Applications are open for the 2026 Merri-bek Women Environment Leadership (WELA) Community Scholarship.
We established this scholarship to support women from the Merri-bek community to participate in the 2026 WELA leadership program.
Applications close Sunday, 1st February 2026
We encourage applications from people who identify as from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities, migrant and refugee communities and people with disability.
What is the WELA Program?
The program is a transformative nine-month experience that builds the confidence, influence, and connections needed to lead powerful change for our environment and climate.
This 9-month program includes two immersive retreats, fortnightly online workshops, and one-on-one mentoring, helping you to:
- Identify your own approach to leadership
- Step into your power and influence
- Connect with an instant network of incredible women and gender-diverse changemakers.
Fast facts
- Who can apply: Women and gender-diverse people actively working (paid or unpaid) for the environment or climate.
- Format: Online workshops, mentoring, and two face-to-face retreats (five days each)
- Dates: April – December 2026
- Application Deadline: Sunday, 1st February 2026
- Cost: You can apply for a full or partial scholarship when applying for the WELA National Leadership Program.
Benefits
The WELA National Leadership Program is a powerful, life-changing experience. The program has successfully supported the leadership, career development and influence of over 230 women and gender-diverse changemakers across the sector since 2016. You will:
- Understand and address the barriers to diverse leadership – including broad societal forces, organisational and movement dynamics or personal limiting beliefs
- Develop skills and capacity to undertake changes personally, at an organisational and movement level, and in society.
- Build a supportive community for yourself, in your work sphere, and in the environment movement
- Connect with an inspiring and passionate network of women and gender-diverse individuals.
WELA’s practical curriculum is centred on caring relationships to self, others and the natural world, intersectional feminism and weaving First Nations knowledge systems.
Learn more
- Visit the website
- Download the info pack
- Join the online info session: Wednesday 28 January, 6pm AEDT
You can also get in touch with WELA Program Logistics Coordinator, Libby, at programs@wela.org.au if you have any questions.
