Pathways to Politics program Alumni leading the charge for the YES Vote in the NT

An alumni of Charles Darwin University’s (CDU) Pathways to Politics Program for Women is putting the skills and knowledge she learnt to the test as she leads the “Yes” campaign in the Northern Territory.

Georgie Corrie, 30 a proud Nyamal woman born and raised on Wurundjeri Land of the Kulin Nation, graduated the Pathways to Politics Program for Women last year.

Now, she is the NT’s Campaign Coordinator for the “Yes” vote for the referendum on the Voice to Parliament and travels across the NT to meet with organisations and community groups.

Ms Corrie said this role is a once in a lifetime opportunity that she couldn’t have taken on without the knowledge gained from the Pathways to Politics for Women program.

“This role is really important, and you need such a range of skills to get through it, sometimes it is manageable, sometimes it is chaos, but it is important work,” Ms Corrie said.

“This role is about bringing the community onboard with the campaign; it is important to speak to different communities in the NT and listen to the needs of the people on the ground.”

“The Pathway to Politics Program is a really worthwhile program to not only build your skills and confidence but to also meet other people and you never know where it might take you.”

Ms Corrie is keen to encourage more NT women to take part in the Pathway to Politics for Women program.

“Pursuing a career in politics is not only a good thing for women but it is also good for the community. I really encourage Territorian women to take up this opportunity, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Ms Corrie said.

“I also want to encourage women who are interested in becoming involved on boards or the land council for instance to apply for this program. It provides helpful skills that are usable in a range of situations and will help you to have your voice heard so that you can make a difference.”

“By taking part in the program, you will be supported and have so many great opportunities to meet people, don’t be scared by the process it is a deadly program.”

Director of the Northern Institute Professor Kim Humphery said there is still time for women across the Territory to send through an application to take part in the program.

“We have extended our application deadline to June 14 to allow for more women to complete the application process and be considered for the program,” Professor Humphery said.

“I strongly recommend this program to any women in the Territory that has an interest in entering politics, even if it is a small interest. The program will help you to build connections and confidence.”

The Pathways to Politics Program for Women is a national, non-partisan initiative of the Trawalla Foundation, Women’s Leadership Institute Australia and the University of Melbourne and is delivered in partnership with state and territory-based university partners.

The program, which is free for all attendees with support available for travel and accommodation is run by CDU’s Northern Institute.

The program will be held in Darwin from September 11-15, 2023.

Applications to attend the program will close June 14.

For more information or to apply for the program please go to the Pathways to Politics for Women website.