How a Westminster Old Scholar is empowering the next generation of rural girls
When Hannah Wandel OAM ('06) was just 13, her family's home was destroyed by fire. The overwhelming support from her rural community inspired a lifelong commitment to ensuring young women from regional Australia had the confidence and opportunities to thrive.
Hannah pictured in the 2006 Westminster Yearbook
After graduating from Westminster, Hannah founded Country to Canberra, a national not-for-profit dedicated to breaking down gender and geographical barriers for girls living in regional, rural and remote Australia. Through leadership, education and mentoring programs, the organisation has empowered thousands of young women across the country.
Hannah with students talking about the Country to Canberra program
In recognition of her contribution to public administration and community service, Hannah was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). In 2026, she was appointed Chief Executive of the South Australian Fire and Emergency Services Commission (SAFECOM), continuing her career in disaster resilience, emergency management and community leadership.
