PCT Leadership Program
The Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust invites applications from people who are actively involved in water and environmental science, systems, advocacy, policy or management, to participate in our unique Leadership Program.
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2027 Leadership Program.
What is the Peter Cullen Trust (PCT) Leadership Program?
A transformative Program designed to foster courageous leaders who will drive the sustainable and equitable management of Australia’s waterways and natural environments.
The PCT Leadership Program enables Australia’s future water, climate and environment leaders to develop their leadership capabilities, communication skills and ability to drive change. The Program is designed to have transformational, sustainable impact; not just temporary inspiration.
The Trust’s Programs provide a unique opportunity for participants to deep-dive into their leadership potential and to elevate their ability to affect change.
Challenging, rewarding and experiential, it is a learning rather than a teaching program.
Limited to 16 outstanding participants, this remarkable journey significantly changes the clarity, confidence, shared vision and strategic capability of each participant, and enhances their capacity to take up leadership roles within their organisations and communities.
Key outcomes for participants include:
- Clarity about your purpose and values
- Effective tools and skills to enhance communication
- Improved individual effectiveness in a team
- Practical tools and insights to inspire action for positive change
- New insight, knowledge and critical thinking skills informed by transformative, adaptive and system leadership styles
- Courage to challenge the status quo
- A cohort of peers bound by a unique, shared experience.
Successful participants in the Program graduate as Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust and join a growing Network of over 340 Fellows nationwide. This highly valued Fellows Network offers opportunities for one to one mentoring, ongoing professional development, national conversations, peer-lead activities and support within a safe and trusted environment.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAID
“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
Who should apply?
Individuals working in the science, systems, advocacy, policy or management of water, climate and the environment who are passionate about working with others to make a real difference in how our precious natural resources are managed, sustainably and equitably.
Demonstrated success in their current field of endeavour is important, but critical is the potential to take on or enhance their leadership role in the future.
Previous participants have been intentionally drawn from diverse backgrounds: whether a rural, regional or urban context; dealing with rivers, catchments, estuarine environments or groundwater; and engaged with, variously, water authorities, community groups, research, irrigation, non-government organisations, industry, consultants, government agencies and more.
The breadth of experience and the varied perspectives are an integral part of the development and learning opportunity. For those with the appetite and commitment, there will be the reward of the learning and bonds that come from confronting and conquering a challenge in company with a motivated cohort.
The Peter Cullen Trust offers a small number of scholarships to support outstanding individuals who would otherwise be unable to participate in a PCT Leadership Program. For more information, go to our Scholarships page.
Applications for the 2027 PCT Leadership Program are OPEN.
Applications Close: 18 October 2026
The transformative PCT Leadership Program is open to professionals who are actively involved in water, climate and environment, through science, systems, policy, advocacy or management, and run across two face-to-face sessions:
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.
Further group work and meetings will occur online between the in-person sessions.
PLEASE NOTE: A requirement for accepting a place on the Program is the commitment to participate in a post-program, in person ‘ReCharge’ workshop, 12 months after the program conclusion.
“ReCharge” is a one day and one night in-person workshop which offers participants the opportunity to
- reconnect with each other and the program learnings
- reflect and capture the short-term impact of the program, and
- renew their leadership development aspirations.
How to apply
To apply for a position in the Program, please read the information provided in the links below, prepare your application material, and submit via the online application form prior to the closing date.
To apply you will need a current CV, statement of claim addressing the selection criteria, two current referees, and your ‘pitch’ for why you are the right match for this Program. If your employer is sponsoring your position, you will also need to provide a Letter of Support from them confirming their support, acknowledging the Terms and Conditions, and providing contact details for invoicing purposes (see Information for sponsoring organisations and Terms and Conditions).
You can find all the details you will need in the Information for Applicants.
Once you have your application materials ready you can submit using the Program Application Form
Please note: If you need adjustments for any part of the application process, please contact Trust CEO Rosie Wheen – ceo@petercullentrust.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the program cost?
From March 2026, the investment in the Program is $23,500 + GST (adjusted annually for CPI).
This includes:
- All Course fees, flights and accommodation to attend two x week-long residential sessions.
- A conference dinner, graduation event and a one day facilitated Recharge Workshop 12 months after the Program are also included.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full disclosure.
What scholarships are available and who can apply?
The Trust encourages applicants to first seek funding through the support of their organisation. Where that is not possible candidates may apply for a scholarship.
Scholarships are generally intended for applicants whose organisations have limited capacity to fund professional development, including those working in not-for-profit and community organisations, Traditional Owner and First Nations organisations. Applicants employed by government agencies will generally be expected to seek support from their employer.
Scholarship applicants are considered in terms of:
- Leadership potential – demonstrated through the Program selection criteria.
- Commitment to service – evidence of leadership in water, the environment and community.
- Future impact – how participation will amplify the applicant’s contribution to the sector.
- Contribution to cohort diversity – bringing perspectives that strengthen the learning experience and representation across the sector.
- Access – financial and other barriers that would otherwise limit participation.
- Commitment to engagement – willingness to actively contribute to the PCT Fellows Network following the Program.
Partial scholarships may be possible and should be discussed with the Trust.
Can I sponsor my own position?
Successful applicants are welcome to sponsor their own position. The cost remains the same, however payment by instalments can be arranged.
How many candidates can a single organisation put forward?
The Peter Cullen Trust will accept up to two candidates from the same organisation on a given program. Organisations may choose to put forward up to THREE candidates for the Trust to select up to TWO based on the application process.
Online Information Session
A live online information session for sponsors and potential applicants was held on Tuesday 25 August 2026, 12.30-1.30pm AEST.
If you were unable to attend, the Trust recorded an earlier online information session for sponsors and potential applicants. You can view that session HERE.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS SAID
“There were opportunities to experience, to learn by doing, to gain a deeper understanding. Going in, I lacked confidence, coming out, it’s completely changed”.