrant rural and regional communities.
Topics to be discussed include framing an advocacy issue, bringing an issue to the attention of policy makers, working politically, shaping public opinion, and strategies to have their voices heard.
They will also meet Karen Middleton (Press Gallery), Rebekha Sharkie MP (Nick Xenophon Team, Member for Mayo), Cathie McGowan MP (Independent, Member for Indi), Senator Jacqui Lambie (Jacqui Lambie Network), Kate Jenkins (Sex Discrimination Commissioner), Senator Fiona Nash (National Party, Senator for NSW), Senator Larissa Waters (Aust Greens, Co-Deputy Leader, Senator for Queensland) and Tanya Plibersek MP (Labor Party, Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Shadow Minister for Education, Shadow Minister for Women, Member for Sydney)
After the leadership program, the women will return to their rural areas to implement a leadership project that aims to have a positive impact on building capacity of other young rural women.
Sheena has lived in Kingaroy for some time – originally from Nanango, employed by SBRC and she was runner-up to Keith Campbell in the mayoral election after distribution of preferences.