Peter Cullen Trust Leadership Program 2011 – Call for Applications

After a highly successful inaugural 2010 Leadership Program, the Peter Cullen Water & Environment Trust is proud to announce that the 2011 Science to Policy Leadership Program is now open for applications.

This Program focuses on building leadership and communication skills specifically geared to bringing about positive change in water management in Australia.  The program selects attendees who are highly motivated, knowledgeable and skilled people who can continue the work of Peter Cullen.

Who was Peter Cullen?

Peter Cullen, AO (1943-2008) made an enormous contribution to the management of natural resources in Australia, most of all around water.  He is remembered for his superb capacity to synthesise and communicate complex ideas, simply and clearly, to local communities, policy makers and politicians in a way that supported them to make decisions and take action.

About this Leadership Program

The program is a journey of personal discovery. It challenges participants to stretch themselves beyond their current boundaries and realise their potential to make a real difference in their chosen careers.

The 2011 Science to Policy Leadership Program is comprised of two hands-on sessions, consisting of experiential learning. These focus on developing leadership and communication skills that will enable river and catchment scientists, policy makers and other key stakeholders to effectively participate in, and influence, policy and political agendas.

Current leaders in science, policy and political spheres will share their experiences in leading informed decision-making.

What Participants Take Away From the Program

• You will engage with current leaders in science, policy and political spheres who will share their experiences in leading informed decision making.

• You’ll deepen your understanding of the policy development process and the role of science in this process.

• You will develop your leadership qualities so that you’ll be better equipped to make a difference in water system management.

• You’ll gain an understanding of, and improved skills in, effective communication in policy and political environments.

• Graduates of the program are then known as Fellows of the Peter Cullen Trust. As potential leaders in your field, Fellows may be invited by the Trust to assist future participants in leadership programs or to contribute to future programs, should they wish to do so.

• After graduation, you’ll have the opportunity to network with each other and with the water industry leaders known as the Friends of the Peter Cullen Trust.

• The Trust also offers a Mentoring Program to Peter Cullen Trust Fellows.

Want More Information?

Download the application pack from www.petercullentrust.com.au. Applications must be received by 5pm 31 March 2011.

Melaleuca Spirit

On 1 February I joined my sister Ann Russell at the opening exhibition and Award Ceremony for the WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition at the CSIRO Discovery Centre here in Canberra. Ann was awarded 1st Prize in the Open Art section for Melaleuca Spirit.

The picture below shows Ann with Melaleuca Spirit and Noel Kesby, General Manager Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) who presented the award. Noel was representing NSW Catchment Management Authorities which sponsored the Open Art category.

Hundreds of entries were received in this year’s competition, the 4th annual. Winners spoke of their pleasure at being able to contribute artwork for the benefit of the environment. The winning art and photography is outstanding – look out for the exhibition which will tour Australia during the year, and you can also view an on-line gallery from March 2011.

Ann has also just been exhibiting artwork at a gallery in London.

Bruce.

Cancelled – Sharing Water Knowledge Forum, 29-30 March, Albury

More information coming soon

If there is one event you go to this year, then let this be it!   Four of Australia’s top research providers and funders are coming together through the Australian River Restoration Centre to provide a unique workshop based event. The National Water Commission, Murray–Darling Basin Authority, CSIRO Water for a Healthy Country Flagship and eWater CRC are combining their best researchers and practitioners to provide participants with the opportunity to choose from eight different topics including:

• Climate change, water impacts and adaptation,
• Water planning and markets
• Indigenous knowledge and cultural flows
• Science communication and storytelling,
• Groundwater and surface water interactions,
• Managing environmental water
• Catchment scale processes
• Innovation and creativity

Participants will be able to actively participate in four of these workshops — posing questions, adding their own insights and tailoring the information so it can be used in their organisation.
In addition to the workshops will be excellent keynote presenters, with Dr Matthew Colloff and Ash Donaldson challenging us with new research and thinking in water science and knowledge management.   World Cafe facilitated sessions, a pizza night on the riverbank and plenty of time for discussion and catching up with other professionals makes this an event not to miss.  To find out more about the workshops, keynote presenters and registration please read more..

We are really excited to be offering this event as we feel there is a need for people to have less of the ‘talking heads’ and more interactive workshop learning experiences.  We look forward to receiving your registrations, places are limited so get in early.

Siwan, Nerida and Phil

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