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.
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 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:
- 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 250 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
“You are completely immersed, it enables you to break down barriers and this is about working through the process together. I’ve got more out of this two weeks than anything I’ve ever done, ever”.
Who should apply?
Individuals working in the science, systems, advocacy, policy or management of water 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.
Applications for 2024 PCT Leadership Program are now OPEN.
Applications for the 2024 Leadership Program are now open, and will close on 15 October 2023. The 2024 Program will run across two sessions in March and May:
Session One: 17-22 March 2024
Session Two: 19-24 May 2024
Further group work and meetings will occur online between these two sessions.
PLEASE NOTE: A requirement for accepting a place on the Program is the commitment to participate in a post-program ‘Reconnect, Reflect, Renew Workshop’, 12 months after the program conclusion.
This 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 (see Information for sponsoring organisations).
You can find all the details in the Information for Applicants.
Once you have your application materials ready you can submit using the Program Application Form
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”.
