Honouring Felicity Wishart

Over three decades, Flic led landmark environmental campaigns—from protecting ancient rainforests and halting land clearing in Queensland to fighting for marine sanctuaries and stronger climate action. Her final campaign to save the Great Barrier Reef continues to inspire the environmental movement today. As Campaign Director of the Fight for the Reef campaign at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Flic built a team of highly talented young people and had an unshakeable belief in their abilities. She led a powerful campaign to stop industrial development along the Reef coastline. Her unwavering belief, strategic leadership, and tireless advocacy were instrumental in securing the government’s decision to ban capital dredge dumping in the Great Barrier Reef.

Flic’s leadership was defined by fierce determination, deep wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to justice. She worked with organisations such as the Australian Conservation Foundation, Queensland Conservation Council, The Wilderness Society, and the Australian Marine Conservation Society, where she was a beloved mentor and role model—particularly to emerging women and gender-diverse leaders in the environment movement. Her legacy lives on in the campaigns she shaped and the countless lives she touched.

The WELA Conservation Leadership Intensive in South East Queensland honours Flic’s legacy. It is a space for women and gender-diverse changemakers to step into their power, build community, and continue to secure a thriving planet. Flic’s spirit lives on in this work.

“Felicity believed passionately in training and mentoring young women. In her frequent travels, she met countless young people who she supported, advised or mentored. She saw great talent in many young women held back by self-doubt. Felicity helped them believe in themselves. She was a truly inspirational leader, and much loved. She believed change came from the bottom up, not from top down. And she lived that in her public life.” — Imogen Zethoven AO, Director, Blue Ocean Consulting and Felicity Wishart Legacy Fund member –

“Flic was my first mentor in the environment movement—she embodied WELA’s principles of feminist and collaborative leadership. She taught me to lead with the head, heart, and hands in balance. Her unwavering belief in me, paired with her kindness, deep listening, and warmth, helped unlock my leadership potential. With her support, I mobilised communities across Queensland to strengthen Reef protections and raise global awareness.”  — Cherry Muddle, WELA Partnerships Manager, WELA Alum and community campaigner