Graduation Week 9-13 November 2026 – Canberra

GRADUATION WEEK IS BACK IN CANBERRA THIS NOVEMBER – AND IT’S TIME TO REGISTER.

The final PCT Graduation Week for 2026 comes home to Canberra this November; key dates for Fellows, Friends, sponsors and supporters are Wednesday 11 and Thursday 12 November.

KEY EVENTS:

Wednesday 11 November:

The 2026 Peter Cullen Lecture:  

The prestigious Peter Cullen Lecture is jointly presented by the University of Canberra, Griffith University and the Peter Cullen Trust.  It showcases the profound legacy of Professor Peter Cullen AO and seeks to advance and call for action on critical issues in water and environmental management.

Dr Emma Carmody (Fellow, 2013) will deliver the Peter Cullen Lecture with a focus on what it means to give rivers voice, through the lens of one of the Trust’s key principles – speaking truth to power.  This was Peter Cullen’s mantra and Dr Carmody’s work as South Australia’s River Murray Commissioner is strongly aligned with both the principle and the practice.

Further information and a full speaker bio are available HERE.

The Lecture is free to attend and open to Fellows, Friends, supporters and the public.  Guests are invited to networking drinks and canapes following the Lecture.

Thursday 12 November:

Professional Development Day: AI technology + human connection = positive, lasting change

As artificial intelligence transforms how we analyse, communicate and make decisions, the qualities that define great leadership become even more important: judgement, trust, curiosity, courage and connection. The future belongs not to humans or AI alone, but to leaders who can harness both to create meaningful impact.

For those working on complex water and environmental challenges, AI has the potential to support better analysis, reveal emerging risks, explore future scenarios and enhance communication. Yet human leadership remains essential for navigating uncertainty, balancing competing values, building trust, and making decisions that shape communities, ecosystems and future generations.

PCT Fellows and Friends are invited to join us to explore how we as leaders can combine technology, wisdom and human connection to create positive, lasting change.

COME BACK soon for the full Professional Development Program, including speakers and facilitators.

2026 Leadership Program Graduation and Dinner

In the evening, we will gather at The Shine Dome for the 2026 Leadership Program Graduation to welcome our new cohort of Fellows and be treated to the Graduation Address, delivered by Dr Kirsten Shelly (Fellow, 2011), Deputy Secretary, Water and Catchments, DEECA. The Graduation Event will be followed by lively alfresco dining and drinks service in the adjacent Jaeger Room.

OTHER EVENTS

The 2026 Leadership Program Session 2 will be running all week, and a number of Fellows are involved in the November Recharge workshop and in the Trust’s Governance events.

REMINDER: there is no Fellows Networking Breakfast on the Friday.

VENUES

Graduation Week activities are centred around The Shine Dome and the Innovation Space at ANU.

For those seeking accommodation, many will be staying at the QT Canberra and the more humble Breakfree Capital apartments, both an easy walk to our event venues.

REGISTRATION

Our three main events – The Peter Cullen Lecture, Professional Development Day and the Graduation Dinner – are separately ticketed, with limited numbers.  Please register early to avoid disappointment.

• The Peter Cullen Lecture: Fellows, Friends, supporters
  Wednesday 11 November, 6.00-8.00pm, The Shine Dome – free to attend.
  REGISTER HERE for The Peter Cullen Lecture

• Professional Development Day – AI: Fellows and Friends.
  Thursday 12 November, 9.00am – 4.30pm, The Innovation Space, ANU – $45pp (GST incl).
  REGISTER HERE for PD Day

• 2026 Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program Graduation and Dinner: Fellows, Friends and invited guests.
  Thursday 12 November, 5.45 for 6.00 – 10.00pm, Ian Wark Theatre and Jaeger Room at The Australian Academy of Science Shine Dome.  Networking dinner and drinks follow the formal proceedings – $55pp (GST incl).
  REGISTER HERE for Leadership Program Graduation and Dinner

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE

Fellows are advised that the Trust has a small budget to support travel and accommodation for eligible Fellows who are located in more remote or regional areas and those who are self-employed or working in small agencies, not for profit organisations and communities, who find it difficult and cost-prohibitive to attend PCT events.

Please access the Fellows Travel Assistance Policy and the Fellows Travel Assistance Application Form if you would like to pursue this option.

Applications for Travel Assistance are assessed by the Fellows Committee and are required prior to 9.00am Monday 28 September; all applicants will be advised of the outcome by Monday 5 October.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions, please call or email the Trust office for assistance during business hours, Monday to Thursday.