Students from from Oxley High School, Manilla Central School, Walcha Central School and Quirindi High School took part in the Country to Canberra roadshow.

Country to Canberra CEO Hannah Wandel said the group talked about stereotypes and how “it’s OK to push passed those”.

“There is an under-representation of women in business leadership and political leadership, and in primary industries,” she said.

“It’s really important to be conscious and cognisant of those issues so we can fight and drive change.”

Ms Wandel said the reaction “was incredible” and the students “left beaming”.

“We got great feedback, with many of the girls saying they felt stronger, more empowered and more confident,” she said.

“That’s really important because we know the more confident these young women are, the more able they are to achieve their goals.”

Tamworth local Tracey Cullen has been following the Country to Canberra program for about a year.

When she heard the Country to Canberra organisers were putting on a roadshow, she put Tamworth forward as a destination. She was so impressed with the program, she also put her hand up to be a regional coordinator.

“Supporting local women is something I feel very strongly about,” she said

“This is a great opportunity for young women in our town and our region, so I jumped at the opportunity to bring it here.”

Ms Wandel said there was a documentary in the works, which follows the Country to Canberra roadshow’s journey.