If you are in a senior leadership role navigating complex work across climate, environment, justice or systems change, this retreat is designed for you.
Held from 3–5 September 2026, the WELA Women Leaders Retreat is a small-group experience for women and gender-diverse leaders in executive, board and advisory roles.
It’s a rare opportunity to step back from day-to-day demands, reflect on your leadership, and connect with peers who are carrying similar responsibilities across sectors and movements.
This retreat is for leaders who spend much of their time supporting others, navigating complexity, and holding responsibility for difficult decisions – and who want space to pause, reflect, and strengthen how they lead.
Delivered in partnership with the Global Leadership Foundation
Supported by the Australian Chapter of Women Leading on Climate
Dates: 3–5 September 2026 (plus relational online sessions before and after the retreat)
Location: Mineral Springs Hotel, a 1930’s retreat day spa in Hepburn Springs, in the Daylesford and Macedon ranges, about 1-hour drive from Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne.
Inclusions: Room with private en suite, 3 gourmet meals a day, complimentary spa bathing pass
Participants: Maximum of 21 leaders in senior leadership roles
What to expect:
Program Fees:
This retreat is designed for you if you are:
We welcome participants from across sectors – NGOs, First Nations organisations, government, philanthropy, academia and business.
You can find full program details, including fees and inclusions, in the brochure.
Expressions of interest are now open and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Gayle Hardie
Global Leadership Foundation
Gayle is internationally recognised for her work with senior leaders and boards across sectors and continents. With decades of experience in leadership development and organisational change, she brings deep insight and compassion to her practice – supporting individuals and teams to navigate complexity with clarity and integrity.
Victoria McKenzie-McHarg
WELA CEO
Victoria brings two decades of climate leadership across sectors. Her former roles include Chair of the Climate Action Network Australia (CANA), Climate Campaign Manager of the Australian Conservation Foundation, and Manager of Strategy at Bank Australia. Victoria is currently Chair of the Advisory board at the RMIT Centre for Urban Research.
Sharan Burrow AC
Global advocate for human rights, climate action and Just Transition
As the former General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation and past President of the Australian Council of Trade Unions, Sharan has led international efforts to advance workers’ rights, gender equity, and sustainable development. She has been a powerful voice for civil society at the highest levels of global decision-making — from the United Nations and International Labour Organisation to the G7, G20, World Bank, and IMF — and has twice served as Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Kaley Nicholson
Chairperson, Taungurung Land & Waters Council
Kaley is a proud First Nations woman and environmental advocate working at the intersection of climate justice, cultural care, and community leadership. A WELA Alum and emerging voice in national climate networks, Kaley brings deep wisdom, warmth, and a commitment to Country to all she does.
Kara Lena Virik
WELA Facilitator, Learning Designer & JEDI Lead
Kara is a learning designer and systems practitioner with a global perspective on gender equality and environmental justice. Her work in activism, academia, and advocacy spans internationally across central Europe, the U.S., the Western Balkans, and so-called Australia. She currently lives and works on the lands of the Kombumerri people.
“I was so grateful to have the opportunity to slow down, connect, and feel nourished by the rich wisdom from other leaders about how we are collectively stewarding care for the environment and climate. I left with new tools for myself and my organisation, challenged views and ideas, and most importantly – genuine connections and friendships with incredible leaders from across Australia.”
– Lexi Randall-L’Estrange, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Castlemaine Institute
“I was in a room of giants. It was a gift to be with these mighty women who are leading transformational work in the face of global boiling. It was an unreal reminder of the power of sisterhood!”
– Louise Sergent, Managing Director, Today
“We are all working to the limit of our capacity because we care deeply about what we do. The retreat gives you the space to examine your own needs and find ways to make sustainability a personal attribute.”
Helen Dalley Fisher AM, Former Convenor,
Equality Rights Alliance and Consultant
