CSL's newest batch of change makers off to a flying start

Our third Intensive Fellowship Program is underway with a group of 12 emerging leaders from across the country taking part in CSL’s first Queensland-based program.

The first retreat was held in early August with participants from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Townsville, NSW Mid-North Coast, Canberra and Broome coming together in the beautiful Paluma Rainforest, inland from Townsville and the iconic Great Barrier Reef. The fellows explored their leadership passions, potential and how they want to enact positive change in the world.

As part of the retreat the group visited the Turtle Hospital and dived into a discussion with Fred Nucifora at Reef HQ Aquarium on the challenges the Great Barrier Reef is facing. Cliff Cobbo from WWF Townsville shared his gentle lessons in leadership and the inimitable Jason Clarke from Minds at Work shook things up with his sessions on problem mapping and project development.

The group are now diving into the CSL program content through the weekly online workshops and are benefitting from the opportunity to hear from leaders at the forefront of social and environmental change, such as Kelly O’Shanassy, CEO of the Australian Conservation Foundation, and Paul Gilding, leading environmentalist, consultant, and author, as well as many CSL alumni who have shared their insights and wisdom.

The group will come back together in the Paluma Rainforest towards the end of October for the second and final residential retreat, capping off what has already been a wonderful program.

We have been blown away by the incredible courage, passion and vulnerability of the fellows and are humbled at the opportunity to work with such an amazing group of leaders. The deep connections that have formed amongst the group will continue to support them in their work as they join our growing community of passionate, courageous and caring CSL alumni who are making a positive impact on social and environmental issues globally and across Australia.