From the Chief Executive Officer
By Darryl Day, CEO
The iconic Shine Dome last hosted a Trust graduation event in 2019. It made us realise what we have missed in not having a face-to-face graduation in two and a half years. The 2022 Science to Policy Leadership Program Graduation was rated by our Patron, the Reverend Vicky Cullen, as the best. An incredible presentation by the graduands, recognition of the 2021 Women in Water Fellows, who completed their program on-line in November last year, and the Graduation Address.
The Graduation event is covered separately in this edition of Bridging by our Programs Director, Dr Bek Christensen. However, I would like to highlight how each element of the program constructed a narrative that deeply connected, challenged us to reflect, and lead transformation with curiosity and courage.
The Welcome to Country address by Ngunnawal Elder, Wally Bell, inspired through his stories of country and culture and an invitation to embrace traditional knowledge and contemporary science with curiosity and respect. The 2022 Science to Policy presentation demonstrated WHY the PCT Leadership Program is truly transformative.
Then the Graduation Address by Professor Emeritus Cynthia Mitchell. Cynthia inspired and challenged not only the graduates, but all of us, to be courageous. To draw strength from our own vulnerability. Cynthia shared insights from her transdisciplinary learning. The need to step back and reflect, then again step back, and reflect on our reflections. The challenge and opportunity to be in that space of reflexive contextualise. To be in that space of being deeply reflective and letting the context drive things and to hold our nerve there. Cynthia left us with the challenge to have a regenerative orientation. It is not just good enough to focus on doing less harm to our environment. We must do much more. You must make the time to watch, or rewatch, Cynthia’s powerful message via the link in Bek’s update. An inspiring challenge. Thank you, Cynthia.
The Hon Karlene Maywald, Chair of the Trust announced the Board’s decision to award the first Life Membership to Leith Boully. There will be much more to be said about the recognition of Leith’s inspiration in designing the leadership program and directing the 15 leadership programs the Trust has delivered since 2010. An incredible legacy. Thank you, Leith. You have inspired so many in taking the over 230 Fellows on a truly transformative journey.
I am absolutely delighted to welcome Lesley Ryall as Fellows Network Coordinator. A new role so important for the journey of Fellows and the future of the Trust. We are very fortunate to have you in our team Lesley.
Fellows Network Coordinator Appointed
By Lesley Ryall, PCT Fellows Network Coordinator
In a rare moment of planet alignment, an opportunity to make a contribution to environment and leadership came across my radar and, remarkably, some amazing people decided that I could. My name is Lesley Ryall and I’ve recently started in the role of Fellows Network Coordinator at the Trust. I join you from my offices on my bush block in North Warrandyte, on Wurundjeri country, 30km or so north-east of Melbourne, and 500m from the Yarra River. I have a background in leadership programs (Fellow of Leadership Victoria); environment (WWF, Bug Blitz Trust, Be Ready Warrandyte (bushfire recovery); alumni programs (Monash Alumni Association, Dafydd Lewis Trust); community engagement (IAP2); and events and have worked in all levels of government. For the past 20+ years I’ve operated my own small business providing a wide range of services to the not for profit sector. I’m excited to be taking on the mantle of Fellows Network Co-ordinator and thank the many who have welcomed me so warmly. I look forward to working with and for you and will always respond to messages sent to lesley@petercullentrust.com.au.
Programs Update
By Dr Bek Christensen, PCT Programs Director
OzWater ‘22
With reference to great leaders like Darth Vader and Brené Brown, PCT’s great debate at OzWater ’22 was a clear highlight from the last few months. Our debate topic was ‘Our water sector needs more people experts and less technical experts to ensure a brighter future’, or in short: we need more leaders and less experts.
Our two debate teams included PCT Fellows and this year’s participants in the WSAA Young Utility Leaders (YUL) Program. As you would expect, they brought courage, creativity, and cutting insight to the debate, which also included many opportunities for the audience to have their say on the topic. The Australian Water Association did an excellent write-up from the event that you can read here: https://bit.ly/3MX3ZJn
We received great feedback from people throughout the week, including a name drop on the main stage at the gala dinner. It was wonderful to see many of our PCT community in the audience – thank you for your support. And finally, thanks again to our debaters Ali Ahmadi (WSAA YUL), Chantal Keane (WSAA YUL), Marzieh Lotfollahi (WSAA YUL), Jackson McEwen (WSAA YUL), Brad Moggridge (Fellow 2018), Andrew O’Neill (Fellow 2017), Kirsten Shelly (Fellow 2011), Kathryn Silvester (Fellow 2022), Deena Rigby (Fellow 2019), and Samantha Rinortner (WSAA YUL).
2022 Science to Policy Leadership Program.
Session 2 of the 2022 Science to Policy Leadership Program in Canberra in May was the first in-person completion of a PCT Program since 2019 – something worth celebrating! As usual, the Fellows PD Day coincided with Graduation Day (you can read about PD elsewhere in this edition), and our graduation event was a double-header with the 2021 Women in Water Leadership Program Fellows attending to receive their certificates and celebrate in person after completing their program online last year. We were privileged to have PCT Friend and Professor Emeritus Cynthia Mitchell speak at the event, in a presentation that was heartfelt, thought-provoking, and motivating. If you missed it, you can watch it here: https://vimeo.com/713549675 . This was also the first graduation event that we livestreamed, and it was encouraging to see so many Fellows online to connect and support the newest program graduates.
Leith Boully Retires
Those who attended graduation heard the news that the 2022 Science to Policy Leadership Program is the last that Leith Boully will direct for PCT, as she is retiring from this role. All readers will know that there are not sufficient words to express Leith’s impact on our PCT community, or to express our gratitude. Plans are underway for an event to thank Leith in person, as well as some other activities to recognise her leadership through the life of the Trust. We will keep you up to date as these plans progress.
Upcoming PCT Events and Opportunities
The dust has barely settled on the rich program of events that featured through Graduation Week in May, but planning is already well underway for the next wave. Look out for more information on these forthcoming PCT events and opportunities:
2022 Lunch with a Leader Series
Your City Leads are working hard to bring opportunities for local gatherings in our major centres across the back half of 2022. Look for details coming your way via email and social media over the next weeks and months.
2022 Women in Water Leadership Program
We look forward with excitement to the 2022 Women in Water Leadership Program commencing in September.
2012 Fellows 10-year Reunion
With the PCT brand of optimism, we are planning our first ever in-person 10-year reunion for the 2012 Fellows cohort in the final quarter of the year.
2022 Peter Cullen Lecture
The touchstone of our annual calendar, The Peter Cullen Lecture is scheduled on Wednesday 16 November in Canberra. This important event will be bookended by Session 2 of our 2022 Women in Water Program and the next Fellows PD Day.
2023 Science to Policy Leadership Program
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN for The Peter Cullen Trust 2023 Science to Policy Leadership Program
Applications are now invited for the Trust’s 2023 Science to Policy Leadership Program. The Trust’s highly regarded flagship Program enables the people at the forefront of Australia’s water and environment sector to develop their leadership capabilities, communication skills and ability to drive change.
The Program is limited to 16 participants drawn from across Australia. Applicants must be available to attend both residential sessions and take part in the intervening project work. People who complete the whole program successfully join the community of Fellows of The Peter Cullen Trust.
Session dates for 2023 are:
- Session 1: 20-24 March 2023
- Session 2: 22-26 May 2023
Information for applicants and sponsoring organisations, together with the application form, are available via the Trust’s website https://www.petercullentrust.org.au/science-to-policy/.
The cost of the Program includes all course fees, flights, accommodation, and a Graduation Cocktail Event where Graduates will be welcomed as Fellows and have an opportunity to connect with other alumni, PCT Friends and Trust Board Directors.
Please encourage all the emerging water and environment leaders in your network to apply.
For further information about the Program please contact Trust CEO, Darryl Day, at ceo@petercullentrust.com.au.
PCT Mentoring Program
Don’t forget that the Trust offers a mentoring program. If you are a PCT Friend who would like to mentor a Fellow, or if you are a Fellow who would like a mentor, please fill out the Expression of Interest which is downloadable from the PCT website http://www.petercullentrust.org.au/mentoring/.
PCT Updates
Shaking the Foundations: Fellows Professional Development Day
Thursday 19th May at ANU Canberra
By Trent Wallis, PCT Fellow 2017
After a long hiatus with the last two years of Covid, it was great to have the Fellows Network reconnect “face to face” on a sunny autumn day in Canberra, for the first time since 2019. We had a superb PD Day program with some fantastic topics and discussions:
Nailing political opportunities
Under Chatham House Rules, this interactive panel session generated some great discussion on future water management, its challenges and opportunities within the Murray Darling Basin and more broadly across Australia, drawing on the recent launch of the One Basin CRC.
The panellists included:
- Malcolm Thompson (former Deputy Secretary – Department of Agriculture (responsibilities included Water))
- Dr Wendy Craik (former Chief Executive – Murray Darling Basin Authority)
- Rod Marsh (establisher and Director Strategy and Programs, WaterTrust Australia Ltd)
Constructive climate conversations
Facilitated by Fellows Dr Lisa Ehrenfried (Fellow 2014) and Dr Emily Barbour (Fellow 2019), we explored a range of challenging and innovative ways to re-engage with the climate change dialogue. This included Australian and international based video examples, including advertisements and government promotional videos advocating for action on climate change. It created some great discussion on motivations for climate action, and effectively communicating with influence and impact – which proved great timing only days before the federal election.
Looking back, looking forward: Network futures
This facilitated workshop session drew on the expectations from our most recent fellows and a recent broader survey of the Fellows Network, to imagine what we want our Fellows Network to be over the next 5 years and beyond.
The session generated some great ideas that will be used to drive and encourage future Fellows activities and events for the year ahead, including opportunities to reconnect, such as the successful Lunch with a Leader Series and PDs days.
We wouldn’t have had such a great Professional Development Day session this May without the help of a range of Fellows who jumped in, many at the last minute, to help with organising the event. A big thank you to Michael Wrathall (Fellow 2016), Leanne Wilkinson (Fellow 2019), David Weldrake (Fellow 2017), Ailsa Kerswell (Fellow 2016), Lisa Ehrenfried (Fellow 2014), Emily Barbour (Fellow 2019), Fiona Dyer (Fellow 2021), Deborah Bower (Fellow 2019), and Paul Frazier (Fellow 2012) who helped to make it a great day!
We are also planning another session in November this year and would encourage any of you to get involved! The time commitment wasn’t too arduous, it was a lot of fun and it was a great opportunity to work with other Fellows and give back to the network.
Perth Lunch with a Leader
By Stacey Hamilton, PCT Fellow 2018 and Perth Lunch Lead
Friday 3 June
In the middle of National Reconciliation Week and significantly on Mabo Day, the WA Fellows and Friends came together for our first Lunch with a Leader session for 2022. Michelle Andrews, Director General of Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) was our guest speaker and she delivered in spades!
As the theme for the week was “Be Brave, Make Change” it was great to see everyone in person and for some of the DWER regional “superstars” (also PCT Fellows) to be in attendance.
Michelle came to the lunch on a bit of a high after just announcing a Gnangara Groundwater Plan with the relevant Ministers and the lunch started with a bit of networking before eating and then listening to Michelle’s story. I had given Michelle insight into Mike Rowe’s (former DG of DWER) theme of his PCT Lunch with a Leader in 2021 and so Michelle was going to talk to us of the continuing journey of bringing the former Departments of Water and Environment into DWER.
Michelle delivered on this and so much more! As I summarised in the thank you at the end – ‘WOW! I could sit here and listen to you all afternoon’.
In true Peter Cullen Trust program style, Michelle spoke about her “three” thirds of her life and her “call to action” for all DWER leaders to come together as part of the DWER Strategic Plan for 2022-26. Michelle also spoke about her sense of responsibility as an ally for First Nations people and to become an important contributor in her leadership role. Her metaphorical “backpack” which she carries, enables her to “look and learn from myself” and suggested you should never stop reaching back and learning more about yourself to shape the leader you become. As all Fellows know from the programs we have been lucky to be a part of, the answer can be found “in the book” and that book is us! The way we choose to use leadership and/or power and remembering we need to reflect back on what we learnt shapes who we can be.
Michelle’s previous working experiences included a stint in the Northern Territory where Michelle worked on a Social Impact Study for the Jabiluka uranium mine and examined previous mine developments where the best intentions for better outcomes for our First Nations People failed. Again Michelle emphasised being an ally and a sense of responsibility as motivation. Michelle was also in Canberra when the “Bringing Them Home” Stolen Generation Report was tabled. Michelle spoke of her experience and by reaching into her “backpack” again seeking opportunity to make change.
Michelle also touched on her experience as the new Director General at the Department of Communities when the biggest WA governmental corruption to have occurred (that we know of) was discovered. People in the Department spoke to Michelle about what they saw / knew, yet in doing so realised that they failed to act . Michelle noted that sometimes leadership can be brutal. But again, Michelle spoke of her sense of responsibility as a servant of the public and coming home a different person after that experience.
There is so much more I could share on what was spoken about that day, but as I highlighted right at the beginning of this piece was “WOW”. I was lucky to listen to someone being open, honest and genuine from her leadership experience and Michelle’s ability to “be me”. Isn’t that what leadership is all about? Now in the spirit of National Reconciliation Week, let’s all be brave and make change in our leadership journey!
Thanks to all the Fellows, Friends and invited guests who attended and for Lijun Mo as official photographer on the day.
Conferences and Seminars
The Australian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group Inc. Conference will be held between the 26-30 September 2022, followed by a post-conference field trip from 1-5 October. Conference registration is planned to open shortly – see the Australian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group Inc. website for further information https://www.anzgg.org/conferences.
The Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, will be hosting the 2023 Society of Freshwater Science conference in Brisbane in June 2023. This is the first time the Society will have held a meeting outside of North America and it will be held jointly with the New Zealand and Australian Freshwater Science Societies. A ‘save the date’ announcement is at Freshwater Sciences 2023 (squarespace.com).
Awards and Appointments
Fellows and Friends of PCT are widely acknowledged for their individual achievements on many fronts, including:
Well-deserved honour for one of our first Fellows and Board Directors!
Our congratulations to Dr Katherine Daniell (Fellow 2010) who was recently awarded the insignia of Chevalier (Knight) in the Ordre National du Mérite by the French Ambassador HE Jean-Pierre Thébault. Katherine has served the relationship between France and Australia in a number of roles, including as President of AFRAN, to strengthen scientific and university cooperation between the nations and regions, and to contribute to research and innovation in the water governance field and beyond. The award is bestowed for distinguished civil achievement, and it is rare for an Australian to be so recognised.
PCT Fellow appointed National Lead for Climate and Energy at Dairy Australia
Elissa McNamara (Fellow 2016) takes on the mantle of National Lead for Climate and Energy at Dairy Australia, where she will be leading implementation of their Climate Change Strategy and working with the industry to reduce carbon emissions.
Making a Positive Change for Marine Life
Kaye Cavanagh (Fellow 2011) recently joined the board of Positive Change for Marine Life – an Australian based NFP focussed on waterway and ocean programs, working with marginalised coastal communities. PCFML shares a strong passion and ethical approach to making a positive change in coastal environments and the communities that rely on them.
PCFML currently has offices in Australia, India and the Solomon Islands. To date they have run over 20 projects in 7 countries, predominantly focused on closed-loop waste management systems and the creation of new, circular economies through social enterprise, as well as research, restoration, co-benefit mapping and the exploration of blue carbon potential in coastal ecosystems and wetlands.
Recently, PCFML’s work in India was voted as one of the world’s Top 20 Waste to Wealth projects (out of 230 projects) by the United Nations Habitat team. Working in some of the most marginalised coastal fishing communities (predominantly with women), the India team has developed the first door-to-door Waste Collection Service, collecting 5 waste streams weekly and employing over 50 local women. Plastic waste is turned into usable products through shredding and extrusion machines, as well as composting and aquaponic systems, which provide a source of food and income for the community. Organic waste, a huge contributor to the eutrophication of local estuaries, is broken down utilising naturally attracted Black Soldier Fly Larvae and then marketed and sold as an organic compost to farms across the region. Finally, metal and non-upcyclable plastic is sold to the informal sector for recycling into various products. All funds generated through these programs help to fund them, whilst developing conservation-focused employment opportunities for families who live below the Indian poverty line.
Another component of PCFML’s India work is their Leave No Trace program. Working with local food vendors, the program has seen 28 businesses completely eliminate the sale of single-use plastics, instead providing ocean-friendly, locally-sourced and compostable products to their customers. PCFML subsidise this transition for the first 1-3 months, developing marketing materials and signage for each business as an extra incentive. To date, it’s estimated that this program has removed an average of ~15,000 pieces of plastic from being dumped on local beaches and in local waterways every month!
PCFML’s work in India has been designed to be replicated in other parts of the world. Last year, their work expanded to a second country, the Solomon Islands, where similar programs are being undertaken.
In Australia, PCFML has been exploring opportunities for the restoration and protection of environmentally, culturally, socially and economically vital wetlands. Recently, they undertook a 12-month research project to map the Brunswick River in northern NSW for a range of anthropogenic and environmental threats including erosion, water quality, invasive and alien species and marine debris. Their findings are now live in their online StoryMap, in which river users can also upload real-time data to continuously improve their data. The program, known as River Warriors, works in partnership with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (Fisheries), Byron Shire Council, Brunswick Valley Landcare and Southern Cross University and has secured partial funding to develop a blue carbon-focused mangrove restoration project later this year. Like all their projects, PCFML aim for it to be developed to be replicable in other locations across Australia, as well as other international locations where these vital systems are in need of positive management interventions to support the range of benefits that they provide.
If you’d like to find out more about PCFML or donate to their range of innovative, exciting and positive programs for the ocean go to www.pcfml.org.au/donate.
“The idea for the organisation stemmed from work that I was undertaking in Japan in 2011 focused on shark and dolphin hunting. Realising the enormous divide between the local community involved in these industries and foreign activists, I created a Facebook page called ‘Positive Change in Taiji’, which eventually led to the creation of PCFML in 2012. Focused on the three principles of understanding, education and respect, we aim to work with local communities to develop long-term solutions to conservation challenges affecting marine ecosystems, as well as local livelihoods. Through the development of a conservation-over-exploitation, community-driven economic focus, we empower communities to take action on their terms and facilitate change utilising existing resources and knowledge.”
Karl Goodsell, Founder and CEO of PCFML.
Friend of PCT, Professor Stuart Bunn, appointed a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.
Our hearty congratulations to Friend of PCT, Professor Stuart Bunn on his recent appointment as a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science. See Academy announces 2022 Fellows for outstanding contributions to science | Australian Academy of Science and Scientists honoured for contributions to sustainability research – Griffith News
Friend of PCT, Professor Quentin Grafton, joins the Global Commission on the Economics of Water.
Professor Quentin Grafton, Friend of PCT and Laureate Fellow has been appointed, in a pro bono capacity, as a Lead Expert and Commissioner of the Global Commission on the Economics of Water. The Global Commission is composed of 17 experts, community leaders and practitioners from a broad range of science, policy and front-line practice expertise from all regions of the globe. Collectively, they will provide an independent review of ‘The Economics of Water: An Agenda’ to be presented and discussed at the 2023 UN Water Conference. Further details about the Global Commission are available at:
https://www.oecd.org/water/press-release-launch-of-the-commission-on-the-economics-of-water.pdf
Articles and Publications
See links below to recent publications by PCT Fellows and Friends.
Water resources planning in a drying climate in the south-west of Western Australia
Dr Kathleen Broderick (Fellow 2014)
Written for a special issue of AJWR on water resource planning, this is an important case study that explored the similarities and differences of Perth and South West Australia. We read so much about Murray Darling and we just don’t have the same sorts of rivers in the West.
Water resources planning in a drying climate in the south-west of Western Australia
The Importance of Legislative Reform to Enable Adaptive Management of Water Resources in a Drying Climate
Simone Stewart (Fellow 2021)
This work was presented in Dubai in March at the “Water Resources Management and Sustainability: Solutions for Arid Regions” Conference which formed an important part of World Water Day at the Dubai Expo 2020.
