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.
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:
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.”
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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.Â
Check out the Program Information Pack
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.