Award applications open for young women in leadership

YOUNG women between the ages of 16 and 19 who are able to demonstrate leadership skills and a commitment to their community are invited to apply for the Zonta Club of Bendigo’s 2025 Young Women in Leadership Award.

The Award includes a cash prize of $1500 with the winning entry to be evaluated at district and international levels – with a chance to win a further US $5000.

Zonta Club of Bendigo’s Sally Thomson said the idea of the accolade is about young women seeing beyond themselves and contributing to their community, school, local government or even further.

“We want to inspire them to participate and see that as part of their future, whatever direction that may be,” she said.

Ms Thomson said applicants should be able to talk about how they contribute as a volunteer or leader in their school or community, what they’re involved in, and why.

“It’s about having a greater view than just the individual,” she said.

Last year’s winner, former COGB youth mayor Lilly Correll, said she was in “utter shock and disbelief” when she found out she’d been given the local award, before going on to win the US $5000 prize.

“I was ecstatic to hear that I had support from other women to continue to get involved in the community, which I absolutely love,” she said.

In encouraging other young ladies to enter this year, she said you’ll never know if you don’t have a go.

“I want to take every chance I get because I don’t know where (exactly) life’s going to take me,” she said.

“I highly recommend other young women put their hands up and get involved with Zonta as well – they do some amazing things.”

In a few days Ms Correll takes off to Canberra to work as an intern in the public service before studying at ANU next year.

The Award’s application form is available on Zonta Bendigo’s website and must be emailed to [email protected] by Sunday 16 February.

Visit zontabendigo.org/young-women-in-leadership.html.