WELA Leadership Intensive with the Conservation Council of Western Australia

WELA Leadership Intensive with the Conservation Council of Western Australia

  • What – WELA Leadership Intensive with Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA)
  • When – 3 days, 3 nights from 3-6 March, 2023
  • Where – Anapana Ridge, Perth Hills, WA

Are you ready to bring your unique leadership approach to the biggest environmental challenges we face?

About the WELA program

Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) Leadership Programs are transformational for women who want to accelerate positive change for our environment and climate. We empower people to identify their own approach to leadership, and to recognise and step into their power to influence.

Designed by and for women and gender-diverse people working for and committed to tackling our environmental crisis, the WELA Leadership Intensive for Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA) is a new opportunity based on the successful WELA National Leadership Program.

The program will bring together 20 women and gender diverse people for a 3 day, 3 night leadership development program in Western Australia.

Are you...

  • Working across the environmental and climate change movement, in not for profit organisations, all levels of government and business to deliver long term system change for our environment
  • Wanting to identify and grow your own style of leadership
  • Facing barriers you need support to overcome - these barriers are as diverse as the women who do our programs, including personal, organisational, family, cultural and systemic
  • Overwhelmed with the lack of positive change and sameness in the leadership styles and solutions to date
  • Curious about pathways to increase diversity among climate change leadership, including engagement and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women of colour, working class women
  • Looking for a leadership network and greater collaboration between women across Western Australia

Then you're in the right place.

What's included

This program is designed to help you create the change the world needs. When you commit to this program, you will receive:

Transformational content

Transformational content that challenges and inspires, creating clarity and strategy to focus ideas into actions.

Tailored focus

To help mainstream and embed climate change work across sectors through increased women’s leadership and collective action in Western Australia.

Retreat

Three days, three nights with accommodation and all food included, at Anapana Ridge retreat centre in the Perth Hills.

Community support and connections

The WELA community will ensure participants are supported throughout and beyond the program. They will join and connect with an alumni community of diverse, incredible women who will continue to support their growth!

Experienced changemakers

With guest presenters, facilitators, and WELA staff, meet and learn from skilled leaders in the environment and climate sector, each with diverse experiences, skills and styles

Comprehensive resources and materials

Our program uses a diverse array of tools to support different learning styles – from leadership tools to recordings, books, movies and creative practices.

Your facilitators

They are supported by special guest speakers and CCWA. Participants are also invited to present sessions during the program to showcase their experience and expertise in the group.

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.

GIZ WATSON
WELA facilitator, past WELA Steering Committee Member

Experienced facilitator, mediator, strategist and policy developer, Giz was elected to the Western Australian Legislative Council from 1996–2013. Prior to this Giz led a building and construction business, and in 1992 became one of only three women registered as builders in WA. Giz has worked across the peace and environment movements, and is a member of the Western Australian Women’s Hall of Fame.

STEPHANIE POLY
Facilitation Team Support, WELA National Program Alumna.

Community Organiser with The Wilderness Society, Steph is inspired to create networks of like-minded people, empowering them to collaborate and innovate in harmony to shape change that meets their needs. Steph draws on skills from previous roles in ecology, sustainability and environmental analysis.

This program will provide you with the key tools you need to really create and lead change. This transformational, relational approach has proven to work time and time again for our alumni.

Our curriculum is centred on four key themes:

Personal development

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

Evolving your leadership

Increasing leadership in the workplace, increasing 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 for understanding and responding to the impact of gender bias, inequality and climate change in the workplace and how to lead action to maximise impact.

Systemic change

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

WELA Alumnae Testimonials

  • We can build strong relationships and work collaboratively across the sector to create the change that we want to see in the world

    Bernadette Thomas
    Former Manager Sustainable Environment, Hume City Council,, WELA Alumna 2017
  • 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.

    Sherie Bruce
    Protect Country Strategist, Queensland Conservation Council, WELA Alumna 2020
  • “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.”

     

    Monica Richter
    Senior Manager Low Carbon FuturesSenior Manager Low Carbon Futures, WWF-Australia, Advisory board chair for the Urban Transformations Research Centre (UTRC), WELA Alumna 2022
  • 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. 

    Jess Beckerling
    Convenor of the WA Forest Alliance, who in 2021 won their decades-long campaign to save WA native forests from logging, WELA Alumna 2020
    Jess Beckerling

Are you ready?

Here's the details

Location

The program will be located at Anapana Ridge retreat centre in the Perth Hills. The space is a lovely natural spot within easy reach of the Perth CBD.  It has a strong connection to nature and committed hosts. There is a swimming pool and spa that will be perfect for the time of year and the facility is air conditioned.

Lunch and evening meals are provided for the full length of your stay, as is bed linen.

You will need to bring your own towels.

The program fees have been kept to a minimum to make this opportunity affordable.  Participants will bring their own breakfasts and will make a contribution to morning and afternoon teas by bringing home made goodies, nuts, dips or fresh fruit to share.

We will ensure COVID-safe precautions and measures are taken throughout the weekend. 

Travel is NOT included in the program fees (see below). 

Program fee

Full program fee: $990 incl GST

Limited subsidised place: $550 incl GST

There are a limited number of fully subsidised places are available. If applying for a scholarship fill in the simple scholarship application question which is part of the application form (a limited number of scholarships are available, and will be prioritised for those of greatest need).

The Conservation Council of WA has received philanthropic funding to assist with the costs of this initiative resulting in the very affordable fee structure and provision of subsidies for those who would otherwise be unable to attend. Your organisation can support the running of this and further programs by supporting staff and volunteers to be part of this important initiative.

 

Dates

The program will run Friday 3 March, 5pm – Monday 6 March, 3.30pm 2023 (WST)

This weekend program is designed to encourage everyone’s active participation. There will be free time each day for participants to enjoy the environment, to exercise or take time out to nourish themselves.

Time for work is limited and it’s recommended that people take the time off completely. 

How to apply

Complete the WA WELA Intensive Application Form.

Applications close Sunday, 22 January 2023.

In your application, please share: 

  • Why you would like to participate 
  • Your experience and what you’re looking for from the program 
  • If applying for a scholarship fill in the simple scholarship application question which is part of the application form (a limited number of scholarships are available, and will be prioritised for those of greatest need).

If you struggle with working online, or are unable to upload a CV, 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. We actively encourage a wide diversity of participants.

Submit your application by Sunday, 22 January 2023.

Applicants will be advised whether they are successful and will be expected to confirm acceptance of the program by mid-February. 

Selection criteria

If you identify as a woman or gender diverse person with a demonstrated passion for our environment, climate, and sustainability issues and are committed to step up in your leadership for greater impact, then this program is for you!

WELA and the CCWA  are committed to supporting the diverse and thriving community of women and gender diverse people in WA working for our environment and climate action. Women and gender diverse people from First Nation communities, people of colour, or culturally and linguistically diverse communities from all ages, social backgrounds and ability and in paid or volunteer positions,  and from across all sectors are encouraged to apply. 

More Information:

Check out the Program Information Pack

Applications close Sunday, 22 January 2023

More information

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

In partnership with Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA), 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 Leadership Intensive for CCWA will take place from Friday 3rd March – Monday 6th March 2023 at Anapana Ridge Retreat, Perth Hills, 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.