Federal member for Paterson Meryl Swanson today met and congratulated Philadelphia Coleman, of Salt Ash, who was at Parliament House as one of 12 winners in the Country to Canberra Leadership Competition.

The winners, young rural women who submitted passionate videos and stories about why gender equality is important to them, have been treated to a two-day all-expenses-paid trip to Canberra to meet MPs and other influential women, and train in leadership, public speaking and team building.

“I am delighted we have a local amongst the winners. Philadelphia is clearly a driven young woman with a very bright future,” Ms Swanson said.

“It was lovely to meet her and hear her speak on behalf of the group about their experiences in Canberra.

She has made the most out of difficult circumstances. I admire her courage and determination, and look forward to supporting her endeavours in the future.”

Philadelphia moved from Townsville to Salt Ash recently and attends Medowie Christian School.

She said gender equality was important to her because of her experience with family violence, and because it was her goal to be a helicopter pilot with the RAAF.

She is a member of Rotary, Surf Life Saving Australia, Salt Ash Rural Fire Service, Australian Air Force Cadets, and Port Stephens Youth Advisory panel.

Visit http://countrytocanberra.com.au/ for more information.