Applications are open for the 2025 Merri-bek Women Environment Leadership (WELA) Community Scholarship.
We established this scholarship to support women from the Merri-bek community to participate in the WELA leadership program.
The scholarship covers the full program cost and travel costs for one person.
We encourage applications from people who identify as from Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander communities, migrant and refugee communities and people with disability.
Applications close 2 February 2025.
The program runs from March to December. It includes both online and face-to-face retreats, and a mentoring program. The program is limited to 20 places for women and gender diverse people active in paid or unpaid environmental work.
The scholarships are part of Council and community working together for a Zero Carbon Merri-bek. Together we can create a better future for our planet, our city, our community and our children.
Hear from the 2024 scholarship participants
In 2024 the scholarship was shared by Katherine Tu, Head of Campaigns and Policy at ActionAid Australia, and Emma Bacon, Executive Director and Founder of Sweltering Cities.
“It’s an enormous privilege to receive the Merri-Bek Council Community Scholarship to undertake the WELA national leadership program and to be supported to advance my skills so I can lead better, drive more impact, and make a difference in my community.” Said Katherine.
“Receiving this scholarship means that I’ll be able to participate in leadership training and a peer support network that wouldn’t have been accessible otherwise. As the founder of a new climate organisation, all of our resources go towards our work on the ground in hot suburbs.”
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to concentrate on how I can develop the skills for generous and inclusive leadership to support our work at Sweltering Cities and more broadly in the climate movement.”
How to Apply
You can apply for a full or partial scholarship when applying for the WELA National Leadership Program.
