Noosa Councillor Karen Finzel is among a select group of decision-makers from around Australia chosen to travel to Canberra this month for an intensive leadership and community development program.
Cr Finzel was picked from a competitive pool of candidates by the National Rural Women’s Coalition (NRWC) for the Women’s Canberra Muster which will be held from 8-12 March.
The 12 women will attend a four-day leadership and capacity building program and spend a day at Parliament House to meet with federal members – including foreign minister Marise Payne – to gain insights on resilience, leadership and advocacy.
Each year women from rural, regional or remote areas are brought together in the nation’s capital by the NRWC to learn, network and grow their leadership skills.
Cr Finzel, who was elected in 2020 and has lived in Noosa Shire for more than 30 years, said she is delighted to have been chosen to take part in the program.
“Continual improvement of leadership skills and knowledge is key to being a good community representative,” Cr Finzel said.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from experienced decision-makers and share ideas with other women leaders from across the country.
“I’m looking forward to putting this training into practice and continuing to work for all of Noosa Shire in a way that is transparent, equitable and inclusive.”
The Women’s Canberra Muster was developed by the NRWC over the last five years and is supported by the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
NRWC president Leonie Noble will host the women and the program will be facilitated by professional coaches in leadership, advocacy and governance.
“The Women’s Canberra Muster 2021 brings women together to work toward strengthening rural communities through rural women’s leadership,” Ms Noble said.
“Creating a safe place for participants to share and collaborate during and post this amazing residential program is an essential ingredient of the NRWC Muster.
“History has shown the difference the amazing women who make up the Muster Alumnae have made to both their communities and their personal leadership journeys.”
The NRWC provides a collaborative voice for women living in rural, remote and regional Australia, representing the diverse views of women helping to build a positive profile of their achievements and issues.
It also provides policy advice to the Australian Government on matters relevant to the views and circumstances of rural women.
