1. From the Balcony
By Rosie Wheen, CEO Peter Cullen Trust
Often a time for renewal and optimism, the first weeks of 2026 instead delivered traumatic, devastating impacts for communities across the country. In that complex leadership space where we must hold multiple truths, we start by acknowledging the weariness, sadness, anxiety and loss alongside the resilience, courage and power of community which is the lived reality for so many Australians, particularly those in rural and regional areas.
Against this backdrop, it seems fitting that our first edition of Bridging for 2026 invited the PCT Network to apply the lens of one of our guiding principles to the challenges and the opportunities that the year affords – and work together to “forge new paths”.
A key focus for us in the early days of 2026 is how we shape the Trust’s contribution to the Basin Plan Review and the recently released Discussion Paper. Encouraged by the MDBA’s invitation to coordinate a Roundtable for our network, and in the spirit of our own nationally significant conversations, we have developed a rich, collaborative process for Fellows and Friends of the Trust to respond with courage and urgency to this opportunity to influence the future of the Basin.
Alongside this important initiative, we’re also forging a new path for our May Graduation Week, with Adelaide our first-time host city. How appropriate that Peter Cullen had strong professional ties to South Australia, where he served as a Thinker in Residence at the University of Adelaide in 2004. We’re excited by the new format for two Fellows PD Days which includes a full day Field Trip on Day 1, and our Leadership Program Graduation Dinner at the beautiful National Wine Centre. More on Graduation Week and the partnerships that are supporting it later in Bridging.
Also in the Leadership Programs space, we have just opened applications for the next TWO flagship Leadership Programs (September – November 2026 AND March – May 2027). We’re encouraged by early interest and by the exceptional testimonials for PCT Programs that we’ve recently received from previous participants and sponsors. And we’re excited to be building our Programs space, with our second and sold out Connection to Country rolling out in April, and our new Executive Leadership Intensive scheduled at the end of September. More details follow.
As always, I hope you enjoy the read.
2. In This Issue: Forging New Paths
2026 PCT Basin Plan Review Process – a nationally significant conversation
By Rosie Wheen and Jackie Luethi (Fellow 2022) on behalf of the PCT Basin Plan Review Organising Committee (Fellows: Janet Pritchard, Laura Barlow, Mark Southwell, Monique White)
The MDBA’s Basin Plan Discussion Paper was issued on 5 February 2026.
In preparation for this once in a decade opportunity to directly influence major water and environmental challenges in the Murray-Darling Basin, a Fellows-led organising committee has designed an extensive collaborative program that calls on the Trust’s courageous leaders and collective power to engage for the long-term benefit of the Basin.
Over the next 12 weeks, our role is to facilitate and curate diverse input from the PCT Fellows and Friends network, through online meetings, Roundtables and Workshops which we will convene, culminating in a PCT Submission. Along the way, we will encourage and facilitate individual submissions, collaborative submissions, critical friends and dynamic discussions within the trusted space of the PCT.
The Trust is one of the key stakeholders afforded a targeted Roundtable and follow up meeting with CEO Andrew McConville and senior staff, as part of the MDBA’s Basin Plan Review process, and we are encouraged by this opportunity.
The MDBA Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper is the first step in this process. We invite you to:
- Read it;
- Evaluate it;
- Identify aspects with which you both strongly agree and disagree; and
- Bring your ideas and expertise into the PCT engagement process, as follows:
PCT and MDBA Roundtable
- 16 February – PCT Yarn – unstructured, first collaboration, looking at the key issues and aspects of the Discussion Paper – a preparation for the Roundtable
- 26 February – PCT and MDBA Roundtable
PCT Online Workshops (key issues and themes to be identified with the PCT network)
- 24 March, 1 April and 8 April
Submission
- 27 April – follow up meeting with MDBA
- 30 April – Submission lodgement with MDBA
What Can You Do Next?
Fellows and Friends of the Trust have received separate email invitations to engage with this process, and we welcome their participation.
Others in our network are also invited to contribute by:
- Reviewing the Discussion Paper – HERE
- Attending any of the advertised MDBA webinars to learn more about the Discussion Paper – HERE
- Considering your own Submission/s to the Basin Plan Review
- Accessing the background resources on the MDBA website HERE .
We welcome questions and feedback any time to lesley@petercullentrust.com.au and look forward to rich collaboration with many Fellows and Friends over the next 12 weeks.
Basin SCALE: A Collaborative Declaration Towards a Sustainable and Productive Murray–Darling Basin – One Basin CRC
From Myles Coker, One Basin CRC
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has released the Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper, launching a 12-week consultation period closing on May 1 that represents a rare and powerful opportunity for the public to shape government policy that will affect the Basin over the coming decade.
In response, a diverse coalition of more than 20 experts and leaders across research, First Nations peoples, industry, and regional communities have unveiled the Basin SCALE Declaration – a collaborative call for a fundamental shift in how we approach the future of the Murray-Darling Basin.
The Basin SCALE Declaration was developed collaboratively by more than 20 leaders representing research institutions, policy agencies, industry bodies, First Nations expertise, and on-ground practitioners. The process was convened by One Basin CRC in November 2025 at the University of Canberra with design and facilitation support from organisational consulting firm Atkinsons.
Contributing leaders include representatives from Griffith University, University of Adelaide, Mulloon Institute, Charles Sturt University, One Basin CRC, National Farmers’ Federation, NSW Local Land Services, SQL Landscapes, National Irrigators Council, University of Sydney, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Australian National University, and Murraylands & Riverland Landscape Board.
The Declaration brings together voices from policy, practice, research, First Nations expertise and innovation. It presents an evidence-backed call-to-action that water recovery alone is insufficient, and that complementary actions including riparian restoration, fish passage, water quality improvement, and sustainable land management must be massively scaled up and properly resourced to ensure the benefits of sustainable diversions are maximised.
SCALE stands for System-wide, Catchment Aligned, and Locally Empowered – principles that reflect the Declaration’s vision for Basin-wide coordination paired with ground-up regional design and delivery.
The Declaration recognises the globally significant achievement of water recovery, with about 30% of the water once used for irrigation now secured for environmental benefit. However, without complementary action at scale, the full value of that recovered water will never be realised. This Basin Plan review presents a critical opportunity to get this right.
Key principles in the Declaration include:
- Adopting a comprehensive approach that integrates water recovery with on-ground catchment management actions
- Empowering local communities to design and deliver regional programs while working within Basin-wide coordination frameworks
- Elevating First Nations leadership, knowledge and authority in Basin management
- Prioritising and aligning efforts to places and actions that will make the greatest difference
- Securing long-term, predictable investment to build capability and retain expertise
- Fostering innovation through collaboration between land managers, First Nations people, researchers and technology companies
Forging new paths – COP 30 in Belem
By Professor Jennifer McKay, AM, Professor of Business Law, Adelaide University and Friend of the Trust
I had a party overflow ticket to Belem and was able to sit in on several negotiations at COP 30. This was the largest COP ever. It was crucial as well, as it recognized a shift in global warming prospects from ≥ 4 °C to 2.3–2.5 °C.
I was so impressed by the Australian pavilion (80 wonderful events and fantastic art) and the Australian public servants who were instrumental in negotiations. Good will, politeness, firmness and objective logic were on exhibition as well as the quaintly named therapy sessions – 3 minutes in which to vent!
Australia achieved Vice-Presidency & Negotiation Leadership so Australia will co-chair COP 31 negotiations (to be hosted by Türkiye, 9-20 November 2026), granting it formal authority over the process. Read the full details in the media release HERE.
The formal outcomes of COP 30 were
- Global Mutirão Decision (also called the Belém Political Package), emphasizing implementation of the Paris Agreement and “keeping 1.5 °C within reach.” it includes:
- Tripling climate finance to US $1.3 trillion/year by 2035 (with adaptation finance tripled to approx. US $120 billion);
- Launching the Belém Mission to 1.5 and Global Implementation Accelerator, aimed at closing the ambition‑action gap;
- Creating the Belém Action Mechanism (a UNFCCC just transition platform);
- Agreeing the first global indicators for the Global Goal on Adaptation [portal.ene…oducers.au], [dcceew.gov.au]
- Tripling climate finance to US $1.3 trillion/year by 2035 (with adaptation finance tripled to approx. US $120 billion);
- Adoption of outcomes on adaptation, mitigation, gender, technology, transparency, carbon markets, loss & damage, and the Global Stocktake [dcceew.gov.au]
Australia joined a range of multilateral initiatives aimed at accelerating climate action:
- Belem Declaration on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels
- Global Clean Power Alliance
- Supply Chains Mission
- Belem Declaration on Global Green Industrialisation
- Industrial Deep Decarbonisation Initiative
- NDC Action Now – A Call to Action in a Defining Moment
- Call to Action on Integrated Fire Management & Wildfire Resilience
- Resilient Agriculture Investment for Net Zero Land Degradation
- Belem Health Action Plan
- Declaration launching the Tropical Forest Forever Facility (Australia endorsed the declaration, though not the initiative itself) [dcceew.gov.au], [dcceew.gov.au]
- Appointed Australia (with Brazil) as co-chair of the NDC Partnership steering committee, supporting over 250 countries in shaping and achieving NDCs [dcceew.gov.au]
About Professor Jennifer McKay
I have moved over to Adelaide University as a Professor of Business Law in the Adelaide Law school. Last year I earned international recognition of leadership in environmental law teaching with the Award of Senior Fellow Higher Education Academy and the Academic researcher of the year from Lawyers Weekly and the Women in Law group for teaching the next generation of environmental lawyers. In my teaching I take a human rights based approach and am advocating for a national human rights act and State act which include the human right to a clean healthy environment. I am writing on the recent International Court of Justice Advisory Opinion which provided a set of duties on States via governments with respect to climate change mitigation and adaptation. I am working on these issues in relation to water management and contributed to the recent changes to the federal environmental law.
Jennifer is a regular contributor to Bridging and a Friend of the Peter Cullen Trust.
ORCiD record of publications http://orcid.org/_0000-0002-1190-3286
SSRN PROFILE https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/cf_dev/AbsByAuth.cfm?per_id=859286
Unlocking the potential of women farmers
By Toss Gascoigne, Friend of the Trust
The World Bank says that fifty-nine percent of the workforce in low-income countries is engaged in agriculture. Many of these countries are characterised by poor education, isolation, and traditional cultural practices, factors which make them more susceptible to gender biases.
For instance, equipment is typically designed by men for the convenience of men, so ploughs and watering systems are too heavy. An even bigger issue can be cultural settings which exclude women, typically from owning land, selling at markets or attending training sessions run by men.
The international Consultative Group of International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) recognises the problem. It sees part of the solution in the popular media, with more stories and photos of successful women farmers who have developed new enterprises.
But first CGIAR needs to train their communication staff to research, interview and photograph stories where women farmers and researchers have found solutions to the “gender impediment”.
CGIAR hired Jenni Metcalfe and her Brisbane-based firm Econnect. Her team ran eight two-hour training sessions by Zoom, covering everything from how to spot a gender-responsive issue to skills in journalism: interviewing farmers and scientists, taking photos, pitching a story to editors, getting to the point. Sarah Cole (Brisbane), Marianne Gadeberg (CGIAR France) and Toss Gascoigne (Canberra) led the sessions with Jenni.
Participants came from Kenya, Mexico, Pakistan, Indonesia, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Nigeria and India, and other countries. All had some communication skills but not the complete journalistic set.
The result? The publication of dozens of new stories talking about drilling boreholes in Nigeria, quality rice seed production in India, climate-smart agriculture in Kenya, more scientific sheep and goat rearing in Southern Ethiopia and fish cage technology in Western Kenya, all illustrating the capacity of women to lead agricultural innovation.
And 29 communicators more confident in their journalistic skills.
About Toss Gascoigne
Mr Toss Gascoigne is a practitioner, researcher, author and trainer in science communication. He has run hundreds of training workshops for scientists and communicators, across 25 countries. He is a visiting fellow at the Australian National University’s Centre for Public Awareness of Science.
ORCiD record of publications https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2964-9535
The Forgotten River – a call for leadership for the Upper Murrumbidgee River
By Dr Siwan Lovett, CEO of Australian River Restoration Centre and Friend of the Trust
Six years after the Upper Murrumbidgee River stopped flowing at Tharwa Bridge in 2019, governments have again failed to act on funded drought protections.
In December 2025, the river reached the official drought triggers under a Drought Operating Framework established after the 2019 crisis. Under this framework, environmental water was meant to be released from Tantangara Dam to prevent river collapse and protect endangered species.
The triggers were reached, but no water was released.
This is despite $55.6 million in funding secured through community advocacy, including $30 million specifically allocated for drought response, with up to $10 million per year to be used when triggers are met.
An Independent Expert Panel has since confirmed the river is in abysmal condition, with an average of 93% of its natural flow diverted at Tantangara Dam (and up to 99% in some years), and water-sharing agreements not reviewed for more than 20 years.
The Upper Murrumbidgee is the ACT’s third-largest source of drinking water, supports farms and communities, is home to critically endangered Macquarie perch, and is of deep cultural significance to First Nations people.
This raises serious questions about why drought plans and funding exist but are not acted on when needed, and what this means for water security, biodiversity and public accountability as climate-driven droughts intensify.
The Open Letter from the Upper Murrumbidgee River which follows is a call for action and governance accountability; our rivers urgently need leaders and advocates. More detailed information can be found here: Why is the Upper Murrumbidgee Drought Framework not being implemented when it needs it most?
Fellows and Friends of the Peter Cullen Trust are welcome to connect with me direct at Siwan Lovett | 0422 939 583 | siwan.lovett@arrc.com.au
AN OPEN LETTER FROM THE UPPER MURRUMBIDGEE RIVER
To the people who depend on me, I need to tell you what has happened. Or more accurately – what hasn’t.
I am the Upper Murrumbidgee River. I flow from the mountains, through gorges, valleys, and open plains, sustaining your communities along the way. I am the ACT’s third source of drinking water. I support farms, families, and livelihoods across this region.
Critically endangered Macquarie perch live in my waters, alongside Murray cod, platypus, and rakali. For thousands of years, I have been part of Ngarigo and Ngunnawal Country.
My pools shrank. My fish were stranded. I was on life support.
After that, something remarkable happened. People fought for me.
Through The Forgotten River campaign, governments promised $55.6 million to help me survive. Of that, $30 million was specifically set aside for drought response – up to $10 million per year for three years starting in 2024–25 – to release water when I need it most.
Because of your advocacy, a Drought Operating Framework was secured. It included clear triggers. When my flows dropped too low, water would be released from Tantangara Dam to protect endangered species, maintain deep refuge pools, and prevent me from drying completely.
That was the deal.
This December 2025, I reached those drought triggers.
Water should have been released.
It wasn’t.
Six years of promises. Six years of waiting. And I am still in the same condition I was in 2019.
An Independent Expert Panel has now confirmed what you can see with your own eyes: I am in abysmal condition. On average, 93% of my natural flow is diverted at Tantangara Dam. In some years, up to 99% is taken. I am watching Macquarie perch struggle in shrinking pools. I am watching my riverbed fill with sand. I am watching life disappear.
So, I need your help – again.
Why has the water not been released? Why has the $30 million secured to protect me during drought still not been used? Why are commitments made to the river, its people, and its wildlife being ignored?
I need you to ask the Commonwealth and New South Wales governments these questions.
Please go to The Forgotten River website and share your comments. Tell decision-makers that promises to rivers matter. That drought planning only works if it is acted upon. That a river cannot survive on words alone.
Your comments will be sent directly to the governments responsible.
I am still here but I am running out of time.
— The Upper Murrumbidgee River
Increasing communication reach and accessibility using AI tools
By Sarina Loo (VEWH, Fellow 2010), Kirsty Savage (VEWH, Fellow 2022), Chris Arnott (ArborAI, Fellow 2010)
The Victorian Environmental Water Holder (VEWH) partnered with ArborAI to reimagine how we tell the story of the VEWH’s 2024-25 achievements and, in doing so, make more people engage with the rich content.
Traditional reporting is often dense. It is hard for busy people to find time to read. We used AI to provide two alternatives. We complemented traditional, static documents with AI-initiated, dynamic visual and audio communication products. Historically, these alternative approaches were not viable for the VEWH team due to time, cost, and resource constraints, but AI-augmented workflows and solutions make them possible.
The infographic below is a key part of this work. It turns complex annual data into a clear visual story, highlighting the many achievements of the Victorian environmental watering program in an easily ingestible format that respects the reader’s time.
We also worked together to produce an AI-generated podcast that allows people to listen to a short summary of the annual “Reflections” report. AI was used to generate a rough draft of the script, and also to produce the two Australian voices heard on the podcast. As shown by their increasing popularity, podcasts provide a flexible, on-demand format that fits seamlessly into busy, daily lives and has the potential to engage non-traditional audience cohorts.
The production of these communication tools, along with in-house training, is equipping the VEWH’s executive team with foundational AI knowledge and ensuring organisational readiness for future technology adoption. This positions VEWH as an innovative leader in environmental communication and stakeholder engagement. It also demonstrates that VEWH is seeking to be highly efficient and effective at a time when the recently released government response to the Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service calls upon the VPS to adopt AI to transform how government works.
By using AI tools to work smarter, VEWH aims to streamline processes, improve service delivery and leverage technology to deliver high-quality outcomes.
3. Leadership Programs
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS 2026
By Natasha Davis, PCT Programs Director
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN for TWO upcoming Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Programs:
- 2026 Leadership Program: September-November 2026
- 2027 Leadership Program: March-May 2027
Applicants are invited to apply for either or both programs. We invite our network to encourage suitable candidates to apply.
Each Leadership Program comprises two week-long residential sessions, a substantial group project, formal graduation presentation to peers and a full day’s facilitated Recharge Workshop, face to face, one year after graduation.
Applications are OPEN for our upcoming Leadership Programs, as follows:
2026 Leadership Program (September-November 2026):
- Session 1: On Country, 7-11 September 2026
- Session 2: Canberra 9-13 November 2026
Applications will close on 24 May 2026.
2027 Leadership Program (March-May 2027):
- Session 1: On Country, 15-19 March 2027
- Session 2: Canberra, 17-21 May 2027
Applications will close on 18 October 2026.
(Please note: our next Leadership Program for women only will be scheduled in the second half of 2027, dependent on demand.)
Please share the following information with candidates and decision-makers in your organisation or network:
The Peter Cullen Trust’s purpose is to foster courageous leadership to tackle big challenges in water and environment. Fuelling this purpose is the Trust’s unique and transformative flagship Leadership Program, held just twice a year for 16 outstanding professionals from Australia’s water and environment sector.
The Program is remarkable and, for many, life-changing. Within the trusted space of each small cohort, participants uncover their “why”, developing their own leadership styles and strategic capabilities, whilst gaining the clarity, confidence and courage to lead change within their organisations and communities.
“Powerful. Epic. Emotional. Wild. Exhausting. Enlightening. Transformative. With 13 strangers, vulnerability and resilience coexisted, forging instant solidarity. Thirteen extraordinary women created brave, honest connection. Together we redefined strength, learned to pause, sit in discomfort, and discovered resilience and capability within ourselves.”
Kate Berg, Fellow 2025, Manager Environment and Climate Adaptation, Southern Rural Water
Completion of the Leadership Program is the start of an enduring and rich leadership journey. Following graduation, participants enter the supportive and influential Fellows Network, now numbering over 340 people. This powerful Network offers ongoing engagement, development, and opportunities to contribute to and influence issues of national significance within the sector. Over 150 high profile Friends of the Trust further enrich the culture and the potential of the Network.
“Transforming from Fellow to Director over 15 years, I’ve found the Trust’s true power lies beyond the Program. Our network of 300+ Fellows is an engine for impact. Actively stepping forward to serve this community doesn’t just shape Australia’s water leadership, it accelerates your own growth in unexpected, profound ways.”
Chris Arnott, Fellow 2010, Director, ArborAI
Yarra Valley Water is proud of our longstanding partnership with the Peter Cullen Trust. Its leadership programs have a meaningful impact across the sector, including on our own people, who return with an even deeper sense of commitment and courage to drive positive change in Australia’s water and environmental management. We’re honoured to support an organisation that continues to nurture and elevate emerging water leaders.
Natalie Foeng, Managing Director, Yarra Valley Water
If you are actively involved in water, climate or environmental science, systems, policy, advocacy, or management and you have an appetite for change – this is your tribe.
The majority of Leadership Program participants are funded by their organisations (“sponsors”), some are self-funded and the Trust has a small number of scholarships available for suitable and qualified applicants whose circumstances might inhibit their participation; First Nations candidates are particularly encouraged to apply.
What next?
- Need more information?
- Register HERE for an online information session for potential sponsors and applicants on Wednesday 25 March, 1.00-2.00pm AEST.
- Visit the WEBSITE for all information for applicants and sponsors, including testimonials, dates and prices.
- Download the Program Brochures here:
2. Ready to apply?
- The Application Form can be accessed HERE.
To discuss the benefits of the Program to you or your organisation, or for further information about the application process, please contact Trust CEO Rosie Wheen at ceo@petercullentrust.com.au.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Trust and your personal commitment to ‘paying it forward’.
NEW 2026 PCT Executive Leadership Intensive
By Natasha Davis, PCT Programs Director
The PCT Executive Leadership Intensive is being designed for senior leaders in water, climate and environment who already work across complex systems and want to amplify their impact, challenge their thinking and renew their spirit. The program will bring the PCT distinctive blend of ‘head, heart and hands’.
Thanks to invaluable input from a number of Fellows and friends of the PCT, the program is nearly finalised. Here is a preview of this exciting new offering from PCT.
When: September 30 – October 2, 2026
Where: Lancemore Macedon Ranges. A beautifully appointed venue set within a natural bushland setting, less than 60 mins from Melbourne.
What to expect: A two-day intensive that will offer an immersive, high-trust environment that creates space for engaging with the questions that matter most:
- How do you lead with integrity when systems are under pressure?
- How do you sustain resilience and presence when the stakes are high?
- How do you navigate complex and ever-changing dynamics without losing sight of purpose?
For more information or to register your interest: Contact Program Director Natasha Davis on natasha@petercullentrust.com.au
AWARDS AND APPOINTMENTS
Fellows and Friends of the PCT are widely acknowledged for their individual achievements and contributions on many fronts, including:
The late Leith Boully, Friend of the Trust
In the recent Australia Day honours, Leith Boully was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her significant service to conservation and the environment.
The day itself raises many conflicting opinions and emotions and asks some important questions. It asks us to come together, to listen, to understand and address conflict and to find a way to move forward – together.
Through that lens, it feels an appropriate moment for the PCT Network to reflect on the remarkable and tireless service that Leith provided – often in contested spaces – to community, water and the environment. And her leadership legacy that resides at the heart of the Peter Cullen Trust.
Perhaps a reminder to us all to lead, to lean in and to stay the course.
Thank you Leith.
4. Around the Network
FELLOWS COMMITTEE
The Fellows Committee is delighted to welcome five new and fabulous contributors who responded to the pre-Christmas call for Expressions of Interest; they will enrich the Fellows Committee for the next two years. Introducing:
Baihua Fu (2024); Assistant Director – Office of Water – ACT Government
Baihua is a water modeller‑turned‑policy advisor with 15 years of experience supporting sustainable water management in the ACT region and the Murray–Darling Basin.
She is passionate about using data to support fairer, more resilient policy outcomes. A keen gardener and bushwalker.
Connect with Baihua – baihua.fu@act.gov.au
Emma Collins (2025); Principal Advisor, Natural Resources Commission – Sydney, NSW
Emma has been working in water for 20 years and is currently Principal Advisor at the Natural Resources Commission, where she leads water sharing plan reviews.
She loves bringing people together, hearing different perspectives and combining science, cultural knowledge and storytelling to shape better water outcomes. She’s grateful to live on and learn from Dharawal Country.
Connect with Emma – emma.collins@nrc.nsw.gov.au
Jill Fagan (2017); Manager Infrastructure and Planning, North East Water
Jill Fagan is a senior manager with experience across the public sector, NGO and research institutions.
She has led strategy, policy, research, innovation and modelling functions and is passionate about improving the interface between science, research and industry to achieve sustainable outcomes.
Connect with Jill – jfagan@newater.com.au
Lindsey Frost (2025); Senior Researcher, 2rog
Lindsey is a freshwater ecologist working in private consulting where she loves engaging with people to help solve wicked problems.
With a diverse background across science, corporate administration, HR and classical music Lindsey can tap into diverse ways of thinking and communicating to find fresh approaches to problem solving.
Connect with Lindsey – lfrost@2rog.com.au
Paul Golsworthy (2024); Water Operations Manager, Yarra Valley Water
Paul bloody loves being a PCT Fellow.
It has opened up all sorts of opportunities to connect with and learn from an incredibly impressive collection of people – So joining the committee just makes sense.
He also loves his day job – which is all about providing safe & pleasant drinking water to the people who call the Yarra Valley home.
Connect with Paul – Paul.golsworthy@yvw.com.au
ADELAIDE PD PROGRAM – 20-21 MAY 2026
Start Planning for the Adelaide Professional Development Program
Building Deliberative Leadership for Complex Water Futures
In May 2026, you are invited to take part in a two-day Professional Development Program designed to strengthen how you lead in complexity. Across Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 May, you will explore a critical leadership challenge: how to create the conditions for communities, industry and governments to make tough, bold and intentional decisions together. Being in Adelaide — where Peter Cullen worked and reflected as Thinker in Residence in 2004 — creates a unique opportunity to revisit his legacy and translate his insights into practical leadership for today’s challenges.
This program is built around what you need as a leader facing contested, high-stakes decisions. By exploring real world water challenges, you will deepen your capability to apply deliberative leadership approaches — approaches that enable collaboration across stakeholders, disciplines and competing values.
On Day 1, the Field Day places you directly in the lived experience of policy and planning decisions. Through site visits and community voices, you will hear first-hand about impacts on people and place, and work through real trade-offs using deliberative exercises grounded in current water challenges.
Day 2, hosted at the National Wine Centre, focuses on practical skills and tools you can take back into your work. With experienced facilitators, you will practise leadership that shares power while holding responsibility. You will build skills to strengthen legitimacy, navigate conflict and uncertainty, support collective adaptation, and deliberately embed fairness in decision-making. You will also explore how innovation, including AI-enabled tools, can support deliberation, surface shared ground and strengthen evidence from community dialogue.
Now is the time to start planning internal approvals to attend. Further details, including registrations, will open in March 2026.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available Fellows interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Lesley (lesley@petercullentrust.com.au). Sponsorship offers strong promotional benefits and an opportunity to build brand awareness.
LUNCH WITH A LEADER SERIES
Sydney Lunch with a Leader – Dr Paul Frazier, Director, 2rog and Fellow (2012)
By Emma Collins (2025)
What a fantastic way to start 2026 with the first NSW Lunch with a Leader event for the year in Sydney! It was inspiring to see so many passionate fellows come together, travelling from near and far to attend the event. The delightful Dr Paul Frazier – a legend on many fronts – was in the hot seat. He shared valuable insights into his leadership journey and diverse career in academia and consulting. Leadership learnings from his experience on the 2012 PCT program have remained with Paul to this day and in many respects have shaped his approach to how he runs his consultancy, 2rog. Notably, the value of giving and receiving feedback – which is incredibly important for the personal growth of his staff and collective team – and being open to new ideas.
Whilst Paul was asked several questions about his leadership journey which he enthusiastically responded to, he also asked a poignant question back to the group, “Why would people want you to lead them?” This questions certainly triggers deep reflection and is perhaps something that we as Fellows can all consider. Perhaps it is something you can chat about next time you have a coffee catch-up with another Trust Fellow or colleague. For me it triggered a further question, what is my leadership legacy?
There was also much discussion about the different career stages we are at. Around the table we had Fellows who were mid-career and fellows who are approaching retirement. According to Paul his exciting retirement day will be in July 2027! Whilst Paul is very deserving of this milestone we are all very much hoping that he remains engaged in the Trust and have no doubt he will.
Some further food for thought – after all, it was a lunchtime gathering – what role would Fellows that may be transitioning into retirement like to play in the Trust and how can Fellows at this stage of their career better connect? This generated much discussion about opportunities for mentoring Fellows in their mid-career which several at the table welcomed.
I will leave with you a gem of a Ted Talk that Paul recommended we all watch. How leaders change brains (Fiona Kerr). You’ll see why…..HERE
Thank you to everyone who made this event so memorable, especially Paul for being in the hot seat and Lisa Hamilton and Lesley Ryall for organising this wonderful opportunity to share and connect.
WHERE ARE YOU NOW?
Help us to stay connected. Have you had a career change recently?This is an invitation for all Fellows to update us on your current roles, titles, preferred emails, contact details etc. Please share your details with Lesley Ryall, Fellows Network Coordinator, at lesley@petercullentrust.com.au.
5. What’s On
PCT events
- February – April 2026 – Basin Plan Review – a nationally significant conversation with Fellows and Friends:
- 16 February – PCT Basin Plan Online Yarn
- 26 February – PCT/MDBA Online Roundtable
- 24 March, 1 April and 8 April – Online Workshops on key issues and themes
- 27 April – follow up meeting with MDBA
- 30 April – Submission lodgement with MDBA
- 18-21 May 2026 – Graduation Week in Adelaide:
- 19 May – Recharge Workshop
- 20 May – PD Day #1 – Field Trip
- 21 May – PD Day #2 – Skills and Tools
- 21 May – Leadership Program Graduation and Graduation Dinner
PCT PROGRAMS
- 2 February – 24 May 2026 – Applications Open for 2026 Leadership Program (Sept-Nov)
- 16-20 March 2026 – Leadership Program Session 1
- 19-23 April 2026 – Connection to Country
- 18-22 May 2026 – Leadership Program Session 2
PCT GOVERNANCE
- 19 February – PCT Board meeting
- 28 April – Audit, Finance and Risk Committee
- 22 May – PCT Board meeting
GLOBAL
- 3 March – World Wildlife Day
- 22 March – World Water Day (2026 theme is Groundwater)
- 22 April – International Mother Earth Day
CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
Connected by Water 2026 – 25-26 February 2026, Perth
At Connected by Water this month, Trust Chair Professor Emerita Cynthia Mitchell AO will be curating a three-part story entitled ‘How might water help balance the climate quickly, safely, and at scale?’
Working with Dr Katie Ross from the USA, this story will be told in key chapters including the opening plenary at the conference, with a focus on the science; a panel discussion bringing forth First Nations, farmer, and financier perspectives on the potential in Australia for restoring water cycles to balance climate and secure water; and a workshop entitled ‘Making it happen’, where participants will have the opportunity to engage with panellists to help identify what actions make sense in their contexts.
Fellows and Friends of the Trust attending the conference are warmly encouraged to connect with Cynthia, and with Fellows Kath Broderick and Stacey Hamilton who are coordinating PCT catch ups prior to the conference.
Registrations are open.
OzWater ’26 | Our Water. Our Tomorrow – 26-28 May, Brisbane
Unmissable learning, personal and business networking opportunities, innovative exhibits and career-defining partnerships.
On Day Two (Wednesday 27 May), PCT CEO Rosie Wheen will host a Workshop entitled: FOSTERING COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP FOR OUR WATER OUR TOMORROW. All welcome.
Registrations are open
6. Recommended Reading
ARTICLES, PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Basin Plan Discussion Paper
https://www.mdba.gov.au/publications-and-data/publications/2026-basin-plan-review-discussion-paper