Designed by and for women and gender-diverse people tackling the big issues, the WELA Northern WA Leadership Program, with support from the Conservation Council of Western Australia and the Australian Conservation Foundation, is part of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA.
The WELA Northern WA Leadership Program will bring together 20 women and gender diverse people for a three day leadership development program in WA Tuesday 30 April – Friday 3 May 2024.
WELA Leadership Programs are transformational for participants who want to accelerate positive change. We empower people to identify their own approach to leadership, and to recognise and step into their power to influence. While the National Leadership Program is a 9 month intensive online and retreat-based program, this program is a shorter deep dive into the program content, with specific sessions tailored to participants’ needs.
The WELA Northern WA Leadership Program is a special program co led by First Nations Josie Alec, with the aim of attracting equal numbers of First Nations and non First Nations participants to tackle the big climate/environment/justice issues facing the northern parts of WA together. Participants will strengthen the networks needed to increase sharing of resources and ideas across women and gender-diverse people working for positive change in the north of WA.
The program invests in supporting women leaders across the environmental, climate change and justice movement, not for profit organisations, all levels of government and business to deliver long term system change. Your staff and volunteers that become part of this program will go on to lead stronger and more inclusive projects and initiatives, achieve greater environmental outcomes, step up in leadership roles for impact, and support others in their leadership.
DR. LOUSIE DUXBURY
Lead facilitator, WELA Program
Louise has a PhD in sustainability and technology policy, and experience in directing and managing landcare, farm forestry, watercare, bushcare, sustainable farming, revegetation, environmental protection and research projects in Western Australia. She also facilitates leadership programs, particularly for women working in environmental and community development fields.
Louise is a Director of Gondwana Link Limited and founder of Green Skills Inc, a not-for-profit environmental organisation focused on sustainability and integrating project management, training and employment programs for WA industries.
JOSIE ALEC
Guest facilitator, proud Kuruma Marthudunera woman and ACF’s First Nation’s Lead
tbc
BIANCA MCNEAIR
Malgana woman from Gutharagudu, otherwise known as Shark Bay. WELA participant 2023.
MONICA EDGAR
Yaruwu woman & Karajarri Jarndu woman. Lead Country Manager Nyamba Buru Yawuru Ltd WELA participant 2021.
Louise and Josie are supported by Monica Edgar Yaruwu woman and Bianca McNeair Malgana woman assisting the facilitation team and special guest speakers. Participants are also invited to present or co-facilitate table talks during the program to share their experience and expertise in the group.
Our curriculum is centred on four key themes:
We can build strong relationships and work collaboratively across the sector to create the change that we want to see in the world
WELA is an incredible group of leaders, supporters, educators and champions of women, whether that is in a traditional paid or volunteered workspace.
I have gained some incredible skills in management styles, leadership strategies an understandings of and how some of the work challenges we face today evolved and how to apply practical solutions to solve these challenges.
WELA is a life-changing opportunity, for you our environment and for future generations.
“This is a decade where we need to upskill ourselves, be connected together and collaborate to achieve and address the key challenges of our time. The WELA program helps us by skilling us up, connecting us and really being alive to the contribution that we as women are uniquely placed to make for this particular decade and beyond.”
WELA was absolutely transformative for me. I learned so much on so many environmental, political and leadership topics, laughed and danced, and met and spent time with some serious legends of the Australian feminist and environment movements, and felt placed in a network of powerful women around the country working to reimagine environmental leadership, and get stuff done. It coincided so beautifully and significantly with the major success of Forests last year and I’m enormously grateful to everyone who makes WELA possible. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
I’ve come to the WELA retreat here in Commonground to make more connections with likeminded sisters like myself caring for country. And I’ve been able to make so many connections here. I’ve got sisters all over the country now.
WELA is empowering and supporting women’s leadership for our environment, and transforming Australia’s response to the climate and environment crises.
This program is designed to develop your skills, self-reflection, support and networks to take the next steps in your leadership for a better future.
The WELA Northern WA Leadership Program will take place from Tuesday 30 April – Friday 3 May 2024 at Eco Beach Resort, Broome, WA.
Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA)
The Conservation Council has been the premier peak environmental organisation in WA for over 50 years representing more than 100 environmental organisations. CCWA campaigns and lobbies across nature and wildlife, waste and recycling, climate change, environmental and pollution regulations and controls. The CCWA staff is significantly driven by women and this is mirrored in many of its member groups.
Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF)
Australia’s national environment organisation. Since 1965, protecting the nature we all love – our unique wildlife and our beautiful beaches and bush.
Driven by the power of people, influencing governments and businesses to protect the animals, rivers and reefs close to our hearts and hold decision-makers to account without fear or favour. Everything ACF do is evidence-based and helps nature and people thrive for generations to come.
Green Skills is an innovative organisation that develops and manages environmental and community projects across Perth and regional WA.
Green Skills is a driver of change towards a more sustainable community. Our mission is to promote and demonstrate sustainability in action through creation of employment opportunities and the provision of training, research and on-ground projects.
Green Skills is an incorporated Not-for-Profit organisation. In addition to our many community and environmental development projects we run successful enterprises such as our Ecojobs teams, Tip Shop operations and Professional Consulting services to support our vision.