PORT Macquarie’s Rowena Gilbett is among a group of enterprising young women vying for top honours in a magazine competition.
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The 26-year-old Kempsey High School teacher founded an after-school program called Strong Girl Fitness which combines fitness training with positive body image, teamwork and leadership building.
The initiative earned Ms Gilbett a semi-final position in Australian Women’s Weekly Women of the Future competition which helps young women achieve their dreams.
A judging panel will select one winner and six runners-up from the 15 semi-finalists with prize money, Qantas travel bursaries and Qantas Club membership up for grabs.
There is also a popularly voted people’s choice award.
People can vote for Ms Gilbett online here.
Ms Gilbett’s Kempsey High School after-school program started with a couple of girls in the gym.
Up to 25 students now attend on a weekly basis.
“I’m stoked to see how it has grown and I’m excited to see where it goes from here,” Ms Gilbett said.
The PE teacher said the girls’ attendance at sporting days had increased.
“Some of the girls would never go to athletic carnivals or cross country carnivals,” she said.
“Now they are going and they are achieving.”‘
The program includes training such as running, gymnastics and calisthenics through to weightlifting and power lifting.
There is a strong focus on positive body image, building community and creating a healthy lifestyle with a motto of strength, courage, choices.
The students have gained confidence, health, increased school attendance and achieved sporting and academic accomplishments.
