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WELA Conservation Leadership Intensive in Lutruwita/Tasmania

Image Credit: Rob Blakers

WELA Conservation Leadership Intensive in Lutruwita/Tasmania

In partnership with the Tasmanian Land Conservancy (TLC) and made possible with the generous support of the Graeme Wood Foundation and private donors.

What

WELA Conservation Leadership Intensive Lutruwita/Tasmania

When

4 days, 3 nights from Monday 19 May – Thursday 22 May 2025 and two online sessions

Where

Spring Bay Mill in Triabunna, Lutruwita/Tasmania

Applications for this program are now closed.

Designed by and for women and gender diverse people working for and committed to our environment, the WELA Conservation Leadership Intensive, in partnership with The Tasmanian Land Conservancy will energise, connect, and empower a new wave of diverse environmental and climate leadership across Tasmania.

The WELA Conservation Leadership Intensive will bring together up to 18 women and gender-diverse people from across Lutruwita/Tasmania for a four-day leadership development program on the land of the Palawa people in Triabunna, TAS.

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.

The WELA Conservation Leadership Intensive will build the leadership capability and capacity of women and gender-diverse leaders actively working with climate change and the environment. Targeted at diverse participants leading practical and on-the-ground actions, this program will unlock and extend your impact as change-makers.

Join us to be part of a growing movement shaping the future of conservation leadership in Tasmania.

Image Credit: Rob Blakers
  • Increased confidence, influence and leadership capacity as key individuals working in your organisations on the big climate and environment challenges in Tasmania.
  • A strengthened and more connected network of like-minded leaders working towards common goals.
  • Amplify women and gender diverse voices and leadership in communities, including First Nations Custodians and culturally and linguistically diverse leaders across different ages.
  • Propel collaborative climate and environmental actions, across projects and campaigns that stem from the connections made at the Intensive.
  • A nurturing space to inspire hope, manage collective grief and enhance emotional well-being through art-based processes, immersive nature walks and practices.
  • Support the Tasmanian Land Conservancy’s vision ‘for Tasmania to be a global leader in nature conservation’ through practical conservation actions.
Gallery

Image Credits: Rob Blakers (bottom right), Andy Townsend (left, top right)

What's included

Our programs are designed to help participants create the change the world needs through:

Transformational content

Tailored and interactive modules on systems change, First Nations leadership, relational practices, intersectional feminism, resilience, confidence-building,and community mobilisation.

Thought Leaders

Engaging speakers, facilitators and peers at the intersection of environment, climate, community, system change, and leadership each with diverse experiences, skills and styles.

Comprehensive resources and materials

A mix of leadership tools, personal reflection, expert insights, books, videos, storytelling, yarns, embodiment and creative practices.

Retreat

Four days, three nights at the beautiful Spring Bay Mill. with accommodation and meals included.

Community support and connections

Lifelong connections with WELA alum for continued growth and collaboration.

We deliver transformative change through our practical curriculum centred on caring relationships to self, others and the natural world, intersectional feminism and weaving First Nations knowledge systems across four key themes:

Personal development

Increasing wellbeing, resilience, self reflection, confidence and effectiveness.

Evolving your leadership

Stepping up leadership in workplaces and campaigns, with the tools to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of women and gender diverse people in their environmental and social change efforts.

Approaches to impact

Community building and change making skills and tools to understand and respond to impacts of gender bias, inequality and climate change and how to lead action to maximise impact.

Systemic change

Understanding the big picture of power within society and how it links to climate change, and how gender and leadership are constructed and influenced by them and where to intervene.

Your facilitators

Your program will be led and supported by our team of experienced facilitators, including:
Cherry Muddle
Partnerships Manager, WELA
Ruth Langford
Facilitator, Songwoman, Storyteller, Activist and founder of Nayri Niara
Dr. Sue Lewis
WELA Co-Founder, Educator, Patriarchy and Science nerd, Forest Advocate and Guest Facilitator

The core facilitation team will be supported by various local guest speakers, First Nations storytellers and facilitators throughout the week. Participants are also invited to present or co-facilitate table talks during the program to share their experience and expertise in the group.

 

The core facilitation team will be supported by various local guest speakers, First Nations storytellers and facilitators throughout the week. Participants are also invited to present or co-facilitate table talks during the program to share their experience and expertise in the group.

 

Gallery

Image Credit: Spring Bay Mill

Are you ready?

Here are all the details you need...

Location

The program will be located at Spring Bay Mill, once home to the world’s largest woodchip mill, this 43 hectare waterfront site contrasts sweeping sea views and natural bush landscapes nestled amongst Eucalypt forest. The space has sustainability at the forefront with exceptional eco-friendly accommodation and amenities. All meals are provided as is bed linen & towels. 

We will ensure measures are taken throughout the week to minimise health risks such as COVID.

Dates

Retreat: Monday 19 – Thursday 22 May, 2025

This program is designed to encourage active participation, reflection, and connection. Each day includes free time to enjoy nature, exercise or recharge. We recommend taking time off from work to fully engage.

The program includes two online sessions:

  • Onboarding: Tuesday 29 April, 10:00–11:30 AM AEST
  • Integration: Tuesday 10 June, 10:00–11:30 AM AEST

How to apply

Complete the WELA Enrolment Form.

Applications close 5pm Sunday 30 March 2025.

In your application, please share: 

  • Why you would like to participate 
  • Your background and experience 
  • What you’re looking for from the program 
  • How you plan to use the program to benefit your work and leadership, including your willingness to progress environmental action through your work or network following the intensive

If you struggle with working online, don’t let that be a barrier to applying! Word document or hard copy application forms can be provided if required. We can also phone you to gather information.

 

Submit your application by Sunday 30 March 2024 at 5.00pm. Applicants will be advised whether they are successful and will be expected to confirm acceptance of the program by Thursday 10 April 2025 to provide applicants with a reasonable planning horizon.  

Selection criteria

This program is for you if you:

  • Are engaged—through work or volunteering—in conservation, climate, or environmental action in Lutruwita/Tasmania.
  • Identify as a woman or gender-diverse person with a passion for Lutruwita/Tasmania’s environment.
  • Are committed to growing your leadership for greater impact.

WELA is committed to supporting a diverse and thriving community of changemakers.  We encourage applications from First Nations women and gender-diverse people, people of colour, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, individuals of all ages, abilities, and social backgrounds—whether in paid roles or volunteer positions, and across all sectors.

  •  

Costs

Thanks to support from private donors and Tasmanian Land Conservancy, this program is heavily subsidised to ensure accessibility. A limited number of full scholarships are also available. Program Value = $3,300,

  • Subsidised Fee: $1,200 per person
  • Scholarships: A limited number of full and half paid scholarships are available and will be prioritised for First Nations people, unpaid volunteers, and those from marginalised communities. 

Payment is required upon acceptance into the program to ensure commitment to the program. You can apply for a scholarship as part of your application form.

Image Credit: Matt Palmer

Applications for this program are now closed.

More information

WELA is empowering and supporting women’s leadership for our environment, and transforming Australia’s response to the climate and environment crises.

Get in touch with any questions:

  • Kasey Harris – WELA Program Coordinator – kasey@wela.org.au

Image credit: Swift Parrot (banner) – Peter Vaughn