As a third-year Policing/Criminology student at Western Sydney University and international Touch Football star of some repute, Danni is supporting ‘Project Sydney’s’ wider campaign to increase opportunities for young people to break into today’s workforce. She is joining other equally inspiring young women to use her voice and burgeoning social media profile, to promote positive role modelling and messaging for others to seek out and seize opportunities. The campaign aims to create awareness and pathways for Sydney’s ongoing growth and development; and to specifically showcase how young women can dream big and pursue a successful career through a variety of disciplines. Promoted in The Daily Telegraph and across the News Ltd network, ‘Project Sydney’ is a rolling campaign initiative by the NSW Government and commercial partners including Harvey Norman. Danni couldn’t be more excited about her advocacy role and the opportunity to share her own story and experiences. “I was humbled by the opportunity to do the shoot and story for The Daily Telegraph in conjunction with Touch Football Australia and Harvey Norman,” she said. “I didn’t know what to expect, but playing for Australia in Touch Football, you have that role model status and privileged position; and being someone who studies at University and doing what I do, it is just humbling to be part of the campaign and contribute to the message,” she added. “I think for girls in Sydney particularly, it is tough for young people, and girls especially, to get out, do things and be successful. If they are driven and determined to achieve their goals though, there are so many opportunities in across the city and indeed other centres for them to do so.” Danni acknowledges it isn’t always easy to balance these responsibilities but says she keeps a keen eye on the rewards. “It is tough! I am not going to lie; it is hard – you get back what you put in.” When put into perspective, she confessed she wouldn’t be where she is without the support network around her. “I am forever thankful to my family and how much they support me. Western Sydney University regularly supports me too in my studies: giving me extensions on multiple assignments and my various workplaces over the years have been understanding too and given me the time and the support I need. It has been tough but I am lucky for all the people and support structures around me.” Danni added that while hard work and support networks are a given, critical to success is for young women to have role models to admire and achievements to aspire to. “The more role models that girls have to look up to, particularly sports people, it gives people something special to strive for,” she said. “I know a few girls in the Rugby Sevens like Dominique Du Toit and Brooke Walker who have previously played Touch and are now studying at university while playing for Australia. There are many girls who are achieving like-goals through Touch Football and Rugby League particularly and I think they are setting such a great example for future generations to come.” Danni’s advice to young women aspiring to take a leaf out of her playbook is simple: “Be true to yourself. Stick to your values and be honest with yourself and others and not lose yourself in the moment. If you stay humble, grounded, driven and focused, you can’t go wrong!” Top marks to Danni on all she has achieved on and off the field, and for joining her peers to blaze a trail and light a path for generations to come. Keeping In Touch 2016 | 7 IMG002_NSWTouch_Dec17_v3_FILM_R.indd 7 28/11/17 4:21 pm