Shaping a better future for our precious Great Barrier Reef

Designed by and for women and gender diverse people committed to protecting our marine environment, the WELA Great Barrier Reef Leadership Intensive, in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation supported a new wave of women’s environmental and climate leadership in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region.

From 8-14 July 2024, 21 women and gender-diverse people who work in and along the GBR came together for a four-day leadership development program on Wulgurukaba Country (Townsville) in North Queensland.

The WELA Great Barrier Reef Leadership Intensive strengthened the leadership skills of women and gender-diverse community leaders working with Reef catchment communities. It supported grassroots climate action and marine resilience while building a collaborative network to amplify their impact.

What we covered

Session topics included:

Feminist leadership
Intersectionality and power mapping
Panel: How do we bring change as women in the Reef?
Roles of change makers
Storytelling for change
Exploring the emotional impact of the climate crisis

Key outcomes

The WELA Great Barrier Reef Leadership Intensive built the leadership capability and capacity of participants actively working with Reef catchment communities by helping participants to:

Gain increased confidence, influence and leadership capacity as key individuals working across the Reef catchment to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change through on ground actions, and build resilience for coastal and marine habitats and the community.
Amplify women and gender diverse voices and leadership in the Reef catchment communities, including Traditional Owners and culturally and linguistically diverse leaders across different ages.
Accelerate and enhance community climate action for the Reef through collaborative actions, projects and campaigns that stem from the connections made at the Intensive.
Create a collaborative and connected network of like-minded leaders working towards common goals for the Reef and surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Access a supportive environment to inspire hope, manage collective grief, and increase emotional well-being.
Commit to a climate action within their organisations or communities.
Support community efforts across multiple scales and sectors including environment, agriculture, tourism, government, industry and more.

Testimonials from our 2024 Alum

“The wealth of knowledge and experiences of the women in this cohort is extensive and so valuable."

Dr Paige Strudwick, Postdoctoral Research Associate at University of Technology Sydney

“I am still buzzing from the week. I got the chance to cry, laugh, be concerned for the welfare of the women, be proud and full of hope.”

Shirley Johnson, Wulgurukaba Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) and Wulgurukaba Yunbenun Aboriginal Corporation (WYAC)

“Since the intensive, I have seen many successes, both personal and professional, that have been the result of the confidence and leadership skills developed through the program. I look forward to further expanding my skills with the help and advice of the women I met throughout the course.”

“It was life-changing to experience a leadership program designed for women by women. So many aspects of leadership finally made sense and felt genuine. Thank you WELA.”

“Loved every second! Thanks for creating a safe space where we could all be vulnerable and open about the things that are on our minds. It’s so nice to see investment into the women who are working tirelessly to create a better future for the GBR.”