Amelia Ducker
Independent Artist & Education / Outreach Officer, Whitlam Institute2016 Leaders for Sustainability Program - GWS
"I found out how I can support myself to do the work I want to do, and consider how my work can be most impactful"
What was the most valuable thing you got out of CSL?
I found out how I can support myself to do the work I want to do, and consider how my work can be most impactful.
Why are you passionate about sustainability? What was the moment or event that made you decide to become a ‘change maker’ in your field?
I don't know if I would say that there was a definitive moment, but perhaps a set of accumulative experiences which have prompted me onto my current path and trajectory.
I feel that our lives and lifestyles could be enriched, (as well as the planet!), for re-thinking our current systems. And re-connecting to what is important.
For me these things are;
connections
social equality
the natural environment
creativity
I have learnt that the path of sustainability leadership ultimately begins from self-sustainability. After graduating from the Program this November, I'm looking forward to integrating these learnings for myself as well as those who I work with.
How did CSL play a role in directing your current path or project?
CSL is helping me think differently about my professional work.
It's helped me to;
assess and name my strengths
see and perceive 'system's' in a completely new and refreshed way
gain confidence in my leadership skills
Assist in personal self-reflection
Re-think collaborations!
Ultimately the course has helped me to trust myself, trust the skills that I have been building, and the confidence to step up and take action in building new ambitious projects.
Why leadership for sustainability is important?
Sustainability leadership is vital for bridging the gaps between people, between systems, and between ourselves and our relationship to the environment.
What do you plan to do next on your sustainability journey?
Next year I will be continuing to work on the performance project 'Genius'; a performance project with 6 young people on the autism spectrum.
We are set to re-mount the work in Melbourne in April, with the intention to tour the work in 2018.
This project has been created to help challenge the stigma of disability and re-shift perceptions around difference.
I have also just launched 2 new educational programs at the Whitlam Institute;
How to Think Big (Primary)
Mapping the Future through Leadership (Secondary);
which have been designed as capacity building workshops for young people within Western Sydney.
What are three words you would use to describe the Fellowship Program?
Motivating. Considered. Meaningful.
Linkedin: https://au.linkedin.com/in/amelia-ducker-37a89416
Email: ameliaducker@gmail.com
Website: www.ameliaducker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amelia.ducker
More alumni from 2016 Leaders for Sustainability Program - GWS
2016 Leaders for Sustainability Program
Greater Western Sydney
Anjali Roberts
Community Place Development Officer at City of Parramatta & Project Coordinator at BYDS (Bankstown Youth Development Service)
Glenda Stowell
Western Sydney Client Liaison & Project Manager, Ironbark Sustainability
Hot & Cold in Western Sydney
Hot & Cold in Western Sydney project aims to develop an educational program to change community’s behaviour on energy usage in summer and winter months.
Waste-Ed
Waste-Ed is a pilot program whose aim is to:
• Increase the awareness, consciousness and understanding of the impact one-use plastics has on our environment and;
• Encourage stallholders and patrons to make the change toward alternatives for and during festivals, community hubs or events.