From teaching in remote parts of Australia to overcoming a signifcant language barrier after moving to Tasmania from a refugee camp, the young Tasmanians were each nominated for the 2017 Young Woman of the Year Award after achieving in the face of difficulty.

The winner was announced by a passionate advocate for gender equality, Chloe Shorten, wife of Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and the daughter of former governor-general Dame Quentin Bryce.

“They are so extraordinary, they really are such a shining example of how young women can make a big difference in a community and how each individual has a great contribution to make,” she said.

“Their stories are really inspiring and I would love my girls to be able to meet such wonderful young women.”

Mrs Shorten said was honoured to have the chance to speak to young women living in regional areas like Launceston.

The top gong was award to Rocherlea’s Daria Bannister for her focus and determination to break gender stereotypes in sport.

The 18-year-old played in the AFL All-Stars youth curtain-raiser exhibition game.

“I would like to think I am a bit of a role-model to the younger generation and I hope to continue to achieve and help people through that,” she said.

She now dreams of an AFL career and to study a degree in sport science after finishing her studies at Launceston College.