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WELA Spokeswomen Leadership Intensive

WELA Spokeswomen Leadership Intensive

In partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

What – WELA Spokeswomen Leadership Intensive

When – 4 days, 3 nights from Monday 24th March – Thursday 27th March 2025 and two online sessions

Where – Happy Buddha Retreats in Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains on Dharug and Gundungurra Country

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 Spokeswomen Leadership Intensive, in partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water aims to support a new wave of diverse environmental and climate leadership across NSW.

The WELA Spokeswomen Leadership Intensive will bring together up to 18 women and gender-diverse people who work in environmental positions across the Department for a four-day leadership development program on Dharug and Gundungurra Country (Wentworth Falls) in the Blue Mountains, NSW.

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 Spokeswomen 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 with their teams, and across the sector this program will unlock and extend your impact as change-makers for climate and the environment.

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  • Accelerate and enhance climate action for the environment through collaborative actions, projects and initiatives across community and public sector that stem from the connections made at the Intensive.
  • A nurturing space designed to inspire hope, manage collective grief and enhance emotional well-being through art-based processes, immersive nature walks and grounding somatic practices.
  • Amplify women and gender diverse voices and leadership in communities, including First Nations Custodians and culturally and linguistically diverse leaders across different ages.
  • Create a collaborative and connected network of like-minded leaders working towards common goals for the environment, surrounding communities and ecosystems.
  • Increased confidence, influence and leadership capacity as key individuals working across the Department to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate climate change through on ground actions, and build resilience for the environment and community.
  • Support for the Department's vision to create thriving environments and communities for every generation.

What's included

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

Transformational content

Tailored content and interactive modules to challenge and inspire participants, such as system change through First Nations leadership, relational practices, feminist approaches to women’s leadership, climate resilience tools, building confidence and readiness to mobilise community action and mapping ecosystems of support.

Thought Leaders

Guest speakers, facilitators, staff and participants at the intersection of environment, climate, system change, and leadership each with diverse experiences, skills and styles.

Comprehensive resources and materials

The program uses a diverse array of tools to support different learning styles – from personal reflection, leadership tools, in-person and virtual experts, books, video, yarns, embodiment and creative practices.

Retreat

Four days, three nights with accommodation, and meals included, at the beautiful Happy Buddha Retreat.

Community support and connections

The WELA community supports participants during and beyond the program.  Participants join and connect with other WELA alumni who will continue to support their growth!

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

Providing a safe environment to self reflect, support your personal wellbeing and grow resilience, confidence and effectiveness.

Evolving your leadership

Enhancing leadership in your organisation, increasing visibility and impact of your change making.

Approaches to impact

Skills, creative tools and frameworks for community building and change making to address gender bias, inequality and drive purposeful impact.

Systemic change

Understand the bigger picture of power structures within society, learning to create an inclusive and just environment for all.

Your facilitators

Your program will be led and supported by our team of experienced facilitators, including:

Kate MacMaster

Facilitator, WELA

The core facilitation team is supported by various guest speakers 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.

WELA Leadership Intensive Testimonials

Are you ready?

Here are all the details you need...

Location

The program will be located at Happy Buddha Retreat in the picturesque bushland of Wentworth Falls, in the famous Blue Mountains on Dharug and Gundungurra Country. The space is a ridge top location with exceptional eco-friendly accommodation and amenities.  All meals are provided as is bed linen & towels. 

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

Please note that DCEEW travel should be approved with your Director prior to travel. Travel expenses are covered by the Spokeswomen Committee.

Dates

Retreat: Monday 24 – Thursday 27 March, 2025

This 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. 

There will be an online sessions before and after the retreat to attend as part of the program: onboarding on Tuesday March 11th from 11am to 1pm AEDT and integration on Tuesday April 8th from 11am to 1pm AEST.

How to apply

Complete the WELA Spokeswomen Leadership Intensive Enrolment Form

Application close has been extended to Monday 18th November 2024 at midnight.

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, 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.  We actively encourage a wide diversity of participants.

Submit your application by Monday 18 November 2024 at 11:59pm. Applicants will be advised whether they are successful and will be expected to confirm acceptance of the program by Thursday 2 December 2024 to provide applicants with a reasonable planning horizon. 

Selection criteria

Do you:

  • Identify as a woman or gender diverse person with demonstrated passion for our environment? 
  • Are committed to step up your leadership for greater impact?
  • Hold a leadership role within DCCEEW? i.e., do you manage or lead a team of staff?

This program is for you!

WELA is committed to supporting a diverse and thriving community of changemakers. Women and gender diverse people from First Nations communities, people of colour, culturally and linguistically diverse communities from diverse ages, social backgrounds and ability are encouraged to apply.

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Costs

The partnership with the Spokeswomen Committee and the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has provided support to assist with covering the full costs of this initiative allowing you to attend for free and ensure equitable access for those who would otherwise be unable to attend. You will need to be available for the full duration of the program, including the introduction and integration online sessions.

Travel, accommodation and meal expenses are fully covered by the Spokeswomen Committee.

  • This program is valued at ~$3,300 (inc GST) 

Applications for this program closed Monday 18th November 2024 at midnight.

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:

Contact us