We’re all busy but sometimes you meet someone, look at their schedule, and wonder how on earth it’s all possible. From studying nursing, to helping on the family cattle property, being an active member of the Country Women’s Association, visiting parliament and even sitting on the local Campdraft committee. It all comes back to a deep love of rural Australia.
Charlotte Leys, at the young age of 21, has already made an impressive contribution to rural life. When Charlotte has a rare moment of downtime, she’s happiest riding her horse Virgil by the creek. The rest of the time she’s working on the farm or studying for her nursing degree. “It definitely keeps my plate busy, but I wouldn’t want it any other way,” Charlotte says.
Charlotte had always planned a career in healthcare, and felt she’d leave rural life to pursue that path but has found a way to combine both passions. “As I got more involved in my studies with nursing, going on placement, I realised how much of a correlation there is between the two and how much a factor agriculture plays in health,” she explains.
“I just love the diversity of rural health, and I’ve also realised the adversities with rural health. That’s something I’m really passionate to change.”
Working on the property is not all about the physical work – with advocacy, bookwork and strategic planning all forming part of her skillset as she expands her role and knowledge. Charlotte has a wonderful chance to meet like-minded women and mentors as the youngest member of her Country Women’s Association branch. “It’s such an important organisation in advocacy.” Charlotte says she has been welcomed, given a voice at the table, and respectfully listened to.
“A lot of people see it as just women’s issues, or smaller issues, but they are one of the leading advocacy groups in the state and they make such major change.”
Charlotte has stood out as a future leader in the industry and went to parliament to talk with policymakers to discuss issues like stamp-duty for first time farmers, as well as creating a blueprint for NSW farming, to fall in line with other states like Queensland. “It’s important we get more people involved in rural communities to keep them going. That’s essentially what fuels these communities and their economies.”
But Charlotte’s biggest dream is to improve the rural healthcare sector. “We need to see more doctors, more specialists.” She is constantly moved by the tragic health issues that could be prevented If they were acted on in time.
“I have to drive hours if I want to see a GP. We really need to fill a gap there.”
Charlotte’s message to young people is to give rural life a go. She’s lived in Sydney and says she feels more connected in regional Australia than anywhere else.
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