Leading change for the Great Barrier Reef
Katie Broadfoot, a participant in OzFish’s Young Leaders Program, was recently selected to attend the Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) Great Barrier Reef Leadership Intensive in Townsville. This program aims to empower and uplift women who are working to drive change in the climate and environmental space.
In partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, WELA brought together 21 like-minded women for a four-day program that aimed to connect community and First Nations leaders and build their confidence and leadership capacity.
Katie described the experience as a remarkable opportunity to consider the unique perspectives and leadership potential that women contribute to the Reef and Reef adjacent communities.
“The incredible facilitators at WELA and GBRF allowed us the time to reflect on the kinds of leadership traits that we see in the women that inspire us. Courage, empathy, adaptability, authenticity, inclusivity, and tenacity being most resonant.”
The need for new leadership when it comes to making change for our communities and their environments was emphasised. Katie found that one statement affirmed why taking the time to consider different styles and approaches to leadership was so critical.
“The leadership that got us to where we are today, won’t be the leadership to get us out.”
Providing opportunities like these to women in the climate, environmental and marine sectors is the perfect way to open the conversation and take note of ways to elevate our influence as leaders of today and the future.
One sentiment that was echoed by many of the participants of the intensive was the need to focus on the human side of our waterways and the Reef. Our environment is capable of recovery so long as we are striving to reduce our direct and indirect impacts.
“We were all in agreeance that when it comes to making a difference in our local waterways, it is crucial to not underestimate the power of community action.”
During a fantastic presentation by Dr Yolonda Waters on climate change communication and storytelling, she noted that collective individual action can eventually lead to system change. So not only can our efforts on-ground make a direct difference in the environment around us, it can also inspire change from the top down.
Katie said that as a soon to be university graduate just starting out in an environmental career, opportunities to network and learn from others in the industry are so valuable.
“Being able to meet so many amazing women all working to create positive change for the Great Barrier Reef and the wider environment was a true privilege. It’s incredible how much I learned in just a few days, and I now have a network of supportive and inspiring women who I can look to for advice and encouragement.”
